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Cipher Security #1
Code of Conduct
** 2021 RWA Vivian Award Finalist – Romantic Suspense **
** Finalist in the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards **
There are three things you need to know about Shane P.I.
1) P.I. is not her last name, it’s her job title,
2) Her specialty is catching cheaters, and
3) She’s a superhuman – kind of.
Gabriel is a security expert for Cipher Security, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P.I.
Their attraction is like an elephant in a room full of breakable things, and figuring out how to trust each other with their hearts, and maybe their lives, is the most fragile thing of all.
‘Code of Conduct’ is a full-length contemporary romantic suspense, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Cipher Security series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
** Finalist in the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards **
There are three things you need to know about Shane P.I.
1) P.I. is not her last name, it’s her job title,
2) Her specialty is catching cheaters, and
3) She’s a superhuman – kind of.
Gabriel is a security expert for Cipher Security, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P.I.
Their attraction is like an elephant in a room full of breakable things, and figuring out how to trust each other with their hearts, and maybe their lives, is the most fragile thing of all.
‘Code of Conduct’ is a full-length contemporary romantic suspense, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Cipher Security series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
364 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
350 people are currently reading
6684 people want to read
About the author
April White
31 books1,136 followersAPRIL WHITE has been a film producer, private investigator, bouncer, teacher and screenwriter. She has climbed in the Himalayas, survived a shipwreck, and lived on a gold mine in the Yukon. She and her husband share their home in Southern California with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.
Her first novel, Marking Time is the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and all five books in the Immortal Descendants series are on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. Code of Conduct is an RWA Vivian Award finalist for romantic suspense, a Next Generation Award finalist for romance, and RONE Award finalist for suspense. And Death's Door is a Grand Prize winner of the Next Generation Award, and a Foreword Reviews Award finalist. More information and her blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com.
Her first novel, Marking Time is the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and all five books in the Immortal Descendants series are on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. Code of Conduct is an RWA Vivian Award finalist for romantic suspense, a Next Generation Award finalist for romance, and RONE Award finalist for suspense. And Death's Door is a Grand Prize winner of the Next Generation Award, and a Foreword Reviews Award finalist. More information and her blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 599 reviews
September 13, 2019
4 stars
Code of Conduct is my first book by April White, and it was a real win for me. Initially, I picked this up because I knew it was going to be in the world of Penny Reid's Cipher Security, and I love those characters. There was a lot of them in this book, so Reid fan's won't be disappointed. But Gabriel and Shane's story also stood out on it's own.
Shane is a PI and specializes in catching cheaters. While catching one, she crosses paths with a few guys from Cipher Security. Gabriel Eze is one of those guys. Shane finds herself in a bit of trouble with said cheater, and Cipher Security needs her help. While trying to figure everything out, she consults with them and starts to spend a lot more time with Gabriel...
There was such a great build up to the romance between these two. I love a good slow burn romance. I also love strong female leads, and Shane is one of the strongest heroines I've read about in a while. She has such a kick-ass, take no crap personality and I loved it. I also loved Gabriel. He's family oriented, sweet, and anyone who loves show-tunes like me is amazing in my book. It took a while for Shane to open up to Gabriel, but he was patient with her always. And when they were finally together, it was fire. I loved so much how Gabriel saw Shane and got her to see herself. It made my heart so happy.
I really did enjoy this book lots, the only reason it missed the five star mark for me is that it did start off a bit slow for me and took me a while to connect. I attribute that to the fact that it's a romantic suspense and that's not my favorite type of romance. Still, I'm so glad I picked this one up because I loved so much about it, plus I found a new author to read! April White's writing was fantastic and I can't wait to dive into more of her books in the future.
You don't need to read any of Penny Reid's books to read this one, but I can't recommend enough that you pick up 'Love Hacked'. It's one of my favorite Penny books and Sandra and Alex are my favorite couple of hers. They do play a somewhat prominent part in this story so if you've read and loved that book like me, you'll be plesently surprised. I found myself with a huge smile on my face every time they were on the page.
If you're looking for a character driven romantic suspense with a lot of tension and a great slow burn, pick this one up!!
Code of Conduct is my first book by April White, and it was a real win for me. Initially, I picked this up because I knew it was going to be in the world of Penny Reid's Cipher Security, and I love those characters. There was a lot of them in this book, so Reid fan's won't be disappointed. But Gabriel and Shane's story also stood out on it's own.
Shane is a PI and specializes in catching cheaters. While catching one, she crosses paths with a few guys from Cipher Security. Gabriel Eze is one of those guys. Shane finds herself in a bit of trouble with said cheater, and Cipher Security needs her help. While trying to figure everything out, she consults with them and starts to spend a lot more time with Gabriel...
“You could never be normal. Extraordinary is not normal. Stunning is not normal. Brilliant is. Not. Normal.”
There was such a great build up to the romance between these two. I love a good slow burn romance. I also love strong female leads, and Shane is one of the strongest heroines I've read about in a while. She has such a kick-ass, take no crap personality and I loved it. I also loved Gabriel. He's family oriented, sweet, and anyone who loves show-tunes like me is amazing in my book. It took a while for Shane to open up to Gabriel, but he was patient with her always. And when they were finally together, it was fire. I loved so much how Gabriel saw Shane and got her to see herself. It made my heart so happy.
I really did enjoy this book lots, the only reason it missed the five star mark for me is that it did start off a bit slow for me and took me a while to connect. I attribute that to the fact that it's a romantic suspense and that's not my favorite type of romance. Still, I'm so glad I picked this one up because I loved so much about it, plus I found a new author to read! April White's writing was fantastic and I can't wait to dive into more of her books in the future.
You don't need to read any of Penny Reid's books to read this one, but I can't recommend enough that you pick up 'Love Hacked'. It's one of my favorite Penny books and Sandra and Alex are my favorite couple of hers. They do play a somewhat prominent part in this story so if you've read and loved that book like me, you'll be plesently surprised. I found myself with a huge smile on my face every time they were on the page.
If you're looking for a character driven romantic suspense with a lot of tension and a great slow burn, pick this one up!!
Want to read
October 15, 2019
Do you miss Alex and Dan and Quinn? You can catch up with them and the rest of the Knitting in the City gang in Code of Conduct by April White which is ALIVE and available everywhere across the internet! Grab it today!
** eBook Links **
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2oAwgAi
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Bdd5zd
Nook: http://bit.ly/2MLOExQ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/32dGZix
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2IUnKTt
Add to your shelf on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2MraecK
** Blurb **
There are three things you need to know about Shane P.I.
1) P.I. is not her last name, it’s her job title,
2) Her specialty is catching cheaters, and
3) She’s a superhuman – kind of.
Gabriel is a security expert for Cipher Security, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P.I.
Their attraction is like an elephant in a room full of breakable things, and figuring out how to trust each other with their hearts, and maybe their lives, is the most fragile thing of all.
'Code of Conduct' is a full-length contemporary romantic suspense, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Cipher Security series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
April 26, 2020
5 plus stars
Just the fact that I added this to my favorites of the year should tell you everything there is to say!
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Everything about this book was just perfect;
- the writing is flawless
- characters are smart, unique, badass, equally both hero & heroine
- the plot is engaging, keeps you guessing till the end; also it is very current what happening in the world right now, and just like many Penny's books will make you learn something new or it will make you research about it
- side characters are spot on, it feels like the author truly gets the essence of Alex, Sandra, Quinn & Dan, from Penny's KiTC series
This book is everything that I love about reading books!
This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!
April White you just got yourself a fan!
Just the fact that I added this to my favorites of the year should tell you everything there is to say!
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Everything about this book was just perfect;
- the writing is flawless
- characters are smart, unique, badass, equally both hero & heroine
- the plot is engaging, keeps you guessing till the end; also it is very current what happening in the world right now, and just like many Penny's books will make you learn something new or it will make you research about it
- side characters are spot on, it feels like the author truly gets the essence of Alex, Sandra, Quinn & Dan, from Penny's KiTC series
This book is everything that I love about reading books!
This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!
April White you just got yourself a fan!
October 15, 2019
5 STARS
Such a lovely story, I really don't know why I haven't tried this author before!I fall in love immediately with the story and I just couldn't put it down!It was fun,refreshing,sweet and heartwarming!The concept was brilliant and the characters lovable!
