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lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
3.0
Julie Rowe’s Hell & Back is an action-filled dose of escapism, with a plot line that feels all too real during an actual pandemic.
Ex-Special Forces medic Henry Lee partners with microbiologist Ruby Toth to aid the CDC in cataloguing and securing the world’s most deadly diseases. When Ruby’s twin brother is kidnapped, she’s faced with a horrible choice: steal a vial of Smallpox or watch her brother die. Can she trust the inscrutable Henry with her secret?
This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Rowe, and it was definitely a “read in one sitting” type of book. The action is pretty fast-paced and doesn’t really let up until the end. There’s not a lot of depth to these characters, which is kind of a shame, because I think that exploring Henry’s injury and his trauma would have made the plot more layered and substantive. Peripherally addressing it felt like a missed opportunity. Also, you do have to employ a healthy amount of “suspend disbelief” to buy into certain plot points, and you do have to overlook the caricaturization of the majority of the villains in the story. That being said, if you’re already into this style of storytelling, you’re going to enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this novel courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Ex-Special Forces medic Henry Lee partners with microbiologist Ruby Toth to aid the CDC in cataloguing and securing the world’s most deadly diseases. When Ruby’s twin brother is kidnapped, she’s faced with a horrible choice: steal a vial of Smallpox or watch her brother die. Can she trust the inscrutable Henry with her secret?
This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Rowe, and it was definitely a “read in one sitting” type of book. The action is pretty fast-paced and doesn’t really let up until the end. There’s not a lot of depth to these characters, which is kind of a shame, because I think that exploring Henry’s injury and his trauma would have made the plot more layered and substantive. Peripherally addressing it felt like a missed opportunity. Also, you do have to employ a healthy amount of “suspend disbelief” to buy into certain plot points, and you do have to overlook the caricaturization of the majority of the villains in the story. That being said, if you’re already into this style of storytelling, you’re going to enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this novel courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
teresajluvs2read's review
5.0
**I received a copy of Hell & Back from Entangled and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited.**
Hell & Back by Julie Rowe is the fifth book in her Outbreak Task Force that's the series end, I'm hoping still for DS get his own story someday. I have to say that Henry Lee has nothing on the SEALs when it comes to his the traps that he surprises the mercenaries with. There's a conclusion of the FAFO Bio Terrorist story line that's the wild ride to the finish line. It will take everyone including Smoke, River, and DS to find Henry and Ruby before it's too late.
Ruby Toth is Henry Lee's new partner at the CDC Outbreak Task Force but little does he know that while racing to lock down the lab that stores the dangerous Smallpox viruses that FAFO wants to steal. When Ruby's brother Nate is kidnapped by FAFO want her to steal smallpox virus for his release. Will she do it or will Henry catch her? When the lab is attacked by the Merc's everything he has to repel the attack will be used to keep the most dangerous viruses out of the FAFO's hands. But will it be enough? They will have to really put all the cards on the table to find out who is behind the money funding the group and why they have inside knowledge to the CDC.
Henry Lee is not only a scientist, ex-special forces and proves he can take on a terrorist group with just his wits and backpack full of surprises. When FAFO releases the measles vaccine he knows the level 4 lab must be the next target and Ruby will need to be with him to make sure the viruses stored there are safe. FAFO soon attacks the building and get through the recent upgrades he'll do anything to keep the lab and Ruby safe but will it be enough?
Hell & Back by Julie Rowe is the fifth book in her Outbreak Task Force that's the series end, I'm hoping still for DS get his own story someday. I have to say that Henry Lee has nothing on the SEALs when it comes to his the traps that he surprises the mercenaries with. There's a conclusion of the FAFO Bio Terrorist story line that's the wild ride to the finish line. It will take everyone including Smoke, River, and DS to find Henry and Ruby before it's too late.
Ruby Toth is Henry Lee's new partner at the CDC Outbreak Task Force but little does he know that while racing to lock down the lab that stores the dangerous Smallpox viruses that FAFO wants to steal. When Ruby's brother Nate is kidnapped by FAFO want her to steal smallpox virus for his release. Will she do it or will Henry catch her? When the lab is attacked by the Merc's everything he has to repel the attack will be used to keep the most dangerous viruses out of the FAFO's hands. But will it be enough? They will have to really put all the cards on the table to find out who is behind the money funding the group and why they have inside knowledge to the CDC.
Henry Lee is not only a scientist, ex-special forces and proves he can take on a terrorist group with just his wits and backpack full of surprises. When FAFO releases the measles vaccine he knows the level 4 lab must be the next target and Ruby will need to be with him to make sure the viruses stored there are safe. FAFO soon attacks the building and get through the recent upgrades he'll do anything to keep the lab and Ruby safe but will it be enough?
romecca's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.5
mags_louise's review against another edition
4.0
Hell & Back started a little slow for me, but honestly, I don't think it helped that I couldn't remember the events of the previous stories, as even though this is a stand-alone story with new central characters there is an ongoing story arc with the FAFO terrorist organisation continuing to target the entire Outbreak Task Force Team.
Yet, once the story got going I really enjoyed it and liked that it was a little different to the others. In that Henry and Ruby aren't going out to investigate an outbreak that has already happened, rather they are trying to prevent one by stopping the terrorists getting their hands on some of the worlds most dangerous and deadliest viruses. And with edge of your seat moments, plenty of action and a little dose of romance I was completely engaged. And more than one couple got to ride off into the sunset at the end, which was nice to see
Yet, once the story got going I really enjoyed it and liked that it was a little different to the others. In that Henry and Ruby aren't going out to investigate an outbreak that has already happened, rather they are trying to prevent one by stopping the terrorists getting their hands on some of the worlds most dangerous and deadliest viruses. And with edge of your seat moments, plenty of action and a little dose of romance I was completely engaged. And more than one couple got to ride off into the sunset at the end, which was nice to see
ohthesheenanigans's review against another edition
4.0
I can absolutely say that I liked this but didn’t love it as much as I had anticipated and I would honestly generalize this as a decent followup to the ‘Outbreak Task Force’ series.
This time around, we follow ex-Special Forces medic Henry Lee and his partner Ruby Toth who are racing to lock down the CDC's deadly virus samples from terrorists. It has all the notable elements that Julie Rowe is known for: romance, suspense, and brooding heroes who like to get the heroine's panties in a bunch.
The characters were extremely likable. Ruby just seems like a sweetheart but the girl has claws if the wrong buttons are pushed. And our smothering hero? Yummy. He is an ex-veteran that doesn’t let his disability get in the way. Obviously the instant love *cough*instant marriage*cough* is always a downer for me but it was an overall joy to read even though I just had to tilt my head, and squint real hard to pretend I didn’t read see those instant I love yous being thrown around.
Nonetheless, not bad. Now my fingers are crossed that we get Nate’s story next!
deannasworld's review against another edition
5.0
Hell & Back lives up to its name. It's shootings, explosions, danger and terror. It's everything I've come to expect from Ms Rowe and more. Non-stop heart-thumping suspense with a dose of romance and passion. If the action doesn't get you excited, the sexy times will.
I've loved all the books Ms Rowe has written on her bio-terrorism books from the start. This one is no exception. I knew I was going to love it, but I didn't realise I would love it as much as I do as my heart was in my throat for most of the book as Henry and Ruby races against time to stop the theft of a deadly virus. Ms Rowe has definitely upped her game on this last book of the series, particularly in light of current times and what's going on in the world with the pandemic front and centre.
I accidentally read one line of a review that started with "Henry is a whole lotta man," and yeah, I get it. Henry IS a whole lotta man. Henry has been a favorite from the moment I read about him in the early books. His dedication, his clever brain, his problem-solving abilities, and the fact that he's overcome so much to be the man he is today. He hasn't let his disability limit him, instead he's trained so he can use it to his advantage. That's turned out quite handy in this instance since the bad guys tend to underestimate him. Henry is not a man to be underestimated. He's smart, strong, resourceful, and determined. He's also honorable and protective. And who knew Henry had such alpha and dominating hidden depths. Henry's packing a lot of firepower in more ways than one. Remember, he's a whole lotta man!!! **grin**
I liked Ruby. She's smart, hardworking, insightful, and brave. She's also been put into an impossible situation where she doesn't know who she can trust and is suspicious of everyone, and that trust comes a little too late in a certain situation. I admit I was very anxious when Ruby was faced with a terrible dilemma and wasn't sure how she would behave. It had the potential to create a lot of drama and drag on painfully, but I needn't have worried. Ms Rowe is a wonderful storyteller and she handled the one situation I was dreading wonderfully. Ruby also has a great wit and a lot of sass to her which she doesn't show very often. She's cautious when she speaks but when she decides to let loose, her words are dagger sharp and incisive.
I'm sad this is the end of the series but I'm looking forward to what else Ms Rowe might do next. I know I'll definitely pick up and read whatever she decides to write and publish next.
See more from Deanna's World
I've loved all the books Ms Rowe has written on her bio-terrorism books from the start. This one is no exception. I knew I was going to love it, but I didn't realise I would love it as much as I do as my heart was in my throat for most of the book as Henry and Ruby races against time to stop the theft of a deadly virus. Ms Rowe has definitely upped her game on this last book of the series, particularly in light of current times and what's going on in the world with the pandemic front and centre.
I accidentally read one line of a review that started with "Henry is a whole lotta man," and yeah, I get it. Henry IS a whole lotta man. Henry has been a favorite from the moment I read about him in the early books. His dedication, his clever brain, his problem-solving abilities, and the fact that he's overcome so much to be the man he is today. He hasn't let his disability limit him, instead he's trained so he can use it to his advantage. That's turned out quite handy in this instance since the bad guys tend to underestimate him. Henry is not a man to be underestimated. He's smart, strong, resourceful, and determined. He's also honorable and protective. And who knew Henry had such alpha and dominating hidden depths. Henry's packing a lot of firepower in more ways than one. Remember, he's a whole lotta man!!! **grin**
I liked Ruby. She's smart, hardworking, insightful, and brave. She's also been put into an impossible situation where she doesn't know who she can trust and is suspicious of everyone, and that trust comes a little too late in a certain situation. I admit I was very anxious when Ruby was faced with a terrible dilemma and wasn't sure how she would behave. It had the potential to create a lot of drama and drag on painfully, but I needn't have worried. Ms Rowe is a wonderful storyteller and she handled the one situation I was dreading wonderfully. Ruby also has a great wit and a lot of sass to her which she doesn't show very often. She's cautious when she speaks but when she decides to let loose, her words are dagger sharp and incisive.
I'm sad this is the end of the series but I'm looking forward to what else Ms Rowe might do next. I know I'll definitely pick up and read whatever she decides to write and publish next.
See more from Deanna's World
kindlelovingmom's review against another edition
4.0
This series has meant so much to me, and I have loved it so much, that I was so excited to read this final installment. Even in these crazy pandemic times, nothing could stop me from reading about this awesome task force, hot on the trail of a terrorist group trying to get their hands on a biological weapon!!
Ex-Special Forces medic Henry Lee, now part of the Outbreak Task Force at the CDC, is a bit of a workaholic. He lost his leg during his last deployment, but he doesn't let it slow him down. People might call him grumpy, or a taskmaster, but it doesn't bother him. He would rather work alone anyway. Until he gets assigned to mentor a new hire, a microbiologist joining their team. He can't believe how well they work together, and that his bear-like moods don't seem to affect her at all. He finds himself thinking of her all the time, and fighting his feelings toward her, especially since they work so closely together.
Ruby Toth is a microbiologist, and she loves the puzzle of investigating pathogens. But, she really came to the CDC to help find a traitor. Her parents both work for the NSA and wanted her help investigating info leaks that have led to terrorist attacks over the course of the series. She works directly with Henry, and spends most days trying to ignore her body's reactions to him. Ruby lives with her twin brother Nate, who is a rocket scientist, and a bit of an absent-minded professor type. When he is kidnapped and she is tasked by the kidnappers with stealing a pathogen from the lab, she doesn't know what to do. Should she risk stealing the virus? Will they just kill her brother, and her, anyway? How can she put so many other lives at risk? Can she trust Henry, or will she just be putting him in danger if she spills the truth? What's a girl to do??
