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Last Chance #1
Endgame
They both know the games killers play... FBI criminal profiler Madison Harper understands dangerous minds. Tough, tenacious, with nerves of steel, she’s the best of the best. So is her new partner, Gabriel Roarke, a crack CIA operative who likes to do things his way. When the two are forced to jointly head up a task force investigating murder in high places – it’s no surprise that sparks begin to fly. As they race through a shadow world of power, politics and deadly secrets, the passion that simmers between Madison and Gabriel soon ignites. But a clever killer at the top of his game has challenged Madison to play to the very end. Now all she can trust is her instincts—and Gabriel, the one man reckless enough to keep her alive... Rio Award winner, Endgame is the first novel in Dee Davis's newly re-released Last Chance Series. Don't miss the other books in the Enigma, Exposure and Escape.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
128 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
Dee Davis
76 books357 followersAward winning author Dee Davis worked in association management before turning her had to writing. Her highly acclaimed first novel, Everything In Its Time, was published in July 2000. Since then, among others, she’s won the Booksellers Best, Golden Leaf, Texas Gold and Prism awards, and been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Holt and two RT Reviewers Choice Awards. To date, she is the author of over thirty novels and novellas, including her current A-Tac series and Cottage in the Mist. When not sitting at the computer, Dee spends time exploring Connecticut with her husband, daughter, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 27, 2015
Overall Rating: 4.35
Action: 2.0 / Emotion: 3.0 / Romance: 3.5 / Sensuous: 2.0 / Suspense: 4.0 // Laughter: 1 / Giggle: 1 // Tears: 0 / Teary: 0
Endgame: 4.35:
Davis, a favorite author, knows how to tell a suspenseful story. She immediately draws readers into this book with well-written, descriptive scenes, richly described characters, and keeps them turning the pages to see what is going to happen next -- not only with regard to the investigation, but also to learn how she is going to develop the relationship between the hero and heroine.
Hero: 3.50:
Gabriel "Gabe" Roarke. A pretty typical Romantic Suspense-type hero. An ex-Delta Force, hunky, gorgeous, strong-willed, self-sufficient alpha male who struggled with his emotions of guilt, was strong enough to overcome a parentless childhood, and displayed moments of vulnerability. It would take a very tough hero to partner such a strong heroine.
Heroine: 3.50:
Madison Harper: An extremely intelligent, intuitive, capable and attractive FBI profiler, who was constantly "reading" people. She earned her way in life and did not use her connections to a rich and powerful father and godfather to climb the professional ladder.
Story Line: 3.50:
A convoluted tale about three undercover agents, an FBI profiler, and a computer genius trying to determine if the demise of six people tied to a very important business consortium (that is trying to negotiate a lucrative trade agreement with China) in, in fact, murder rather than accidental deaths. The tale involves misdirection, betrayal, and a lot of file reading and brainstorming between the primary cast of characters, while the hero and heroine strike sparks off one another that eventually leads to love.
Action: 2.00:
This book was filled with more procedural activity (rather than a lot of action-packed, adventurous events), which moves the story along at a steady pace.
Emotion: 3.00:
Davis failed to create that really strong emotional connection between Gabe, Madison, and the reader. The kind of connection that makes for an outstanding read.
Romance: 3.50:
A marked degree of romance inhabited the story as the unwanted, but undeniable, attraction sparked between Gabe and Madison.
Sensuous: 2.00:
The inclusion of sizzling, heated, passionate lovemaking scenes added plenty of sensuality to the story.
Suspense: 4.00:
The suspense, while not nail-bitingly intense, included lots of twists and turns as the task force tried to discover the motives and the identity of the killer, including plenty of intriguing rabbit-trails to throw confusing shadows on the investigation.
Secondary Characters: 4.00:
The inclusion of several well-developed and interesting supporting characters added interest to the story: {1} Nigel Ferris, {2} Payton Reynolds, {3} Cullen Pulaski, and {4} Harrison Blake. Also, the addition of lesser-developed supporting characters that added depth and realism to story: {1} Philip Merrick, {2} Kingston Sinclair, {3} Jeremy Bosner, and {4} Tracy Braxton.
