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Sweepers #2
Die Once More
DR. MACKENZIE ‘MAC” CONLEY, a biochemist for the CIA, went deep undercover to investigate a man so evil he was dubbed “Dr. Death”, and not even her handler knew where she was. Six days later, her team traced a satellite call to a laboratory in Morocco and extracted her, killing Dr. Death in the process...or so they thought.Mac wasn’t the same after that, convinced she was damaged goods, and she transferred to the West Coast without explanation. On a mission in Romania, she’s about to discover the location of the biggest cache of biological weapons in Eastern Europe...until a team of men steps in and her only lead is killed. Worse, the man responsible for destroying seven months of undercover work is the man she almost married two years earlier. The man she ran from and still loves.GRIFFIN BRADLEY has finally gotten over the only woman he has ever loved when he comes face to face with her once again. After she is recruited into his unit, he goes out of his way to avoid unnecessary contact with her. But when Dr. Death reappears and kidnaps Mac, not only must he thwart a major terrorist attack, but he must find her before the madman disappears forever with her in his grasp.
- GenresRomance
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2021
11 people want to read
About the author
Lizbeth Lipperman
16 books132 followersShe writes under the names Liz Lipperman (Cozy Mysteries) and Lizbeth Lipperman (Mainstream Mystery/Suspense and Romantic Suspense.)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 13, 2021
Die Once More is a fun and fast read, though it's better if you don't think too hard about what's missing or doesn't add up. It could also use a trigger warning; I'll add the trigger warnings that I think are necessary at the bottom after my usual conclusion; they may be considered spoilers.
Dr. Mackenzie Conley (Mac to her friends) is the CIA's top biochemist and is an expert in biochemical weaponry. For some reason, she is also a field agent who constantly puts her life on the line. Two years earlier, one such instance had her in the evil clutches of a terrorist nicknamed "Dr. Death" for about a week. These events happened prior to the start of the story, and though we hear about and sometimes observe Dr. Death's perverted and catastrophic behavior, it is never precisely clear what he did to Mac during that time. We only know that it left Mac with deep psychological scars and feelings of being dirty, so much so that she left her fiance Griff Bradley without explanation (though it seems to me he should have figured it out) and disappeared into another group at the CIA.
The story starts two years after her kidnapping. Griff and his two teammates are poised to take out a high-ranking terrorist, only to discover that the woman dining with the terrorist is Mac. She's been undercover for months and is furious that Griff and friends have blown her cover. Soon, she's brought onto Griff's team; not only do they need her expertise, but they also need her first-hand knowledge of Dr. Death. Recent surveillance suggests he did not die when she was rescued two years earlier but is instead hard at work creating his worst bioweapon ever.
The bulk of the story is Mac, Griff, and the team going after Dr. Death and the jihadists he's working with (and manipulating). While it is clear that Mac and Griff are still in love and will get back together in one way or another, it by no means drives the plot. Even after she's taken again, her whole team--not just Griff--is determined to get her back. If you have picked this book up hoping for a romance with suspense, you may be disappointed; it's more of a military suspense with some romance.
To make this story more of a romance, I would have needed to know more about how they got together initially and how the intervening years were spent. I found it disappointing that Griff didn't fight for her more two years ago. How could he possibly not understand how a week under a terrorist's control would affect someone? At one point, he does acknowledge to himself that he behaved like an adolescent ass at the time, but it wasn't enough for me. If he wasn't going to be her rock back then (which would have been preferable even if she still rejected his support), I at least needed to see him do a fair amount of groveling now. Instead, there wasn't really any moment where they resolved the past. To be clear, there is a resolution; it's just that it was too abrupt and somewhat inappropriately cheesy.
In rereading what I wrote, it occurs to me that it might seem odd that I gave the book three stars. While I found a lot to be disappointed in, I also think--as I said in the first paragraph--that it's a fun read. Mac is super strong and confident. Her teammates--in spite of some ridiculous chauvinistic behavior (which I decided to pretend was tongue-in-cheek)--accept and respect her. She's a character that is easy to root for.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Trigger warnings (potential spoilers): Rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, Holocaust (Dr. Death and gas chambers), PTSD
Dr. Mackenzie Conley (Mac to her friends) is the CIA's top biochemist and is an expert in biochemical weaponry. For some reason, she is also a field agent who constantly puts her life on the line. Two years earlier, one such instance had her in the evil clutches of a terrorist nicknamed "Dr. Death" for about a week. These events happened prior to the start of the story, and though we hear about and sometimes observe Dr. Death's perverted and catastrophic behavior, it is never precisely clear what he did to Mac during that time. We only know that it left Mac with deep psychological scars and feelings of being dirty, so much so that she left her fiance Griff Bradley without explanation (though it seems to me he should have figured it out) and disappeared into another group at the CIA.
The story starts two years after her kidnapping. Griff and his two teammates are poised to take out a high-ranking terrorist, only to discover that the woman dining with the terrorist is Mac. She's been undercover for months and is furious that Griff and friends have blown her cover. Soon, she's brought onto Griff's team; not only do they need her expertise, but they also need her first-hand knowledge of Dr. Death. Recent surveillance suggests he did not die when she was rescued two years earlier but is instead hard at work creating his worst bioweapon ever.
The bulk of the story is Mac, Griff, and the team going after Dr. Death and the jihadists he's working with (and manipulating). While it is clear that Mac and Griff are still in love and will get back together in one way or another, it by no means drives the plot. Even after she's taken again, her whole team--not just Griff--is determined to get her back. If you have picked this book up hoping for a romance with suspense, you may be disappointed; it's more of a military suspense with some romance.
To make this story more of a romance, I would have needed to know more about how they got together initially and how the intervening years were spent. I found it disappointing that Griff didn't fight for her more two years ago. How could he possibly not understand how a week under a terrorist's control would affect someone? At one point, he does acknowledge to himself that he behaved like an adolescent ass at the time, but it wasn't enough for me. If he wasn't going to be her rock back then (which would have been preferable even if she still rejected his support), I at least needed to see him do a fair amount of groveling now. Instead, there wasn't really any moment where they resolved the past. To be clear, there is a resolution; it's just that it was too abrupt and somewhat inappropriately cheesy.
In rereading what I wrote, it occurs to me that it might seem odd that I gave the book three stars. While I found a lot to be disappointed in, I also think--as I said in the first paragraph--that it's a fun read. Mac is super strong and confident. Her teammates--in spite of some ridiculous chauvinistic behavior (which I decided to pretend was tongue-in-cheek)--accept and respect her. She's a character that is easy to root for.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Trigger warnings (potential spoilers): Rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, Holocaust (Dr. Death and gas chambers), PTSD
October 10, 2021
Summary: DR. MACKENZIE ‘MAC” CONLEY, a biochemist for the CIA, went deep undercover to investigate a man so evil he was dubbed “Dr. Death”, and not even her handler knew where she was. Six days later, her team traced a satellite call to a laboratory in Morocco and extracted her, killing Dr. Death in the process...or so they thought.
Mac wasn’t the same after that, convinced she was damaged goods, and she transferred to the West Coast without explanation. On a mission in Romania, she’s about to discover the location of the biggest cache of biological weapons in Eastern Europe...until a team of men steps in and her only lead is killed. Worse, the man responsible for destroying seven months of undercover work is the man she almost married two years earlier. The man she ran from and still loves.
GRIFFIN BRADLEY has finally gotten over the only woman he has ever loved when he comes face to face with her once again. After she is recruited into his unit, he goes out of his way to avoid unnecessary contact with her. But when Dr. Death reappears and kidnaps Mac, not only must he thwart a major terrorist attack, but he must find her before the madman disappears forever with her in his grasp.
Die Once More is a fun and quick read. I wish it had trigger warnings, I’ll add what I think should be there at the end. I’m not a huge fan of spy or military setting books and this is definitely one of those. Which is why I gave it 3 stars. The writing was great, just not my favorite kind of book to read and that’s absolutely okay. Other people loved this book and if you enjoy spy reads then add this one to your list!!
The bulk of the story is Mac, Griff, and the team going after Dr. Death and the jihadists he's working with/ manipulating. Mac and Griff are still obviously in love and we know that they will get back together in one way or another, it by no means drives the plot. Even after she's taken again, her whole team--not just Griff--is determined to get her back. If you have picked this book up hoping for a romance with suspense, you may be disappointed; it's more of a military suspense with some romance.
I loved that Mac was super strong and confident, and that she was easy to root for. Even though this isn’t normally my type of book, I wanted her and the team to succeed. I will also say that there’s not too much romance, and if there was more of that then I may have given it 3.5/or even 4 stars. I found it odd that Griff didn’t fight for Mac more two years earlier but I did enjoy the parts of romance between them.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Booksprout in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Trigger warnings (potential spoilers): Rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, Holocaust (Dr. Death and gas chambers), PTSD
Mac wasn’t the same after that, convinced she was damaged goods, and she transferred to the West Coast without explanation. On a mission in Romania, she’s about to discover the location of the biggest cache of biological weapons in Eastern Europe...until a team of men steps in and her only lead is killed. Worse, the man responsible for destroying seven months of undercover work is the man she almost married two years earlier. The man she ran from and still loves.
GRIFFIN BRADLEY has finally gotten over the only woman he has ever loved when he comes face to face with her once again. After she is recruited into his unit, he goes out of his way to avoid unnecessary contact with her. But when Dr. Death reappears and kidnaps Mac, not only must he thwart a major terrorist attack, but he must find her before the madman disappears forever with her in his grasp.
Die Once More is a fun and quick read. I wish it had trigger warnings, I’ll add what I think should be there at the end. I’m not a huge fan of spy or military setting books and this is definitely one of those. Which is why I gave it 3 stars. The writing was great, just not my favorite kind of book to read and that’s absolutely okay. Other people loved this book and if you enjoy spy reads then add this one to your list!!
The bulk of the story is Mac, Griff, and the team going after Dr. Death and the jihadists he's working with/ manipulating. Mac and Griff are still obviously in love and we know that they will get back together in one way or another, it by no means drives the plot. Even after she's taken again, her whole team--not just Griff--is determined to get her back. If you have picked this book up hoping for a romance with suspense, you may be disappointed; it's more of a military suspense with some romance.
I loved that Mac was super strong and confident, and that she was easy to root for. Even though this isn’t normally my type of book, I wanted her and the team to succeed. I will also say that there’s not too much romance, and if there was more of that then I may have given it 3.5/or even 4 stars. I found it odd that Griff didn’t fight for Mac more two years earlier but I did enjoy the parts of romance between them.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Booksprout in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Trigger warnings (potential spoilers): Rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, Holocaust (Dr. Death and gas chambers), PTSD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
If you like spy stories and edge of your seat thrills, get ready for the read of your life with Lizbeth Lipperman’s “Die Once More”.
Two years ago, while on a deep undercover assignment for the CIA, biochemist Dr. MacKenzie “Mac” Conley disappeared. Her team finally located her being held by a man so evil he was named “Dr. Death”. While rescuing Mac, it’s thought that the evil man was killed and she transferred to another unit and worked to put that horrific time behind her. Now, on a mission in Romania, Mac is about to discover the biggest cache of biological weapons until another team steps in and her only lead is killed. Worse yet, that team is led by the man she loved and left behind because of the trauma she’d experienced while held captive.
Back home, she is summoned to Washington and finds herself recruited to a secret agency called “Sweepers, Inc.”. They are an elite group of highly-trained operatives brought together to clean up botched secret missions involving national security. Her old commander runs this squad, and he informs her that Dr. Death is still very much alive and getting ready to release a nerve gas so lethal it can kill in just seconds. Mac jumps at the chance to stop him and joins the team, even though her ex is very much a part of the team.
I couldn’t put this book down! The characters are well-rounded and diverse. The way the author writes stories makes one feel as if they are a part of the action.
I love reading spy stories, and this one was very much worth the read. Talk about fast-paced, action-filled, and edge-of-your-seat! This book is definitely a page-turner for those who like suspense and fast-paced stories.
I received an advance copy and am happy to share my thoughts.
Two years ago, while on a deep undercover assignment for the CIA, biochemist Dr. MacKenzie “Mac” Conley disappeared. Her team finally located her being held by a man so evil he was named “Dr. Death”. While rescuing Mac, it’s thought that the evil man was killed and she transferred to another unit and worked to put that horrific time behind her. Now, on a mission in Romania, Mac is about to discover the biggest cache of biological weapons until another team steps in and her only lead is killed. Worse yet, that team is led by the man she loved and left behind because of the trauma she’d experienced while held captive.
Back home, she is summoned to Washington and finds herself recruited to a secret agency called “Sweepers, Inc.”. They are an elite group of highly-trained operatives brought together to clean up botched secret missions involving national security. Her old commander runs this squad, and he informs her that Dr. Death is still very much alive and getting ready to release a nerve gas so lethal it can kill in just seconds. Mac jumps at the chance to stop him and joins the team, even though her ex is very much a part of the team.
I couldn’t put this book down! The characters are well-rounded and diverse. The way the author writes stories makes one feel as if they are a part of the action.
I love reading spy stories, and this one was very much worth the read. Talk about fast-paced, action-filled, and edge-of-your-seat! This book is definitely a page-turner for those who like suspense and fast-paced stories.
I received an advance copy and am happy to share my thoughts.
December 3, 2021
A good, solid romance with a happily for now ending that left on enough of a mostly wrapped up ending to satisfy some while leaving room for a sequel.
Dr. Mackenzie “Mac” Conley is a top biochemist at the CIA and an expert in biochemical weapons. Two years prior to the story starting, Mac was kidnapped and held hostage by a terrorist named Petrovich. The trauma of her experience made her leave her fiancé, fellow agent Griff Bradley, without any explanation. She took a different job within the CIA and basically fell off the radar. When the book starts, two years later, Griff is stunned by her return to the special agent group to hunt down Petrovich.
Mac and Griff were likable. Their romance seemed realistic. The steam level was a little lacking but the plot was full of suspense and action. It read more like an action/adventure or thriller with a touch of romance mixed in rather than a true romance novel. Still a very enjoyable read. It’s a little on the longer side for a romance so don’t think it will be one you can sit and read in one afternoon. The plot flows well, the writing and dialogue was good, the action is continuous. Sometimes it got to the point of me groaning “come on, give the poor girl a break,” but that’s action and thriller books for you. The hits kept on coming.
An enjoyable read.
Dr. Mackenzie “Mac” Conley is a top biochemist at the CIA and an expert in biochemical weapons. Two years prior to the story starting, Mac was kidnapped and held hostage by a terrorist named Petrovich. The trauma of her experience made her leave her fiancé, fellow agent Griff Bradley, without any explanation. She took a different job within the CIA and basically fell off the radar. When the book starts, two years later, Griff is stunned by her return to the special agent group to hunt down Petrovich.
Mac and Griff were likable. Their romance seemed realistic. The steam level was a little lacking but the plot was full of suspense and action. It read more like an action/adventure or thriller with a touch of romance mixed in rather than a true romance novel. Still a very enjoyable read. It’s a little on the longer side for a romance so don’t think it will be one you can sit and read in one afternoon. The plot flows well, the writing and dialogue was good, the action is continuous. Sometimes it got to the point of me groaning “come on, give the poor girl a break,” but that’s action and thriller books for you. The hits kept on coming.
An enjoyable read.
October 8, 2021
If you love a great covert operations story, this will hit all the spots. Men and women serving covertly at the highest level to protect the citizens of the world from evil. Mackenzie is a biochemist who was tortured by one of the people she was hunting and now he is hunting her again. Griffin is team leader and has vowed to protect her. The story is fast paced and takes place in several different locations. They hunt a killer called “Dr. death” who has no scruples. The ending is a win for the good guys but will still manage to surprise you.
October 24, 2021
Mac and Griff’s story was out of this world amazing!!!! I am always on the lookout for a heart pounding romantic suspense read and am quite often left feeling let down because there just wasn’t enough action, but this book was OUTSTANDING!!!!! It had it all! A brilliant storyline, awesome multifaceted characters, and as an added bonus, a romance that will hit you right in the gut! Definitely a five star read and more!!!! This was a new to me author and I’m now already anticipating Lizbeth’s next masterpiece!!! Highly recommended
October 31, 2021
A big thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is possibly the beginning of a new series. I have not read this author before. The main character is "Mac", she is amazingly tough. She is part of a CIA group. For me, this was more of a suspense/adventure and romance less. Griffin was an ok guy, but quick on judgements. There were a lot of holes about the past that might have helped in understanding her terror. She obviously had PTSD. 3 stars This was an ok read for me.
October 4, 2021
More twists than a pretzel!
This book has it all: bioweapons, a mad scientist, a super-secret national security agency, and a plot to kill innocent children. Layer that with a steamy attraction between two of the agency's top operatives. The tension between Dr. MacKenzie Connolly and Griffin Bradley only add to this story's overall roller-coaster plot as they race against time and terrorists to save the world from "Dr. Death's" deadly creation. A wild ride from start to finish.
This book has it all: bioweapons, a mad scientist, a super-secret national security agency, and a plot to kill innocent children. Layer that with a steamy attraction between two of the agency's top operatives. The tension between Dr. MacKenzie Connolly and Griffin Bradley only add to this story's overall roller-coaster plot as they race against time and terrorists to save the world from "Dr. Death's" deadly creation. A wild ride from start to finish.
October 9, 2021
Once I started this story I was not putting it down, so a word of warning if you are like me do not start at bedtime. Dr. Mackenzie/Mac Conley and Griffin Bradley's story has suspense, kidnapping, drama, villains, twists, turns, heartbreak, and love. The last part of this book was very emotional. I recommend. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2021
I enjoyed this page-turner filled with twists and turns. The characters were well;-developed. The edge-of-your-seat drama kept me intrigued to the end, and what an ending it was. I recommend this book to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2022
Kept me on my toes throughout the whole book! There were tears, laughter, anger and happiness. I hope another comes out soon!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews