Undercover Christmas Escape

by Terri Reed

An undercover mission

has deadly consequences

The assignment was infiltrate an office Christmas party, gather evidence and take down a drug cartel. However, DEA agent Duncan O’Brien and deputy US marshal Sera Morales encounter more than they were expecting when masked thieves crash their undercover operation and abduct Sera, who narrowly escapes. Can Duncan and Sera work together, despite their competitiveness and hidden attraction, to capture a merciless drug lord—before this Christmas becomes their last?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense, Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Harlequin, Love Inspired

368 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas.
She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd.
For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q
Be sure to follow Terri on BookBub for updates on her new releases
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terri...

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. This book is a fast paced full of action and suspense with some clean romance mixed into it. I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters in this book. There was so much going on in this book, but I feel it was done really well. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Suspense) or author (Terri Reed) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a ton of Love Inspired Suspense novels in print, way too many for me to keep up with. This one caught my attention though, and then I had the chance to review an early copy, and took it.

The book starts out in an amusing way. Not really a spoiler, but the two main characters are undercover at a party as Santa and Mrs Claus. And it is a great start to not just the story, but the interplay between Duncan and Sera. As one of the other characters commented, they argue like an old married couple.

In addition to the humor, there is also a lot of suspense, tense drama, bad guys, and of course romance. This IS a romantic suspense novel, of course.

The book is only 224 pages long, but Reed packs a lot into those 224 pages. A lot happens, yet the book does not feel rushed. It does have non stop action and suspense as the agents battle and run from the bad guys, and I definitely didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to find out how it ended.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable read that shows why this author has so many books under her belt for Love Inspired Suspense.

This is the third book in the author's U.S. Marshals Series. Check out the first two books in that series: Forced to Flee and Forced to Hide.

Special thanks to the publisher for an advance e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed was a book that has a lot of action right at the beginning and all through the book with some humor thrown in it, too.

From taking down drug lords to finding along a lost sister. Sera's and Duncan's story will keep you turning pages.

Terri Reed never fails to present an awesome book.

I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is the only one in control. Will she trust in His plan?

Santa and Mrs. Claus at a Christmas party makes sense. But undercover, genius! No one would ever suspect Duncan, a DEA agent and Sera, a US Marshall, to be ready to apprehend one of the guests - someone they had been searching for. Toss in an unexpected meeting with a family member, lots of gunfire and plenty of other action, and you will not take a deep breath until you have finished the book.

An early copy of this Love Inspired Suspense was received through BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed! I highly recommend this book another great story with wonderful characters When you pick it up you don't want to put it down!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced adventure that takes off right from the start as Sera Morales and Duncan O'Brien team up to take down a drug cartel.

A wonderful read, with an engaging plot, and characters that I came to care for quickly. Despite their differences, Duncan and Sera make a great team and I liked how they worked together, finding common ground in their shared faith and mission.

Action-packed, with quick thinking heroes, great character growth and interaction, as well as relationship building. A full plot and satisfying read. A great read that was hard to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and interesting start to Undercover Christmas Escape by author Terri Reed! DEA Agent Duncan O’Brien and Deputy U.S. Marshall Sera Morales are part of a task force trying to take down a drug cartel. They go undercover at an office Christmas party, which is rudely interrupted by, well, NOT jolly little elves.
The story just keeps getting better and better from there! Have y’all ever seen, or heard of, the old TV show, “I Love Lucy”? Duncan and Sera remind me very much of Fred and Ethel Mertz, the Ricardo’s best friends. Those two were always sniping and poking at one another, but you saw right through it to the love between them. Much like Duncan and Sera, who can’t seem to stay off each other’s nerves as they dodge bullets and bad guys, trying to crack their case. Can their sniping lead to something more? Find out in Undercover Christmas Escape! I loved this inspirational suspense, and am sure you will, too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story and characters.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of suspense, drama and a little bit of romance. I enjoyed the story of Sera and Duncan and enjoyed getting to know Angie and Grace. There was lots of action to keep me glued to the edge of my seat.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape is the another hard to put down, action packed book by Terri Reed. Although some of the great characters are also in her books - Forced to Flee and Forced to Hide, it is not necessary to read those books first to enjoy this one. I do, however, also recommend those 5 star books!
Right from the first few pages, deputy US marshal Sera and DEA agent Duncan are facing a dangerous situation while undercover as Mrs. Claus and Santa. The action continues from there.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to give a review. All opinions are my own. I also received a copy from a friend who loved it and thought I would too. She was right!

