To catch a killer, a special agent and his former student will need to get close–to their target, and each other. Layla Reyne returns with a stand-alone romantic mystery. When the serial killer known as Dr. Fear seemingly reemerges after a cooling-off period, Special Agent Lincoln Monroe wants on the case. He knows his research on the calculating criminal, who targets couples and uses their … uses their worst fears to kill them, could prove invaluable. But nothing can prepare Lincoln for the agent waiting for him in Apex, Virginia: a brash and cocky former student. Carter Warren is everything Lincoln is not, and somehow everything he wants. And they’ll be going undercover. As newlyweds.
For Carter, seeing Lincoln again–and flustered to boot–pokes his raging bear of a crush something fierce. He thinks posing as lovers will provide the perfect bait for Dr. Fear. But pretending to be married forces them to confront fears of their own…like giving in to the very real chemistry between them.
With evidence pointing to the possibility of a copycat killer, Lincoln and Carter will have to race to separate truth from fiction. But when another couple goes missing, finding the killer will test every ounce of their training, skills and the strength of their bond like never before.
This book is approximately 72,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
And don’t miss any of these books from Layla Reyne and Carina Press:
Dine with Me
Single Malt (Agents Irish & Whiskey #1)
Cask Strength (Agents Irish & Whiskey #2)
Barrel Proof (Agents Irish & Whiskey #3)
Tequila Sunrise (An Agents Irish & Whiskey novella)
Imperial Stout (Trouble Brewing #1)
Craft Brew (Trouble Brewing #2)
Noble Hops (Trouble Brewing #3)
more
If I wasn’t already a follower of Layla Reyne, I would be now with “Variable Onset”. As “Agents Irish & Whiskey”, “Trouble Brewing” and “Fog City Novels” are all thrilling series, “Variable Onset” is a stand alone. The novel follows the pattern of mystery, suspense and thrills. The well plotted mystery has Lincoln Monroe and Carter Warren, both FBI, trying to solve murders of fear and track down an old nemesis, Dr. Fear, that Lincoln is very familiar with. Lincoln and Carter have to team up and put their expertise together to catch a possible copy cat or Dr. Fear himself.
Lincoln and Carter do have a past; Carter has a big time crush on his once Quantico professor, Lincoln. Carter has crossed Lincoln’s mind also, but he had his rule to not get involved with his students. Carter and Lincoln are very opposite and it’s a slow and angsty road for them. No matter how close they come to romance, there’s the baffling case and untimely interruptions that keeps them and the reader on edge.
Layla Reyne not only does a spectacular job taking us through the investigation process but I was very impressed in how she built the deranged character, Dr. Fear, with taking the reader deep into the subject matter of “fears” and victimology.
This novel has some great secondary characters: Elena, Lincoln’s daughter, his sister Katrina and his ex-wife Gabby. They all love teasing and embarrassing Lincoln and bring many humorous moments to the story. All together they make a loving family, something Carter wishes he had and is searching for.
“Variable Onset” could very well be turned into a series, but as it stands it was an excellent thriller and a page-turner for me.
A must read for those who love romance with their mystery and suspense.
I have only read this author once and it was in an anthology. I loved the setting and the characters and that it pulled such strong emotions from me so I put some of the author’s work on my tbr. Well you know how that goes lol. When I saw an opportunity to read an arc from Layla Reyne I jumped on it. Let me tell you this was one of the best suspenseful, romantic mysteries I have ever read. And I’ve read some really good ones. I did what Lincoln’s students tend to do I think. I pegged the unsub but then dismissed them after reading some more clues. Followed the crumbs but took the distraction route. But I found a new favorite author and plan to thoroughly enjoy all I can find. This is one read you’ll love and want to search for more.
4.5
This is my first book from this author. I was so surprised. This is a well written slow burn romantic suspense book. I just love learning new things about forensic science and the author did really good research. The killer’s motives for me is not quite satisfying but the pace was very good.
We have FBI Agent Lincoln Monroe who teaches in Quantico about forensic science. He stays away from the field but due to the killer which known as Dr. Fear, he has to go back to the fields with a partner form hell, a.k.a his former student Special Agent Carter Warren.
Half of time, I was curious about the killer and rest, I was swooning about their relationship. With the killer on the loose, they have to deal and face their own biggest fears and catch the killer before he gets them first.
Congrats Layla Reyne on her new book.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Wow. I was pulled into the story and its characters immediately and didn’t want to let go. She writes suspense fantastically well and although I did guess who the killer was, there were enough red herrings to make me second guess myself right until he made his move. I kept asking questions all the way through, turning pages to find out what happened next, while trying to figure out the identity of the killer and what their next move might be.
I was seriously worried for Lincoln and Carter, and didn’t expect the twist of who got taken and the fears he had to face. I loved their friendship and growing relationship and the way both of them wanted more, yet was scared the other didn’t. I also liked their connection to the town, which upped the suspense and made me worry for their safety.
The relationship between Lincoln and his family felt very real. The town had an authentic small town feel about it, with everyone knowing everyone else, but do they really? To quote the very accurate description: “this town is like a kooky sitcom gift that keeps giving.” I also liked how their ‘marriage’ is written within the context of the town and that them being gay/bi doesn’t factor into being an issue in the story or to the killer.
All of the action scenes were edge of seat reading, but in particular the final confrontation with the killer. Wow. I found this quite an emotional read too, as the panic, fear, and love they have for each other feels very real.
The ending was very satisfying on a lot of levels.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this author.
An enjoyable suspenseful thriller from beginning to end. Lincoln and Carter were great characters, well-written and engaging, I loved seeing them interact. The storyline was very entertaining and had me reading it all in one sitting, it was such an enjoyable read that I’m really hoping that theses characters are not a one-off.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
I was so excited about this release from Layla Reyne and it was even better than I hoped for. Second chances, fake husbands, SERIAL KILLERS and agents, truly everything I love all wrapped up in a hot story with a HEA. The book kept me guessing and invested from start to finish. One of my favourites of the year.
Between the complex, thrilling mystery and the seriously hot, slow-burn romance, Layla Reyne’s Variable Onset is one amazing ride! Cover to cover, Ms. Reyne held me spellbound with the steadily mounting tension and all the twists and turns this story takes. Variable Onset is brilliantly written, and I loved it!
Catching the serial killer and solving the mystery take the front seat in this exciting story, but there’s enough unresolved sexual tension between the main characters that the romance is never far from the surface. Their mutual attraction is intense, and Ms. Reyne keeps it up throughout the entire novel.
FBI Agent Lincoln Monroe is a happily divorced father of a teenager, and content teaching forensic genealogy in his Quantico classroom. It’s been years since he’s worked in the field, but when the daughter of his highly revered mentor is kidnapped, Lincoln steps up and agrees to go undercover and help solve the case. At the top of his list of issues (and he’s got a few): his partner-to-be is his most annoying (but incredibly gorgeous) former student, Special Agent Carter Warren.
Still crushing on his former professor, Carter has carried a torch for Lincoln for the past eight years. Needing a cover for the mission, Carter seizes his chance and slips a wedding ring on Lincoln’s finger! It’s the fake relationship trope, and this one’s a real delight. Layla Reyne clearly had so much fun with it, and I love seeing these two men dance around each other. Their chemistry is amazing, and Variable Onset is a superb romance.
The suspense builds steadily as Lincoln and Carter work their way through the clues to solve the mystery. After all, the clock is ticking! It’s a clever story, with the creepy serial killer and their copy-cat. Plus, there’s a bonus of wonderful descriptions of this charming college town, filled with intriguing characters and some very interesting goings-on within the community.
I’ve just discovered Layla Reyne’s amazing stories, and I can’t wait to see what this talented author comes up with next. I know Variable Onset is billed as a standalone novel, but I’d sure love to see Lincoln and Carter tackle some more mysteries. I’m keeping my fingers crossed this is the start of a fantastic new series.
Wow, I really loved this book. I loved Linc and Carter so much. Both men with their own insecurities needing someone to love them. The case was interesting and had me guessing. I loved Carter’s vulnerability. I really, really hope we get more of these men.
I enjoyed the intensity of this story. There was a lot of action and suspense while Agents Carter and Lincoln hunted a serial killer. I was definitely on the edge of my Kindle while the agents posed as husbands in a college town hunting down Dr. Fear. There were a lot of twists and turns and I had a few theories as the story unfolded. I have to say, my theories didn’t pan out and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I enjoyed the chemistry and slow burn of Carter and Lincoln, however I would have wanted to see their relationship unfold a bit more.
I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and coupled with fake relationship, this was totally my jam! I loved the mystery and had multiple suspects throughout reading. I only guessed it a bit before they figured it out and it was so well done. Loved the multiple twists.
I loved the chemistry between Carter and Lincoln. This is a slowburn and while I wish we explored a bit more of their relationship, especially in the end, I had a fun time reading this book. Oh the UST!
Romance takes a backseat to suspense in this standalone. I wish this was a series as I’d totally love to see more of Carter and Lincoln together. But if you’re a fan of mystery and romance and fake relationships then I’d totally recommend this one!
*ARC provided by the author via Netgalley and Eliza Rae PA in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
I received an ARC for an honest, objective review.
Layla Reyne’s “Variable Onset” is a wonderfully written romance, action-packed with adventure and mystery. The book is based around a serial killer’s re-emergence, and thus the characters are thrown together to solve the case. I loved how the author wove the characters really getting to know each other, into the mystery of solving the case, so you had the mystery of the case as well as the delicious slow burn of will they get together/won’t they? I connected with the main characters whole-heartedly, and I really feel this was due to the author’s brilliantly descriptive writing style.
