Code Conspiracy

Red, White and Built: Delta Force Deliverance #3

by Carol Ericson

Her computer is her greatest weapon.

Hacker Jerrica West doesn’t abide by the rules, so when her by-the-book ex recruits her to locate his missing Delta Force leader, she’s shocked. Gray Prescott is a hard man to refuse, but this assignment is more dangerous than either of them could have guessed. When the cybertrail exposes a terrorist plot, Jerrica must put her faith in the man she might be forced to walk away from all over again…

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Harlequin, Fiction, Romantic Suspense

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2019

About the author

Best-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerrica West is a highly-skilled hacker who works for "Dreadworm", a powerfully persistent cyber-based group intent on exposing all classified federal government information. Their agenda is to make the knowledge available to the public as a citizen's "right to know" where their tax dollars are spent. Gray Prescott is a dedicated Delta Force agent determined to clear the name of his commander, Major Rex Denver, who is AWOL after being framed as a terrorist conspirator. The one person he knows who has the special skills to help him is his former love, Jerrica. Their relationship had ended badly when he learned that she was not just a computer programmer, but a top employee of Dreadworm, an organization whose activities and objectives were directly opposed to his own beliefs. Now, in order to help his commander, he must put aside his personal feelings and also try to forget the intense emotions and passion that once existed between himself and Jerrica. While she is deciding whether or not to put aside her own memories and help him, a call from her colleague, Amit, sets into motion a chain of events that will have them on the run as they fight to foil a dangerous terrorist plot and clear Major Denver's name. Along the way, Jerrica and Gray must lower the barriers between them ad unguard their hearts enough to trust each other--did the love once so deeply felt between them ever really die? A top-notch romantic suspense thriller from super storyteller Carol Ericson.

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Paula Brandon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Within the first 20 pages, when the hero has broken into the heroine's apartment, which is on the third floor, instead of just approaching her like any normal person would, I had already tapped out of the story due to the stupidity on display. And it just didn't improve from there.

Heroine Jerrica West is a hacker that is close to deciphering the deadly plans of the terrorist group that has been framing Major Rex Denver for six bloody books now. Rex has conveniently sent her ex, Gray Prescott, to protect her. Or something. They're positive the communications she'd deciphering will uncover who is behind the terrorist plot.

Oh, I'm not even going to bother trying to recount the plot. It was in shambles. I just didn't care. We don't learn anything about why certain people within the government want to stage a sarin attack, or why they're happy to just have it occur at a memorial day party held by Gray's parents.

Carol Ericson's books are usually chock-a-block full of chatter about food, presumably to boost the word count, and it's at its absolute worst here. Because the plot was so dumb and the characters so uninteresting, the bizarre over-focus on what the characters were eating was even more frustrating. The only conspiracy I'm interested in uncovering is why Intrigue continues to publish the crap that Carol Ericson puts out.

[Warren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh.

[Jill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Ericson had me wrapped up in the hacker world. On the edge of legal, but believing you are doing the right thing. Jerrica and Gray are scorching hot together.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a few down a series but can easily be read alone. The background issue is something about an Army person being unjustly accused of something. In this story, one of the men under him, Gray, - I don't know anything about what a Delta Force is, so details would have been appreciated, and why the man isn't actually at a military base somewhere - decides to see if there is anything on computer about the issue. Well, of course the government has all kinds of matters on computer databases, but a skilled hacker will be needed. As luck would have it his ex-girlfriend is working as an ethical hacker. The well-off soldier disapproved of hacking, ironically, that was why they separated. And now he's back, asking her to breach rules and putting her life in danger.

I quite liked Jerrica, the hacker lady, but she's put at extraordinary risk as are her team-mates. They sneak in and out of their office which is odd if they are white-hat hackers, paid to pen-test firms. They communicate under the radar on message boards. And we don't see any of the usual ways of hacking which include social manipulation and phishing. Jerrica just codes worms. She is well adjusted and well-paid, but I have to think if my life was in danger I'd not be wasting my energy jumping into bed so readily with an ex.

I downloaded an ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Conspiracy by Carol Ericson is the third novel in Red, White and Built: Delta Force Deliverance series. While it can be read on its own, I believe it is better to read the series in order. Code Conspiracy has Jerrica West fighting for her life when she helps Lt. Gray Prescott prove the innocence of Major Rex Denver. The story has intrigue and suspense as they try to stay alive while uncovering terrorists’ secrets. I liked all the action which kept the pacing quick and the tension high. I thought the characters were complex and realistic. The mystery was multifaceted with unexpected and expected revelations. I like how everything came together and that there was a complete wrap up at the end. There is an epilogue that nicely concludes the series. I do want to let readers know that there is some foul language in the story along with intimate relations. Code Conspiracy is an intriguing romantic suspense with staunch soldiers, hopeful hackers, surprising revelations, express escapes, and terrifying terrorists.

