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Rules of Engagement
Love is a game of chance in this romantic suspense novel by New York Times bestselling author and American politician and activist Stacey Abrams, writing under her pen name, Selena Montgomery.
Dr. Raleigh Foster, an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization, knows that her undercover work has its risks. So she doesn't hesitate when asked to infiltrate Scimitar, the terrorist group that has stolen lethal environmental technology. But when she's assigned a partner--brooding, sexy Adam Grayson--to pose as her lover, Raleigh discovers that the most dangerous risk of all...is falling in love.
Adam blames himself for the botched mission that got his best friend killed by Scimitar, and he believes that Raleigh may have contributed to the man's death. But the closer he works with his alluring partner, the more his suspicions turn to trust--and intense desire. Now, as he and Raleigh untangle a twisted web of secrets and lies, the tension mounts between them...until their masquerade as a couple proves too tempting to resist.
Dr. Raleigh Foster, an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization, knows that her undercover work has its risks. So she doesn't hesitate when asked to infiltrate Scimitar, the terrorist group that has stolen lethal environmental technology. But when she's assigned a partner--brooding, sexy Adam Grayson--to pose as her lover, Raleigh discovers that the most dangerous risk of all...is falling in love.
Adam blames himself for the botched mission that got his best friend killed by Scimitar, and he believes that Raleigh may have contributed to the man's death. But the closer he works with his alluring partner, the more his suspicions turn to trust--and intense desire. Now, as he and Raleigh untangle a twisted web of secrets and lies, the tension mounts between them...until their masquerade as a couple proves too tempting to resist.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2001
389 people are currently reading
7952 people want to read
About the author
Selena Montgomery
19 books1,134 followersSelena Montgomery is the nom de plume of Stacey Abrams, an American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017. She founded Fair Fight Action, an organization to address voter suppression, in 2018.
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September 3, 2022
Rules of Engagement
has risk, danger, and suspense to grab readers in this romantic suspense novel written by Stacey Abrams using her pen name of Selena Montgomery. When she adds trust, forgiveness, and romance, the novel is elevated to an intriguing story that keeps one turning the pages.
Dr. Raleigh Foster is an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization. When she’s asked to infiltrate Scimitar, a group that has stolen environmental technology that can be converted to a weapon, she is quickly on board. For this assignment, she needs a partner, Adam Grayson, to pose as her lover. He used to work for the same organization, but left after a botched mission.
Raleigh’s character is well developed. While she can come across as vulnerable as times, she is also brave, intelligent, and capable. However, she can be perceived as cold. Adam has a strong core of honor, loyalty, and integrity, but can find it hard to trust and forgive. Their attitudes and outlooks change and grow as they respond to events as the story unfolds. The dynamic between the two changes as well. Should rules always be followed or are they guidelines to be interpreted as a mission unfolds?
An impactful and memorable opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the book. However, it takes a while to see how this prologue fits into the story. Several needed flashback scenes adversely affected the overall flow. Nevertheless, with exciting scenes as well as plot twists and turns, the story gradually builds momentum to an action-packed mission end. The final chapter takes place four months later and wraps up the loose ends. However, it felt tacked on rather than a smooth continuation of the story. Additionally, I wanted a little more world-building of the fictional island of Jafir in the Mediterranean Sea to satisfy me.
This novel is creative and complex, and it will keep readers guessing. High stakes and an all-too-real situation kept me engaged throughout the story. The people in the story came to life and the pacing is brisk once the mission is underway. Themes include friendship, loyalty, betrayal, attraction, trust, deception, lies, subterfuge, power, and much more.
Overall, this intriguing thriller with romance and suspense has intense moments and action that kept me turning the pages. The story kept this reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Those who enjoy romantic suspense or thrillers with some romance may want to check out this series. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next romantic suspense novel.
Berkley Publishing Group and Selena Montgomery provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 6, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Dr. Raleigh Foster is an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization. When she’s asked to infiltrate Scimitar, a group that has stolen environmental technology that can be converted to a weapon, she is quickly on board. For this assignment, she needs a partner, Adam Grayson, to pose as her lover. He used to work for the same organization, but left after a botched mission.
Raleigh’s character is well developed. While she can come across as vulnerable as times, she is also brave, intelligent, and capable. However, she can be perceived as cold. Adam has a strong core of honor, loyalty, and integrity, but can find it hard to trust and forgive. Their attitudes and outlooks change and grow as they respond to events as the story unfolds. The dynamic between the two changes as well. Should rules always be followed or are they guidelines to be interpreted as a mission unfolds?
An impactful and memorable opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the book. However, it takes a while to see how this prologue fits into the story. Several needed flashback scenes adversely affected the overall flow. Nevertheless, with exciting scenes as well as plot twists and turns, the story gradually builds momentum to an action-packed mission end. The final chapter takes place four months later and wraps up the loose ends. However, it felt tacked on rather than a smooth continuation of the story. Additionally, I wanted a little more world-building of the fictional island of Jafir in the Mediterranean Sea to satisfy me.
This novel is creative and complex, and it will keep readers guessing. High stakes and an all-too-real situation kept me engaged throughout the story. The people in the story came to life and the pacing is brisk once the mission is underway. Themes include friendship, loyalty, betrayal, attraction, trust, deception, lies, subterfuge, power, and much more.
Overall, this intriguing thriller with romance and suspense has intense moments and action that kept me turning the pages. The story kept this reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Those who enjoy romantic suspense or thrillers with some romance may want to check out this series. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next romantic suspense novel.
Berkley Publishing Group and Selena Montgomery provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 6, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
September 11, 2022
*Update: I thought this was a recent release. This book was originally published in 2001. It makes Adam’s character at least more understandable bc this book is very old. I still didn’t enjoy the book but it makes more sense.*
I finally finished 😭 I had a minute left and didn’t turn the audiobook back on for 20 minutes because it was that much of a chore to listen to. This is a slump inducing book if I’ve ever read one. The amount of other things I did in order to procrastinate this book was amazing really.
It’s one of those books that you can’t stop bc if you stop you will never pick it back up again but it also feels endless. I was hoping the reviews weren’t accurate but oooof. Stacey is such a powerhouse and this won’t be my last novel by her, but next time I’ll pick one with a better rating.
Adam was far too confusing to be a fucking secret operative agent bc my god that man simply does not understand the job???? He was so hot and cold he felt more toxic than broody and sexy. He simply couldn’t fathom that she was doing her JOB not betraying his life force when she had to keep secrets as a SECRET OPERATIVE AGENT. Maybe Adam should wonder why nobody told him shit.
The way Raleigh was described for this entire book was just so confusing. You’re telling me a secret operative agent is that innocent? That young? That vulnerable? That fragile? I got so fed up with Adam patronizing her and holding her to weird double standards. He could hold things back and not tell her things but when she did it??? It was war. He hung his love over her head at every major fight. He was so immature.
Don’t even get me started on the suspense part of this book. It didn’t make sense and it wasn’t interesting. I tried to follow along but I simply couldn’t stay engrossed in any of the action or explanation bits. Maybe this wasn’t a book to read via audiobook. I was here first and foremost for the romance and since that was severely lacking, I was simply confused.
I never want to hear these words/phrases again:
⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶.5*/5
*there was one sex scene and since Adam made me uncomfortable, I did not enjoy it. It was pretty vague.
Thanks to PRH audio for an ALC of the audiobook. All opinions are honest and my own.
I finally finished 😭 I had a minute left and didn’t turn the audiobook back on for 20 minutes because it was that much of a chore to listen to. This is a slump inducing book if I’ve ever read one. The amount of other things I did in order to procrastinate this book was amazing really.
It’s one of those books that you can’t stop bc if you stop you will never pick it back up again but it also feels endless. I was hoping the reviews weren’t accurate but oooof. Stacey is such a powerhouse and this won’t be my last novel by her, but next time I’ll pick one with a better rating.
Adam was far too confusing to be a fucking secret operative agent bc my god that man simply does not understand the job???? He was so hot and cold he felt more toxic than broody and sexy. He simply couldn’t fathom that she was doing her JOB not betraying his life force when she had to keep secrets as a SECRET OPERATIVE AGENT. Maybe Adam should wonder why nobody told him shit.
He had to have been so much older than her and he made it WEIRD. It was like a daddy kink without praise, only patronizing comments about her “vulnerable woman-child” innocence. That’s a direct quote by the way.
The way Raleigh was described for this entire book was just so confusing. You’re telling me a secret operative agent is that innocent? That young? That vulnerable? That fragile? I got so fed up with Adam patronizing her and holding her to weird double standards. He could hold things back and not tell her things but when she did it??? It was war. He hung his love over her head at every major fight. He was so immature.
**Spoiler** Just because she’s a virgin, it doesn’t mean she’s a delicate flower. She literally has the ability to kill people and save the country. It made me feel so weird and uncomfortable. Like I said, daddy kink without the sexy benefits of a daddy kink.
Don’t even get me started on the suspense part of this book. It didn’t make sense and it wasn’t interesting. I tried to follow along but I simply couldn’t stay engrossed in any of the action or explanation bits. Maybe this wasn’t a book to read via audiobook. I was here first and foremost for the romance and since that was severely lacking, I was simply confused.
I never want to hear these words/phrases again:
- Vulnerable woman-child (when referencing the heroine???)
- Tiny teeth (when referencing a grown woman’s (the heroine’s) teeth)
- Small serrated teeth (when referencing the heroine’s teeth and not a steak knife?)
- Loins (so so many times)
- Lover (so so SO many times)
- Male waist, male nipple, male lips (why was every part of him labeled as “male” REPEATEDLY)
⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶.5*/5
*there was one sex scene and since Adam made me uncomfortable, I did not enjoy it. It was pretty vague.
Thanks to PRH audio for an ALC of the audiobook. All opinions are honest and my own.
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August 2, 2007When we were in college together, the author of this book told me I wasn't cultured because I'd never read a romance novel. She made me read one, which was okay, but when she started writing her own, I understood what a romance novel could do. This one has intrigue, spies, and tales of the black bourgeoisie. It asks questions about race, love, and whom you can trust. If you have to read one romance novel, let it be this one.
September 3, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The mission failed, people died, or did they? Now Dr. Raleigh Foster with Adam Grayson posing as her lover are going back to clean up the mess they left.
Notice how short my recap is of the book, too bad the author didn’t realize less can be more.
I have wanted to read a book by this author for a while but boy did I pick the wrong book. I was ready to give up this overly wordy book at the halfway point but I had committed to review this book so I kept going. It didn’t get any better.
The characters were strange and the relationships are muddy. They had no depth. Raleigh and Adam had worked together before. Supposedly Adam fell in love with her. Now three years later readers are to believe he didn’t recognize her. Then when they started working together again they fought like children. He couldn’t handle she was in charge of the operation but still was interested in her romantically. Just too much bickering for me.
