Dr. Carmen Rodrigues, CDC’s Outbreak Task Force director, is on the hunt for a killer– an airborne virus spreading from Florida across the States, gaining traction with each passing moment. Although she’ll never forget her one night with sexy bodyguard John Dozer in Afghanistan, his protective nature is one distraction she doesn’t need right now. Ex-Army Intelligence officer John Dozer will put … Dozer will put his life on the line for beautiful, independent Carmen. Every. Time. Even when she pushes him away. And now, with her struggling to contain an outbreak likely triggered by domestic bio-terrorists, maybe even insiders at the CDC, she needs him more than ever. He lost her once. He’ll never let that happen again.
Each book in the Outbreak Task Force series is STANDALONE:
* Viable Threat
* Smoke & Mirrors
* Sleight of Hand
* Search & Destroy
* Hell & Back
more
I seriously love this series SO. MUCH. Every time I love the story, and every time I can hardly wait for the next one. This one was so great, and I loved learning more about the task force boss lady!
Dr. Carmen Rodrigues is the director of the Outbreak Task Force at the CDC in Atlanta. She is always, calm, efficient, and trying her best for her people, and for the world at large. And her best is worth quite a lot. She’s brilliant, hardworking, and dependable, which is why she’s running this unit at 30 years old. When she was an aid worker in Afghanistan 9 years ago, she met, and fell for, her bodyguard, John Dozer. They had one night together, but then she left, and took some bad information, and anger, with her. When he showed up in her office less than a year ago, as the CDC’s liaison agent from Homeland Security, both of them were shocked, to say the least.
John Dozer retired from the military, and took a job with Homeland. He volunteered for the liaison position, but had no idea that Carmen would be his contact there. She’s been acting all-business since they met again, and he’s followed her lead, but he’s SO tired of that garbage. He still wants her, and he thinks it’s finally time to make that apparent, and clear the air between them about the past. Especially since someone keeps trying to kill him. He’s worked well with the task force, and he hates being physically unfit for duty while they need him. But, he won’t let Carmen go investigate a new outbreak alone without protection. All her team works in pairs, and he is her pair. He’s going with her as her bodyguard only, since he’s not supposed to be working the investigation.
Carmen and John’s underlying attraction, led to steamy chemistry, and finally to them both divulging their truths about the past, and how they wish it happened differently. I really enjoyed their honest communication in working through their issues. But Carmen carried a lot of anger about the past, in addition to her worries that John’s overprotective behavior towards her must mean he doesn’t trust her to be a competent, capable adult. And if he can’t trust her, then she can’t trust him. Their connection was tenuous, but they worked to strengthen it, and I adored watching them attempt it, amidst all the things happening around them.
There’s been a building suspense plot throughout this series of a homegrown domestic terror group inflicting harm across the U.S., via bombs, guns, and general mayhem, as well as the spread of infectious diseases in certain areas. The Outbreak Task Force has been dispatched to these areas to investigate, and has gotten caught up in it every time. I’ve really loved getting to know this team, and falling for them amidst the ongoing drama. The suspense plot is always smart, engaging, and keeps me coming back for more, and that was true in this story as well. It feels like every time they get closer to pinning this group down, the next bad thing will happen and they’ll be back to the beginning.
Most of the side characters here were characters from prior books, so that’s always fun. The Drill Sergeant is an especially hilarious and satisfying character. I really enjoy this entire team, and I loved finally digging into the boss, after meeting her only peripherally in the last few books. She and Dozer’s connection has been a remarked upon mystery in the other stories, so it was awesome to finally get some answers. I really enjoyed this one and, as always, I’m SO EXCITED for the next one. I’m REALLY hoping it’s going to be CDC lab tech Henry. He seems like a delicious, grumpy puzzle, and I’m anxiously awaiting his story.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I was waiting for this ARC, I decided to read the previous book in the series. Each book can be read as a standalone since she gives enough backstory to not feel lost. I’ve enjoyed the medical/bioterrorism aspects of these stories. They are clearly written by someone who knows what they are talking about medically and coming from a family of nurses, I appreciate that.
This story follows Dr. Carmen Rodrigues and John Dozer. I will say that liked Joy and Gunner’s story from the previous book a little better than Carmen and John’s. I think it was just because Carmen and John were in constant danger ALL THE TIME. There was just no rest for those two. So because of that, we saw them more in crisis situations rather than working together and such. However, I appreciate when men fall hard and man, does John fall hard. Since they’ve known each other for while, there are trust issues and miscommunications they have to get over. But in the end, it all works out. Man are they steamy 😉
ONE ACTION PACKED LANDSLIDE!!!
