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Tactical Crime Division #1
48 Hour Lockdown
The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI.They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations.
When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 30, 2020
Fast paced with tension galore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is certainly a different type of story. It has a feel of some of the headlines that you would expect to read today, unfortunately.
Tense situations abound and Cassidy wraps up that suspense and grabs your emotions right from the start. Intense characters that are on edge and just a bit crazy add to the drama.
The calm, cool, collected, albeit exhausted personality of FBI agent, Evan, who used to be involved with one of the victims, stands out in his processes and procedures. His feelings are jumbled knowing that his ex is in a precarious situation. He is an awesome character and I really connected with him and his deep ties to Annalise.
The majority of this story revolves around the lockdown and the hunt for the answers. While there is a bit heightened feelings for each other, the romance actually takes second place in the story.
The author does a marvelous job with her build up of suspense, complex characters, and police procedures. So believable and bit of an unexpected ending make this a romantic suspense worthy of kicking off the series!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/48-hour-lock...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is certainly a different type of story. It has a feel of some of the headlines that you would expect to read today, unfortunately.
Tense situations abound and Cassidy wraps up that suspense and grabs your emotions right from the start. Intense characters that are on edge and just a bit crazy add to the drama.
The calm, cool, collected, albeit exhausted personality of FBI agent, Evan, who used to be involved with one of the victims, stands out in his processes and procedures. His feelings are jumbled knowing that his ex is in a precarious situation. He is an awesome character and I really connected with him and his deep ties to Annalise.
The majority of this story revolves around the lockdown and the hunt for the answers. While there is a bit heightened feelings for each other, the romance actually takes second place in the story.
The author does a marvelous job with her build up of suspense, complex characters, and police procedures. So believable and bit of an unexpected ending make this a romantic suspense worthy of kicking off the series!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/48-hour-lock...
April 13, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
48 HOUR LOCKDOWN (Tactical Crime Division Book #1) by Carla Cassidy is the start of a new Harlequin Intrigue four book, multi author series featuring members of the FBIs Tactical Crime Division. This is a highly specialized unit of the FBI formed to handle the toughest cases at a moment’s notice anywhere in the country.
Annalise Taylor is a computer teacher at the Sandhurst School for gifted, underprivileged students. When she is with three of her most gifted young students, they are taken hostage. They are being held by an unknown armed group in their schoolroom.
Evan Duran is the best hostage negotiator in the FBI and a member of the Tactical Crime Division. When he hears of the lockdown, he is ready to go. With children in danger, he knows the stakes are high and when he learns that their teacher is Annalise, it has become personal.
This is a fast-paced romantic suspense with the introduction of the Tactical Crime Division, a second chance romance and suspense plot all intertwined well throughout the story. Annalise and Evan worked well together. The romance is what I call a cozy romance because there are no sex scenes, but the romance did progress realistically. The suspense plot through the hostage situation kept me glued to the page, but when the reason for the hostage taking was revealed, the remainder of the plot for me was not realistic. If you can suspend some belief in some of the plot in the second half of the book, you still have a fast, exciting read and are happy with the solution of the crime and the HEA.
I am looking forward to reading more about the other members of the team in future books.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 rounded up
48 HOUR LOCKDOWN (Tactical Crime Division Book #1) by Carla Cassidy is the start of a new Harlequin Intrigue four book, multi author series featuring members of the FBIs Tactical Crime Division. This is a highly specialized unit of the FBI formed to handle the toughest cases at a moment’s notice anywhere in the country.
Annalise Taylor is a computer teacher at the Sandhurst School for gifted, underprivileged students. When she is with three of her most gifted young students, they are taken hostage. They are being held by an unknown armed group in their schoolroom.
Evan Duran is the best hostage negotiator in the FBI and a member of the Tactical Crime Division. When he hears of the lockdown, he is ready to go. With children in danger, he knows the stakes are high and when he learns that their teacher is Annalise, it has become personal.
This is a fast-paced romantic suspense with the introduction of the Tactical Crime Division, a second chance romance and suspense plot all intertwined well throughout the story. Annalise and Evan worked well together. The romance is what I call a cozy romance because there are no sex scenes, but the romance did progress realistically. The suspense plot through the hostage situation kept me glued to the page, but when the reason for the hostage taking was revealed, the remainder of the plot for me was not realistic. If you can suspend some belief in some of the plot in the second half of the book, you still have a fast, exciting read and are happy with the solution of the crime and the HEA.
I am looking forward to reading more about the other members of the team in future books.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 rounded up
May 22, 2020
48 Hour Lockdown by Carla Cassidy, which is the first book in the Tactical Crime Division series, is a suspense drive tale surrounding a hostage situation. It features Annalise Taylor and Evan Duran. Annalise is a teacher at Sandhurst School for Gifted and Talented underprivileged children while Evan is the top negotiator with the Tactical Crime division a branch of the FBI.
The story began with the school being invaded and Annalise along with three of her students are held hostage. On hearing of the situation and learning that Annalise was a hostage, Evan is prepared to engage. They shared a romantic history, which ended when Annalise walked away to further her career.
As stated earlier the story was suspense driven leaving the romance to take a back seat. I had no issues with that as the suspense plot was well executed. It kept me glued to the pages. It had me turning the pages as I was intent on learning what were the motives of the hostage takers and also the identity of their inside mine.
