Risky Return

Covert Operatives #3

by Virginia Vaughan

“Stop investigating or you will die.”

A Covert Operatives story

Searching for a missing pregnant foster teen, Rebecca Mason stumbles across a human trafficking ring. Now with criminals determined to silence Rebecca, security specialist Collin Walsh appoints himself her protector. But how can the secret husband who once abandoned her to join the military regain her trust? Collin will do anything to make up for the past…but first he must ensure they survive.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Love Inspired Suspense, Romantic Suspense

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2019

About the author

Award winning author Virginia Vaughan lives by the motto ‘It’s not hoarding if its books’. Always the kid with her nose stuck in a book, becoming a multi-published author hasn’t stopped Virginia from continuing to grow her own collection of favorite reads. Her family has refused to help her move anymore because of the sheer number boxes of books, but she’s no quitter. She’ll keep buying books and, the next time she moves, hire a moving van.

If you love stories where romance intersects danger and faith, subscribe to Virginia’s email list at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl and be the first to know when a new story arrives.

Reviews

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up a book by Virginia Vaughn -- Risky Return and I read it in one sitting...actually one night from 8 to midnight...had to finish it! This was a fast-paced romantic suspense novel that had me from the first page when a man attacked Rebecca Mason and Collin Walsh rescued her.

Rebecca is the type of heroine I like to read about. She is out to help foster teens in her job as a social worker. In this case, when a pregnant teen disappears from the foster program, she started investigating and discovered this wasn't the first pregnant foster teen to disappear.

When she gets too close to the ring, they try to take her out, but they didn't reckon on Collin...who just happens to be the man she married twelve years ago because she was pregnant. And then after she miscarried, he took off and she had not heard from him since.

The dynamics of the story are well told and keep you on the edge of your seat. This is one of my favorites of Virginia's!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Really enjoyed this second-chance romance with several plausible suspects and a mystery that took some guessing to get to the end of. There were some action sequences that seemed a bit superhuman, but overall it’s a fun and enjoyable story with a lot of action.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple attempts on Rebecca’s life (within the first chapter), an old flame returned to town, and questions about who she can trust with information about a suspected baby selling ring make Risky Return a book that was hard to set down.

Virginia Vaughan balances the intense danger and suspense with the personal past of Rebecca and Collin (and oh, boy, is there a lot for these two to sort through). I think most readers can relate to making—and later regretting—some bigger decisions in their youth they would approach differently in their life-experience wisdom.

This is another high octane, pedal to the medal story that meets every expectation I expect from the Love Inspired Suspense line of books

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.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will draw the reader into the story with the starting pages and the non stop action will keep you turning the pages until the last page is completed. A hard book to put down once you start reading, but the story and plot gives the reader an excellent read. Rebecca and Collin are characters that you can't help liking. When you figure you know who the villain is, who is callous enough to be involved in human trafficking, there are a few surprises in store!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters in this book, Rebecca Mason and Collin Walsh are married but haven't been together for more than 10 years. He walked out on her after loosing their unborn child in a miscarriage. Now, all these years later, he is back in town to sell his mother's house after she passes away. While at the store, he sees someone attacking Rebecca in the parking lot and comes to her aid. She has been helping a teenage girl who has been caught up in a human trafficking ring. What follows is non-stop action as they try to figure out who is making these attempts on her life as they try to expose the trafficking ring.

The author did a very good job weaving a difficult subject into the storyline while holding the readers attention. There is a lot of suspense to keep you turning the pages of this book! I recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian Suspense.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend (MH) sent me this book in a box of books. I don't recall reading this author before.

The story was interesting and fast paced. I found it hard to put down. So I would say this is better than most Love Inspired Suspense. I did guess who would be involved before the author revealed it. That's not something I can usually do, so if you're someone who does, you may not enjoy it as much.

As with most Love Inspired Suspense books, I do feel that the romance part works best when there's a previous history between the two main characters. In this book, the two main characters are married though they've been separated for over a decade.

