CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel that puts a target on her back. Though Layla never wanted to be a field agent, Langley had other ideas. After one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.At the same time, the CIA opens up an internal investigation against her. Out of options, … Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.Layla and Hunter soon discover a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team’s identity to the cartel. She must clear her name with the Agency and protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter–the man who broke her heart–and hope they both come out of it alive. For those who are content sensitive: this book contains non-graphic scenes and descriptions of physical and sexual assault.
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Backlash by Rachel Dylan is the second book in her Capital Intrigue series. Layla Karam is a CIA analyst who finds her life in danger and her career in jeopardy. She can trust her ex-boyfriend Hunter McCoy to help her find the culprits?
This was a story that had twists and turns that kept Layla, Hunter, and the reader on their toes. What I liked most about Layla and Hunter’s relationship is the reason behind their original break up. I won’t spoil it for you, but it was a unique reason that really fit the book.
Backlash also had two other story lines. Two DEA partners and a character from the previous book who had to face her history of assault when she comes under investigation. Hers were not easy scenes to read and while I appreciate the insight of her story, it didn’t seem to have to do with the overall story.
Overall Backlash is an entertaining story. I especially loved Hunter. He was a great hero. And I’m looking forward to reading Book Three, which recently released.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Backlash by Rachel Dylan is a marvellous contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the second book in the Capital Intrigue series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces.
In book one we met a group of friends. Book two sees us follow the fortunes of Layla. Friendship is important. We all need good friends whom we can trust and who will support us through life.
At times life spirals out of control. We can always turn to God for support. “Relying on my faith gets me through the difficult times.” Being a Christian does not make us immune to hard times but God is faithful and has promised to never leave us.
“He was still struggling to answer… why had God left him?” God walks alongside us. If we fail to ‘see’ or ‘feel’ Him, the fault lies with us and where we have placed our focus.
The novel is full of suspense and very intriguing. A successful mission has been turned around as the team face lies, danger and cover-ups. Somewhere within the law enforcement is a leak, it needs to be plugged before more damage is done.
There is the question of trust. As the crimes mount up so does the level of suspicion.
All the characters are well drawn and realistic. There are strong friendship bonds that are loyal and self-sacrificing. We witness the need for others and for Godin our lives. “She’d tried fighting her battles alone and failed miserably.”
There are choices to be made but not everyone chooses wisely.
This Capital Intrigue series is fabulous, exciting and full of action. Backlash was a thrilling read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a free copy of the book from Baker Publishing. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Who is targeting CIA analyst Layla Karam? Who
is targeting her team members? With one dead,
another in hiding and several attempts on her
life and an internal affairs investigation on the
horizon, Layla needs to rely on an old college
flame who is now a private investigator and
a lawyer. Will they get to the body of this
vendetta against her and her team members
before they get to her?
Get ready to participate in an action packed,
suspenseful escapade as this well plotted
stories winds the reader through many a twist
and turn in the story. I felt the author made
me a tag a long it was so well described.
This is book # 2 in the Capital Intrigue series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
Come along…join in this adventure for a chilling
read.
I volunteered to read Backlash. Thanks to the
author via NetGallery for the opportunity to read.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Backlash by Rachel Dylan is the second book in the Capital Intrigue series and a must read if you love inspirational romantic suspense.
Layla Karam and her team are put in danger when a mole leaks information about them to the cartel. Not knowing who she can trust she goes to her ex-boyfriend Hunter McCoy for help even though he broke her heart.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Their lives are about to be upended…
Wow! If you are looking for an edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense that reads more like a thriller have I got the story for you! The newest novel in Rachel Dylan’s exciting Capital Intrigue series is an intense thrill-a-minute ride of danger, intrigue, romance, and betrayal. I thought I really liked End Game but I loved Backlash!
There were so many twists and turns and surprises I could hardly keep up! But I enjoyed every single minute of it! The guessing, second guessing, the smugness when I was proven right, and the ‘I didn’t see THAT coming’ moments as well. And there were definitely a few of those moments!
One of my favorite things about Backlash were the bits and pieces of her own experience that Rachel Dylan added to the second book in her Capital Intrigue series. As I read the author’s note at the end it made the story just that much more real to me.
So, if you are looking for a story that will keep you up late into the night anxiously flipping the pages to find out what happens next you really need to read Rachel Dylan’s newest Capital Intrigue book. Trust me, Backlash is a doozy!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I now wish I had read “End Game” first! (So I am totally ordering a copy as soon as is possible!)
I highly enjoyed “Backlash” and it was a wonderful introduction to Rachel Dylan for me!
I loved seeing a difference in how this suspense has several different agencies that are often only shown by themself in fiction.
I was somewhat lost for some things since this was the second book but I still enjoyed it very much.
Content: Mentions of sexual abuse, killing, and attempted killing among other things.
18+
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Another excellent book from Ms. Dylan! The plot was expertly woven together to keep the guilty party(ies) hidden from the reader until the end. I loved Layla as a character and enjoyed seeing how things would unfold between her and her ex-boyfriend. The twists and turns definitely keep the reader’s interest up–would recommend!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Bethany House. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Back Lash
Rachel Dylan
Another mesmerizing suspense novel that keeps you reading until the end. You just have to find out who is out to ruin Layla in her career as a CIA analyst. Can she depend on her ex-boyfriend who is a private investigator to help her solve the problem before cartel retaliation.
Another guessing to the end book in the Capital Intrigue series that keeps you reading late into the night.
CIA Analyst Layla Karam never planned to be a field agent, but she is thrust into what is supposed to be an open and shut field mission with the DEA only for the mission to fall apart, making Layla a target of a drug cartel and an internal investigation.
A fast-paced, suspenseful read, Layla feels trapped with nowhere to turn, she finds herself reconnecting with a former flame, Hunter McCoy who happens to be an independent contractor for the DEA. This was a quick read for me, it keep me on the edge of my seat, with so much unknown and twists that kept me guessing. I loved how this book’s plot unfolded with tension that builds throughout.
Layla is determined to not let them steamroll over her, I admired her strong faith, and he unwillingness to compromise what was important to her. There was great character interaction throughout, as she and Hunter slowly dissolve the distrust between them.
Overall, this was a page turning thriller, with high stakes and heart-pounding suspense. This book could be read as a stand alone, but I think that readers will get more out of Izzy’s story if the book are read in order. Fantastic characters, and plot that kept me guessing till the end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author Rachel Dylan has become synonymous with action and suspense, and once again, she offers readers a thrilling story filled with unexpected twists and turns, unknown assailants, and the opportunity to witness the revival of a romantic relationship. CIA analyst Layla Karam finds herself the target of a powerful cartel and she asks a private investigator who is also her ex-boyfriend to help her. It isn’t just Layla who is as risk…her teammates may also become victims of these dangerous people!
There are several strong characters in this book but Layla and Hunter McCoy take center stage in Backlash. Reminders of their past relationship are part of this fascinating story and I enjoyed watching them join forces to find a mole in the DEA. Dylan also includes a strong faith element and, when Hunter talks about the danger that her Layla’s job offers, she replies, “There’s danger in every part of life. I have to rely on God’s protection whether I’m running a field op or driving to the grocery store. It’s all in His hands.” Yes, Layla has the faith that Hunter once had. Will their working together help him find the beliefs that he’s lost along the way?
If you’re longing for adventure and you’re yearning for sweet romance with a second chance at love, you’ll find them in this second book of the Capital Intrigue series. “Intriguing” is the perfect description for Backlash!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. A positive review was never a requirement and no monetary compensation was given. These are my own thoughts.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Oh Wow! I love this nail biting thriller! And I didn’t get to read book one, and though I am going to read it later, I had no problems keeping up with the characters. The author does a fantastic job of giving enough details to fill readers in. I love these close knit characters and enjoyed getting to know them as the story unfolds. Layla, Vivian and Bailey are longtime friends after meeting in college and now all three work in some form of law enforcement. Which is exciting!! But someone is out to get Layla, and it seems they will go to any length to succeed.
Back Lash is one of those stay up all night and read books, and it’s exactly what I did. I couldn’t put this book down. There was too much going on and things were happening too fast to stop reading! After ending up in the hospital, a private investigator was brought in to help keep Layla safe. But because they had a past, Layla was not happy to have Hunter around. But she really has no choice.
Being a lawyer, author Rachel Dylan is full of knowledge about writing a legal thriller. This is why I love her books so much! She is spot on with the info. And the cast of characters she creates for Back Lash are so realistic I feel like I’m reading the news. And yet I also feel like I’m living the story with them. They seem like good friends to me now, and I love feeling this with characters. There were so many twists and turns, just when you think you have the bad man, another twist pops up and you are back where you started. Keeping us guessing. But in the end, Ms. Dylan weaves everything together into a wonderful ending. I also love that this author weaves faith and the Christian life into the lives of her characters. And it’s done in a subtle way not to offend anyone.
And oh, I can’t forget. I read the authors note and find it very interesting that the author writes a bit if herself in one of the characters, which I thought interesting and intriguing. Theres a lot to love about this book! If you enjoy a good clean thriller, this is your book!! This one deserves more than Five Stars, but that’s all I can give.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Excellent book! And Rachel Dylan doesn’t hesitate to jump right into the action! I’ve been interested to read Layla’s story and what’s even more interesting is finding out that the author sees a little of herself in the character. Not that the author was in the CIA or had all the excitement happen to her but it’s one of those little tidbits that makes things interesting. It was also good to see Bailey again [from the first Capital Intrigue book], though Layla is the focus here.
The storyline with Izzy was also great. It was wonderful to see her confronting her past and coming to terms with it.
This book was more breakneck speed than book one but that’s not a bad thing by any means.
Fantastic second book in the Capital Intrigue series!
Rachel Dylan uses her knowledge and research skills as a lawyer to create a suspense filled, action packed second installment of her Capital Intrigue series.
As is with all series I love that I am reunited with characters from the previous book and introduced to new characters. Which is fun!
The pacing is perfect. Sometimes with suspense novels the author might speed up things but Rachel Dylan doesn’t do that. She keeps the action, twists and turns, as well as the romance moving along at such a good pace that the reader wants to keep reading.
The characters are dimensional, unique with fully developed fictional lives that makes you want to know them, and cheer for them.
Ms. Dylan weaves in the faith thread so well. I’m not one for preachy books and I love how she wove the faith thread in through the relationships.
I highly recommend this series and suggest that you read them in order.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I wasn’t required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Don’t miss the next installment of the Capital Intrigue series by Rachel Dylan. I loved the first book, End Game, and was afraid that this book wouldn’t live up to my expectations merely because books in a series are going to all be different even with a common theme. Boy, was I wrong. All of the alphabet agencies are involved in this one but the story revolves around Layla Karam who is a CIA analyst. She is being thrust into being an agent in the field and on a joint operation with the DEA, everything was done right. Or so they thought. Now the cartel is after her and members of the team but the CIA opens an investigation into Layla. Worse yet, an independent PI is also investigating at the request of the DEA and that PI just happens to be Hunter McCoy who broke Layla’s heart in college. But Hunter and Layla have to figure out to work together because if they don’t, they all might end up dead. With a mole in the DEA, Layla and Hunter can only trust each other! This was a thrill ride from beginning to end and Dylan knows how to ramp up the suspense! I literally could not put this book down and read it all in one night. I loved Layla’s friends and the bonds they have since their time together in law school. I also loved Hunter who made the ultimate sacrifice for her. Twists and turns will keep you guessing but the sweet love story between Hunter and Layla will satisfy your romantic side. Hold on tight because this thrill ride is epic! I received a free copy from the publisher. I was not compensated and all comments in this review are my own.
What a thrilling read! This book has a ton of excitement from the first chapter and it keeps it up throughout the book. The mysteries(there’s more than one!) are captivating and full of danger-both emotional and physical. There were a couple surprises along the way and all of it worked nicely for a perfect ending. If you like fast paced mysteries and suspense with a dash of romance, check out this series!
Rachel Dylan’s latest novel Backlash literally explodes into nonstop action from the very beginning. Danger lurks just around every corner for CIA analyst Layla Karam and her team as well as for those close to her. Everything points to a cartel bent on revenge against the team members who participated in a DEA field operation against them and as a member of that team Layla has become one of their targets. To complicate matters, she learns that she is under an investigation by the CIA and needs to prove her innocence as she and her team work against time to solve the case before someone else dies.
Backlash is another of those keep-you-up-at-night page turners that was so hard to put down. Explosive action paired with multiple twists and turns kept me on edge as I anticipated what might happen next. Characters were well defined and it was fun getting to know them in the midst of such high pressure situations. I loved how Layla and her friends always had each other’s backs and the honest relationships within their group. Struggles related to their faith (or lack of) were transparent and I was encouraged to see a natural progression of spiritual growth. A second chance romance added a nice touch to the narrative.
Backlash is a welcome addition to my keeper shelf. I would highly recommend it to fans of Christian suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and her publisher. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This story had two main characters, Layla Karam and Hunter McCoy. And that is the main story. But this story is also about the women who were close friends with her. I didn’t get that at first but realized that as the book went on. I spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out how Izzy figured in until I realized this. Izzy and Jay had their own story going on just outside of Layla’s struggles.
I did struggle at first because of all the people in the beginning of the book. I kept having to sort them out.
Layla was a straight arrow kind of woman who did things by the book. She was a woman of faith and honor. The investigation into her activities confused her because she really had done nothing wrong.
Hunter was a guy that was walking on egg shells when he’s around Layla because of his past actions. He is also struggling with his faith in God. He also holds a secret that he’s been unable to share with her. But the truth is coming out!
There is plenty of twists and surprises in the story and about the time you think you’ve got them all another pops up. The ultimate twist comes at the end with another dangerous betrayal.
It does come to a dramatic conclusion with an Epilogue that dots some “I’s” and crosses some “T’s”.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
This is the second book in the CAPITAL INTRIGUE series but it can be read as a stand alone. Nonetheless, its characters have been introduced in the previous book END GAME.
This is my kind of suspense book full of the inner workings of all the government agencies.
Layla Karam is an analyst but the CIA wants her expertise in the field. She is quite happy with a desk job, thankyou. After a team effort in Honduras with the DEA, things go terribly wrong. To add to the drama, her old love steps into the picture. In fact there are three romantic relationships featured in this story, which doesn’t detract from the plot, it just makes it more interesting.
Ms. Dylan knows her stuff and lets us peek into a world normally unexposed. What is interesting is that the author based her heroine, Layla, partially on herself, although she went into corporate law rather than saying yes to the CIA.
A quick read with lots of action, intrigue, as well as a solid faith is portrayed. And for me, a surprise ending. Cannot wait for Power Play coming June 2021.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Great suspense novel that will keep you flipping the pages. The romance is heart warming and I love that we get to see some of the characters from the first book!
Amazing book! This book has everything, lies, deception, betrayal and greed. The book tells the story of Layla, a CIA analyst that participates in a mission with the DEA that has some serious consequences when the team returns stateside. As the body count continues to rise, Layla is trying to clear her name and find the truth. The story has a plot twist at the end that I never saw coming. High praise indeed when I usually figure out the bad guys early on in the book. Highly recommend you add this book for your TBR pile.