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roksyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Is this even remotely realistic? Highly doubt it. Note, however, that I am an Australian. As much as I try to keep up with world politics, my specialty lies in history (specifically post-war Europe and, further back, the Roman Republic)—any assessments I might make of the US socio-political climate are vague at best. Also, this is fiction. I'm happy to suspend a moderate amount of disbelief for a good story, especially when that story is thrilling, action packed, and emotional.
I was really invested in the characters from the start and the story drew me in deep. The action is well written, and even though I ultimately worked out who the secret bad guy was before the reveal, there was enough tension and suspense to keep it interesting in the lead up. The romance is a tantalising slow burn that is deeply emotional, with the forbidden aspect upping the stakes, and the dynamic between all the characters—especially Ethan and his friends/fellow agents—made for plenty of moments where I was either laughing or having to deal with vicarious embarrassment.
Overall, I got the same vibes from Bauer's writing as I do from Jonathan Maberry's action/thriller Joe Ledger/Rogue Team International series. In my books, that's a huge compliment: Maberry is hands down my favourite writer, with Joe Ledger being a much loved character.
I was really invested in the characters from the start and the story drew me in deep. The action is well written, and even though I ultimately worked out who the secret bad guy was before the reveal, there was enough tension and suspense to keep it interesting in the lead up. The romance is a tantalising slow burn that is deeply emotional, with the forbidden aspect upping the stakes, and the dynamic between all the characters—especially Ethan and his friends/fellow agents—made for plenty of moments where I was either laughing or having to deal with vicarious embarrassment.
Overall, I got the same vibes from Bauer's writing as I do from Jonathan Maberry's action/thriller Joe Ledger/Rogue Team International series. In my books, that's a huge compliment: Maberry is hands down my favourite writer, with Joe Ledger being a much loved character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual content, Gun violence, Grief, Torture, Car accident, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Outing, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Religious bigotry
hex_meghead's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Kidnapping, Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Gun violence, Car accident, War, and Injury/Injury detail
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Not my favorite simply because this action genre CIA-agent-protects-and-accidentally-falls-for-presidents didn’t work for me, but not a so-so book. I thought the characters were interesting and their conflict was explored well. For action fans, I think the action scenes will definitely appeal but I kept finding everything a bit over the top (which this genre often is!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Car accident, Violence, Grief, Sexual content, Homophobia, and Gun violence
jengiraffe5's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Homophobia, Blood, Car accident, Cursing, Violence, and War
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