The story was smooth and seamless, and I really enjoyed the mystery building around the case, as well as the slow burn of the will they/won’t they burgeoning friendship/relationship. The slow burn was done extremely well, I feel that some authors either jump in too quick with the feelings and the physical relationship and then the rest of the book is white picket fences. The author really devoted her time to establishing the characters, and the reader getting to know the characters and their back stories. That being said I give the emotion/heat level a 5 because of the deep connection the characters had, and because as a reader you felt that with every interaction with the characters. The story-building ability of the author was brilliant, and I really felt invested in the characters, their friendship, and the mystery they need to solve.
Carter and Lincoln
I loved this ingenious crime story, it was complicated, intriguing, and very well thought out.
The tension between Carter and Lincoln was awesome even though I had a hard time with the slow burn.
Lincoln was Carter’s teacher eight years ago. Carter was the biggest brat and had a crush for Lincoln that never faded.
Both special agent they have to find the senator’s daughter and her partner.
It seems they are taken by dr. Fear or maybe even a copycat. Years ago there had also couples disappeared and now Lincoln and Carter are undercover as husbands to solve the case.
But this particular case is wider than anyone could know and then there is another couple missing!
They flirt a lot and bit by bit we get to know them on a deeper level. Cocky becomes vulnerable, brat becomes silent. Biased opinions flying out of the window. One with an amazing family and one with none.
The two men close together made me smile widely. For my pleasure I missed some more romance, the slow burn was killing. The crime here was perfectly put together!
Beautifully and widely written crime. Something to watch on screen!
Had me on the edge of my seat!
Variable Onset is the first romantic suspense story I’ve read by Layla Reyne. I know, I know – she’s probably written more romantic suspense than any other type of MM romance but Dine With Me is the only other book I’ve read (I loved it). And now…I’m asking myself why?
Variable Onset kept me glued to me ereader all day; I barely got anything else done at all. Thank goodness I’m retired and can’t go out because we’re currently under lockdown due to COVID-19. I love fake relationship and forced proximity tropes and this story adds in a former adult student / teacher trope to add to its deliciousness.
I’m not going to rehash the blurb so give it a read. This was a suspense story where I didn’t have any idea who the baddie was going to be until the author wanted me to. So many things about this story kept me truly engaged. I also gave my electronic dictionary and Google search a good workout while I was reading. There was quite a bit of technical stuff related to forensic genealogy that I was compelled to look up and delve deeper into. I think this is probably a story that required quite a bit of research and it showed in the details.
I loved the bantering and flirting between the two MCs; it kept the story from feeling too heavy. Lincoln and Carter have a hard way to go to get their HEA but I knew they’d get there and the journey was worth it. I should probably add if you’re looking for hot and sweaty sexy time this might not be the story for you. It’s slow burn all the way with only one (I think) pretty tame bedroom scene and that was fine with me. It’s the story that’s most important and this was a great one.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (Posting on May 4, 2020.)
Not that it’s a surprise in any way, but Layla Reyne once again hits it out of the park with this romantic suspense story set on the east coast this time. This book has all the things we’ve come to rely on Reyne for: wonderfully developed and multi-dimensional main characters, interesting secondary characters who help advance the storyline, crisp and clean writing and editing, local flavor and terrific use of setting, the full range of emotions from anger and angst to annoyance and joy and humor and love, an exciting and clever suspense story and a real and emotional romance build.
The story here revolves around the hunt for a serial killer by FBI agents Carter Walsh and Lincoln Monroe. Lincoln is an instructor at Quantico and Carter has had a crush on him since he had him as an instructor eight years ago. At first I was leery of the plotline because as a former teacher I just cannot do the teacher/student relationship trope (that’s a big yuck and hell no!) but once I started reading and realized the set up of the story that concern evaporated. Lincoln is unprepared for the undercover assignment he’s been sent on as key information was missing at first, namely who his partner would be and that they’d be posing as a married couple. Lincoln, it turns out, has had a thing for Carter all these years too.
The development of the relationship is so well executed. The story arc moves well and as the suspense story grows so does the relationship between the MCs. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing about the identity of the bad guy.When the big crisis moment happens it is tense but I was a bit disappointed in how the MC reacted figuring he would be prepared for the villain’s mind games. The ending to the crisis is exciting and should have you cheering.
The book ending is sweet and a lovely HFN that certainly implies a definite HEA. This was a great read and has me so anxious for more work from this author who has quickly become one of my very top authors and whose work never disappoints. Highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review.**
If you like suspense books, and romance books., then you will like this book. It is a good mixture of these 2 genres. This is a good romance where we follow how infatuation turns into love, all while looking for a serial killer that has a good friend’s family.
The suspense didn’t just have to do with the investigation into the serial killer. We watch how they help each other with the investigation and with their growing feelings.
As they get closer to solving the case we see how they also get closer to each other.
The scientific part of this book is very well written, we follow along as the clues come together.
The tension between Carter and Lincoln only enhances the story,
Carter is the extrovert and Linvoln an introvert, this mixture just works. They compliment each other. The character development is in depth with a lot of back history to make you believe that these 2 exist in the “real world”, the way they work together is true to “real life”