Reviews

Search & Destroy by Julie Rowe

teresajluvs2read's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

**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?

lagadema's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

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

mags_louise's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Search and Destroy was a good book. That picks up pretty much from where Sleight of Hand left off with Homeland Security Liaison Officer John Dozer recovering in hospital from injuries he received when a bomb went off during a previous investigation, and when facing more threats to his life CDC doctor Carmen Rodrigues decides the only way to keep him safe is to keep him close.

However, this is complicated by the fact they have history together and someone is out to finish what they started, someone who knows more than they should about them and the CDC. But that was only the start of this enjoyable story. As an outbreak of measles and more bomb threats throws Carmen, John and the rest of the team right into the action. And this is when I got really hooked and the story got more interesting. As at the beginning, it was a little slow and hard to get into. Plus, I was having to remember what had previously happened. As this story continues a plot that was started in the very first book.

But as always there was a nice mix of action and suspense. Not to mention an engaging romance and I would happily recommend it to others.

**I was kindly provided with an ARC via Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**

syndi3's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

   | I think Search & Destroy is the last book that I have for this series. Anyway... again, not very impress with the overall of the book. It was OK read. Reminds me so much of Susan Stoker. 

The plot if pandemic is surreal. Reminding me of the world we live right now. Covid and now mysterius hepatitis. 
While on the book itself, I was expecting more steamy romance. 

romancereadingreactions's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

2.5 Stars

Before anyone goes to read this book, they need to know that it is definitely a part of a series and I would recommend it not be read as a standalone. Also, while there is a "happy ending", I wouldn't necessarily call it a traditional HEA, because the overall storyline is left unresolved. I really wish it would say somewhere in the description that it should be read after finishing the other books in the series.

I have not read the other books in the series, so this is my perspective based on reading this book alone.

I would say the first quarter of the book was difficult to follow simply because it picks up right where the last one left off apparently. There was no reintroduction of characters or story lines; it very much so assumes you know what's going on and barrels forward. It was hard to follow who had what job and why, what the dynamics were between individuals, who to trust or be suspicious of, and just what the actual plot that you should be following was.

Also because of this, it was hard to judge the relationship between the two main characters. Obviously they had a history, but how well it was established in the other books isn't clear, and there was no clear description of their professional relationship either. Who was supposed to be protecting who got very muddled. Did Carmen like it when Dozer took charge or didn't she? And vice versa with how Dozer felt about her? All of their hesitations and hangups fell flat for me, and the overall storyline honestly just felt a bit forced and contrived. It just felt like we were getting a snapshot of a bigger picture, but not in a satisfying way.

However, all of that aside, the writing was really good and there was enough to keep me intrigued enough to finish the book. The pacing was solid and there was always a lot going on. Some decent witty banter as well! I also enjoyed the structure of the book and how it was set up as a timeline rather than individual perspective chapters. It made it feel different than a lot of other books I've read recently. I have a feeling I would have felt much more positive about it if I had read the previous books in the series. I'm definitely tempted to go back and read those and then come back to this one again!

If anyone takes anything away from this review, let it be that this book should not be read as a standalone, and should definitely be read in order with the other books in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ohthesheenanigans's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0


I have been a huge HUGE fan of Julie Rowe's "Outbreak Task Force" series since day one and book after book I have fallen in love with not only the characters but also the continuous storyline that moves book to book with new fresh new leads and writing style hat can easily grip any reader to become immerse in the novel. And needless to say, "Search & Destroy" is no exception. From page one all the way to the final lines the novel had been a endless charade of action, romance, and suspense. I loved how Carmen and John already had had some sort of romantic history together and seeing them trying to figure themselves out while dealing with an airborne epidemic left me wanting more. Julie Rowe impressed me once again and I can't wait to see what else she has in sort for us!

deannasworld's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Search and Destroy is fast-paced, gripping, scary, and authentic. Hold on to your seats as people get shot at, blown up, threatened, and targeted, and the body count rises at an alarming rate.

I'm a big fan of Ms Rowe's bio-terrorism stories as they are both insanely suspenseful and incredibly realistic. It's shocking how frightening the scenarios outlined in her stories are because this shiz could totally happen, and it's not all that hard to make a reality. On top of that, the stories get the adrenalin pumping as danger stalks the characters as they race against time to save countless lives at risk of being easily infected with deadly infectious diseases and adding to the high death toll. Ms Rowe certainly doesn't pull any punches as she writes these fictional (thank goodness!), what-if scenarios that seem all to possible.

John Dozer and Carmen are not easy people to figure out, and they have a past that ties them together in more ways than one. It takes monumental effort on both their parts to get beyond what happened to them to begin to forge a future for themselves as a couple.

Carmen is prickly. That's the best way to describe her. She's been hurt in the past by John and because she was young, she ran instead of dealing with it as an adult and communicating. Each time I read about her reacting to John as though it was nine years ago, I flinch. So many years wasted because of a stupid misunderstanding and the lack of communication. This sort of thing pisses me the heck off. It's a cop out but I also understand why Ms Rowe did it. Carmen was very young. She needed time to grow up and come into her own and become the strong woman she today, capable of being the Head of Infectious Diseases at the CDC. In their nine years apart, she's grown into a confident, competent woman, a decisive leader, and a compassionate woman, dedicated to the people she serves. That said, I had a hard time warming to her because she was reluctant to let John explain himself, unwilling to forgive, and held a grudge. She held all of their past against John and used it as an excuse to push him away. It takes extreme circumstances and a long time for her to finally realise what a waste of energy and effort her unbending stance was.

John, on the other hand, is a neanderthal. He's dominating and protective, and there's nothing he won't do for Carmen. He's utterly dedicated and devoted to her and he will put himself in danger every time to protect her. He has a hard time trusting she can take care of herself because he's so focused on being the one in the line of fire and keeping Carmen safe. I loved his single-minded focus on her well-being but I can also understand Carmen's frustration. It's hard to be independent when your man wants to wrap you in protective cotton wool. Still, I loved that John made an effort to explain himself, make amends, and get beyond their past. It bothered me that with John continuously putting himself in the emotional hot seat to work things out, Carmen kept shutting him out. Granted, they were also dealing with a national crisis at the time, but they had a few quiet moments to themselves too.

I love Ms Rowe's bio-terrorism stories but crikey, they scare the heck out of me. I keep reading them though. I really want the bad guys caught because for goodness' sakes, they are destructive mofos. They do make a fantastic read though so if you haven't read any of her books, I highly recommend them.

Deanna's World

See more from Deanna's World

kindlelovingmom's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

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.

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
description description

thebookdisciple's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 stars!
Search and Destroy continues the Outbreak Taskforce series with a bang! I will admit I struggled to get into the story at first. I couldn't for the life of me remember what happened at the end of the previous book and the story seems to jump in right after book 3 ended. Once I got past my confusion, I could follow the story; however I think this might bother some readers who like to only read in order.

Carmen and John were together years ago then she took off and he still doesn't know why. Now he works as a liaison for homeland security and she is working for the CDC. John has never stopped having feelings for Carmen, but now someone is trying to kill them and spread a deadly virus. Rowe does a magnificent job of making the virus real for the readers. She has wonderful details about how it spreads, various attempted treatments, and all of it really adds to the sense of danger. I also enjoyed the pace of the story. Rowe adds to the terror of a bioweapon with the rapid pace of events throughout. Everything is a race against time and as the reader, you feel it. Her stories are always heart stopping!

I enjoyed the second chance vibe of Carmen and John's story. I love the comic relief of DS (especially his banter with John). The book felt a little off for me at times. Maybe I didn't quite connect with the characters or maybe it felt like something was missing. Search and Destroy is a great story for romantic suspense fans who enjoy well researched and scarily realistic terrorism. While I struggled at times, I think the story (and the series) is very enjoyable and I recommend you give it a try!

nikkisbooknook's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

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!