[JL Coy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Code Conspiracy, the third in the Red, White and Blue: Delta Force Deliverance series. I have not yet read the first two books in the series and had absolutely no problem following along in this book - so it's a great stand alone. Carol Ericson wove a good story with some really great characters - they were believable and interesting.
Jerrica West is a hacker with Dreadworm - conspiracy theorists looking for the bad guys who are hiding among the good guys. When the leader of Delta Force gets caught up in a web that makes him look guilty of a looming terrorist plot, he sends one of his operative (Gray Prescott) to work with Dreadworm and his ex-lover to clear him and find the real people behind the terrorism.
I thought Carol did a great job at building the hacker world and all the precautions Jerrica took to remain anonymous. It seemed well constructed for the most part. I thought there were a few times that Jerrica and Gray got a bit laid-back about their situation; but for the most part - found it well plotted.
There is romance and the suspense - both important parts and shows the character development. I would have given this book 5 stars but I completely hated the epilogue. After the great book it seemed too contrived.
So, other than the last few pages, I really liked the page turning story line, the romance and the intrigue. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Twists and turns from start to finish! With the third book in her Red, White and Built: Delta Force Deliverance series, Carol Ericson brings some powerful parts of the story to life with CODE CONSPIRACY. If you've been reading the series, you know that a Delta Force team is trying to clear their AWOL commander who is being set up for things he didn't do in a terrorist conspiracy. This time Gray steps up to the plate looking for answers and is forced to look up his ex-girlfriend for help ... precisely for hacked information, the very thing he dumped her over!

Jerrica is a really interesting character. She's living her life the way she feels is right, but she will admit that she doesn't have the most stable upbringing to draw on in her quest for fairness in life. She's never forgotten Gray ... or the heartache he left her with ... so seeing him again is bittersweet.

Gray is complex. He sees things as black and white with no middle ground to fall into. He walked away from Jerrica because he believed what she was doing was wrong, but as she steps up to help him find the info he needs to clear Major Denver, he realizes how wrong he was and how much she truly does care about justice.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced book filled with action and intrigue. This was my favorite in the series, but all have been spot on in leading us to answers to the mystery.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerrica West works for the notorious hacker Olaf who founded Dreadworm. She has a mission. She wants government to be transparent. Her work has lead her to isolate herself and to be paranoid. When her ex, Gray Prescott, seeks her out asking her to use her talents to help exonerate his Delta Force Commander. Jerrica agrees. Her goal is truth and justice. Gray has never gotten over Jerrica. He still loves her, but he doesn't approve of her hacking. To be successful they need to work together. After all finding the mastermind and stop the bloodshed is imperative. Jerrica has put her life on the line. Will Gray be able to protect her? Code Conspiracy is filled with unforgettable characters. The dangee keeps building up as Jerrica and Gray struggle to stop a horrific attack in US soil. I felt that these two belonged together. I wanted them to take advantage of their second chance. I thought that working together would make them realize how important they were to each other. Carol Ericson wrote characters that I cared about. The dialogue and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. The tension was unbelievable. What a wild ride!
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.

What happens when the government you swore to protect and defend turns its back on you…or even worse, puts a target on your back?

Delta Force commander, Rex Denver is on the run after getting too close to discovering a mole inside the US government, maybe even in the CIA itself. Now the target is on his back. But his Delta Team members believe in him. Gray Prescott reaches out to ex-girlfriend and current hacker Jessica West to ask her to use her amazing skills to get into the CIA’s data. But when he reluctantly reaches out to her, he discovers she and her co-worker have already discovered the plot and are working hard to back track it to its source.

But now it seems their deep digging has put her at risk. Can she, with Gray’s protection, stay alive long enough to find out who is trying to take down the U.S. government and thwart their plans? Can Jessica put aside her distrust in both Gray and the government to hack her way to the bottom of this conspiracy?

Rip roaring action, fast-paced from beginning to end. This is a book you’ll want to read in one setting, so make sure to set aside a few uninterrupted hours.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerrica is a hacker and surprised when her ex wants her help to locate a missing Delta Force Leader. When a couple of mishaps and shots are fired it seems they stepped in the middle of something that can get them killed and will try to find out who is behind everything.

There is so much going on in this book that'll keep the readers entertained from beginning to end. While there is that romance to keep things a bit heated I loved watching as they find clues to finding the person they are searching for and seeing them being caught on their toes as things start to get more complicated. You know what this review is vague but trust me when I say if you love a good suspense novel you'll like this book.

[Valri Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Carol's books and she knows how to write fast-paced romantic suspense! This book is a good example! Jerrica and Gray were great examples of fantastic characters in a military/ government story. Jerrica is a hacker that delves into making a more transparent government. Gray is her ex, a Delta Force soldier. A very interesting combination! However, they get back together when Gray's leader goes mission and he knows Jerrica is the only one who can find him. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took. I kept trying to figure things out, only to have another twist in the story! In the end, it's up to Gray to trust Jerrica - will he do it? Read the story and find out!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix a hacker and a Delta Force man? Code Conspiracy! Can you say non stop? The action was non stop. I kept wanting to yell wait catch a breath; then I realized if I was hacker and the powerful were after me, there would be no time out. This is a fast paced, roller coaster ride and I didn't want off. The corker, the hacker (Jerrica) and the Delta Force (Gray) are ex boyfriend girlfriend. I have to admit I fell for the red herring, and still didn't believe it wouldn't turn out to be him. Nicely done! This was really a great engaging story, the romance was delightful, the conspiracy raised questions of possibilities in our world today. Thank you for the arc Carol Ericson. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions, all unsolicited.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this author a few years ago with the series Brody Law. I remember I adored the writing style and the way I could escape into a good intrigue. So when given the opportunity to dive into another novel by this author I jumped for sure into it. This intrigue centers around Jerrica whom Gray needs her help in a way that surprises her. That is also the hook that catches the reader snaring them into this to see where it goes. It is also a second chance. The drama will escalate with things growing hot. This is also a picture of how if allowed love can heal trust and mend a few other things along the way. Oh this was exciting and so glad to have not missed it.

[Angela Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Jerrica, a hacker and Gray a member of Delta Force must put aside their past and work together to clear Gray's commander of a set up as well as prevent attacks on U.S. Soil. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there is another twist that blows your theory out of the water. This book is action packed and an absolute page turner, full of danger and intrigue. Can the Hacker and Delta Force Solider work together ? No spoilers here, you will have to read it to find out and you won't be disappointed!

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all Harlequin Suspense Romance stories they fill in a lot of information in very short book.
Code Conspiracy is a balance of romance and suspense that will have readers wanting more by Carol Ericson and her cast of characters.

The story flows well, the romance is what you come to expect from these types of book. The action is fast pace and will have readers enjoying every last second of the book and excited for more in the series.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of Carol Ericson Code Conspiracy

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a fascinating book. It has a excellent storyline, that will have you having a hard time putting it down. I love Jerrica West and her mad skills with a computer. This is a great second chance romance. Grey Prescott is a interesting character for he is very down to earth despite his well to background. Carol does a excellent job of drawing you into the story. Its a excellent combination of suspense, action and romance. I really found the storyline fascinating. I'm looking forward to her next book. J

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica and Gray have a history together, but when Gray needs help he turns to Jessica and her unique skills that once broke them apart. Jessica has hacked deep into information that someone or group doesn't want anyone to know about. They're prepared to kill to keep this information quite. this story can be read as a stand-alone but you will get more involved if you have read the first two books. The story is well-paced with intrigue, action, and romance to keep you reading until the end.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: This is labeled as book 3 of a miniseries. It is not. It is actually the sixth and final book of a continuing story that takes place over two 3-book miniseries with different names (Red, White & Built: Pumped Up and Red, White & Built: Delta Force Deliverance). I was almost to end of this book when I discovered I didn't miss just book 1 of this series, but I missed books 1-4 of the whole storyline.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Conspiracy by Carol Ericson is the third novel in Red, White and Built: Delta Force Deliverance series. While it can be read on its own, I believe it is better to read the series in order. Code Conspiracy has Jerrica West fighting for her life when she helps Lt. Gray Prescott prove the innocence of Major Rex Denver. The story has intrigue and suspense as they try to stay alive while uncovering terrorists’ secrets. I liked all the action which kept the pacing quick and the tension high. I thought the characters were complex and realistic. The mystery was multifaceted with unexpected and expected revelations. I like how everything came together and that there was a complete wrap up at the end. There is an epilogue that nicely concludes the series. I do want to let readers know that there is some foul language in the story along with intimate relations. Code Conspiracy is an intriguing romantic suspense with staunch soldiers, hopeful hackers, surprising revelations, express escapes, and terrifying terrorists.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Conspiracy
Carol Ericson
Another thriller of looking for their missing Delta Force leader. Grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go. It was a late night read because I had to see how Jessica and Gray were going to survive all the suspense and would they be able to finally settle their issues.
A great read in the Red, White, and Built:Delta Force Deliverance Book 3.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well-written, fast-paced book. The main characters were interesting and I was quickly caught up in the story, wanting to find out what would happen next and how it would end. This was an entertaining book and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow on their journey. I hadn’t read this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Red, White and Built: Delta Force Deliverance (Book #3)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Red, White and Built: Delta Force Deliverance (Book #3)

[Sunday Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, shade of The Net.....