I liked Annalise and Evan as individuals, but I never connected with them as a couple. I never felt their chemistry and their connection felt forced.
I loved how Annalise kept her head throughout the entire ordeal. Evan was driven, dedicated and determined, which made him perfect for the job. The story highlighted issues relating to his past, providing insight to the reason for his choice of career. Readers are also made privy to the emotional upheaval he experienced as a result of the ending of his relationship with Annalise.
There were a few situations throughout the hostage negotiations that had me rolling my eyes. I did eventually figure out the identity of the inside person, so the revelation near to the end cemented what I had believed.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, 48 Hour Lockdown turned out to be an interesting read. This is suitable for readers who enjoy suspense stories, where the romance is served as a side dish.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story began with the school being invaded and Annalise along with three of her students are held hostage. On hearing of the situation and learning that Annalise was a hostage, Evan is prepared to engage. They shared a romantic history, which ended when Annalise walked away to further her career.
As stated earlier the story was suspense driven leaving the romance to take a back seat. I had no issues with that as the suspense plot was well executed. It kept me glued to the pages. It had me turning the pages as I was intent on learning what were the motives of the hostage takers and also the identity of their inside mine.
I liked Annalise and Evan as individuals, but I never connected with them as a couple. I never felt their chemistry and their connection felt forced.
I loved how Annalise kept her head throughout the entire ordeal. Evan was driven, dedicated and determined, which made him perfect for the job. The story highlighted issues relating to his past, providing insight to the reason for his choice of career. Readers are also made privy to the emotional upheaval he experienced as a result of the ending of his relationship with Annalise.
There were a few situations throughout the hostage negotiations that had me rolling my eyes. I did eventually figure out the identity of the inside person, so the revelation near to the end cemented what I had believed.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, 48 Hour Lockdown turned out to be an interesting read. This is suitable for readers who enjoy suspense stories, where the romance is served as a side dish.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
April 21, 2020
When the Tactical Crime Division (TCD) learns of a school invasion they are right on the scene. With children's lives on the line, they are especially keyed up to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Evan Duran is the team's negotiator. He is beside himself when he discovers that Annalise Taylor is one of the ones being held hostage. He shares a past with Annalise and still has feelings for her. It doesn't take Evan long to discover that Annalise feels the same. Can Evan save her and the children, and will he and Annalise get a second chance at love?
48 Hour Lockdown is the thrilling first book in a four-part series by Harlequin Intrigue written by four different authors. The various members of the TCD are an elite unit of the FBI that specializes in difficult cases and can be mobilized at a moment's notice. Evan has earned a reputation as the team's best hostage negotiator and does whatever he can to free Annalise and the children.
This book, as well as the other three books in the series, focuses on taut suspense no matter the circumstances. The element of romance comes secondary, relying more on the emotions that come with each relationship revived or formed. I enjoyed Evan and Annalise in this story, as well as the nail-biting tension that carried through right until the end.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
48 Hour Lockdown is the thrilling first book in a four-part series by Harlequin Intrigue written by four different authors. The various members of the TCD are an elite unit of the FBI that specializes in difficult cases and can be mobilized at a moment's notice. Evan has earned a reputation as the team's best hostage negotiator and does whatever he can to free Annalise and the children.
This book, as well as the other three books in the series, focuses on taut suspense no matter the circumstances. The element of romance comes secondary, relying more on the emotions that come with each relationship revived or formed. I enjoyed Evan and Annalise in this story, as well as the nail-biting tension that carried through right until the end.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 12, 2020
48 Hour Lockdown by Carla Cassidy
Tactical Crime Division #1
Sandhurst School for Gifted and Talented is a place underprivileged highly intelligent young people are gifted with scholarships. Analise Taylor is a teacher at the school when it is invaded and soon surrounded by police. She is with three students in one classroom unsure who else is also in the school. Her job will be to keep her students safe while also trying to find a way out of the situation.
Evan Duran is a hostage negotiator for the Tactical Crime Division and when he hears Analise’s name he is ready to go immediately. Sure, he has a need to save the children but he also has history with Analise. He thought she was his forever woman until...she wasn’t.
Will the team be able to save the students? Will they break the bad guys and resolve the situation and if so, will they do it without bloodshed? Also, will Analise and Evan have a second chance and this time get it right? Perhaps ;)
What I liked:
* Analise: strong, intelligent, caring woman who did what it took to keep her students safe. She also was willing to go out on a limb to state her feelings.
* Evan: strong, intelligent, dedicated law enforcement person eager to make the right decision in negotiating the safety of those being held hostage. He is willing to, eventually, address some of his emotions and reach out for a possible HEA
* The TCD Team: want to get to know them better
* Sadie: One tough little girl
* The resolution and getting the bad guys in custody.
What I didn’t like:
* The bad guys, of course…
* That Evan and Analise wasted time apart that they could have been together
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Tactical Crime Division #1
Sandhurst School for Gifted and Talented is a place underprivileged highly intelligent young people are gifted with scholarships. Analise Taylor is a teacher at the school when it is invaded and soon surrounded by police. She is with three students in one classroom unsure who else is also in the school. Her job will be to keep her students safe while also trying to find a way out of the situation.
Evan Duran is a hostage negotiator for the Tactical Crime Division and when he hears Analise’s name he is ready to go immediately. Sure, he has a need to save the children but he also has history with Analise. He thought she was his forever woman until...she wasn’t.
Will the team be able to save the students? Will they break the bad guys and resolve the situation and if so, will they do it without bloodshed? Also, will Analise and Evan have a second chance and this time get it right? Perhaps ;)
What I liked:
* Analise: strong, intelligent, caring woman who did what it took to keep her students safe. She also was willing to go out on a limb to state her feelings.
* Evan: strong, intelligent, dedicated law enforcement person eager to make the right decision in negotiating the safety of those being held hostage. He is willing to, eventually, address some of his emotions and reach out for a possible HEA
* The TCD Team: want to get to know them better
* Sadie: One tough little girl
* The resolution and getting the bad guys in custody.
What I didn’t like:
* The bad guys, of course…
* That Evan and Analise wasted time apart that they could have been together
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
May 25, 2020
This was a good second chance romance combined with an intense suspense story. Annalise is a teacher at a school for gifted, underprivileged children. As the story opens, she and three students are doing some afterschool computer work. Their activities are interrupted when the school is invaded by a cult leader and several of his followers. It develops into a hostage situation when the rapid police response traps them in the school.
Evan is a hostage negotiator with the Tactical Crime Division. He is very good at what he does, and is ready to go when he hears about the lockdown. When he learns that children are involved, he knows that the stakes are high. But when he learns that Annalise is one of the hostages, the situation becomes personal.
Evan and Annalise have a history together. They were a couple for two years, then three years ago Annalise left Evan, breaking his heart. He thought their love was strong, and had no idea why she left. Though Evan thinks he is over her, it is obvious from the start that he still cares. When Annalise hears his voice, it gives her hope that the situation will be resolved successfully. As the story progresses through the lockdown and the kidnapping that follows it, the time that Evan and Annalise spend together stirs up the old emotions. A little bit older and wiser, both of them take the time to talk about what went wrong before. When Annalise learns about Evan's tragic past, it gives her insight into the issues that caused their breakup. She also has the confidence to push back against Evan when she needs to. Evan is warier. He's not sure that he wants to give his heart to her again and risk having it broken again. I loved his "aha" moment as he realized where he had gone wrong and how it opened his heart to trying again.
The suspense of the story was intense from beginning to end. The cult leader, Jacob, was one scary man. His actions during the lockdown kept the tension high from the moment it started. His refusal to talk to Evan made Evan's job even harder. I was very impressed with Annalise's ability to stay calm and her cleverness in finding a way to use her cellphone to contact Evan. The longer the lockdown went on, the harder it was to see a successful resolution. I loved the courage of the little girl, Sadie, especially when she interacted with Jacob. The rescue operation was a nail-biter and didn't go as well as they planned, when Jacob and his wife escaped and took Sadie with them. I loved the teamwork of the TCD, and how Annalise was a big part of that team. It was fascinating to follow the thoughts and procedures that went into Sadie's rescue. There were several twists, including the realization that there was someone on the inside working against the good guys. The final confrontation with Jacob was intense and led to the unmasking of the insider.
Evan is a hostage negotiator with the Tactical Crime Division. He is very good at what he does, and is ready to go when he hears about the lockdown. When he learns that children are involved, he knows that the stakes are high. But when he learns that Annalise is one of the hostages, the situation becomes personal.
Evan and Annalise have a history together. They were a couple for two years, then three years ago Annalise left Evan, breaking his heart. He thought their love was strong, and had no idea why she left. Though Evan thinks he is over her, it is obvious from the start that he still cares. When Annalise hears his voice, it gives her hope that the situation will be resolved successfully. As the story progresses through the lockdown and the kidnapping that follows it, the time that Evan and Annalise spend together stirs up the old emotions. A little bit older and wiser, both of them take the time to talk about what went wrong before. When Annalise learns about Evan's tragic past, it gives her insight into the issues that caused their breakup. She also has the confidence to push back against Evan when she needs to. Evan is warier. He's not sure that he wants to give his heart to her again and risk having it broken again. I loved his "aha" moment as he realized where he had gone wrong and how it opened his heart to trying again.
The suspense of the story was intense from beginning to end. The cult leader, Jacob, was one scary man. His actions during the lockdown kept the tension high from the moment it started. His refusal to talk to Evan made Evan's job even harder. I was very impressed with Annalise's ability to stay calm and her cleverness in finding a way to use her cellphone to contact Evan. The longer the lockdown went on, the harder it was to see a successful resolution. I loved the courage of the little girl, Sadie, especially when she interacted with Jacob. The rescue operation was a nail-biter and didn't go as well as they planned, when Jacob and his wife escaped and took Sadie with them. I loved the teamwork of the TCD, and how Annalise was a big part of that team. It was fascinating to follow the thoughts and procedures that went into Sadie's rescue. There were several twists, including the realization that there was someone on the inside working against the good guys. The final confrontation with Jacob was intense and led to the unmasking of the insider.
May 7, 2020
Ever since I saw the trailer for the Tactical Crime Division quartet on Harlequin's website, I knew I had to read it. Though reading a book with the word 'lockdown' in its title, amid a lockdown, feels surreal. This is my third read by Carla Cassidy, and this one's a slow burn in suspense. A story involving a hostage situation with a negotiator usually is.