I loved everything in this book, it has suspense and the romance is on point!I adored both characters and they intrigued me!Shane and Gabriel make me swoon!Such a great personalities!Their romance was sweet and sexy!
I loved the writing so much and it was fast paced!I'm definitely going to read April White's other books!If you are looking for a refreshing story with a sexy hero this is definitely for you!!
Such a lovely story, I really don't know why I haven't tried this author before!I fall in love immediately with the story and I just couldn't put it down!It was fun,refreshing,sweet and heartwarming!The concept was brilliant and the characters lovable!
I loved everything in this book, it has suspense and the romance is on point!I adored both characters and they intrigued me!Shane and Gabriel make me swoon!Such a great personalities!Their romance was sweet and sexy!
I loved the writing so much and it was fast paced!I'm definitely going to read April White's other books!If you are looking for a refreshing story with a sexy hero this is definitely for you!!
April 18, 2023
This was a good suspense book with a small side of romance.
I really got into this book at the beginning, the action started right away and the female lead character, Shane, was very compelling. I loved how she was portrayed and loved the meet cute between her and Gabriel, the male lead.
This author really knows how to write strong and vulnerable characters and you could tell that diversity and originality were important to her. Her characters were also very authentic and their backgrounds seemed well researched.
The suspense plot itself was good at the get go but then kind of lost its momentum. The middle of the book seemed to be more of an opportunity for the author to feature her political ideologies instead of focusing on driving the plot forward. Though I do agree with her viewpoint, mostly, it was a little more social commentary on American society than I care for as a Canadian who avoids listening to the messy and angry arguments of my neighbours. I think a little would have been ok and fit with the characters and their situation, but it wasn’t a little bit, and it took away from the story for me. This is a romance after all and mainly I read them for escape.
A couple other things that prevented me from fully enjoying this book were:
> Shane’s reasons for abandoning her whole life, family and identity were a bit weak. Who does that? I thought it was something seriously terrible and kinda made me lose respect for her as a bad ass Jane Bond. Yes it was sad and her mother and ex were terrible, but I thought she was running for her life the way she acted.
>Also I didn’t love the whole automatic gal pal acceptance that many series books tend to do with previous characters. As this was the first in a series I was annoyed by all the existing characters whom I’d never heard of but apparently live in the ‘Smarty Pants’ world. It was a bit ham-fisted and obvious. Also I hate when authors cross-over into each others’ worlds, it feels gimmicky. Create a new world all your own and don’t use others’ set ups as crutches. So many side characters were perfectly perfect couples living their epilogues, and since I didn’t know them, I didn’t care, so I skimmed.
> The spice levels were very low and the author spent a lot of time edging us but then cock blocking the mains when they’d get close to sealing the deal. I don’t like the sex interruptis ploy to delay gratification, it’s annoying. Have your slow burns all you want, but don’t tease us with almost doing it over and over.
> Some of the suspense plot line was slow moving towards the end, I would have liked more action. Lots of withholding info that went on too long. You can tell it’s not moving fast enough when I turn the playback speed to 2.5x.
However overall this is a good read and a decent audiobook. I enjoyed this author quite a bit and I always love a good dog character and Oscar was a good boy.
I really got into this book at the beginning, the action started right away and the female lead character, Shane, was very compelling. I loved how she was portrayed and loved the meet cute between her and Gabriel, the male lead.
This author really knows how to write strong and vulnerable characters and you could tell that diversity and originality were important to her. Her characters were also very authentic and their backgrounds seemed well researched.
The suspense plot itself was good at the get go but then kind of lost its momentum. The middle of the book seemed to be more of an opportunity for the author to feature her political ideologies instead of focusing on driving the plot forward. Though I do agree with her viewpoint, mostly, it was a little more social commentary on American society than I care for as a Canadian who avoids listening to the messy and angry arguments of my neighbours. I think a little would have been ok and fit with the characters and their situation, but it wasn’t a little bit, and it took away from the story for me. This is a romance after all and mainly I read them for escape.
A couple other things that prevented me from fully enjoying this book were:
> Shane’s reasons for abandoning her whole life, family and identity were a bit weak. Who does that? I thought it was something seriously terrible and kinda made me lose respect for her as a bad ass Jane Bond. Yes it was sad and her mother and ex were terrible, but I thought she was running for her life the way she acted.
>Also I didn’t love the whole automatic gal pal acceptance that many series books tend to do with previous characters. As this was the first in a series I was annoyed by all the existing characters whom I’d never heard of but apparently live in the ‘Smarty Pants’ world. It was a bit ham-fisted and obvious. Also I hate when authors cross-over into each others’ worlds, it feels gimmicky. Create a new world all your own and don’t use others’ set ups as crutches. So many side characters were perfectly perfect couples living their epilogues, and since I didn’t know them, I didn’t care, so I skimmed.
> The spice levels were very low and the author spent a lot of time edging us but then cock blocking the mains when they’d get close to sealing the deal. I don’t like the sex interruptis ploy to delay gratification, it’s annoying. Have your slow burns all you want, but don’t tease us with almost doing it over and over.
> Some of the suspense plot line was slow moving towards the end, I would have liked more action. Lots of withholding info that went on too long. You can tell it’s not moving fast enough when I turn the playback speed to 2.5x.
However overall this is a good read and a decent audiobook. I enjoyed this author quite a bit and I always love a good dog character and Oscar was a good boy.
May 3, 2020
The Cipher Security series is free to read in kindle unlimited for the next couple of months!
Code of Conduct: https://amzn.to/3feRM2K
Code of Honor: https://amzn.to/2VWxjs4
September 25, 2019
I highly recommend this book! This is the second book I have read in the Smartypant Romance series and I have loved both. Code of Conduct takes place in Penny Reid’s Cipher Security world. I absolutely love a modern romance mixed with a mystery so this was the perfect set up for me. April White created two amazing characters as the leads in this novel. Shane is a strong willed PI with a vulnerability that made her really likable. She is also an amputee which I thought was depicted beautifully and added to her strength. Gabriel is a sexy new employee at Cipher Security. He was drawn to Shane from the start and their chemistry jumped off the pages. This was an intriguing and intelligent read that I read through quickly. Code of Conduct was a truly smart romance that I couldn’t put down. This book has cameos from our favorite knitting in the city characters but can also be read as a stand-alone. However, you are doing yourself a major disservice if you don’t read the knitting in the city books as well. The cameos were great and it was like catching up with old friends. I especially loved the friendship that developed between Sandra and Shane. Shane and Gabriel are welcome additions to the Penny-verse. This was my first novel by April White and I plan to read more in the very near future.
This ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
April 15, 2021
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Smartypants Romance Author April White for her recent awesome accomplishment! Code of Conduct is a Romantic Suspense finalist in the first ever RWA VIVIAN Awards. We are so thrilled for her!Have you read Code of Conduct and experienced the fun and adventure of the Cipher Security series?
** BLURB **
** 2021 RWA Vivian Award Finalist – Romantic Suspense **
** Finalist in the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards **
“The slow-burn romance between Gabriel and Shane becomes delicious torture. This is a winner.”
– Publishers Weekly Starred Review
There are three things you need to know about Shane P.I.
1) P.I. is not her last name, it’s her job title,
2) Her specialty is catching cheaters, and
3) She’s a superhuman – kind of.
Gabriel is a security expert for Cipher Security, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P.I.
Their attraction is like an elephant in a room full of breakable things, and figuring out how to trust each other with their hearts, and maybe their lives, is the most fragile thing of all.
‘Code of Conduct’ is a full-length contemporary romantic suspense, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Cipher Security series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
** Grab your copy far and wide **
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33SC1Ih
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2W3JIss
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2pGRZGO
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2JeSoqW
AppleBooks: http://bit.ly/AppleCOC
Nook: http://bit.ly/2jXkVHY
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2jXkQUG
Google Play: http://bit.ly/GooglePlayCOC
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/33UyPvO
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2lZklKt
February 27, 2023
I love this book. It's the first book I wrote for Penny Reid's Smartypants Romance imprint, the first contemporary romance I wrote, and the first time I really pushed myself outside of my default with my main characters. It also won a bunch of awards, which is gratifying.
Shane shares more than a few opinions with me, and Gabriel is just out there as a dreamy book boyfriend, with a deep kindness I wish everyone had.
You can find the ebook on Amazon and everywhere else, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
September 10, 2021
“The rules are different for both of us, and I can’t pretend to know what your rules are, just as mine must be baffling to you. I assume you’ve never been a woman—” he smiled at that, which let some of the tension seep out of his features “—and you appear to be in possession of all of your limbs, while I have no idea what it’s like to be black in America, nor how an English Jamaican Nigerian man navigates a landscape full of assumptions that have nothing to do with who he actually is.”
To say I loved this story would be an understatement. I’m still processing it all at 2am, my brain is trying to catch up with my heart. If you love interracial romance with suspense, mystery and full on action, then this story is for you. Not to mention a delicious slow burn full of underlying sexual tension that explodes into something more beautiful than words can do justice, but April did such a stellar job of doing.
First of all, writing a black man with all the complexities, struggles and racism that is faced on a daily basis, I feel the author did extremely well and with such care and accuracy. I appreciate the obvious research that she did which was very evident in the flawless way she wrote Gabriel’s character. I truly love him. His fierce loyalty, protectiveness and love for Shane fills my soul.
I love strong, bad ass, take no sh*t heroines. Now, add one with a prosthetic leg, and multiply fierce warrior x10, and you have Shane. She is a private investigator that hunts down cheaters for a living. Where Penny Reid’s world comes into play—Cipher Security, hence, where she meets Gabriel Eze. They literally run into each other and it is an instant “zing” that takes place for both of them.
If you love Penny’s Knitting in The City Series, then you will love seeing several beloved characters from those books. It’s like a big reunion, and written superbly.
I love how Gabriel got Shane to truly see herself by peeling off one layer at a time until there was just tender vulnerability and trust there. Both Gabriel and Shane seeing how they could trust in the love they had for each other was beautiful and I appreciate the journey it took them to get there.
I loved this story so much!!
To say I loved this story would be an understatement. I’m still processing it all at 2am, my brain is trying to catch up with my heart. If you love interracial romance with suspense, mystery and full on action, then this story is for you. Not to mention a delicious slow burn full of underlying sexual tension that explodes into something more beautiful than words can do justice, but April did such a stellar job of doing.
First of all, writing a black man with all the complexities, struggles and racism that is faced on a daily basis, I feel the author did extremely well and with such care and accuracy. I appreciate the obvious research that she did which was very evident in the flawless way she wrote Gabriel’s character. I truly love him. His fierce loyalty, protectiveness and love for Shane fills my soul.
I love strong, bad ass, take no sh*t heroines. Now, add one with a prosthetic leg, and multiply fierce warrior x10, and you have Shane. She is a private investigator that hunts down cheaters for a living. Where Penny Reid’s world comes into play—Cipher Security, hence, where she meets Gabriel Eze. They literally run into each other and it is an instant “zing” that takes place for both of them.
If you love Penny’s Knitting in The City Series, then you will love seeing several beloved characters from those books. It’s like a big reunion, and written superbly.
I love how Gabriel got Shane to truly see herself by peeling off one layer at a time until there was just tender vulnerability and trust there. Both Gabriel and Shane seeing how they could trust in the love they had for each other was beautiful and I appreciate the journey it took them to get there.
I loved this story so much!!
February 19, 2020
4 stars
Just a quick note letting you know that this series is part of the Smartypants romance by Penny Reid. This one specifically is a spin-off of the first book from her series Knitting in the City and revolves around the security firm Quinn Sullivan, the hero of that book, owns. Several characters from the Knitting series appear including Fiona and Sandra.
I wouldn't even have known about this if not for my lovely friend Kate and her fab review! Had no idea about this series whatsoever and after reading the Green Valley Library series, I can say that this series is more to my tastes than that one. And that's saying a lot as I'm usually a sucker for librarians.
Just a quick note letting you know that this series is part of the Smartypants romance by Penny Reid. This one specifically is a spin-off of the first book from her series Knitting in the City and revolves around the security firm Quinn Sullivan, the hero of that book, owns. Several characters from the Knitting series appear including Fiona and Sandra.
I wouldn't even have known about this if not for my lovely friend Kate and her fab review! Had no idea about this series whatsoever and after reading the Green Valley Library series, I can say that this series is more to my tastes than that one. And that's saying a lot as I'm usually a sucker for librarians.
April 3, 2023
Tbh this was really cute and everything but I didn’t really care?? Idk I couldn’t connect to them and basically skimmed a lot.
I liked the characters don’t get me wrong. They were fully fleshed out, had great banter, adorable together but I just couldn’t bring myself to get invested in them as a couple.
And the guy was British svjsdjkdndhd *deep breath* if you know me then you know exactly what kind of scream that was <3
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
The character crossovers were so interesting! I can’t wait to read the other books from the Penny Reid universe.
I liked the characters don’t get me wrong. They were fully fleshed out, had great banter, adorable together but I just couldn’t bring myself to get invested in them as a couple.
And the guy was British svjsdjkdndhd *deep breath* if you know me then you know exactly what kind of scream that was <3
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
The character crossovers were so interesting! I can’t wait to read the other books from the Penny Reid universe.
October 21, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
“You must wonder what attracted me to you,” Dane said with a knowing smile. Actually, I was mentally calculating my billable hours and hoping to be done here in less than thirty minutes because … round numbers. “You read my mind,” I said with a low, breathy voice. To my own ears I sounded asthmatic, but experience had taught me that horny guys dug breathless women.
I looked at his phone. “Can I see your profile? I’ve been trying to decide if I want to join.” … “Go ahead. Just don’t swipe right on any ugly chicks.” Just for that I’d be swiping right on the biggest, most redneck, Deliverance-looking guy I could find.
I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.
The women of my family all believed that secrets were just lies waiting to happen, and problems were to be aired out like musty rooms with the dust covers ripped off for everyone to see the state of your furniture.
I crave you. You’re like the air when I’m underwater, or like fire when I’m frostbitten.
My Review:
Before picking up this captivating book, April White was a completely unknown entity to me as I don’t often read paranormal or historical tales, but she has leapt far and away from her typical genres with this cleverly penned Romantic Suspense entry into Penny Reid’s Universe of Smartypants Romance. Ms. White’s volume was a seamless insertion using several of Ms. Reid’s established characters from a previous series, some I was familiar with, many I was not as I haven’t read the Knitting in the City series, although that didn’t seem to matter at all.
Ms. White’s nimble writing quickly drew me into the story and held my interest and curiosity throughout. The storylines and writing style were unfailingly engaging and well-balanced between heart-squeezing insights and cleverly amusing levity. The characters were enticing, charismatic, uncommonly quirky, and highly likable. I do loves me a kickass chick and my new gal-pal Shane pulled that off with breath to spare. Shane was a striking female who deserves Superhero status given her cool bravado and sleek wardrobe of tricked-out prosthetic legs with badass gadgets hidden inside. I adored her and her new partner Gabriel as they stumbled into an intriguing case that kept mushrooming from the cheating husband scenario it started out to be. Their adventure was well-crafted and highly entertaining and sets the bar high for subsequent volumes.
“You must wonder what attracted me to you,” Dane said with a knowing smile. Actually, I was mentally calculating my billable hours and hoping to be done here in less than thirty minutes because … round numbers. “You read my mind,” I said with a low, breathy voice. To my own ears I sounded asthmatic, but experience had taught me that horny guys dug breathless women.
I looked at his phone. “Can I see your profile? I’ve been trying to decide if I want to join.” … “Go ahead. Just don’t swipe right on any ugly chicks.” Just for that I’d be swiping right on the biggest, most redneck, Deliverance-looking guy I could find.
I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.
The women of my family all believed that secrets were just lies waiting to happen, and problems were to be aired out like musty rooms with the dust covers ripped off for everyone to see the state of your furniture.
I crave you. You’re like the air when I’m underwater, or like fire when I’m frostbitten.
My Review:
Before picking up this captivating book, April White was a completely unknown entity to me as I don’t often read paranormal or historical tales, but she has leapt far and away from her typical genres with this cleverly penned Romantic Suspense entry into Penny Reid’s Universe of Smartypants Romance. Ms. White’s volume was a seamless insertion using several of Ms. Reid’s established characters from a previous series, some I was familiar with, many I was not as I haven’t read the Knitting in the City series, although that didn’t seem to matter at all.
Ms. White’s nimble writing quickly drew me into the story and held my interest and curiosity throughout. The storylines and writing style were unfailingly engaging and well-balanced between heart-squeezing insights and cleverly amusing levity. The characters were enticing, charismatic, uncommonly quirky, and highly likable. I do loves me a kickass chick and my new gal-pal Shane pulled that off with breath to spare. Shane was a striking female who deserves Superhero status given her cool bravado and sleek wardrobe of tricked-out prosthetic legs with badass gadgets hidden inside. I adored her and her new partner Gabriel as they stumbled into an intriguing case that kept mushrooming from the cheating husband scenario it started out to be. Their adventure was well-crafted and highly entertaining and sets the bar high for subsequent volumes.
December 6, 2022
BREAKING ALL RULES, IT'S FREE!!!!
4.5 A Beautiful Partnership Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
RWA 2021 Vivian Finalist!!! Congratulations!!!!
2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Romance!!!
I had a full review lording the wonders of April White's writing, the slow burn and this being a Suspense/Romance. I then did something I haven't done in a very long time...I went and clicked the wrong button and poof...the entire review, GONE.
So there is that. I Love April White's writing, the story was very strong with a bit of a ramp-up and then a slow love burn to be enjoyed.
Take care, and be happy the next entry is coming to us very soon.
Code of Conduct, (Cipher Security, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cod of Honor (Cipher Security, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Code of Ethics (Cipher Security, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reviewing ~~~~~
It has only taken me FOREVER to finally be able to read this!
I love April White's Writing So Much, Excited ❤️
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
Slim Buckets who Think They are All That...
Never Think They will be Caught Cheating...
Shock of Shocks, They Do Get Caught...
By Shane P.I.
She has a Superhuman Ability to Find these Slims...
Security Expert Gabriel works for Cipher Security...
He crosses paths with Shane...
And Nothing will ever be the same...
Both are Attracted...
Both have Issues...
Both will have to Figure Out...
What will be Their...
Code of Conduct (Cipher Security, #1)- October 15th, 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
4.5 A Beautiful Partnership Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
RWA 2021 Vivian Finalist!!! Congratulations!!!!
2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Romance!!!
I had a full review lording the wonders of April White's writing, the slow burn and this being a Suspense/Romance. I then did something I haven't done in a very long time...I went and clicked the wrong button and poof...the entire review, GONE.
So there is that. I Love April White's writing, the story was very strong with a bit of a ramp-up and then a slow love burn to be enjoyed.
Take care, and be happy the next entry is coming to us very soon.
Code of Conduct, (Cipher Security, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cod of Honor (Cipher Security, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Code of Ethics (Cipher Security, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reviewing ~~~~~
It has only taken me FOREVER to finally be able to read this!
I love April White's Writing So Much, Excited ❤️
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
Slim Buckets who Think They are All That...
Never Think They will be Caught Cheating...
Shock of Shocks, They Do Get Caught...
By Shane P.I.
She has a Superhuman Ability to Find these Slims...
Security Expert Gabriel works for Cipher Security...
He crosses paths with Shane...
And Nothing will ever be the same...
Both are Attracted...
Both have Issues...
Both will have to Figure Out...
What will be Their...
Code of Conduct (Cipher Security, #1)- October 15th, 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 23, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher & Social Butterfly PR, Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the book.
*********************
Let Me Tell You Guys, THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!
I loved it so much, Every detail, every character, every intelligent and sarcastic Remark, Literally Every scene.
SHANE , Badass , Smart , Courageous , beautiful , fighter , inspirational and cinnamon Roll at heart , Is probably one of my all time Favorite Heroines .
GABRIEL , Kind , strong , handsome , Supportive and just ….. AWESOME .
Our main Characters have been through A lot , their pasts are Painful , Each one took a different direction in dealing with the hurt , at the same time , both of them didn't allow the bad experiences they have been through to break them .
Their relationship was beautiful , Gabriel supported and encouraged Shane in every step , treating her as an equal , like the wonder woman she is . Shane was Simply Inspirational ( When You read this amazing book , You will know why , NO SPOILERS ;) )
I really loved April White Writing style , it was beautiful , smart , Sarcastic and Brilliant .
I liked how she inserted her characters in Penny Reid World Flawlessly , I have to admit , When I heard about those books , I was afraid because for me Penny Reid Is my all time favorite Romance Author , I keep rereading her books , Because I LOVE her characters , I was Afraid those new books won't keep the integrity and brilliance of my beloved characters . But After Code of Conduct I'M SO EXCITED TO READ THE REST OF THIS SERIES AND THE OTHER BOOKS .
If you love , Smart , sassy , strong , imperfect characters , Smart concepts and Romance .
This Novel is definitely for you .
*********************************
Check out my blog For Book Reviews , Recommendations , Blog Tours and everything related to books : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/
*********************
Let Me Tell You Guys, THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!
I loved it so much, Every detail, every character, every intelligent and sarcastic Remark, Literally Every scene.
SHANE , Badass , Smart , Courageous , beautiful , fighter , inspirational and cinnamon Roll at heart , Is probably one of my all time Favorite Heroines .
GABRIEL , Kind , strong , handsome , Supportive and just ….. AWESOME .
Our main Characters have been through A lot , their pasts are Painful , Each one took a different direction in dealing with the hurt , at the same time , both of them didn't allow the bad experiences they have been through to break them .
Their relationship was beautiful , Gabriel supported and encouraged Shane in every step , treating her as an equal , like the wonder woman she is . Shane was Simply Inspirational ( When You read this amazing book , You will know why , NO SPOILERS ;) )
I really loved April White Writing style , it was beautiful , smart , Sarcastic and Brilliant .
I liked how she inserted her characters in Penny Reid World Flawlessly , I have to admit , When I heard about those books , I was afraid because for me Penny Reid Is my all time favorite Romance Author , I keep rereading her books , Because I LOVE her characters , I was Afraid those new books won't keep the integrity and brilliance of my beloved characters . But After Code of Conduct I'M SO EXCITED TO READ THE REST OF THIS SERIES AND THE OTHER BOOKS .
If you love , Smart , sassy , strong , imperfect characters , Smart concepts and Romance .
This Novel is definitely for you .
*********************************
Check out my blog For Book Reviews , Recommendations , Blog Tours and everything related to books : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/
November 10, 2019
I wanted to like this. I tried to like this but I got nada from the read. Let's be honest as a reader, when you find yourself skimming more pages than what you're actually reading it's probably best to let this go before anyone got hurt.
March 25, 2020
Love, Love, LOVE this book!! Code of Conduct reads a bit like a suspenseful urban action adventure with lots of slow burn romance mixed in.
“I can do soft and gentle–I’m actually a fairly gentle guy.” She chuckled at that. “But I’m not feeling very gentle at the moment. I—” I struggled to find the word. “I crave you. You’re like the air when I’m underwater, or like fire when I’m frostbitten. I need to smell your hair, taste your skin, feel the weight of your body on mine. I am so f*ing hungry for you…”
-5+Stars!!-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“I can do soft and gentle–I’m actually a fairly gentle guy.” She chuckled at that. “But I’m not feeling very gentle at the moment. I—” I struggled to find the word. “I crave you. You’re like the air when I’m underwater, or like fire when I’m frostbitten. I need to smell your hair, taste your skin, feel the weight of your body on mine. I am so f*ing hungry for you…”
-5+Stars!!-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 8, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded down because of the headless torso cartoon cover. I’m vindictive that way.
Shane is a highly intelligent 6’1” badass Private Investigator working without a license in Illinois and is in the process of fake-dating a client’s husband in order to locate and confiscate his hidden assets before her client files for divorce. She performs some phone sleight-of-hand shortly after meeting him and relieves the sleazebag of half a million dollars in half a minute, but barely evades the Cipher Security team that’s immediately dispatched to his location after the funds transfer goes through.
Don’t worry if that sounds unlikely: it’s supposed to be super cool and slick and impressive, rather than believable, and it is all three. It also is the means by which our badass PI is introduced to the very handsome and slightly taller Cipher Security agent Gabriel, a British transplant, who can’t help noticing in passing that her ass isn’t bad at all. He doesn’t find her prosthetic leg off-putting, and finds the rest of her fascinating and admirable. She likes his accent and Idris Elba eyes, but keeps her emotional defenses up and shuts him down when he gets personal. Or thinks she should, anyway.
The writing is lively and clever, the story is creative, and the first third of the book is fun. It slows in the mid-section as the main characters’ pasts come to light in bits and pieces, and each is given one too many tragedies and each responds to those tragedies exaggeratedly. The author strings out information in a way that feels overly manipulative, some of the side characters go cutesy and/or turn into psychoanalysts, the girl squad references panty dance parties too much, the suspense element is too-handily concluded, and the main characters get comfortable with each other in the end.
Comfortable is not quite what I was hoping for.
Shane is a highly intelligent 6’1” badass Private Investigator working without a license in Illinois and is in the process of fake-dating a client’s husband in order to locate and confiscate his hidden assets before her client files for divorce. She performs some phone sleight-of-hand shortly after meeting him and relieves the sleazebag of half a million dollars in half a minute, but barely evades the Cipher Security team that’s immediately dispatched to his location after the funds transfer goes through.
Don’t worry if that sounds unlikely: it’s supposed to be super cool and slick and impressive, rather than believable, and it is all three. It also is the means by which our badass PI is introduced to the very handsome and slightly taller Cipher Security agent Gabriel, a British transplant, who can’t help noticing in passing that her ass isn’t bad at all. He doesn’t find her prosthetic leg off-putting, and finds the rest of her fascinating and admirable. She likes his accent and Idris Elba eyes, but keeps her emotional defenses up and shuts him down when he gets personal. Or thinks she should, anyway.
The writing is lively and clever, the story is creative, and the first third of the book is fun. It slows in the mid-section as the main characters’ pasts come to light in bits and pieces, and each is given one too many tragedies and each responds to those tragedies exaggeratedly. The author strings out information in a way that feels overly manipulative, some of the side characters go cutesy and/or turn into psychoanalysts, the girl squad references panty dance parties too much, the suspense element is too-handily concluded, and the main characters get comfortable with each other in the end.
Comfortable is not quite what I was hoping for.
April 27, 2021
Nothing has changed. Still five stars and still a fantastic read.
Note to self: Go back and start reading the books from the beginning. There. Maybe that will help me stop reading them out of order.
But now to Code of Conduct. I know Ms. White from her paranormal/time travel series (which is a must read IMO.) and AW is a fantastic writer. This is her first time dipping her toes into the romantic comedy suspense genre.
If you know a bit about the series then Cipher is the security company that is run by Quinn Sullivan
and Dan the Security Man O'Malley
Gabriel Eze is the first up in the series and he is a die to for, lush Brit.
I loved Gabriel, best book boyfriend 2020 so far.
Shane P.I. chases cheating spouses her current client turns out to be more than she expected. She poses as his date for the night and clears out of five hundred grand for the wife.
Enter Cipher as the husband is one of their clients (although they are trying to boot him)
I loved Shane, she is strong, resilient yet has a vulnerable side. I would so drink lemon drops with her and Sandra.
The next book in the series is Weight Expectations and I really hope we get Van's book. So bring it Ms. White.
Note to self: Go back and start reading the books from the beginning. There. Maybe that will help me stop reading them out of order.
But now to Code of Conduct. I know Ms. White from her paranormal/time travel series (which is a must read IMO.) and AW is a fantastic writer. This is her first time dipping her toes into the romantic comedy suspense genre.
If you know a bit about the series then Cipher is the security company that is run by Quinn Sullivan
and Dan the Security Man O'Malley
Gabriel Eze is the first up in the series and he is a die to for, lush Brit.
I loved Gabriel, best book boyfriend 2020 so far.
Shane P.I. chases cheating spouses her current client turns out to be more than she expected. She poses as his date for the night and clears out of five hundred grand for the wife.
Enter Cipher as the husband is one of their clients (although they are trying to boot him)
I loved Shane, she is strong, resilient yet has a vulnerable side. I would so drink lemon drops with her and Sandra.
The next book in the series is Weight Expectations and I really hope we get Van's book. So bring it Ms. White.
Read
August 31, 2020DNF @25% unrated
I'm DNFing this, not because it's a bad book, I was definitely interested in where it was going but I couldn't finish because the book upset me with a joke about asthma. Side note - I have severe asthma and I'm sick of seeing cheap jokes about any health condition (especially those that are life threatening). For me, it's lazy writing, there are other ways of injecting humour into dialogue/narrative without doing this. Here's the line that got me:
To my own ears I sounded asthmatic, but experience had taught me that horny guys dug breathless women.
Soooo...personally when I can't breathe (and I'm so scared), I don't think it makes my husband horny, in fact I checked with him, it doesn't. He's also scared and concerned.
I put my money where my mouth is and wrote to April White about this line and how I felt about it and I am pleased to say I had a really good response. She apologised (I didn't seek this but it was nice) but more importantly she said she would try and do better in future. That's all I ask, lets learn, educate and not take the Micky (it me) out of things that are just awful to live with.
Thank you for coming to my TED TALK.
I'm DNFing this, not because it's a bad book, I was definitely interested in where it was going but I couldn't finish because the book upset me with a joke about asthma. Side note - I have severe asthma and I'm sick of seeing cheap jokes about any health condition (especially those that are life threatening). For me, it's lazy writing, there are other ways of injecting humour into dialogue/narrative without doing this. Here's the line that got me:
To my own ears I sounded asthmatic, but experience had taught me that horny guys dug breathless women.
Soooo...personally when I can't breathe (and I'm so scared), I don't think it makes my husband horny, in fact I checked with him, it doesn't. He's also scared and concerned.
I put my money where my mouth is and wrote to April White about this line and how I felt about it and I am pleased to say I had a really good response. She apologised (I didn't seek this but it was nice) but more importantly she said she would try and do better in future. That's all I ask, lets learn, educate and not take the Micky (it me) out of things that are just awful to live with.
Thank you for coming to my TED TALK.
September 3, 2019
Code Of Conduct by April White.
‘“You could never be normal. Extraordinary is not normal. Stunning is not normal. Brilliant is. Not. Normal.”’
“Code of Conduct” is an exciting new chapter in author April White’s admittedly already impressive writing resume. Known for her incredible fantasy action adventure books (Immortal Descendants series- look it up, you won’t regret it), April has taken her remarkable talent as a writer and combined it with the insight gained from her personal skills as a former PI, in order to bring forth one extraordinary suspense-filled romance, that is a highly entertaining concoction of giggle-snort funny dialogue, raw and superbly edgy energy, as well as sharp, witty and fresh characterisation and plot.
I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to be handed a truly unique, sarcastic, strong female protagonist like Shane, who doesn’t wilt and simper (or get kidnapped and require rescuing) at the first sign of a sexy tall man (hello, Gabriel). She is the personification of every kick-ass heroine out there, the one heroine that you would love your daughter or son to emulate.
As an amputee, Shane has faced more challenges than most and that is certainly evident in her personality, how she reacts and tries to blend in. She is fiercely determined, highly intelligent and intuitive but the downside to all of this is her reluctance to get close to anyone. She is strong, yes, but she is so lonely and that becomes glaringly obvious as the story progresses and she is pulled into friendship from a certain Knitting in the City gang, with a penchant for lemon drops cocktails.
Gabriel is an absolute sweetheart. He straddles the line between being a British alpha hero and a beta. He’s simply magnificent, robust, manly but so very sweet and tender. Especially when it comes to dealing with our skittish heroine. His need to protect is overwhelming but he also recognises that Shane rarely needs that protection. But it’s the knowledge that it’s there, that he wants to keep her safe, care for her, that starts to promote a spark of something much more, something that transcends them being mere partners trying to solve a case.
Writing a book that includes another author’s very well known and adored characters, can be a deathly daunting task but April White has managed to not only capture the true essence of those people, (in particular Alex and Sandra) she has also created a whole new family that fits in so perfectly with the Cipher and KITC gang.
“Code of Conduct” is a sterling addition to the Smartypants franchise. It is exciting, addictive, intelligent, hilarious and full of so much love from all sides.
‘“We have trouble believing the good things people say- how smart, or funny, or interesting, or remarkable we are- but we have no trouble totally owning the bad stuff. If I’m going to give words any power at all, I’m going to make damn sure it’s the ones that light me up like a damn Christmas tree, you know?"'
‘“You could never be normal. Extraordinary is not normal. Stunning is not normal. Brilliant is. Not. Normal.”’
“Code of Conduct” is an exciting new chapter in author April White’s admittedly already impressive writing resume. Known for her incredible fantasy action adventure books (Immortal Descendants series- look it up, you won’t regret it), April has taken her remarkable talent as a writer and combined it with the insight gained from her personal skills as a former PI, in order to bring forth one extraordinary suspense-filled romance, that is a highly entertaining concoction of giggle-snort funny dialogue, raw and superbly edgy energy, as well as sharp, witty and fresh characterisation and plot.
I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to be handed a truly unique, sarcastic, strong female protagonist like Shane, who doesn’t wilt and simper (or get kidnapped and require rescuing) at the first sign of a sexy tall man (hello, Gabriel). She is the personification of every kick-ass heroine out there, the one heroine that you would love your daughter or son to emulate.
As an amputee, Shane has faced more challenges than most and that is certainly evident in her personality, how she reacts and tries to blend in. She is fiercely determined, highly intelligent and intuitive but the downside to all of this is her reluctance to get close to anyone. She is strong, yes, but she is so lonely and that becomes glaringly obvious as the story progresses and she is pulled into friendship from a certain Knitting in the City gang, with a penchant for lemon drops cocktails.
Gabriel is an absolute sweetheart. He straddles the line between being a British alpha hero and a beta. He’s simply magnificent, robust, manly but so very sweet and tender. Especially when it comes to dealing with our skittish heroine. His need to protect is overwhelming but he also recognises that Shane rarely needs that protection. But it’s the knowledge that it’s there, that he wants to keep her safe, care for her, that starts to promote a spark of something much more, something that transcends them being mere partners trying to solve a case.
Writing a book that includes another author’s very well known and adored characters, can be a deathly daunting task but April White has managed to not only capture the true essence of those people, (in particular Alex and Sandra) she has also created a whole new family that fits in so perfectly with the Cipher and KITC gang.
“Code of Conduct” is a sterling addition to the Smartypants franchise. It is exciting, addictive, intelligent, hilarious and full of so much love from all sides.
‘“We have trouble believing the good things people say- how smart, or funny, or interesting, or remarkable we are- but we have no trouble totally owning the bad stuff. If I’m going to give words any power at all, I’m going to make damn sure it’s the ones that light me up like a damn Christmas tree, you know?"'
October 15, 2019
★4 STARS★
I’m a first time reader of April White and I don’t think I could have picked a better book for my first outing. Aside the intrigue of the project, I was very much won over by my enjoyment of her writing and wit. Code of Conduct a story of espionage, suspense and romance, all wonderfully tied together by two kick ass leading characters.
Gabriel is a security expert for Cipher Security and his path crosses with Our Heroine Shane as they both are investigating a mutual person of interest. There is no reason for them to trust one another but in order to find the answers they are both looking for they have no choice but to combine forces.
Working alongside Gabriel requires trust, which is difficult for Shane. From the outset we are privy to how much and how far she goes to protect her identity. Collaborating with Gabriel and Cipher Security requires a leap of faith, and what’s scarier than the jump is just how much she wants Gabriel to catch her.
Shane was a special character in a number of ways. Her disability did not impede her in the least. In fact, she was superhuman in her strength, intelligence and resources she used in her role as a PI. Gabriel’s sweet and nurturing side was a great compliment to Shane’s toughness. As well as all the on screen action, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of these two.
July 10, 2020
Audio review July 2020- from Audible. It's on Hoopla as well. Well. I love this! Very good narration. Gabriel's narrator is so good. Love the Brit accent. Shane is very cool and as kick-ass as ever. I'm glad that I read the book first, since there's a lot going on. I would say that you could listen to the audio before the book. I loved how many Knitting in the City supporting characters there were. There was no taking away from Shane & Gabriel's smokin' hot chemistry!
*********************************************
I love it when a book starts off strong. A meet-cute is my favorite early plot trope.
This has a meet-cute... sort of... A VERY strong start to this story.
The heroine, Shane is a PI and an independent badass. She's moved to Chicago (before the book begins) to start over after some traumatic and emotional events in her life. Each thing is revealed gradually.
Before that, though, Shane-in action, is taking down a cheating spouse. She is so slick and smooth. I loved her- like Robin Hood in modern times.
There's a ripple effect that sets up Shane and the hero, Gabriel becoming involved in a case. Case is too simple of a term. Gabriel is new to Cypher Systems- a Chicago-based security company headed by Quinn Sullivan (married to Janie- from Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid).
Gabriel is so dreamy and hero worthy. Gabriel and Shane have layers to get through. Shane is no push over.
There are many cameo appearances by characters from the Knitting in the City series. I loved Dan (The Man) O'Malley and, Kat, Quinn, and Janie, Sandra and Alex, Fiona and Greg. Other supporting characters that are new to me: Van Hayden (loved him!); Sparky (loved him too); a certain villain- I hated.
A majority of the story was spent on Shane and Gabriel. This is a slow burn. Their chemistry is off the charts. I found myself saying oh my god! What just happened?!
I think that you could read this as a standalone, but I do think- KNOW that you'll want to read the Knitting in the City Books. - especially: Neanderthal Seeks Human and Love Hacked.
I love April White's writing. I highlighted the heck out of this book.
I received an ARC from the Smartypants team, but I bought a signed paperback from Ripped Bodice at a Penny Reid (April White and Cathy Yardley) book signing. I am so happy that I did. One of my favorites of 2019! Easily 5 stars.
*********************************************
I love it when a book starts off strong. A meet-cute is my favorite early plot trope.
This has a meet-cute... sort of... A VERY strong start to this story.
The heroine, Shane is a PI and an independent badass. She's moved to Chicago (before the book begins) to start over after some traumatic and emotional events in her life. Each thing is revealed gradually.
Before that, though, Shane-in action, is taking down a cheating spouse. She is so slick and smooth. I loved her- like Robin Hood in modern times.
There's a ripple effect that sets up Shane and the hero, Gabriel becoming involved in a case. Case is too simple of a term. Gabriel is new to Cypher Systems- a Chicago-based security company headed by Quinn Sullivan (married to Janie- from Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid).
Gabriel is so dreamy and hero worthy. Gabriel and Shane have layers to get through. Shane is no push over.
There are many cameo appearances by characters from the Knitting in the City series. I loved Dan (The Man) O'Malley and, Kat, Quinn, and Janie, Sandra and Alex, Fiona and Greg. Other supporting characters that are new to me: Van Hayden (loved him!); Sparky (loved him too); a certain villain- I hated.
A majority of the story was spent on Shane and Gabriel. This is a slow burn. Their chemistry is off the charts. I found myself saying oh my god! What just happened?!
I think that you could read this as a standalone, but I do think- KNOW that you'll want to read the Knitting in the City Books. - especially: Neanderthal Seeks Human and Love Hacked.
I love April White's writing. I highlighted the heck out of this book.
I received an ARC from the Smartypants team, but I bought a signed paperback from Ripped Bodice at a Penny Reid (April White and Cathy Yardley) book signing. I am so happy that I did. One of my favorites of 2019! Easily 5 stars.
December 17, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked it. interesting plot, likable characters, witty funny dialogues, all is there. but somehow this book lacked something to say "wow" after the last page. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was missing or where the weak points were. it was a light read that left a good feeling while and after the reading, but not memorable enough, I guess. I noticed that the ratings for the series go up as you go along, so I’m hoping I’ll like the next more…
p.s. my favorite part was definitely getting glimpses of Quinn, Dan, Alex, Sandra, and Fiona. I even went and reread Loved Hacked when I was done— forgot how much I loved those guys🥹
I liked it. interesting plot, likable characters, witty funny dialogues, all is there. but somehow this book lacked something to say "wow" after the last page. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was missing or where the weak points were. it was a light read that left a good feeling while and after the reading, but not memorable enough, I guess. I noticed that the ratings for the series go up as you go along, so I’m hoping I’ll like the next more…
p.s. my favorite part was definitely getting glimpses of Quinn, Dan, Alex, Sandra, and Fiona. I even went and reread Loved Hacked when I was done— forgot how much I loved those guys🥹
October 27, 2019
"5- Breaking down the barriers, Stars!"
This book was such an enjoyable read.
Loved the characters, writing, and story!
I LOVED Shane's fierceness, strength, fearlessness.
Gabriel was a perfect partner for her.
The whole time I was reading "Code of Conduct" this is who I pictured as Gabriel.
Great story!
"An ARC of this book was provided by SocialButterflyPR in exchange for an honest review."
This book was such an enjoyable read.
Loved the characters, writing, and story!
I LOVED Shane's fierceness, strength, fearlessness.
Gabriel was a perfect partner for her.
The whole time I was reading "Code of Conduct" this is who I pictured as Gabriel.
Great story!
"An ARC of this book was provided by SocialButterflyPR in exchange for an honest review."
October 16, 2019
A full 5-stars, full stop.
It is an understatement to say I’ve been excited about the SmartyPants Romance venture with various authors adding to the Penny Reid canon. I am a gigantic fan of The Pennyverse, follow Penny on all the various social medias, and delight in discussing her books at length with anyone who cares to do the same. I was thrilled to see the contemporary romance world she built would be expanded, and when April White was announced as one of the authors, I knew the Pennyverse was in good hands; I love her Immortal Descendants series and I know she is an incredible writer as well as a fan of Penny‘s work.
Despite my confidence that the SPR books would maintain the high quality of Penny Reid’s books, I was entirely blown away by this book. It shattered every expectation. Shane and Gabriel are deep, rich characters with complex histories, vibrant personalities, and superior intellect. Every page was crafted with wit, compelling story telling, and chemistry. (Oh goodness, the chemistry between these two was scorching!). The plot was complex, thrilling, relevant, downright terrifying at times, and oh-so satisfying.
Often missing from other contemporary romance novels, they behaved like adults with each other. They respected each other. They were professional with each other. They did the jobs they were hired to do. They genuinely liked each other. They had realistic baggage and coped with it in a realistic way. All of this, and the story was written in a supremely entertaining way while applying real life issues, risks, and concerns.
In addition, Ms. White blends her distinct voice seamlessly into the Penny Reid world. It was so fun seeing some of my favorites from the Kitting in the City series on the page again. That said, this book stands solidly on its own. There are some great Easter eggs but Knitting in the City is in no way a prerequisite for this story.
Finally, I appreciate the diversity and inclusivity in this book. Gabriel is of Jamaican & Nigerian descent by way of England. Shane is an amputee. These aren’t just labels on generic characters; they are crucial elements that make the characters who they are at their core and we see how the world around them reacts to those elements. These people came alive for me on the page and I sincerely hope there will be more from them in the future.
April White hit it out of the park with this one. Truly, so much great stuff in this story! I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on this book.
***ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review (but I’m buying copies, too!!)***
It is an understatement to say I’ve been excited about the SmartyPants Romance venture with various authors adding to the Penny Reid canon. I am a gigantic fan of The Pennyverse, follow Penny on all the various social medias, and delight in discussing her books at length with anyone who cares to do the same. I was thrilled to see the contemporary romance world she built would be expanded, and when April White was announced as one of the authors, I knew the Pennyverse was in good hands; I love her Immortal Descendants series and I know she is an incredible writer as well as a fan of Penny‘s work.
Despite my confidence that the SPR books would maintain the high quality of Penny Reid’s books, I was entirely blown away by this book. It shattered every expectation. Shane and Gabriel are deep, rich characters with complex histories, vibrant personalities, and superior intellect. Every page was crafted with wit, compelling story telling, and chemistry. (Oh goodness, the chemistry between these two was scorching!). The plot was complex, thrilling, relevant, downright terrifying at times, and oh-so satisfying.
Often missing from other contemporary romance novels, they behaved like adults with each other. They respected each other. They were professional with each other. They did the jobs they were hired to do. They genuinely liked each other. They had realistic baggage and coped with it in a realistic way. All of this, and the story was written in a supremely entertaining way while applying real life issues, risks, and concerns.
In addition, Ms. White blends her distinct voice seamlessly into the Penny Reid world. It was so fun seeing some of my favorites from the Kitting in the City series on the page again. That said, this book stands solidly on its own. There are some great Easter eggs but Knitting in the City is in no way a prerequisite for this story.
Finally, I appreciate the diversity and inclusivity in this book. Gabriel is of Jamaican & Nigerian descent by way of England. Shane is an amputee. These aren’t just labels on generic characters; they are crucial elements that make the characters who they are at their core and we see how the world around them reacts to those elements. These people came alive for me on the page and I sincerely hope there will be more from them in the future.
April White hit it out of the park with this one. Truly, so much great stuff in this story! I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on this book.
***ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review (but I’m buying copies, too!!)***
February 8, 2023
Be still my beating heart... sigh. I adored this hero.
There was not much spice, but this book still brought the heat. I loved the slow burn of two absolutely fantastic characters getting to know each other and support each other while investigating some issues.
The hero is a swoony man who is narrated by a smooth voiced actor (I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla and it was AWESOME). He's both completely masculine and protective while also being thoughtful, humble, and caring. He has great relationships with family and friends who make appearances throughout. And the author's writing really had me loving how he whispers next to her skin and touches her and talks about her and looks at her. Sigh... And he's not a manwhore! Before the heroine, it's been years since he last was with someone. Do you know how rare it is to get a steller guy like this in romance. Plus, he's handsome, well-dressed, has a British accent, has Nigerian and Jamaican grandparents (or was it parents, I can't remember). The author did a lovely job with portraying a hero of color who isn't a caricature.
The heroine is kickass. She is probably the biggest mystery in this book as we don't learn her real name and what happened to her until the VERY end of the book. She's an amputee that has all sorts of cool legs with various uses. She has some fantastic friendships and found family that become a part of the story as well. However, she's been guarded for a while. So it's nice to see her learn to open up to Gabriel and the people he has surrounded himself with.
This is a nice mystery/suspense but mostly a character and relationship story.
I adored it and cannot recommend it more highly. Thank you, Inna, for the recommendation. It was sooooo good and I just felt so many fuzzies and warm feelings as I was reading it. Just a pure lovely book.
There was not much spice, but this book still brought the heat. I loved the slow burn of two absolutely fantastic characters getting to know each other and support each other while investigating some issues.
The hero is a swoony man who is narrated by a smooth voiced actor (I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla and it was AWESOME). He's both completely masculine and protective while also being thoughtful, humble, and caring. He has great relationships with family and friends who make appearances throughout. And the author's writing really had me loving how he whispers next to her skin and touches her and talks about her and looks at her. Sigh... And he's not a manwhore! Before the heroine, it's been years since he last was with someone. Do you know how rare it is to get a steller guy like this in romance. Plus, he's handsome, well-dressed, has a British accent, has Nigerian and Jamaican grandparents (or was it parents, I can't remember). The author did a lovely job with portraying a hero of color who isn't a caricature.
The heroine is kickass. She is probably the biggest mystery in this book as we don't learn her real name and what happened to her until the VERY end of the book. She's an amputee that has all sorts of cool legs with various uses. She has some fantastic friendships and found family that become a part of the story as well. However, she's been guarded for a while. So it's nice to see her learn to open up to Gabriel and the people he has surrounded himself with.
This is a nice mystery/suspense but mostly a character and relationship story.
I adored it and cannot recommend it more highly. Thank you, Inna, for the recommendation. It was sooooo good and I just felt so many fuzzies and warm feelings as I was reading it. Just a pure lovely book.
October 15, 2019
3.5 Stars
Code of Conduct is a full-length romantic suspense novel, can be read as a standalone and is book#1 in the Cipher Security series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Universe.
We follow the story of Shane P.I (not her real name), who (as the fake name suggests) is a Private Investigator who specializes in catching cheaters. Shane also has a prosthetic leg, is super athletic and determined, and with the help of her amazing crazy-scientist-like prosthetist ,Sparky is always going above and beyond.
While Shane is trying to catch cheater extraordinary Dane Quimby she inadvertently grabs the attention of Cipher Security, a high-end internet security firm. Enter Gabriel, a tall, dark and handsome security expert, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P.I.
From then on there's a lot of suspicious activities, detective stuff, investigations, and a VERY slow-burn romance brewing. I have to say never quite hooked me. Don't get me wrong, it's a good and interesting book, but maybe the genre just didn't do it for me. I struggled to keep my focus on the characters and a lot of times I had a hard time connecting to the story as Quimby didn't convince me as a major threat. The romance was so slow burn that by the time that Shane and Gabriel got together I wasn't as invested in them anymore. There was a big revelation that happened around 95% of the book that I thought could have happened in around 50%. I think if they connected earlier the stakes of survival could have been raised, therefore introducing more drama.
However, here are a couple of things that I liked about the book overall:
1. I'm loving all the heroines from the new Smartypants Romance books. They are so fierce and independent, even in their holdups, they don't need a knight in shining armor. They learn to heal and love, but that's their choice. Events caused Shane to lose half of her right leg, but she is strong, beautiful and completely capable. It's amazing to see so much representation and fierceness in all these books.
2. The book was very modern and relevant, it approached themes like the NSA, artificial intelligence, internet & data security, to racism and police brutality.
3. Really interesting supporting cast.
4. Oscar the dog. Enough said there.
Even though I struggled to connect sometimes I can absolutely appreciate the writing, and while it might not have been my favorite book is one that left me with interesting thoughts that will stick for a while.
I also got very curious to know more about Sandra and Alex, and later found out they are from the first book in the Knitting in the City Universe - Love Hacked, so that will definitely go straight to my TBR.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review. Code of Conduct is out now on all platforms
Code of Conduct is a full-length romantic suspense novel, can be read as a standalone and is book#1 in the Cipher Security series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Universe.
We follow the story of Shane P.I (not her real name), who (as the fake name suggests) is a Private Investigator who specializes in catching cheaters. Shane also has a prosthetic leg, is super athletic and determined, and with the help of her amazing crazy-scientist-like prosthetist ,Sparky is always going above and beyond.
While Shane is trying to catch cheater extraordinary Dane Quimby she inadvertently grabs the attention of Cipher Security, a high-end internet security firm. Enter Gabriel, a tall, dark and handsome security expert, and a former UN Peacekeeper with a fierce protective streak that finds its focus on the beautiful P.I.
From then on there's a lot of suspicious activities, detective stuff, investigations, and a VERY slow-burn romance brewing. I have to say never quite hooked me. Don't get me wrong, it's a good and interesting book, but maybe the genre just didn't do it for me. I struggled to keep my focus on the characters and a lot of times I had a hard time connecting to the story as Quimby didn't convince me as a major threat. The romance was so slow burn that by the time that Shane and Gabriel got together I wasn't as invested in them anymore. There was a big revelation that happened around 95% of the book that I thought could have happened in around 50%. I think if they connected earlier the stakes of survival could have been raised, therefore introducing more drama.
However, here are a couple of things that I liked about the book overall:
1. I'm loving all the heroines from the new Smartypants Romance books. They are so fierce and independent, even in their holdups, they don't need a knight in shining armor. They learn to heal and love, but that's their choice. Events caused Shane to lose half of her right leg, but she is strong, beautiful and completely capable. It's amazing to see so much representation and fierceness in all these books.
2. The book was very modern and relevant, it approached themes like the NSA, artificial intelligence, internet & data security, to racism and police brutality.
3. Really interesting supporting cast.
4. Oscar the dog. Enough said there.
Even though I struggled to connect sometimes I can absolutely appreciate the writing, and while it might not have been my favorite book is one that left me with interesting thoughts that will stick for a while.
I also got very curious to know more about Sandra and Alex, and later found out they are from the first book in the Knitting in the City Universe - Love Hacked, so that will definitely go straight to my TBR.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review. Code of Conduct is out now on all platforms
September 25, 2020
2.5 stars
Shane (not her real name of course) is a PI who was hired by a suspicious wife who wanted evidence of her husband of cheating. Once they confirmed his infidelity, Shane hacked the man’s bank account and initiate some of the funds to the wife’s account.
Gabriel, employee of Cipher Security, was assigned to discover who stole money from their client’s bank account. That assignment put him on Shane’s radar. Thus began the slow burn dance between Shane and Gabriel as Shane tries to evade Gabriel and his investigation.
I liked that it was interracial, Gabriel is a product of a Nigerian parent (like me) and a Jamaican parent. He was also British. Think Idris Elba! Shane is a white women with a prosthetic leg she named Sparky. Both characters were likable, good at their job, and both had a sense of humor.
The storytelling was just slow and I got bored really early. I did like their banter, and they clearly had chemistry together. There was also a twist at the end that would have been more interesting much earlier. It would have added more action and excitement to this one.
The book isn’t bad but I had read 3 clunkers before this one and I was hoping this book would jump me out of the reading slump. It was just okay for me.
Shane (not her real name of course) is a PI who was hired by a suspicious wife who wanted evidence of her husband of cheating. Once they confirmed his infidelity, Shane hacked the man’s bank account and initiate some of the funds to the wife’s account.
Gabriel, employee of Cipher Security, was assigned to discover who stole money from their client’s bank account. That assignment put him on Shane’s radar. Thus began the slow burn dance between Shane and Gabriel as Shane tries to evade Gabriel and his investigation.
I liked that it was interracial, Gabriel is a product of a Nigerian parent (like me) and a Jamaican parent. He was also British. Think Idris Elba! Shane is a white women with a prosthetic leg she named Sparky. Both characters were likable, good at their job, and both had a sense of humor.
The storytelling was just slow and I got bored really early. I did like their banter, and they clearly had chemistry together. There was also a twist at the end that would have been more interesting much earlier. It would have added more action and excitement to this one.
The book isn’t bad but I had read 3 clunkers before this one and I was hoping this book would jump me out of the reading slump. It was just okay for me.
October 24, 2019
“You could never be normal. Extraordinary is not normal. Stunning is not normal. Brilliant is. Not. Normal.”
This book is one of my favorites of 2019.
It checked all the boxes for me: Well-developed, smart characters with undeniable chemistry, an intriguing plot, real world social issues/current events. “Code of Conduct” was everything I hoped it would be.
I am a huge fan of Penny Reid’s Knitting in the City series, so the idea of other authors writing in her world for SmartyPants Romance was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. What if I didn’t like the new stories or characters? What if the established characters didn’t feel genuine? My fears were clearly unfounded. April White is a brilliant writer, and this book felt like coming home to visit old friends.
Shane is a fierce PI who usually catches cheaters. During a case, she accidentally crosses paths with Gabriel and a few others from Cypher Security, and they end up teaming up.
This story is longer than a lot of modern romance novels, but it’s got mystery, action, authentic characters dealing with their own vulnerabilities, issues, and pasts, and I couldn’t put down. Shane and Gabriel are people I want to know in real life.
Heads up, Code of Conduct did make me want to boycott the internet, but here I am, on the internet.
“Search engine is just the term people use to make artificial intelligence sound like it works for us,” -Alex Greene
This book is one of my favorites of 2019.
It checked all the boxes for me: Well-developed, smart characters with undeniable chemistry, an intriguing plot, real world social issues/current events. “Code of Conduct” was everything I hoped it would be.
I am a huge fan of Penny Reid’s Knitting in the City series, so the idea of other authors writing in her world for SmartyPants Romance was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. What if I didn’t like the new stories or characters? What if the established characters didn’t feel genuine? My fears were clearly unfounded. April White is a brilliant writer, and this book felt like coming home to visit old friends.
Shane is a fierce PI who usually catches cheaters. During a case, she accidentally crosses paths with Gabriel and a few others from Cypher Security, and they end up teaming up.
This story is longer than a lot of modern romance novels, but it’s got mystery, action, authentic characters dealing with their own vulnerabilities, issues, and pasts, and I couldn’t put down. Shane and Gabriel are people I want to know in real life.
Heads up, Code of Conduct did make me want to boycott the internet, but here I am, on the internet.
“Search engine is just the term people use to make artificial intelligence sound like it works for us,” -Alex Greene
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