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Cipher Security #3
Code of Ethics
There are three things you need to know about Oliver:
1) He’s a fabulously wealthy playboy who incidentally happens to be a code-writing genius,
2) For maybe the first time in his life, he’s trying to do the right thing, and
3) Someone wants him dead.
Oliver’s life has already been saved once by the gorgeous yet grumpy “close protection specialist” provided by Cipher Security, Dallas. She calls him uncooperative. He’d prefer to think of himself as unpredictable and stimulating.
But when an assassin gets way too close for comfort, the party boy is whisked away from the lively city where he’s the social king, to the desolate Yukon wilderness where Dallas is a master of survival (and grumpiness). Living wild and isolated reveals several illuminating truths, and suddenly they both find themselves in uncharted territory where grumpy can be sexy, sarcasm might be hot, capable is definitely dangerous, and trust is the strongest survival skill of all.
Code of Ethics is book #3 in the Cipher Security Series. It is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense novel, and can be read as a standalone.
1) He’s a fabulously wealthy playboy who incidentally happens to be a code-writing genius,
2) For maybe the first time in his life, he’s trying to do the right thing, and
3) Someone wants him dead.
Oliver’s life has already been saved once by the gorgeous yet grumpy “close protection specialist” provided by Cipher Security, Dallas. She calls him uncooperative. He’d prefer to think of himself as unpredictable and stimulating.
But when an assassin gets way too close for comfort, the party boy is whisked away from the lively city where he’s the social king, to the desolate Yukon wilderness where Dallas is a master of survival (and grumpiness). Living wild and isolated reveals several illuminating truths, and suddenly they both find themselves in uncharted territory where grumpy can be sexy, sarcasm might be hot, capable is definitely dangerous, and trust is the strongest survival skill of all.
Code of Ethics is book #3 in the Cipher Security Series. It is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense novel, and can be read as a standalone.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
56 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
April White
30 books1,130 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 153 reviews
July 21, 2022
I’m so glad for the expanded SmartyPants Romance universe because I’ve gotten to read some really great stories set in the world of characters that I love from Penny Reid’s books. CODE OF ETHICS by April White was an excellent bodyguard romance featuring a male computer programmer (Oliver) who is targeted for assassination because he’s nearly finished with a program that Russian bad guys want. Dallas works as a bodyguard for Quinn at Cypher Security and is assigned to keep him alive. The bodyguard/spy stuff is great just on its own. The book is made even better when they are forced to go to the Yukon Territory in Canada because Dallas’s grandfather is ill, and Oliver is suddenly a fish out of water in this new environment. This was a great romantic suspense and I look forward to more in the series.
Want to read
September 21, 2021
★★AVAILABLE NOW★★
GAH! I am so excited PEOPLE! Code of Ethics by April White is finally LIVE! We are kicking off the Fall launch in style. You don't want to miss this one <3
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2W0kaRm
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yPk4dR
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3xoY4VF
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2TXKBGC
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3luYkA7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3inehX3
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fvld2h
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2TSH1xk
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yR8yOP
★★ BLURB ★★
There are three things you need to know about Oliver Curran:
1) He’s a privileged playboy who happens to be a code-writing genius
2) For once in his life he’s trying to do the right thing
3) Someone wants him dead.
Dallas is a close protection specialist at Cipher Security whose bodyguard skills have already saved Oliver’s life once. But when the assassin gets too close to her uncooperative client, Dallas takes the party boy away from the city where he’s the social king, to the Yukon wilderness where she’s a master of survival.
If Dallas has to put her life on the line for a self-absorbed guy she doesn’t respect, then Oliver has to take orders from the too-serious woman he can’t charm. But living wild brings out their true natures, and suddenly funny is hot, capable is dangerous, and trust is the strongest survival skill of all.
‘Code of Ethics’ is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Cipher Security series, Seduction in the City world, Penny Reid Book Universe.
July 2, 2021
Code Of Ethics by April White
‘“You fill my empty places with peace,” she smiled, “and play. You see things that are possible, and you make me believe they can be.” She had my full attention again, and I loved the soft smile on her lips. “You said I was a nomad who barely unpacks, and I was thinking of a way to change that.”’
Every time I read one of April White’s books, I come away from the exhilarating experience feeling infinitely more intelligent, more well informed and more enlightened, but I also come away from it all feeling as though I’ve been on a whirlwind, madcap adventure, falling in love with a handsome stranger, immersing myself in a different community, a different culture, a different world entirely. It’s a heady and phenomenal thing and precisely why I love to read.
The way in which April writes is nothing short of poetic, how she describes the locations in delicious detail, the scents, colours, landscape, honing her astonishing talent with words in order to give me a piece of the land, the views, the skies and the wildlife. It’s immersive and captivating.
These stories - and in particular Code of Ethics- are incredible hybrids of thrilling fictional escapes from the real world, whilst also bringing intense and relevant real life topics to the surface. April isn’t afraid to do extensive research, to let the lesser acknowledged voices sing out loud. To bring attention to the uncomfortable and often tragic circumstances of life. Though it’s done in such a way that we’re invested, engaged and thoroughly entertained. She takes the worst of humanity, shines a spotlight on it but offers us the chance to see the absolute joy and goodness in people too and in this case we get to meet and fall in love with our protagonists Dallas and Oliver, as well as Dallas’ family. It’s complicated but it’s also hilarious, messy, confusing and magical.
In Code of Ethics, our heroine Dallas is utterly remarkable in every way. She is resilient, independent and strong, forging past her inner daily struggles and setbacks.
Dallas was the glue for the entire story for me. Her presence, her legacy, her heritage, her feelings, actions and reactions. A dichotomy. Someone who resembled a powerful force of nature but all whilst standing still and silent. Intimidating in her skill set, I loved how Dallas was stalwart in her convictions, her self-worth, who she is, who she was and who and where she came from. She was just unapologetically herself and I loved every facet of her personality. She was fierce but vulnerable too. She might project a stone-faced, all-business badass heroine persona for the majority of the time but I really liked those glimpses of the soft-hearted woman beneath, the one who felt shame, hurt, confusion and uncertainty. Constantly at war with herself. Self-contained in so many ways yet yearning for something more tangible. “Your capability and competence are like a siren song to me…”
I think how Oliver’s character was portrayed was a stroke of genius. A big deal, techy wunderkind hero who was unabashedly emotional, (I freaking adored the fact that he got misty eyed a few times. Whether in fear or relief or happiness) had abandonment issues, (with very good reason) was supremely charming and flirtatious but who was practically begging for someone to fight for him, to stay for him, to love him. He wasn’t afraid to experience and broadcast his feelings, and he might have used a superficial kind of charm to begin with but underneath that swagger and bravado he really was the most charming, funny and sweet man. I liked how April peeled back those layers of him gradually, so we were able to appreciate the man as a whole and see he wasn't one hundred percent asshole. They’re both complicated people, from entirely different backgrounds but they are magical together. Through silences, fantastic dialogue, glances and glares. The Yukon backdrop added the dramatic musical score to their enemies to lovers dance.
I’m a sucker for the old enemies to lovers plot, with this story author April White managed to use that trope to her advantage. The bickering, bantering and eyebrow-raises brought a delightful comedic element to it all. There was one scene in particular that I couldn’t stop laughing through, I have a feeling that you’ll know which one when you arrive at it. The timing of that whole situation was just perfection, the dialogue and the picture painted. Cousin Reed was a terrific addition. He brought forth more levity and I was one hundred percent on board for the surprising bromance between him and Oliver.
Code of Ethics is a beautifully balanced slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance story, set within a dynamic plot that is endlessly exciting, fairly even-paced and beautifully intricate. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, absolutely riveting and wonderfully uplifting - a suspense tale tucked under the majestic skies of The Yukon, where we learn what it is to be part of a community, where knowledge flows down through the generations. The past and the present fuse together in a stunning tapestry. Where April White has managed to incorporate everything into this adventure organically, the titbits about hunting, the old recipes, tracking, the respect and admiration for it all- it's woven in through everywhere. Topped off with a gorgeous love story. Simply put, Code of Ethics is a work of art and an exceptional addition to the Cipher and Smartypants world.
‘“You fill my empty places with peace,” she smiled, “and play. You see things that are possible, and you make me believe they can be.” She had my full attention again, and I loved the soft smile on her lips. “You said I was a nomad who barely unpacks, and I was thinking of a way to change that.”’
Every time I read one of April White’s books, I come away from the exhilarating experience feeling infinitely more intelligent, more well informed and more enlightened, but I also come away from it all feeling as though I’ve been on a whirlwind, madcap adventure, falling in love with a handsome stranger, immersing myself in a different community, a different culture, a different world entirely. It’s a heady and phenomenal thing and precisely why I love to read.
The way in which April writes is nothing short of poetic, how she describes the locations in delicious detail, the scents, colours, landscape, honing her astonishing talent with words in order to give me a piece of the land, the views, the skies and the wildlife. It’s immersive and captivating.
These stories - and in particular Code of Ethics- are incredible hybrids of thrilling fictional escapes from the real world, whilst also bringing intense and relevant real life topics to the surface. April isn’t afraid to do extensive research, to let the lesser acknowledged voices sing out loud. To bring attention to the uncomfortable and often tragic circumstances of life. Though it’s done in such a way that we’re invested, engaged and thoroughly entertained. She takes the worst of humanity, shines a spotlight on it but offers us the chance to see the absolute joy and goodness in people too and in this case we get to meet and fall in love with our protagonists Dallas and Oliver, as well as Dallas’ family. It’s complicated but it’s also hilarious, messy, confusing and magical.
In Code of Ethics, our heroine Dallas is utterly remarkable in every way. She is resilient, independent and strong, forging past her inner daily struggles and setbacks.
Dallas was the glue for the entire story for me. Her presence, her legacy, her heritage, her feelings, actions and reactions. A dichotomy. Someone who resembled a powerful force of nature but all whilst standing still and silent. Intimidating in her skill set, I loved how Dallas was stalwart in her convictions, her self-worth, who she is, who she was and who and where she came from. She was just unapologetically herself and I loved every facet of her personality. She was fierce but vulnerable too. She might project a stone-faced, all-business badass heroine persona for the majority of the time but I really liked those glimpses of the soft-hearted woman beneath, the one who felt shame, hurt, confusion and uncertainty. Constantly at war with herself. Self-contained in so many ways yet yearning for something more tangible. “Your capability and competence are like a siren song to me…”
I think how Oliver’s character was portrayed was a stroke of genius. A big deal, techy wunderkind hero who was unabashedly emotional, (I freaking adored the fact that he got misty eyed a few times. Whether in fear or relief or happiness) had abandonment issues, (with very good reason) was supremely charming and flirtatious but who was practically begging for someone to fight for him, to stay for him, to love him. He wasn’t afraid to experience and broadcast his feelings, and he might have used a superficial kind of charm to begin with but underneath that swagger and bravado he really was the most charming, funny and sweet man. I liked how April peeled back those layers of him gradually, so we were able to appreciate the man as a whole and see he wasn't one hundred percent asshole. They’re both complicated people, from entirely different backgrounds but they are magical together. Through silences, fantastic dialogue, glances and glares. The Yukon backdrop added the dramatic musical score to their enemies to lovers dance.
I’m a sucker for the old enemies to lovers plot, with this story author April White managed to use that trope to her advantage. The bickering, bantering and eyebrow-raises brought a delightful comedic element to it all. There was one scene in particular that I couldn’t stop laughing through, I have a feeling that you’ll know which one when you arrive at it. The timing of that whole situation was just perfection, the dialogue and the picture painted. Cousin Reed was a terrific addition. He brought forth more levity and I was one hundred percent on board for the surprising bromance between him and Oliver.
Code of Ethics is a beautifully balanced slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance story, set within a dynamic plot that is endlessly exciting, fairly even-paced and beautifully intricate. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, absolutely riveting and wonderfully uplifting - a suspense tale tucked under the majestic skies of The Yukon, where we learn what it is to be part of a community, where knowledge flows down through the generations. The past and the present fuse together in a stunning tapestry. Where April White has managed to incorporate everything into this adventure organically, the titbits about hunting, the old recipes, tracking, the respect and admiration for it all- it's woven in through everywhere. Topped off with a gorgeous love story. Simply put, Code of Ethics is a work of art and an exceptional addition to the Cipher and Smartypants world.
Read
January 4, 2024I just listened to the whole audiobook all the way through, and it's fantastic! I only ever heard it in pieces as I was proofing the chapters the narrators sent in, and it's a very different experience to just immerse myself in Dallas and Oliver's story. LaNecia and Matt did a fantastic job with their characters, and I have to say, it was a lot of fun to re-read Code of Ethics this way. I laughed out loud more times than I expected to (I can't even think about the long drop scene without giggling), and it's been long enough that the story surprises me in the best possible way. If you're an audiobook listener, I highly recommend a re-read (or read), especially because a winter in the north feels just about right.
September 25, 2021
5 Wolf and Raven Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
We all have favorite authors. You know the ones, the ones you tell all your friends about, people in the check-out line at the market, or anywhere else where you can sing the praises of books you love. I have shared how much I have loved books with perfect strangers if they mentioned anything close to the enjoyment of reading.
So when I say, April White is a gift, I truly mean it, and this story has everything to captivate you from the start. Now, I am someone who thinks if someone has written the perfect review for a book, then they should be highlighted and have others go and read it.
Nicole Emerald Book Reviews McCurdy wrote the ultimate review on this book and I would be a fool not to direct my readers to it. It is a review equal to the talent of April White so please go and read it. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am just another reader who appreciates the research, creativity, and the way Ms. White treats us, knowing her tales give us so much more than standard romance novels. Please go and read Ms. White's books, I promise you will love them.
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 Reading ~~~~~
June 23, 2021-Pssst, News To Report. This Most Wanted Book Is Coming Soon...Think Turning Of Leaves, The Wearing Of Sweaters...Could This Mean This Fall????
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
We all have favorite authors. You know the ones, the ones you tell all your friends about, people in the check-out line at the market, or anywhere else where you can sing the praises of books you love. I have shared how much I have loved books with perfect strangers if they mentioned anything close to the enjoyment of reading.
So when I say, April White is a gift, I truly mean it, and this story has everything to captivate you from the start. Now, I am someone who thinks if someone has written the perfect review for a book, then they should be highlighted and have others go and read it.
Nicole Emerald Book Reviews McCurdy wrote the ultimate review on this book and I would be a fool not to direct my readers to it. It is a review equal to the talent of April White so please go and read it. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am just another reader who appreciates the research, creativity, and the way Ms. White treats us, knowing her tales give us so much more than standard romance novels. Please go and read Ms. White's books, I promise you will love them.
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 Reading ~~~~~
June 23, 2021-Pssst, News To Report. This Most Wanted Book Is Coming Soon...Think Turning Of Leaves, The Wearing Of Sweaters...Could This Mean This Fall????
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Want to read
September 21, 2021★★NOW LIVE★★
It’s here!!! Today is the day! Code of Ethics, the next romantic suspense in the Cipher Security series by April White is ALIVE! See what people are saying…
“Dallas and Oliver are characters that stole my heart.”
“Thanks to this book, I discovered a region of Canada, its geography, its landscapes and its history.”
“Ms. White has outdone herself with this story!”
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2W0kaRm
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yPk4dR
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3xoY4VF
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2TXKBGC
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3luYkA7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3inehX3
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fvld2h
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2TSH1xk
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yR8yOP
★★ BLURB ★★
There are three things you need to know about Oliver Curran:
1) He’s a privileged playboy who happens to be a code-writing genius
2) For once in his life he’s trying to do the right thing
3) Someone wants him dead.
Dallas is a close protection specialist at Cipher Security whose bodyguard skills have already saved Oliver’s life once. But when the assassin gets too close to her uncooperative client, Dallas takes the party boy away from the city where he’s the social king, to the Yukon wilderness where she’s a master of survival.
If Dallas has to put her life on the line for a self-absorbed guy she doesn’t respect, then Oliver has to take orders from the too-serious woman he can’t charm. But living wild brings out their true natures, and suddenly funny is hot, capable is dangerous, and trust is the strongest survival skill of all.
‘Code of Ethics’ is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Cipher Security series, Seduction in the City world, Penny Reid Book Universe.
September 21, 2021
Happy Release Day, my dear @aprilwhitebooks 🤍☕️
My heart is so full of swelling pride, adoration for April, and deep contemplation. I can’t believe it took me a month and a half to finish this book. My brain was burned out beyond anything I’d experienced before. The things happening in our country right now have really taken its toll so I put April’s baby to the side because I’m no way shape or form do I ever want to just “get through” an April White novel. I put away all ebooks and drowned myself in audiobooks.
As the dust started to settle, and the fog in my brain lifted, I faintly heard the voice of Dallas in my mind beckoning me to come back and pick up Code of Ethics. So I did, and man am I glad I waited.
April’s books are so much more than romance. They have grit and teeth to them. As you read, their words embed themselves into your soul forcing you to think and absorb what’s really happening in the story. Dallas was such a phenomenal character. She was strong, fierce and full of gumption—something I love in my heroines. April’s research, and study of people is what what makes her writing so rich and full of vibrancy. This is a slow burn that draws you so tight you want to scream. Enemies to lovers is just the Cherry on top.
I love how April went where no other author has been that I have read, and covered First Nations History, some not so distant. Just recently news broke out about over 300 skeletal remains of indigenous children discovered in Canada (Yukon territory) dating back as late as 1995. April wrote about some of this way before that even hit the news which lets me know that God is reiterating to us to pay attention.
I loved Oliver also! The way he classified faces by skin tone, facial structure, ethnicities etc..was super fascinating. He was the perfect water to Dallas’s oil, but they ended up mixing in the most perfect way. I love that this was the bodyguard trope in reverse— a woman protecting the guy. It was Perfect. Superbly written with an ending that was chefs kiss in my opinion.
Don’t take my word for it though. Read it for yourself.
⭐️APRIL AND I ARE GOING LIVE ON FRIDAY @ 1pm est. Hope to see you there!⭐️ #aprilwhite
My heart is so full of swelling pride, adoration for April, and deep contemplation. I can’t believe it took me a month and a half to finish this book. My brain was burned out beyond anything I’d experienced before. The things happening in our country right now have really taken its toll so I put April’s baby to the side because I’m no way shape or form do I ever want to just “get through” an April White novel. I put away all ebooks and drowned myself in audiobooks.
As the dust started to settle, and the fog in my brain lifted, I faintly heard the voice of Dallas in my mind beckoning me to come back and pick up Code of Ethics. So I did, and man am I glad I waited.
April’s books are so much more than romance. They have grit and teeth to them. As you read, their words embed themselves into your soul forcing you to think and absorb what’s really happening in the story. Dallas was such a phenomenal character. She was strong, fierce and full of gumption—something I love in my heroines. April’s research, and study of people is what what makes her writing so rich and full of vibrancy. This is a slow burn that draws you so tight you want to scream. Enemies to lovers is just the Cherry on top.
I love how April went where no other author has been that I have read, and covered First Nations History, some not so distant. Just recently news broke out about over 300 skeletal remains of indigenous children discovered in Canada (Yukon territory) dating back as late as 1995. April wrote about some of this way before that even hit the news which lets me know that God is reiterating to us to pay attention.
I loved Oliver also! The way he classified faces by skin tone, facial structure, ethnicities etc..was super fascinating. He was the perfect water to Dallas’s oil, but they ended up mixing in the most perfect way. I love that this was the bodyguard trope in reverse— a woman protecting the guy. It was Perfect. Superbly written with an ending that was chefs kiss in my opinion.
Don’t take my word for it though. Read it for yourself.
⭐️APRIL AND I ARE GOING LIVE ON FRIDAY @ 1pm est. Hope to see you there!⭐️ #aprilwhite
December 1, 2021
easies five stars I gave in a long time..
LOVE IT!
this is one of my favorite contemporary series!!
April White writes the best heroines.
It is also a book filled with suspense, mystery, wilderness, and history of Yukon, family feels, Quinn Sullivan from Pennyverse, food, magnetic characters.
I read it slowly because I didn't want it to end.
FYI April White if you want to write separate series for Dawson City people I WOULD READ IT!!!
I have nothing smart to say. I had an amazing time reading this book. It filled all of my expectations.
READ THIS SERIES!!!
October 4, 2021
It’s hard to describe what reading this book was like, but I’ll try. I read a lot of books and it’s like eating potato chips… one right after the other, some flavors I like better than others. But this book is like eating your favorite meal; you just want to savor it.
April doesn’t just write a romance, she gives you so much substance along with it that you can’t help but be moved by it. The attention to detail and the research that go into her books is impeccable. And you emerge from the book feeling like you learned something while reading this romance novel.
This book is about so much more than the romance, but make no mistake, there is definitely romance. And the slow burn to get Dallas and Oliver together is worth every page. They go from wariness to friendship to more and it’s so beautiful to take that journey with them. Especially since you know that they are in danger the entire time.
The different worlds that this book explores could not be more different, super high tech and off-the-grid living, but it only goes to highlight that the important things in life remain the same.
If you love a story where it is the woman saving the man and she’s the one with all the competency to get them out of whatever situation they are in, this book is for you. Plus some sexy times. LOVED IT!
I received an advance copy of this book from Smartypants Romance and the author and these are my honest opinions.
April doesn’t just write a romance, she gives you so much substance along with it that you can’t help but be moved by it. The attention to detail and the research that go into her books is impeccable. And you emerge from the book feeling like you learned something while reading this romance novel.
This book is about so much more than the romance, but make no mistake, there is definitely romance. And the slow burn to get Dallas and Oliver together is worth every page. They go from wariness to friendship to more and it’s so beautiful to take that journey with them. Especially since you know that they are in danger the entire time.
The different worlds that this book explores could not be more different, super high tech and off-the-grid living, but it only goes to highlight that the important things in life remain the same.
If you love a story where it is the woman saving the man and she’s the one with all the competency to get them out of whatever situation they are in, this book is for you. Plus some sexy times. LOVED IT!
I received an advance copy of this book from Smartypants Romance and the author and these are my honest opinions.
September 23, 2021
April White really did a wonderful job on Code Of Ethics.
I dare not imagine the number of hours she spent researching first nations history, the past of the Yukon Territory ... We are dealing with an author who respects her characters and her readers, nothing is left to chance. Thanks to this book, I discovered a region of Canada, its geography, its landscapes and its history.
Code of Ethics corresponds exactly to the term Smart Romance. Our heroes are mature, cultured, intelligent.
Dallas is capable of doing anything on her own, absolutely anything, even surviving the most extreme conditions.
Oliver is a geek, a genius with computers.
I loved that the usual pattern was reversed. The heroine is the badass bodyguard who repeatedly protects and saves the life of an extremely handsome hero.
I loved Dallas' family, a tight-knit family of big-hearted heroes.
It was a great pleasure to find the characters of the previous books but also Quinn Sullivan and Alex.
Between Dallas and Oliver, it's far from love at first sight, the tensions between them are palpable and we find ourselves impatiently waiting for them to get closer. They are really very different from each other but fill a significant gap in the other. She brings him a certain stability, a relationship of trust, a feeling of security and belonging, a true love. He brings her humor, a relationship of respect and trust, honesty, lightness, true love.
Code Of Ethics is a real success, a slow burn romance, an enemies to lovers romance, a bodyguard with her client, with the beauties of the Yukon as a backdrop.
Thank you April White and Smartypants Romance for the ARC.
I dare not imagine the number of hours she spent researching first nations history, the past of the Yukon Territory ... We are dealing with an author who respects her characters and her readers, nothing is left to chance. Thanks to this book, I discovered a region of Canada, its geography, its landscapes and its history.
Code of Ethics corresponds exactly to the term Smart Romance. Our heroes are mature, cultured, intelligent.
Dallas is capable of doing anything on her own, absolutely anything, even surviving the most extreme conditions.
Oliver is a geek, a genius with computers.
I loved that the usual pattern was reversed. The heroine is the badass bodyguard who repeatedly protects and saves the life of an extremely handsome hero.
I loved Dallas' family, a tight-knit family of big-hearted heroes.
It was a great pleasure to find the characters of the previous books but also Quinn Sullivan and Alex.
Between Dallas and Oliver, it's far from love at first sight, the tensions between them are palpable and we find ourselves impatiently waiting for them to get closer. They are really very different from each other but fill a significant gap in the other. She brings him a certain stability, a relationship of trust, a feeling of security and belonging, a true love. He brings her humor, a relationship of respect and trust, honesty, lightness, true love.
Code Of Ethics is a real success, a slow burn romance, an enemies to lovers romance, a bodyguard with her client, with the beauties of the Yukon as a backdrop.
Thank you April White and Smartypants Romance for the ARC.
October 6, 2021
Review to release closer to release day!
Dallas and Oliver are characters that stole my heart. This story is so much bigger than what I had expected and I was entranced until the very last word. Perfectly done, superbly well-crafted,and honestly if after reading this story you don’t believe that April White has word magic—then you’re absolutely a muggle.
For my full review check out LitBuzz! https://www.thelitbuzz.com/2021/09/co...
Dallas and Oliver are characters that stole my heart. This story is so much bigger than what I had expected and I was entranced until the very last word. Perfectly done, superbly well-crafted,and honestly if after reading this story you don’t believe that April White has word magic—then you’re absolutely a muggle.
For my full review check out LitBuzz! https://www.thelitbuzz.com/2021/09/co...
October 13, 2021
A romance book filled with depth, longing, and good times.
This Cipher Security Series from April White is absolute gold. I love her funny and quirky characters, but also that they have so much personality. In Code of Ethics, she really goes all-in with the story, delivering a rich backstory and a romance that is sweet and indulging.
Dallas is a stellar heroine, with a sharp attitude, fiercely independent and hugely intimidating. All of that wrapped in such an interesting and profound backstory that you just want her to be your new best friend.
And I was a sucker for Oliver right from the get-go. I mean, nerdy geniuses that are experts at flirting are definitely my Achilles Heel, so of course, I was rooting for him from the start.
But, this is me only scratching the surface of what Code of Ethics really is. I could tell you this is a forced proximity, enemies to friends to lovers, slow-burn romance about a wealthy genius who got in with the wrong people and the close-protection specialist (ahem bodyguard) trying to defend him. Who then decided to bring him to the Yukon wilderness where we get a beautiful glimpse of her heritage and history while opening up for the first time to the person who will become the love of her life.
But, you should experience all of this for yourself. If I could throw a small critique is that after the halfway mark the slow-burn romance gets a little sidetracked by all the action going on. And I missed more of those moments of vulnerability between Oliver and Dallas.
But, that's small potatoes compared to what we get from the entire plot. It was different from your normal run-of-the-mill romance, and I really enjoyed it. Also, it shows how April white is thorough with her research. I loved the tech themes and it all seemed very current and of the moment.
Thank you so much Smartypants romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Code of Ethics is out now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2W0kaRm
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yPk4dR
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3xoY4VF
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2TXKBGC
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3luYkA7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3inehX3
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fvld2h
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2TSH1xk
This Cipher Security Series from April White is absolute gold. I love her funny and quirky characters, but also that they have so much personality. In Code of Ethics, she really goes all-in with the story, delivering a rich backstory and a romance that is sweet and indulging.
Dallas is a stellar heroine, with a sharp attitude, fiercely independent and hugely intimidating. All of that wrapped in such an interesting and profound backstory that you just want her to be your new best friend.
And I was a sucker for Oliver right from the get-go. I mean, nerdy geniuses that are experts at flirting are definitely my Achilles Heel, so of course, I was rooting for him from the start.
But, this is me only scratching the surface of what Code of Ethics really is. I could tell you this is a forced proximity, enemies to friends to lovers, slow-burn romance about a wealthy genius who got in with the wrong people and the close-protection specialist (ahem bodyguard) trying to defend him. Who then decided to bring him to the Yukon wilderness where we get a beautiful glimpse of her heritage and history while opening up for the first time to the person who will become the love of her life.
But, you should experience all of this for yourself. If I could throw a small critique is that after the halfway mark the slow-burn romance gets a little sidetracked by all the action going on. And I missed more of those moments of vulnerability between Oliver and Dallas.
But, that's small potatoes compared to what we get from the entire plot. It was different from your normal run-of-the-mill romance, and I really enjoyed it. Also, it shows how April white is thorough with her research. I loved the tech themes and it all seemed very current and of the moment.
Thank you so much Smartypants romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Code of Ethics is out now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2W0kaRm
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yPk4dR
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3xoY4VF
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2TXKBGC
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3luYkA7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3inehX3
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fvld2h
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2TSH1xk
October 1, 2021
This was my least favourite from the series😖
I couldn't connect to the story or the main characters at all. There was like 2% romance and they had barely any chemistry. Also it was so boringgg.😴
I couldn't connect to the story or the main characters at all. There was like 2% romance and they had barely any chemistry. Also it was so boringgg.😴
April 9, 2023
Oh. Wow. That was surprisingly beautiful.
I loved this so much. We got character growth and relationship depth. Plus adventure and family.
Oliver comes off as a frat bro with everything. He’s white, male, a tech geek, and wealthy. He’s learned how to charm everyone in the room to get what he needs. But what he doesn’t have is family or friends who love him. And he has depth… but it’s something discovered in this book as he meets Dallas who challenges him and refuses to be charmed.
Dallas is smart and kickass. It was fun how she stumbles on meeting Oliver because she tags him as a douche bag. She’s playing a game to keep her skills up by following him around the city and she ends up saving his life. She makes a lot of assumptions about who he is and dislikes him on sight. She has amazing family and friends who love her. But she’s been running away for a while.
Their interactions are golden. And the way they soften towards each other. Swoon.
I don’t know how well the author portrays the indigenous experience and First People, but it felt respectful and lovely. It was so fun to see Dallas interacting with her family. And we get some great Yukon time as they hide away from the killer.
No OM/OW, tho there is some jealousy.
These two are great. And when they deepen their emotional sharing, I totally cried for their past hurts and experiences.
Highly recommend!!
I loved this so much. We got character growth and relationship depth. Plus adventure and family.
Oliver comes off as a frat bro with everything. He’s white, male, a tech geek, and wealthy. He’s learned how to charm everyone in the room to get what he needs. But what he doesn’t have is family or friends who love him. And he has depth… but it’s something discovered in this book as he meets Dallas who challenges him and refuses to be charmed.
Dallas is smart and kickass. It was fun how she stumbles on meeting Oliver because she tags him as a douche bag. She’s playing a game to keep her skills up by following him around the city and she ends up saving his life. She makes a lot of assumptions about who he is and dislikes him on sight. She has amazing family and friends who love her. But she’s been running away for a while.
Their interactions are golden. And the way they soften towards each other. Swoon.
I don’t know how well the author portrays the indigenous experience and First People, but it felt respectful and lovely. It was so fun to see Dallas interacting with her family. And we get some great Yukon time as they hide away from the killer.
No OM/OW, tho there is some jealousy.
These two are great. And when they deepen their emotional sharing, I totally cried for their past hurts and experiences.
Highly recommend!!
October 9, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
He also had the kind of manners that Europeans and old-money people had— like they automatically knew which fork to use without getting a raised eyebrow from whichever parent might have been home.
It makes him laugh every time I wear it, so I make sure he catches me in it when I’m naked.” Shane burst out laughing. “Naked Baby Yodanna!” Anna flapped her Yoda ears. “When I can make Darius laugh, he looks at me like I’m chocolate and movie night and browned butter all rolled up in one.”
His voice is like a thick, creamy salve you put on sunburns when you don’t want to be touched, and when I get sunburny like that, his voice feels like fingers running through my hair—which he does too, by the way.”
She wanted me, and being wanted by this woman suddenly felt more than physical. It felt like something that mattered.
My Review:
Written from a dual POV, this tale had a multiple-layered, slowly paced, and complex plot with uniquely complicated characters, heaping helpings of angst, peril, and a lot of inner dialog and conflict while building to a slow-burn romance. The storylines were intricately woven around the nucleus of a thorny and dangerous threat to a new client with tentacles that spread into family drama, predatory tracking, facial recognition hacking and fraud, and survivalist training and living off the grid in the frozen Canadian Yukon territory.
It was an interesting twist to use the female main character as the protector and trained survivalist, although I initially found her difficult to fully appreciate, as she was rather rigid, emotionally distant and a cold fish. However, once her background was revealed I was greatly impressed by the author’s thoughtful and perceptive character building. I adored her family yet I was outraged to learn of the past and present discriminatory practices and arrogant attitudes toward Canada’s indigenous tribes, which is as shameful as what occurred and continues to proliferate in the USA towards our own. Then I thought about the similar horrors that occurred in India, Australia, Africa, etc. The arrogance of the British Empire has a lot to answer for.
He also had the kind of manners that Europeans and old-money people had— like they automatically knew which fork to use without getting a raised eyebrow from whichever parent might have been home.
It makes him laugh every time I wear it, so I make sure he catches me in it when I’m naked.” Shane burst out laughing. “Naked Baby Yodanna!” Anna flapped her Yoda ears. “When I can make Darius laugh, he looks at me like I’m chocolate and movie night and browned butter all rolled up in one.”
His voice is like a thick, creamy salve you put on sunburns when you don’t want to be touched, and when I get sunburny like that, his voice feels like fingers running through my hair—which he does too, by the way.”
She wanted me, and being wanted by this woman suddenly felt more than physical. It felt like something that mattered.
My Review:
Written from a dual POV, this tale had a multiple-layered, slowly paced, and complex plot with uniquely complicated characters, heaping helpings of angst, peril, and a lot of inner dialog and conflict while building to a slow-burn romance. The storylines were intricately woven around the nucleus of a thorny and dangerous threat to a new client with tentacles that spread into family drama, predatory tracking, facial recognition hacking and fraud, and survivalist training and living off the grid in the frozen Canadian Yukon territory.
It was an interesting twist to use the female main character as the protector and trained survivalist, although I initially found her difficult to fully appreciate, as she was rather rigid, emotionally distant and a cold fish. However, once her background was revealed I was greatly impressed by the author’s thoughtful and perceptive character building. I adored her family yet I was outraged to learn of the past and present discriminatory practices and arrogant attitudes toward Canada’s indigenous tribes, which is as shameful as what occurred and continues to proliferate in the USA towards our own. Then I thought about the similar horrors that occurred in India, Australia, Africa, etc. The arrogance of the British Empire has a lot to answer for.
September 15, 2021
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Let me start out by saying that I'm a HUGE fan of April White's storytelling.
Her characters and stories are unique, smart, interesting, and engaging.
And in saying that, Ms. White has outdone herself with this story!
I finished reading Code of Ethics a couple of nights ago, and over the last couple of days, I've been having a hard time trying to decide how to write my review.
There are so many things I loved about this book. So, I'll try to break it down as best as I can.
1) The characters.
Dallas was so friggn' kick-ass! I loved, loved, loved her!
And Oliver, he was AMAZING!
I loved how the author showed his intelligence, as well as his vulnerabilities. The whole time I was reading this story, I kept picturing him as Dan Levy (who just happens to be one of my favourite people... ever).
The secondary characters were also what made this story top-notch.
Reed, Mark, Grandpops, Darius, and of course Anna are who made this story complete on all levels.
2) The story.
The whole idea of Oliver's program, facial recognition, and social media was inspiring, educational, and really scary.
3) Educating people on the Residencial School system and the Indigenous People in Canada.
As a Canadian, this topic is so dear to my heart.
I know people, and have had extended family members who were stolen from their homes as children and forced to attend these schools. Ms. White was only able to touch a little bit on this atrocity, but the fact that she did was amazing!
I read this book while the leaders of my country are campaigning for the upcoming election on September 20th, and the accountability for the "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women" final report was a major topic during the debates.
My country is also enraged, and in mourning with the discovery over the past months of the unmarked graves found on residential school property.
4) The quotes from "The Spell of Yukon" by Robert Service.
I grew up listening to Robert Service's poems (via album) performed by Hank Snow as a kid.
"The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" are still my favourite songs/poems.
So to sum up, I loved this story!
Thank you April White for writing this wonderful story! It's one of my favourite stories...ever!
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
Let me start out by saying that I'm a HUGE fan of April White's storytelling.
Her characters and stories are unique, smart, interesting, and engaging.
And in saying that, Ms. White has outdone herself with this story!
I finished reading Code of Ethics a couple of nights ago, and over the last couple of days, I've been having a hard time trying to decide how to write my review.
There are so many things I loved about this book. So, I'll try to break it down as best as I can.
1) The characters.
Dallas was so friggn' kick-ass! I loved, loved, loved her!
And Oliver, he was AMAZING!
I loved how the author showed his intelligence, as well as his vulnerabilities. The whole time I was reading this story, I kept picturing him as Dan Levy (who just happens to be one of my favourite people... ever).
The secondary characters were also what made this story top-notch.
Reed, Mark, Grandpops, Darius, and of course Anna are who made this story complete on all levels.
2) The story.
The whole idea of Oliver's program, facial recognition, and social media was inspiring, educational, and really scary.
3) Educating people on the Residencial School system and the Indigenous People in Canada.
As a Canadian, this topic is so dear to my heart.
I know people, and have had extended family members who were stolen from their homes as children and forced to attend these schools. Ms. White was only able to touch a little bit on this atrocity, but the fact that she did was amazing!
I read this book while the leaders of my country are campaigning for the upcoming election on September 20th, and the accountability for the "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women" final report was a major topic during the debates.
My country is also enraged, and in mourning with the discovery over the past months of the unmarked graves found on residential school property.
4) The quotes from "The Spell of Yukon" by Robert Service.
I grew up listening to Robert Service's poems (via album) performed by Hank Snow as a kid.
"The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" are still my favourite songs/poems.
So to sum up, I loved this story!
Thank you April White for writing this wonderful story! It's one of my favourite stories...ever!
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
September 18, 2021
“I think you need to write your own code of ethics when it comes to who you love.”
Code of Ethics is more than a story. It is a complete experience. I came away feeling like I went to the Yukon, met the people and learned so much about Dallas’s First Nation Heritage while visiting her family’s homestead. I was invested, excited and completely entertained.
-5 Stars-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Code of Ethics is more than a story. It is a complete experience. I came away feeling like I went to the Yukon, met the people and learned so much about Dallas’s First Nation Heritage while visiting her family’s homestead. I was invested, excited and completely entertained.
-5 Stars-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 21, 2021
I absolutely adore this series and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. However I made the mistake of going into this that it will be as upbeat and funny as the others, alas I was wrong. This book has a more serious note and the author did warn me in her newsletter. My heart bled for Dallas and what she had experienced and why she was so reserved and reluctant to open herself up to people. People who already considered her to be friends. BTW I want to be Dallas when I grow up. She is amazeballs with all the cool stuff she can do.
I really did not like Oliver and to a certain degree everything Dallas said about him I agreed with to. I just feel as if he didn’t get the development I wanted him to get. Dallas’s transformation is more prominent in the book. I liked how the plot in this book tied into book one and two however I just hope with that the series has come to an end.
I love April White’s writing style and how her mind works. *Coughs* still waiting on Ringo’s second book here. Patient I am not. I hope whatever happens we still get more.
I really did not like Oliver and to a certain degree everything Dallas said about him I agreed with to. I just feel as if he didn’t get the development I wanted him to get. Dallas’s transformation is more prominent in the book. I liked how the plot in this book tied into book one and two however I just hope with that the series has come to an end.
I love April White’s writing style and how her mind works. *Coughs* still waiting on Ringo’s second book here. Patient I am not. I hope whatever happens we still get more.
September 21, 2021
This might be the most researched romance novel I have ever read but in a wonderful way. April has a way to weave in insane but interesting things happening in the world- this time around we get a deep dive into the dark web and just internet things but also we get a new understanding of Indigenous life in the Northern Territories. You can tell April has lived in the Yukon with her knowledge but also just how she makes you want to visit.
My day job comes into play with this book with bitcoin and new ways to "mine" it as I'm seeing that at work. Also, as an anthropologist I have just been super fascinated with the Arctic and how the Inuit have lived before the government removals and school but also how the resident school impacted way of life; when I'm at conferences I always spend an afternoon going to one of the antho or archy half days with the Arctic. So I knew some of this back story but still goggle was my friends for some of this as its was all super interesting to read about.
Needless to say I loved LOVED this book. I think its my favorite in this series as well. Oliver you will fall in love with thanks to his cooking, charm (we find out why), cute and trying to make people happy and laugh. Dallas you just want to be, period! These two we get a massive super long slow burn with :) but its totally worth it! So much mystery, twists and turns that it keeps you on your toes.
But yeah I can't wait for more of this series! I loved all the previous books extras but also the Penny Reid charters- this is one of my favorite "worlds".
5 stars
3 steam - way slow burn
My day job comes into play with this book with bitcoin and new ways to "mine" it as I'm seeing that at work. Also, as an anthropologist I have just been super fascinated with the Arctic and how the Inuit have lived before the government removals and school but also how the resident school impacted way of life; when I'm at conferences I always spend an afternoon going to one of the antho or archy half days with the Arctic. So I knew some of this back story but still goggle was my friends for some of this as its was all super interesting to read about.
Needless to say I loved LOVED this book. I think its my favorite in this series as well. Oliver you will fall in love with thanks to his cooking, charm (we find out why), cute and trying to make people happy and laugh. Dallas you just want to be, period! These two we get a massive super long slow burn with :) but its totally worth it! So much mystery, twists and turns that it keeps you on your toes.
But yeah I can't wait for more of this series! I loved all the previous books extras but also the Penny Reid charters- this is one of my favorite "worlds".
5 stars
3 steam - way slow burn
September 21, 2021
“Would you mind if I… held you for a minute?”
One of the things I love most about April White’s books… aside from the amazing story-telling that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go, is that I always always learn something(s). The time and care that so obviously go into her research… it’s truly unique and just puts her a step above.
This is a sensitive and smart take on the bodyguard and the one she’s guarding. Yes, *she*. Dallas is a fantastic heroine and I loved getting into her head and the growth she goes through throughout the story.
“…the woman in the window had let me see her vulnerability, and she would never be anything but beautiful to me again.”
At first glance- Oliver may appear to be a classic nice guy hero, yet, he has so many layers. I am always on the search for heroes who don’t fit that typical “alpha” script and he absolutely delivers. He is one of the most true to life, sweet and honest heroes I’ve read in a long time.
These are two broken people who have dealt with immense grief coming together to handle a threat, but ultimately learning to deal with their crap and open up their hearts.
I loved that it is our heroine who teaches the hero so many things and that he is eager to learn. The banter between these two… 🥰. While a more seriously themed story, I laughed aloud multiple times. Oliver is so funny and sweet and earnest, you cannot help but fall in love with him.
“Maybe it was a minute, maybe it was five, but holding her felt like the only thing to do in the wide world of doing things.”
One of my favorite parts about this story was the tie in to the previous two (Code of Conduct and Code of Honor). It is an absolute standalone, yes, but it brings in characters from those novels and offers a truly satisfying ending. I’m so thankful I found April White through Smartypants Romance and I look forward to reading whatever comes next from her.
-Look away if you don’t want possible c/w spoiling-
C/w: it’s romantic suspense- there is violence against humans/animal, miscarriage, 60’s scoop, history of First Nations crimes
One of the things I love most about April White’s books… aside from the amazing story-telling that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go, is that I always always learn something(s). The time and care that so obviously go into her research… it’s truly unique and just puts her a step above.
This is a sensitive and smart take on the bodyguard and the one she’s guarding. Yes, *she*. Dallas is a fantastic heroine and I loved getting into her head and the growth she goes through throughout the story.
“…the woman in the window had let me see her vulnerability, and she would never be anything but beautiful to me again.”
At first glance- Oliver may appear to be a classic nice guy hero, yet, he has so many layers. I am always on the search for heroes who don’t fit that typical “alpha” script and he absolutely delivers. He is one of the most true to life, sweet and honest heroes I’ve read in a long time.
These are two broken people who have dealt with immense grief coming together to handle a threat, but ultimately learning to deal with their crap and open up their hearts.
I loved that it is our heroine who teaches the hero so many things and that he is eager to learn. The banter between these two… 🥰. While a more seriously themed story, I laughed aloud multiple times. Oliver is so funny and sweet and earnest, you cannot help but fall in love with him.
“Maybe it was a minute, maybe it was five, but holding her felt like the only thing to do in the wide world of doing things.”
One of my favorite parts about this story was the tie in to the previous two (Code of Conduct and Code of Honor). It is an absolute standalone, yes, but it brings in characters from those novels and offers a truly satisfying ending. I’m so thankful I found April White through Smartypants Romance and I look forward to reading whatever comes next from her.
-Look away if you don’t want possible c/w spoiling-
C/w: it’s romantic suspense- there is violence against humans/animal, miscarriage, 60’s scoop, history of First Nations crimes
August 16, 2021
Code of Ethics is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books of 2021.
I love the way April White tells a story. She must conduct obscene amounts of research and/or have a ginormous brain to store all of the history she weaves into her books.
I love that I always learn something and am inspired to do further research when I read an April White book. This one is no exception. Code of Ethics references tragic and horrifying First Nations history that I’ve been completely oblivious to, including residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. Yet all of the important mini history lessons do nothing to detract from the romance. That’s the magic of White’s writing style. She weaves a beautiful romance together with history, advice, and sly humor.
I love the way April White tells a story. She must conduct obscene amounts of research and/or have a ginormous brain to store all of the history she weaves into her books.
I love that I always learn something and am inspired to do further research when I read an April White book. This one is no exception. Code of Ethics references tragic and horrifying First Nations history that I’ve been completely oblivious to, including residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. Yet all of the important mini history lessons do nothing to detract from the romance. That’s the magic of White’s writing style. She weaves a beautiful romance together with history, advice, and sly humor.
October 11, 2021
So this is actually the first book in the Cipher Security series of the SmartyPants Romance books that I’ve read. The others sounded good, I just didn’t choose to try to fit them in before. I will definitely be going back to try to fit them in when I can though, because I ended up enjoying this one a lot, and would like to know more about the other characters that were obviously from those stories that we met in this one. Plus I hope to meet the author at Book Bonanza in 2022, as long as it doesn’t get canceled again thanks to COVID.
Besides the great thriller of a story we had with Russian agents and technology that was so advanced it was crazy, there were some really deep parts in this story as well. I loved the wolf pack tidbits, remembering when Penny Reid went and visited the wolves and then showed us a video of her doing that. And even more intense were the parts about how indigenous people in Canada were treated. Things that most people are only learning about now. It’s scary to hear how recent some of these things were still being done to people. I think it is so great that this was part of the book. Making it so much more than the romantic suspense that it would have been even without that.
The romance was definitely a slow-burn/slow-building type. But I loved Dallas’s family, especially her grandpa. And of course I adored that he had a dachshund named Squirrel! There was a part at the end that was something that irritates me but is often used in romance. When a character tells someone else something about the other character or how they feel that isn’t true, and isn’t something they would actually say if they knew the person was there. And then of course that person ends up being there and hearing it. But I liked how the apology happened, it was done perfectly. This was kind of a long book, so that is part of what made it a little slow for me too probably.
A great read though, and like I said, I look forward to finding time to go back and reading the first two in the series when I can.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
Besides the great thriller of a story we had with Russian agents and technology that was so advanced it was crazy, there were some really deep parts in this story as well. I loved the wolf pack tidbits, remembering when Penny Reid went and visited the wolves and then showed us a video of her doing that. And even more intense were the parts about how indigenous people in Canada were treated. Things that most people are only learning about now. It’s scary to hear how recent some of these things were still being done to people. I think it is so great that this was part of the book. Making it so much more than the romantic suspense that it would have been even without that.
The romance was definitely a slow-burn/slow-building type. But I loved Dallas’s family, especially her grandpa. And of course I adored that he had a dachshund named Squirrel! There was a part at the end that was something that irritates me but is often used in romance. When a character tells someone else something about the other character or how they feel that isn’t true, and isn’t something they would actually say if they knew the person was there. And then of course that person ends up being there and hearing it. But I liked how the apology happened, it was done perfectly. This was kind of a long book, so that is part of what made it a little slow for me too probably.
A great read though, and like I said, I look forward to finding time to go back and reading the first two in the series when I can.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
September 10, 2021
As always I am full of anticipation and hope when a new April White book lands on my kindle. I have absolutely ADORED her Cypher Security series and the family of characters that she has developed there. Each book has elements that inspire and intrigue and she always goes above and beyond to be an inclusive writer.
With this book she takes on quite a role reversal with a male MC, Oliver, who needs protection which he more than gets with his female bodyguard, Dallas. Dallas is intelligent and sharp and her cultural upbringing that shapes who she is and her supportive family are my favorite aspects of this story.
It is very apparent that April herself has spent a lot of time in this setting as she brings the Yukon to life on the page through vivid imagery. But it isn’t until we get to Dallas’ family homestead that I truly fell in love. Whenever I read April’s books I realize that I have spent so much time in ignorance. Not in a bad way, you can’t know what you haven’t had the experience to discover yet in life, but through this book I learned SO much that I had never even heard, about the indigenous culture in Canada (and made me realize just how much I ~don’t~ know about the atrocities committed against all indigenous peoples past and present)
Of course there is always a well thought out mystery that has us trying to guess just who is after our main crush Oliver and who wants to do him harm. I learned quite a bit about how tech works and am deeply disturbed at the fact that I’m still willing to use it. I pray we get more honest creators like Oliver out there in the game who seek others liberties over their own back accounts. The blending of such a high tech plot mixed in with the extreme remote areas of the Yukon and living off the land….I can’t think of many writers who could blend that so well. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a little sneak peek at Dallas and Oliver in the coming years. My heart wants to see the future these two come up with and how they blend their two lives and cultures.
With this book she takes on quite a role reversal with a male MC, Oliver, who needs protection which he more than gets with his female bodyguard, Dallas. Dallas is intelligent and sharp and her cultural upbringing that shapes who she is and her supportive family are my favorite aspects of this story.
It is very apparent that April herself has spent a lot of time in this setting as she brings the Yukon to life on the page through vivid imagery. But it isn’t until we get to Dallas’ family homestead that I truly fell in love. Whenever I read April’s books I realize that I have spent so much time in ignorance. Not in a bad way, you can’t know what you haven’t had the experience to discover yet in life, but through this book I learned SO much that I had never even heard, about the indigenous culture in Canada (and made me realize just how much I ~don’t~ know about the atrocities committed against all indigenous peoples past and present)
Of course there is always a well thought out mystery that has us trying to guess just who is after our main crush Oliver and who wants to do him harm. I learned quite a bit about how tech works and am deeply disturbed at the fact that I’m still willing to use it. I pray we get more honest creators like Oliver out there in the game who seek others liberties over their own back accounts. The blending of such a high tech plot mixed in with the extreme remote areas of the Yukon and living off the land….I can’t think of many writers who could blend that so well. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a little sneak peek at Dallas and Oliver in the coming years. My heart wants to see the future these two come up with and how they blend their two lives and cultures.
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August 21, 2021
Fall Launch 2021 Announcements begin TODAY! WooHOO! First up is the next book in the Cipher Security series of standalones! CODE OF ETHICS, an all-new enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense novel from April White is coming September 21st, and we have the fun new cover!
Pre-order Code of Ethics TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2W0kaRm
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3yPk4dR
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3xoY4VF
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2TXKBGC
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3luYkA7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3inehX3
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fvld2h
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2TSH1xk
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yR8yOP
This book will release wide on all retailers (no plans for Kindle Unlimited at this time).
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
There are three things you need to know about Oliver Curran:
1) He’s a privileged playboy who happens to be a code-writing genius
2) For once in his life he’s trying to do the right thing
3) Someone wants him dead.
Dallas is a close protection specialist at Cipher Security whose bodyguard skills have already saved Oliver’s life once. But when the assassin gets too close to her uncooperative client, Dallas takes the party boy away from the city where he’s the social king, to the Yukon wilderness where she’s a master of survival.
If Dallas has to put her life on the line for a self-absorbed guy she doesn’t respect, then Oliver has to take orders from the too-serious woman he can’t charm. But living wild brings out their true natures, and suddenly funny is hot, capable is dangerous, and trust is the strongest survival skill of all.
‘Code of Ethics’ is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Cipher Security series, Seduction in the City world, Penny Reid Book Universe.
BLOGGER REVIEW AND TOUR SIGN UP: https://forms.gle/bFNtMKXZeUfKtoxDA
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August 6, 2021Wow. Just wow.
October 7, 2021
I knew even before I started to read this book that I would love it. I have yet to be disappointed by anything I've read from April White. She has a knack for weaving romance and suspense into one wonderful story.
Dallas and Oliver were interesting characters. I really liked how multi-dimensional they felt as the story progessed and their relationship developed. They are certainly shown in how they relate to each other, but also as individuals with their own skills and growth over the course of the story.
I love, too, how April has stepped into the Smartypants Romance world and created something that fits right in, but feels unique and all her own. I cannot recommend this and all the Cipher Security books enough!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUvE8_xJ_XB/
Dallas and Oliver were interesting characters. I really liked how multi-dimensional they felt as the story progessed and their relationship developed. They are certainly shown in how they relate to each other, but also as individuals with their own skills and growth over the course of the story.
I love, too, how April has stepped into the Smartypants Romance world and created something that fits right in, but feels unique and all her own. I cannot recommend this and all the Cipher Security books enough!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUvE8_xJ_XB/
September 20, 2021
I wouldn't know what to choose if you asked me what book I love more from this series. Because all three are phenomenal and exactly the type of stories that I’m always looking forward to, no matter what my moods are. Especially since I got so used to the author's writing and her way of making everything seem so easygoing and likeable but with an unmissable touch of reality and topics that aren't easy to write about.
Now, Oliver is the perfect on paper playboy that lives his life carelessly and doesn't think too much about it, or at least that's how he's depicted in the beginning. I loved him by the end because there's always a reason for anyone to behave in certain ways and how he opens up to Dallas was so beautiful to read.
I want Dallas to be my real-life friend. And that should say it all.
Beautiful romance story full of suspenseful moments and a must read one nevertheless.
4.5 stars
Arc review
Now, Oliver is the perfect on paper playboy that lives his life carelessly and doesn't think too much about it, or at least that's how he's depicted in the beginning. I loved him by the end because there's always a reason for anyone to behave in certain ways and how he opens up to Dallas was so beautiful to read.
I want Dallas to be my real-life friend. And that should say it all.
Beautiful romance story full of suspenseful moments and a must read one nevertheless.
4.5 stars
Arc review
September 22, 2021
Today is the day that sees the first release in the Smartypants Romance fall launch, and up first is April White’s book 3 in her Cipher Security series! I was gifted a copy of an ARC by April directly, after we chatted about the photos she posted from her recent trip back to Dawson City, Yukon, a place I visited as a child when I lived nearby in Whitehorse. Her photos and stories brought back so many memories! This book is mainly set in and around Dawson City, which is extremely exciting! It’s a place near and dear to her heart, having spent a lot of time there, and also my own.
I have absolutely loved and adored the first books in the Cipher Security series, but this one is definitely my favourite - I’m not sure if it’s because of how kick-butt and awesome Dallas is, how fun-loving and amusing Oliver is, how special their chemistry is, or that the vast majority of it takes place in the Yukon, where I lived for many years in my childhood.
This book has everything in it and is incredible - the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, the drama and excitement, the tension and apprehension of the chase and unknown assailant on their tail, and a little bit of steam that finally, after that long, built-up wait, finally comes. It isn't a typical rom-com and has that tension building on all fronts.
Having the extra elements that I remember so well being incorporated made it so very extra-special to me - though I’m not sure many others will really even notice these and might even completely breeze by them. They include multiple chapter opening quotes that April included by the extremely locally famous poet Robert W. Service (she quoted from two of his poems, but the most dear to me was the lines from The Cremation of Sam McGee, which we had to memorize in school). Another was the inclusion of something very local to Dawson City, and that is the Sourdough Cocktail at the Sourdough Saloon. She changed the name of the bar for the book, but the drink was in there! It’s any alcohol poured over a frostbitten toe (detached toe, of course!). This is a real thing - you can Google it!! (LOL! Yes, it’s gross, but no more-so than “kissing the cod” / “being screeched in” in Newfoundland!)
Anyway, back to the review- excellent, awesome book, fantastic series and this is my fave of the three. Can absolutely be read as a stand-alone! April White is an awesome author and really takes care in her research and including well-checked history to make the story that much more accurate and special. A must-read!
This is a fantastic book (and series), so I highly recommend everyone checks it out!
I have absolutely loved and adored the first books in the Cipher Security series, but this one is definitely my favourite - I’m not sure if it’s because of how kick-butt and awesome Dallas is, how fun-loving and amusing Oliver is, how special their chemistry is, or that the vast majority of it takes place in the Yukon, where I lived for many years in my childhood.
This book has everything in it and is incredible - the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, the drama and excitement, the tension and apprehension of the chase and unknown assailant on their tail, and a little bit of steam that finally, after that long, built-up wait, finally comes. It isn't a typical rom-com and has that tension building on all fronts.
Having the extra elements that I remember so well being incorporated made it so very extra-special to me - though I’m not sure many others will really even notice these and might even completely breeze by them. They include multiple chapter opening quotes that April included by the extremely locally famous poet Robert W. Service (she quoted from two of his poems, but the most dear to me was the lines from The Cremation of Sam McGee, which we had to memorize in school). Another was the inclusion of something very local to Dawson City, and that is the Sourdough Cocktail at the Sourdough Saloon. She changed the name of the bar for the book, but the drink was in there! It’s any alcohol poured over a frostbitten toe (detached toe, of course!). This is a real thing - you can Google it!! (LOL! Yes, it’s gross, but no more-so than “kissing the cod” / “being screeched in” in Newfoundland!)
Anyway, back to the review- excellent, awesome book, fantastic series and this is my fave of the three. Can absolutely be read as a stand-alone! April White is an awesome author and really takes care in her research and including well-checked history to make the story that much more accurate and special. A must-read!
This is a fantastic book (and series), so I highly recommend everyone checks it out!
October 5, 2021
Check out an EXCERPT here
***5 ‘The Raven and The Wolf’ Stars***
So, I was totally prepared for an opposites attract/enemies to lovers/”office” type romance, and I got that, but whoa...I got so much more and I am absolutely here for it. It was fun, sweet, smexy, heartwarming and heartbreaking and filled with all kinds of goodness that made Dallas and Oliver’s journey that much more fun and poignant for me.
Dallas and Oliver. I gotta say, I adored Dallas from the very start. There’s an abrupt sort of honesty to her, even when she may be lying, that I appreciated because she didn’t feel the need to over elaborate, so she didn’t. This does make her a difficult nut to crack on a lot of levels, but when she did lower her kevlar shields, it was hard not to love her. Oliver, I did end up adoring, but it took a minute. He’s got a lot of baggage and his way of coping was like nails on a chalkboard for me, so when he stopped doing that (mostly because he had no choice) I really liked the man he was. Sweet, considerate and with a golden heart.
Their journey to their HEA was a rocky one, I enjoyed it, but whoa...The fact that their favorite way to amuse themselves was to irritate the other had me feeling like I was back on the playground. But the funny thing was that they were actually a lot more a like on the inside than they knew. So watching as they got to know each other through their actions, instead of words, and finding that they actually liked each other was fun to experience. Of course there are road blocks and they were intense, but I loved how it all worked out for them in the end.
As I said at the start, this baby gave me way more than I was expecting, and that was a great thing in my world. I won’t get into the details, but I will say that I like hearing about history when it’s not told by the victors. And there are the supporting cast of characters. It was fun to catch up with the Cipher Security crew, but it was more fun to hang out with Isaac, Reed, Mark, Christie, Rori, Charli, George & Rikki. I’m crossing my toes that this isn’t the last time we get hang out with this crew because they were all awesome!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
***5 ‘The Raven and The Wolf’ Stars***
So, I was totally prepared for an opposites attract/enemies to lovers/”office” type romance, and I got that, but whoa...I got so much more and I am absolutely here for it. It was fun, sweet, smexy, heartwarming and heartbreaking and filled with all kinds of goodness that made Dallas and Oliver’s journey that much more fun and poignant for me.
Dallas and Oliver. I gotta say, I adored Dallas from the very start. There’s an abrupt sort of honesty to her, even when she may be lying, that I appreciated because she didn’t feel the need to over elaborate, so she didn’t. This does make her a difficult nut to crack on a lot of levels, but when she did lower her kevlar shields, it was hard not to love her. Oliver, I did end up adoring, but it took a minute. He’s got a lot of baggage and his way of coping was like nails on a chalkboard for me, so when he stopped doing that (mostly because he had no choice) I really liked the man he was. Sweet, considerate and with a golden heart.
Their journey to their HEA was a rocky one, I enjoyed it, but whoa...The fact that their favorite way to amuse themselves was to irritate the other had me feeling like I was back on the playground. But the funny thing was that they were actually a lot more a like on the inside than they knew. So watching as they got to know each other through their actions, instead of words, and finding that they actually liked each other was fun to experience. Of course there are road blocks and they were intense, but I loved how it all worked out for them in the end.
As I said at the start, this baby gave me way more than I was expecting, and that was a great thing in my world. I won’t get into the details, but I will say that I like hearing about history when it’s not told by the victors. And there are the supporting cast of characters. It was fun to catch up with the Cipher Security crew, but it was more fun to hang out with Isaac, Reed, Mark, Christie, Rori, Charli, George & Rikki. I’m crossing my toes that this isn’t the last time we get hang out with this crew because they were all awesome!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 18, 2021
Code of Ethics is a standalone story in the Cypher Security series by April White. I am so glad that I discovered this author and this series of books that are really well written and researched.
Oliver has trouble trusting Dallas but quickly finds out that putting his faith in her might be the only way to stay alive. The story is full of suspense going from Chicago to the Yukon, evading murder plots and in the process uncovering truths about each other.
“I think you need to write your own code of ethics when it comes to who you love.”
Code of Ethics is more than a story. It is a complete experience. I came away feeling like I went to the Yukon, met the people and learned so much about Dallas’s First Nation Heritage while visiting her family’s homestead. I was invested, excited and completely entertained.
-5 Stars-
-Diane-
Oliver has trouble trusting Dallas but quickly finds out that putting his faith in her might be the only way to stay alive. The story is full of suspense going from Chicago to the Yukon, evading murder plots and in the process uncovering truths about each other.
“I think you need to write your own code of ethics when it comes to who you love.”
Code of Ethics is more than a story. It is a complete experience. I came away feeling like I went to the Yukon, met the people and learned so much about Dallas’s First Nation Heritage while visiting her family’s homestead. I was invested, excited and completely entertained.
-5 Stars-
-Diane-
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