[Pianosue · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEA Agent Duncan O'Brien and deputy US Marshal Sera Morales are sent undercover to an office Christmas party to gather evidence and take down a drug cartel. But then masked thieves crash the party and take Sera captive. But then she gets away and now they are on a search for the masked thieves and the drug cartel people. There is alot of things going on and someone keeps finding them and trying to kill them or capture them! Why? Read the book and find out! A great suspense story.

I received this book free from the publisher but was under no obligation to give a favorable review. I loved this story and found it a great read!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hats off to the author for such a unique way to begin a book! Two undercover agents pose as Santa and Mrs. Clause! DES Agent Duncan O'Brian and Deputy US Marshal Sera Morales join forces to take down a dangerous drug lord. They work together to make a good partnership, but peril is all around. Unexpectedly, Sera's estranged sister appears in the middle of it all and makes matters more complicated. Sera and Duncan need to protect one another and survive the dangers posed by several sources, while they wonder if they dare to deepen their personal relationship. They pray for God's help. The ending is just as enchanting as the beginning of the story!
I appreciate the publishers allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book. The thoughts expressed are my own.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape
by Terri Reed
Pub Date 28 Nov 2023
Harlequin - Romance,Love Inspired Suspense
Christian| Romance


I'm reviewing Undercover Christmas Escape through Harlequin-Love Inspired Suspense and Netgalley:


There's a deadly price to pay for an undercover mission...

We had a simple mission: infiltrate a Christmas party, gather evidence, and take down a drug cartel. DEA agent Duncan O'Brien and deputy US marshal Sera Morales encounter more than they expected when masked thieves crash their undercover operation and abduct Sera. Can Duncan and Sera work together to catch a merciless drug lord before this Christmas becomes their last?


I give Undercover Christmas Escape five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Terri Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape is intense suspense with unexpected twists that surprise the reader and enhance the story. DEA agent Duncan O’Brien and deputy US Marshal Sera Morales are working together to stop a drug cartel when the unexpected happens. Things get complicated fast and the race is on to stop criminal plans from succeeding. Woven into the suspense are romance in the perfect amount and a well crafted thread of faith. I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions stated here are mine.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Infiltrating the office Christmas party is the easy part. Action begins when DEA agent Duncan O'Brien and deputy US Marshall Sera Morales are surprised by thieves crashing the party. They work together but cannot keep from competing with each other. Sera wants to prove she is capable of doing it herself. When Sera is abducted, Duncan goes on high alert and is determined to keep her safe. As always, Terri Reeds book is full of suspense and just enough romance to get interesting. Love her books and sure you will too.
I was given this one but the comments are all my own.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sera and Duncan are on a routine assignment with their task force until Sera is faced with a blast from her past.

Rival cartels with no boundaries, greed and surprises make for non stop action. A good addition for your Christmas reads.

I received an advanced reader copy from Harlequin and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Becky Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An under cover assignment to get evidence on a drug cartel. Dea agent Dunkin O'Brian and deputy Sera morales encounter more than they bargained for. IF YOU LIKE ACTION PACKED BOOKS THIS IS FOR YOU Terri bring these characters to life it feels like a extended family, I love Serra Morales what a firecracker, to see what happens to dunkin and serra you'll have to get your copy on 11_28_23, this book was excellent since page 1 pure gold Terri ❤️ Reed

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book packed full of suspense, then this is the book for you. Mrs. Reed does an excellent job of keeping you guessing on what is going to happen next.
Sera and Duncan are sent undercover to try and infiltrate a drug cartel. Boy, are they in for a wild ride. Every turn takes them into another danger filled environment that they are left to wonder if they are going to make it out alive. You will definitely keep turning the pages to see who they can trust or see who betrays them. People may not be who them seem.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense. I was given an ARC of this book and these are all my own opinions.

