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Security Specialists #2

Secret Service Setup

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A federal agent in the crosshairs

Can The Security Specialists protect him?

Secret Service agent Evan Novak becomes the target of multiple hit men when someone puts a two-million-dollar bounty on his head. Is it the gunrunner he's tracking…or a traitorous agent? Framed and wanted, Evan reluctantly accepts protection from bodyguard Jody Gallagher, his former love who lost her Agency career because of him. But then the bounty is raised to include Jody…

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2018

67 people are currently reading
252 people want to read

About the author

Jessica R. Patch

117 books1,095 followers
Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

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5 stars
127 (65%)
4 stars
47 (24%)
3 stars
15 (7%)
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3 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
3,890 reviews1,761 followers
February 19, 2018
Eeeeeeppp! Jessica R. Patch! Eeeeep!!! That's my romantic suspense super squeal, which is more shrill than my other infatuated literary cheers. And for good reason because this author knows how to deliver an adrenaline rush of a read.

She is also horribly mean to her characters...to the point of being downright cruel which leads to a scrumptious amount of angst and mayhem. Including plenty of action packed scenes that had me wincing and ducking. And don't get me started on the first aid scenes...my complexion still has a green tinge.

The suspense is impossibly complicated with hired killers climbing out of the woodwork in a relentless stream of ingenuous murder attempts. But Jody and Evan have some equally clever counter moves. In fact, Jody has a cool superpower which definitely comes in handy a time or two.

And then there's the romance. Be. Still. My. Heart. "His sly grin tipped her heart on its side." (p 117) You and me both, Jody, and my heart hasn't righted itself yet! Even though I know what Evan did to Jody was ...well definitely hard to forgive. Even harder to forget and that keeps Jody holding him at arms length because even though the reader can see he's clearly a changed man, she isn't letting him show her that transformation -- the kind that happens when you have invited God into your life. These two dance around their buried feelings in a delicious way. Their almost kisses turned my toe curls into permanent waves. And the wicked banter -- dark humour to cut through the tension is icing on the cake.

An exquisitely marvelous example of inspirational romantic suspense that belongs on keeper shelves everywhere.
Profile Image for Jill Kemerer.
Author 112 books619 followers
February 23, 2018
Seat-of-Your Pants Intrigue!

This book starts with a bang and never lets up. Jody is a bodyguard thrust into the unwelcome position of protecting Evan, her ex--the man who cost her her dream job years ago. She hasn't forgiven him, and he hasn't forgiven himself. But the underworld of internet gun running entangles them both, and they must learn to trust each other if they want to live.

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of The Security Specialists. Ms. Patch does a great job of weaving action, romance and spiritual growth. She also amazes me with her unique settings. My heart was racing through most of this book! Try it--you'll love it!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not obligated to leave a positive review and all opinions are strictly my own. *
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books189 followers
January 10, 2018
Fast paced and full of action and suspense. The characters are interesting and the story is exciting! Through all trials in life, we should lean on God. He forgives us and He is always with us. The story shows how even when we don't understand what is happening in life, we need to trust God's plan. I received a copy of this book for free. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for April Gardner.
Author 22 books283 followers
January 24, 2018
What a great title for this book! Evan Novak is being hunted--by the entire world, it seems. Then Jody gets tangled up in it, which makes for so much adventure! For most of the novel, I had no idea how Jody and Evan were going to survive. It was constant run, run, run! And I loved it. As I always do with Jessica's books! Another winner. <3
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,296 reviews44 followers
January 13, 2018
Hold on for the ride of your life. This book is packed full of action and suspense! I had so much fun reading it. It seemed that at every turn Jody and Evan were running for their lives!
Jessica Patch is a very skilled author who weaves intriguing stories which will grip your heart and captivate your soul. Her stories also have wonderful examples of how God can take a broken and worn individual, and fill them with peace, and joy.
I was given this book by the author and all the opinions are my own!
I highly recommend picking up this book. However, I need to warn you, you might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!
467 reviews50 followers
March 1, 2018
Secret Service Setup is a Love Inspired Suspense book by Jessica R. Patch. This story is action packed. Jessica has done a wonderful job of writing the story. Characters and a story line that captures you and doesn’t let go. It will keep you guessing right up to the very end. I love the faith that is this story. It was just what I needed. I received a complementary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Michelle Massaro.
Author 8 books171 followers
March 3, 2018
Jessica Patch has done it again! In Secret Service Setup you enter the mysterious world of the Dark Web while enjoying the romance between bodyguard Jody Gallagher and Secret Service agent Evan Novak. Evan has a bounty on his head, but in the anonymous world of the dark web and digital currency, anyone could be the bad guy- or gal! This was a very interesting premise and new territory to read about for me. I loved it! =)
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,398 reviews177 followers
March 1, 2018
Romantic suspense at it's best. Seriously action packed.. I kept wondering to myself what kind of brilliant genius is this author?! This would make an amazing movie. I read this book in one day. I loved the story line and the characters. This may be my favorite book by Mrs. Patch yet.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews272 followers
January 18, 2018
A two million dollar bounty has been put on the head of Secret Service agent Evan Novak by a gunrunner he is tracking....or is it a fellow agent turned traitor? Knowing he's been framed, Evan reluctantly accepts the protection of bodyguard Jody Gallagher. Jody lost her Secret Service career because of Evan years ago and wishes she could be elsewhere. Then the bounty is raised to include her. Who can be trusted? Everywhere they go, they are found and attempts made on their life?

