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Biological Rapid Response Team #3
Viral Justice
Book three of the Biological Response Team (description subject to change)
Colonel Maximillian heads the US Army's Biological Response Team. He's responsible for the identification and destruction of any biological hazards and weapons the Army might encounter. He's sent to deal with a potential flu virus that's rapidly killing people in a remote Iraq village. Viruses he understands. Women, not so much. So, when he's assigned a bodyguard, a woman who's a trainer for the Special Forces Combatives program, he's all left feet and thumbs.
Sergeant Alicia Stone has always been the odd woman out and frequently in conflict with male officers who think they know her job better than she does. Max, however needs her more than anyone she's ever met. He's a soldier who can't shoot or defend himself in any way. She takes on the task of keeping him in one piece and teaching him the basics of combat, but it's tough to train a man who refuses to fight back. That might be a problem, because a madman is gunning for Max with a virus that might just wipe humanity out entirely.
Colonel Maximillian heads the US Army's Biological Response Team. He's responsible for the identification and destruction of any biological hazards and weapons the Army might encounter. He's sent to deal with a potential flu virus that's rapidly killing people in a remote Iraq village. Viruses he understands. Women, not so much. So, when he's assigned a bodyguard, a woman who's a trainer for the Special Forces Combatives program, he's all left feet and thumbs.
Sergeant Alicia Stone has always been the odd woman out and frequently in conflict with male officers who think they know her job better than she does. Max, however needs her more than anyone she's ever met. He's a soldier who can't shoot or defend himself in any way. She takes on the task of keeping him in one piece and teaching him the basics of combat, but it's tough to train a man who refuses to fight back. That might be a problem, because a madman is gunning for Max with a virus that might just wipe humanity out entirely.
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Julie Rowe
37 books2,157 followersJulie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at www.julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 8, 2016
I really enjoyed the action packed plot found in this book. It was very entertaining and vivid. I've got to say that at first, I thought I wasn't going to like the story because Max comes off as this non-alpha guy who can't even defend himself. He's portrayed as rather weak and you might roll your eyes and ask yourself "really?" a few times at the displays of just how weak he is. Once we get to know his story, it makes a little more sense. The way he was with Stone in bed was also muy sexy. Stone was kick @$$. Sometimes a little too much but girlfriend really proved she's down with the boys. It was difficult to read about all the deaths but necessary. The details were fantastic on this. The writer really gives you a sense that you're watching this all play out.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2016
Another book with a G.I. Jane kind of story, where the heroine is the one being lethal! Yeah!!!
This is even better than the first book I've read in this series (Deadly Strain)!!!
Here we have Maximilian's and Alicia's story! It's excellent! Action packed, thirlling, at moments touching, but always exciting!
What is appalling here is that something like this could have been happening time and again in real life!!! There're so many terrorists running around playing God that's plain scary!!!
I enjoyed this book for this reason also!
This is even better than the first book I've read in this series (Deadly Strain)!!!
Here we have Maximilian's and Alicia's story! It's excellent! Action packed, thirlling, at moments touching, but always exciting!
What is appalling here is that something like this could have been happening time and again in real life!!! There're so many terrorists running around playing God that's plain scary!!!
I enjoyed this book for this reason also!
May 27, 2018
So good! I loved this right away. It was engaging with lots of edge-of-your-seat moments. Max and Alicia make a great team. If you love romantic suspense, give this a try.
March 23, 2017
Viral Justice had the making for a great read for me. Biological warfare is scary and has the realm of really happening so I’m always curious on how an author will put a spin on it. Action, adventure, intrigue swirling around romance and the possibilities of scary what ifs. It was a good read, except for one thing that killed it for me.
The premise is this: Colonel Max heads up the Army's Biological Response Team. He’s responsible for identifying and destroying possibly biological hazards and weapons. There’s an outbreak of a possible flu virus in a remote Iraq village that he needs to go out and investigate. Seeing that he couldn’t fight or shoot his way out of a paper bag, he’s assigned Sergeant Alicia Stone, who's a trainer for the Special Forces Combatives program, as his personal bodyguard. She has a few issues with other male officers who think they know better than her, so she has a bit of a rep. She’s taking on the job to teach him how to defend himself while keeping some crazed madman from killing him. Sparks fly between them and things start to sizzle. They head to Iraq and find the flu is spreading rapidly and is killing most people who contract it. Now they need to find a cure before it spreads out and infects the world.
This is my first book in the Biological Response Team series. It was exciting and actioned packed. I really enjoyed all the characters. Between the flu that had people dropping like flies and the military aspect there was more than enough excitement to keep me hooked from cover to cover. I got to give it to author Julie Rowe. She had no problem killing off characters in this book, which give it a very authentic feel to a military/biological weapon feel. Everybody can’t stay alive and some that she called took me by surprised. Action packed from cover to cover that will keep a read’s blood pumping. Here is where my problem lays.
Maybe if I had read the previous books I might have a better understanding of Max, Ali and their relationship. I did like Max, honest I did. I just didn’t feel he was a very strong male character. He’s a colonel and yes he can’t/won’t shoot a gun or defend himself? How is that possible? Ali on the other hand I felt was a bit too strong. I get she is military and she feels the need to prove herself but at times it felt like she was taking that chip on her should to beat that ‘I’m a tough girl so don’t mess with me’ horse to death. Maybe if I had had the knowledge that they knew each other and there was already an attraction going on there I wouldn’t have been so bothered by how quickly they hopped into the sack. Really, I have no clue but I did tried to put those faults behind me so I could enjoy the book.
Overall Viral Justice was a good read. There’s enough of a cliffy at the end that I’m lured in to see where it goes so this won’t be the end of the series for me. As for reading more books by Julie Rowe, count me in. Despite the few issues I had, I would recommend this book.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 3, Flames - 3
The premise is this: Colonel Max heads up the Army's Biological Response Team. He’s responsible for identifying and destroying possibly biological hazards and weapons. There’s an outbreak of a possible flu virus in a remote Iraq village that he needs to go out and investigate. Seeing that he couldn’t fight or shoot his way out of a paper bag, he’s assigned Sergeant Alicia Stone, who's a trainer for the Special Forces Combatives program, as his personal bodyguard. She has a few issues with other male officers who think they know better than her, so she has a bit of a rep. She’s taking on the job to teach him how to defend himself while keeping some crazed madman from killing him. Sparks fly between them and things start to sizzle. They head to Iraq and find the flu is spreading rapidly and is killing most people who contract it. Now they need to find a cure before it spreads out and infects the world.
This is my first book in the Biological Response Team series. It was exciting and actioned packed. I really enjoyed all the characters. Between the flu that had people dropping like flies and the military aspect there was more than enough excitement to keep me hooked from cover to cover. I got to give it to author Julie Rowe. She had no problem killing off characters in this book, which give it a very authentic feel to a military/biological weapon feel. Everybody can’t stay alive and some that she called took me by surprised. Action packed from cover to cover that will keep a read’s blood pumping. Here is where my problem lays.
Maybe if I had read the previous books I might have a better understanding of Max, Ali and their relationship. I did like Max, honest I did. I just didn’t feel he was a very strong male character. He’s a colonel and yes he can’t/won’t shoot a gun or defend himself? How is that possible? Ali on the other hand I felt was a bit too strong. I get she is military and she feels the need to prove herself but at times it felt like she was taking that chip on her should to beat that ‘I’m a tough girl so don’t mess with me’ horse to death. Maybe if I had had the knowledge that they knew each other and there was already an attraction going on there I wouldn’t have been so bothered by how quickly they hopped into the sack. Really, I have no clue but I did tried to put those faults behind me so I could enjoy the book.
Overall Viral Justice was a good read. There’s enough of a cliffy at the end that I’m lured in to see where it goes so this won’t be the end of the series for me. As for reading more books by Julie Rowe, count me in. Despite the few issues I had, I would recommend this book.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 3, Flames - 3
April 28, 2025
The third installment in the Biological Rapid Response Team series. Now we focus on Colonel Robert Maxmillian and his team dealing with death threats, biological weapons, and local insurgents. Special Forces consultant Alicia Stone is assigned as his bodyguard and instructor, she also happens to be the General's daughter. Max is primarily a doctor and researcher, being a soldier is secondary, his marksmanship and fighting skills are nearly non-existent. Luckily Stone excels in these areas and begins to realise there's something holding Max back from his potential. They are thrown in at the deep end during a mission where they must uncover the cause of a virus in a remote Iraq refugee camp with very few resources. This is a romance with a twist of danger.
May 8, 2016
LOVED! All the things I like about this series were back in full force. Another deadly virus unleashed and the Biological Response Team along with the Special Forces soldiers who protect them are trying to stop it and find a cure.
The leads in this one were in a bit of a role reversal. Alicia Stone is General Stone's daughter. She is one tough woman who is a Sergeant who trains soldiers for the Special Forces Combatives program. Her strong will and never back down attitude along with being woman in a man's world has gotten her into hot water more than once. Her current assignment is to be the bodyguard of Colonel Maximillian who heads the US Army's Biological Response Team. Max is a genius and knows all about fighting deadly pathogens but cant shoot his way out of a paper bag and even worse at hand to hand combat. We've met Max in the previous books and I just couldnt picture him as leading man material having such a passive personality. But there was such much more to Max that we didnt know.
This book was like the first one – very fasted paced with edge of your seat suspense. Gruesome fight scenes – high death count and of course a great romance in the middle of the insanity. I cant wait to see whose story is next..
The leads in this one were in a bit of a role reversal. Alicia Stone is General Stone's daughter. She is one tough woman who is a Sergeant who trains soldiers for the Special Forces Combatives program. Her strong will and never back down attitude along with being woman in a man's world has gotten her into hot water more than once. Her current assignment is to be the bodyguard of Colonel Maximillian who heads the US Army's Biological Response Team. Max is a genius and knows all about fighting deadly pathogens but cant shoot his way out of a paper bag and even worse at hand to hand combat. We've met Max in the previous books and I just couldnt picture him as leading man material having such a passive personality. But there was such much more to Max that we didnt know.
