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teresajluvs2read's review against another edition
5.0
**I received a copy of Smoke and Mirrors from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
I've read all but one of Ms. Rowe's Biological Response Task Force and now two of the Outbreak series and I have only 3 words for this addition: Oh.My.God. this was a fantastic book!! Plus with the epilogue the author brings back one of my favorite characters DS is back (Plus Rivers and Henry Lee) and hopefully he'll eventually get his own story.
Lyle Smoke is home in Small Blind, Utah for the first time since the death of his girlfriend and son and has the nightmares that comes from being in the Special Forces. But there is something going on in small town people are falling ill with a mysterious kind of pneumonia that kills within 24-30 hours. Since its early morning he crawls into bed but wakes up a few hours later with a naked woman draped over him. Little doesn't he know that his parents have given his room to Kini Kenek who's in town a visiting nurse for the CDC. Since Smoke is well know for saying everything that needs to be said in two words a sassy nurse from the CDC shouldn't be a probably especially one who's being harassed and goes through rental cars like candy. When River offers him a job with the newly created Outbreak Task Force he accepts to make sure that Kini stays safe and out of trouble.
Kini Kenek is a snarky nurse who has been sent by the CDC to talk to the residents of Small Blind to track incidents of Diabetes and heart disease but since the residents don't trust anyone from the government she's been run off by dogs, shot at, her car keyed, t-boned and blown up perhaps she does need Smoke to guard her. But Kini has her own demons to fight because of her late father who tried to fight his own but ended up taking his rage out on his wife and daughter. Somehow both Smoke and Kini manage to take on the gossip mongers of the Post Office, the surly doctor in the local hospital ER (who doesn't want to admit there's a Hantavirus outbreak), and crooked lawmen who are cooking up something awful outside of town. Whether they win or lose will come down to Smoke, Kini, his father Jim and grandfather who both use two word sentences. Can they and the CDC save the town from something that could make a terrorist a very happy person?
I've read all but one of Ms. Rowe's Biological Response Task Force and now two of the Outbreak series and I have only 3 words for this addition: Oh.My.God. this was a fantastic book!! Plus with the epilogue the author brings back one of my favorite characters DS is back (Plus Rivers and Henry Lee) and hopefully he'll eventually get his own story.
Lyle Smoke is home in Small Blind, Utah for the first time since the death of his girlfriend and son and has the nightmares that comes from being in the Special Forces. But there is something going on in small town people are falling ill with a mysterious kind of pneumonia that kills within 24-30 hours. Since its early morning he crawls into bed but wakes up a few hours later with a naked woman draped over him. Little doesn't he know that his parents have given his room to Kini Kenek who's in town a visiting nurse for the CDC. Since Smoke is well know for saying everything that needs to be said in two words a sassy nurse from the CDC shouldn't be a probably especially one who's being harassed and goes through rental cars like candy. When River offers him a job with the newly created Outbreak Task Force he accepts to make sure that Kini stays safe and out of trouble.
Kini Kenek is a snarky nurse who has been sent by the CDC to talk to the residents of Small Blind to track incidents of Diabetes and heart disease but since the residents don't trust anyone from the government she's been run off by dogs, shot at, her car keyed, t-boned and blown up perhaps she does need Smoke to guard her. But Kini has her own demons to fight because of her late father who tried to fight his own but ended up taking his rage out on his wife and daughter. Somehow both Smoke and Kini manage to take on the gossip mongers of the Post Office, the surly doctor in the local hospital ER (who doesn't want to admit there's a Hantavirus outbreak), and crooked lawmen who are cooking up something awful outside of town. Whether they win or lose will come down to Smoke, Kini, his father Jim and grandfather who both use two word sentences. Can they and the CDC save the town from something that could make a terrorist a very happy person?
lagadema's review against another edition
5.0
Great romantic suspense that kept me awake and almost late at work in the morning. The story and characters are well built with a nice depth. I just enjoyed reading it and had me sitting on the edge, no I lie I was laying in my bed but kept me interested all the way to the end. Beautifully written with enough suspense, hotness, mystery and action...I almost forgot to say that I really love to read about people in uniform, I can't help it, it is stronger than me. Can't wait to read the next book by Julie Rowe.
mags_louise's review
4.0
4.25⭐
Smoke & Mirrors is the first book I've read not only by this author, but set around biological weapons and the CDC. And even though I found it hard to get into and to connect with, particularly during the first half. I did come to really enjoy it. As the second half really hooked me in, was full of action and a sweet romance between a scarred soldier and a CDC nurse.
And it really was hard to put down and great to read. And so I'll definitely be checking out more from this series and author in the future.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
Smoke & Mirrors is the first book I've read not only by this author, but set around biological weapons and the CDC. And even though I found it hard to get into and to connect with, particularly during the first half. I did come to really enjoy it. As the second half really hooked me in, was full of action and a sweet romance between a scarred soldier and a CDC nurse.
And it really was hard to put down and great to read. And so I'll definitely be checking out more from this series and author in the future.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
kristy_k's review
2.0
I feel like I’ve read this story a hundred times before. Brooding, ex-military alpha male who say one to two word sentences. And an intelligent, independent woman who all of the sudden needs a savior. And of course some really weird times for romance (when I'm running from my life and hiding, I am not thinking of getting hot and heavy with my fellow runner; I am thinking of survival).
I didn’t feel like these characters were fleshed out at all. They were very cookie cutter to the genre and tropes which they came from. And they suffer from a heavy case of insta-love. Three days before declarations of love. I think the same story could have been told over a few weeks or months and would have worked just as well and had the love be more believable.
I did enjoy the subplot of a virus outbreak and how it was intertwine with so much throughout the plot. Rowe seems to have done her research on the virus itself and that was nice to see.
I didn’t feel like these characters were fleshed out at all. They were very cookie cutter to the genre and tropes which they came from. And they suffer from a heavy case of insta-love. Three days before declarations of love. I think the same story could have been told over a few weeks or months and would have worked just as well and had the love be more believable.
I did enjoy the subplot of a virus outbreak and how it was intertwine with so much throughout the plot. Rowe seems to have done her research on the virus itself and that was nice to see.
syndi3's review against another edition
adventurous
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
First thing that came to my mind while listening to Smoke and Mirrors: this book is very similar to Susan Stroker's book.
The story itself is OK. I do not hate it nor love it. It is entertaining but the lenght is too long. Miss Rowe taking her time building the chemistry for her characters. I wish she cut the push and pull and adding more twist into the action.
Overall, this is OK read.
The story itself is OK. I do not hate it nor love it. It is entertaining but the lenght is too long. Miss Rowe taking her time building the chemistry for her characters. I wish she cut the push and pull and adding more twist into the action.
Overall, this is OK read.
journey_sloane's review
4.0
Not my favorite, but there's a reason the series kept me hooked from start to finish.
ohthesheenanigans's review
5.0
I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
After reading Julie Rowe's "Sleight of Hand" novel and loving every single part of it, I just had to go back and read the first two parts of this phenomenal series. Once again, this novel was an instant hit for me. The action pack, suspenseful romance blew me away with not just the story line and characters but the consistency throughout all three novels. The only flaw, which I mentioned in my "Sleight of Hand" review, is the sex scenes were lacking and didn't entirely melt me off my seat but the everything else: characters, content and story line definitely made up for it. Would highly recommend this novel and it's other counterparts.
After reading Julie Rowe's "Sleight of Hand" novel and loving every single part of it, I just had to go back and read the first two parts of this phenomenal series. Once again, this novel was an instant hit for me. The action pack, suspenseful romance blew me away with not just the story line and characters but the consistency throughout all three novels. The only flaw, which I mentioned in my "Sleight of Hand" review, is the sex scenes were lacking and didn't entirely melt me off my seat but the everything else: characters, content and story line definitely made up for it. Would highly recommend this novel and it's other counterparts.
deannasworld's review
5.0
Smoke and Mirrors is non-stop adrenalin action from the very beginning and will keep you at the edge of your seat as you join Kini and Smoke while they try to figure out the cause of a hantavirus outbreak in Utah.
Ms Rowe is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Her stories are always action-packed and I've been a fan from the very first book I read. Now, I wait impatiently for new books to take me back into the world of strong, protective military men; smart, competent heroines, and deadly viruses and pathogens. Smoke and Mirrors is the second in the Outbreak Task Force series but can be read as a standalone.
Smoke has been a favorite of mine since I met him in the Biological Response Team series. He's skilled, competent and a man of very few words. I was wondering how Ms Rowe was going to have him communicate given that he's prone to one word answers but she did a great job with him. Of course, he said a lot more than one word but his responses were still utterly Smoke. Brief, precise and nuanced. His combination of expression, body language and a minimum of words conveyed a wealth of meaning and emotion. Communication aside, Smoke is a very damaged man. Years served in the Army has taken it's toll on his soul and psyche. It's made him a very accomplished soldier but it's also made him very aware of how dangerous he can be to those around him. And yet, he maintains a core of honor and integrity. A part of him wants to drag him down and sink into a mass of anger and depravity but another part of him, the part that is connected to the land, and the love and stability of his family, keeps him grounded in the present and makes him a man who is noble and keeps his promises. Even as he struggles with himself and fears what he can become, there are those around him who keep him anchored and who will bring him back from the abyss. And not once did he ever let Kini down.
Ms Rowe writes great heroines. Even the ones who are slightly damaged and afraid to trust like Kini. When faced with adversity and hostility, Kini pushes forward. She perseveres and continues to do her job, and do what's right. And she cares. For the people, for the sick, for the dying. It takes a lot for Kini to trust a man after someone near and dear to her betrayed that trust in the most awful way imaginable but she trusts Smoke. In fact, she's instantly attracted to Smoke when she meets him. It's not quite insta-love but they do fall for each other rather quickly in the midst of car bombs and ducking bullets. Love borne of danger can either be enduring or dissipate after the adrenalin wears off. I'm glad this is a romance and the love between Smoke and Kini endures to give me a happy ending.
I'm always sad when I come to the end of one of Ms Rowe's books. I'm going to miss the endless excitement until the next book comes out. So glad there will be more in the series.
See more from Deanna's World
Ms Rowe is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Her stories are always action-packed and I've been a fan from the very first book I read. Now, I wait impatiently for new books to take me back into the world of strong, protective military men; smart, competent heroines, and deadly viruses and pathogens. Smoke and Mirrors is the second in the Outbreak Task Force series but can be read as a standalone.
Smoke has been a favorite of mine since I met him in the Biological Response Team series. He's skilled, competent and a man of very few words. I was wondering how Ms Rowe was going to have him communicate given that he's prone to one word answers but she did a great job with him. Of course, he said a lot more than one word but his responses were still utterly Smoke. Brief, precise and nuanced. His combination of expression, body language and a minimum of words conveyed a wealth of meaning and emotion. Communication aside, Smoke is a very damaged man. Years served in the Army has taken it's toll on his soul and psyche. It's made him a very accomplished soldier but it's also made him very aware of how dangerous he can be to those around him. And yet, he maintains a core of honor and integrity. A part of him wants to drag him down and sink into a mass of anger and depravity but another part of him, the part that is connected to the land, and the love and stability of his family, keeps him grounded in the present and makes him a man who is noble and keeps his promises. Even as he struggles with himself and fears what he can become, there are those around him who keep him anchored and who will bring him back from the abyss. And not once did he ever let Kini down.
Ms Rowe writes great heroines. Even the ones who are slightly damaged and afraid to trust like Kini. When faced with adversity and hostility, Kini pushes forward. She perseveres and continues to do her job, and do what's right. And she cares. For the people, for the sick, for the dying. It takes a lot for Kini to trust a man after someone near and dear to her betrayed that trust in the most awful way imaginable but she trusts Smoke. In fact, she's instantly attracted to Smoke when she meets him. It's not quite insta-love but they do fall for each other rather quickly in the midst of car bombs and ducking bullets. Love borne of danger can either be enduring or dissipate after the adrenalin wears off. I'm glad this is a romance and the love between Smoke and Kini endures to give me a happy ending.
I'm always sad when I come to the end of one of Ms Rowe's books. I'm going to miss the endless excitement until the next book comes out. So glad there will be more in the series.
See more from Deanna's World
kindlelovingmom's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this second book of the series. Exciting, scary, sexy, and fun romantic suspense! 4.5 Stars.
Kini Kerek is a CDC Public Health Nurse. She's in rural Utah researching the population for antibodies for the Hantavirus, in the hopes of proving the need for the development of a vaccine. But, some terrible rumors have preceded her in this small town, and she has been met with suspicion, threats, and even violence. She's not sure what her next move will be, when there is an outbreak of the very virus she's been sent to investigate. She needs help, and quickly. Luckily, a local man, fresh out of the Army, has taken on the task of helping, and protecting, her. If only she wasn't so drawn to him personally.
Lyle Smoke was just discharged from the Army, Special Forces. His good friend River, the hero from book 1, has offered him a job with the CDC, and he was strongly considering it. But, when he meets Kini, in a MOST interesting way, and wants to help her, he agrees to the job even quicker than expected. Smoke has some damage in his past, and not just from the military. But, he feels drawn to Kini, and feels an urgent need to protect her. So, he uses all the skills his Native American upbringing taught him, and the additional skills the Army honed in him, to help her figure out the mystery, and keep them both alive.
Smoke and Kini's chemistry was crazy strong from minute one. Their meeting was quite unconventional and unique, and I loved their banter and ease with each other from the start. She also felt comfortable and at home with his family, and I loved that too, especially since she had no family of her own. Smoke has had some dark things happen to him in his life, not to mention, the local sheriff's deputy hates his guts, so he's got some major issues to contend with. They both had deep and traumatic emotional scars that they had to figure out how to deal with before they had any hope of being together. I liked that they were both willing to acknowledge those issues, and work on them, in order to make things work.
Smoke's family were all great side characters, as were a few other people on the CDC task force. There were also great villains in this story. Ones that I wanted to reach through the book and smack around in fury, as well as ones where you weren't sure what their motivations really were. It was a great suspense plot, and there were so many potential bad guys, and it kept me guessing who all was bad, and what those bad people might do. I loved that feeling in the pit of my stomach as the plot continued on, and it's exactly what I look for in my romantic suspense.
My only issues here were with a couple loose ends I didn't feel were tied up, at least not on the page. One had to do with Smoke's cousin. And another with one of the villains, and their motivations, which seemed a little unclear to me and left me feeling a little unsatisfied. I don't want to say any more that might lead to spoilers.
I really loved the story, and I fell totally in love with Smoke, and with Kini. They were an awesome couple, and they made an amazing team. I'm very much looking forward to more in this series. There are at least 2 other characters I have my eyes on as having the next book, and I'd be thrilled to read about either one!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Kini Kerek is a CDC Public Health Nurse. She's in rural Utah researching the population for antibodies for the Hantavirus, in the hopes of proving the need for the development of a vaccine. But, some terrible rumors have preceded her in this small town, and she has been met with suspicion, threats, and even violence. She's not sure what her next move will be, when there is an outbreak of the very virus she's been sent to investigate. She needs help, and quickly. Luckily, a local man, fresh out of the Army, has taken on the task of helping, and protecting, her. If only she wasn't so drawn to him personally.
Lyle Smoke was just discharged from the Army, Special Forces. His good friend River, the hero from book 1, has offered him a job with the CDC, and he was strongly considering it. But, when he meets Kini, in a MOST interesting way, and wants to help her, he agrees to the job even quicker than expected. Smoke has some damage in his past, and not just from the military. But, he feels drawn to Kini, and feels an urgent need to protect her. So, he uses all the skills his Native American upbringing taught him, and the additional skills the Army honed in him, to help her figure out the mystery, and keep them both alive.
Smoke and Kini's chemistry was crazy strong from minute one. Their meeting was quite unconventional and unique, and I loved their banter and ease with each other from the start. She also felt comfortable and at home with his family, and I loved that too, especially since she had no family of her own. Smoke has had some dark things happen to him in his life, not to mention, the local sheriff's deputy hates his guts, so he's got some major issues to contend with. They both had deep and traumatic emotional scars that they had to figure out how to deal with before they had any hope of being together. I liked that they were both willing to acknowledge those issues, and work on them, in order to make things work.
Smoke's family were all great side characters, as were a few other people on the CDC task force. There were also great villains in this story. Ones that I wanted to reach through the book and smack around in fury, as well as ones where you weren't sure what their motivations really were. It was a great suspense plot, and there were so many potential bad guys, and it kept me guessing who all was bad, and what those bad people might do. I loved that feeling in the pit of my stomach as the plot continued on, and it's exactly what I look for in my romantic suspense.
My only issues here were with a couple loose ends I didn't feel were tied up, at least not on the page. One had to do with Smoke's cousin. And another with one of the villains, and their motivations, which seemed a little unclear to me and left me feeling a little unsatisfied. I don't want to say any more that might lead to spoilers.
I really loved the story, and I fell totally in love with Smoke, and with Kini. They were an awesome couple, and they made an amazing team. I'm very much looking forward to more in this series. There are at least 2 other characters I have my eyes on as having the next book, and I'd be thrilled to read about either one!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
prgchrqltma's review
4.0
More competent people competently being competent. If a respiratory virus outbreak isn't a good idea for you to read now (understandable!) put this one off for later.