Leaping lizards! Julie hit the jackpot with this jaw dropping, heart pounding, pulse racing, page flipping bombshell, revving up the adrenaline and intensity, riding the wind and watching it blow, melding this little gem together sleek, shiny and tight. Braided, bound and tightly coiled, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it’s simplicity and awe inspiring in it’s depth. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rolling out the drama, turmoil, intrigue, danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and bent, booting this baby forward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with an intoxicating culmination. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and sizzling chemistry collides with such intensity, drawing you deeper until you feel the electrifying hum running rampant through your veins. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuine relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Amazing job Julie, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. Lots of action and lovin.
I love this series!
Another great addition to CDC’s Outbreak Task Force. It is a story with lot of action, romance and suspense that gives a nice flow to the story.
It kept me interested from the first page till the very end.
It was so easy to fall in love with the characters in this book and the authors style of writing grips and holds your attention.
This book in the series is about a CDC doctor named Carmen and a homeland security agent John Dozer that are fighting against deadly strain of the measles, and I enjoyed in their fast paced story.
Can’t wait to read the next of the series
Having read this author before I knew I was in for a treat with this one. I sure was right on the penny.
Carmen and John are the center of this one with danger and action rounding them at every corner it seems. Having to get ahead of death per say you will have romance pushing them also the chemistry that sparks. Time is the enemy also with you urging the couple on. Did not miss a beat from start to finish.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and it was a good story. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It is a continual story but you won’t miss anything if you don’t read the others in the series first. This book will keep you on the edge of your seats with the action packed world of fighting bioterrorism. Carmen and John are fighting to keep a virus from spreading across the whole United States. They shared one night together that neither will forget but she can’t handle that right now. She needs to control this crisis. John still wants her and will always be by her side even if it is only to keep her safe but he will not stop wanting her. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book that will keep you engrossed in the story.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love what Julie Rowe brings us with Search and Destroy. This book is full of suspense as Dozer and Carmen work together to solve the next outbreak the outbreak task force faces. I love these two together. They work so well together. Carmen is in charge and knows how to handle any man. Even with the history Carmen and Dozer share it is still evident that the chemistry has never gone away. Dozer he is almost unstoppable and put through the wringer and still comes out even stronger in the end. I love that we still get some comedy in the form of DS throughout this book and series. If you don’t know who he is then you really need to start from the start. I couldn’t put this one down and was glued to the pages from the very start. I’m hoping there are more Outbreak Task Force books to come yet. Go one-click this one.
I really loved this book and the story reminded me of the tv series “24” especially season 2. I loved that series so how can I not love this story.
It is the first book I read by Julie Rowe but the 4. book I believe in this series so I shouldn’t be able to follow the plot because they are chasing the same enemies throughout all the books. But I was a goner from the first page and I wasn’t confused at all by the contents or the characters. Julie Rowe makes it easy for you to follow along and even though the men are very alpha, the women are just as strong, stubborn, smart and strong willed.
It is a second chance romance about a doctor at the CDC and her liaison from the Homeland security.
They met in Afghanistan under the war and fall in love but after an attack on their camp she leaves and they don’t meet again until he becomes her liaison at the CDC nine years later.
Their romance evolves while they are under attack again by terrorists who release a strain of measles on the American public. While they try to contain the measles outbreak they figure out that they have a mole in their midst but who is it and can they stay alive long enough to figure out how to save the many people dying and take down the bad guys?
I can definitely recommend this book if you like exciting plots, thrilling storylines, alpha males, strong women, romance and amazing side characters.
I received this book from Entangled Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in the Outbreak Task Force series and should be read as a continuation of the others. Julie Rowe provides a high paced action novel with steamy romantic scenes thrown in. Her characters are well-crafted and her subject knowledge is spot on. The multifaceted plot included everything from relationship quandaries to bioterrorism threats and kept the reader engaged the entire time. Enjoyable read. 4 stars.
A big thank you to #NetGalley and #EntangledPublishing for this ARC. I read and reviewed #SearchAndDestroy voluntarily. All thoughts and comments are my own.
This is the fourth book in the outbreak task force series and picks up shortly after book 3 ended. John Dozer is in hospital recovering from injuries received when an assassin tried to kill him. They obviously think he knows something but he isn’t sure what they want Meanwhile Dr Carmen Rodriguez has never forgotten her one night stand with John while they where in Afghanistan and figures the safest place for him is by her side while he recovers What they both don’t know is that someone has released Measles in an attempt to cause widespread panic and it is quickly spreading across the USA Is it Bio terrorism and will they be able to contain it. Meanwhile John as sworn to keep the woman that he loves safe at any cost even if that cost is his life. Do these two have any chance at a future together You will have to read to see
And the mayhem continues in this 4th part of Outbreak Task Force series. John Dozer hasn’t even recovered from his injuries from a bomb in the 3rd book when he’s thrown in the middle of another outbreak – this time deadly strain of the measles.