This book was like the first one – very fasted paced with edge of your seat suspense. Gruesome fight scenes – high death count and of course a great romance in the middle of the insanity. I cant wait to see whose story is next..
February 15, 2019
Good romance, lots of action. The major series threads and story arc were tied up but there are still some loose ends. I didn't completely buy the resolution to the problem of fraternization and Max and Ali being together. It just felt too pat. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the series.
April 17, 2025
Max is a Doctor in the military but not a very good soldier. So he needs protection to keep him safe.
He looked over his shoulder at his personal peanut gallery. Sergeant Alicia Stone.
Al is the total opposite. She’s a soldier through and through.
They are up against a crazy fanatic.
Roll reversal at its best. Lots of action that will keep you invested.
He looked over his shoulder at his personal peanut gallery. Sergeant Alicia Stone.
Al is the total opposite. She’s a soldier through and through.
They are up against a crazy fanatic.
Roll reversal at its best. Lots of action that will keep you invested.
April 25, 2025
It's always an adrenalin filled, heart thumping ride when reading one of Julie Rowe's Biological Response Team stories. This one is no exception. I adore this world Ms Rowe has created, with great characters, deadly weapons and fanatical enemies.
Max is likely my favorite hero of all three books I've read so far. He is such a great character. I accidentally read a review which criticized Max as being a beta hero with Ali being the alpha of the two. I disagree. Max might not be a pumped up, ass kicking Green Beret Special Forces soldier but he's a force to be reckoned with. His dedication to his job and doing what's right is extremely commendable. He might not know how to shoot straight and kill a man with his bare hands in a dozen different ways, but he's smart, he's sharp, insightful, knowledgeable, and he's decisive. He's the best at what he does. A muscle bound grunt is easily replaceable. He is not. He recognizes the war he is fighting when it comes to biological weapons and he fights it with everything he's got. He's also a leader of a group of very strong, intelligent men and women, and they all respect him. That makes him a hero in my book, not whether he can kill a man at twenty paces. Of course, when push came to shove, he fought his own inner demons and won. He got it done.
Ali is also incredible. She's strong, determined and very, very tough. I was worried when I read the alpha comment about her that she would be one of those ball buster bitches, but she's not. She probably can be, since she is the one who trains the Green Beret Special Forces guys to be the kick ass fighters they are, which makes her better than them and far deadlier, but she doesn't come across that way. She comes across as dedicated, protective, and smart.
Another fantastic installment in the series. I can't wait for more.
Max is likely my favorite hero of all three books I've read so far. He is such a great character. I accidentally read a review which criticized Max as being a beta hero with Ali being the alpha of the two. I disagree. Max might not be a pumped up, ass kicking Green Beret Special Forces soldier but he's a force to be reckoned with. His dedication to his job and doing what's right is extremely commendable. He might not know how to shoot straight and kill a man with his bare hands in a dozen different ways, but he's smart, he's sharp, insightful, knowledgeable, and he's decisive. He's the best at what he does. A muscle bound grunt is easily replaceable. He is not. He recognizes the war he is fighting when it comes to biological weapons and he fights it with everything he's got. He's also a leader of a group of very strong, intelligent men and women, and they all respect him. That makes him a hero in my book, not whether he can kill a man at twenty paces. Of course, when push came to shove, he fought his own inner demons and won. He got it done.
Ali is also incredible. She's strong, determined and very, very tough. I was worried when I read the alpha comment about her that she would be one of those ball buster bitches, but she's not. She probably can be, since she is the one who trains the Green Beret Special Forces guys to be the kick ass fighters they are, which makes her better than them and far deadlier, but she doesn't come across that way. She comes across as dedicated, protective, and smart.
Another fantastic installment in the series. I can't wait for more.
October 2, 2025
This is the third book in this series. They are better read in order. Alicia is the general's daughter but also the best in her field. Max must take her in field and work together to figure out who is behind all these biological attacks. They have an idea about who is behind them but finding and stopping them is something else all together. The closer they get the more danger they are in. Will they be able to figure things out before the worst happens. Max and Alicia are fighting what they feel for each other. How much of their team will they those before they can stop the enemy. This book is a fantastic read. I loved the whole series. This was a great different type of read for me. Julie did a fantastic job writing these books. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
November 7, 2015
Unusual in a way that features an alpha female and a more 'beta' guy, 'Viral Justice' continues Julie Rowe's saga on biological warfare waged in the villages of the troubled regions of Afghanistan and the Middle East, which is slowly but surely spreading to the Western world.
In the centre of the action is Colonel Max, whose dangerous job requires him to have protection and unlike any other alpha soldier, can't lift a finger or shoot to save his own life. Like Sophia Perry and Connor Button, Max finds his dubious HEA with a woman who becomes his bodyguard. Unfortunately, it was hard enough to like Alicia Stone on my part, who is capable but abrasive...and one who carts around a chip on her shoulder so large because of her gender.