A more in-depth, detailed, spoiler-ridden review of Endgame appears at Wolf Bear Does Books.
Action: 2.0 / Emotion: 3.0 / Romance: 3.5 / Sensuous: 2.0 / Suspense: 4.0 // Laughter: 1 / Giggle: 1 // Tears: 0 / Teary: 0
Endgame: 4.35:
Davis, a favorite author, knows how to tell a suspenseful story. She immediately draws readers into this book with well-written, descriptive scenes, richly described characters, and keeps them turning the pages to see what is going to happen next -- not only with regard to the investigation, but also to learn how she is going to develop the relationship between the hero and heroine.
Hero: 3.50:
Gabriel "Gabe" Roarke. A pretty typical Romantic Suspense-type hero. An ex-Delta Force, hunky, gorgeous, strong-willed, self-sufficient alpha male who struggled with his emotions of guilt, was strong enough to overcome a parentless childhood, and displayed moments of vulnerability. It would take a very tough hero to partner such a strong heroine.
Heroine: 3.50:
Madison Harper: An extremely intelligent, intuitive, capable and attractive FBI profiler, who was constantly "reading" people. She earned her way in life and did not use her connections to a rich and powerful father and godfather to climb the professional ladder.
Story Line: 3.50:
A convoluted tale about three undercover agents, an FBI profiler, and a computer genius trying to determine if the demise of six people tied to a very important business consortium (that is trying to negotiate a lucrative trade agreement with China) in, in fact, murder rather than accidental deaths. The tale involves misdirection, betrayal, and a lot of file reading and brainstorming between the primary cast of characters, while the hero and heroine strike sparks off one another that eventually leads to love.
Action: 2.00:
This book was filled with more procedural activity (rather than a lot of action-packed, adventurous events), which moves the story along at a steady pace.
Emotion: 3.00:
Davis failed to create that really strong emotional connection between Gabe, Madison, and the reader. The kind of connection that makes for an outstanding read.
Romance: 3.50:
A marked degree of romance inhabited the story as the unwanted, but undeniable, attraction sparked between Gabe and Madison.
Sensuous: 2.00:
The inclusion of sizzling, heated, passionate lovemaking scenes added plenty of sensuality to the story.
Suspense: 4.00:
The suspense, while not nail-bitingly intense, included lots of twists and turns as the task force tried to discover the motives and the identity of the killer, including plenty of intriguing rabbit-trails to throw confusing shadows on the investigation.
Secondary Characters: 4.00:
The inclusion of several well-developed and interesting supporting characters added interest to the story: {1} Nigel Ferris, {2} Payton Reynolds, {3} Cullen Pulaski, and {4} Harrison Blake. Also, the addition of lesser-developed supporting characters that added depth and realism to story: {1} Philip Merrick, {2} Kingston Sinclair, {3} Jeremy Bosner, and {4} Tracy Braxton.
A more in-depth, detailed, spoiler-ridden review of Endgame appears at Wolf Bear Does Books.
Read
March 18, 2021Part of the anthology Dangerous to Love compiled by Toni Anderson.
An opposites attract romance and a plot of murder to derail a trade accord. And some of the players have a lot to hide. I liked the romance, but elements of the plot just didn't grab me.
The president wants this trade deal with China, badly. One problem, someone is killing off the major American players. The new head of the Consortium calls on two people who just might be able to find the killer, if they don't kill each other first. FBI profiler Madison Harper is no stranger to nasty baddies and her upbringing in the world of corporate intrigue and high finance makes her a perfect fit for this job. Gabriel Roarke is a CIA operative with access and contacts to make finding a killer from anywhere in the world possible.
They have assembled a team and are on the hunt for a killer who is making the Chinese very nervous. The deeper they dig, the more they find that all the pieces don't quite fit and they suspect that maybe killing the trade accord may not be the motive for all the murders. Their mission is to find the killer before the negotiations for the trade accord are derailed.
3 1/2-Stars
An opposites attract romance and a plot of murder to derail a trade accord. And some of the players have a lot to hide. I liked the romance, but elements of the plot just didn't grab me.
The president wants this trade deal with China, badly. One problem, someone is killing off the major American players. The new head of the Consortium calls on two people who just might be able to find the killer, if they don't kill each other first. FBI profiler Madison Harper is no stranger to nasty baddies and her upbringing in the world of corporate intrigue and high finance makes her a perfect fit for this job. Gabriel Roarke is a CIA operative with access and contacts to make finding a killer from anywhere in the world possible.
They have assembled a team and are on the hunt for a killer who is making the Chinese very nervous. The deeper they dig, the more they find that all the pieces don't quite fit and they suspect that maybe killing the trade accord may not be the motive for all the murders. Their mission is to find the killer before the negotiations for the trade accord are derailed.
3 1/2-Stars
May 9, 2016
Endgame
3.5 Stars
Members of a consortium involved in economic discussions with China are being picked off one by one. FBI Profiler, Madison Harper, is partnered with CIA operative, Gabriel Roarke, and together the two must overcome their differences to stop a determined killer before he strikes closer to home.
An action packed plot and a steamy romance, but it does require a certain suspension of disbelief.
The Last Chance team is tasked with investigating a series of murders, but none of the group’s members is actually an investigator. A profiler, two CIA agents, an MI6 operative and a computer geek do not have the necessary skills to solve a murder and this becomes obvious as the team follows one false lead after another and the body count rises.
The mystery is good although it can get confusing at times with too many twists and turns to easily follow. The multiple POVs does not help with this as the information comes from several different directions. Nevertheless, there are some exciting action scenes and the climax and resolution are compelling.
The romance is the strongest aspect of the book. Gabriel is the typical dark and moody agent with a chip on his shoulder and Madison has obvious daddy issues and a desire to prove herself in a man’s world. That said, they are likable characters and their love-hate relationship results in amazing chemistry. It is fun watching them give in to their attraction against their better judgement.
The secondary characters are engaging in their own right. Payton, in particular, appeals to my scarred and tortured hero fetish.
In sum, solid writing despite the tendency toward information dumps, an interesting mystery and appealing characters. Will definitely pick up the next in the series.
3.5 Stars
Members of a consortium involved in economic discussions with China are being picked off one by one. FBI Profiler, Madison Harper, is partnered with CIA operative, Gabriel Roarke, and together the two must overcome their differences to stop a determined killer before he strikes closer to home.
An action packed plot and a steamy romance, but it does require a certain suspension of disbelief.
The Last Chance team is tasked with investigating a series of murders, but none of the group’s members is actually an investigator. A profiler, two CIA agents, an MI6 operative and a computer geek do not have the necessary skills to solve a murder and this becomes obvious as the team follows one false lead after another and the body count rises.
The mystery is good although it can get confusing at times with too many twists and turns to easily follow. The multiple POVs does not help with this as the information comes from several different directions. Nevertheless, there are some exciting action scenes and the climax and resolution are compelling.
The romance is the strongest aspect of the book. Gabriel is the typical dark and moody agent with a chip on his shoulder and Madison has obvious daddy issues and a desire to prove herself in a man’s world. That said, they are likable characters and their love-hate relationship results in amazing chemistry. It is fun watching them give in to their attraction against their better judgement.
The secondary characters are engaging in their own right. Payton, in particular, appeals to my scarred and tortured hero fetish.
In sum, solid writing despite the tendency toward information dumps, an interesting mystery and appealing characters. Will definitely pick up the next in the series.
April 21, 2015
I found it somewhat laughable that Madison is apparently this badass profiler, but spends most of the book saying she needs more evidence before she can profile the killer. Not to mention, her contradictory 'gut feelings', and the fact that some of her intuitions turn out to be completely wrong. Then, lo and behold, she stumbles upon the killer having absolutely ZERO clue that they are the killer, until they try to kill her. GO FIGURE.
This had potential, but ultimately left me wanting and expecting more.
May 1, 2017
In Dee Davis's Endgame, the first instalment in the Last Chance romantic suspense series, you'll be thrown and blown away in this novel. When Madison's godfather Cullen Pulaski asked her to join his Last Chance team, this tenacious FBI profiler seeks him out in New York to find out about the problem. When she joins his joint task force team with her friend Harrison, things aren't what it seems to be. And then she met Gabriel Rourke, a man who's intrigued by Madison at first, a man who's kept personal stuff of his own to his chest. It all started to find a thread between the mysterious deaths of members of the consortium who had hopes to pull this accord with the Chinese trade through. Straight from the president himself, Cullen would pull no punches to find out who's taken out the board members. As they worked with the previous deaths, new ones had come along the horizon for them to figure it out. Besids all this, they had to deal with a potential mole in the midst as they're thrown together by enemy fire and potential red herrings along the way. While they grab hold with the feelings for each other, they come closer truth of who's behind the mess, when it hit too close to home for Madison. In dawning realization, she discovers the true culprit and his ambitious MO behind it with a twisted closing as she fought for her life and rebounded with true love.
June 18, 2020
This book was well written with a plot that keeps you guessing who is on the right side of the law. Madison and Gabriel are tasked to work together to solve murders, the chemistry between them you can see from the get go.
tbr-already-own
May 9, 2020included with "Dangerous to Love" romance collection.
August 14, 2013
X-rated brain bubble-gum. She's small + he's big = they fit together. She spits sparks + he glares grim = heavenly match. Read between the lines, sex is not love, and preserve virginity forever? What choices do hormone-powered bodies really have?
FBI profiler Madison Harper and undercover CIA Gabriel Roarke are hired by her influential godfather Cullen Pulaski to solve six murders and prevent further assassinations of American board members in a consortium promoting cooperation with the Chinese government. On "Last Chance" team, Harrison Blake is computer whiz, Tracy Braxton forensics doctor, British Nigel Ferris, Payton Reynolds recently deep in Asia. Cullen's consortium peers are Kingston Sinclair and Jeremy Bosner.
The suspense part, meant to thrill, is weak, clues revealed too slowly, magic. Two deliberate red herrings from beginning. Nigel is mole ordered by superiors. "Greed" p 264 led Cullen to where he regrets choices. Motivation, revenge, is flimsy. Villain even closes curtains and apologizes to next victim, but interruption and momentum carry us past. Connections at last-minute are statistical miracle. Tiresome when tech takes deus ex machina role.
I skip over X-rated mis-named "romance". Hormones at "most primitive of levels" make love "Soul-to-soul" p 217? "He was big .. Up, down, in, out .. beyond the physical" p 231. ".. exploded in a symphony of sound and light, the release beyond pleasure, beyond pain .. And just like that, Gabriel Roarke fell in love" p 234. "And then the world splintered into a kaleidoscope of color .. And for the first time in her life, Madison let go, surrendering herself completely to the moment and the man" p 240.
.
FBI profiler Madison Harper and undercover CIA Gabriel Roarke are hired by her influential godfather Cullen Pulaski to solve six murders and prevent further assassinations of American board members in a consortium promoting cooperation with the Chinese government. On "Last Chance" team, Harrison Blake is computer whiz, Tracy Braxton forensics doctor, British Nigel Ferris, Payton Reynolds recently deep in Asia. Cullen's consortium peers are Kingston Sinclair and Jeremy Bosner.
The suspense part, meant to thrill, is weak, clues revealed too slowly, magic. Two deliberate red herrings from beginning. Nigel is mole ordered by superiors. "Greed" p 264 led Cullen to where he regrets choices. Motivation, revenge, is flimsy. Villain even closes curtains and apologizes to next victim, but interruption and momentum carry us past. Connections at last-minute are statistical miracle. Tiresome when tech takes deus ex machina role.
I skip over X-rated mis-named "romance". Hormones at "most primitive of levels" make love "Soul-to-soul" p 217? "He was big .. Up, down, in, out .. beyond the physical" p 231. ".. exploded in a symphony of sound and light, the release beyond pleasure, beyond pain .. And just like that, Gabriel Roarke fell in love" p 234. "And then the world splintered into a kaleidoscope of color .. And for the first time in her life, Madison let go, surrendering herself completely to the moment and the man" p 240.
.