As for this espionage plot, it was all over the place and overly complicated, and hard to follow. The romance scenes were okay but seemed off-putting. I didn’t think the characters had any chemistry. I really started to feel the book just went on and on until the author met the necessary word count.
I admire Stacey Abrams’ political strengths and would definitely vote for her if I lived in Georgia but this book just missed on so many levels. She has a lot on her plate running for Governor and her work boosting voter turnout, maybe she should stick to that right now because it seems clear she lost her focus on this book.
Rules of Engagement definitely wasn’t my cup of tea. I was so excited to read it but it just fell flat. Maybe I will read one of her earlier books when she wasn’t so politically involved someday to see if this book was just a misstep.
The mission failed, people died, or did they? Now Dr. Raleigh Foster with Adam Grayson posing as her lover are going back to clean up the mess they left.
Notice how short my recap is of the book, too bad the author didn’t realize less can be more.
I have wanted to read a book by this author for a while but boy did I pick the wrong book. I was ready to give up this overly wordy book at the halfway point but I had committed to review this book so I kept going. It didn’t get any better.
The characters were strange and the relationships are muddy. They had no depth. Raleigh and Adam had worked together before. Supposedly Adam fell in love with her. Now three years later readers are to believe he didn’t recognize her. Then when they started working together again they fought like children. He couldn’t handle she was in charge of the operation but still was interested in her romantically. Just too much bickering for me.
As for this espionage plot, it was all over the place and overly complicated, and hard to follow. The romance scenes were okay but seemed off-putting. I didn’t think the characters had any chemistry. I really started to feel the book just went on and on until the author met the necessary word count.
I admire Stacey Abrams’ political strengths and would definitely vote for her if I lived in Georgia but this book just missed on so many levels. She has a lot on her plate running for Governor and her work boosting voter turnout, maybe she should stick to that right now because it seems clear she lost her focus on this book.
Rules of Engagement definitely wasn’t my cup of tea. I was so excited to read it but it just fell flat. Maybe I will read one of her earlier books when she wasn’t so politically involved someday to see if this book was just a misstep.
August 4, 2022
Ok, I liked the plot and idea, but the actual story felt chaotic. I am not sure if it was the writing or editing, but there were many times I felt a bit confused by the story. Things bounced back and forth, and there were a lot of extra descriptors that felt unnecessary.
I also didn’t quite but into the relationship between Raleigh and Adam. They hated each other but were also in love?
Basically, this was just enough to keep me engaged and wanting to know the end. But it wasn’t the best.
I also didn’t quite but into the relationship between Raleigh and Adam. They hated each other but were also in love?
Basically, this was just enough to keep me engaged and wanting to know the end. But it wasn’t the best.
June 21, 2023
Oof, I struggled with this one. I’ve read the author’s fiction before, but let’s just say she’s improved since her debut. This book was so repetitive. The plot was confusing, when it actually made it to the page in between the repetitive inner monologues of the main characters. The action was a distant backdrop. Not my favorite. 2 stars
December 6, 2022
*2.8 rating* I think the concept was unique. The whole secret agent, mystery, suspense, mixed in with romance was interesting although the story was so hot and cold/ back and forth with their feelings for each other. The constant shift of emotions was not appealing to me. One second they would be all into each other and literally the next sentence they are enraged or vice versa. There wasn’t an authentic gradual change which made it feel unrealistic especially since it happened non stop throughout the entire book. Seemed forced.
In addition, There were other things that I didn’t like:
1. How he didn’t recognize her at first. (How do you supposedly love someone but then 3 years later you forgot how they look, weird & a reach)
2. The sex scenes were awkward mainly because of their dialogues during those scenes. It just seemed out of place and took away from what was happening. Kind of cringey. Also I feel like she could have built more angst leading to these scenes and more erotic descriptions. (This May just be me though because I like heavy spice)
3. The possessiveness on Adam’s part was a little much for me. The you are mine thing just made me think controlling more than loving.
4. Also the action scene at the end was too short. I wish there was more action. It was just kind of anti climactic.
5. The ending also could have been better. Again wasn’t impressed.
In addition, There were other things that I didn’t like:
1. How he didn’t recognize her at first. (How do you supposedly love someone but then 3 years later you forgot how they look, weird & a reach)
2. The sex scenes were awkward mainly because of their dialogues during those scenes. It just seemed out of place and took away from what was happening. Kind of cringey. Also I feel like she could have built more angst leading to these scenes and more erotic descriptions. (This May just be me though because I like heavy spice)
3. The possessiveness on Adam’s part was a little much for me. The you are mine thing just made me think controlling more than loving.
4. Also the action scene at the end was too short. I wish there was more action. It was just kind of anti climactic.
5. The ending also could have been better. Again wasn’t impressed.
August 22, 2022
Sorry to report I cannot finish Stacey Abrams' romance/thriller as it reminds me of all the reasons I do not read romance novels.
1. Plot holes: How does an international billionaire spy not remember the other international spy he fell in love with in a war zone? It's only been 3 years, dude. Lost weight does not count.
2. Bickering and hormones: how will they ever find the missing computer program the international billionaire spy created if they keep childishly bickering and hating one another, while trying to not take each other down and tear one another's clothes off?
3. Goofball names: Raleigh Foster and Adam Grayson, AKA Chimera and Merlin. Leader's name is Atlas.
4. The past: someone's boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/partner/husband/former band member will always show up and throw an enormous monkey wrench into the soup, causing broken hearts and huge misunderstandings that will last too long. (I'm not sticking around to find out, let me know if I'm wrong. I'll wait.)
5. $100 words/college application words: somebody got a thesaurus for Christmas when they wrote this one.
6. Purple prose: Gahhhhh! Stacey, why???????
I respect this woman for her political activism and would vote her President of the Universe in a heartbeat but this...this is not her finest work.
(Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review)
1. Plot holes: How does an international billionaire spy not remember the other international spy he fell in love with in a war zone? It's only been 3 years, dude. Lost weight does not count.
2. Bickering and hormones: how will they ever find the missing computer program the international billionaire spy created if they keep childishly bickering and hating one another, while trying to not take each other down and tear one another's clothes off?
3. Goofball names: Raleigh Foster and Adam Grayson, AKA Chimera and Merlin. Leader's name is Atlas.
4. The past: someone's boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/partner/husband/former band member will always show up and throw an enormous monkey wrench into the soup, causing broken hearts and huge misunderstandings that will last too long. (I'm not sticking around to find out, let me know if I'm wrong. I'll wait.)
5. $100 words/college application words: somebody got a thesaurus for Christmas when they wrote this one.
6. Purple prose: Gahhhhh! Stacey, why???????
I respect this woman for her political activism and would vote her President of the Universe in a heartbeat but this...this is not her finest work.
(Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review)
January 15, 2024
I’ve read Stacey Abrams’s two most recent books, but I hadn’t read any of the books that she’d published under the pseudonym Selena Montgomery, so I was curious! I don’t think I’ve read any romantic suspense before this, so it was interesting to dip my toe into that category. I was definitely intrigued by the storyline and the push-pull relationship between Raleigh and Adam, the two main characters. But I wasn’t following 100% of the details of the plot and was somewhat confused by the motivations of the characters. Since this was published over 20 years ago, the writing did feel somewhat dated and there were some strange writing choices (male nipple?). Still, I was engaged enough in the story to keep reading. I’d love to see Stacey Abrams write a new romantic suspense novel in this current time.
September 7, 2022
This book reads like a blockbuster movie. Dr. Raleigh Foster is a government operative. The job is dangerous and her life is at risk, but so is her heart as she is paired with Adam Grayson.
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Every turn had me guessing who was double crossing who and who could really be trusted. Fast paced and engaging I would love to see this as a movie!
Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads @prhaudio and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Every turn had me guessing who was double crossing who and who could really be trusted. Fast paced and engaging I would love to see this as a movie!
Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads @prhaudio and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2024
I HAD TO DNF THIS BOOK SUCKS! I have been in a reading slump for 5 months at least now and I am trying to get out of it. This book is NOT IT ! It is not the book to get you out of a slump for sure.
Do NOT read! Specifically, I had to read the first ten pages on an airplane at least three times to understand what was happening and don’t call yourself a romance with lack thereof. Also, the cover is extremely misleading!!!!
For goodness sake, right a synopsis of the book that fits the plot.
ALRIGHT, take it EASY!
Easily the WORST BOOK I’ve read since a blind date with a book boyfriend. At least that I could actually finish!
Do NOT read! Specifically, I had to read the first ten pages on an airplane at least three times to understand what was happening and don’t call yourself a romance with lack thereof. Also, the cover is extremely misleading!!!!
For goodness sake, right a synopsis of the book that fits the plot.
ALRIGHT, take it EASY!
Easily the WORST BOOK I’ve read since a blind date with a book boyfriend. At least that I could actually finish!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 6, 2022Thanks so much to @berkleyromance #berkleypartner #berkleyig for sending me a gifted copy of Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams writing under her pen name, Selma Montgomery.
In this romantic suspense novel, the brilliant chemist Dr. Raleigh Foster, an agent for a top-secret covert government agency, agrees to go under cover to penetrate the terrorist group Scimitar. With the help of a mole, they’ve stolen nanotechnology that can scrub toxins from the environment, but can be repurposed to deploy deadly weapons. Adam Grayson, CEO of the company that developed the technology and a former operative himself, is assigned as Raleigh’s partner. Together, they’ll travel to Jafir as lovers, ingratiate themselves with Scimitar, identify the mole, and neutralize the threat.
Both Raleigh and Adam, though, have secret agendas. Each has a former partner, killed earlier in Jafir, and without informing the other is set on revenge even if they have to disobey the orders from headquarters. Their red-hot attraction to each other, one that is developing into a relationship of trust despite Raleigh’s best efforts, is complicating both their official and unofficial business.
I was so excited when I learned Berkley was reissuing 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 originally published in May 2001. About the reissue, Abrams said, “The characters and their adventures are what I’d wished to read as a young Black woman — stories that showcase women of color as nuanced, determined, and exciting.”
I admire Stacey Abrams so much and am impressed with her vision, passion, and commitment. Reading this novel, one she conceived when in college, makes me feel closer to her, and I’ll no doubt read the others when they are released. I did like the book best when it focused on the espionage/spy elements of the narrative, though I found some of it a little confusing. The romance was steamy, but there was a little too much back-and-forth for my taste as the love interests quickly and repeatedly shifted between love and hate. But moles and double-crosses are always fun, and in Zeben, the book has an all-too-creepy and love-to-hate villain!
In this romantic suspense novel, the brilliant chemist Dr. Raleigh Foster, an agent for a top-secret covert government agency, agrees to go under cover to penetrate the terrorist group Scimitar. With the help of a mole, they’ve stolen nanotechnology that can scrub toxins from the environment, but can be repurposed to deploy deadly weapons. Adam Grayson, CEO of the company that developed the technology and a former operative himself, is assigned as Raleigh’s partner. Together, they’ll travel to Jafir as lovers, ingratiate themselves with Scimitar, identify the mole, and neutralize the threat.
Both Raleigh and Adam, though, have secret agendas. Each has a former partner, killed earlier in Jafir, and without informing the other is set on revenge even if they have to disobey the orders from headquarters. Their red-hot attraction to each other, one that is developing into a relationship of trust despite Raleigh’s best efforts, is complicating both their official and unofficial business.
I was so excited when I learned Berkley was reissuing 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 originally published in May 2001. About the reissue, Abrams said, “The characters and their adventures are what I’d wished to read as a young Black woman — stories that showcase women of color as nuanced, determined, and exciting.”
I admire Stacey Abrams so much and am impressed with her vision, passion, and commitment. Reading this novel, one she conceived when in college, makes me feel closer to her, and I’ll no doubt read the others when they are released. I did like the book best when it focused on the espionage/spy elements of the narrative, though I found some of it a little confusing. The romance was steamy, but there was a little too much back-and-forth for my taste as the love interests quickly and repeatedly shifted between love and hate. But moles and double-crosses are always fun, and in Zeben, the book has an all-too-creepy and love-to-hate villain!
July 3, 2025
3.5 or 3.75 stars
This book came out in early 2000s, and the author has grown as a writer since then. She’s a great storyteller and writer, but I found all her characters unbelievable. They were too perfect and their responses didn’t make sense. But the story was very addicting, which I why I didn’t knock more off.
This book came out in early 2000s, and the author has grown as a writer since then. She’s a great storyteller and writer, but I found all her characters unbelievable. They were too perfect and their responses didn’t make sense. But the story was very addicting, which I why I didn’t knock more off.
December 4, 2021
I loved Raleigh and Adam’s dynamic…their past and their relationship. It made for lots of interesting and exciting tension. I also really liked both of their characters.
However, I did not like how Adam threatened her with violence a lot and the things he said to her that, in my mind, were pretty unforgiving, which he never apologized for. He probably didn’t think he needed to because he doesn’t even consider it. It was always Raleigh’s mistakes that were brought up time and time again as being unforgivable and her traits that were constantly pointed out as wrong but not his traits or the things he did or said. I didn’t like that.
The prologue pulled me in right away, but after reading more, I wish the prologue had been about what happened with the warehouse explosion and Phillip, and then Chapter One could’ve been about what happened with Cavanaugh. With how many times the past was brought up and we’re given their memories of it later, I would’ve liked to have fully experienced their past relationship and what happened the night their world went up in flames.
Since we’re not given that full experience to build their past relationship, there was a lot of repetition and padding throughout the story. I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again about the situation and their thoughts about each other and the past. And that’s because I was.
The head-hopping will never fail to pull me out of a story. Also, there was a moment when Raleigh was thinking back on the past and then all of a sudden it *was* the past, without no indication of a change like a scene break or italics. That pulled me out of the story, too. Again, that could’ve been solved by starting the book with the defining moment in their relationship and the moment that changed everything.
With all that said, I really enjoyed this story. It kept me reading, kept me engaged., but the happy ending, the resolution to their relationship, felt rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more after all that tension and betrayal (on both their parts).
P.S. The cover is deceiving. It looks like a sweet-ish romance but is really romantic-suspense.
However, I did not like how Adam threatened her with violence a lot and the things he said to her that, in my mind, were pretty unforgiving, which he never apologized for. He probably didn’t think he needed to because he doesn’t even consider it. It was always Raleigh’s mistakes that were brought up time and time again as being unforgivable and her traits that were constantly pointed out as wrong but not his traits or the things he did or said. I didn’t like that.
The prologue pulled me in right away, but after reading more, I wish the prologue had been about what happened with the warehouse explosion and Phillip, and then Chapter One could’ve been about what happened with Cavanaugh. With how many times the past was brought up and we’re given their memories of it later, I would’ve liked to have fully experienced their past relationship and what happened the night their world went up in flames.
Since we’re not given that full experience to build their past relationship, there was a lot of repetition and padding throughout the story. I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again about the situation and their thoughts about each other and the past. And that’s because I was.
The head-hopping will never fail to pull me out of a story. Also, there was a moment when Raleigh was thinking back on the past and then all of a sudden it *was* the past, without no indication of a change like a scene break or italics. That pulled me out of the story, too. Again, that could’ve been solved by starting the book with the defining moment in their relationship and the moment that changed everything.
With all that said, I really enjoyed this story. It kept me reading, kept me engaged., but the happy ending, the resolution to their relationship, felt rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more after all that tension and betrayal (on both their parts).
P.S. The cover is deceiving. It looks like a sweet-ish romance but is really romantic-suspense.
September 3, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really wanted to try this one because of who the author is. The narrator being a favorite tipped me into trying the audio. Rules of Engagement looked to be just the kind of romantic suspense I enjoy.
There is a complex set of layers in this world and in these characters. The main setting is in a foreign country but also sites in the US like Atlanta. I love all the tech, both in computer software but also chemistry and weapons. The characters are also multi-faceted as they are CIA. They met 3 years ago in Jafir. Raleigh and Adam flirted at love. Each of them has a close friend who has died there. It's much more complicated but I won't spoil you.
There is a trope here for everyone. Is a second chance romance possible now, with the secrets they have, the guilt over their friends deaths? Adam blames Raleigh so they blaze more like enemies to lovers. But for the new mission, as the original mission goes active again, they need to be fake dating.
We get both Raleigh and Adam's point of views which helps to feel their passions. They are both strong, fiery and angry. We get some flashbacks to the original mission and its setup. They work together, bickering and lusting all the while. I thought some things were a bit unrealistic in the way they acted but they were under some serious constraints and beliefs.
I liked Raleigh and felt badly for things she had suffered and how tightly she held herself. Adam was just too entitled for me much of the time; he always seemed to make her do the compromising, although he wasn't shy about saying he loved her.
The mission and mysteries and actions were dangerous and intriguing. They had plenty of close chances at death. Each was a skilled operative and smart with their work. Every phase of the operation was a thrill ride. I enjoyed this heart-pounding thriller romance.
Narration:
January LaVoy is a narrator I have enjoyed many times. It was the fact she was narrating which made me try the audio. Her performance captured the diverse voices and emotional tones to make it so enjoyable. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really wanted to try this one because of who the author is. The narrator being a favorite tipped me into trying the audio. Rules of Engagement looked to be just the kind of romantic suspense I enjoy.
There is a complex set of layers in this world and in these characters. The main setting is in a foreign country but also sites in the US like Atlanta. I love all the tech, both in computer software but also chemistry and weapons. The characters are also multi-faceted as they are CIA. They met 3 years ago in Jafir. Raleigh and Adam flirted at love. Each of them has a close friend who has died there. It's much more complicated but I won't spoil you.
There is a trope here for everyone. Is a second chance romance possible now, with the secrets they have, the guilt over their friends deaths? Adam blames Raleigh so they blaze more like enemies to lovers. But for the new mission, as the original mission goes active again, they need to be fake dating.
We get both Raleigh and Adam's point of views which helps to feel their passions. They are both strong, fiery and angry. We get some flashbacks to the original mission and its setup. They work together, bickering and lusting all the while. I thought some things were a bit unrealistic in the way they acted but they were under some serious constraints and beliefs.
I liked Raleigh and felt badly for things she had suffered and how tightly she held herself. Adam was just too entitled for me much of the time; he always seemed to make her do the compromising, although he wasn't shy about saying he loved her.
The mission and mysteries and actions were dangerous and intriguing. They had plenty of close chances at death. Each was a skilled operative and smart with their work. Every phase of the operation was a thrill ride. I enjoyed this heart-pounding thriller romance.
Narration:
January LaVoy is a narrator I have enjoyed many times. It was the fact she was narrating which made me try the audio. Her performance captured the diverse voices and emotional tones to make it so enjoyable. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
September 4, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really wanted to try this one because of who the author is. The narrator being a favorite tipped me into trying the audio. Rules of Engagement looked to be just the kind of romantic suspense I enjoy.
There is a complex set of layers in this world and in these characters. The main setting is in a foreign country but also sites in the US like Atlanta. I love all the tech, both in computer software but also chemistry and weapons. The characters are also multi-faceted as they are CIA. They met 3 years ago in Jafir. Raleigh and Adam flirted at love. Each of them has a close friend who has died there. It's much more complicated but I won't spoil you.
There is a trope here for everyone. Is a second chance romance possible now, with the secrets they have, the guilt over their friends deaths? Adam blames Raleigh so they blaze more like enemies to lovers. But for the new mission, as the original mission goes active again, they need to be fake dating.
We get both Raleigh and Adam's point of views which helps to feel their passions. They are both strong, fiery and angry. We get some flashbacks to the original mission and its setup. They work together, bickering and lusting all the while. I thought some things were a bit unrealistic in the way they acted but they were under some serious constraints and beliefs.
I liked Raleigh and felt badly for things she had suffered and how tightly she held herself. Adam was just too entitled for me much of the time; he always seemed to make her do the compromising, although he wasn't shy about saying he loved her.
The mission and mysteries and actions were dangerous and intriguing. They had plenty of close chances at death. Each was a skilled operative and smart with their work. Every phase of the operation was a thrill ride. I enjoyed this heart-pounding thriller romance.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really wanted to try this one because of who the author is. The narrator being a favorite tipped me into trying the audio. Rules of Engagement looked to be just the kind of romantic suspense I enjoy.
There is a complex set of layers in this world and in these characters. The main setting is in a foreign country but also sites in the US like Atlanta. I love all the tech, both in computer software but also chemistry and weapons. The characters are also multi-faceted as they are CIA. They met 3 years ago in Jafir. Raleigh and Adam flirted at love. Each of them has a close friend who has died there. It's much more complicated but I won't spoil you.
There is a trope here for everyone. Is a second chance romance possible now, with the secrets they have, the guilt over their friends deaths? Adam blames Raleigh so they blaze more like enemies to lovers. But for the new mission, as the original mission goes active again, they need to be fake dating.
We get both Raleigh and Adam's point of views which helps to feel their passions. They are both strong, fiery and angry. We get some flashbacks to the original mission and its setup. They work together, bickering and lusting all the while. I thought some things were a bit unrealistic in the way they acted but they were under some serious constraints and beliefs.
I liked Raleigh and felt badly for things she had suffered and how tightly she held herself. Adam was just too entitled for me much of the time; he always seemed to make her do the compromising, although he wasn't shy about saying he loved her.
The mission and mysteries and actions were dangerous and intriguing. They had plenty of close chances at death. Each was a skilled operative and smart with their work. Every phase of the operation was a thrill ride. I enjoyed this heart-pounding thriller romance.
August 9, 2022
Rules of Engagement by Selena Montgomery, Stacey Abrams
4 stars
M/F Mystery, Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I assume any typos have been rectified for the final version.
Raleigh, AKA Chimera, is part of a covert government agency, ISA. With a new mission on the horizon, she needs the help of a former operative in order to get her desired outcome. That person is none other than her almost lover, Adam AKA Merlin. She knows it's going to be an uphill battle to get Merlin to help because she knows that he believes she's the reason his best friend, Phillip, is dead.
Adam is doing what he does best. Keeping his company in the black. He's a brilliant businessman and even better with technology. When he's pulled back into ISA's operations, he does so with a chip on his shoulder and cynicism in his heart.
When the operation finally starts to move along, which does take a while, in my opinion, the book clips along in at a fast pace. However, to get to that point, I felt, was a little tedious. There is a lot of background that the reader needs, but it felt almost repetitive at times.
As Chimera and Merlin play their parts in this new operation, secrets and loyalties will be tested. Truths are uncovered and some truths are buried. It will take all of their skills to complete this mission and even more to heal their hearts again.
This is a fairly quick read and I did enjoy it. The spy games were very fun to read.
4 stars
M/F Mystery, Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I assume any typos have been rectified for the final version.
Raleigh, AKA Chimera, is part of a covert government agency, ISA. With a new mission on the horizon, she needs the help of a former operative in order to get her desired outcome. That person is none other than her almost lover, Adam AKA Merlin. She knows it's going to be an uphill battle to get Merlin to help because she knows that he believes she's the reason his best friend, Phillip, is dead.
Adam is doing what he does best. Keeping his company in the black. He's a brilliant businessman and even better with technology. When he's pulled back into ISA's operations, he does so with a chip on his shoulder and cynicism in his heart.
When the operation finally starts to move along, which does take a while, in my opinion, the book clips along in at a fast pace. However, to get to that point, I felt, was a little tedious. There is a lot of background that the reader needs, but it felt almost repetitive at times.
As Chimera and Merlin play their parts in this new operation, secrets and loyalties will be tested. Truths are uncovered and some truths are buried. It will take all of their skills to complete this mission and even more to heal their hearts again.
This is a fairly quick read and I did enjoy it. The spy games were very fun to read.
September 29, 2022
Romantic Suspense fans looking for hot romance, intrigue and action will enjoy this new edition of 2001’s Montgomery debut. The writer introduces Pace from the beginning and the rapid page turning is enhanced with the ST (sexual tension) and consistent action sequences move as the Story Line moves along. CHs are sensual, attractive, and flawed but Adam and Raleigh are well-drawn and their conflicts well-described. The other CHs that populate serve their purposes in supporting the plot in various degrees of depth. Place settings and action sequences have cinematic overtones. The spy craft details well placed and imagined for this story and the fabricated International Security Agency. Romantic rating is spicy but not graphic. The violence descriptive but not gory. Two tiny criticisms: Dialogue sometimes gets repetitive to tedious as does the inner turmoil for both main CHs. The over usage of code names, real names, and aliases even while undercover was annoying and, sometimes, unrealistic for the situation. But I would gladly immerse myself in another ISA adventure picturing Idris Elba (He is freakin’ ageless.) as Adam, and Lupita Nyong'o as Raleigh. Fans of Alyssa Cole, Brenda Jackson, and Nora Roberts take note.
September 11, 2022
*Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read/review.
This was a pretty good read. There is just the right amount of romance and suspense. The sexual tension and mutual hate between Raleigh and Adam was written so intensely, I honestly thought they would kill each other by its ending lols.
The deception was wild though...like whew! It keeps you on your toes and engaged in the story. There are some lagging moments with the overall story plot and the ending felt a bit incomplete imo BUT at the end of it all. I truly enjoyed Rules of Engagement.
***A more fuller indepth thoughts will be up on my Youtube channel shortly.
This was a pretty good read. There is just the right amount of romance and suspense. The sexual tension and mutual hate between Raleigh and Adam was written so intensely, I honestly thought they would kill each other by its ending lols.
The deception was wild though...like whew! It keeps you on your toes and engaged in the story. There are some lagging moments with the overall story plot and the ending felt a bit incomplete imo BUT at the end of it all. I truly enjoyed Rules of Engagement.
***A more fuller indepth thoughts will be up on my Youtube channel shortly.
June 11, 2025
My second book by Selena Montgomery! Did not disappoint. I loved the characters and the forced proximity trope between the two love interests. I especially loved the action scenes and especially the gambling scene. I always love the trope where the woman is underestimated and completely dominates throughout the whole story. This story was fun but it felt short. I wish it was at least a duology so we could experience more of the character's story. Overall, it was a fun, quick read with a hint of romance just the way I like.
August 18, 2023
Didn't like the ending, but okay. Enjoyed the intense spy with a sprinkle of romance in the storyline. Anytime I don't guess the culprit, it's a good book! While there is always an air of predictability, I love it when it's minimal.
dnf
January 17, 2024Dnf
September 27, 2022
Romance thriller is not my usual cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 24, 2024
2.5 ⬆️
Stacey Abrams you are still goated but writing/story structure was a little rough here
Stacey Abrams you are still goated but writing/story structure was a little rough here
August 22, 2022
Dr. Raleigh Foster is an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization. Undercover work has its risks though she does not hesitate when asked to infiltrate a terrorist group that has stolen lethal technology. The hard part of the assignment is her partner—Adam Grayson, posed as her lover. Adam blames himself for the botched mission that killed his best friend. But he believes that Raleigh also contributed to the death. Nevertheless, his feelings of suspicion and hate turn to trust and desire.
Perhaps I was too excited to read another Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery novel. Maybe my expectations were too high. I was tempted to DNF at least three times but held on to the hope it would becomes less confusing and finally flow. There are too many characters. The espionage plot is over my head. The objective is hard to follow. The only thing I clearly understood were the clearly stated rules of engagement...I think. A book is just not enjoyable when I am totally lost. It can very well be my own lack of following so please read an excerpt or other reviews first.
Happy Early Re-Pub Day, Stacey Abrams! Rules of Engagement will be available Tuesday, September 6.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
Perhaps I was too excited to read another Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery novel. Maybe my expectations were too high. I was tempted to DNF at least three times but held on to the hope it would becomes less confusing and finally flow. There are too many characters. The espionage plot is over my head. The objective is hard to follow. The only thing I clearly understood were the clearly stated rules of engagement...I think. A book is just not enjoyable when I am totally lost. It can very well be my own lack of following so please read an excerpt or other reviews first.
Happy Early Re-Pub Day, Stacey Abrams! Rules of Engagement will be available Tuesday, September 6.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
September 6, 2022
This is my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last one. Rules of Engagement is a thrilling and intriguing romantic suspense novel that will keep you glued to the pages right till the very end.
Having never read anything by this author before, I wasn’t 100% sure what I was getting myself into and I have to say I was surprised in the best possible way. This story is well-written and intriguing. It hit the ground running and captured my interest immediately. The chemistry between Raleigh and Adam was palpable and lept off of the page. I loved their banter and the pull between them and totally dug the enemies to lovers vibe.
Rule of Engagement is so much more than a romance. It’s a story filled with danger and intrigue. It will leave you wondering who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. I loved the mystery, the suspense, and of course, the romance.
All in all, I thought this was a great read and am really glad to have checked it out. I’m looking forward to discovering more books from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Having never read anything by this author before, I wasn’t 100% sure what I was getting myself into and I have to say I was surprised in the best possible way. This story is well-written and intriguing. It hit the ground running and captured my interest immediately. The chemistry between Raleigh and Adam was palpable and lept off of the page. I loved their banter and the pull between them and totally dug the enemies to lovers vibe.
Rule of Engagement is so much more than a romance. It’s a story filled with danger and intrigue. It will leave you wondering who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. I loved the mystery, the suspense, and of course, the romance.
All in all, I thought this was a great read and am really glad to have checked it out. I’m looking forward to discovering more books from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
October 21, 2022
A special thanks to Berkeley Publishing and Author Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery for my ARC of “Rules of Engagement” for an unbiased review.
Just recently rereleased of the author’s first romance thriller, “Rules of Engagement” delivers its promised “Love is a game of chance”. Our protagonist Dr Raleigh Foster, is an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization, so I knew there’d be suspenseful twists and turns, and, let’s face it, adding in romance is obviously going to have it’s own tangled mess. This is a fun read but a little dated (it’s over 20 years old since it’s first release). Nevertheless, a good Autumn read in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot cocoa as we enjoy the thrills.
Just recently rereleased of the author’s first romance thriller, “Rules of Engagement” delivers its promised “Love is a game of chance”. Our protagonist Dr Raleigh Foster, is an operative for a top-secret intelligence organization, so I knew there’d be suspenseful twists and turns, and, let’s face it, adding in romance is obviously going to have it’s own tangled mess. This is a fun read but a little dated (it’s over 20 years old since it’s first release). Nevertheless, a good Autumn read in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot cocoa as we enjoy the thrills.
August 20, 2022
This book was not my cup of tea. I adore Stacey Abrams and I was really looking forward to reading one of her romance novels but alas, this just wasn't to my taste. The story is a kind of spy drama that follows two intelligence operatives as they struggle to infiltrate a terrorist organization to retrieve technology that could potentially be used as a lethal bioweapon. Raleigh and Adam have a complicated history and are thrown together again in this book as fake lovers, per their cover story. I just couldn't get into it. The suspense half of the story was so complicated and just kind of... goofy? It seemed juvenile to me. The romance didn't pull me in either. There really didn't seem to be any chemistry or reason for them to be attracted to each other, and the euphemisms in the love scenes were kind of cringe-y. There were also several characters that were introduced and just disappeared with no real development or resolution. Like I said, I am a huge Stacey Abrams fan, politically speaking, but I think I just don't mesh with her writing style.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2024
This is a hard review for me because I have great respect for the author, but, I struggled with this one. I’ve read Abrams’ work before. I know she doesn’t produce easy/beach reads—you have to pay attention and it behooves you to have a pretty decent vocabulary—and that’s the problem with this novel. Abrams’ rich vocabulary and accomplished characters failed to woo me as romantic lovers or individuals who would become folly to or blinded by love. At one point we are to believe that a character recruited for a covert life threatening (national security threatening) mission doesn’t recognize the women he falls in love with??? Too much academic language paired with a cheesy, overly cliche, and underwhelming plot line…just didn’t add up to a successful romantic suspense.
February 17, 2023
I love Stacey Abrams, but this just wasn't it for me. The Rules of Engagement had all the ingredients of something that I wouldn't be into. A lawful good, stoic, Mary Sue protagonist with a James Bond-like plot, an enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity romance (both my least favorites), weird pacing, and drops us right in the middle of some longstanding drama which sacrifices a ton of context and understanding of the characters. Maybe I just described someone's dream novel, but it wasn't for me personally. I will say though, Abrams writes some excellent spicy scenes. And that's where the strength of this novel honestly lies.
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