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Full of action and plot twists.
Great characters...
Looking forward to reading more books by this author....

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is totally filled with suspense and clean romance. It definitely kept me guessing until the end and I found it hard to put down because I could not wait to see the outcome. Very intriguing for sure. I highly recommend this book and it would make a great gift for those who love clean, suspenseful books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own. This books is from the Harlequin Love inspired suspense series and was published November 28, 2023.

Merged review:

This book is totally filled with suspense and clean romance. It definitely kept me guessing until the end and I found it hard to put down because I could not wait to see the outcome. Very intriguing for sure. I highly recommend this book and it would make a great gift for those who love clean, suspenseful books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own. This books is from the Harlequin Love inspired suspense series and was published November 28, 2023.

[Jan Fore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Suspense

Another great read from Terri Reed. In her latest mystery we find Sera and her partner Duncan in Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits to host a Christmas party for a large financial group. Their cohorts in the department were on hand to serve dinner and help with other entertaining. In the heart of the evening a large group entered the hall. Each of the crew carried guns. They held up the clients and despite the police presence managed to get away. A shorter novel that makes for an entertaining read.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape is a well written romantic suspense. I enjoyed the edge of your seat plot. I recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed
An undercover mission
has deadly consequences
The assignment was simple: infiltrate an office Christmas party, gather evidence and take down a drug cartel. However, DEA agent Duncan O’Brien and deputy US marshal Sera Morales encounter more than they were expecting when masked thieves crash their undercover operation and abduct Sera, who narrowly escapes. Can Duncan and Sera work together, despite their competitiveness and hidden attraction, to capture a merciless drug lord—before this Christmas becomes their last?
This is Sera Morales and Duncan O’Brien's story.
“This thing itches,” Deputy US Marshal Seraphina Morales groused beneath her breath. Her fingers curled around the camera in her hand to keep from plucking the gray, curly-haired wig and bonnet from her head so she could scratch at her scalp. The plastered-on smile she’d adopted the moment they’d arrived at the Fleming Investments Group’s Christmas party made her cheeks ache.
“Come on, Tex, you look cute.” Standing a scant two feet away, DEA Agent Duncan O’Brien’s distracting voice was soft and smooth as honey through the communication device lodged in her ear canal. “A glimpse into your future, eh, Sera?”
Without letting her smile slip, she slanted her fellow undercover task force member a daggered glance. Was he suggesting she’d make a cute grandmotherly type? “I could say the same about you.”
Duncan patted the pillow over his tummy beneath the red velvet suit trimmed with white faux fur, and black buttons that matched his knee-high black boots. “Yeah. And I make this look good.”
I recommend this book..
Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
You will love this book. Story of faith ,hope and Suspense .
I am looking forward to reading more books by Terri Reed .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This is a thrill ride that requires a seatbelt. It starts out with a hostile takeover and the pace is relentless from that point forward. Sera Morales is a US marshal and Duncan O'Brien is a DEA agent. They are just a small part of a task force that is trying to take down a dangerous drug cartel. The beginning scene is a little humorous and actually a genius way to go undercover. Duncan is Santa Claus and Sera is Mrs. Claus. They are making pictures of all the partygoers as they come into the party. After all no one minds having their picture made with Santa. When masked men crash the party, Sera is kidnapped. Thankfully she escapes, but she finds out information that has rocked her world and skewed her view on this investigation.

Sera and Duncan have to work together which is difficult for two people who are polar opposites. Sera drives Duncan completely insane with her lone ranger attitude and stubbornness. She is fearless, but sometimes her stubbornness puts her in grave danger. Duncan is a planner and rule follower. However, you can feel the chemistry between these two even as they are fighting like cats and dogs. They each have a grudging respect for the other, but neither trusts the other

This had non-stop action that will keep you on your toes as they try to outrun and outmaneuver a dangerous opponent. There were a lot of characters and a lot of moving parts, but Terri Reed's style of writing makes it easy to keep up with the characters and their parts. They will have to lean on their faith at times to make it through the day. The insane intrigue and suspense was spot on for me.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed has an undercover operation taking an unexpected turn when deputy US marshal Sera Morales’ missing sister turns out to be one of the bad guys. I had mixed feelings about Undercover Christmas Escape. I found Sera to be a frustrating character. She risks an important undercover operation for personal reasons. I understood that she wanted to find out what had happened to her sister, but I did not feel it should take a higher precedence than the joint task force drug case. Sera is one of those people who will do what she wants no matter the consequences. DEA Agent Duncan O’Brien likes things to be planned out, but he must deal with Sera’s impulsive nature if he is to keep her alive. Sera, of course, does not want help. Duncan must frequently persuade Sera to accept his help and let him be the front runner which leads to plenty of clashes. Despite both parties having trust issues, romance blooms between them. I thought the romance happened too fast (blink and you miss it). I can see plenty of disagreements in their future. There were some details regarding the case that I found out of place. I could not see this team of law enforcement professionals (they were not newbies) making such errors (I know it is fiction, but details matter). I felt the story needed to be tightened up. The Christian element was nicely intertwined into the tale. I appreciated that there was no foul language or intimate situations. There was plenty of action that kept the story lively. I thought the ending was cute and nicely tied into Christmas.

[Stormcrow Hayes · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF (for now) because the Christmas season is over and that's when this needs to be read. Oh, but why would you return to a book you rated only one star you ask? So glad you did. Because it's hilarious. Or rather, hilariously bad. It's one of those it's so bad it's good because the writing is awful, but hilariously so. I have more quotes noted in my copy of the book which isn't handy, but here are two I wrote down after finishing a chapter:

"...Sere could feel the waves of tension radiating off of him like nuclear waste." (p. 40)

"His jaw firmed and his eyes narrowed." p. 43

Someone has a firm jaw, a jaw doesn't firm. And the first line ending in nuclear waste had me laughing aloud.

But seriously, make no mistake, it is bad. Now if you genuinely like this kind of thing as many people clearly do, hey, good for you. I like Doc Savage books. Those aren't exactly high literature, but I love 'em. Maybe you like generic action love stories without much more than some occasional flirtation. If that's your jam, have at it. But the writing, the plotting, the characterizations, the situations, the action, the way people and institutions (such as the police and federal agencies) all act, are poorly written. And that's why I'll be returning to this bad mess next year. For some lighthearted fun around the holidays.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape is written by Terri Reed. Ms. Reed is an author that I will always have in my TBR list. Her books always have so much heart pounding action and suspense, that does not let up throughout the entire book. This is the third book in the U.S. Marshals Series. They can all be read as stand alone stories. The other books in the series are: Forced to Flee and Forced to Hide.

DEA agent Duncan O’Brien and deputy US marshal Sera Morales had a simple assignment. They were to infiltrate an office Christmas party, gather evidence and take down a drug cartel. However their undercover disguises, Santa and Mrs. Claus do not work out the way that they plan. They suddenly find themselves fighting to survive. Sera is kidnapped - but manages to get away. Sera and Duncan need to find the individuals responsible so they can make sure the case does not fall through the cracks.

This author has written some amazing characters. They have unique banter and chemistry - but it works. I love unique characters. The author has thrown in so much action and suspense that you will not want to put this one down.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed is book #3 in her U.S. Marshals series. I haven't read the first two and I'm so looking forward to reading them. I loved loved loved the banter between the two main characters. They teased each other and made fun of each other, but you saw and I think everyone else saw right through that. It made the book fun, but did not detract from the suspense. It was still non-stop action from the moment U.S. Marshal Sera Morales narrowly escapes when she is kidnapped at the office Christmas party where she and DEA agent Duncan O'Brien are posing as Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. It was such a great and fun start to this Christmas faith based romantic suspense. I really enjoyed all the action and the interactions between the characters. It was such an interesting story. I highly recommend Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed. I look forward to reading the next one and the two previous ones before it! I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.