This series really needs to be read in order as its one long plot continuation from book to book – yes the couples are different and a new virus/pathogen is unleashed in each book – but the overall plot is continued through each book. Each story has you on the edge of your seat from all the suspense, deadly infectious diseases, and sizzlin romance.
One of the things that makes this series so fascinating to me is that even though its fiction its liberally sprinkled with real life situations. An out of control measles outbreak is no so far fetched in the USA.
Search and Destroy finally gives us CDC Director Dr. Carmen Rodrigues and Homeland Security agent John Dozer’s story. These two have a history going back nine years when they both were in Afghanistan. That didn’t end well but while trying to stop the latest outbreak triggered by domestic bio-terrorists they work through their past issues.
5+ Stars
Wow! This book is FULL of drama and intrigue. The twists and turns, threats upon threats and fast-paced action just kept my mind occupied the whole way through. I was hooked and couldn’t get enough. I held my breath and was worried sick for the whole of humanity; we live in such a dangerous world that I can absolutely believe that something like this biological terrorism act could be a serious possibility. It is certainly very thought provoking.
Carmen Rodrigues works for the CDC and is totally in command of herself and those around her. John Dozer is just fantastic. I felt I had a connection with them both and DS; that man just makes me smile. I met him in the previous book, he’s just so Army. I could picture him and kind of want to hug the prickly Drill Sergeant. He is hilarious but deadly but he certainly commands respect. John is such a fantastic character; super protective and alpha; I’m very in love with him. He gives the story such emotion and his strength makes me swoon and smile.
This book has a great plot and demanded my complete attention. Simply fantastic and a definite must-read.
I absolutely love this series. From the first page you have to dive right into the chaos and adrenaline and it never lets up until the end. John is recovering from his third instance of someone trying to assassinate him. Carmen is trying not to pull her hair out trying to get him to stay safe and to control all the attacks around them. Things heat up when coupled with the outbreak bombs start going off around them.
The cast of characters are phenomena. There is non stop action and suspense. Through all this John and Carmen are trying to fix a relationship that went of the rails 9 years ago. You will want to read the previous books in the series to get caught up and because you will be hooked on this fast paced and immersive story.
This is the 4th book in the Outbreak Task Force series and I would absolutely read the books before this one. I didn’t realize this was part of a series and ended up going back and reading those books as I didn’t understand parts of this one without those previous books. In this one we get Carmen Rodrigues and John Dozer’s story. Carmen is a doctor that works for the CDC and is in charge of the Task Force. John is a bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe while they hunt for the person or people who have unleashed a virus on the US. They haven’t seen each other in years, not since she left after something happened that she never explained to him. But now he will find out what happened and will hopefully not have to let her go in the end all while keeping her safe.
This was a new to me author, and honestly I not sure that I really liked it. The writing itself is good. I just had a really hard time getting into the story and the interactions between Carmen and John seemed forced at times. Almost like they aren’t really supposed to be together. It started off slow for me, and I am not sure I liked how the chapters were broken up? It seemed to be along the lines of that tv show 24 with how things were labeled. And I definitely didn’t like that. I don’t know, normally I really like romantic suspense but I just couldn’t get into this one. It was a struggle to finish it for me. I honestly think it’s just a preference for the books and how they are written to me. But this one just wasn’t for me.
Outbreak Task Force #4, I love this series! So far all the books can be read as a standalone this book picks up right after the events of book three and even though I have read it it took me part of chapter one to reacquaint myself with the characters and the situation but then again I saw this arc up for grabs and I grabbed it didn’t read the blurb or anything it was book four I had to have it so I went into this completely blind as to who the main characters were going to be. There is an overall story arc that links all the books together but each book is independent from the others. There is quite a bit of mention of the events in the last books but I don’t think enough to get the reader lost.
The main characters of this one, head of the Outbreak Task Force Dr. Carmen Rodriguez and the Homeland Security liaison John Dozer. The benefit of reading the previous books is that you can tell there is something between the two of them but it never lets on to what it is, the way the acted in situations you could tell they cared about each other. Carmen was a wunderkind she finished medical school at 19 after that is when she first met John Dozer in Afghanistan. For Dozer it was instantaneous; the attraction, the respect he knew without a doubt this brilliant beautiful woman was for him but after their life and death situation she just walked away and he didn’t see her again until the formation of the Outbreak Task Force.
Due the the events of the last book Dozer is on medical leave but due to an outbreak of the measles in Florida that the terrorist group FAFO is behind he’s not leaving Carmen without protection, especially since the FAFO has targeted them specifically. The FAFO is now doing more than just infecting people they have attempted to bomb one of the hospitals and and airplane causing even more widespread panic it’s scary enough that this weaponized strain of the measles is spreading quickly across the US. Carmen and Dozer have a lot on their plates with the outbreak, a mole, and dodging would-be-assassins but they also manage to deal with their past and what went wrong and fall in love all over again.
Overall, this was intense. Reading this series always makes me want to rewatch Outbreak. I love the narration and the characters, intense action and drama, hot romance, seriously I love everything about this book. I can’t wait until the next book because the overall story arc was left open ended for more books (fist pump) and I really hope it’s Henry’s book next.
We finally get to see what all sexual tension between John and Carmen has come from! One hot and steamy encounter, miscommunication, conniving sexual predators and now their weird working dynamic has stacked up against our couple but all that tension and chemistry has to go somewhere and it’s about to explode!
Dozer is recovering from the injuries sustained in the previous book. Sadly I think this man has a trouble magnet and these aren’t the only injuries he is going to have to suffer through. The FAFO seem determined to make him their number one target. Carmen is in charge of their unit but can she really compartmentalise her feeling when poor John keeps getting himself banged around?
Never judge a book by its cover because still waters run deep with Carmen and when the romance starts to take flight, she jumps in with both feet.
Needless to say, a certain senior citizen with the voice of a foghorn makes an appearance as the CDC factotum, he almost steals the show with his very inventive insults!
**I received a copy of Search and Destroy from Entangled Amara Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions below are mine and not solicited in any way**
Search and Destroy by Julie Rowe is the fourth book in her Outbreak Task Force series and I can sum up this latest addition to the series in one sentence… “You’d better hold on honey because it’s going to be a bumpy ride” Search and Destroy is one thriller that grabs hold of you from page one to the very last one and you’re going to love it. With much of the country last year and this one under the Measles outbreak umbrella I can totally relate to the pathogen reeking havoc in Search and Destroy, but it’s Dr. Carmen Rodriguez, John Dozer and the undeniable sarcastic snark from our beloved DS that will have you from the first page. He will also sum up the best line in the book:
“Don’t think of me as old,” DS said, his tone mild. “Think of me as skilled, experienced, and irritated.”
We find Dr. Carmen Rodrigues with a measles outbreak in Florida at an amusement park spreading like wildfire and John Dozer still recovering from the IED from the last book insisting that he go with her to set up mobile units. But when they find out from Henry where the virus came from and who possibly weaponized it so that the usual medicines don’t work it will take everyone to find a cure especially when both of them become one of the infected. But we finally get to see if Carmen and John can get beyond their issues to see if their feelings can become a HEA.
John Dozer has loved Carmen since their first meeting in Afghanistan when she ran from him before they could see if if there was something more for them in the cards. But when someone tries to kill both of them which in turn stalls his healing from previous attacks even the Surgeon General won’t be able to keep him from keeping her safe. But when the person started the outbreak it will take everyone at the CDC, DS, SG and John to get her well when she becomes a patient after taking on the former employee determined to kill everyone. But how deep does the betrayal go and will they find out who is helping the FAFO with their Bioterrorism attacks? How deep within the government does their reach go?
I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one except when will my beloved DS get his story?
Yet another intense story from this author that had me absolutely glued to my kindle ! As this particular story begins John Dozer is still in hospital recovering from his recent injuries when a would be assassin working for a terrorist group tries to kill him and John isn’t exactly sure why or what they think he knows. Carmen doesn’t care why John is a target but she is sure that if he can’t or won’t protect himself than the best thing is to keep him by her side. Yes they have history but it’s a complicated mess.
You would think tip toeing around their feelings would be angst enough but no this author continues this series with an even more deadly disease on the loose and its clear Carmen has her work cut out trying to prevent wide spread death and mayhem. The trouble is this epidemic and it’s origin are very close to home with terrorists seemingly getting the upper hand. Carmen and John are up against the clock and still have to work through their past but when lives are on the line it’s time to simply try to live !
I never know what to expect and can truthfully say this story was absolutely gripping. Bio terrorism is a new enemy to me and I thought the author did an amazing job of making the reader feel just how pervasive and intense it would be. I did like the couple but question their steamy romance or if precise it was the timing initially that surprised me.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair