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Ungoverned Spaces #1

Exposing Atalanta

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SHE'S THE WORLDS DEADLIEST ASSASSIN. HE'S THE MAN HIRED TO TRACK HER DOWN.

Lea lives in the shadows. In her day job, she roams the world as one of a thousand Filipina travel nurses. But beneath her “fluffy bunny’ exterior beats the heart of a professional killer. When Callum, a former intelligence operative is hired to track her down, the sparks begin to fly.

But nothing in their world is as it appears. When their unlikely partnership threatens to dismantle a global criminal conspiracy, they discover the true villains are closer than they think.

Can Callum protect her? Can Lea overcome the sins of her past?

This is an enemies-to-lovers, reverse sunshine/grump book. It's the first of the trilogy UNGOVERNED SPACES, and depicts acts of violence, murder, drugs, graphic physical intimacy and cannot be read as a standalone. It's a book about assassins. What do you expect?

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

137 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read

About the author

Molly Briar

42 books134 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for ɢʀᴇʏッ.
195 reviews
September 10, 2024
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

wow!! this is my 1st ✍🏽𝘔𝘉 read & she did an awesome job!!

the story had a good flow, there were great characters, nice mixture of sweet, spice, & humor. strong filipino & nurse rep maked it relatable 4me🤭 so i enjoyed every bit of that...felt like home!!

given its about a professional unaliver, i xpected vı0lence...& she delivered. the shmexy parts...its like courting. takes awhile, but when u get there...its worth it!! see u in the next book!!
Profile Image for Ruby Dalegendaryreader.
703 reviews17 followers
July 8, 2025
"A man like me wouldn’t need to hide the violence that existed in the fabric of my being because she was cut from the exact same cloth."

Lea's a nurse by day and an assassin by night. She saved Callum, head of a security service, which inadvertently led him to protecting her from people who wanted revenge.

Two words: Filipina assassin.

That's it. That's all you need to know.

Jk.

I found this book recommended through my bookstagram and I was immediately sold with the idea of a Filipina assassin.

I love the Filipino representation in this book. So true. So nice to see and surely, such a great thing to read. I love Lea and her twin Leo, and their family dynamic.

Callum's a broody rich guy but he protected Lea at all costs.

Idk what more to say.

All fun and good vibes. Nothing soo groundbreaking but I had a good time.

Added an extra one star bc Filipina assassin.

Will be continuing the series bc of Lea.
Profile Image for Laynara.
186 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2025
Outstanding!

Every time I read a book by Molly it never disappoints. Dare I say I believe Callum and Lea may be one of my favorite couples so far. I love how strong headed and feisty Lea is and how Callum loves her just the way she is!
Profile Image for Mika Rayne.
Author 24 books77 followers
February 9, 2023
I got to read this book early, and I loved it! The author did a good job with the flow and character development. Lea and Leo's sibling relationship was great, and their mother was hilarious. The hero is fabulous, too. Can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Mikaela T (mikaelabooks_).
536 reviews67 followers
April 26, 2023
Brother-Sister Team meets Eat The Rich/Corrupt.

It’s giving Wanda Maximoff and her very cute brother. This assassin sibling duo take contracts all over the world. They’re the best because they don’t miss and don’t expose their involvement.

At home, they’re just Lea and Leo. Twins, traveling nurses, and devoted children of first generation filipino immigrants. Humble living and humble killing.

All that changes when a bored one-percenter takes an interest in Lea. Unfortunately for her, Callum is also the head of Caledonia Security, an international protection service with connections to the deepest pockets. They go head to head when Lea is hired to take out his charge. But don’t assign the villain just yet - nothing is as it seems.

Funny, snarky and self-reflective. Exposing Atalanta is a great addition to Molly Briar’s badass female-verse. This slow-burn has set up the next book to be the spiciest ever. Best scene: keep an eye out for their family dinners lol.

I received an advanced copy for review. This is a available on Kindle Unlimited on May 2nd 😊
Profile Image for TABATHA MERCURIO.
125 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2024
This was a great read and was my first read by this author! I will continue the series even though they are standalone.

Lea and Callum have a beautifully written story starting as stranger’s that lead to lovers! I love that there is action, murder mystery aspects, and surprises. The whole assassin vs security leader joined together as opposites that really aren’t that opposite was easy to get absorbed into.

There is character development, some spice, action, killing….just think action movies that involve government or private agencies hiring hitmen for jobs this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Bree Hawkless.
208 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2024
I loved the story line and characters, however, each chapter I spent more time trying to work out whose POV it was that I could get into the flow of the book.
183 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2023
Exposing Atalanta is the first book in a new series by Molly Briar. Being new to this author, I wasn't sure what to expect as every author seems to have a different version of what a dark mafia romance is supposed to be. Whatever her definition, I am all for it.

Lea and her twin brother Leo are travel nurses and professional assassins - saviors in the light, killers at dark. They are considered the best at what they do because they never miss, never leave a trail, and are never seen. Until a kill goes wrong and the hunters become the hunted. Being tracked by Callum MacLachlan, the man Lea didn't kill is the least of her problems as people around her aren't who they seem.

This is a book about assassins so expect some graphic content and heed the authors triggers warnings regarding murder, staged suicide and drug overdose. The sex scenes are also steamy so heed that warning as well. Having said that, if you are along for the ride, be prepared for a book about close family ties, parents who want grandbabies, killers at the dinner table, and a female lead that can hold her own.

The book ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the next two books where Lea and Callum will become secondary characters, however the main focus of their story is completed here.

Can Brett, the unwanted suitor get more annoying? Find out in Iron Rose, book two of the series, which is already out. No need to wait for more seriously kick ass female leads or the men who love them.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole Stacy.
Author 13 books14 followers
May 7, 2023
Lea is the world's deadliest a$$a$$in. Callum is hired to hunt her down when she takes down a target that he was supposed to protect. If you are looking for a kickass FMC who has no problem accepting that she is who she is, even if she doesn't like it - then Molly Briar has the books for you! Lea has loyalties to very few things, and her own code of morals, so when she comes across Callum, she makes a decision that saves his life - and puts a target on her back.

Callum is your cinnamon roll, sweet boi we all love. He's accepted his selfish behaviors, and he's not afraid to own up to his shit. When he fails and comes across Lea - he's torn. He sees in her something she's not sure even exists - and he's not afraid to take that chance, even if it puts him in danger in front of her.

It's fast paced, character driven, with a diverse cast and a clear love for mythology mixed into one amazing book. I didn't want it to be over, and I can't wait for the next one, because I NEED more of them!
Profile Image for Happyscribe.
940 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2023
Dark Mafia has a new spin - and OMG I am so here for it. The author delivers a tight balance of dark humour and deadly passion throughout, which shines through our utterly badass FMC Lea, and her twin Leo, but the spicy threads are all around Callum - who is hot on their heels!

I was utterly joyous when I read the synopsis - travelling nurses and assassins? I mean two sides of the one coin - how perfect a set up is that? And the bonus elements just keep coming - with Call bringing the spice-factor to what felt at times was a sexy episode of The Sopranos (but way better - but with the same amount of gore due to the assassin jobs - so expect graphic content around killings and also steamy scenes!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ciin_leest.
442 reviews22 followers
May 2, 2023
I loved this story about Lea and Callum so much! Lea and Callum really bring out the best in each other. Right from the start of the story you'll get sucked in and can't stop 'till you finished the book. 

And that mantra Lea had going on. "I'm soft and fluffy bunny". I laughed so hard!

I enjoyed the little sneak peeks you get from the Iron Rose story. Molly did such a great job letting the story flow and connecting both of the storylines in with her other book. But also putting an amazing storyline for Lea and Callum on the page. I loved getting the backgrounds about both of them. I can't wait to read the rest of her books, about all the other characters in the books. 

Thank you Molly Briar for the ARC to read, I left this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Iskra Dimitrova.
475 reviews27 followers
May 8, 2023
After reading Iron Rose, there's not a doubt in my mind, I'll be along for the ride, to anything written by this author.

Now, let's unpack.
I did give this 5 stars, although it didn't quite reach its potential, so overall on the story, it's 4,5 for me, spice was good, but I had no clue what to expect considering Lea's an assassin, so will she, won't she?
The sibling banter was adorable, their obvious differences left me hungry for Leo's book, I have to know how he's so... You know, chill?
Brett had me laughing, I'm sorry what? Poor Lea, having to suffer his presence, those scenes were absolute entertainment.
However, I wanted more b!oodshed, and probably a bit more on Callum's character development, something felt too familiar.

Mind you, if you read Iron Rose before this, it takes place before those events.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Whitney Gray.
272 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2024
Lea is such an amazing FMC. She is maybe 5' tall but so strong and such a bad@ss. She works with her twin brother as an @ss as in, however, she only takes jobs to handle horrible human beings. The bond between the twins is nearly tangible. Callum is a Scottish Lord, ex-military and intelligence personnel, and now owns his own personal security company. I was already familiar with this world and these characters, and man, Lea and Callum's book did not disappoint.

Lea is hired to take care of someone under the watch of Callum. When they cross paths, they know they have a connection and the two struggle with completing their jobs. I absolutely adored all of the supporting characters, especially Lea's parents.

This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers book with only a few spicy scenes, but they are delicious. Molly Briar does such a fabulous job of describing the characters and scenery; she paints such a vivid story in your mind and writes such strong characters. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and leaves you needing more of every one of these characters!

🌶️.5/5

🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
🔥Slow Burn
🔥Badass FMC
🔥FMC @ss as in
🔥Touch Her and ☠️
Profile Image for Chelsea Armstrong.
232 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If an assassin stabbed you, made sure you wouldn’t bleed out, and sent an SOS to your company, would you become obsessed with them?

Callum doesn’t know that the short, strong assailant is none other than Lea, one part of the Ferryman. The only thing he remembers from the attacker is their eyes, and the smell of Jasmine.

Lea becomes transfixed on the red haired Scottish bodyguard that she left bleeding in the hallway of a brothel. She scours the internet for any sign of his death. Why was she so interested in a man protecting her target?

Her and her twin, Leo, think they are in the clear; until dinner at their parents’ where said Scotsman is dressed as a priest, waiting for them.

This story is grand. The whole time I was wondering if they would get together or not. The spy life and the overall plot line was amazing. This is part of a duet and to see what happens next you need to read Exposing Adonis!
Profile Image for Winter.
12 reviews
May 13, 2025
The book was a breath of fresh air in the
genre of romance with a strong and morally grey female leads and male leads who don't
slut shame women they've been with

The book was fast paced and had a well written plot that knew how to hold readers interest, the charecters and their bonds also felt real and humane

The romance was incredible, the tension and chemistry between the charecters was palpable with the very first conversation, the enemies to lovers romance was well written and the way our MMC was protecting our FMC was swoon worthy and the interaction between the leads were portrayed stunningly and always left me wanting for more

The reference to Greek mythology made the book even more interesting to read, and the bond between twins was also well written with the closeness and some random synchronisation being upto the point

definitely one of my best reads this year so far
Profile Image for Carrie Lamison.
131 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2023
I got to read this amazing book early by arc read ❤️ I am so freaking glad I was able to because let me tell you I freaking loveeeee Lea and Callum’s story their characters I am in love with ❤️ Their chemistry they have I love it so much like I wanna say about the book but I am biting my younger hard as I can lol 😂 I also love the mom in this book and how Lea and Leo are ❤️❤️❤️ I can’t wait for others to read this amazing book and I am definitely recommending others to read you will love ❤️❤️❤️ Seriously can not wait to read book two lol hopefully I can soon ❤️❤️❤️ and I am recommending this book to my family who reads because Molly’s work is amazing!!! ❤️🫶🏼❤️🫶🏼
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
April 30, 2023
This is truly entertaining. I enjoyed getting to know the twins aka Ferryman Lea and her brother. Their occupation was interesting. Nursing was first with some assassinations on the side. Lea is a hot ticket but got herself in some deep trouble. Luckily Callum was on to her but knew more of her story than she realized. But some bad bad men were after her to kill her and with Callum's help she survived. Now her brother needed help and Lea had no choice but to sort of beg for Callum's help. *soft cliffhanger*. I look forward to reading the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs via BookSprouts and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Naj_ana_reads.
376 reviews18 followers
May 3, 2023
I know I say this all the time but I L.O.V.E it when there is strong female representation in the books I read. I had the opportunity to receive an advanced reader copy for this one and Molly did not disappoint! This is my second read from the author and I'm loving her writing and how she likes to portray strong females in her stories. 


This story follows Lea - a nurse by day and un-aliver for hire at night. Her contracts involve getting rid of the worst of the worst. During one of her assignments she meets Callum and oh boy, get ready for all the feels!!! 


This is a slow burn, it has action, and lots of plot! There was a twist/little revelation at towards the end that I did not see coming and that was pretty awesome. Cant wait for book 2! 
Profile Image for DyAnna Baker.
190 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2023
"Listen." I leaned ever so lightly towards Callum. He smelled so good. Earthy and woodsy. "If you're hear to kill us, leave our parents out of it. But...make sure you kill this fucking guy, too."

The assassin who fell in love with the protector! Not since ST Abbys Mindfucked Series have I found a book I loved more. The witty banter and thrilling aspect of it were a perfect blend. I wanted to the book to continue. The strength and badassness (is that even a word) of Lea is so awesome to see in a female lead. We don't get enough of that in books these days. Molly totally hit a 5 star read with this one. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Jill Golding.
28 reviews
May 15, 2025
I’m hooked. This is the first book of a series about some folks involved in some sketchy stuff. Lea & her twin brother Leo are assassins for hire who kill bad people. Callum is a Scottish Lord who runs a security firm. Lea & Callum cross paths and things start to get interesting. I loved reading about Lea’s Filipino family. She’s an engaging, bad ass FMC who’s secure in her job but a bit insecure when it comes to relationships. I love watching her evolution. She’s not a damsel in need of rescuing and she’s giving Callum a run for his money. The banter & spice are entertaining and I can’t wait to see where their story goes in the next book.
Profile Image for Cait.
86 reviews
May 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Isn’t one life saved worth all the heartache? Isn’t one morsel of good in this wasteland, one moment of justice, and a crumb of mercy worth a little of our suffering?”

