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Black Cipher Files #1
Blowback
Blowback: a deadly unintended consequence of a covert operation
Thirteen years ago, Jamie Hunt sacrificed everything to keep her sister protected and safe. Now she lives alone, works alone, survives alone. When a covert mission goes horribly wrong, suddenly she can trust no one. Not her boss, not her agency, not even herself.
Lucas Goodman, former FBI agent turned PI, is on the trail of a missing teenager when his investigation leads him to Jamie. Despite her attempts to ditch him, Lucas tenaciously continues to shadow Jamie, realizing he doesn’t just want information...he wants her.
When their investigations collide and her sister is in danger, Jamie is forced to team up with Lucas. Together they must expose the connection between agents’ murders, a missing teenager, and a sixty-year-old government conspiracy. But can she open her heart to find the truth within the lies?
Warning: This novel is not suitable for readers under the age of 18
Thirteen years ago, Jamie Hunt sacrificed everything to keep her sister protected and safe. Now she lives alone, works alone, survives alone. When a covert mission goes horribly wrong, suddenly she can trust no one. Not her boss, not her agency, not even herself.
Lucas Goodman, former FBI agent turned PI, is on the trail of a missing teenager when his investigation leads him to Jamie. Despite her attempts to ditch him, Lucas tenaciously continues to shadow Jamie, realizing he doesn’t just want information...he wants her.
When their investigations collide and her sister is in danger, Jamie is forced to team up with Lucas. Together they must expose the connection between agents’ murders, a missing teenager, and a sixty-year-old government conspiracy. But can she open her heart to find the truth within the lies?
Warning: This novel is not suitable for readers under the age of 18
400 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2011
257 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Hughey
85 books668 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Lisa Hughey started writing romance in the fourth grade. That particular story involved a prince and an engagement. Now, she writes about strong heroines who are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves and the heroes who love both their strength and their vulnerability. She pens romances of all types—suspense, paranormal, and contemporary—but at their heart, all her books celebrate the power of love.
She lives in Cape Ann Massachusetts with her fabulously supportive husband, two out of three awesome mostly-grown kids, and one somewhat grumpy cat.
Yoga, hiking, and traveling are her favorite ways to pass the time when she isn’t plotting new ways to get her characters to fall in love.
You can find her on the web at http://www.lisahughey.com
Instagram: @lisa.hughey
FB https://www.facebook.com/LisaHugheyRo...
Email: lisa@lisahughey.com
She loves to hear from readers!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 13, 2021
Oy
Much mystery. Meh on the barely there romance. Whole lotta internal monologue and all the dn characters to keep track of.
Much mystery. Meh on the barely there romance. Whole lotta internal monologue and all the dn characters to keep track of.
May 30, 2016
This book is a great thriller/suspense spy novel with lots of twisty action. There is a romance and an HEA, but honestly the romance felt less developed than the rest of the plot.
Jamie Hunt is an NSA spy who has taken on the identity of a a murdered colleague to uncover the group responsible for drugging and kidnapping other NSA agents.
Somehow everything goes awry. Jamie is on the run, not sure who to trust and in the company of an ex-FBI operative who seems to know an awful lot.
Lucas Goodman, ex-FBI agent needs to stick to Jamie like white on rice because she is the only connection he has to a young man gone missing. Lucas is good friends with the guy's mother and he is the only person she can turn to. Lucas thinks the man was recruited either by NSA or a terrorist sleeper cell or both.
So, yeah, this book is lots of running across country, guns a-blazing. tracking devices, very Jack Bauer-esuqe "Who do you work for?" moments, computer hacking, and people who may or may not be dead.
While all this is going on, Lucas and Jamie lust after each other. She doesn't get involved because she is all damaged and stuff. And it is too dangerous to get too close to people. And she has a sister who thinks she's dead but who much be protected at all costs! So typical spy heroine stuff.
Lucas is much more zen about stuff. He's all 'Hey there's more to life. Just because you're a super spy who is all damaged and stuff, doesn't mean you can't buy rugs and lamps for your house and relax a bit, dude."
I prefer my action/adventure spy stories when they are either diabolically clever or great fun or both. This wasn't either. It was a lot of overly complex plotting with drugs and anti-dotes and the type of super computer wizardry you really only see in movies or tv. Basically it was a Saturday matinee shoot 'em up CIA type thriller is book form but with more romance and a woman protagonist.
Jamie Hunt is an NSA spy who has taken on the identity of a a murdered colleague to uncover the group responsible for drugging and kidnapping other NSA agents.
Somehow everything goes awry. Jamie is on the run, not sure who to trust and in the company of an ex-FBI operative who seems to know an awful lot.
Lucas Goodman, ex-FBI agent needs to stick to Jamie like white on rice because she is the only connection he has to a young man gone missing. Lucas is good friends with the guy's mother and he is the only person she can turn to. Lucas thinks the man was recruited either by NSA or a terrorist sleeper cell or both.
So, yeah, this book is lots of running across country, guns a-blazing. tracking devices, very Jack Bauer-esuqe "Who do you work for?" moments, computer hacking, and people who may or may not be dead.
While all this is going on, Lucas and Jamie lust after each other. She doesn't get involved because she is all damaged and stuff. And it is too dangerous to get too close to people. And she has a sister who thinks she's dead but who much be protected at all costs! So typical spy heroine stuff.
Lucas is much more zen about stuff. He's all 'Hey there's more to life. Just because you're a super spy who is all damaged and stuff, doesn't mean you can't buy rugs and lamps for your house and relax a bit, dude."
I prefer my action/adventure spy stories when they are either diabolically clever or great fun or both. This wasn't either. It was a lot of overly complex plotting with drugs and anti-dotes and the type of super computer wizardry you really only see in movies or tv. Basically it was a Saturday matinee shoot 'em up CIA type thriller is book form but with more romance and a woman protagonist.
September 30, 2015
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to do something I've never done before--review multiple books in the same review. I'm doing this for two reasons, the first is that I received the Black Cipher Files Trilogy as one ebook. The second is that it is all part of the same story, without NEEDING to be read as such.
The thing that I like about all three books (Blowback, Betrayals, and Burned) is that they all have their own plot, but added together they help make sence of the underlying plot.
All three couples are unique and well thought out, keeping the romance of the books on the steamy side. They all deal with high level government agencies and extremely sensitive information. Each couple's story have their own quirks and I adored them all. Although Zeke and Sunshine (of Burned) are my favourite.
I'm going to do something I've never done before--review multiple books in the same review. I'm doing this for two reasons, the first is that I received the Black Cipher Files Trilogy as one ebook. The second is that it is all part of the same story, without NEEDING to be read as such.
The thing that I like about all three books (Blowback, Betrayals, and Burned) is that they all have their own plot, but added together they help make sence of the underlying plot.
All three couples are unique and well thought out, keeping the romance of the books on the steamy side. They all deal with high level government agencies and extremely sensitive information. Each couple's story have their own quirks and I adored them all. Although Zeke and Sunshine (of Burned) are my favourite.
January 14, 2016
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This story started with a bang and it was very fast paced.
It is an interesting spy story where the heroine doesn't know what's happening, who's lying, what is true and what is false. It was really innteresting and she came as a real kick-ass.
But, after a while, I started asking myself if her reactions, or, actually, her non-actions were not over-done.
If my life were danger I would start asking question instead of loosing time using about useless things.
Sowhere along the story she lost her kick-assness and strated acting borderline TSTL.
Fortunately she redeamed herself at the end.
This story started with a bang and it was very fast paced.
It is an interesting spy story where the heroine doesn't know what's happening, who's lying, what is true and what is false. It was really innteresting and she came as a real kick-ass.
But, after a while, I started asking myself if her reactions, or, actually, her non-actions were not over-done.
If my life were danger I would start asking question instead of loosing time using about useless things.
Sowhere along the story she lost her kick-assness and strated acting borderline TSTL.
Fortunately she redeamed herself at the end.
September 4, 2018
An entertaining and engrossing thriller with a complex plot, intrigue and deep mysteries!
Blowback is the remarkable first book by author Lisa Hughley. Jamie and Lucas are an unlikely match because they don't do relationships! He is ex FBI and she is NSA. Seemingly incompatible, both characters hold deep secrets and life experiences that hinder any romantic ideas!
Missing and drugged NSA agents, a pattern of murdered parents 13 years ago linking the agents and government agencies conflicted in cover-ups! The unpredictable sequence of events keep the reader on their toes as the twists and turns keep the story moving at a rapid pace! Tearworthy and steamy this book checks all the emotional vibes
I can't wait to read the next novel in the series!!
Blowback is the remarkable first book by author Lisa Hughley. Jamie and Lucas are an unlikely match because they don't do relationships! He is ex FBI and she is NSA. Seemingly incompatible, both characters hold deep secrets and life experiences that hinder any romantic ideas!
Missing and drugged NSA agents, a pattern of murdered parents 13 years ago linking the agents and government agencies conflicted in cover-ups! The unpredictable sequence of events keep the reader on their toes as the twists and turns keep the story moving at a rapid pace! Tearworthy and steamy this book checks all the emotional vibes
I can't wait to read the next novel in the series!!
September 5, 2015
My leanings are toward suspense and thrillers... Certainly not romance novels. For me, sort of like having to watch a chick flick movie with my wife (no sexism intended!). The suspense, modicum of techie and intrigue kept me engaged and I found it a fairly compelling read. Although not my typical genre or interest, I'm glad I stayed with it as getting a flavor of different writers is certainly half of the fun! I think it would be interesting to read the direction the characters take in the next installment. Nice work Lisa.
November 7, 2014
So this was definitely a different kinda read for me. I love romantic suspense but usually gravitate to book that are a good mix of romance and suspense. This book was definitely heavy on the suspense and adventure and light on the romance. With all the passion and chemistry between Jaime and Lucas, I really expected more from their love scene once they finally got to it. It was really a page turner and I’m considering reading the next book.
July 11, 2015
Blowback
Very good, fast paced book, had trouble putting it down! Enjoyed the romance angle...sex was a little too detailed for my taste I felt the book didn't need it...couldn't figure out who the bad guys were...the author tied things nicely @ the end look forward to the next one!
Very good, fast paced book, had trouble putting it down! Enjoyed the romance angle...sex was a little too detailed for my taste I felt the book didn't need it...couldn't figure out who the bad guys were...the author tied things nicely @ the end look forward to the next one!
May 27, 2015
Good read
I enjoyed this book but I thought the end was a little confusing and it didn't answer all the questions brought up in the book. I would recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book but I thought the end was a little confusing and it didn't answer all the questions brought up in the book. I would recommend this book.
June 16, 2015
Loved this book
I wasn't sure what to expect from the title and story blurb, but I couldn't put it down.
Not sure the ending was satisfying but hoping for a sequel.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the title and story blurb, but I couldn't put it down.
Not sure the ending was satisfying but hoping for a sequel.
Want to read
September 5, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/9/2021)! 🎁
July 24, 2017
So much more than five stars! NO CLIFFHANGER!!
I chose the rating of five stars because that's all there are! I would give it double that if I could! BLOWBACK is fast paced, action packed and intriguing with all the government agencies involvement and a race against an injected chemical compound that has not been identified! The interaction between the H and h is full of angst, passion, distrust, slowly emerging into trust and hope. I can't say enough good things about this book!! I had a very difficult time putting it down and read well into the early hours of the morning and then waking up early to finish it.
Those who enjoy mystery, intrigue and a little romance thrown in will really like this read!
My thanks to the author, Lisa Hughey, for this amazing start to what I hope will be more books to come!
I chose the rating of five stars because that's all there are! I would give it double that if I could! BLOWBACK is fast paced, action packed and intriguing with all the government agencies involvement and a race against an injected chemical compound that has not been identified! The interaction between the H and h is full of angst, passion, distrust, slowly emerging into trust and hope. I can't say enough good things about this book!! I had a very difficult time putting it down and read well into the early hours of the morning and then waking up early to finish it.
Those who enjoy mystery, intrigue and a little romance thrown in will really like this read!
My thanks to the author, Lisa Hughey, for this amazing start to what I hope will be more books to come!
May 8, 2018
I obtained this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Jaime at age 15 was orphaned by a terrible car explosion which killed both her parents and brother and injuring her. While recovering in the hospital she is recruited to be a secret agent for one of our government alphabet agencies in exchange for the protection of her younger sister who believes she is dead. The story opens with her drugged and kidnapped in a warehouse and the abductors bargaining chip for her co-operation is the guy she hooked up with the night before. I gave this a lower rating because the female lead Jaime is cold, emotionally isolated and I as a reader felt no connection. The male lead Lucas is Ex FBI who is much more likeable. The story pulls together in the last two chapters but ends quickly leading into the next in the series with unfinished threads hanging.
October 1, 2024
I'm not sure of this title because I'm lost on the meaning considering the word. But this is a good book with spies, family problems, and love interest. Jamie Hunt has been in the spy game since she was 15 and it all started when her family was killed right in front of her. She was given the opportunity for revenge to protect her younger sister so that is what she did. She pretends to be another agent for a mission and runs into a former FBI agent named Lucas Goodman. Normally Jamie works by herself she has always been a loner but this case has her running around trying to protect her sister and to figure out why Staci was targeted. Eventually we get some answers but not all of them so I'm assuming the rest of the series will tune us in later.
July 21, 2020
Begrudge this the 99c I spent on it.
I just couldn’t enjoy what sounded like an interesting story when I disliked Lucas so much. I found him to be arrogant and smarmy, and I didn’t care that he was after that young man. He seems so self righteous at times with his ‘you’re me’ crap, and always being 2 steps ahead of his so-called partner that I just wanted her to shove him out of the moving vehicle at times. Then there was the fake Staci, aka Jamie, who was so determined to go it alone and I wish she’d stuck to her guns and ditched Lucas.
Just annoyed with this whole book. And it only gets 2 stars for what sounded like an good premise.
I just couldn’t enjoy what sounded like an interesting story when I disliked Lucas so much. I found him to be arrogant and smarmy, and I didn’t care that he was after that young man. He seems so self righteous at times with his ‘you’re me’ crap, and always being 2 steps ahead of his so-called partner that I just wanted her to shove him out of the moving vehicle at times. Then there was the fake Staci, aka Jamie, who was so determined to go it alone and I wish she’d stuck to her guns and ditched Lucas.
Just annoyed with this whole book. And it only gets 2 stars for what sounded like an good premise.
May 12, 2017
Good story, but left me disappointed
Ms. Hughey is a good writer. I read this after reading Stone family series. She is a good writer, but the ending left me with more questions than answers. When I read the Stone series, I had the same thought, too many loose strings not tied up. I like her writing, but will not buy anymore of her books because of the way she chooses to end them.
Ms. Hughey is a good writer. I read this after reading Stone family series. She is a good writer, but the ending left me with more questions than answers. When I read the Stone series, I had the same thought, too many loose strings not tied up. I like her writing, but will not buy anymore of her books because of the way she chooses to end them.
August 21, 2017
Wild Ride
Plenty of action and tons of twists and turns in this thriller. The tragedy of her parents death is only the beginning of the journey for Jamie. She learns more than she ever dreamed about this accident that shattered her world.
Plenty of action and tons of twists and turns in this thriller. The tragedy of her parents death is only the beginning of the journey for Jamie. She learns more than she ever dreamed about this accident that shattered her world.
September 17, 2018
Good book to read on the elliptical.
Good book to read on the elliptical. It kept me wanting to do more steps. It was the right amount of action and simple enough that I could read a few hours a week.
I’ll have to check out more in the series…
Good book to read on the elliptical. It kept me wanting to do more steps. It was the right amount of action and simple enough that I could read a few hours a week.
I’ll have to check out more in the series…
February 5, 2020
Brilliant book
What a start to this series I couldn’t put it down in fact I have to go buy the next book right now. I think this is the first time I have read anything by this author, but it will definitely not be the last.
What a start to this series I couldn’t put it down in fact I have to go buy the next book right now. I think this is the first time I have read anything by this author, but it will definitely not be the last.
February 29, 2020
Haven't read a book with this type of plot for a few years and I really enjoyed. I can only imagine how alone Jamie felt with no one to trust.
This is a fast paced, exciting book and makes me wonder how much of this goes on in the government.
This is a fast paced, exciting book and makes me wonder how much of this goes on in the government.
June 1, 2017
Didn't like characters enough to care about it. 2.5*
May 30, 2018
Jamie's saga
What a good story of a young woman with guts. Liked the character s and ways it could have gone. Looking for the next one.
What a good story of a young woman with guts. Liked the character s and ways it could have gone. Looking for the next one.
August 17, 2018
3,5. I liked it and had part 2 and 3 been cheaper, I would have read them too.
December 31, 2018
Wonderful book!
Gripping plot held my attention and I was so disappointed when the book ended. I want more, please please please!
Gripping plot held my attention and I was so disappointed when the book ended. I want more, please please please!
April 4, 2020
Plenty of fast paced action and tons of twists and turns in this thriller.
Excellent, well developed plot and characters.
Highly recommend
Excellent, well developed plot and characters.
Highly recommend
Want to read
April 14, 2023Prch Amz Aug 12, 2022
October 27, 2023
action packed
The prequel held the steamy part but this book is so full of action. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. A good read
The prequel held the steamy part but this book is so full of action. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. A good read
September 4, 2024
Fun read.
March 16, 2025
keeps you guessing
There was a lot of twists and turns. Very good. It grabs your attention right at the start of the book.
There was a lot of twists and turns. Very good. It grabs your attention right at the start of the book.
September 12, 2016
Spying road trip mystery with two young(ish) spies finding themselves, love and in some cases... family. Set mostly in Washington DC although the road trip starts in the Pacific Northwest.
Jamie Hunt is in trouble, the kidnapping is only the first sign of her problems, and for the first time in 13 years, she is going to need to trust and build a team to save herself and all that she holds dear.
Lucas Goodman, former FBI agent turned PI has the hots for Jamie which builds to trust and more as they have this crazy adventure.
Wow, this was a crazy read that runs the entire time with out a break, the reader doesn't need to worry about any boring parts in this crazy water slide of a read.
429 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Jamie Hunt is in trouble, the kidnapping is only the first sign of her problems, and for the first time in 13 years, she is going to need to trust and build a team to save herself and all that she holds dear.
Lucas Goodman, former FBI agent turned PI has the hots for Jamie which builds to trust and more as they have this crazy adventure.
Wow, this was a crazy read that runs the entire time with out a break, the reader doesn't need to worry about any boring parts in this crazy water slide of a read.
429 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews