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.
more
4.5 stars for this second installment in the Capital Intrigue series. This book could easily stand alone as there is enough history provided that you’re not missing anything if you haven’t read book 1 (End Game), but if you plan to read them all, I would recommend reading them in order for the most enjoyment. This book follows Layla Karam, a CIA Analyst who is being pushed to be an operative. After returning from an op with the DEA, Layla’s world is turned upside down as she and her team are targeted by the Cartel they had crippled and an internal investigation is opened up on her. To make matters worse, the PI they’ve hired to investigate is none other than her ex, Hunter McCoy, who had left her unceremoniously 5 years earlier for a one night stand. But, things aren’t as they seem and Layla and Hunter have to work together to uncover a mole, catch a thief, and stay one step ahead of the cartel, or they will lose their very lives. Fans of the series will also enjoy learning a bit more of Izzy’s story as her perspective is also shared periodically throughout the book.
This book was so full of twists and turns and a lot of things going on! However, it was never confusing. While I had some suspicions (which seemed to change as frequently as the pages turned), I did not know “whodunit” till the very end. Quite a twisted web! This one had all the great elements of a romantic suspense – a solid mystery (that should be plural – there were several mysteries), on the edge-of-your-seat action, a sweet romance and a solid faith thread. While there were times I felt the romance to be a bit “cheesy”, I think most fans of romantic suspense will find it more swoony. I did appreciate it more than the last book simply because this couple had good history and love was already there – just needed to be re-discovered. And one thing I will add – I got so excited during a car chase scene that Layla shot out the tires of the other vehicle to prevent further chase. It drives me crazy in tv shows and movies when they let the bad guys get away because they couldn’t get a clear head shot and they could have shot the tires, lol. All in all, this was an enjoyable inspirational romantic suspense novel and I would highly recommend to fans of that genre.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of the book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Best quote of the book: “You have the perfect motive for murder”!
Loved Layla and Hunter’s story of heartbreak & forgiveness while trying to solve unfathomable charges against Layla at the same time dodging bullets and fleeing from drug cartel hitmen. The author’s signature storytelling with twists and turns and unexpected events leaves me continually guessing until the very end. This story has plenty of intrigue as the characters from the CIA and DEA, as well as local law enforcement, kept me turning pages late into the night!
Layla’s faith was a beacon of light to Hunter who had stalled in his faith. I loved seeing the continuation and development of the main and secondary characters from End Game. I am always one who loves a great epilogue, and Backlash has one! I also really enjoy the author’s notes at the end. This one was fun to see some of the author’s similarities to Layla.
If you love page-turning suspense, check out this awesome series! What a great story!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
God is there even when we think we can’t feel Him or hear Him – Layla
This statement is one she is sure to repeatedly remember as you follow her through this incredible book! Layla is an accomplished analyst for the CIA, specializing in the Middle East since among her vast skills, she fluently speaks several of the necessary languages for that area of the world. A required assignment with the DEA sends her whole world and the rest of her team into chaos.
The author has once again done a fabulous job of creating multiple stories in one, causing the non-stop action to keep you guessing who or what is behind it all. I will admit, the end result is not what I expected. Murder, a mole in the CIA or is it the DEA, safe houses that aren’t safe, etc. – the suspense won’t let you put the book down! This story can stand alone, but reading Capital Intrigue Book 1 first, gives you even more insight into who Layla is. You don’t want to miss this series!
This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Stupendous story. There are several stories being told but the people are interwoven into the life of Layla who not only has a target on her back by the cartel but is also being framed by someone at the CIA where she works. She ends up being protected by a man who broke her heart five years prior. They still have feelings for one another and only by bringing their past out can determine a future together. A lot of investigative work and not knowing who to trust. There are surprises in store. This book will hold your attention and keep you wanting more. I received a copy through Netgalley and this review is voluntary.
I loved this fabulous, edge-of-the-seat thriller!! Second in the Capital Intrigue series, I was very happy to see these Christian friends who work in the CIA, FBI, State Department, and NCIS that we met in End Game, the first explosive novel in the series. The characters are realistic, likable, and well defined. The mystery is incredible and the whodunit was not anyone I would have anticipated. Stunning and intense, it will keep one up late at night turning pages.
Layla, Vivian, and Bailey were law school students together and have kept a very close friendship since their days at Georgetown University. Layla loves her analyst position at the CIA, but the powers that be have different plans for her. In the top one percent of employees, they want Layla to work in the field. While it is not her preference, she has gone on a few missions. The most recent was in Honduras in conjunction with the DEA. The head of the drug cartel had not been captured, but a huge haul of drugs and cash were confiscated and a couple thugs killed.
One of the DEA agents, a woman, found an intruder tearing apart her home. Fortunately, he left rather than harming her. He had tattoos of cartel symbols, so she wanted to let Layla know in case someone came to her home. The next day Layla went to meet her friends at their usual Saturday lunch place. They were unable to get their usual table. When a bomb exploded in the restaurant, they were minimally injured. The tourists who insisted on taking their usual table were killed. Then a third member of the four-person team who went to Honduras was found murdered at his home. There is no doubt about it, someone is targeting and killing the team Layla went to the Honduras with.
Layla was met at the hospital by long-ago college boyfriend, Hunter, who caused their devastating breakup when he had a drunken fling with another student. Now he is a private investigator who does contract work for the DEA. He may be the only one at this point who can save her life by finding who the killer is. It is suspected that there is a mole in the DEA, so Layla must look at her co-workers and former co-workers with a new eye, people she wanted to trust. Whether she can trust her life to Hunter is another matter.
The characters are defined well through their thoughts, conversations, and actions. One thing that caught my attention is that Rachel has written some of herself into this thrilling novel. I especially enjoyed getting to know Layla much better, learn of her faith struggles over recent years as she shares them with Hunter, who has grown far from the Lord. I definitely appreciated seeing Izzy again as part of this group of faith-filled ladies. Her story, past and present, continues throughout.
The best part, for me, is the reflection of faith in each character’s life, including the struggles and how they get through them. The plot is excellent, the suspense breathtaking. The author had several surprises for us readers, and I would never have suspected who was really working with whodunit!! All loose ends were tied up, and I cannot wait to see these four friends in their next adventure! I highly recommend this to those who appreciate Christian thrillers with protagonists working in various government agencies, faith challenges, danger, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
What an adrenaline-filled, intensely engaging thrill ride! Rachel Dylan is a master at weaving romantic suspense tales with non-stop action, relatable and lovable characters, and a complex plot with quite a few surprises. Backlash is book 2 in Capital Intrigue series and it can be read as a stand-alone but reading the series in order will help keep the relatively large crew of main characters straight and help in understanding a subplot that is a continuation from the first book.
The main plot deals with Layla, who is a tough CIA operative, and Hunter, her ex-boyfriend who is now a private investigator that contracts with the DEA. Layla’s one joint mission with DEA makes her and her team a target and Hunter is brought in to help out the team. Layla and Hunter have a convoluted history that prevents Layla from trusting Hunter, but escalating threats draw them together as they figure out how to merge their past, present, and future. The subplot deals with Izzy, one of Layla’s friends and an NCIS agent (introduced in the first book), who is confronted by her past when a murder investigation lands on her doorstep. These two plots run parallel and don’t actually intersect except for the women’s friendship but they come nicely together to form a cohesive storyline. The book has it all – the nail-biting suspense, the heart-stopping romance, tough issues like corruption within government agencies and surviving abuse, and uplifting themes like forgiveness and depending on God’s bigger plan.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, you will absolutely adore this book.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
BACKLASH….Rachel.Dylan..
CIA Layla and her friend DEA Cassie had.an intruder in her.home noticing the Mejia tattoos.on him. Seeing them in Honduras an op they just did. There was casualties one of which was the cartels little brother, were they behind these attaches. Layla has felt like she was being followed for several weeks. Then a bomb at the restaurant where her friends gather on Saturday’s, injuring Viv and Layla. PI Hunter and his friend Elijah with Alexandra police, he came telling Hunter about Layla being in the hospital and to go see her.
While Layla still in hospital her boss telling her she is on leave while being the subject of an IG investigation. Her mentor telling her it could damage her career and to fight it, hard.
Layla had a team, of the four of them on the last op, did she really know them.
Intrigue and action to the last page. Showing that loyalty is not always a given or sure thing, when money and power come into play. Another good plot and characters of Hunter and Layla in this story.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and
Bethany House.
Oh my! Rachel Dylan’s Backlash packs a punch and will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. In this second book of the Capital Intrigue series, Layla finds trouble aimed her way from every direction. This fast paced story will indeed intrigue and keep you guessing until the end. One of my favorite things about this story is the obvious knowledge that Ms. Dylan brings from the world of initialed US agencies. I find that world fascinating and she does such a great job writing about them. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
4.5 Stars
Backlash by Rachel Dylan is a great addition to the Capital Intrigue series. I enjoyed this second chance novel about Layla and Hunter. Dylan has written a story full of intrigue in which everyone is a suspect. I was kept guessing throughout the story and was very satisfied with the tie-up at the end of the book. The romance was sweet as Layla and Hunter were reunited to work together after a painful separation and end to their relationship.
A secondary story continues from book 1 and, for this reason, reading the first book in the series before this one is a good idea (and also a good read).
Dylan is a must-read for me in the area of romantic suspense. I definitely recommend this second book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions given are my own.
Another great book from Rachel Dylan. Fast-paced with multiple POV characters. Reminded me a lot of Dani Pettrey’s writing. Loved being back in the DC setting. Eager to read book three.
Award-winning author Rachel Dylan is back with an action-packed inspirational romantic suspense novel taking place in our nation’s capital.
In Backlash, when a frazzled DEA agent Cassaandra Ruiz shows up at CIA analyst Layla Karam’s door in the wee hours, Layla knows something is definitely wrong. They find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation as a result of working together on an undercover DEA mission against the cartel. Then a member of their team is murdered and they are on the run. Who can they trust when a safe house is compromised?
And if that wasn’t enough, the CIA is doing an internal investigation on her. She turns to former boyfriend (now private investigator) Hunter McCoy to find out who is behind the CIA investigation. Can they clear her name and identify the DEA mole that put her team at risk before it is too late? Can she trust Hunter not to break her heart . . . again?
Dylan pens a fast-paced novel filled with an ensemble of relatable characters, a faith element that is present but not pushy, heart-pounding action, realistic plot lines, and several plot twists. Grabbing the reader’s attention from the first page, Dylan creates a book that will keep readers up late at night to its gripping conclusion. Warning: there are non-graphic description of physical and sexual assault.
Recommended for adult collections in public libraries and fans of this genre. Look for the third book in this series coming in the May of 2021.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are written for books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, or authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and my review represents my honest opinion.
“I can’t help but think trouble followed us home from Honduras.”
This quote by minor character DEA Agent Cass proves to be true at many levels in the second book in the Capital Intrigue series by Rachel Dylan. What resulted from several days in Central America certainly caused “Backlash.” But this title was multi-layered and involved much more than this one incident.
Layla is the main character who is a CIA analyst on loan to the DEA for certain situations. Few of her friends know that she is actually not a paper pusher. But agency ties can be cutthroat and soon Layla does not know who to trust. She definitely did not want it to be her former fiancee Hunter McCoy who cheated her. (As you can guess, their relationship is a key part of this story). Layla does continue to rely on her law school friends, Viv and Bailey, And she also looks to her mentor, Scarlett for assistance. But most of the book involves Layla determining who to trust.
The formerly mentioned Cass and her partner Zane also occupy a few chapters. One other sideline story involves NCIS Agent Izzy Cole. Her friendship has continued with the law school friends. I liked the fact that Dylan includes multiple storylines as I think that reads true to life. None of us are in a vacuum where we only have one relationship or one key issue. The extra characters add credibility and interest even as the author does primarily focus on Layla.
Overall I really liked this book. I did figure out certain parts of the story but that did not take away from my enjoyment of Backlash. I will definitely read book three in the series where Viv finally takes center stage. A big thank you to the author, to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before it was released. This review was voluntary, and all opinions are my own including the fact that I highly recommend this series!
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.
Layla never wanted to be a field agent for the CIA. They had other ideas. They put her in the field and now there is a price on her head.
This is a great edge of your seat book. I didn’t want to put it down. I recommend this book to all mystery/thriller fans.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Oh my!!! This book has everything you need for a suspense novel – spies, bombs, car chases, government agents, hitmen, and of course, trying to figure out who is trustworthy! I love the suspense elements but I really enjoy the relationship “parts” to this story (and the entire series). The strong friendship between the female “lead characters” is one of the reasons I enjoy this book (and series) so much! They know they can always count on each other – no matter what. In “Backlash”, Layla and her team have seemingly been targeted by a major drug cartel while also being investigated by an internal government agency. If that isn’t enough trouble, Layla’s ex-boyfriend (who broke her heart) is brought in to help with the situation. Can they find out what is going on before Layla is killed? Who can be trusted?? This book is the 2nd in the Capital Intrigue series but it is also a stand alone read. I received an advance copy from the author and publisher, but all opinions are my own.
What a ride! Backlash by Rachel Dylan is the second book in the Capital Intrigue series. This book features Layla who is a CIA analyst and sometimes operative and her romantic interest Luke. He is her former boyfriend and he is tasked with being her lawyer and private investigator. This book has so many things going on that you have to pay attention. I really didn’t know who for sure the bad guy was until the end. If you like page turning action with some romance, then you will love this book.
“Backlash” is the second book in Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. This is the story of Layla Karam, a dedicated CIA analyst who was chosen to go on a DEA op to Honduras. That is where her problems began because now one of her team members is dead and she is a definite target herself. Her ex-boyfriend Hunter McCoy is tasked with keeping her safe, but that is no small job since the cartel seems to constantly be one step ahead of them. Hunter and Layla have to work together to find out who is the traitor among them before she ends up just like her teammate. This is a fast-paced and intense drama with ingenious twists and an imaginative plot. Ms. Dylan uses the setting very effectively, taking our heroine all over the capital city in her quest to escape the villains. This is an absolutely fascinating story of faith and forgiveness, with these themes woven throughout the story. “Backlash” is superb romantic suspense that will appeal to fans of Lynette Eason, Lisa Harris and Dani Pettrey. I sincerely appreciate Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this dynamic book. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
If you’re looking for a book full of suspense, action, mystery, and a second-chance romance, Backlash is what you need. Rachel Dylan has done an incredible job of writing a story that quickly grabbed my interest, had likable characters, a very sweet romance, a faith sustained and one resurrected, and a plot filled with twists and turns that rocketed through to the end. Some of those twists I did not see coming, but I found them to be believable. There’s a great HEA too.
I definitely plan to read more in this series and more of Rachel Dylan’s other works. I highly recommend this to readers of romantic suspense, to Christian fiction readers, and to readers of clean/whole romance. I bet you’ll love it as much as I do!
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this incredible romantic suspense book.
I loved “Backlash” by Rachel Dylan so much that I finished it in a couple of days! I couldn’t put it down! I have loved every one of Rachel Dylan’s books, but this one is my favorite so far. This is book two of the Capital Intrigue series. I love the way Rachel Dylan makes the characters in the book feel like they are your friends, and I found myself rooting for them! The close knit friendship of the main female characters really comes alive in this book.
This book centers on CIA Analyst Layla Karam. Someone is targeting Layla and the rest of her team. In fact, death is involved with one team members. Also, Layla is being investigated by the CIA. Layla’s ex-boyfriend and private investigator, Hunter McCoy, come together to try to solve both mysteries. They find out there is a mole, but they don’t know where or who. This book totally threw me for a loop. I never suspected who the mole was! I love books that do this.
I highly definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good, clean, suspense novels. In fact, I highly recommend all of Rachel Dylan’s books. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Backlash ( Capital Intrigue #2 )
By: Rachel Dylan
Backlash is book two in the series Capital Intrigue. Dylan has did it again, another action packed , suspense, and some romance. I was hooked at the start and did not want to put it down. There are twist and turns all through the book that will keep you holding on.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
this is a revitting story to the end. she just wants to work behind a desk but they want her in the field on her last op someone killed the head of the cartels brother and now he is out to get them, but how does he know who they are? with several attempts on her life and the death of another of the team they need protection. she has to work with her ex boyfriend they know there is a mole but who and why? if you like suspense and romance and characters that learn to trust in God to get them through, you will want to read the story. lots of twists and turns. i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review. i could not put the book down till the end. it is a well written story, the characters are flushed out and you see the good and the bad and what happened , and what causes them to act the way they do, and how they handled the situation , the right or wrong way and how that changes the way things turn out.ttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3515910291?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1