April Hunt “will keep you on the edge of your seat” with this heart-pounding romantic suspense novel of a military man and the one woman he can’t resist (Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author). Roman Steele learned a hard lesson about trusting others. While serving his country, he put his faith in the wrong person and lost a leg for his loyalty. So far, civilian life suits him — as … loyalty. So far, civilian life suits him — as long as he doesn’t have to deal with anyone. But when he’s called in to investigate a break-in at a high-security lab, he finds himself butting heads with the lead virologist, a woman as infuriating as she is beautiful.
When criminals break into Isabel Santiago’s lab and steal a deadly virus, she’s desperate to find the culprits before they turn her research into a weapon. But first, she must put her trust in the brooding security expert who sees danger around every corner. As she and Roman race to track down the culprits, these two unlikely partners find there’s more at stake for them than they ever imagined possible — but only if they stop the enemy in time.
Although I think the author wrote this before our current world health conditions, the story eerily mimics the pandemic reality we face today in 2020. This was a great story; full of action, twists and turns, angst, humor and some steam. Both Roman and Isabel had tragic pasts they had to move forward from which was heart warming to watch. Loved the antics and interpersonal dynamics of all the secondary characters. I am eagerly anticipating this author’s next story.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
For those new to this series, it centers around brothers that have recently formed an elite security firm housed in DC and whose offices are hidden below their new bar.
Each has served their country in one form or another, and in Roman’s case, he came back with a great deal of guilt and as an amputee. He is a hard man who keeps everyone at arms length.
When Steele Ops is hired to not only investigate a break-in in a lab with high security and one from which a deadly virus has been stolen, but also protect the virologist in charge, he never realized his life would be turned upside down.
Isa Santiago is former Army, a doctor in her own right that chose not to work with patients. She is also a woman whose past is filled with losses as well as a dedicated woman who will do anything, even put herself in danger, for the sake of mankind.
From the start, this story will have you on the edge of your seats as the danger increases, and the attraction between Roman and Isa also increases. Each had made it clear that their hearts were not to be given to anyone. But what happens when the heart has a different agenda?
This is a book with an engaging and very real plot.
The main characters are complex making it a book you won’t want to put down.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Forever and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Fatal Deception by April Hunt is the third book in the author’s Steele Ops series. The book is well-written and has well-developed characters. Heroine Isabel Santiago is a virologist who is smart, dedicated and strong. She fits well the hero of the story Steele brother and operative Roman Steele. The storyline about a stolen virus being used as a potential bioweapon is interesting but I liked the first two books in the series better.
A gripping addition to the Steele Ops series that hooked me from the start. The story was very relevant to the world today. I really enjoyed the whodunit twist that I didn’t see coming. Loved the chemistry and connection between Isa and Roman. Watching them more beyond their tragic pasts and open themselves up to the promise of a future was a fulfilling journey. Fingers crossed that Jaz gets her story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
First book I’ve read by this author. Really enjoyed it. Roman and Isa are trying to figure out who stole the virus and who is trying to kidnap her. Isa is a scientist working with viruses to find vaccines for them. But the one she was working on was stolen from the lab. There is plenty of action, intrigue, heat and a HEA.
An Amazing Suspense Romance .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Netgalley of Fatal Deception .
WOW! This is absolutely heart racing suspense at it’s best . This is a one pulse pounding rollercoaster ride . It keeps you reading . I didn’t want to put it down . It’s full of heart breaking times humorous times and definitely scary times . Let’s not forget romance . Roman Steele and his brothers own Steele Ops . They are called into Tru Tech labs where four mask men stole a virus . They weren’t seen leaving the building . Steele Op’s job is to find and retrieve the virus . Soon things get even harder
When the mask men attempt to capture Dr. Isabel Santiago who is studying the virus and trying to cure it . Roman steps into protect Isabel but things escalate as the virus is unleashed in a test run for something bigger . It will take everything Steele Ops has and Isabels knowledge to prevent devastation . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Going into a romantic suspense book, I immediately try to start guessing where the author will take the story and who may be behind anything nefarious. I was so sure I had this pegged and I was wrong! I love when I’m wrong and find a story that isn’t predictable.
I enjoyed Roman. He’s a grumpy hero and I seem to enjoy that type. Sadly, most of his grumpiness comes from being a wounded war vet. He has come back strong, forming a security firm with his brothers. He still suffers some guilt over what happened when he was deployed, and that guilt got in his way a bit dealing with Isa.
Isa has her own guilt she is living with that also gets in her a way bit. That guilt comes from her just being an all around caring person who takes a lot of responsibility onto her shoulders. They really seem to be the perfect pair for each other.
I loved getting to see the same side characters from the previous book. I’m hoping the author has plans for a book for Jaz. I love her grit.
A really good book kept you interested throughout . In this one they were trying to stop a virus that was deliberately put in food
A great love story with plenty of action brought out a lot of emotions so hope there will be another
While I realize this is the third book in a series, I wasn’t lost starting with this one. Isabel and Roman kept me interested and worried about everything swirling around them from start to finish and took me on an adventure that was unpredictable. They had some push and pull because of pasts that they both needed to let go of, but with the help of some insistent friends and the danger of a virus being unleashed nationwide, they managed to find their way. Of course, it took Roman a little help from King’s unique methods for clearing the mind, but he figured out that he definitely had something to live for…and that knowledge helps him fight when he needs to give life his all.
I enjoyed everyone in this story and would definitely be interested in more because this author proved to be anything but boring!
I can absolutely say that I liked this but didn’t love it as much as I had anticipated and I would honestly generalize this as a decent followup to the ‘Outbreak Task Force’ series.
This time around, we follow ex-Special Forces medic Henry Lee and his partner Ruby Toth who are racing to lock down the CDC’s deadly virus samples from terrorists. It has all the notable elements that Julie Rowe is known for: romance, suspense, and brooding heroes who like to get the heroine’s panties in a bunch.
The characters were extremely likable. Ruby just seems like a sweetheart but the girl has claws if the wrong buttons are pushed. And our smothering hero? Yummy. He is an ex-veteran that doesn’t let his disability get in the way. Obviously the instant love *cough*instant marriage*cough* is always a downer for me but it was an overall joy to read even though I just had to tilt my head, and squint real hard to pretend I didn’t read see those instant I love yous being thrown around.
Nonetheless, not bad. Now my fingers are crossed that we get Nate’s story next!