This book was delightfully entertaining. Lea is a breath of fresh air as an FMC. She is a morally grey baddie who is both small and lethal. She meets her match in Callum, a security detail with a delicious Scottish accent. When Lea is hired to assassinate the man Callum is protecting, a story unfolds that will have the reader pondering the ethics of killing. This one ends on a cliff-hanger that sets up perfectly for book two - and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,889 reviews20 followers
May 3, 2023
This story was about Callum and Lea, it's unusual in that we have a female assassin in this one. Lea works with her twin and everyone believes that they are nurses who travel and devote themselves to the care of their patients.

Callum is head of Caledonia Security, an international protection service for the very rich. Lea and he met when Lea is hired to take out his latest charge. The connection between these two is great, their chemistry is palpable and together they provide us with a steamy romance.
Profile Image for BookishBarbie (Annette).
292 reviews10 followers
May 6, 2023
I had the opportunity to Beta/ARC read this book and Molly did not disappoint! This was my first ever read from the author and I love her writing and how she portrays strong females in her stories.
Lea is a nurse by day and un-aliver for hire by night. And during one of her assignments, she meets Callum and that's when things start to heat up. So get ready for the emotional rollercoaster!!

This read is a slow burn with plenty of twists and turns that I did not see coming. Can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,292 reviews13 followers
May 14, 2023
This is Book 1 in the Ungoverned Spaces Trilogy by this author. It is an enemies to lovers romance between Lea and Callum. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. It is a slow burn love story with drama and steam, danger and suspense, sexual tension and chemistry on every page. Add to that an interesting cast of supporting characters to keep the reader interested. An engaging page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly Byers.
164 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2024
This was my first time reading Molly's work and it was great! the story was well developed and it had a great mixture of suspense, humor, and spice. Both the MMC and the FMC had excellent development and pulled and pushed each other magically.

My only wish is that some of the spicy had been more spread out through the book. The characters had more of a slow burn courtship but I felt considering how great Molly does the spice that the slow burned could have edged us all a little more. overall a wonderful read! I can't wait for Gordie.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Profile Image for Elise.
99 reviews
February 1, 2024
hehehe, if you know me, you know that i love a good enemies to lovers, i also love a good dark romance. this book was such a great balance to get me out of my reading slump. the book ending on a cliff hanger just about killed me but i am determined to get the next one and read it. definitely could relate to lea the main character and callum the scottish man has my heart. will have a deeper review when i can finally get my grubby hands on the second book.

thank you kaela for the gift! definitely got me hooked on the series
Profile Image for jor.
244 reviews8 followers
May 28, 2024
This is my third Molly Briar book and the way she writes keeps me so engaged. The first thing that attracted me to this book was the tropes. I was sold with enemies to lovers but saw that she was an assassin?? I've never read a book like that and was immediately intrigued. I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this. It was the perfect amount of spice mixed with suspenseful aspects that didn't make me wanna put the book down. I'm so glad I downloaded the rest of the series and I can't wait to jump into the rest, especially Exposing Adonis!
Profile Image for Gabby Strickland.
132 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2024
Such a unique and nail biting experience!!

I loved the dynamic between the MCs and their opposite but similar personalities and situations. The FMC being a female assassin and the MMC being a protector and both of them being such badasses was so refreshing to read! Even the side characters gave a lot to the story and added to the banter throughout the book! I loved the fact that the plot was such a mystery throughout the book trying to figure out who the bad guys were, it kept my interest going for sure.

Starting book 2 like NOW

5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Profile Image for Shannon.
67 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2025
So I'm reading Ungoverned Spaces which is all 5 in the series. Exposing Atalanta started off slower than I expected but once it picked up I couldn't stop I read this and Exposing Adonis. And Lea and Callum are meant to be. I love how protective he is of her even after what she does to him. I'll bite my tongue 🤣 but the ending leaves you in a cliffhanger. Which im so glad I had the next one because I would've been trying to figure out what happens next. Lol but you'll see once you reading Exposing Adonis. Definitely a good reading and am excited to get finish the series!!
Profile Image for Christine.
10.7k reviews34 followers
May 2, 2023
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wow this was fantastic I like the characters and the plot. Callum macLachlan Is more then he seems .he also owns Caledonia securities where he meets leonora marie and her twin brother Leonard Marcus rizal bonifacio contract nurses in understaffed icu's but their main job are assassins for hire. When one of his jobs collides with his it gets very interesting.
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