Above all, Alicia's constant disrespect of Max - who is still her CO - and to everyone else around her made me dislike her even more. The focus on the action and the suspense diluted what little Ali and Max had in common and their mutual admiration of each other seemed a little too forced especially when it came to the sudden declarations of love.
I did like the first 2 books very much, but Viral Justice reads like a rehash of them, to my disappointment.
*ARC by netgalley
(grateful, as always)
In the centre of the action is Colonel Max, whose dangerous job requires him to have protection and unlike any other alpha soldier, can't lift a finger or shoot to save his own life. Like Sophia Perry and Connor Button, Max finds his dubious HEA with a woman who becomes his bodyguard. Unfortunately, it was hard enough to like Alicia Stone on my part, who is capable but abrasive...and one who carts around a chip on her shoulder so large because of her gender.
Above all, Alicia's constant disrespect of Max - who is still her CO - and to everyone else around her made me dislike her even more. The focus on the action and the suspense diluted what little Ali and Max had in common and their mutual admiration of each other seemed a little too forced especially when it came to the sudden declarations of love.
I did like the first 2 books very much, but Viral Justice reads like a rehash of them, to my disappointment.
*ARC by netgalley
(grateful, as always)
February 20, 2016
Posted on What I'm Reading
I have to say the Viral Justice was an interesting read. When you start throwing biological warfare into the mix, it does get kind of scary. I haven't read the previous books, but I felt I wasn't missing too much. Anyway Max and Alicia are trying to contain a problem in the Middle East that spell the doom of the world if not contain.
Basically, these two have the hots for one another, but don't want to get involve with one another fraternizing is looked down in the military. It's huge no-no. So, they are keeping themselves in check, but end up together. Anyway, before they could completely figure out what is going on between them they are called to the Middle East. Best way to describe the situation would be FUBAR. It's not pretty, people are dropping left and right. It's sad, but that's how life roll.
Overall, it was a good read. Viral Justice definitely takes you into the scope that if things go to hell, because of biological warfare it's not going to be pretty, and darn scary. If you are into action and drama, Viral Justice might be up your alley.
Copy provided by author.
I have to say the Viral Justice was an interesting read. When you start throwing biological warfare into the mix, it does get kind of scary. I haven't read the previous books, but I felt I wasn't missing too much. Anyway Max and Alicia are trying to contain a problem in the Middle East that spell the doom of the world if not contain.
Basically, these two have the hots for one another, but don't want to get involve with one another fraternizing is looked down in the military. It's huge no-no. So, they are keeping themselves in check, but end up together. Anyway, before they could completely figure out what is going on between them they are called to the Middle East. Best way to describe the situation would be FUBAR. It's not pretty, people are dropping left and right. It's sad, but that's how life roll.
Overall, it was a good read. Viral Justice definitely takes you into the scope that if things go to hell, because of biological warfare it's not going to be pretty, and darn scary. If you are into action and drama, Viral Justice might be up your alley.
Copy provided by author.
May 1, 2025
I read an ARC of the first book of this series a few months back and loved it so much that I couldn't wait to get my hands on book number two. I purchased that one and liked it though not as much as I liked book number one. When an ARC for this book came up, I wasn't sure which side of the fence it would fall on. And to be honest, i didn't have high hopes for it at first.
Max was a secondary but important character in the first two books, and even though it had been a while since I read them, I remembered enough about him to be glad that he was a protagonist here. Alicia's father, General Stone, was also in the previous two books, but i'm pretty sure no mention was made of her. However, at the start of this book, it felt like we were plopped down in the middle of a story already being told, and that threw me off for a little bit. However, once Max and Ali set off to the village, things definitely picked up speed, and by the time I was nearing the end, I couldn't put the book down.
I think perhaps one of the coolest parts of this book is the role reversal, with Ali being just one penis short of special forces soldier and Max the doctor needing a bodyguard. He's also somewhat clumsy with a gun and combat, though Rowe is quick to insert a reason to reassure the reader that all is not exactly what it seems. (Because while a romance novel, the heroine can be badass, the hero has to be one as well.)
Content warnings: The topic of bio weapons is what marks this series, and after Covid, an infectious disease plot can be really scary. Rowe does nothing to alleviate your fears—take that as either praise or warning as you will. The fact that this country is going through really frightening political times may be separate from this book, but it does add another element to the reading experience. Again, take that as you will. Aside from that, just like with the other novels, don't get too attached to secondary characters.
I'm not sure if there are more books to this series or if this is the last one and I'm pretty sure all three are rewrites from books published several years back. If there are more coming, I'm definitely ready to read them, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up any other book by this author in the future.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Max was a secondary but important character in the first two books, and even though it had been a while since I read them, I remembered enough about him to be glad that he was a protagonist here. Alicia's father, General Stone, was also in the previous two books, but i'm pretty sure no mention was made of her. However, at the start of this book, it felt like we were plopped down in the middle of a story already being told, and that threw me off for a little bit. However, once Max and Ali set off to the village, things definitely picked up speed, and by the time I was nearing the end, I couldn't put the book down.
