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kate_and_books's review against another edition
3.0
My MO is to not really comment on the covers but this one? Well look at it. Isn’t scrumptious and utterly lickable?
My first impression is there is a lot of suspense not so much romance. The romantic aspect of the MC went under in all the action packed, face paced plot in the book. Nevertheless I still liked the book.
A deadly virus has been released in El Paso, Texas. The number of deaths are quickly adding up and the number of infected even more so. River our Hero is called to protect Dr. Ava Lloyd so that she can do her job.
River is a strong Hero and a keep cool kind of guy. He is up to the task of protecting his mouse.
Ava Lloyd works for the CDC and is to collect samples at locations where the virus first turned up. Mr. Smooth goes to help her and there is instant attraction.
I guess under extreme circumstances of having four near death experiences with explosives catching the virus and having an overall pretty shitty day can lead you to fall in love with one another quite quickly.
It is clear that the author knows what she is writing about what with a detailed description of viruses, pathogens etc. I was overwhelmed by the information at times. The author touches on topics of domestic terrorism camouflaged as international terrorism her ability to depict a realistic real case scenario are kind of scary.
What irritated me the most? I guessed the brain behind the master plan of destruction pretty early on in the book.
My recommendation is that if you are looking for something different and it being light on romance then this is a book for you.
Review can be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2017/05/viable-threat-outbreak-task-force-1-by.html
teresajluvs2read's review against another edition
5.0
**I received a copy of Viable Threat from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
Viable Threat by Julie Rowe is book one of her new Outbreak Task Force series. This is my first book by the author and I plan to read her other series Biological Response Team and I can't wait for the next book in this series. If I could I'd give this more than five stars I would because its that good.
Special Forces soldier and medic Walter River has been loaned out to the CDC to help out their team in El Paso when a drug resistant and lethal Bio-engineered strain has been released in a college town. When he meets Dr. Ava Lloyd little does he know that they'll soon be running for their lives trying to find patient zero and surviving bomb blasts. It will take a team of doctors, scientists, Homeland Security and a grumpy transit bus driving Drill Sargent ("DS") to find the radicalized person who is recruiting disgruntled college students who created and spread the disease.
Dr. Ava Lloyd has been all over the world fighting Ebola and other diseases but this is the first time she has been confronted by a bomb toting radical whose ring tone is Darth Vader's death march. But it will take a entire team to keep one step ahead of the kingpin who has convinced students to spread the antibiotic resistant pathogen with hopes that the military will leave the middle east. When Ava and River finally succumb to their attraction to each other can they keep each other alive before the disease kills another person?
This story reminded me a little of Outbreak by Robin Cook but its the way the characters all meshed together to find the cell leader before its too late. But it was the addition of the retired drill sarge who will steal the show when he's tasked with watching the students while River and Ava search for the leader. I look forward to reading the next book if its as good as Viable Threat.
Viable Threat by Julie Rowe is book one of her new Outbreak Task Force series. This is my first book by the author and I plan to read her other series Biological Response Team and I can't wait for the next book in this series. If I could I'd give this more than five stars I would because its that good.
Special Forces soldier and medic Walter River has been loaned out to the CDC to help out their team in El Paso when a drug resistant and lethal Bio-engineered strain has been released in a college town. When he meets Dr. Ava Lloyd little does he know that they'll soon be running for their lives trying to find patient zero and surviving bomb blasts. It will take a team of doctors, scientists, Homeland Security and a grumpy transit bus driving Drill Sargent ("DS") to find the radicalized person who is recruiting disgruntled college students who created and spread the disease.
Dr. Ava Lloyd has been all over the world fighting Ebola and other diseases but this is the first time she has been confronted by a bomb toting radical whose ring tone is Darth Vader's death march. But it will take a entire team to keep one step ahead of the kingpin who has convinced students to spread the antibiotic resistant pathogen with hopes that the military will leave the middle east. When Ava and River finally succumb to their attraction to each other can they keep each other alive before the disease kills another person?
This story reminded me a little of Outbreak by Robin Cook but its the way the characters all meshed together to find the cell leader before its too late. But it was the addition of the retired drill sarge who will steal the show when he's tasked with watching the students while River and Ava search for the leader. I look forward to reading the next book if its as good as Viable Threat.
ashbasile's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn't bad, but I had a hard time getting into it. All the right elements were there, but I think I found the romance too fast and easy, and I needed something more. Overall, a decent and entertaining read.
syndi3's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Viable Threat is OK. I was expecting so much more. But I guess, I have to settle with OK.
The premise certainly interesting, considering we live in pandemic era. Miss Rowe done her research of biochemical weapon. I want more on the romance. Instead I got quick and non graphic romance.
Overall, it is still OK read.
The premise certainly interesting, considering we live in pandemic era. Miss Rowe done her research of biochemical weapon. I want more on the romance. Instead I got quick and non graphic romance.
Overall, it is still OK read.
kiks396's review against another edition
3.0
Sheesh! This book was just go, go, go, go. A jam packed story line that spanned just little over a day where a lethal bio-engineered microorganism is unleashed. Dr Ava Lloyd from the CDC and Special Forces soldier Sergeant River are tasked with finding out the source and who is responsible.
I did feel that the romance between the two main characters took a backseat to the hunt for the terrorists. Lots of drama and explosions. Wasn't the greatest read or memorable - just okay for me.
I did feel that the romance between the two main characters took a backseat to the hunt for the terrorists. Lots of drama and explosions. Wasn't the greatest read or memorable - just okay for me.
avgastright's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
The fact that this was published in 2017 and goes like this is actually motherfucking terrifying. Someone needs to contact this author and have her arrested. Her and the entire writing staff for “The Simpsons.”
You know, as god fucking awful as this was, I’m glad books like this exist. I feel like in global crises as scary as COVID, it’s almost necessary for fictional worlds where everything turns out okay exist. I mean, don’t get me wrong, my form of escapism is a fictional world completely beyond COVID, but for many people this can be really soothing. Also, again, ignoring how terrible the writing, plot development, and every other aspect of the novel were, it’s almost a way to document something internationally “affective” (mind the spelling) in fiction. Sure, there’s several thousand articles and podcasts and news reports and all the other nonfiction stuffs out there about COVID and it’s effects, but rarely do we see it captured in fiction.
Yeahhhhh. I’m not okay with this being published in 2017. That shit is freaking me out.
You know, as god fucking awful as this was, I’m glad books like this exist. I feel like in global crises as scary as COVID, it’s almost necessary for fictional worlds where everything turns out okay exist. I mean, don’t get me wrong, my form of escapism is a fictional world completely beyond COVID, but for many people this can be really soothing. Also, again, ignoring how terrible the writing, plot development, and every other aspect of the novel were, it’s almost a way to document something internationally “affective” (mind the spelling) in fiction. Sure, there’s several thousand articles and podcasts and news reports and all the other nonfiction stuffs out there about COVID and it’s effects, but rarely do we see it captured in fiction.
Yeahhhhh. I’m not okay with this being published in 2017. That shit is freaking me out.
deannasworld's review against another edition
5.0
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Julie Rowe has written another adrenalin-filled, action-packed story filled with brainwashed terrorists, brave men and women who put their lives on the line for their country, a brave but damaged soldier and a brilliant and sassy scientist.
I cannot even begin to express my excitement at getting my grubby hands on Viable Threat after hanging out for another book since finishing the last book in Ms Rowe's Biological Response Team series. When it comes to heart-pounding suspense, no one does it quite like Ms Rowe.
I remember liking River from the previous series and wanting a story for him. Well, actually, I wanted a story for all of Ms Rowe's characters because I cannot get enough of her writing, but I digress ... I love River. He is smart, talented and accomplished. He's Special Forces, so he's a man with many skills and a force to be reckoned with. He also comes with demons of his own, flashbacks from dangerous operations in the past and perhaps a touch of PTSD.
