Alternate Connection (Countermeasure, #3) in Countermeasure Series

Dec 21, 2013 Amy R rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romantic-suspense, 2015

Where do I begin? There is so much to tell you about Alternate Connection by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey. In this third installment of the Countermeasure Series, we get to learn what makes CIA Agent Nathan Nelson tick and why he was such a jerk in the first two books. I was actually surprised he would get a story because he was quite the PITA to the main characters of the series, Trevor and Cassandra. Nate is quite the complex character, though, and it was awesome to learn more about him.

Th Where do I begin? There is so much to tell you about Alternate Connection by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey. In this third installment of the Countermeasure Series, we get to learn what makes CIA Agent Nathan Nelson tick and why he was such a jerk in the first two books. I was actually surprised he would get a story because he was quite the PITA to the main characters of the series, Trevor and Cassandra. Nate is quite the complex character, though, and it was awesome to learn more about him.

The mystery surrounding the plot of this story is unbelievable. This one is quite detailed and I found myself hanging on each word to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Alternate Connection is one of those books that you can read several times and pick up something new each time you read through it. The authors did a fabulous job with their research. The action scenes in the book are why I read romantic suspense. I enjoy a good mystery, but it is the edge of your seat action that has me coming back for more. I enjoy the adrenaline rush of those scenes. Almeida and Aubrey do a great job of describing the scenes as if the reader is there with the characters and feeling the same tension.

Now let’s talk about all the love going on in Alternate Connection, which is personally my favorite part. The authors continue to develop Trevor and Cassandra from the first two novels and boy did they put these two through the ringer in this one. It was actually welcoming after reading all the sexy Bits and Bytes of Life starring these two where you think their marriage is all bliss. The conflict in this one showed their vulnerable side and was the source of the tears I shed while reading.

Nathan and Rachael’s love story was so unexpected. I had some preconceived ideas about them from teasers, the blurb, etc, but the way it turned out was much better than what I imagined. There are so many layers to Nathan and to see him peel all those away for Rachael was phenomenal. He is wound tight for so long and to see Rachael give him the freedom to let it all go just by being herself was simply amazing. Their chemistry was palpable even when they tried to hide it so well. I only wish we could have read more about these two after they reunited and were out of harm’s way. The ending felt a little abrupt, but other things had to happen in the story so it worked out.

As for other characters in Alternate Connection, I enjoyed meeting the AWE Crew and reading more about Jessica and Stephan who we met in previous novels). This story is a mystery but so much of it involves relationships. We watch new friends being made, enemies learn to tolerate each other, families adding new members, friendships growing stronger and so much more. Almeida and Aubrey know how to create multidimensional characters.

I only hit on the highlights for me from Alternate Connection in this review. As you read other reviews I am sure you will get a good overall feeling of the depth of the book. If you have read the Countermeasure Series you must continue on with Alternate Connection. If you are new to the series, I highly recommend you start at the beginning so it all makes sense. You will be so glad you jumped into the Countermeasure world.

*I received an ARC of this book for review purposes.* ...more

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Jul 02, 2013 Lori Myers rated it it was amazing

This book was IMPOSSIBLE to put down! I started this incredible journey with Countermeasure, then To Russia With Love. I was so excited to receive an ARC copy of Alternate Connection to review.

We first met Nathan in Countermeasure, and yeah, I disliked him BUT knew he had a helluva backstory. Almeida and Aubry do not disappoint in this one. Each time they release a new book, it ups the ante for the next one.

I am not one to do a play by play and spoil it for others. I do however note what I liked ...more

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Sep 29, 2015 Maria Mercedes rated it it was amazing

Alternate Connection: A Countermeasure Series Novel
By Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey
File Size: 5370 KB Print: 430 pages, No Audio
CIA Operative Nathan Nelson has built his life on secrets, especially those that have shaped the man he is--secret feelings for a woman he is viewed as off-limits for a decade and events that taught him to keep his shields up. Now, those secrets come barreling down on him at the worst time. Foreign Service Specialist Rachael Moore is personal crusade puts her in the c Alternate Connection: A Countermeasure Series Novel
By Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey
File Size: 5370 KB Print: 430 pages, No Audio
CIA Operative Nathan Nelson has built his life on secrets, especially those that have shaped the man he is--secret feelings for a woman he is viewed as off-limits for a decade and events that taught him to keep his shields up. Now, those secrets come barreling down on him at the worst time. Foreign Service Specialist Rachael Moore is personal crusade puts her in the cross-hairs of very dangerous people. She has risked her life to free herself from the past and in doing so, exposed her battered heart and deeply concealed dreams to the man who once told her he would never touch her. Unknowingly, their connection may not only bridge the chasm between them, but shed light on a puzzling mystery. Their perilous journey becomes a race for their lives, leading them into a conspiracy rooted deeper than their tangled emotions.
Will their present collaboration shatter the tenuous links of their woven past or forge a future bond they never expected.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this story. This is a story is one that I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. I had issues with Nathan from the get go, not understanding there was something deeper to him. He seemed overbearing, egotistic, and misogynistic. I also did not trust in his skills, a gun not working correctly due to negligence, a female agent besting him in hand to hand. The way he misjudged Trevor and his overall treatment of Cassie…all of it! Fans of this series were promised that he was under much duress; there were reasons for his repugnant behavior. Well the authors delivered.
This is a couple that has been in love since day one, unable to acknowledge it; bound to each other through one man, Philip. Nate’s best friend and mentor, also Rachael’s husband. Philip has died while on assignment. Murdered. Nathan feels the guilt weighing down heavily on his shoulders having failed to be there for him. Rachael feels not only guilt but a great loss in her life, has decided to find the murderer. Like most females who take this route, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly situation. While, Nate will stop at nothing to rescue her from sharing Philips fate.
While reading this I was dumbstruck by the amount of research the authors have done. They took us on a trip to the Middle East where language, customs, hierarchy and laid the treacherous roads of their life before us. I felt immersed in the culture without leaving the comfort of my home. The story of Nate & Rae is sweet; we travel back in time finding out how they fell for each other as well as the series of events that led to Nate’s behavior in the first 2 stories as well as the Bytes of life. Nate’s heart has never belonged to anyone but Rachael. Nate is unexpectedly old fashioned having a strict rulebook. He’s overbearing because of a need to be all he can be, not at all egotistic or misogynistic, he’s completely likeable. I’ve changed my mind about Nate and you will too. Oh and please don’t riot at the end there is a book four currently in the works. If you want to follow Chris & Cecilia, they are available on Facebook via their discussion group or The Street Geeks Hub. Join their brand of madness, its well worth the cure!
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are supplied by the publisher via Amazon or Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
The Oracle Reviews receives books to review via Netgalley. All opinions and reviews are her own.

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Oct 03, 2015 Gaele rated it it was amazing

Shelves: independent-review, favorites, reviewed

One of the most difficult reviews to write is one for a book that you loved, that moved you to tears (forget tears – full on sobs with hyperventilation and flails) for emotions stay hot, and it is hard to step back and be objective and informative without spoilers. The combination of action, emotional climax points, heartbreaking decisions and some hard won redemption for a character many thought lost just culminated in a 3 am crying jag of epic proportions. I’m still recovering as I struggle to One of the most difficult reviews to write is one for a book that you loved, that moved you to tears (forget tears – full on sobs with hyperventilation and flails) for emotions stay hot, and it is hard to step back and be objective and informative without spoilers. The combination of action, emotional climax points, heartbreaking decisions and some hard won redemption for a character many thought lost just culminated in a 3 am crying jag of epic proportions. I’m still recovering as I struggle to form coherent sentences.

The premise in this story is the extraction of 6 hostages from an attack on a convoy leaving the embassy compound in Israel. Nathan, a former colleague of Cassie’s and huge thorn in the paw of Trevor, is tasked to lead the teams with help from some deep undercover, super-charged military operatives. These guys make SEAL’s and Rangers look like kids playing at cowboys and Indians. Even worse, there’s a traitor on the American side, and only one of the hostages has an idea that the ‘kidnapping’ was staged. And, add insult to Nathan’s injured feelings – Trevor and his fellow geeky bloodhound George, have the ability to put eyes on the compound, trace digital imprints and hopefully find the mastermind before it is too late.

We have the tension and action from the search and chase, the conflict between Trevor and Nathan, the guilt at Trevor’s leaving Cassie behind in Dublin, Nathan’s stubborn habit of refusing to think outside the box if it conflicts with “policy and procedure”, a Hawaiian-shirt wearing, tattooed smart aleck in Hanson, team leader of the military guys, Jessica about to pop with her and Stephen’s first child and guilt. OMG the guilt. Everyone is guilty about something here – all emotional, all based in their feelings of failure and letting someone down. The only one NOT guilty is George, back in the States working away at the NSA, and tossing nuggets of information at Trevor, managing satellite tracking while fending off teasing and pushes from Cassie, who consistently re-nicknames him (G-String being my personal favorite).

Most telling in this story is Nathan. I’ve maintained that he needed a hug – or several – to make up for some horrible events in his past. Until this story, he had buried those issues, although he was acting out in often uncontrolled ways. Full of regret, guilt and what-ifs, Nathan’s opportunity for redemption is right at his fingertips, if he is ready to grab an opportunity at honesty and learn to forgive himself. For the first time we get to see what makes him tick, and I wanted to cry for him and all he had lost. But Almeida and Aubrey don’t take without giving, and he was given opportunities and a future with the one he always wanted. And a chance for a real friendship with Trevor, unlike the adversarial relationship that had alternated between repelling and drawing the two together.

But it’s not all about Nathan: Stephan is about to have his carefully orchestrated world turned on end, yet again, by the arrival of his and Jessica’s first child. These two are adorable together, his own worries about their age difference is wiped out with Jessica’s every utterance and adoration. She’s no doormat, she challenges his moments of moodiness and withdrawal from her with her own unique approach, and these two are magically delicious. Circling back to George, this guy needs a relationship and a woman, and perhaps there is something in the works on the “swipe left” tip, whether or not he knows it yet. George is the worrywart of the bunch, able to break complex issues into their myriad parts with the speed of a multi-gig processor, his ability to speak reason to Trevor when his more adventurous and risk-taking side take precedence, he’s a great friend and work partner for Trevor.

Lastly we dive into Cassie and Trevor. These two are magical together: not only is there a palpable electric attraction between them, but their friendship has grown and developed into a character that grows and breathes. You want to know these two, so solidly developed and presented that they fairly leap off the pages and sit at your desk, pushing you to read more, faster, again. The central characters that are the touchstone in each title, their relationship, while not perfect, epitomizes the support, respect and enjoyment that every couple should strive for.

Alternate Connection is more than just a suspense story, or a steamy romance, or even an action-packed ride worthy of a top ten list. Characters arrive as complete people, functioning to the best of their ability on their own, with issues both hidden and more obvious. While it does carry threads from earlier titles forward, like all good series reads, the release of a new installment will fuel your desire to re-read the earlier titles. Fortunately with the full length titles (now 3) and multiple smaller bits and bytes that focus on one couple or person for a short moment in time, there are hours of reading to escape with.

I received an eArc copy from the publisher via Substance B for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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May 29, 2014 Candy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebooks, so-many-reads-reviews, 2015-reading-challenge

CIA Agent, Nathan Nelson is living a life full of regrets. Nate feels like he has let his family down and his best friend and former partner, Cassandra Bauer down. One regret in particular comes to haunt him when he learns Rachael Moore, widow of his mentor has been kidnapped by terrorists. Nate has loved Rachael since they day they met but honor kept him from expressing that love. Rachael blames him for the death of her husband and sent Nate packing when he confessed what he didn't do for Phi CIA Agent, Nathan Nelson is living a life full of regrets. Nate feels like he has let his family down and his best friend and former partner, Cassandra Bauer down. One regret in particular comes to haunt him when he learns Rachael Moore, widow of his mentor has been kidnapped by terrorists. Nate has loved Rachael since they day they met but honor kept him from expressing that love. Rachael blames him for the death of her husband and sent Nate packing when he confessed what he didn't do for Phillip. Nate is now tasked with rescuing Rachael and the other high profile hostages. As luck would have it, Nate is forced to work with his enemy NSA agent, Trevor Bauer. Together the two of them fly to Jordan, racing against the clock to stop the terrorists from killing the hostages. Can these two enemies work together for the greater good? Can Nate redeem himself in Rachael 's eyes?

I honestly wasn't that excited to read about Nate. The guy had been a class A jerk since the moment we met him. There's a reason why Trevor calls him The Hulk.

This book did change my mind about Nate. While he will never be my favorite character in the CM world, I at least have a better understanding of this character. My heart broke for him in parts of this book because Nate truly didn't think he deserved to be happy. Hopefully Rachael will bring him some happiness and peace into his life.

Continuing the tradition of strong female characters, the authors introduce us to Rachael Moore. Rachael grew up in politics as the daughter of an Israeli Ambassador, which is how she met her husband and later on Nate. A woman of honor, she married Phillip Moore even after realizing that what she felt for him was not romantic love. And least you think Rachael is nothing but a desk jockey caught in the wrong place, just remember Almeida and Aubrey are known for their surprises.

The research that went into this book is beyond amazing. With every well crafted sentence, Aubrey and Almeida dazzle you with their knowledge. Whether they are writing about computers, weaponry, or politics in the Middle East, this duo write a realistic portrait of a frightening scenerio that could happen.

The action sequences in this book are phenomenal. The chapters play out like a block buster summer thriller on the big screen. During one military operation I nearly started chanting USA! because it was so kick butt.

Alternate Connection is the third book in the Countermeasure Series (this is NOT a standalone read). From the first chapter to the last chapter, this book grabs you and has you frantically reaching for the oh crap bar as you hang on for an heart pounding exciting ride. Full of action, suspense, and romance, this book is everything a romantic suspense reader would want in a book. If you haven't read any of the books in this series, you need to do so now.

*ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review. Review to also appear on the blog somanyreads.com * ...more

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Jun 25, 2013 Nicole rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ariesgrl-book-reviews, written-review

Trevor and Cassandra Bauer have experienced some ups and downs while searching for clues towards Trevor’s missing parents. Instead of experiencing a relaxing holiday season with friends, they have been called to assist the United States Government. Working to help rescue kidnapped Embassy workers, means reuniting with someone from their past. Enter, CIA Agent Nathan Nelson, a man who is not well-liked in the Bauer household. Nate has been battling his own demons this holiday season, and now he i ...more

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Oct 11, 2015 Victoria rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads-from-authors

The ARC was given to me from the authors in exchange of an honest review.

Before I say anything about the book let me tell you that this is the third book in the series Countermeasure. Alternate Connection is a true masterpiece. The authors have outdone themselves. This is truly remarkable. Though I read the book slowly I still had great time doing it.
The story gripped me from the very beginning and kept me on edge to the very end.
Nathan Nelson a CIA Agent is the one getting his HEA in this bo ...more

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Sep 21, 2015 Cathy Hunter rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. OMG!!! I LOVVVVVVVVVED THIS BOOK!!! I felt like I was right there! I felt the connection between Nathan and Rachel, the passion they shared..OMG you thought Cassie and Trevor had Passion???? OMG THEY EXPLODED in the book!!!!!! I wanted to jump in the book! The writing was AMAZING Chris and Cecilia really bring our favorite book characters to life! I cannnnnot wait to see what they do wit he Daniel nod his AWE Crew! There was a lot of humor in the book too like The Star Wars Theme door bell, Trev ...more

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Sep 21, 2015 Ches rated it it was amazing

I'm not going to tell you about what happens in the book. You have the blurb and other reviews for that. I will tell you that after not like Nathan Nelson after the first two books he has redeemed himself in Alternate Connection. Chris and Cecilia know how to get your heart racing, tear ducts flowing and hot and bothered. Their books have everything all rolled into one...action, suspense, romance, and hot steamy love scenes. I love that they get all your senses involved while reading their books ...more

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