The author manages to have a fresh-feeling take on the current human trafficking fiction trend. (I agree it is a subject that needs to be discussed, but it's also a subject that seems to be prevalent in romantic suspense fiction right now.)

[Tiffany Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Virginia Vaughan’s books, I knew Risky Return, the third book in her Covert Operatives series, was a must read, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! This very fast pace suspense had me hooked from the first page. The characters and story line with its many twists and turns had me guessing to the very end! I literally stayed up late into the night just to finish it as I couldn’t put it down!
While this book is a part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone book.
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the "Love inspired" fool you, this books has so much action and suspense you will love it. This story reflects what is going on in the world today with human trafficking. It is so well written that you will be finished with it before you know it because its hard to put down.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Virginia Vaughan book. It was filled with suspense and love. It was about a couple who had been apart for twelve years and a major baby trafficking ring. What an ending! I for one was definitely stunned by two of the people involved in the trafficking.

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!!

What a book!!! Excitement and intrique abounding!!!! Enough twists and turns to make one dizzy!! And surprised galore!!! I had been reading a lot of romance so I was ready for adventure and this book definitely got the bill!!!!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca is the heroine in this story as she tries to help teen fosters. The main characters, Rebecca and Colin, are very likeable and you feel like you know them. The book is full of action and suspense. You will not able to put it down once you start. Good clean read!

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

Miniseries
Covert Operatives (Book #3)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

Miniseries
Covert Operatives (Book #3)

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Very realistic story about a very timely topic. Human trafficking combined with a baby selling ring. Almost too powerful to read, it will raise the hair on your arms. Combine that with couple who have been apart for 12 years, you can't beat this story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all--a second-chance romance, intrigue, danger, suspense, serious issues addressed, and a fantastic HEA. I highly recommend this book and hope to read more by Virginia Vaughan. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this excellent Christian romantic suspense.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She was thankful he was with her on this journey and he was a constant stream of support for her.”

Risky Return is the third book in the Covert Operatives series. From the very first page, I was quickly pulled in by the gripping suspense. Rebecca Mason is a social worker looking for a missing pregnant foster teen that could be the result of human trafficking. Rebecca is determined to do whatever is necessary to find out what is going on. The bad guys want to stop her before she discovers the truth, so they give her an ultimatum to stop looking or she’ll die in the process.

Along comes security specialist Colin Walsh to protect her when he sees her about to be ambushed in a parking lot. He hasn’t seen her in ten years but he knows that it’s her since they used to be high school sweethearts. He saves her from getting hurt and realizes that he must now keep her safe from harm. He was secretly married to her ten years ago but then he left to be in the military. They must put their past behind and work together to discover who’s behind this human trafficking ring. Will they embrace each other as they work together to figure out what’s going on? The ending was so good because I was shocked to find out who was behind the mayhem.

I really enjoyed the second chance chemistry that developed once they got to know each other again. Rebecca had trouble with trusting him with her heart at first because of their past. She wanted so much to forgive him because she realized that she really does still love him. You’ll have to read this story just to see what really does happen between them.

This is the seventh book I’ve read by Virginia Vaughn. I love how she goes in depth in explaining the story. It keeps me intrigued each time and it keeps me on edge waiting for the next book to come out. This is my favorite book yet because it’s deals with two big issues in today’s society, human trafficking and illegal adoption. I recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense and a little romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to give my honest opinion. I was not required to like this book. All opinions stated are my own.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risky Return is filled with intense action that begins on the first page and it never lets up! Rebecca Mason is attacked by an unknown man and she is rescued by Collin Walsh, the man she hasn't seen for almost twelve years. As the danger escalates Rebecca is faced with accepting protection from this man who married her and then left her when their baby died. After they both escape numerous threats to their lives Rebecca realizes that she must trust Collin with her life but can she trust herself with her feelings of love that have never died?

This is an exciting story but it is also a timely story that focuses on the serious problem of human trafficking that is now plaguing our society. Rebecca becomes aware of this as she struggles to find a young teen girl who has suddenly disappeared. As her search continues it becomes apparent that Missy Donovan may be one of many teenagers who are being forced to have babies so that they can be sold in a suspected baby-selling operation. Rebecca is determined to rescue Missy and the other girls and Collin is just as determined to protect Rebecca. It soon becomes apparent that they are both still in love with the other but it is doubtful that their past hurts can be forgiven!

Risky Return is an exciting, fast-paced story filled with intrigue and mystery but author Virginia Vaughan has also included a strong faith element throughout her book and she also features both their faltering faith and their acceptance of His ever-present love! It is through their doubts and questions that they both realize that God is always there and that forgiveness is always available!

I truly enjoyed reading Risky Return and I recommend it to anyone who like romantic suspense and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Risky Return. This is the third book in the Covert Operatives Series. This is Virginia's tenth book for LIS. Congratulations! I don't know about you but I am thrilled she is a part of the team. I really enjoy her work. This story is well written, action packed, and difficult to put down. She has interwoven faith through out the book. I know you are going to love it.

Ex-Ranger, Security Specialist Collin Walsh returns to his hometown to clean out his mother's house and get it ready to sell. She had died recently. As he is checking out at a store he sees his ex. He had failed her years ago. Should he speak to her? He decides not to but watches her move to her car, as he gets to his car her turns and sees her attacked. Without thinking he runs to save her. The attacker runs off but she refuses to allow him to call the police. What is going on?

Psychologist Rebecca Mason finally allows Collin to call the police. She tells her story about how one of her girls disappeared and she is trying to find her and that she is receiving threats. She doesn't tell him or the police about hiding Missy. Missy had told her the police is involved in the human trafficking ring. How can Rebecca trust Collin when he ran off and left her twelve years ago when she needed him the most?

A journey of terror as human traffickers fight to save their business. Also a journey of second chances. God is the God of second chances. He has a plan for these two, yes they messed up but God's plan is still working in their lives. A plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him you life and watch Him move in your mess.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean Christian suspenseful romance filled with action from the beginning to the end.
Rebecca Mason and Collin Walsh were HS sweethearts, with a tragic past. Collin leaves Rebecca at her lowest point and has not been back in ten years.
Rebecca is now an advocate for children and has inadvertently stumbled upon a human trafficking situation. Collin, after being in the military, and currently working in security, is back in town to close up his deceased mother’s home.
After all these years, he sees Rebecca from afar and when he realizes she’s being attacked, he runs to her aid. Little did he know that from then on, their lives would change once again. He is determined to keep her safe, and ask for forgiveness, but trust was lost a long time ago, even if the attraction is still there.
This is a story filled with action, bad guys, trust issues, family dynamics, faith, as well as hope , love and the possibility of second chances.
Another great addition to this series in which all the books are stand alone stories.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, so much fun! This is the first book by Virginia Vaughan that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has found herself another fan! If you enjoy high-energy, intense action romantic suspense, you will love this book!

The plot is well-crafted and has plenty of twists and turns as Rebecca, a well-meaning and loving psychologist, unwittingly steps into a baby trafficking ring while trying to help a pregnant foster teenager. Her first love Collin returns to their hometown to settle his mother’s belongings when he intercepts a killer targeting Rebecca. Their history is complicated but as threats against Rebecca escalate, Collin uses his training to protect Rebecca. Though it’s a shorter novel, the author does an excellent job honing the characters into lovable, realistic, and multi-dimensional people with fully fleshed-out backstories.

I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story to read by Virginia. It has a interesting start right from the beginning. This a second chance romance. We meet Rebecca and Collin who have a secret. What I like about this story is that its fast paced. For there is alot of action and mystery. They are dealing with a real life issue, human trafficking. Its a problem in both Canada and the USA. I like how Virginia makes the story fast paced with alot of mystery in it. She also shows how family can be involved, without the person realizing it. Another thing I like is that they don't fall in love again fast. They take their time in the story. Which I like. For rebuilding takes time. I enjoy the story for Collins is trying to prove that he has changed and Rebecca is also trying to do that. This story is fun to read, for it makes you want to turn the page to see what happens next. Its makes the book worth reading for its fast paced and fun. J

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and intense! With the next book in her exciting Covert Operatives series, Virginia Vaughan reunites an estranged couple at just the right time to cut danger off at the knees. There is non-stop action, a touching a back story, and enough chemistry to keep us watching for the flame to reignite! Really enjoying this series!

When court psychologist Rebecca Mason takes an interest in tracking down a missing pregnant teenager that she has counseled, she unknowingly stumbles across a major trafficking ring and puts herself in the sights of the bad men.

Security specialist Collin Walsh walks back into Rebecca's life at just the right time to rescue her from the first of several attempts to get her to back off from her investigation. Will he be able to walk away without getting to the bottom of who's after her? Doubtful ... considering he just discovered they're still married!

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a good read, look no further! Risky Return by Virginia Vaughn has it all. It is brimming with suspense and has real, developed characters that come to life. With important themes like human trafficking, it is a fabulous novel. The main characters have a complicated history and this only adds to the drama in the story. This is one of the best Love Inspired Suspense novels that I’ve read and I sincerely hope to see more in the series from this author. Ms Vaughn is a fabulous storyteller and it is remarkable what she was able to accomplish within a short novel. This is a fast, highly satisfying read and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is page turning story that i could not put down. rebecca is looking for a missing teen but someone is tring to stop her. collin is in town to clean out the house his mom had before she passed. they have a secert that they do not want people to know. and have not seen each other fro 12 years but when he sees her attacked he goes to help, can they stay alive to figure out what is going on, if you like suspense and romance you will want to read the book, i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. i could not put it down, it does have humantrafficon and baby napping did not see the ending though very good

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good! I read it in one sitting on my day off in fact.
I loved that the book was very fast pace from the beginning and you have to love Rebecca and Colin.
They're really a fantastic team together!!
Things heat up when the attacks begin and we find out that human trafficking involved. But, wait until you see who is actually involved! You'll be very surprised for those of you who haven't read it!
The author does a great job in making you guess who it was it was that well written!
I loved this book very much that I will re-read it again.
My thanks to the publisher with no compensations received and all opinions are my own!

[Jordann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Virginia Vaughn’s Risky Return, readers are taken on a wild ride when Rebecca Mason stumbles across a human trafficking ring. With her life now in jeopardy, Collin Walsh, a security specialist and Rebecca’s secret husband, takes on the job of keeping Rebecca safe.

While Risky Return is the third book in the Covert Operatives series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. So, if you enjoy suspense stories, especially those from the Love Inspired line, then Risky Return is a book that you will not want to miss!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a review.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca Mason inadvertently stumbles on a human trafficking ring when she is helping a pregnant foster teen girl. Almost immediately someone attacks get in a parking lot. When her secret husband shows up, now a security specialist, and offers to help her, she accepts. The attacks ramp up and both Rebecca and Collin realize this ring is much larger and deadlier than they suspected.

Very good suspense and a fast pace makes for a very enjoyable read.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from the author BUT THIS IS MY HONEST OPINION:
I love this author, she writes about what's happening now in our world. Realistic characters who have a past with each other (like we could) make this a good read. A horrible situation like human trafficking (which we see in the news) and trying to help a victim escape and bring these monsters down makes this a great read. Suspense that makes you not leave your seat (because you don't want to miss anything) makes me so glad I chose to review this book.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a group of people who kidnap homeless pregnant teens and sell their babies to families who want to adopt after the girls give birth. What a horrifying thought! I was so proud of Rebecca for following her gut and digging deeper into the issue even though she kept getting threatened. Collin steps in to protect her...but he is also Rebecca's one-time husband. Will the feelings that were there years ago resurface or will those wounds run too deep to heal?
I received an ARC of this book from the author, which in no way influenced this review.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and the opinion
is solely mine.
Ripped from today’s headlines, “Risky Return” deals with human trafficking. In this case, of pregnant teens and illegal adoption. This is a good, fast read that was very enjoyable with good characters, suspense, clean romance and second chances.
The first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.