"River didn’t sound surprised or even concerned. Like this kind of tactic was to be expected. How many times had he faced this scenario in order for him to recognize it with no dismay? How burned out, how tired, how emotionally battered did a man have to get to live in that kind of hell inside his head? Her whole body ached at the thought, at the realization."
All of that makes him the man he is, one who is dedicated, focused and not allowing his shortcomings get in the way of getting the job done. He's also got a wicked sense of humor. Perhaps it's the humor that keeps him sane in the face of all the dangerous situations he's in and the tragedies he's experienced.
“Any idiot can go through life without making enemies.” River said cheerfully. “Congratulations. It takes character and intelligence to make people want to kill you.”
And Ava is the perfect counterpoint to him. Also dedicated, but brilliant, feisty and sassy. She's tough and she's brave, and even when things get rough, difficult and dangerous, she soldiers on. She would give any soldier a run for their money with her endurance and perseverance.
“I’m not always tough, though.” She paused, then continued. “I’ve had my share of breakdowns where I cried until I looked like someone had beaten me.” “Did you leave? Stop whatever you were doing?” “No.” She sounded insulted. “I blew my nose and went back to work.” “Exactly. That’s what a tough person does. Accepts the shitty shit, vents, then finishes the job.”
While Ms Rowe brings us characters to love and a suspenseful story to entertain, she also drives home some truths and ugliness about terrorism, whether international or domestic with the bio-terriorism outbreak she uses as the crux of the story. It illustrates the dangers faced by the soldiers and law enforcement agents who fight the fight daily, much to the ignorance of the everyday person, but also the vulnerability of the young and impressionable, and the people who would exploit them. There are always people with hidden agendas, selfish ulterior motives, and a desire to hurt and destroy we are unaware of. Everyday citizens who get injured and become collateral damage. Beyond the entertainment in this story is the lesson that there are dangers all around us and there are people fighting a war which we do not necessarily see. The media is not always right, nor do they report everything. I'm not condoning becoming a vigilante or taking the enforcement out of the hands of rightful people, only saying that we need to be aware of what's going on around us rather than hide our heads in the sand.
River is right when he says:
“Wars aren’t won with might,” he said, leaning forward and lowering his voice. “They’re won with intelligence, perseverance, and conviction.”
And saying all that, Ms Rowe is not afraid to get dirty with the effects of war and the devastation that ensues as a result.
"The bastards had blown up a college kid and coffee shop, a mall, the main gate at a military base, a dorm, and city hall. He wouldn’t be surprised to find anywhere they might have worked or hidden stuff to also have IEDs."
I loved this story. And I know I will love this series. I can't wait for Smoke's story which will be next as he has always been one of my favorite characters.
See more from Deanna's World
Julie Rowe has written another adrenalin-filled, action-packed story filled with brainwashed terrorists, brave men and women who put their lives on the line for their country, a brave but damaged soldier and a brilliant and sassy scientist.
I cannot even begin to express my excitement at getting my grubby hands on Viable Threat after hanging out for another book since finishing the last book in Ms Rowe's Biological Response Team series. When it comes to heart-pounding suspense, no one does it quite like Ms Rowe.
I remember liking River from the previous series and wanting a story for him. Well, actually, I wanted a story for all of Ms Rowe's characters because I cannot get enough of her writing, but I digress ... I love River. He is smart, talented and accomplished. He's Special Forces, so he's a man with many skills and a force to be reckoned with. He also comes with demons of his own, flashbacks from dangerous operations in the past and perhaps a touch of PTSD.
"River didn’t sound surprised or even concerned. Like this kind of tactic was to be expected. How many times had he faced this scenario in order for him to recognize it with no dismay? How burned out, how tired, how emotionally battered did a man have to get to live in that kind of hell inside his head? Her whole body ached at the thought, at the realization."
All of that makes him the man he is, one who is dedicated, focused and not allowing his shortcomings get in the way of getting the job done. He's also got a wicked sense of humor. Perhaps it's the humor that keeps him sane in the face of all the dangerous situations he's in and the tragedies he's experienced.
“Any idiot can go through life without making enemies.” River said cheerfully. “Congratulations. It takes character and intelligence to make people want to kill you.”
And Ava is the perfect counterpoint to him. Also dedicated, but brilliant, feisty and sassy. She's tough and she's brave, and even when things get rough, difficult and dangerous, she soldiers on. She would give any soldier a run for their money with her endurance and perseverance.
“I’m not always tough, though.” She paused, then continued. “I’ve had my share of breakdowns where I cried until I looked like someone had beaten me.” “Did you leave? Stop whatever you were doing?” “No.” She sounded insulted. “I blew my nose and went back to work.” “Exactly. That’s what a tough person does. Accepts the shitty shit, vents, then finishes the job.”
While Ms Rowe brings us characters to love and a suspenseful story to entertain, she also drives home some truths and ugliness about terrorism, whether international or domestic with the bio-terriorism outbreak she uses as the crux of the story. It illustrates the dangers faced by the soldiers and law enforcement agents who fight the fight daily, much to the ignorance of the everyday person, but also the vulnerability of the young and impressionable, and the people who would exploit them. There are always people with hidden agendas, selfish ulterior motives, and a desire to hurt and destroy we are unaware of. Everyday citizens who get injured and become collateral damage. Beyond the entertainment in this story is the lesson that there are dangers all around us and there are people fighting a war which we do not necessarily see. The media is not always right, nor do they report everything. I'm not condoning becoming a vigilante or taking the enforcement out of the hands of rightful people, only saying that we need to be aware of what's going on around us rather than hide our heads in the sand.
River is right when he says:
“Wars aren’t won with might,” he said, leaning forward and lowering his voice. “They’re won with intelligence, perseverance, and conviction.”
And saying all that, Ms Rowe is not afraid to get dirty with the effects of war and the devastation that ensues as a result.
"The bastards had blown up a college kid and coffee shop, a mall, the main gate at a military base, a dorm, and city hall. He wouldn’t be surprised to find anywhere they might have worked or hidden stuff to also have IEDs."
I loved this story. And I know I will love this series. I can't wait for Smoke's story which will be next as he has always been one of my favorite characters.
See more from Deanna's World
kindlelovingmom's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was so exciting, scary, fun, and sexy. It was exactly what I want my romantic suspense to be! This is my first book by this author, and I want more!
Dr. Ava Lloyd is a microbiologist working for the CDC. She investigates infectious diseases, and she's been called to El Paso, Texas for an outbreak of an unknown pathogen. She's brilliant, and great at her job, and the last thing she needs is some military man showing up to tell her what to do. She's worried that's exactly what's about to happen when she's assigned a partner to watch her back while she investigates.
Walter River is Army Special Forces. He's a soldier, a medic, a teacher, and a protector. He gets called in to help Ava, since he's dealt with an outbreak during his service in the past. He gets to El Paso and walks into chaos. He is ready to jump in and help wherever he can, as it's obviously needed. When he meets Ava, he's taken with her beauty, and with her intelligence, right away, even inside a hazmat suit. He's determined to keep her alive throughout this mission.
River and Ava's chemistry was strong, and I loved their banter, and nicknames. They were really there for each other, in all different ways, throughout the entire story, and I loved that. There was definitely some insta-lust happening, but I am so ok with that! Especially as there was a lot keeping them too busy to act on it for a while, so it was constantly simmering beneath the surface.
The suspense plot line was scary and exciting, and so well done. It was even scarier to think how easily something like this could happen in real life. It kept me guessing about what would happen next and who the bad guys were. I can't say much more about that part of the plot without spoilers, but I was so excited to be kept guessing till the end. I also really enjoyed many of the side characters, especially Henry. I'm hoping, as this is to be a series, that he'll be getting his own story soon.
This really was a fantastic story, and I had so much fun reading it. I can't wait for more of this series!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Dr. Ava Lloyd is a microbiologist working for the CDC. She investigates infectious diseases, and she's been called to El Paso, Texas for an outbreak of an unknown pathogen. She's brilliant, and great at her job, and the last thing she needs is some military man showing up to tell her what to do. She's worried that's exactly what's about to happen when she's assigned a partner to watch her back while she investigates.
Walter River is Army Special Forces. He's a soldier, a medic, a teacher, and a protector. He gets called in to help Ava, since he's dealt with an outbreak during his service in the past. He gets to El Paso and walks into chaos. He is ready to jump in and help wherever he can, as it's obviously needed. When he meets Ava, he's taken with her beauty, and with her intelligence, right away, even inside a hazmat suit. He's determined to keep her alive throughout this mission.
River and Ava's chemistry was strong, and I loved their banter, and nicknames. They were really there for each other, in all different ways, throughout the entire story, and I loved that. There was definitely some insta-lust happening, but I am so ok with that! Especially as there was a lot keeping them too busy to act on it for a while, so it was constantly simmering beneath the surface.
The suspense plot line was scary and exciting, and so well done. It was even scarier to think how easily something like this could happen in real life. It kept me guessing about what would happen next and who the bad guys were. I can't say much more about that part of the plot without spoilers, but I was so excited to be kept guessing till the end. I also really enjoyed many of the side characters, especially Henry. I'm hoping, as this is to be a series, that he'll be getting his own story soon.
This really was a fantastic story, and I had so much fun reading it. I can't wait for more of this series!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
prgchrqltma's review against another edition
5.0
This was exactly what I needed. I worried a little, given the current state of the world, how I would feel about a plot involving an infectious disease outbreak, but it was very restful to read competent people being competent competently. (Hurray! Competence for everyone!) I love that the alpha special forces hero thinks the heroine being smart, brave and geeky is hot.
thebookdisciple's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy characters with scientific, brainiac type jobs. I especially love when women are in those jobs because I am always trying to convince my high school students not to sell themselves short. In Viable Threat, Dr. Ava Lloyd is a microbiologist working for the CDC, investigating an unknown outbreak. Special Forces soldier Walter Rivers is sent to be her back up/body guard. The action unfolds a bit like the tv show "24". The time/date is stamped at the beginning of each chapter because time is of the essence in an outbreak situation. More than just an outbreak, this quickly appears to be a terrorist attack at multiple locations. Right away, you are thrust into action that doesn't quite let up. If you are a fan of fast paced romantic suspense, Viable Threat is going to snag your attention right away!
Rivers is your typical military badass guy: short on words, big on action. Ava is young and fresh faced, and this job is her first really BIG assignment. These two have insta-lust for sure, but it seems even more inappropriate given their surroundings and the violent deaths people are dying from this unknown pathogen. But, its not like they jump each others bones in the middle of the outbreak site, so I was willing to overlook it! In fact, there isn't any sexual interaction at all until about the 50% point and then its only 2nd base.
There are so many threats, red herrings, and alternate agendas going on in the plot its impossible to figure out what is going on. There are simply so many people who seem suspicious!! Written in 3rd person limited, you don't get to see inside everyone's brain, so you are trying to examine actions for ulterior motives. The plot is thick and resembles an actual terror attack in the way the story progresses-multiple attack sites, booby traps, and more. I loved the science aspect right away (because #ScienceNerd), but the terror plot was fascinating! Rowe certainly knows her science and political science! I am looking forward to more in this series for sure.
Biological threats, domestic terror, a female doctor, and an Army ranger all combine to make Viable Threat a perfect read for fans of realistic suspense!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: mortal peril, terrorism
- Triggers:
Spoiler
terrorist attacks are the theme of the book; biological pathogens are used to kill multiple people - Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger:
Spoiler
no - HEA:
Spoiler
yes
The Omega Sector series by Janie Crouch, After the Dark by Cynthia Eden, The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert...then you will probably like Viable Threat!
Viable Threat