I think perhaps one of the coolest parts of this book is the role reversal, with Ali being just one penis short of special forces soldier and Max the doctor needing a bodyguard. He's also somewhat clumsy with a gun and combat, though Rowe is quick to insert a reason to reassure the reader that all is not exactly what it seems. (Because while a romance novel, the heroine can be badass, the hero has to be one as well.)
Content warnings: The topic of bio weapons is what marks this series, and after Covid, an infectious disease plot can be really scary. Rowe does nothing to alleviate your fears—take that as either praise or warning as you will. The fact that this country is going through really frightening political times may be separate from this book, but it does add another element to the reading experience. Again, take that as you will. Aside from that, just like with the other novels, don't get too attached to secondary characters.
I'm not sure if there are more books to this series or if this is the last one and I'm pretty sure all three are rewrites from books published several years back. If there are more coming, I'm definitely ready to read them, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up any other book by this author in the future.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
June 2, 2025
📚 Review ~ Viral Justice (#3 in BRRT)
🖋 Author ~ Julie Rowe Author
🖋 Genre: Romantic Suspense/Military Romance
⭐️ Rating: 5/5
With lives on the line and their own hearts in the balance, Alicia and Max must trust each other to survive. Can they take down a ruthless scientist before time runs out—or will their mission end in betrayal and heartbreak?
📍 What to expect: Series Tropes (all three books):
🩺Woman in jeopardy
🧪Race Against the Clock
🩺Survivor’s guilt
🧪Forbidden Love
🩺Damaged Hero & Heroine
🧪Biological weapons
🩺Healer & Warrior
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Max & Alicia
A fantastic conclusion full of tension to Julie Rowe’s Biological Rapid Response Team series! I was waiting for Max’s story and was not disappointed. Max has such an unexpected sense of humor. That even when all options have been exhausted by an unseen enemy, Max can and will protect the people he is responsible for. In Viral Justice, more of Max’s personality is revealed when he partners with Special Forces soldier Alicia Stone, who also has something to prove.
Even when due to a childhood trauma, Max is reluctant to push himself beyond the research lab until a once-trusted ally gives him no other choice. Max and Ali will do whatever it takes to outsmart their enemy. With Ali’s love and support, Max becomes a true hero. I especially love Ali and her straight-forward approach to any given situation. She is smart and strong, withstanding situations that would terrify most of the world.
While the initial threat is contained, the potential for another outbreak continues. I can’t wait to keep reading, starting with book 1 of her Outbreak Task Force series: Viable Threat.
💌 Favorite Moments:
🖇 He didn’t have time to be assassinated. He had too much to do.
🖇 He was in love, not an idiot. His stride faltered as the word registered. The situation was even worse than he’d thought.
🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 5. Characters: 5.
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #JulieRowe #BiologicalRapidResponseTeam #RomanticSuspense #MilitaryRomance #ViralJustice #EnticingJourneyBookPromotions Enticing Journey Book Promotions Ena Burnette Julie Rowe
🖋 Author ~ Julie Rowe Author
🖋 Genre: Romantic Suspense/Military Romance
⭐️ Rating: 5/5
With lives on the line and their own hearts in the balance, Alicia and Max must trust each other to survive. Can they take down a ruthless scientist before time runs out—or will their mission end in betrayal and heartbreak?
📍 What to expect: Series Tropes (all three books):
🩺Woman in jeopardy
🧪Race Against the Clock
🩺Survivor’s guilt
🧪Forbidden Love
🩺Damaged Hero & Heroine
🧪Biological weapons
🩺Healer & Warrior
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Max & Alicia
A fantastic conclusion full of tension to Julie Rowe’s Biological Rapid Response Team series! I was waiting for Max’s story and was not disappointed. Max has such an unexpected sense of humor. That even when all options have been exhausted by an unseen enemy, Max can and will protect the people he is responsible for. In Viral Justice, more of Max’s personality is revealed when he partners with Special Forces soldier Alicia Stone, who also has something to prove.
Even when due to a childhood trauma, Max is reluctant to push himself beyond the research lab until a once-trusted ally gives him no other choice. Max and Ali will do whatever it takes to outsmart their enemy. With Ali’s love and support, Max becomes a true hero. I especially love Ali and her straight-forward approach to any given situation. She is smart and strong, withstanding situations that would terrify most of the world.
While the initial threat is contained, the potential for another outbreak continues. I can’t wait to keep reading, starting with book 1 of her Outbreak Task Force series: Viable Threat.
💌 Favorite Moments:
🖇 He didn’t have time to be assassinated. He had too much to do.
🖇 He was in love, not an idiot. His stride faltered as the word registered. The situation was even worse than he’d thought.
🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 5. Characters: 5.
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #JulieRowe #BiologicalRapidResponseTeam #RomanticSuspense #MilitaryRomance #ViralJustice #EnticingJourneyBookPromotions Enticing Journey Book Promotions Ena Burnette Julie Rowe
April 21, 2025
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
In this third story of the series, Sergeant Alicia Stone is the bodyguard for Colonel Robert Maximilian, who is the head of the US Army Biological Rapid Response Team, and boy, could she do her job and more. She was one dedicated and capable soldier who was totally kick-a*s. She was an impressive woman who had worked extra hard to overcome the obstacles shackled to her by both her gender and familial ties.
As with the other two books in this series, there was a lot of intense action and at times I was on the edge of my seat almost biting my nails. The truly scary aspect of this story was how much of it could and probably has been real. The protagonist of this series was mad, both at Americans and mentally. This thread of trying to stop him, which flows into each book and ties everything up was very cleverly plotted.
The romance between Max and Alicia was once again just right for this story. Alicia stood up to Max when she needed to and she definitely needed to. I loved when she told him… “You couldn’t fight your way out of a paper bag.” 😆 Max accepted this bald truth because he knew she was correct. Their chemistry was hot but contained as professional military personnel must do.
The ongoing biological warfare mystery was again intriguing and exciting with some terrific twists. I also liked the mystery behind Max, why he wouldn’t fight back, and just what happened to him when he was a child. Little by little pieces of the puzzle were dropped into place and while I was intrigued by this I also felt incredible empathy for him.
This thrilling and exciting story is the perfect book to end the trilogy. I was hooked from the beginning until the very last page.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
In this third story of the series, Sergeant Alicia Stone is the bodyguard for Colonel Robert Maximilian, who is the head of the US Army Biological Rapid Response Team, and boy, could she do her job and more. She was one dedicated and capable soldier who was totally kick-a*s. She was an impressive woman who had worked extra hard to overcome the obstacles shackled to her by both her gender and familial ties.
As with the other two books in this series, there was a lot of intense action and at times I was on the edge of my seat almost biting my nails. The truly scary aspect of this story was how much of it could and probably has been real. The protagonist of this series was mad, both at Americans and mentally. This thread of trying to stop him, which flows into each book and ties everything up was very cleverly plotted.
The romance between Max and Alicia was once again just right for this story. Alicia stood up to Max when she needed to and she definitely needed to. I loved when she told him… “You couldn’t fight your way out of a paper bag.” 😆 Max accepted this bald truth because he knew she was correct. Their chemistry was hot but contained as professional military personnel must do.
The ongoing biological warfare mystery was again intriguing and exciting with some terrific twists. I also liked the mystery behind Max, why he wouldn’t fight back, and just what happened to him when he was a child. Little by little pieces of the puzzle were dropped into place and while I was intrigued by this I also felt incredible empathy for him.
This thrilling and exciting story is the perfect book to end the trilogy. I was hooked from the beginning until the very last page.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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April 21, 2025
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
In this third story of the series, Sergeant Alicia Stone is the bodyguard for Colonel Robert Maximilian, who is the head of the US Army Biological Rapid Response Team, and boy, could she do her job and more. She was one dedicated and capable soldier who was totally kick-a*s. She was an impressive woman who had worked extra hard to overcome the obstacles shackled to her by both her gender and familial ties.
As with the other two books in this series, there was a lot of intense action and at times I was on the edge of my seat almost biting my nails. The truly scary aspect of this story was how much of it could and probably has been real. The protagonist of this series was mad, both at Americans and mentally. This thread of trying to stop him, which flows into each book and ties everything up was very cleverly plotted.
The romance between Max and Alicia was once again just right for this story. Alicia stood up to Max when she needed to and she definitely needed to. I loved when she told him… “You couldn’t fight your way out of a paper bag.” 😆 Max accepted this bald truth because he knew she was correct. Their chemistry was hot but contained as professional military personnel must do.
The ongoing biological warfare mystery was again intriguing and exciting with some terrific twists. I also liked the mystery behind Max, why he wouldn’t fight back, and just what happened to him when he was a child. Little by little pieces of the puzzle were dropped into place and while I was intrigued by this I also felt incredible empathy for him.
This thrilling and exciting story is the perfect book to end the trilogy. I was hooked from the beginning until the very last page.
May 11, 2018
I really liked Alicia - she was a total badass - and I loved that she was able to out soldier the soldiers - because she was training the Special Forces. I liked Max, he was very respectful of Alicia and it was nice to see him defer to her and defend her authority to the other soldiers. I think this story would've been stronger if there was more character development though. There wasn't a whole lot of backstory for Ali or Max, it was just kind of thrown out there randomly. I think Max's viewpoint on his past could've made this a stronger read. The romance between them was pretty average, perhaps because of this. They just kind of liked each other and jumped into bed, there was no real buildup or depth to it. That said, the plot was insane. I haven't really read many books about scientists and biological warfare and it was a refreshing change of pace. The author provided lots of information on biological warfare and the plot was fast paced and action packed. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
May 1, 2025
Special Forces consultant and trainer Alicia Stone takes her job seriously. Daughter of a general and black belt holder in several martial arts. She is assigned to bodyguard duty to one Colonel Robert Maximillian, head of the Biological Response Team. Max has to go to a little village in Iraq to investigate a virus that has spread. Max must find out if it’s being used as a biological weapon and Ali must protect him. The chemistry between them is explosive but they think they are hiding it from everyone. Ali thinks it’s just a fling but Max is about to prove how good they are together. When the virus starts spreading and killing faster, can Max figure out a cure for it?
Probably makes no sense but I was afraid I’d give something away. Max is smart but has an aversion to violence. Ali will cut down any soldier who spreads rumors or thinks she’s soft just because she’s a woman. Excellent story. This is the 3 book in this series and I believe it’s my favorite.
Steamy
Action
A little scary because it could really happen
*VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
Probably makes no sense but I was afraid I’d give something away. Max is smart but has an aversion to violence. Ali will cut down any soldier who spreads rumors or thinks she’s soft just because she’s a woman. Excellent story. This is the 3 book in this series and I believe it’s my favorite.
Steamy
Action
A little scary because it could really happen
*VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
May 19, 2025
Whew! Didn't expect him to be so sexy, but he is!
He leads the Biological Rapid Response Team and has a great team of doctors that know what they're doing. They are sent out based on their expertise and knowledge of diseases and viruses. When the same man is determined to take down everyone in the world due to his grief, Colonel Robert Maximillian is the last one available when another outbreak takes over a village. Unbeknownst to him and his body guard though, it's more dangerous than they first expected. Now with the deadly virus working it's way through everyone in the village, Max needs to figure out what caused it and where it's coming from. However, he also has to worry about the madman that has put a price on his head.
The conclusion to the Biological Rapid Response Team was a great ending to this series. I love the characters, the story and the ending. These books brought all of action, danger, and steam that I was hoping for and more. I will be looking for more of Julie Rowe's books to read in the future. Great job!
He leads the Biological Rapid Response Team and has a great team of doctors that know what they're doing. They are sent out based on their expertise and knowledge of diseases and viruses. When the same man is determined to take down everyone in the world due to his grief, Colonel Robert Maximillian is the last one available when another outbreak takes over a village. Unbeknownst to him and his body guard though, it's more dangerous than they first expected. Now with the deadly virus working it's way through everyone in the village, Max needs to figure out what caused it and where it's coming from. However, he also has to worry about the madman that has put a price on his head.
The conclusion to the Biological Rapid Response Team was a great ending to this series. I love the characters, the story and the ending. These books brought all of action, danger, and steam that I was hoping for and more. I will be looking for more of Julie Rowe's books to read in the future. Great job!
January 24, 2026
"Viral Justice is a pulse-pounding military romantic suspense that hits the ground running. Julie Rowe expertly blends a terrifying medical mystery with a slow-burn romance between two incredibly capable leads.
Alicia Stone is a total powerhouse—a martial arts expert who demands respect in a male-dominated field. Watching her match wits and strength with the equally formidable Colonel Maxmillian is incredibly satisfying.
Set against the backdrop of northern Iraq, the threat of a deadly biological weapon creates a constant sense of urgency that never lets up. Beyond the action, the ""no-strings"" vs. ""all-in"" conflict between Alicia and Max adds a layer of emotional tension that makes the high-stakes ending even more impactful.
Verdict: If you love your romance with a side of danger, elite military teams, and a ""competence porn"" dynamic where both leads are the best at what they do, Viral Justice is a must-read."
Alicia Stone is a total powerhouse—a martial arts expert who demands respect in a male-dominated field. Watching her match wits and strength with the equally formidable Colonel Maxmillian is incredibly satisfying.
Set against the backdrop of northern Iraq, the threat of a deadly biological weapon creates a constant sense of urgency that never lets up. Beyond the action, the ""no-strings"" vs. ""all-in"" conflict between Alicia and Max adds a layer of emotional tension that makes the high-stakes ending even more impactful.
Verdict: If you love your romance with a side of danger, elite military teams, and a ""competence porn"" dynamic where both leads are the best at what they do, Viral Justice is a must-read."
May 12, 2025
Viral Justice is the 3rd book in the Biological Response Team series and it can be read as a standalone, as I have done. The main characters and events from previous books are mentioned and I assume that reading the books in order would give additional depth to the story and add background to both the villain and the main characters Max and Alicia. It did like the fact that she was a really strong-willed, tough woman in a men's world, but the fact that Max was a Colonel should have precluded some of his issues with defense. Viral Justice is a fast-paced, very intense and graphically violent book that feels very realistic and therefore scary. I was rooting for a happy ending for the couple and was glad they got there! I received a copy of this re-release and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
February 22, 2018
Fantastic ending to a kick a** series
Viral Justice is the third book in Ms. Rowe's Biological Task Force. I highly recommend reading the previous two books so that you will understand why Akbar is determined to kill as many people as he can.
Max is still trying to stay one step ahead of Akbar and his militant army, but when he's assigned a bodyguard he knows that it's for his safety. However when sparks start to fly between Sergeant Alicia Stone he's got more to worry about than romance between an officer and enlisted because she's the Generals daughter.
Will Ali, Max, and their Special Forces task force be able to find Akbar before the genetically modified Flu kills ?not only a whole village but the world?
Viral Justice is the third book in Ms. Rowe's Biological Task Force. I highly recommend reading the previous two books so that you will understand why Akbar is determined to kill as many people as he can.
Max is still trying to stay one step ahead of Akbar and his militant army, but when he's assigned a bodyguard he knows that it's for his safety. However when sparks start to fly between Sergeant Alicia Stone he's got more to worry about than romance between an officer and enlisted because she's the Generals daughter.
Will Ali, Max, and their Special Forces task force be able to find Akbar before the genetically modified Flu kills ?not only a whole village but the world?
May 6, 2025
US Army biological specialists face unseen threats every day In Country. The Colonel has the most responsibility other than the Special Forces consultant who is responsible for his safety and continuously tries to school him in self-preservation under dire conditions. They become involved with each other even as the enemy has their work in his sights. Fast paced and engrossing!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.
#ViralJustice by @authorjulierowe #BiologicalRapidResponseTeamBk3 @booksgosocialgroup #tense #ptsd #childhoodtrauma #suspense #afghanistanwar #FMromance #angst #thriller #suspense #secrets #extortion #highdrama #contagion #highstress #teams #action
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.
#ViralJustice by @authorjulierowe #BiologicalRapidResponseTeamBk3 @booksgosocialgroup #tense #ptsd #childhoodtrauma #suspense #afghanistanwar #FMromance #angst #thriller #suspense #secrets #extortion #highdrama #contagion #highstress #teams #action
June 8, 2025
How the tables have turned! This time, Ali is the soldier who watches Max (a recurring character across all three books) and he's a bit of a klutz and not well trained. I loved how he stood up for Ali all the time, having the awareness and understanding of how she's powerful and smart and worthy o leading. The romance was hot and well done but secondary to the action and the constant concern with dying, whether through the insurgents or through the biological disaster (Max is the doctor in charge of figuring out what is happening). As with the other stories, the underlying arc of a madman trying to create a biological disaster was a key focus. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this read.
July 9, 2025
Another great book in the Biological Rapid Response Team series. A madman is trying to create havoc throughout the series. Mac, the head of the team, and his bodyguard Alicia Stone, daughter of the general and as unbreakable as stone, head into another area hit by a mysterious illness. Max must determine whether it's viral or bacterial and what the cause is. The action is fast and furious as deadly forces try to stop Max and Alicia from doing their jobs. The attraction heats up between the two, although both know it's not a good idea. Both come from places of hurt which complicates their situation. Who will win this round and will they finally catch the madman before he ends their relationship permanently? I received an ARC of this book but am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2017
I really liked the couple in this book. Ali was strong, could be a ball buster, yet she had the skills to back it up. I hated that within the military system she constantly had to prove herself. Max was the opposite of the kind of men that she ran into. Max seemed to abhor violence, in fact it was hard for Ali to train him. Interesting that Ali seemed to figure out what the issue was, but didn't talk to Max about it. It was only towards the end of the book we learned what happened to Max in the past and you could understand why Max was so reluctant with fighting. Yet when he needed to fight Max was able to, but it needed to be a life or death situation before he could act.
May 12, 2025
Viral Justice, Biological Rapid Response Team Book 3 by Julie Rowe gives the reader a hero who is more scientist than soldier despite the cover illustration. No matter, Alicia Stone, Max’s bodyguard, has both brains and brawl, so he is safe with her. At least from the enemy but the heart is a different element altogether. Still with a toxic virus and a vile villain, they need every minute to survive and defeat the enemy.
A slow burn romance while trying to save the world, this is fast paced story. It’s a thriller romance for sure. Sadly, the danger sounds and feels way to real, as if it could be happening somewhere right now.
A slow burn romance while trying to save the world, this is fast paced story. It’s a thriller romance for sure. Sadly, the danger sounds and feels way to real, as if it could be happening somewhere right now.
June 25, 2019
I LOVE strong, smart heroines, and Louisa is definitely both. I particularly loved that the author has the main character suffer from an anxiety disorder -- only the second book I can think of that I've read that's done that -- while demonstrating that she is strong and resilent despite that. My main complaint is that the book lost steam and direction a bit mid-way through -- the suspense really drops off and is replaced with "sexual tension"/sexcapades instead.
April 19, 2025
Max’s story was a fantastic ending to this series.
After all the action and danger in the two previous books, I didn’t know what was going to happen next with the team. Would they be able to finally catch the bad guy and put an end to his madness?
Well the danger and suspense goes through the roof in this explosive ending, is all I’m going to say. I couldn’t believe my eyes as everything unfolds. My kindle almost didn’t survive. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
After all the action and danger in the two previous books, I didn’t know what was going to happen next with the team. Would they be able to finally catch the bad guy and put an end to his madness?
Well the danger and suspense goes through the roof in this explosive ending, is all I’m going to say. I couldn’t believe my eyes as everything unfolds. My kindle almost didn’t survive. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 14, 2025
A well-written fast paced medical thriller which takes place in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel Robert Maximillian, a gifted medical biologist, and his personal bodyguard special forces martial arts trainer, Sergeant Alicia Stone are attempting to thwart an outbreak of an extremely virulent influenza virus unleashed by an insane Afghan chemist who hates the U.S. This was edge of your seat reading!
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