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FBI Joint Task Force #1
Open Secret
They're playing mind games…
… the rules have changed.
Can 280 characters destroy a nation?
Avery Goodyear, a romance editor from the suburbs, becomes a player in an international game of psychological warfare.
The FBI watches the attacks unfold in real time. The FBI focuses its secret weapon, ex-Army Ranger Rowan Kennedy, at the crisis.
With a PhD in propaganda, Kennedy puts everything on the line to expose the wealthy and high-powered schemers threatening our way of life…
…and to protect Avery.
To beat the enemy at their own game, Rowan and Avery must break the rules.
It only complicates things that they’re falling in love.
The game is on. The set is in play. Who will win the match?
Grab your copy now and join the race for the finish line in this friends to lovers, military romance action adventure thriller filled with spies, conspiracies, and political corruption.
… the rules have changed.
Can 280 characters destroy a nation?
Avery Goodyear, a romance editor from the suburbs, becomes a player in an international game of psychological warfare.
The FBI watches the attacks unfold in real time. The FBI focuses its secret weapon, ex-Army Ranger Rowan Kennedy, at the crisis.
With a PhD in propaganda, Kennedy puts everything on the line to expose the wealthy and high-powered schemers threatening our way of life…
…and to protect Avery.
To beat the enemy at their own game, Rowan and Avery must break the rules.
It only complicates things that they’re falling in love.
The game is on. The set is in play. Who will win the match?
Grab your copy now and join the race for the finish line in this friends to lovers, military romance action adventure thriller filled with spies, conspiracies, and political corruption.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2019
1119 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Quinn
80 books504 followersFiona Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author, a Kindle Scout winner, and an Amazon All-Star.
Quinn writes action-adventure romance in her Iniquus World of books including Lynx, Strike Force, Uncommon Enemies, Kate Hamilton Mysteries, FBI Joint Task Force, Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Alpha, and Delta Force Echo series.
She writes urban fantasy as Fiona Angelica Quinn for her Elemental Witches Series.
And, just for fun, she writes the Badge Bunny Booze Mystery Collection with her dear friend Tina Glasneck under the pen name Quinn Glasneck.
Canadian born, Fiona Quinn is now rooted in the Old Dominion where she lives with her husband. There, she pops chocolates, devours books, and taps continuously on her laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 26, 2024
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content - which I suppose is just over 4.5 stars, so I've rounded up.
I don’t know how I’ve managed NOT to come across Fiona Quinn before, but I’m glad I spotted Open Secret (and I freely admit it was Teddy Hamilton’s name that actually caught my eye!) and decided to pick it up for review. Romantic suspense is one of my favourite sub-genres, but I’ve struggled lately to find books that achieve the right balance between romance and plot (moreso in m/f than m/m) so I was delighted when I started Open Secret (book one in the FBI Joint Task Force series) and found myself immediately drawn into the story, which is well-written, tense and compelling, with a premise so scarily plausible that it could have been ripped from the headlines.
Avery Goodchild is an editor of romance novels at a medium-sized publishing house, and is completely thrown when her boss tells her that her latest project is to be the latest novel by Taylor Knapp, the creator of a hugely successful video game and accompanying tie-in book called The Unrest . The game and book generated a lot of controversy and led to a discernible increase in hate crime, word is the next one – The Uprising – will be every bit as provocative – and Avery isn’t at all comfortable with the idea of being involved with the project in any way, shape or form. As she rightly points out, she has absolutely no experience in that genre, no point of reference, no skillset that qualifies her in any way to edit Knapp’s next book, but the author has specifically requested a female editor – and as the only female editor at Windsor Shreveport Publishing, Avery is told in no uncertain terms that this is a job she can NOT refuse.
When we meet Special Agent Rowan Kennedy, a foreign attaché for the FBI, he’s on a mission in Brussels, targeting someone he believes is part of a massive technological and psychological operation which uses social media and video games to disseminate propaganda and seed unrest throughout the US. A former Army Ranger with a PhD in Media, Culture and International Affairs, Rowan is an expert in propaganda and has been closely monitoring cyber activity out of certain Eastern European countries – Bulgaria specifically, but with ties to Russia – such as Bot Farms run by social scientists and skilled propagandists, and the fairly recent phenomena of the distribution of misinformation through online gaming.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think the listener will be best served by coming to it without knowing much about it, as I did. It’s complex, really well thought-out and rather unsettling, especially when we consider just how embedded technology is into our lives right now, and the idea of a video game being designed in such a way as to be able to be different things to different people by harvesting their data is so credible as to be quite terrifying!
“First… they help solidify and entrench gamers in their personal ideology and belief systems. Second, they train the player to be angry and afraid. Third, it teaches the player that they will be rewarded for violent action. And fourth, it helps those of like minds communicate completely anonymously.”
The technological background – Bot Farms, Influencers, the ease with which data can be… ‘acquired’ – it’s all fascinating and I was totally enthralled by the story and waiting with bated breath to see how it would all unfold.
The central romance is nicely done, too. Rowan and Avery have known each other for a few years via Twitter (Rowan writes as a kind of therapeutic exercise and Avery has provided support and advice as part of an online writing group) and they chat regularly, but to start with, they don’t realise that their worlds are about to collide in a very dangerous way. The author cleverly pulls their different plotlines to a convergence, although they don’t actually meet in person until almost the halfway point of the book. They do interact online before that though, so there’s a degree of familiarity between them that helps to forge a stronger connection once they decide they want to give a relationship a try IRL. They have a strong rapport and there’s a real sense of mutual respect and understanding between them; I liked how they worked together as part of the investigation, and liked them as a couple, but I was surprised when the bedroom door closed half way through the sex scenes (there are only one or two). There’s foreplay, and the author obviously isn’t shy about describing what goes on before penetration, but then, slam! – and although it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book overall, it just felt really odd.
There’s a heart-breaking subplot featuring Avery’s mother, who is mentally ill and whose care falls entirely to Avery (her sister and self-righteous, pompous prick of a preacher husband don’t want anything to do with her); Avery’s bestie Lola is a hoot, and there are cameos from characters I’m assuming have appeared in some of the author’s other books (this series is part of her long-running World of Iniquus series) but this works perfectly well as a standalone.
So why, you’re asking yourself, have I not given the story a top grade? Well, up to around the eighty percent mark I was completely gripped, but then everything just seemed to go off the boil. This is a very “talky” thriller as opposed to an action-packed one, and I had no problem with that – but the ending is a bit anticlimactic, and there are a few places in the second half where the pacing flags somewhat. Fortunately, with Teddy Hamilton narrating, there was never a danger of my losing interest (and honestly, those parts were fairly short) but that and the slightly unresolved feel to the ending caused me to knock half a point off the grade for the story.
Speaking of Teddy Hamilton… I was delighted to see that Open Secret wasn’t a dual narration (which has become the norm for books narrated from both the hero and heroine’s points of view)because dual narrations can be really hit and miss for me. Anyway, Mr. Hamilton is more than capable of carrying a book on his own – and on the strength of this, should narrate more romantic suspense! (As should Jacob Morgan and Jason Clarke, who have voices that are made for the genre!) Mr. Hamilton is always a pleasure to listen to; his performance is expressive and well-paced, he’s good with all the jargon and his deep, slightly gravelly voice is perfect for a guy who’s a bit rough around the edges as Rowan is – an academic at heart who knows fifteen ways to kill a man with his bare hands! His female voices are good and generally well differentiated (although there were a couple of times I had to rely on dialogue tags), and he expertly conveys the connection and chemistry between Rowan and Avery, injecting just the right degree of intensity into the love scenes and bringing a real sense of urgency into the action scenes.
Open Secret’s storyline does hit very close to home, but I was pretty much glued to it from start to finish. It’s chilling, compelling and filled with twists and turns; I’d encourage any fan of romantic suspense to give it a try, and the added bonus of a terrific performance from Teddy Hamilton makes it one to experience in audio.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
I don’t know how I’ve managed NOT to come across Fiona Quinn before, but I’m glad I spotted Open Secret (and I freely admit it was Teddy Hamilton’s name that actually caught my eye!) and decided to pick it up for review. Romantic suspense is one of my favourite sub-genres, but I’ve struggled lately to find books that achieve the right balance between romance and plot (moreso in m/f than m/m) so I was delighted when I started Open Secret (book one in the FBI Joint Task Force series) and found myself immediately drawn into the story, which is well-written, tense and compelling, with a premise so scarily plausible that it could have been ripped from the headlines.
Avery Goodchild is an editor of romance novels at a medium-sized publishing house, and is completely thrown when her boss tells her that her latest project is to be the latest novel by Taylor Knapp, the creator of a hugely successful video game and accompanying tie-in book called The Unrest . The game and book generated a lot of controversy and led to a discernible increase in hate crime, word is the next one – The Uprising – will be every bit as provocative – and Avery isn’t at all comfortable with the idea of being involved with the project in any way, shape or form. As she rightly points out, she has absolutely no experience in that genre, no point of reference, no skillset that qualifies her in any way to edit Knapp’s next book, but the author has specifically requested a female editor – and as the only female editor at Windsor Shreveport Publishing, Avery is told in no uncertain terms that this is a job she can NOT refuse.
When we meet Special Agent Rowan Kennedy, a foreign attaché for the FBI, he’s on a mission in Brussels, targeting someone he believes is part of a massive technological and psychological operation which uses social media and video games to disseminate propaganda and seed unrest throughout the US. A former Army Ranger with a PhD in Media, Culture and International Affairs, Rowan is an expert in propaganda and has been closely monitoring cyber activity out of certain Eastern European countries – Bulgaria specifically, but with ties to Russia – such as Bot Farms run by social scientists and skilled propagandists, and the fairly recent phenomena of the distribution of misinformation through online gaming.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think the listener will be best served by coming to it without knowing much about it, as I did. It’s complex, really well thought-out and rather unsettling, especially when we consider just how embedded technology is into our lives right now, and the idea of a video game being designed in such a way as to be able to be different things to different people by harvesting their data is so credible as to be quite terrifying!
“First… they help solidify and entrench gamers in their personal ideology and belief systems. Second, they train the player to be angry and afraid. Third, it teaches the player that they will be rewarded for violent action. And fourth, it helps those of like minds communicate completely anonymously.”
The technological background – Bot Farms, Influencers, the ease with which data can be… ‘acquired’ – it’s all fascinating and I was totally enthralled by the story and waiting with bated breath to see how it would all unfold.
The central romance is nicely done, too. Rowan and Avery have known each other for a few years via Twitter (Rowan writes as a kind of therapeutic exercise and Avery has provided support and advice as part of an online writing group) and they chat regularly, but to start with, they don’t realise that their worlds are about to collide in a very dangerous way. The author cleverly pulls their different plotlines to a convergence, although they don’t actually meet in person until almost the halfway point of the book. They do interact online before that though, so there’s a degree of familiarity between them that helps to forge a stronger connection once they decide they want to give a relationship a try IRL. They have a strong rapport and there’s a real sense of mutual respect and understanding between them; I liked how they worked together as part of the investigation, and liked them as a couple, but I was surprised when the bedroom door closed half way through the sex scenes (there are only one or two). There’s foreplay, and the author obviously isn’t shy about describing what goes on before penetration, but then, slam! – and although it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book overall, it just felt really odd.
There’s a heart-breaking subplot featuring Avery’s mother, who is mentally ill and whose care falls entirely to Avery (her sister and self-righteous, pompous prick of a preacher husband don’t want anything to do with her); Avery’s bestie Lola is a hoot, and there are cameos from characters I’m assuming have appeared in some of the author’s other books (this series is part of her long-running World of Iniquus series) but this works perfectly well as a standalone.
So why, you’re asking yourself, have I not given the story a top grade? Well, up to around the eighty percent mark I was completely gripped, but then everything just seemed to go off the boil. This is a very “talky” thriller as opposed to an action-packed one, and I had no problem with that – but the ending is a bit anticlimactic, and there are a few places in the second half where the pacing flags somewhat. Fortunately, with Teddy Hamilton narrating, there was never a danger of my losing interest (and honestly, those parts were fairly short) but that and the slightly unresolved feel to the ending caused me to knock half a point off the grade for the story.
Speaking of Teddy Hamilton… I was delighted to see that Open Secret wasn’t a dual narration (which has become the norm for books narrated from both the hero and heroine’s points of view)because dual narrations can be really hit and miss for me. Anyway, Mr. Hamilton is more than capable of carrying a book on his own – and on the strength of this, should narrate more romantic suspense! (As should Jacob Morgan and Jason Clarke, who have voices that are made for the genre!) Mr. Hamilton is always a pleasure to listen to; his performance is expressive and well-paced, he’s good with all the jargon and his deep, slightly gravelly voice is perfect for a guy who’s a bit rough around the edges as Rowan is – an academic at heart who knows fifteen ways to kill a man with his bare hands! His female voices are good and generally well differentiated (although there were a couple of times I had to rely on dialogue tags), and he expertly conveys the connection and chemistry between Rowan and Avery, injecting just the right degree of intensity into the love scenes and bringing a real sense of urgency into the action scenes.
Open Secret’s storyline does hit very close to home, but I was pretty much glued to it from start to finish. It’s chilling, compelling and filled with twists and turns; I’d encourage any fan of romantic suspense to give it a try, and the added bonus of a terrific performance from Teddy Hamilton makes it one to experience in audio.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
April 15, 2019
Received this book in exchange for my honest review only.
A political and technological thriller that basically uses Social Media outlets to create an international game of Warfare. I think there is a great actual threat to us all these days. There are so many little gadgets and ways we don’t notice of listening on conversations and our pictures and videos we post for the works to see. Excellent timing for this well written book
Special FBI agent Rowan and Romance Editor Avery break rules and try to stop it. They also get tangled up together which complicates things even further.the characters are intelligent and strong. It’s entertaining and makes for a keep you on the edge kind of read. Gripping in its intensity. A page turner. A recommendation for everyone to read Fiona Quinn’s stories. I’m never disappointed
A political and technological thriller that basically uses Social Media outlets to create an international game of Warfare. I think there is a great actual threat to us all these days. There are so many little gadgets and ways we don’t notice of listening on conversations and our pictures and videos we post for the works to see. Excellent timing for this well written book
Special FBI agent Rowan and Romance Editor Avery break rules and try to stop it. They also get tangled up together which complicates things even further.the characters are intelligent and strong. It’s entertaining and makes for a keep you on the edge kind of read. Gripping in its intensity. A page turner. A recommendation for everyone to read Fiona Quinn’s stories. I’m never disappointed
May 9, 2019
Open Secret
FBI Joint Task Force, Book 1
Fiona Quinn, author
When a new book is released by this author I immediately know it will be written with much intellectual ingenuity and characterization that is deeply rooted with reality...... This story-line is no different. Two seemly opposite individuals, one an FBI Special Agent and the other an editor for a top notch publishing company. The story of Rowan Kennedy and Avery Goodyear have known each other for years via social media. With very dramatic changes brought on in both their personal lives, the two decipher a plan to meet one another.
Once the two meet, the story explodes into an intense drama of how to draw out the individual(s) the FBI is seeking out. And if the FBI draws the person(s) out, they will find out who is behind the development of software that is supposedly a normal video game that is enjoyed by many a gamer.
This story-line was truly an eye opener for me, as to the times, we as a society are living in and where the future is heading. Putting it mildly, it is quite disturbing with all the technological advantages. Ms. Quinn did an excellent job of portraying those advances. I challenge you to get this book for a most interesting, intriguing, yet entertaining read. I was afforded an advanced reader copy from the author. I leave this review voluntarily.
FBI Joint Task Force, Book 1
Fiona Quinn, author
When a new book is released by this author I immediately know it will be written with much intellectual ingenuity and characterization that is deeply rooted with reality...... This story-line is no different. Two seemly opposite individuals, one an FBI Special Agent and the other an editor for a top notch publishing company. The story of Rowan Kennedy and Avery Goodyear have known each other for years via social media. With very dramatic changes brought on in both their personal lives, the two decipher a plan to meet one another.
Once the two meet, the story explodes into an intense drama of how to draw out the individual(s) the FBI is seeking out. And if the FBI draws the person(s) out, they will find out who is behind the development of software that is supposedly a normal video game that is enjoyed by many a gamer.
This story-line was truly an eye opener for me, as to the times, we as a society are living in and where the future is heading. Putting it mildly, it is quite disturbing with all the technological advantages. Ms. Quinn did an excellent job of portraying those advances. I challenge you to get this book for a most interesting, intriguing, yet entertaining read. I was afforded an advanced reader copy from the author. I leave this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2019
In spite of the amount of time I spend reading books, I’m totally a movie girl when it comes to imagery. And in that vein, this story felt like an unholy cross between Live Free or Die Hard and there were some moments that I felt were channelling The Purge. Now these are not two movies I’ve ever thought of in the same sentence before, but they have the right concepts to match the terror-inducing plot the author has created with this book. The reason I find it so terror inducing? I can’t prove that any of this isn’t happening at this very moment. I’m going to go put on my tinfoil hat now and find a small, lead-lined casket for my cell phone… Or maybe a large one to hold all my electronic devices.
November 13, 2021
Never Should Have Doubted
Fiona Quinn is a joy! I'm CompSci and I read romance novels mainly to get away from it all. I kept putting off reading this one because I thought it would be too much like work.
I was wrong! The topic and the writing style were a fresh and exciting take on everything. I love flawed characters because perfection is overrated and unrelatable. The interjection of the real issues that individuals face while trying to balance work and personal lives is so refreshing.
Fiona Quinn is a joy! I'm CompSci and I read romance novels mainly to get away from it all. I kept putting off reading this one because I thought it would be too much like work.
I was wrong! The topic and the writing style were a fresh and exciting take on everything. I love flawed characters because perfection is overrated and unrelatable. The interjection of the real issues that individuals face while trying to balance work and personal lives is so refreshing.
February 8, 2020
Open Secret isn't Quinn's first rodeo in the spy thriller genre. In fact there are whole series' of adventures that feature Iniquus, as well as other security and government organizations. Open Secret is the first of three entries in the FBI Joint Task Force set.
Surprising and action-packed, this no-punches-pulled narrative grabs the reader in the first chapter, and doesn't let go till the last chapter closes.
"Things are much more serious: we meddle with your brains, we change your conscience - and you have no clue what to do about it." ~ Surkov.
Rowan Kennedy is FBI. His latest assignment has him investigating foreign governments using video games as vehicles to foment unrest. Avery Goodyear is an editor of romance novels who's been thrown for a loop when she finds that her new author assignment is "a science fiction author with video game adaptation".
"“First,” Lisa ticked off on her fingers, “they help solidify and entrench gamers in their personal ideology and belief systems. Second, they train the player to be angry and afraid. Third, it teaches the player that they will be rewarded for violent action. And fourth, it helps those of like minds communicate completely anonymously.”"
Quinn's storyline has more twists and turns than a Grand Prix race track; but the way she weaves it all together is masterful! She has created a great cast of characters that keep you involved in their lives, right to the end. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, suspenseful read, go get it! And while you're doing that, I'll be looking up the rest of her bibliography!
[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book, in conjunction with the Winter Games Reader Challenge. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]
Surprising and action-packed, this no-punches-pulled narrative grabs the reader in the first chapter, and doesn't let go till the last chapter closes.
"Things are much more serious: we meddle with your brains, we change your conscience - and you have no clue what to do about it." ~ Surkov.
Rowan Kennedy is FBI. His latest assignment has him investigating foreign governments using video games as vehicles to foment unrest. Avery Goodyear is an editor of romance novels who's been thrown for a loop when she finds that her new author assignment is "a science fiction author with video game adaptation".
"“First,” Lisa ticked off on her fingers, “they help solidify and entrench gamers in their personal ideology and belief systems. Second, they train the player to be angry and afraid. Third, it teaches the player that they will be rewarded for violent action. And fourth, it helps those of like minds communicate completely anonymously.”"
Quinn's storyline has more twists and turns than a Grand Prix race track; but the way she weaves it all together is masterful! She has created a great cast of characters that keep you involved in their lives, right to the end. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, suspenseful read, go get it! And while you're doing that, I'll be looking up the rest of her bibliography!
[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book, in conjunction with the Winter Games Reader Challenge. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]
April 7, 2023
'Who in his right mind would wade into my pool of crazy'
Avery is overwhelmed, under pressure and under attack, she fire fights her mum's mental illness on a daily basis, she fends off her bosses angry outbursts and inappropriate advances, and she is smothered in guilt and verbally attacked by her family at every opportunity....I am not sure how she is still a sane and functioning human. But as she is thrown into a very dark editorial job she realises that the shadows have shadows, deep and twisted shadows that don't hesitate to use and destroy you to further their own games and gains. But she is smart and sees the world in a unique way that has already hooked Rowan, he is fascinated by the gifted editor even before he realises how much danger she is in.
The plot in this is quite deep with a lot of technical speak about bots and algorithms that could be quite overwhelming...it is kept as simple as possible for us 'none technical ' readers, but the implications of this new twist on terror are horrifying...and yet so obvious.
An interesting start to the FBI Joint Task Force but as much as I like Avery and Rowan this is not one of my favourite Iniquus books. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Avery is overwhelmed, under pressure and under attack, she fire fights her mum's mental illness on a daily basis, she fends off her bosses angry outbursts and inappropriate advances, and she is smothered in guilt and verbally attacked by her family at every opportunity....I am not sure how she is still a sane and functioning human. But as she is thrown into a very dark editorial job she realises that the shadows have shadows, deep and twisted shadows that don't hesitate to use and destroy you to further their own games and gains. But she is smart and sees the world in a unique way that has already hooked Rowan, he is fascinated by the gifted editor even before he realises how much danger she is in.
The plot in this is quite deep with a lot of technical speak about bots and algorithms that could be quite overwhelming...it is kept as simple as possible for us 'none technical ' readers, but the implications of this new twist on terror are horrifying...and yet so obvious.
An interesting start to the FBI Joint Task Force but as much as I like Avery and Rowan this is not one of my favourite Iniquus books. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
February 25, 2020
This is an exciting action packed suspense filled romance story.Their are spies,social media being used to influence Americans into action that could lead to terrorist extremes.The plotline will keep you on the edge of your seat.The characters are each unique in their own way.The chemistry between FBI agent Rowan and romance editor Avery is smoking hot off the charts good.When Avery is forced by her boss to take on a writer called Taylor Knapp she isn't happy she edits romance no political thrillers.When Avery meets the band that plays the music is on the video game that's to be released she's uncomfortable.When she reads the outline of the book her mind tells her that this isn't a normal book an has secret messages that can lead to violence.Then when Lisa an FBI agent that Avery met before asks for her help telling her that the book being written and the video game is the enemies of the United States are using social media and video games to cause unrest .There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.The heartache that Avery goes through so to watching her mother's mental issues profess is heartbreaking .I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
March 15, 2019
Talk about a scarily thrilling read, I mean omg technology is freaking scary and awesome all at the same time.
I know I am lying my phone face down from now on so no one can hack my camera talk about freaking out here...
So who else rushed and downloaded the SHAREIt app!!!! Yes I seriously did...lol
Avery is just wonderful I love her she is smart, strong and just gorgeous inside and out.
Rowan is a total sweetheart who finally figured out a good thing was right on the other end of a Tweet...
Lol
Avery’s Mum was entertaining and yes I get she is unwell but you know what for Carers everywhere this was a great side story.
And I have to give a shout out to Lola the character who made me laugh the most she is freaking awesome and the best BFF Avery could ever have.
I know I am lying my phone face down from now on so no one can hack my camera talk about freaking out here...
So who else rushed and downloaded the SHAREIt app!!!! Yes I seriously did...lol
Avery is just wonderful I love her she is smart, strong and just gorgeous inside and out.
Rowan is a total sweetheart who finally figured out a good thing was right on the other end of a Tweet...
Lol
Avery’s Mum was entertaining and yes I get she is unwell but you know what for Carers everywhere this was a great side story.
And I have to give a shout out to Lola the character who made me laugh the most she is freaking awesome and the best BFF Avery could ever have.
July 15, 2021
I really enjoy Ms. Quinn’s books. This story was interesting, but a little over my head at times on what they were fighting. I felt bad for Avery as she was an editor and her boss put her in a bad position. It was really odd that she was assigned to edit Taylor Knapp’s book since the book was not romance. Unfortunately for Avery, the FBI is very interested in Taylor Knapp and who she is working with overseas to disrupt Americans and their way of life. This was an exciting book with a lot of action. I loved that Rowan and Avery had feelings for each other. If you like exciting, action romance books, then you will love this book. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
February 17, 2020
It may be fiction....
Fiona Quinn’s Open Secret once again proves she is the master of the suspense/thriller/romance genre. The scary thing about this one is how easily it can be translated into real life. We all know how much the internet influences the way we think and feel....scary stuff. Quinn has an I ate ability to suck you into the story from page one and doesn’t spit you out until the last page. What an incredible gift she has. Happy to see she’s on the side of the good guys! Great read.
Fiona Quinn’s Open Secret once again proves she is the master of the suspense/thriller/romance genre. The scary thing about this one is how easily it can be translated into real life. We all know how much the internet influences the way we think and feel....scary stuff. Quinn has an I ate ability to suck you into the story from page one and doesn’t spit you out until the last page. What an incredible gift she has. Happy to see she’s on the side of the good guys! Great read.
March 20, 2020
Fiona Quinn has written a gripping story of spies, suspense, love and social media. What else is there? Her story is most relevant in today's political climate. Once you start Book 1 in this series you will be carried along in this world of cyber crime looking for more after book 3. The author takes a difficult subject that few seem to know the ins and outs of and makes it easy to understand. The layers of plots are woven together flawlessly. These characters will stay with you. Enjoy!
March 17, 2019
Wow
It just keeps getting better. Fiona writes like a boss. I know what you are thinking nerd girl falling for an alpha male. This story just works. Was kind of sad that Lynx and Stryker were not in this one. Wonder when a Book about Prescott and Kane will be out. Keep writing them, and I will keep reading them.
It just keeps getting better. Fiona writes like a boss. I know what you are thinking nerd girl falling for an alpha male. This story just works. Was kind of sad that Lynx and Stryker were not in this one. Wonder when a Book about Prescott and Kane will be out. Keep writing them, and I will keep reading them.
May 2, 2020
Romantic suspense
Good romantic suspense, liked the h/H and suspense was great . ..insta lust but without details on the actual act...so if that’s your thing, might want to look elsewhere. Some details about h/H exes in the book but not too heavy on the subject. I liked it enough to to try book2
Good romantic suspense, liked the h/H and suspense was great . ..insta lust but without details on the actual act...so if that’s your thing, might want to look elsewhere. Some details about h/H exes in the book but not too heavy on the subject. I liked it enough to to try book2
March 31, 2019
Holy MOLY!!! If you have any electronic devices in your world.. you NEED to read this book just to find out how your how world could be turned inside out.. and you won't have a clue until it's too late. The story is about two cyber friends who have gone back and forth with one another for quite some time.. Toss in some psychological warfare and foreign operatives that are determined to undermine the American democracy.
OPEN SECRETS will have you on the edge of your seat.. as you follow Avery who is an editor who is ordered to work with an author that she detests. But, the editor makes sure that Avery knows her place and does exactly as he dictates as he's a .. lol.. umm.. jerk. Rowan is an FBI agent is assigned to find out who is targeting the author who has also had his novels turned into video games.. and the games incite the players to do things in real life that they normally would not have thought to do.. but, not realizing that the technology they've bought and brought into their personal lives enables the bad guys.. a way of seeing and hearing EVERYTHING you do.
OPEN SECRETS will have you on the edge of your seat.. as you follow Avery who is an editor who is ordered to work with an author that she detests. But, the editor makes sure that Avery knows her place and does exactly as he dictates as he's a .. lol.. umm.. jerk. Rowan is an FBI agent is assigned to find out who is targeting the author who has also had his novels turned into video games.. and the games incite the players to do things in real life that they normally would not have thought to do.. but, not realizing that the technology they've bought and brought into their personal lives enables the bad guys.. a way of seeing and hearing EVERYTHING you do.
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April 29, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/29/2020)! 🎁
December 26, 2023
An easy, enjoyable read that I would read again. My only issue was that it all seemed to come together too quickly in the end in a way that made it feel rushed.
February 23, 2020
An intense, dramatic, and action packed story involving espionage using a game in social media. This very well woven and multi-layered kept me captivated from the very beginning. I don' think I have ever read anything like it before -- very scary, suspenseful, and mind-boggling!
March 21, 2019
WOW! Let me just begin this review by saying that this book Open Secret just might Freak you out! If ever there is a book to read this is it but just a suggestion Leave all the lights on, LOL! The terror plot in this book is so scary because it is something that could actually happen!
Fiona Quinn is truly a master at writing the kind of books that pull you into them right away and can make you either love a character or truly dislike the bad characters!
In this book Rowan an FBI agent is part of an operation that targets an author/video game developer from releasing a new book and video game that incites people to participate in actions that target other people.
Avery is an editor who has been forced to work with the author of the said book. She’s not happy about this as she doesn’t work in the genre that this author writes but when she is specifically requested for this book she has no choice but to take the assignment. When she meets said author she realizes there is more at play then meets the eye! Now she has a decision to make keep quiet and let the author finish the book or does she help Rowan (who she knows) and risk not only her job but her financial future that she needs to take care of her mother?
This is truly a book that will make you want to keep the lights on both inside the house and outside!
Fiona Quinn is truly a master at writing the kind of books that pull you into them right away and can make you either love a character or truly dislike the bad characters!
In this book Rowan an FBI agent is part of an operation that targets an author/video game developer from releasing a new book and video game that incites people to participate in actions that target other people.
Avery is an editor who has been forced to work with the author of the said book. She’s not happy about this as she doesn’t work in the genre that this author writes but when she is specifically requested for this book she has no choice but to take the assignment. When she meets said author she realizes there is more at play then meets the eye! Now she has a decision to make keep quiet and let the author finish the book or does she help Rowan (who she knows) and risk not only her job but her financial future that she needs to take care of her mother?
This is truly a book that will make you want to keep the lights on both inside the house and outside!
March 29, 2019
But Is It Just a Game?
Avery has been ordered to work as editor for a writer whose work she detests. On top of that, it's suspense/gaming tie-in, and she is a romance editor.
There's a writer she's been getting to know online. He's not writing for publication, and she is becoming more and more interested in him.
His work and hers tie together in ways that she couldn't begin to guess. Although he is an FBI agent working in counterintelligence, even he is astounded at what they learn together.
Recommended for all readers of suspense thrillers.
Avery has been ordered to work as editor for a writer whose work she detests. On top of that, it's suspense/gaming tie-in, and she is a romance editor.
There's a writer she's been getting to know online. He's not writing for publication, and she is becoming more and more interested in him.
His work and hers tie together in ways that she couldn't begin to guess. Although he is an FBI agent working in counterintelligence, even he is astounded at what they learn together.
Recommended for all readers of suspense thrillers.
February 18, 2020
this was a great mystery book! she is a editor for romance books. caught in the russia warfare game. hes a fbi agent caught in the middle. so many players and so much danger. read to find out what happens.
February 14, 2020
Another winner by this author. Eye-opening romance thriller about how social media and video games can be fun and entertaining, but could be twisted into a weapon against the US. Action and romance, FBI and publishing, apps and hacking all add to the the intrigue. Stands alone as an exciting book but great to see characters from her other books weaved into the story. A must read.
February 14, 2020
Could not put the book down.
January 24, 2020
Propaganda! It only takes one!
Game changes, Russians being Russian, spies being spies, To beat your enemy at their own game, you'll have to break every rule. When a life is danger Kennedy will stop at nothing.
Game changes, Russians being Russian, spies being spies, To beat your enemy at their own game, you'll have to break every rule. When a life is danger Kennedy will stop at nothing.
March 2, 2020
Amazing !
This is one of those stories that makes you look at everything differently, technology today is frightening. It has a lot of twists and turns , I couldn’t put it down . The dynamic between Avery and Rowan was hot !!
This is one of those stories that makes you look at everything differently, technology today is frightening. It has a lot of twists and turns , I couldn’t put it down . The dynamic between Avery and Rowan was hot !!
March 20, 2019
Let me start by saying Rowan is my new fav book boyfriend lol. I love this author. I love that she has a new series to follow. Fiona Quinn really knows how to get my attention and keep it. If you haven’t read any of her books yet...start now! I HIGHLY recommend anything she writes.
Laura D
Laura D
August 19, 2019
Scary Real!
Ms Quinn has written a book that’s a little too close to real for comfort. I was having a discussion with my nephew last week about violent video games in the hand of impressionable young people and crazies and now I read this. Avery is a romance editor at a publishing house and has been forced by her neanderthal, sorry excuse of a boss to edit a book totally out of her expertise. It is the second book based on the newest violent video game due to come out. The first book caused violence and unrest in the masses and puts Avery in danger. There is also a NDA her boss has threatened her with, a million dollar penalty and being back balled in the publishing community. Rowan is an FBI Agent who has been following a link of activity in Bulgaria to the United States and this very video game. He and Avery have been Twitter friends for years and finally decide to Skype when he discovers she’s in danger because of her involvement with the book. Avery also has the added stress of a mentally unstable mother, an apathetic selfish sister and self righteous preacher brother-in-law. I love her bestie Lola, she provides Avery chocolate and love and laughs. We also get to catch up with some of the Panther Strike Force too. This is a really great book and the first in the FBI Joint Task Force Series.
Ms Quinn has written a book that’s a little too close to real for comfort. I was having a discussion with my nephew last week about violent video games in the hand of impressionable young people and crazies and now I read this. Avery is a romance editor at a publishing house and has been forced by her neanderthal, sorry excuse of a boss to edit a book totally out of her expertise. It is the second book based on the newest violent video game due to come out. The first book caused violence and unrest in the masses and puts Avery in danger. There is also a NDA her boss has threatened her with, a million dollar penalty and being back balled in the publishing community. Rowan is an FBI Agent who has been following a link of activity in Bulgaria to the United States and this very video game. He and Avery have been Twitter friends for years and finally decide to Skype when he discovers she’s in danger because of her involvement with the book. Avery also has the added stress of a mentally unstable mother, an apathetic selfish sister and self righteous preacher brother-in-law. I love her bestie Lola, she provides Avery chocolate and love and laughs. We also get to catch up with some of the Panther Strike Force too. This is a really great book and the first in the FBI Joint Task Force Series.
August 31, 2019
A lot of mystery and intrigue. Another excellent book from Fiona Quinn. Avery Goodyear, Romance Editor finds herself at the center of Russian plot to turn Americans against one another through engineered propaganda staged within video games. The plot and story line can be taken from the page of news now so realistic. FBI attache and Field Agent, Rowan Kennedy is tasked with figuring out who in Eastern Europe between the Russians and Bulgarians is behind the plot. Avery and Rowan have never met, but turns out they are Twitter Followers of one another over the years as Rowan is a secret writer as therapy and not get published but has reached out @A_Very over the years for input and she has assisted @Row_Man and others. Good, can't wait to read the next book.
May 21, 2019
Influence
This KU library selection brought to mind the Cold War and a reputed Khruschev prediction that America would fall from within. Whether he actually said that is inconsequential, because this book lays it all out. What better way for an enemy to divide and conquer than by influencing and programming, pitting groups against each other, escalating the rhetoric and violence, and molding the enemy to defeat itself. It's an addictive trap.
This is a scary book with a different feel than other books I've read by this author. There aren't any easy answers nor quick fixes for this one. But Rowan and Avery will give it their best effort, for their country and each other.
This KU library selection brought to mind the Cold War and a reputed Khruschev prediction that America would fall from within. Whether he actually said that is inconsequential, because this book lays it all out. What better way for an enemy to divide and conquer than by influencing and programming, pitting groups against each other, escalating the rhetoric and violence, and molding the enemy to defeat itself. It's an addictive trap.
This is a scary book with a different feel than other books I've read by this author. There aren't any easy answers nor quick fixes for this one. But Rowan and Avery will give it their best effort, for their country and each other.
August 24, 2019
This story excitement level began expanding right from the start. The character interactions between Avery and Roman were well done. It was interesting to follow how the use of video games and the internet are contributing to the terror activity which is now occurring in our country.
We have already seen what the use of social media has done when the last presidential election was held.
It also points out that people have to watch out what they do in accepting data since it is so easy to attach malware and take over either your cell phone or computer.
All of the action and the lead up to the ending was well done.
This book is well worth reading.
We have already seen what the use of social media has done when the last presidential election was held.
It also points out that people have to watch out what they do in accepting data since it is so easy to attach malware and take over either your cell phone or computer.
All of the action and the lead up to the ending was well done.
This book is well worth reading.
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