I have loved Jessica Patch's books since the first one I read. I am a forever fan. She knows how to do suspense and do it well. She hits the ground running and the action doesn't let up. I was biting my lips during one scene. Phew! And the mastermind behind this setup never entered my mind! What a ride this book was. And the spiritual content, as always with a Patch book, was wonderful, even ministering to a situation currently in my own life. I love it when a book does that. You just sit back, read a passage again, and think, Wow, God, thank You!

*I thank the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own and honest.
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
February 12, 2018
Illegal sales of ghost guns, multiple murder attempts, corrupt law enforcement, the dark web, and protection agents are only a taste of what Jessica Patch has in store for readers in her newest Love Inspired Suspense read. And let’s not skip over the hurt, heat, and heroism of both Jodie and Evan.
Seriously, just when I could breathe again, Patch launched another harrowing situation at me.
All of the physical danger melds with the emotions. Jodie doesn’t want her heart broken by Evan Novak again. Evan fears he’s not good enough for her—that he’ll repeat his father’s mistakes—while needing to protect the only woman who has meant anything to him.
Hang on to your seats, folks. Secret Service Setup is a wild, emotional ride from start to finish. But one that’s oh-so worth it.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Susan Tuttle.
Author 14 books181 followers
January 1, 2019
If you've read the other books in this Security Specialists series, you'll recognize Jody from there along with a few of the supporting cast in this story. And while the continuity of characters is fun, it's not necessary for you to have read any of Patch's earlier books to enjoy this one!

The plot moves fast and follows the pattern of this romantic suspense. However, Patch is becoming known for her ability to weave in twists and turns that even readers of the genre won't expect, and she once again delivers in this read. She also is masterful with her construction of characters, allowing them to be flawed and likable in the same breath. Her ability to write chemistry shines again within these pages as does her dialogue. One thing I've come to appreciate with her books is her sense of humor that always makes it to the page, even when writing suspense. It makes a good balance between heart-stopping moments.
1,169 reviews15 followers
February 21, 2018
This is a "what could possibly be coming next, running for your lives story that I didn't want to put down until I finished it!" With some haunting hurts to overcome and personal moments all told in a look over your shoulder here it comes again I wondered what will they do now? I also liked the faith element throughout. I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary..
Profile Image for Jennifer.
345 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2018
Very good indeed! Secret Service Setup was hard to put down with lots action to keep your attention the whole time! I’ll be looking for the next one.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,429 reviews84 followers
March 23, 2018
This book is jam packed with suspense, action, and nail-biting scenes. Your heart will not slow down until you reach the end. Evan and Jody tackle one difficulty, and then it's almost immediately onto another. If this book is made into a movie, I'm not sure my heart can take seeing all that action live. It was beating fast enough just reading about it! But it was good - kept me on my toes and kept my interest. I literally couldn't put the book down once I started reading because there really isn't a good place to stop (which is my kind of book!).

Add romance to this mix. Not, it is not at the forefront of the book, but it is there just beneath the surface. I found Jody and Evan to be very entertaining. Both of them has things to overcome from their past. I think the hardest part of reading this was trying to convince Jody that Evan really had changed. Chapter after chapter I begged her to see the difference in him, to see that they were meant for each other. But just like people in real life, Jody needed to figure that all out in her own timing. Her character had to look into Evan's soul and see what he was really made of. And how can you do that when you are constantly being hunted? Jessica Patch did a wonderful job in keeping the romance there enough to hold my interest, but not take away from all the action. It was a perfect balance.

Readers beware - this exciting book will take you away from the real world for awhile. And that's okay, as long as you understand up front that you'll be sitting there reading it for a bit. So grab a blanket, get comfy in your favorite reading spot, and start reading! I think you'll find you will be glad you did. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Just Commonly.
755 reviews109 followers
March 22, 2018
"There was no doubt he loved her. Had always loved her. Now with God's help he might be able to love her better.”

O, Evan, you grew on me for sure, but the highlight, the character that held me in was Jody. Author Jessica R. Patch sure knows how to give this second installment of The Security Specialist, Secret Service Setup some romance coupled with suspense and filled with angst. I'm talking about angst between our characters but also between the characters and readers. Back to Jody, maybe it is because we share something in common, but this tough girl on the outside hiding the broken heart in the inside just speaks out to you.

There's a certain tenderness that evolves to a representation of hope or the striving towards it. The intensity of a suspense is there, but the author's ability to weave in the message of redemptive hope solidify the compelling aspect of this story. I also love the appearance of other characters readers have met in the author's other stories. In all, Secret Service Setup and the whole series is not to be missed. You'll find the author carries the right notes of humor, suspense and romance in one beautiful written package.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jill Lynn.
Author 32 books463 followers
March 3, 2018
Things I love about Secret Service Setup:
Lots of running that I didn't have to do.
Workout for my heart because=suspense.
Smoking kisses (I heart romance.)
Sassy heroine/kick butt heroine who can take care of herself and the hero.
Delectable broken hero.
Profile Image for Chastity Ray.
168 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2018
Secret Service Setup is the second book in Jessica R. Patch's The Security Specialist series. Although it is the second book it can be read as a standalone, but trust me, the series is so good you'll want to read them both!

Jody Gallagher knows what it means to "have loved and lost", she loved Evan Novak with all her heart. Yet it wasn't enough, at the first sign of trouble he threw her under the bus to save his own skin. She lost her secret service career and her self respect. She's not bitter about it really, well maybe a little, she lost everything and Evan lost nothing. She's just lucky her cousin Wilder believed in her and allowed her to join the Covenant Crisis team. It wasn't her dream job but she was lucky to have it and she would do anything to prove herself to Wilder and the team. Even if it means protecting the hide of the man who broke her heart and ruined her career.

Evan Novak did the one thing he swore he would never do, he became his father. He drank way too much and messed up on a job. Instead of taking the heat like a man, he let Jody take the fall. It hurt to watch everything she worked so hard far be taken away, but, the secret service was what he lived for, it was everything to him. That was before he gave his life to Jesus. He knows he's made mistakes and he will spend a lifetime making them up to Jody, if she would just talk to him!

Jody and Evan are appointed by their respective teams to protect the senator on his campaign trail. It should be easy enough but when a shooter infiltrates the rally and takes aim at Evan all bets are off. Who would want to kill Evan and why? How did they get past CCM, the secret service and the local police? With questions piling up and no answers Jody does the last thing anyone expects. She vows to protect Evan with her life, no matter the costs.

Jessica Patch has the ability to write a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and restore your faith in humanity all at the same time. I was floored when Jody volunteered to protect Evan at all costs. I mean, let's be honest, how many of us are willing to lay down our lives for our friends? Much less for someone who has already cost us everything we hold dear? That just speaks to Jody's character, she never gave it a second thought! Throughout the story Jody struggles with her relationship with God. She's mad at the things that have happened in her life and she believes God has let her down. I think too often we, or at least I am, are too quick to blame God for people's actions. I admired Jody though, because no matter how much she struggled with God and how she felt about him, she never let it stop her from being a decent human being. It's just who she was, she always thought of others before herself.

I expected Evan to be a class A jerk, I mean, who allows the love of their life to lose everything because you made a stupid mistake. At any point and time he could have spoken up and said "I was the one" but he never did. As you get into the story and learn more about Evan you can't help but feel sorry for him. He had a dad who was an alcoholic, determined to climb the ladder of success and when he hurt those he loved he gave empty apologies and promises. It's no wonder Evan has trust issues and wanted so desperately to make something of himself. Once he came to Christ though, Evan was a different man. He wished he could go back and fix past mistakes, but he can't, all he can do is try to make things right. He's determined to live a life that means something and that's why he fights so hard with the demons of his past.

There are tons of twists and turns and gasp out loud moments in the Secret Service Setup. Ms. Patch had me guessing until the very end! Most of the time I have a pretty good idea of who's behind all the mayhem, but I was completely wrong on this one. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the Secret Service Setup. Even if intrigue isn't your normal genre I hope you will give it a try. I promise you, you won't regret it!

* I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
March 28, 2018
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Secret Service Setup. This is the second book in the Security Specialist Series. I always enjoy Jessica's books and this one one was excellent. This story is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.

Bodyguard Jody Gallagher agrees to work with the only man she had ever loved. She had worked for the Secret Service and had tried to help Evan with his drinking problem but she took the fall and lost everything. Now she must work with him. They soon discover that on the dark internet there is a two million dollar hit on him. She vows to keep him safe but then discovers there is also a hit on her. They have been set up.

Secret Service Agent Evan Novak is on a task force trying to take down a gun trafficking ring on the dark internet. They set up a sting operation. Evan is not thrilled to have Jody as a bodyguard. His guilt over the past stands between them. How could he expect her to forgive him when he had destroyed her life? He soon finds he is going to need all the help he can get as they are both set up and are running for their lives. Killers popping up everywhere.

A journey to survive in a dark world of gun running. These two were destined to be together but they have to get past all of their past mistakes and trust each other. God has a plan for these two, they had run ahead of His plan and really messed thing up but He has a plan to bring them back to where they are suppose to be. God has a plan for you too. Don't jump ahead of His plan for you but if you do; know that He can still take you where you need to go. God BLESS you all.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,115 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2018
Jody has a lot of things she has been dealt in her life but one thing she is not ready to deal with is her ex boyfriend thats one thing she wants to just stay in the past. When someone hires the security firm she's working for she's thrown together with Evan and needs to keep it professional keep that past in the past and protect those who seem to be after her and Evan. Evan is on the way of making it to Assistant Director when things go rouge he's left on the run trying to get to the bottom of it all and trying to protect him and Jody. Can he proctor them both and there hearts or will it come to a head?

I really enjoyed this book there was not one moment where I did not find the book dragging or slowing down. This book had me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. I loved how Jody and Evan both seemed real and not fiction, they both seemed broken and looking to heal from the past and deal with the present. There relationship with God was tested and each one handled the situation there own way while trying to encourage the other to get through what ever they were facing. This book was a good clean read and so amazing could not put it down, so amazing.
158 reviews
February 28, 2018
If you are looking to be taken on a wild ride (literally)- make sure to hold on, because Jessica R. Patch’s Secret Service Setup will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time!

When Secret Service agent Evan Novak finds himself with a bounty on his head and multiple people chasing him down to collect, he has no other options but to turn to his ex-girlfriend (and former colleague) for protection. What follows is a gripping tale that is filled with suspense, mystery, and of course romance.

With twists and turns aplenty, Secret Service Setup is a thrilling and action-packed read that will keep you guessing until the very end!

*I received a complimentary book from the author, but am not required to write positive reviews. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Lizzi.
41 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2018
Jessica R. Patch is a very talented writer. Her books always hold the perfect amount of romance, suspense, and a Biblical lesson. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, the romance will make you go all fuzzy inside and the Biblical lesson will help you grow in your faith.
Secret Service Setup is filled with all three. Evan Novak is being framed for something he didn't do. Now, with both sides of the law out to get him, he must rely on the protection of his former girlfriend, Jody Gallagher. Four years ago, when Evan and Jody had been partners, he'd done things he shouldn't have and Jody ended up taking the fall for him and losing her job.
Just a warning, you will need tissues when you read this!
Profile Image for Bhriv.
604 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2018
Secret Service Setup, written by Jessica R. Patch, is book #2 in the Security Specialists series.
If you're into edge-of-your-seat suspense and non-stop excitement you'll want to read this story about Secret Service agent Evan Novak and a bodyguard Jody Gallagher.
Thoroughly enjoyed the excitement and suspense throughout the story. It's one you'll want to set aside time to read straight through if at all possible because you won't want to put it down. Great inspirational read!
Favorite character...Evan. By the end, I'm sure you'll agree with me. :)
Although I hadn't read the first book in the series, I would still consider this a standalone book as I could figure out where I was most of the time.
I was given a copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa.
345 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2018
Jessica Patch has once again written a "must-read" book. Evan Novak is a secret service agent with a bounty on his head. Who is picked to help keep him safe as his bodyguard? None other than Jody Gallagher who lost her own career in the secret service because of Evan several years ago. Of course, they have a history and it is not a good one. And did I mention that they may have had a romantic relationship? Add to this all the suspense and intrigue usual with a Jessica Patch book.
This is a wonderful story, full of suspense, but also containing a story of the redeeming work of Christ within, and in spite of, our past mistakes!
I was given this book by the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
556 reviews10 followers
March 4, 2018
The Secret Service Setup by Jessica R. Patch is the second book in the Security Specialists series. This book was amazing. Do you love a good Christian based suspense book? Then you better get your hands on this one. A Second chance romance full of action and scripture. The perfect combination.

Evan and Jody were great together. Chemistry from first glace to the end. I could not put this book down. It was great. I have a tendency to save time when I am gonna read once of Jessica's books though because I know I will be reading it till I finish. This book shows the strength of forgiveness. The way someone feels when they are faced with forgiving themselves and helping others through tough obstacles. I can't wait to read more from this series.
Profile Image for Christine.
113 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2018
Whoa, buddy! This book was amazing! Every time that I read a book from Jessica Patch, I think that it is her best one yet, and this is no exception. This book had me on the edge of my seat, and I never wanted to put it down. I loved seeing Jody and Evan work through their problems. Life is messy and does not always turn out like we hope or plan, and I found the personal struggles that these characters faced to be realistic and honest. If you are a fan of suspense, go get yourself a copy today!
* I was provided a free copy of this book. I was not required to give a positive review, but an honest one, which I have done.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,871 reviews47 followers
March 26, 2018
I know that anything that I read by Jessica is going to have me on the edge of my seat. My heart pounds while I read through every page. Her stories are so real, it's like you can touch it. Her descriptions are tangible. I know that everything that I read I will love

This. Book. Was. So. AMAZING.

This book is a great reminder of God's Amazing Grace and Mercy. Secret Service Setup is the second book in the The Security Specialist series. Although it can be read as a standalone, but trust me, the series is so good you'll want to read the first one also.



I received this book courtesy of the author, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Lynn Watson.
Author 7 books650 followers
January 21, 2018
Jessica weaves awesome stories of love, suspense, action, and more into her novels. Secret Service Setup proves that once again. Intense and difficult to put down. I love the characters from the series support each other in each new book, as well. A return visit to Turtle Bay (Deep Waters) was a special surprise. Always looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend Secret Service Setup along with all the others in the series.

I received a FREE copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Susan.
394 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2018
Wow, I can’t get enough of this author! Another fabulous edge-of-your-seat suspense. An up-all-nighter because danger, suspense, chases, and so much mystery abound on every page and you just cannot put it down. Evan and Jody have chemistry that sparks off the pages and gives it the believable romance inside of the danger. You don’t know who to trust and so much detail goes into the hiding and deception – it is fantastic! And the little "gift" of Jody's? SUCH a cool addition to the story. Bookshelf keeper for sure.
Profile Image for Leslie Mcdonald.
20 reviews
February 12, 2018
What a great story! I felt like I was right there with Evan and Jody as they dodged bullets, arrows, and their feelings for each other.
Evan Novak is a Secret Service Agent, and Jody Gallagher is his bodyguard and former love. This story is full of suspense, action, and intrigue as these two become targets and must depend on each other for survival. Theirs is a journey of danger, faith, love, and redemption. Definitely a MUST read! It will keep you on the edge of your seat!
136 reviews
March 1, 2018
What another great installment to the Security Specialists books!!!

Another exciting novel full of non-stop thrills and adventure...but even more than the excitement is the deeply touching emotional and spiritual aspect of can you truly right wrongs done in the past question and can true love be renewed after crushing heartbreak and deception is brought into the relationship?

Read for yourself to find these answers in this wonderful book!!!
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