Henry and Ruby had chemistry that jumped off the page, and I loved seeing our grumpy Henry, who has been a side character throughout the series, on the bumpy road to getting his HEA!! They both had trust issues, for varying reasons, but they both really wanted to trust each other. I loved watching them both struggle with the idea of actually taking the risk and being together.
Most of the side characters here were from the earlier books in the series and I loved seeing them again. It was especially nice to catch up with them, knowing that this was the final book, and our last chance to see a bit more of their HEAs. Often they provided comic relief, in addition to being awesome co-workers and friends, who always have each other's backs.
The suspense plot here was a bit of a continuation of the overarching plot of the series, the terrorist group FAFO is still trying to get their hands on biological weapons, and always seem one step ahead of our teams. How are they getting their inside info? Who is bankrolling them, and why? The team gets to the bottom of everything, with plenty of excitement in between!
Henry wasn't sure if he could ever really be close to anyone again, with all of his lingering issues from his time in the military. Ruby didn't know if Henry would ever be able to trust her enough to let her to get close. They both just LONGED for each other so much, and I was here for it. I really enjoyed this couple, and this entire team of awesome characters! I highly recommend this series (especially book 1, which is still my fave!) to any other fellow romantic suspense lovers! Every book has been so exciting, fast-paced, and enjoyable!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Ex-Special Forces medic Henry Lee, now part of the Outbreak Task Force at the CDC, is a bit of a workaholic. He lost his leg during his last deployment, but he doesn't let it slow him down. People might call him grumpy, or a taskmaster, but it doesn't bother him. He would rather work alone anyway. Until he gets assigned to mentor a new hire, a microbiologist joining their team. He can't believe how well they work together, and that his bear-like moods don't seem to affect her at all. He finds himself thinking of her all the time, and fighting his feelings toward her, especially since they work so closely together.
Ruby Toth is a microbiologist, and she loves the puzzle of investigating pathogens. But, she really came to the CDC to help find a traitor. Her parents both work for the NSA and wanted her help investigating info leaks that have led to terrorist attacks over the course of the series. She works directly with Henry, and spends most days trying to ignore her body's reactions to him. Ruby lives with her twin brother Nate, who is a rocket scientist, and a bit of an absent-minded professor type. When he is kidnapped and she is tasked by the kidnappers with stealing a pathogen from the lab, she doesn't know what to do. Should she risk stealing the virus? Will they just kill her brother, and her, anyway? How can she put so many other lives at risk? Can she trust Henry, or will she just be putting him in danger if she spills the truth? What's a girl to do??
Henry and Ruby had chemistry that jumped off the page, and I loved seeing our grumpy Henry, who has been a side character throughout the series, on the bumpy road to getting his HEA!! They both had trust issues, for varying reasons, but they both really wanted to trust each other. I loved watching them both struggle with the idea of actually taking the risk and being together.
Most of the side characters here were from the earlier books in the series and I loved seeing them again. It was especially nice to catch up with them, knowing that this was the final book, and our last chance to see a bit more of their HEAs. Often they provided comic relief, in addition to being awesome co-workers and friends, who always have each other's backs.
The suspense plot here was a bit of a continuation of the overarching plot of the series, the terrorist group FAFO is still trying to get their hands on biological weapons, and always seem one step ahead of our teams. How are they getting their inside info? Who is bankrolling them, and why? The team gets to the bottom of everything, with plenty of excitement in between!
Henry wasn't sure if he could ever really be close to anyone again, with all of his lingering issues from his time in the military. Ruby didn't know if Henry would ever be able to trust her enough to let her to get close. They both just LONGED for each other so much, and I was here for it. I really enjoyed this couple, and this entire team of awesome characters! I highly recommend this series (especially book 1, which is still my fave!) to any other fellow romantic suspense lovers! Every book has been so exciting, fast-paced, and enjoyable!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
nikkisbooknook's review against another edition
5.0
Probably reading about a potential terror-driven pandemic during the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't the smartest move I ever made but I love this series. It calls to my nerdy, medical history loving, romance junkie self!
OMG Henry is a gorgeous, grumpy grouch of a man. He can't abide wasters and layabouts and could easily do without interacting with 95% of the people he has to! But Ruby seems to have gone under his defences, like a sweet natures, open and viciously honest ninja. He may be smarter than the average veteran soldier but don't let that fool you, he still knows what way round a firearm goes, even though it may have been a hot minute since he was in uniform.
Ruby comes from a family of NSA spies and analysts, her brother is a rocket scientist (no really!) and she isn't a slouch in the academic arena either. She possesses the ability to get people to work together, which she has found an increasing need for when trying to get Henry to play nice with others! But when she is compromised and danger has landed on her doorstep, will she cave to pressure, seek help or come up with a novel but convoluted way to get herself out of a jam?
Henry and Ruby have been circling each other for months, verbal sparring seems to be their version of flirting, LOL. So even though the whole romance may seem to be "insta-love" they have actually liked each other for some time, just didn't have the impetus to destabilize their status quo. I loved learning about Ruby's family and Henry's backstory. DS again makes a major appearance and I dearly love that crotchety old so-and-so.
I am at a loss now that this series has ended but I'm hoping that Ruby's brother and his "rocket scientist spy" persona may appear in a new series, pretty please?!?!?!
OMG Henry is a gorgeous, grumpy grouch of a man. He can't abide wasters and layabouts and could easily do without interacting with 95% of the people he has to! But Ruby seems to have gone under his defences, like a sweet natures, open and viciously honest ninja. He may be smarter than the average veteran soldier but don't let that fool you, he still knows what way round a firearm goes, even though it may have been a hot minute since he was in uniform.
Ruby comes from a family of NSA spies and analysts, her brother is a rocket scientist (no really!) and she isn't a slouch in the academic arena either. She possesses the ability to get people to work together, which she has found an increasing need for when trying to get Henry to play nice with others! But when she is compromised and danger has landed on her doorstep, will she cave to pressure, seek help or come up with a novel but convoluted way to get herself out of a jam?
Henry and Ruby have been circling each other for months, verbal sparring seems to be their version of flirting, LOL. So even though the whole romance may seem to be "insta-love" they have actually liked each other for some time, just didn't have the impetus to destabilize their status quo. I loved learning about Ruby's family and Henry's backstory. DS again makes a major appearance and I dearly love that crotchety old so-and-so.
I am at a loss now that this series has ended but I'm hoping that Ruby's brother and his "rocket scientist spy" persona may appear in a new series, pretty please?!?!?!
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 9/24/2020.
Though it's a teensy bit disconcerting reading an Outbreak Task Force book during a legitimate global pandemic (Wait...*that's* not the head of the CDC right now! Hang on, since when do I actually *know* the head of the CDC? What have I become???), this was still a whole lot of fun, once I managed to get my news-of-the-day saturated brain to be quiet and let me read. Henry and Ruby are wonderful characters, and work really well together both while actually working and while doing...other things. Their relationship moved quickly (love how this one ended!) but the fact that they'd been working together for a bit before the story begins makes the timeline feel more doable than is often the case in romantic suspense.
As for the story timeline, though--OMG, it moved at breakneck speed! The chapters were labeled not just with the date, but the time of day, helping to underscore both the urgency of their mission and the speed at which everything was moving. Truly, reading this is a case of sit down, open book, and hang on for your life...
This is the fifth book in the series, but would probably work okay as a standalone as well (confession time--I've only read this one and the first in the series--[b:Viable Threat|34626224|Viable Threat (Outbreak Task Force, #1)|Julie Rowe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490094476l/34626224._SY75_.jpg|55785454]--so far, and I had no problem following what happened here. I absolutely plan on reading the rest, since I really did enjoy the two I have read, justt maybe once everything IRL has calmed down a bit? Or maybe not...patience isn't my strong suit ;) ). Two major antagonists are unveiled by the book's end, which probably means this is where Ms Rowe leaves us with this series, though not all of the terrorist group has been captured, so maybe not...
Either way, whatever she comes up with next? I. Am. Here. For. It. :)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Though it's a teensy bit disconcerting reading an Outbreak Task Force book during a legitimate global pandemic (Wait...*that's* not the head of the CDC right now! Hang on, since when do I actually *know* the head of the CDC? What have I become???), this was still a whole lot of fun, once I managed to get my news-of-the-day saturated brain to be quiet and let me read. Henry and Ruby are wonderful characters, and work really well together both while actually working and while doing...other things. Their relationship moved quickly (love how this one ended!) but the fact that they'd been working together for a bit before the story begins makes the timeline feel more doable than is often the case in romantic suspense.
As for the story timeline, though--OMG, it moved at breakneck speed! The chapters were labeled not just with the date, but the time of day, helping to underscore both the urgency of their mission and the speed at which everything was moving. Truly, reading this is a case of sit down, open book, and hang on for your life...
This is the fifth book in the series, but would probably work okay as a standalone as well (confession time--I've only read this one and the first in the series--[b:Viable Threat|34626224|Viable Threat (Outbreak Task Force, #1)|Julie Rowe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490094476l/34626224._SY75_.jpg|55785454]--so far, and I had no problem following what happened here. I absolutely plan on reading the rest, since I really did enjoy the two I have read, justt maybe once everything IRL has calmed down a bit? Or maybe not...patience isn't my strong suit ;) ). Two major antagonists are unveiled by the book's end, which probably means this is where Ms Rowe leaves us with this series, though not all of the terrorist group has been captured, so maybe not...
Either way, whatever she comes up with next? I. Am. Here. For. It. :)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
rachael_45's review against another edition
5.0
Ruby works for the CDC and her parents for the NSA the reason she works there is to find out who the moles are that are releasing dangerous bioweapons to terrorists. Everyone is a suspect even Henry who she is in lust with and is her superior at work.
Henry is a virologist and was previously in the military, he set of an IED and lost his leg to an IED. Also is in lust with Ruby.
The pair have been assigned to go to every biosafety lab to ensure that all of the bugs and viruses are still there and haven't been compromised.
The bad guys Free America From Oppression kidnap her brother Nate and will kill him if they don't get a sample of smallpox in 24 hours. This is when the real mission begins!
I have to say considering everything that's going on in the world right now I was excited and reluctant to read about diseases. I loved this book Ruby was the right amount of strong willed and vulnerable, she was likeable and relatable in her thought process.
Henry was in grumpy alpha mode from the beginning and became protective after people try to run Ruby off the road. He is on her side and wants to help because as he said in thea beginning, she's his.
This book takes place over 6 days and due to that the love story for some could feel a little quick. For me it was alright because we'd established that they'd been working together for two months, had that longing going on and had been wanting to act on it for a while.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher/author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Henry is a virologist and was previously in the military, he set of an IED and lost his leg to an IED. Also is in lust with Ruby.
The pair have been assigned to go to every biosafety lab to ensure that all of the bugs and viruses are still there and haven't been compromised.
The bad guys Free America From Oppression kidnap her brother Nate and will kill him if they don't get a sample of smallpox in 24 hours. This is when the real mission begins!
I have to say considering everything that's going on in the world right now I was excited and reluctant to read about diseases. I loved this book Ruby was the right amount of strong willed and vulnerable, she was likeable and relatable in her thought process.
Henry was in grumpy alpha mode from the beginning and became protective after people try to run Ruby off the road. He is on her side and wants to help because as he said in thea beginning, she's his.
This book takes place over 6 days and due to that the love story for some could feel a little quick. For me it was alright because we'd established that they'd been working together for two months, had that longing going on and had been wanting to act on it for a while.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher/author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.