I got to read the best story this week. Actually, I have read four five-star reviews in a row this week and this particular book earned every star! It just made me so happy.
I love espionage stories and this one has a fabulous twist with being more contemporary fiction and romance. What a perfect tie-in for me. Check out my thoughts on this upcoming release below.
The Takedown by Carlie Walker
Publisher: Berkley (October 3, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-0593640395
Synopsis:
An undercover CIA agent is sent home to investigate her sister’s criminal fiancé but the last thing she expects is to fall in love with his bodyguard along the way in this sexy romantic comedy.
It’s been a long time since Sydney Swift has gone home. An unrelentingly successful CIA field officer, she has spent the last three years pretending to be someone — anyone — other than herself.
But this year, the festive season is coming with some added surprises. Sydney’s beloved little sister has just announced that she’s engaged to Johnny Jones, the heir of an organized crime dynasty. With her built-in cover and her best-in-class reputation, Sydney is approached by the FBI as their way to infiltrate the Jones family at last.
Sydney has until Christmas to gather enough evidence on Johnny to take him down before he pulls off his most dangerous heist yet, all without losing her sister forever. But she hasn’t counted on the challenge of pulling this off right under her family’s nose or the complications of a romantic entanglement with Johnny’s handsome friend and bodyguard, Nick. Sydney always gets her man — but this time love is a target she can’t afford to miss.
The Takedown by Carlie Walker Review
I’m thrilled to share this review with you because it is such a unique story. Everyone has secrets but for many people, their job is a secret, and with that comes issues for family and loved ones.
The author gives us a huge twist in that a CIA officer is a female and her sister is marrying a suspected criminal. Trying to work through that debacle without alienating her family is going to be a big obstacle. Not to mention one hot bodyguard that is becoming a distraction.
Walker shares her wonderful imagination by intertwining different types of stereotypical tropes. Her plot is on point and the story is strife with family issues, delightful humor, a bit of suspense, and a budding romance with steamy heat. She blends everything beautifully into the plot. It doesn’t feel stagnant or unbalanced. The Takedown gives me everything I love in a story.
A fast-paced intriguing story with characters that are a dream. Plus, the romance is on point! This book is everything – humor, wit, excitement, suspense, romance, and flair! The female spy plot? Perfectly done!
5 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.