Annalise Taylor is a teacher at the Sandhurst School for the Gifted and Talented in Pearson, North Carolina. Evan Duran works in the Tactical Crime Division of the FBI and he's the best hostage negotiator they have in the nearby area. His skills would be needed as some unidentified gunmen take Annalise and a couple of kids hostage at the school. With the gunmen unwilling to state their intentions, will Evan and his team be able to get them out in time safely?
The story starts with a prologue, a regular day in the school, albeit a special school. But no sooner are the surroundings described when gunmen storm the building where Annalise was also there with three of her students. With more than two people dead, and the police coming in hot, the gunmen take hostage the school and what happens next is exactly what the title says.
Even on his day off, Evan is eager to get to the school where his Annalise is. She broke off with him three years ago over a text message (ouch!) and he can't help but think about her all the time, about why she left him. While on the ground, he is in his full negotiator mode, trying to handle the hostage situation and worried about Annalise in equal measures.
The entire story is not about the lockdown but about Annalise and Evan and further rescue operations involving a smart little girl named Sadie. She had my heart from the beginning of the story and I wished there was more of her in the end. Also, I liked how even in third-person narration, the author involved Sadie in the narrative too. I felt so sad for the eight-year-old Evan and what he had to go through in his past. I wonder if he gets any closure in life (in the later books, maybe?), though life is not a bed of roses.
With all the suspense and danger around, there's hardly any time for romance. That being said, I loved how the author made the heroine a straight talker. The length, for some reason, seemed to me to be too short and I was expecting more from the ending.
Annalise Taylor is a teacher at the Sandhurst School for the Gifted and Talented in Pearson, North Carolina. Evan Duran works in the Tactical Crime Division of the FBI and he's the best hostage negotiator they have in the nearby area. His skills would be needed as some unidentified gunmen take Annalise and a couple of kids hostage at the school. With the gunmen unwilling to state their intentions, will Evan and his team be able to get them out in time safely?
The story starts with a prologue, a regular day in the school, albeit a special school. But no sooner are the surroundings described when gunmen storm the building where Annalise was also there with three of her students. With more than two people dead, and the police coming in hot, the gunmen take hostage the school and what happens next is exactly what the title says.
Even on his day off, Evan is eager to get to the school where his Annalise is. She broke off with him three years ago over a text message (ouch!) and he can't help but think about her all the time, about why she left him. While on the ground, he is in his full negotiator mode, trying to handle the hostage situation and worried about Annalise in equal measures.
The entire story is not about the lockdown but about Annalise and Evan and further rescue operations involving a smart little girl named Sadie. She had my heart from the beginning of the story and I wished there was more of her in the end. Also, I liked how even in third-person narration, the author involved Sadie in the narrative too. I felt so sad for the eight-year-old Evan and what he had to go through in his past. I wonder if he gets any closure in life (in the later books, maybe?), though life is not a bed of roses.
With all the suspense and danger around, there's hardly any time for romance. That being said, I loved how the author made the heroine a straight talker. The length, for some reason, seemed to me to be too short and I was expecting more from the ending.
April 5, 2020
I was looking forward to this first book in the new Tactical Crime Division series, but it just didn't work for me.
The premise is a nightmare situation. I expected to be flooded with emotion as I read. Unfortunately, the characters and dialogue fell flat, and I wasn't at all connected emotionally to the story.
Evan Duran is the stereotypical hero, Annalise is the stereotypical damsel in distress, and we also have the stereotypical incompetent small town cops.
Aspects of the plot are unrealistic. I wasn't surprised by anything, nor was I invested in the outcome.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
The premise is a nightmare situation. I expected to be flooded with emotion as I read. Unfortunately, the characters and dialogue fell flat, and I wasn't at all connected emotionally to the story.
Evan Duran is the stereotypical hero, Annalise is the stereotypical damsel in distress, and we also have the stereotypical incompetent small town cops.
Aspects of the plot are unrealistic. I wasn't surprised by anything, nor was I invested in the outcome.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
May 24, 2020
This is a gripping mix of crime thriller, suspense and second-chance romance - and a truly action packed start to this new series! Evan Duran is the agent responsible in hostage negotiation situations but when he learns that Annalise Taylor, the only woman he has ever loved, is one of the hostages in an armed school holdup he is determined to do everything he can to get her to safety and then try to win her back again.
As a teacher, this is a nightmare scenario. Knowing that the armed people who have taken over the school building have already murdered some of your colleagues and you are trapped with frightened children, not sure what the hostage takers will do next is terrifying. The anxiety of all concerned is clear portrayed throughout this action packed story. The tension builds, crests, releases and builds again at the unexpected twists as the drama unfolds. One of the children is a real heroine! I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this story. It has great characters, plenty of mysteries to be revealed and the rekindling of romance all skilfully woven into a superb read. As this is only the first in the series, I can't wait to read the next three!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being enthralled from start to finish!
As a teacher, this is a nightmare scenario. Knowing that the armed people who have taken over the school building have already murdered some of your colleagues and you are trapped with frightened children, not sure what the hostage takers will do next is terrifying. The anxiety of all concerned is clear portrayed throughout this action packed story. The tension builds, crests, releases and builds again at the unexpected twists as the drama unfolds. One of the children is a real heroine! I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this story. It has great characters, plenty of mysteries to be revealed and the rekindling of romance all skilfully woven into a superb read. As this is only the first in the series, I can't wait to read the next three!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being enthralled from start to finish!
April 30, 2020
4.5 stars.
Oh I love this suspense romance book, I'm new to this author, but now I'm a fan.
A hostage situation in a school, where children in jeopardy always got my heart racing, I'm so scared for the children and wondering how this ugly situation will end and will everyone will survive, although the reason behind the hostage is unbelieveable for me, but the suspense and thrill made up for it. There's also second chance romance that makes everything sweeter, I root for Annalise and Evan from the beginning.
This one is a perfect fast-paced suspense romance read with a perfect amount of suspense and sweetness and definitely a MUST-READ for easy-to-read suspense lovers.
This is a first book from Tactical Crime Division series and it's start with a great suspense, I knew this would be an awesome series, super exicited for the rest of the books.
Oh I love this suspense romance book, I'm new to this author, but now I'm a fan.
A hostage situation in a school, where children in jeopardy always got my heart racing, I'm so scared for the children and wondering how this ugly situation will end and will everyone will survive, although the reason behind the hostage is unbelieveable for me, but the suspense and thrill made up for it. There's also second chance romance that makes everything sweeter, I root for Annalise and Evan from the beginning.
This one is a perfect fast-paced suspense romance read with a perfect amount of suspense and sweetness and definitely a MUST-READ for easy-to-read suspense lovers.
This is a first book from Tactical Crime Division series and it's start with a great suspense, I knew this would be an awesome series, super exicited for the rest of the books.
April 12, 2020
Whew! That was one intense face paced read! That goes to say I loved it. I loved how from the moment the book started you are right in the action and can feel how tense things were. The teacher was doing everything she can to keep her small class of gifted students calm and collected in the face of unknown gunman. They faced the unknown of not knowing who the gunman were, why they were there, and as food ran low things can only get more tense. Then the readers get the other side of whats going on Evan Duran who was trying his best to negotiate and get these people out of the school safe and sound. Luckily for him he knew the teacher Annalise and they were able to get some contact but this book is going to be a long two days as they try to make sure everyone is safe. Overall pretty great book I loved every moment reading it.
April 17, 2020
My thoughts
Rating: 5
Would I recommend it ? Yes
Would I read more of this series ? Yes , so much so that I have the other three books to this series already to read ,and after reading this one I can't wait to get started on the next the one.
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First off I want to say a big thank you to the publishers of Harlequin for letting me know about this series and for inviting me to read and review it , because its definitely right up my ally and is something I would pick up in a heart beat to read, plus they had me sold the minute they said Criminal Minds ( which is one of my all time favorite shows) so there was no way I was going to let this opportunity pass me by. And I'm so glad that I didn't. Right from the start it had me hooked and I loved seen the characters in action and how strong the characters were. Another thing I loved was how close the team was, in fact I would they there more then a team I would go so far as to they that they was a family and had each others back. And while it is a suspense romance and is fast paced that doesn't take anything away from the story at all and the writing was excellent so much so that I want to check out more by this author. With that said I want to thank once again Harlequin and Netgalley for letting me read and review it.
Rating: 5
Would I recommend it ? Yes
Would I read more of this series ? Yes , so much so that I have the other three books to this series already to read ,and after reading this one I can't wait to get started on the next the one.
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First off I want to say a big thank you to the publishers of Harlequin for letting me know about this series and for inviting me to read and review it , because its definitely right up my ally and is something I would pick up in a heart beat to read, plus they had me sold the minute they said Criminal Minds ( which is one of my all time favorite shows) so there was no way I was going to let this opportunity pass me by. And I'm so glad that I didn't. Right from the start it had me hooked and I loved seen the characters in action and how strong the characters were. Another thing I loved was how close the team was, in fact I would they there more then a team I would go so far as to they that they was a family and had each others back. And while it is a suspense romance and is fast paced that doesn't take anything away from the story at all and the writing was excellent so much so that I want to check out more by this author. With that said I want to thank once again Harlequin and Netgalley for letting me read and review it.
April 6, 2020
E-galley from Harlequin Intrigue and NetGalley
48 Hour Lockdown is the start of a new series about a FBI unit (Tactical Crime Division). This book focuses on Evan, a hostage negotiator, who has been called to a school that is on lockdown after being invaded by a cult leader and a few followers. When Evan arrives it all becomes personal as he discovers a past love is involved. She’s a teacher at the school and is being held in a classroom with a few young students. From the first page the novel moves at a fast pace as the TCD team works to free the hostages and capture the criminals before more blood is shed. This is a quick read that left me looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended to fans of romantic suspense novels.
3.5 stars rounded up
48 Hour Lockdown is the start of a new series about a FBI unit (Tactical Crime Division). This book focuses on Evan, a hostage negotiator, who has been called to a school that is on lockdown after being invaded by a cult leader and a few followers. When Evan arrives it all becomes personal as he discovers a past love is involved. She’s a teacher at the school and is being held in a classroom with a few young students. From the first page the novel moves at a fast pace as the TCD team works to free the hostages and capture the criminals before more blood is shed. This is a quick read that left me looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended to fans of romantic suspense novels.
3.5 stars rounded up
October 8, 2020
Exciting and intense moments of suspense during the hostage negotiation that brings face to face old lovers while battling against a cult of culprits.
Carla Cassidy knows how to bring the readers to the edge and hold them there throughout the story. I have always enjoyed the way she tells her riveting tales. There's danger, there's passion, there is growth, there're twists and unexpected developments, thrilling, entertaining stories I love to read.
I was super excited about the 48 Hour Lockdown since I haven't had a chance to read Carla Cassidy's books for a little awhile. When I realized it was part of a new multi-author series, I went to investigate a bit more since serial novels are not for me but this one has a new hero and heroine in each installment and conclusion to the story in each book - so not a problem for me.
The Intrigue books from Harlequin are shorter in length and have the suspense on the front thus the romance gets a little less spotlight and chance to develop. It was fantastic that Evan Duran and Annalise Taylor knew each other from before, the history they had didn't end well, but the reasons for that were revealed and worked on. Evan's past demons were something he learned to recognize and knowledged to work on them. Annalise's as well had grown and matured over the time apart.
While I understand that the authors need to create the feel for the continuing series the focus and time spent on the other team members felt - for me personally - unnecessarily long. I wish that time and space could have been given to show the chemistry between Evan and Annalise, (too) much was left to the reader's imagination when it came to the connection, bond, and zizzle between them.
~ Four Spoons
Carla Cassidy knows how to bring the readers to the edge and hold them there throughout the story. I have always enjoyed the way she tells her riveting tales. There's danger, there's passion, there is growth, there're twists and unexpected developments, thrilling, entertaining stories I love to read.
I was super excited about the 48 Hour Lockdown since I haven't had a chance to read Carla Cassidy's books for a little awhile. When I realized it was part of a new multi-author series, I went to investigate a bit more since serial novels are not for me but this one has a new hero and heroine in each installment and conclusion to the story in each book - so not a problem for me.
The Intrigue books from Harlequin are shorter in length and have the suspense on the front thus the romance gets a little less spotlight and chance to develop. It was fantastic that Evan Duran and Annalise Taylor knew each other from before, the history they had didn't end well, but the reasons for that were revealed and worked on. Evan's past demons were something he learned to recognize and knowledged to work on them. Annalise's as well had grown and matured over the time apart.
While I understand that the authors need to create the feel for the continuing series the focus and time spent on the other team members felt - for me personally - unnecessarily long. I wish that time and space could have been given to show the chemistry between Evan and Annalise, (too) much was left to the reader's imagination when it came to the connection, bond, and zizzle between them.
~ Four Spoons
April 5, 2020
3.5 stars
Well-written.Enjoyed it.
Well-written.Enjoyed it.
May 9, 2020
A Hostage Situation with Children
Annalise Taylor, a computer teacher at Sandhurst School for gifted and underprivileged students, is working with three of her best students when armed gunmen storm into the classroom. She pleads with them to let the children go, but the leader is adamant. The children stay.
When the Tactical Crime Division (TCD) hears of a hostage situation with children, Evan Duran, their best hostage negotiator, knows he has to go. When he learns that Annalise, a woman he was involved with and still loves, is with the children, it becomes personal.
The characters in this novel are great. Annalise is strong and resourceful. She protects the children as best she can and manages to grab her phone to communicate with the negotiators. Evan is under tremendous pressure both because of the children and Annalise, but worse the gunman won’t talk to him and answers his questions with gunfire.
The pace is very fast with several problems in addition to getting the children out unharmed. The romance between Evan and Annalise adds to the tension. It’s hard to put the book down when so much is happening. Although some parts of the plot were not very realistic, overall it’s a good crime story.
I received this book from Harlequin for this review.
Annalise Taylor, a computer teacher at Sandhurst School for gifted and underprivileged students, is working with three of her best students when armed gunmen storm into the classroom. She pleads with them to let the children go, but the leader is adamant. The children stay.
When the Tactical Crime Division (TCD) hears of a hostage situation with children, Evan Duran, their best hostage negotiator, knows he has to go. When he learns that Annalise, a woman he was involved with and still loves, is with the children, it becomes personal.
The characters in this novel are great. Annalise is strong and resourceful. She protects the children as best she can and manages to grab her phone to communicate with the negotiators. Evan is under tremendous pressure both because of the children and Annalise, but worse the gunman won’t talk to him and answers his questions with gunfire.
The pace is very fast with several problems in addition to getting the children out unharmed. The romance between Evan and Annalise adds to the tension. It’s hard to put the book down when so much is happening. Although some parts of the plot were not very realistic, overall it’s a good crime story.
I received this book from Harlequin for this review.
Read
April 1, 2020Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Tactical Crime Division (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Tactical Crime Division (Book #1)
May 10, 2020
48 Hour Lockdown is an edge of seat romantic suspense that kicks off the Tactical Crime Division series in style. I love a good second chance romance and Evan and Annalise's second chance starts off under high tension circumstances, and Carla Cassidy builds on that tension steadily as the story progresses. We get a double whammy on the suspense side of this one. On the one hand, there are the bad guys we can see, and on the other, there's the bad guy working behind the scenes who remains a mystery until the end. Now, I did eventually guess the identity of the mystery man or woman, but the author didn't make it too easy. Then we have the romance, and I'll admit that I was a little worried about how this one would work under the circumstances, but it's very well done, and I love that time is taken for these two to take a look at what happened the first time around. All in all, this first TCD book is a fast-paced, entertaining read with characters you genuinely want to root for. It's full of tense, sit up a pay attention moments as well as a plenty of feels romance. Carla Cassidy has set the bar high for the rest of this series, and I can't wait to see what's next.
May 10, 2020
48 Hour Lockdown is a thrilling romantic suspense. It also adds the trope of second-chance romance which is one of my favorites. The best FBI negotiator in the Tactical Crime Division has to save hostages from a school one of them being his ex. Every second counts and he is going to lay it all on the line.
Evan Duran is so sure of himself and it shows in his job as a hostage negotiator. He likes to do his job well and leaves no room for mistakes. When he learns of a hostage situation at a school, he plans to get the job done like he always does. But this time there is added stress as his former ex is also being held, hostage.
Annalise Taylor is a teacher at the Sandhurst School for Gifted and Talented and is held captive. She is determined to keep her students safe.
I give 48 Hour Lockdown 4 stars. It is definitely a nail biter with a lovely second chance romance. These two characters are so different and balance each other's personalities.
Evan Duran is so sure of himself and it shows in his job as a hostage negotiator. He likes to do his job well and leaves no room for mistakes. When he learns of a hostage situation at a school, he plans to get the job done like he always does. But this time there is added stress as his former ex is also being held, hostage.
Annalise Taylor is a teacher at the Sandhurst School for Gifted and Talented and is held captive. She is determined to keep her students safe.
I give 48 Hour Lockdown 4 stars. It is definitely a nail biter with a lovely second chance romance. These two characters are so different and balance each other's personalities.
May 27, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the Tactical Crime Division series in the Harlequin Intrigue line by Harlequin Books by Carla Cassidy.
There wasn't a lot of romance in this and it was basically police procedural/detective fiction. But I am okay with that. The romance that was there is the kind I like. It is all about the emotions about two people who at one time were not really ready to be together and how this hostage situation made them both reevaluate their relationship.
This Tactical Crime Division takes on the hardest cases and it reminds me of the dynamic that Criminal Minds had in the beginning when the tv series started. This is definitely a series I want to continue on with. This is totally in my wheelhouse! Loved it!
If you love a good romantic suspense book, definitely check this one out. Harlequin Intrigue is my guilty pleasure read.
This is the first book in the Tactical Crime Division series in the Harlequin Intrigue line by Harlequin Books by Carla Cassidy.
There wasn't a lot of romance in this and it was basically police procedural/detective fiction. But I am okay with that. The romance that was there is the kind I like. It is all about the emotions about two people who at one time were not really ready to be together and how this hostage situation made them both reevaluate their relationship.
This Tactical Crime Division takes on the hardest cases and it reminds me of the dynamic that Criminal Minds had in the beginning when the tv series started. This is definitely a series I want to continue on with. This is totally in my wheelhouse! Loved it!
If you love a good romantic suspense book, definitely check this one out. Harlequin Intrigue is my guilty pleasure read.
May 9, 2020
Annalise Taylor is a teacher for gifted students in a small town. One day she is staying late with a few children when gun men storm into her classroom. What do these people want and why are they being held at gunpoint?
Evan Duran is a hostage negotiator with a special FBI taskforce TCD and his unit responds immediately to the situation. Can Evan do his job efficiently and still put his personal feelings aside when he finds out his ex girlfriend Annalise is the teacher involved?
Things start to get dicey when the gun men won’t communicate with Evan and only reply to questions with gunfire. Annalise manages to sneak her phone and communicate with Evan offering anything she can to save her students. Just when they think the hostage situation is over, it takes a turn for the worst. Can Evan and Annalise beat the clock to save a student and capture the gun men? Will Evan and Annalise be able to act on the feelings that are growing between them before Evan leaves?
This was a fabulous book written by author Carla Cassidy and a great start to the Tactical Crime Division Series by Harlequin. It was fast paced along with twists and turns when you least expect it and it also has that romantic element that readers love. I can’t wait to start the second book. Thank you to Carla Cassidy, Harlequin and NetGalley for the book to read and review.
Evan Duran is a hostage negotiator with a special FBI taskforce TCD and his unit responds immediately to the situation. Can Evan do his job efficiently and still put his personal feelings aside when he finds out his ex girlfriend Annalise is the teacher involved?
Things start to get dicey when the gun men won’t communicate with Evan and only reply to questions with gunfire. Annalise manages to sneak her phone and communicate with Evan offering anything she can to save her students. Just when they think the hostage situation is over, it takes a turn for the worst. Can Evan and Annalise beat the clock to save a student and capture the gun men? Will Evan and Annalise be able to act on the feelings that are growing between them before Evan leaves?
This was a fabulous book written by author Carla Cassidy and a great start to the Tactical Crime Division Series by Harlequin. It was fast paced along with twists and turns when you least expect it and it also has that romantic element that readers love. I can’t wait to start the second book. Thank you to Carla Cassidy, Harlequin and NetGalley for the book to read and review.
May 15, 2020
48 Hour Lockdown started so strong! It was a heart-pumping, nail-biting hostage situation right from the start. I loved Annalise! She was a strong, capable individual doing her best to keep her students safe. Unfortunately, I didn't like Evan as much and I almost wish we had more time to get to know him outside of his role as a hostage negotiator. It was great to see him in his element though.
The nature of the story severely limits the author's ability to make the rekindling of this second chance romance believable. As it stands, it feels more like the adrenaline and rescue impacting Evan and Annalise. The main concern that prompted Annalise's departure was Evan's over management/ controlling of the relationship and not being emotionally involved. In essence, he wasn't speaking her love language. I get it, buddy, it's tough. I had to seriously stress my ability to suspend belief because I seriously doubt Evan would truly be allowed to negotiate when his ex-something was a hostage. This won't bother everyone though!
Overall, it was enjoyable but the pacing was far too fast with limited time for that relationship to truly be kindled in a crisis and still last. So maybe a HFN? I would still give Cassidy's work another chance in the future. Since the rest of this series is written with other authors, I will get around to the rest of the team too.
**I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The nature of the story severely limits the author's ability to make the rekindling of this second chance romance believable. As it stands, it feels more like the adrenaline and rescue impacting Evan and Annalise. The main concern that prompted Annalise's departure was Evan's over management/ controlling of the relationship and not being emotionally involved. In essence, he wasn't speaking her love language. I get it, buddy, it's tough. I had to seriously stress my ability to suspend belief because I seriously doubt Evan would truly be allowed to negotiate when his ex-something was a hostage. This won't bother everyone though!
Overall, it was enjoyable but the pacing was far too fast with limited time for that relationship to truly be kindled in a crisis and still last. So maybe a HFN? I would still give Cassidy's work another chance in the future. Since the rest of this series is written with other authors, I will get around to the rest of the team too.
**I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 16, 2020
Talk about a fascinating book. It starts with a great action scene then it keeps going from there. This is a great second chance romance. Annalise Taylor never forgot Evan Duran. The way Carla wrote this story she showed us what separated them and what hurt them. The biggest mystery is who is behind the whole thing. The surprise is who the person is. I like the pace of this story. It slips from one problem to another easily. Each problem is unique. How they are solved is interesting to see. The wrapping up of story is well done. Worth a read. The rest of this series is just as good. J
April 18, 2021
Sorry, while the writing was good within itself, I didn't understand the point of this story or the reason for the hostage situation in the first place and called it quits half way through. There is lots of background information dumping about many side characters, so obviously the author is setting up a series. However, all this did was throw me out of the loop and I got bored.
May 11, 2020
48 Hour Lockdown by Carla Cassidy has Evan Duran, a hostage negotiator, heading to Pearson, North Carolina to rescue children and adults who were taken hostage at Sandhurst School for the Gifted and Talented. The case is personal for Evan because his ex-girlfriend, Annalise Taylor is one of the teacher’s being held hostage. Evan and Annalise broke up three yeas ago, but he still loves her. Evan will need to utilize all the resources of the Tactical Crime Division is he is to rescue the hostages from people with extreme agenda. 48 Hour Lockdown is the debut of the Tactical Crime Division series. I enjoyed meeting Evan Duran and the other individuals in the Tactical Crime Division. I thought the story was well-written and it moved along swiftly thanks to the action. Evan and Annalise still care for each other. Evan’s feelings are obvious from the moment he learns Annalise is being held hostage. I like that the romance was clean (no intimate scenes) and I like how it progressed. The tension was thick as Evan negotiated with the hostage takers who kept shooting out the windows and threatening the hostages. I enjoyed the suspense that kept me swiftly turning the pages. There is a mystery as well which was fun to solve. It was interesting to see how the police handle a hostage situation. I am looking forward to reading Silent Investigation. 48 Hour Lockdown is a riveting romantic suspense with tense situations, a touching romance, complex characters and cruel kidnappers.
April 19, 2020
Part of the Tactical Crime Division series, in which teacher Annalise Taylor is taken hostage by a pair of cultists whose reason for shooting up the school and making off with one of her pre-teen students is at first unclear. When FBI hostage negotiator Evan Duran shows up on the scene, he is shocked to discover that Annalise, a woman with whom he'd broken up years earlier, is the teacher trying to keep her students safe in a clearly unsafe situation.
As the FBI team begins to learn what is really going on, it becomes clear that the taking of hostages is only part of the scheme. But when things are looking like everything will work out well, plot twists continue until it's clear who was on the inside and helping the criminals to escape.
The remaining question, however, is can Evan and Annalise renew their previous relationship, or will they again go their separate ways when the bad guys are finally brought to justice?
As the FBI team begins to learn what is really going on, it becomes clear that the taking of hostages is only part of the scheme. But when things are looking like everything will work out well, plot twists continue until it's clear who was on the inside and helping the criminals to escape.
The remaining question, however, is can Evan and Annalise renew their previous relationship, or will they again go their separate ways when the bad guys are finally brought to justice?
April 25, 2020
Quick, easy read with plenty of drama and intrigue.
April 21, 2020
An excellent start for a new series and a gripping and entertaining romantic suspense.
I love the well thought characters, the gripping plot and how the team worked together.
I look forward to reading other instalments.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I love the well thought characters, the gripping plot and how the team worked together.
I look forward to reading other instalments.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 19, 2020
The first book in the Tactical Crime Division is a quick page turner. Other than the team, I'm still not sure what ties all four books together, but I am sure that will become more clear with the next installments.
April 14, 2020
This is the first book in a 4 book mini series by multiple authors. It is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel, meaning it’s off and running within the first few pages. In this novel you follow the story of Annalise Taylor, a teacher at the Sandhurst School for gifted who has been taken hostage with three of her most gifted students. When Evan Duran the hostage negotiator for the FBI and a member of the Tactical Crime Division hears of Analise being taken hostage, he must take quick action. The safety of the children are a concern, of course, but he also has a long standing history with Analise. Will Evan save Analise and the children? Will Evan and Analise get a second chance at love?
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