October 14, 2011
Another awesome book by Dee Davis. Extremely well written with an amazingly intriguing and intricate plot. I usually manage to figure out the bad guy beforehand but I was caught by surprise this time around. Loved the romance between Gabe and Madison & the bit of strength they showed in overcoming their own mindsets/perspectives.
June 24, 2015
Really, so many characters you want to smack upside the head. It was a good read though. May just have to keep reading the Last Chance, Inc. series.
May 27, 2020
One of the things that makes this book five stars is the fact that the author keeps heroine FBI profiler Madison smart and able to take care of herself throughout the book. No sudden loss of brainpower/damsel-in-distress syndrome here just because big, bad CIA spook Gabriel is around.
The plot was interesting and held my attention.
One complaint: the usual "You are the love of my life after three days" character line. In this instance, it does a major disservice to the two otherwise very believable characters. Fortunately in this book, it doesn't detract from the otherwise kick-butt story line.
The plot was interesting and held my attention.
One complaint: the usual "You are the love of my life after three days" character line. In this instance, it does a major disservice to the two otherwise very believable characters. Fortunately in this book, it doesn't detract from the otherwise kick-butt story line.
November 18, 2023
Madison Harper, FBI profiler, is pulled off her cases to co-head a task force investigating a series of the murder of some high power people. Gabriel Roarke, CIA operative, is her co-head. He recruits 2 members, and she pulls in one. The investigation starts with 6 suspicious murders and grows. The clock is ticking as death mounts. There are power struggles, betrayals, and mistrust within the group and a romance between the leads. It is a well plotted thriller, but nothing to set it apart from the genre. For this genre I like something a little more unique to rate it higher.
in-collection-already
May 8, 20205/7/20 currently free in Dangerous to Love: Ten Novels of Romantic Suspense
boxset
https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Love...
boxset https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Love...
May 20, 2020
I couldn’t really get into this story. I did read the first ten chapters before I started skipping through the rest of the chapters. I just do think I connected with the international business aspect of the story. Dee did establish some very strong character representations early on.
July 16, 2020
I read this as part of the Dangerous to Love anthology. I really enjoyed the suspense and action in this story. Likeable leads and side characters. First time I have read anything by this author, I will look for more.
August 4, 2024
Book one of the series started a little slow, but once you get into the story, it's good. Task force of FBI, CIA,and other top operatives. Drama,mystery, and a bit of romance. Did not guess who did it before the reveal.
July 28, 2025
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I loved the wide variety of character backgrounds and roles in this book. There were lots of twists and turns and had me stumped for the majority of the book. I can't wait to read the next one.
May 9, 2017
Fun mystery...
Will keep you guessing until the end. Plenty of drama and a bit of romance. Of course its fantasy but had a good pace and the characters keep you engaged.
Will keep you guessing until the end. Plenty of drama and a bit of romance. Of course its fantasy but had a good pace and the characters keep you engaged.
February 8, 2018
Riveting
Great plotting and characters to root for. Enjoyed the ride. Lots of suspense and sizzling romance. Kept me guessing until the end.
Great plotting and characters to root for. Enjoyed the ride. Lots of suspense and sizzling romance. Kept me guessing until the end.
freebies
May 22, 2020 In boxed set - "Dangerous to Love: Ten Novels of Romantic Suspense"
May 29, 2020
It was a good book, but the spy intrigue wasn't for me. It seem to make the book boring at times.
June 23, 2020
A little frustrated with Madison. Overall a pretty good read.
June 30, 2020
Good but slow moving storyline. The characters were interesting, if they were such a good team why did it seem they were constantly circling around and not progressing. Not sure 🤔 if I’ll read more.
August 3, 2020
Good romantic suspense and series starter.
library
July 30, 20210
July 31, 2021
Oh wow had me on the edge of my seat practically from the start. Never would have guessed the ending.
Looking forward to reading more by Dee Davis
Looking forward to reading more by Dee Davis
January 21, 2022
Interesting ending but odd.
April 22, 2022
Good storyline, terrible romance. Love when the team go into action. Hate when Madison had to prove herself again just because men are small minded when it comes to women doing a 'man's' jobs.
June 3, 2024
Well written and surprising but did not really connect with the characters.
March 12, 2025
A good read. I'll have to read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews