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A-Tac #7
Dire Distraction
As the commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Avery Solomon is the best of the best. He'll stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his team, but when a mystery from the past resurfaces, he puts himself directly in the line of fire.
Pushed too far.
After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife's death fourteen years ago-until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery's wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence-only to find himself captured by desire . . .
Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sydney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth -- and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . . .
Pushed too far.
After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife's death fourteen years ago-until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery's wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence-only to find himself captured by desire . . .
Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sydney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth -- and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . . .
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
17 people are currently reading
389 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 37 reviews
May 20, 2013
Ok, this is me complaining.. Oh not about the book but about why I have never heard of this series before.. Seriously I came into this series in the friggin SEVENTH book!! And I think it is probably the last one.. grrrrrrrrrrr I am totally and completely irked.. *steps down from soapbox and returns to the regularly scheduled review*
Have you read Dee Davis? Have you managed to bask in her brilliance? If not, you are gonna have the same reaction I did.. How did I miss this author?? How did I miss this series? And how soon can I get the rest of her books?
To set the scene.. A-TAC is a black OPS team for the CIA.. and when not going out on assignments the entire team works for Sunderland College in one capacity or another. "A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty," I am not sure if the team was working on this same OP throughout the series but the way Dire Distraction was written I am gonna say yes.. Or at least layers of it. Each OP bringing the team closer and closer to cutting of the head of the consortium.. piece by piece untangling the knot.
Avery Solomon is the team leader and a man others would walk through fire for. He is dedicated, honest and loyal the real deal.. Never leave a man behind mentality.. When he finds a picture of his deceased wife (dead 14 years) and his partner from that same time he his honor bound to go and find them. To see if she is really alive or actually dead. Since it is in all honestly a personal mission he can not depend on his team to see him through.
Sydney Price, daughter of a school teacher and a village girl.. ok, so the school teacher grew up to be an ambassador.. She is now a trained agent herself and has been stationed in "the Golden Triangle" where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all come together for several years and has been there long enough to be considered almost a native. Doesn't hurt of course that her mother was.. When orders come down that she is to drop everything and transport a big wig to his destination she does just that.. Who knew she would be leading the best of the best and not just some suit.
As these two travel up the river and their plans go to hell in a handbasket faster than fast.. the one thing they discover is despite the rain and the humidity things are gonna go up in smoke between them very very soon. This leaves Avery in a quandary...I mean seriously the man thinks his wife might be alive! but it's been 14 years and old feelings are being replaced by new ones..
For Sydney the attraction is more than terrifying.. falling for a married man? Falling for a man who is there to find his missing wife? A woman he is so dedicated to he is still seeking answers after FOURTEEN friggin years? Yeah tough choices and yet the heart wants what the heart wants..
Together they manage to make their way into the interior and find a way to ask some questions but even in while in the compound of a local drug lord (aka Avery's ex partner) things are not what they seem. Betrayal, denial and in an odd way old friendships are all tangling together causing Avery and Sidney to have to fight their way in and out.. and that's only half of the story... *grins* you honestly thought I was gonna tell the rest?
Tense, exciting, exhilarating, this book has so much to tell and packs that powerful punch of a true suspense novel. Steeped in CIA Lore their paranoid delusions have paranoid delusions.. I do have questions though.. Why was it so easy for the bad guys to gather information and the good guys couldn't get a grasp on things? Why does Avery only know the names of who he is looking for when they are dead? I know if I had been able to read the first books, well first, many of these questions would have been answered. But even reading out of order like I did.. This book was a GREAT READ!! Guess I am adding the rest of the series to my list of books to be purchased once I break that piggy bank's back!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Dire Distraction provided by netgalley and scheduled for release on June 4, 2013
Have you read Dee Davis? Have you managed to bask in her brilliance? If not, you are gonna have the same reaction I did.. How did I miss this author?? How did I miss this series? And how soon can I get the rest of her books?
To set the scene.. A-TAC is a black OPS team for the CIA.. and when not going out on assignments the entire team works for Sunderland College in one capacity or another. "A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty," I am not sure if the team was working on this same OP throughout the series but the way Dire Distraction was written I am gonna say yes.. Or at least layers of it. Each OP bringing the team closer and closer to cutting of the head of the consortium.. piece by piece untangling the knot.
Avery Solomon is the team leader and a man others would walk through fire for. He is dedicated, honest and loyal the real deal.. Never leave a man behind mentality.. When he finds a picture of his deceased wife (dead 14 years) and his partner from that same time he his honor bound to go and find them. To see if she is really alive or actually dead. Since it is in all honestly a personal mission he can not depend on his team to see him through.
Sydney Price, daughter of a school teacher and a village girl.. ok, so the school teacher grew up to be an ambassador.. She is now a trained agent herself and has been stationed in "the Golden Triangle" where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all come together for several years and has been there long enough to be considered almost a native. Doesn't hurt of course that her mother was.. When orders come down that she is to drop everything and transport a big wig to his destination she does just that.. Who knew she would be leading the best of the best and not just some suit.
As these two travel up the river and their plans go to hell in a handbasket faster than fast.. the one thing they discover is despite the rain and the humidity things are gonna go up in smoke between them very very soon. This leaves Avery in a quandary...I mean seriously the man thinks his wife might be alive! but it's been 14 years and old feelings are being replaced by new ones..
For Sydney the attraction is more than terrifying.. falling for a married man? Falling for a man who is there to find his missing wife? A woman he is so dedicated to he is still seeking answers after FOURTEEN friggin years? Yeah tough choices and yet the heart wants what the heart wants..
Together they manage to make their way into the interior and find a way to ask some questions but even in while in the compound of a local drug lord (aka Avery's ex partner) things are not what they seem. Betrayal, denial and in an odd way old friendships are all tangling together causing Avery and Sidney to have to fight their way in and out.. and that's only half of the story... *grins* you honestly thought I was gonna tell the rest?
Tense, exciting, exhilarating, this book has so much to tell and packs that powerful punch of a true suspense novel. Steeped in CIA Lore their paranoid delusions have paranoid delusions.. I do have questions though.. Why was it so easy for the bad guys to gather information and the good guys couldn't get a grasp on things? Why does Avery only know the names of who he is looking for when they are dead? I know if I had been able to read the first books, well first, many of these questions would have been answered. But even reading out of order like I did.. This book was a GREAT READ!! Guess I am adding the rest of the series to my list of books to be purchased once I break that piggy bank's back!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Dire Distraction provided by netgalley and scheduled for release on June 4, 2013
June 10, 2013
As the seventh book in the series, it would be best to read this book after the others. Their nemesis has spent the past seven books trying to take down A-Tac and things are finally all tied up. It was a little confusing to follow what had happened in the past without better background.
The plot seemed rushed. Avery and Sydney's love developed very quickly. Especially, considering they met when when Avery was on a mission to find out if his wife, who had been missing for 14 years, was secretly alive. The team also determines the mastermind somewhat easily when they've been unable to determine it for so long before this.
The plot seemed rushed. Avery and Sydney's love developed very quickly. Especially, considering they met when when Avery was on a mission to find out if his wife, who had been missing for 14 years, was secretly alive. The team also determines the mastermind somewhat easily when they've been unable to determine it for so long before this.
June 3, 2013
"Yeah, well, there aren't really any truly good guys, are there?"
"I don't know about that...I just think one has to choose one's heroes carefully."
"So you really believe in heroes?"
"I work with them everyday."
I was intrigued by this story since I was teased by it at the end of Double Danger. It started with a picture. Could Avery's wife really still be alive fourteen years after she supposedly died?
This possibility sends Avery(leader of the CIA black ops group A-Tac) to Southeast Asia without the back up of his team. His only help is Sydney who is an operative that has been working in the area for several years as a wilderness guide gathering intel on the drug cartels and players in the area. Neither was what the other expected. Sydney is feisty, smart and fearless. She wants to do what is right even if it puts her in danger. She has been a loner for the most part and is not used to trusting someone. She has lost loved ones to this war and does intend on losing more. She does not want to be affected by Avery and knows it is not smart...but is helpless to fight it.
And push come to shove, she was every bit as much a warrior as he was. Strength wan't only about size. It was about the entire package. And bottom line, she was at the top of her game. Which was totally contradicted by the fact that the man's mere presence had completely gobsmacked her.
Avery is a resourceful, honest, tough and intelligent alpha male. He has not allowed himself to really feel love except for his A-Tac family since his wife's death. He cannot help but respect Sydney and feel protective of her. But he is on a journey to find out if his wife is alive and discover the secrets surrounding the situation. He does not need distractions.
She might not believe in heroes, but if there were such a thing, she was pretty damn certain that Avery Solomon would make the cut.
Their adventure is full of danger. They brave the elements, multiple dangerous forces, life endangering situations, and conspiracies. They have no choice but to work together and trust each other to stay alive. All along the mystery intensifies. And so does their mutual respect and attraction.
Here in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by enemies, with the questions of Evangeline's fate hanging in the balance, he was holding another woman, one who not only intrigued him but touched him on a level he'd forgotten even existed.
Is Evangeline alive and living with Avery's former friend who has turned to the dark side? Is this just all a big trap set by the Consortium to bring down Avery and A-Tac?
And even once some secrets are told and mysteries revealed, there is still more danger to come for Avery and Sydney. Both of them have enemies and many people have agendas that might want to bring them down. It is a race to discover who is really running the game and why it seems personal. And to try to keep them all safe in the process.
This was an enjoyable romantic suspense read with an easy flowing style, likable characters, and enough mystery to keep you intrigued. I really liked Avery and Sydney. They were both strong, determined, and loyal. I liked having multiple points of view. I enjoyed seeing some members of the A-Tac team from previous stories. This team of men and women are more than friends or co-workers, they are a family. Even though this is the 7th book in the series, enough history is provided to understand the connections even if you have not have read all of the other books and it could be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Dee Davis, Netgalley, and Hachette/Grand Central Publishing/Forever for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim on release date of June 4, 2013.
"I don't know about that...I just think one has to choose one's heroes carefully."
"So you really believe in heroes?"
"I work with them everyday."
I was intrigued by this story since I was teased by it at the end of Double Danger. It started with a picture. Could Avery's wife really still be alive fourteen years after she supposedly died?
This possibility sends Avery(leader of the CIA black ops group A-Tac) to Southeast Asia without the back up of his team. His only help is Sydney who is an operative that has been working in the area for several years as a wilderness guide gathering intel on the drug cartels and players in the area. Neither was what the other expected. Sydney is feisty, smart and fearless. She wants to do what is right even if it puts her in danger. She has been a loner for the most part and is not used to trusting someone. She has lost loved ones to this war and does intend on losing more. She does not want to be affected by Avery and knows it is not smart...but is helpless to fight it.
And push come to shove, she was every bit as much a warrior as he was. Strength wan't only about size. It was about the entire package. And bottom line, she was at the top of her game. Which was totally contradicted by the fact that the man's mere presence had completely gobsmacked her.
Avery is a resourceful, honest, tough and intelligent alpha male. He has not allowed himself to really feel love except for his A-Tac family since his wife's death. He cannot help but respect Sydney and feel protective of her. But he is on a journey to find out if his wife is alive and discover the secrets surrounding the situation. He does not need distractions.
She might not believe in heroes, but if there were such a thing, she was pretty damn certain that Avery Solomon would make the cut.
Their adventure is full of danger. They brave the elements, multiple dangerous forces, life endangering situations, and conspiracies. They have no choice but to work together and trust each other to stay alive. All along the mystery intensifies. And so does their mutual respect and attraction.
Here in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by enemies, with the questions of Evangeline's fate hanging in the balance, he was holding another woman, one who not only intrigued him but touched him on a level he'd forgotten even existed.
Is Evangeline alive and living with Avery's former friend who has turned to the dark side? Is this just all a big trap set by the Consortium to bring down Avery and A-Tac?
And even once some secrets are told and mysteries revealed, there is still more danger to come for Avery and Sydney. Both of them have enemies and many people have agendas that might want to bring them down. It is a race to discover who is really running the game and why it seems personal. And to try to keep them all safe in the process.
This was an enjoyable romantic suspense read with an easy flowing style, likable characters, and enough mystery to keep you intrigued. I really liked Avery and Sydney. They were both strong, determined, and loyal. I liked having multiple points of view. I enjoyed seeing some members of the A-Tac team from previous stories. This team of men and women are more than friends or co-workers, they are a family. Even though this is the 7th book in the series, enough history is provided to understand the connections even if you have not have read all of the other books and it could be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Dee Davis, Netgalley, and Hachette/Grand Central Publishing/Forever for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim on release date of June 4, 2013.
May 25, 2013
I know it seems like I’m gushing a bit, and maybe the giddy girl crush I’ve had on Avery a while is a part of it, but honestly this was a great read, though certainly shorter than I would have liked. The adventure Avery and Sydney find themselves on is full of excitement, thrills, and close calls that would make any mystery reader fall in love. The relationship that builds between Sydney and Avery, transforming from an enforced trust between colleagues to the deep love of true soul mates is enough to make any woman’s heart flutter. And finally seeing A-Tac solve the great mystery that is the Consortium was a wonderful way to end a series that has grabbed me by the heart and mind since the beginning. If you’ve never read a Dee Davis or specifically an A-Tac novel now is the time. You’ll find yourself immersed in a subculture that is so often overlooked by average citizens, but you’ll be reminded that no matter how over-the-top heroic anyone is, at their base they are just people and need love in their lives as much as the rest of us. Cannot wait for whatever is next for Dee, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for her newest release.
Rating: 4.5 stars
for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
Rating: 4.5 stars
for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
June 9, 2013
Loved the series, but felt like the story could have been better. Seemed really rushed and which made the love story unbelievable.
July 20, 2017
Great ending for the series.
September 27, 2013
First reviewed at Red Hot Books: http://redhotbooks.com/2013/06/review...
Avery Solomon is the leader of A-Tac, a black-ops division of the CIA that uses their jobs at a university as their cover. He has saved countless numbers of people but still harbours a lot of guilt over the death of his wife 14 years ago in a car bomb in Iraq. During a mission in Afghanistan, a computer hard drive is recovered which produces what appears to be a photograph of his wife with a calendar behind her indicating that she is in fact still alive. Solomon sets off for Southeast Asia without the back-up of his team, on a quest to find out the truth. There he teams up with Sydney Price, an undercover operative who poses as a wilderness guide.
I had read the first two books of this series and then for whatever reason did not keep up with it. After reading this installment I cannot remember why! Sparks fly right off the bat between Avery and Sydney, but considering he is on a mission to find out if his wife is alive, they are slow to act on it. While journeying through the jungle, we find out plenty of background information on both characters and together they begin to heal some of their old wounds.
Sydney is the type of female heroine that I love – she’s strong, can kick some ass and she knows it. That being said she does have a soft side and insecurities that we all deal with. Her views on love are fairly negative as she grew up in a home where her parents were utterly in love and devoted to each other, which resulted in a very lonely childhood for her. She convinces herself that she enjoys her solo life, not relying on anyone, but after witnessing the closeness between Solomon and his team, her outlook starts to change. I was also happy to see that Avery didn’t turn into a macho, domineering man who demanded that Sydney give up what she loved to do, all in the name of keeping her safe. He has confidence in her abilities and this raised him up several notches in my opinion.
I liked that the connection between Avery and Sydney wasn’t fast tracked because it wouldn’t have fit with their back stories. It also made it more believable once they finally did act on the attraction. I also liked that A-Tac welcomed Sydney into the fold without being difficult or giving her a hard time. Even though I haven’t kept up with the series I was able to pick up this book and get right into the story with no problems. That being said, I definitely plan to go back and catch up on all that I missed with this team. If you like a fast paced story, strong heroine, ultimate “good guy”, and hot romance I definitely recommend this one!
Rating: B+
Avery Solomon is the leader of A-Tac, a black-ops division of the CIA that uses their jobs at a university as their cover. He has saved countless numbers of people but still harbours a lot of guilt over the death of his wife 14 years ago in a car bomb in Iraq. During a mission in Afghanistan, a computer hard drive is recovered which produces what appears to be a photograph of his wife with a calendar behind her indicating that she is in fact still alive. Solomon sets off for Southeast Asia without the back-up of his team, on a quest to find out the truth. There he teams up with Sydney Price, an undercover operative who poses as a wilderness guide.
I had read the first two books of this series and then for whatever reason did not keep up with it. After reading this installment I cannot remember why! Sparks fly right off the bat between Avery and Sydney, but considering he is on a mission to find out if his wife is alive, they are slow to act on it. While journeying through the jungle, we find out plenty of background information on both characters and together they begin to heal some of their old wounds.
Sydney is the type of female heroine that I love – she’s strong, can kick some ass and she knows it. That being said she does have a soft side and insecurities that we all deal with. Her views on love are fairly negative as she grew up in a home where her parents were utterly in love and devoted to each other, which resulted in a very lonely childhood for her. She convinces herself that she enjoys her solo life, not relying on anyone, but after witnessing the closeness between Solomon and his team, her outlook starts to change. I was also happy to see that Avery didn’t turn into a macho, domineering man who demanded that Sydney give up what she loved to do, all in the name of keeping her safe. He has confidence in her abilities and this raised him up several notches in my opinion.
I liked that the connection between Avery and Sydney wasn’t fast tracked because it wouldn’t have fit with their back stories. It also made it more believable once they finally did act on the attraction. I also liked that A-Tac welcomed Sydney into the fold without being difficult or giving her a hard time. Even though I haven’t kept up with the series I was able to pick up this book and get right into the story with no problems. That being said, I definitely plan to go back and catch up on all that I missed with this team. If you like a fast paced story, strong heroine, ultimate “good guy”, and hot romance I definitely recommend this one!
Rating: B+
June 4, 2013
My Review:
This is one of those series that I've read from the very beginning. I love these operatives that work under the guise of normal college professors...seriously, I LOVE THAT and would love to know that there's a true Sunderland College somewhere with cool black-ops operatives running things. Seriously, can you imagine sitting in those classes with a hot alpha hero running the class? I'm sure my grades would have been much better in college. LOL, but I'm getting sidetracked by the fantasy here.
This book is about Avery...head of A-Tac and dean of the college. Fourteen years ago, his wife died and he's never truly been involved with anyone else since. He's the true loner/confirmed bachelor of this group. But when intel shows up that shows a photo of his dead wife with his former partner, he suddenly finds himself chases down leads he never expected...with a fellow operative that he never saw coming.
Sydney is an operative who's been undercover in Laos/Myanmar for several years. She works alone simply because she doesn't work well with others. She's extremely independent and competent, but she knows Avery by reputation and is actually excited to have the opportunity to work with him.
Like with most romance novels, Sydney and Avery have an instant connection, but in this book, that's a bit complicated by the fact that Avery's wife may still be alive...plus they are on a dangerous mission. There was a great romantic build-up...as a reader, you can feel the tension between them, but nothing happens (not even a kiss) for a really large portion of the book. I liked that because it made it all the sweeter when it did happen.
The great thing about this book is that we finally have Avery's HEA. He's been in all the novels and it was so gratifying to see they guy who the whole team loves find happiness. Avery is a character that you fall for just because he's truly a good guy. He'd lay his life down for any member of his team and you can't help but fall in love with him. I really liked that Avery was also a CIA operative. She completely understands AND can hold her own in his world. They were a great match and reading this book made me happy.
This book is #7 in the series and I have a feeling it's the last, just because it's Avery's book. I really, truly hope it's not though. I'll be honest, I teared up when I got to the epilogue. I don't want this series to end. It's a really good one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is one of those series that I've read from the very beginning. I love these operatives that work under the guise of normal college professors...seriously, I LOVE THAT and would love to know that there's a true Sunderland College somewhere with cool black-ops operatives running things. Seriously, can you imagine sitting in those classes with a hot alpha hero running the class? I'm sure my grades would have been much better in college. LOL, but I'm getting sidetracked by the fantasy here.
This book is about Avery...head of A-Tac and dean of the college. Fourteen years ago, his wife died and he's never truly been involved with anyone else since. He's the true loner/confirmed bachelor of this group. But when intel shows up that shows a photo of his dead wife with his former partner, he suddenly finds himself chases down leads he never expected...with a fellow operative that he never saw coming.
Sydney is an operative who's been undercover in Laos/Myanmar for several years. She works alone simply because she doesn't work well with others. She's extremely independent and competent, but she knows Avery by reputation and is actually excited to have the opportunity to work with him.
Like with most romance novels, Sydney and Avery have an instant connection, but in this book, that's a bit complicated by the fact that Avery's wife may still be alive...plus they are on a dangerous mission. There was a great romantic build-up...as a reader, you can feel the tension between them, but nothing happens (not even a kiss) for a really large portion of the book. I liked that because it made it all the sweeter when it did happen.
The great thing about this book is that we finally have Avery's HEA. He's been in all the novels and it was so gratifying to see they guy who the whole team loves find happiness. Avery is a character that you fall for just because he's truly a good guy. He'd lay his life down for any member of his team and you can't help but fall in love with him. I really liked that Avery was also a CIA operative. She completely understands AND can hold her own in his world. They were a great match and reading this book made me happy.
This book is #7 in the series and I have a feeling it's the last, just because it's Avery's book. I really, truly hope it's not though. I'll be honest, I teared up when I got to the epilogue. I don't want this series to end. It's a really good one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2013
Avery goes in search of the truth behind his wife's death. As part of his trip he is assigned Sydney as a guide. Sydney, a strong-minded agent living abroad, is determined to get Avery to his destination. What neither of them is expecting is to find a connection with each other that makes them question their lives until that point and affect their decisions from the moment from there on out.
After reading Double Danger , the previous book in the series, I was curious to know more about Avery. He came across as a strong, alpha-male who cared for his team and treated them as family. I wanted to know more about him and see how genuine that caring side was. I knew a little bit about his past, but was surprised about what it all entailed. Dee Davis did a wonderful job in bringing both the strong, alpha-male and the vulnerable sides of Avery to the page. He was capable, quick to act under pressure, understanding and tender. And yes, he was sexy and dominant and had all of those qualities I look for in a hero.
I liked this story very much. My only complaint and the reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is the fact that the romance part of the story felt rushed. Avery has not though about engaging in a relationship in 14 years, but he falls in love with Sydney within a week? That was a little hard for me to swallow. I did however overlooked it to focus in the complexity of the characters, the emotions that were brought to the page and how the author brought the series to a close.
The writing was engaging with great action sequences and interesting twist and turns. The conflict continues right from where the previous book left off, with the Consortium still behind all the madness. However, what made this such an riveting read was the fact that it involved Avery's former partner and friend, his wife's death and his newly awakened desire for a future with Sydney. Maybe it's because I haven't read the first books that I found Avery' story so fascinating, but I enjoyed it very much.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange on my honest opinion.
After reading Double Danger , the previous book in the series, I was curious to know more about Avery. He came across as a strong, alpha-male who cared for his team and treated them as family. I wanted to know more about him and see how genuine that caring side was. I knew a little bit about his past, but was surprised about what it all entailed. Dee Davis did a wonderful job in bringing both the strong, alpha-male and the vulnerable sides of Avery to the page. He was capable, quick to act under pressure, understanding and tender. And yes, he was sexy and dominant and had all of those qualities I look for in a hero.
I liked this story very much. My only complaint and the reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is the fact that the romance part of the story felt rushed. Avery has not though about engaging in a relationship in 14 years, but he falls in love with Sydney within a week? That was a little hard for me to swallow. I did however overlooked it to focus in the complexity of the characters, the emotions that were brought to the page and how the author brought the series to a close.
The writing was engaging with great action sequences and interesting twist and turns. The conflict continues right from where the previous book left off, with the Consortium still behind all the madness. However, what made this such an riveting read was the fact that it involved Avery's former partner and friend, his wife's death and his newly awakened desire for a future with Sydney. Maybe it's because I haven't read the first books that I found Avery' story so fascinating, but I enjoyed it very much.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange on my honest opinion.
August 19, 2013
Dire Distraction is book 7 in the long running A-Tac series and readers finally get some closure to the series story ARC and Avery finally gets his HEA. This book was one that was a long time coming…maybe too long because I found the ending too easily achieved.
For quite awhile I have rode this train, each book saying the same thing…for a mastermind the criminal element was lacking. It seemed to limp along in each book, barely functioning and I wondered, how the hell had they not caught the leader of The Consortium yet? Why was this so difficult? I mean the guys at the helm were constantly screwing up. Now with the leader, Micheal, having acknowledged his personal vendetta against A-Tac and Avery in particular, I figured that this was it. We’d finally get some closure and let this series go. Hopefully I am correct.
When A-Tac finally figures out who has been yanking their chains for all this time and catch up with them, it’s all over fairly easily. I didn’t find it suspenseful in any way and thought that the protagonist wasn’t very well done. We get his back story but not once did I find myself worried. He just wasn’t big and bad enough for me. He had all his minions doing his dirty work for him so his only strength seemed to be in getting other people to work for him. He needed to be more hands on, more sadistic…more scary. The crescendo wasn’t nearly big enough for a closing book.
The romance between Avery and Sydney seemed to be an afterthought to the author. This was mostly a black ops story with the romance added in to satisfy the “romantic suspense” genre. It took quite a long time for either Avery or Sydney to acknowledge their attraction, mainly because Avery was grappling with the idea that after many years his wife might not actually be dead as he believed. This created a wedge between the characters that was hard to surpass. It’s hard to create a budding romance with a ghost in between the characters. As a result Avery and Sydney go from nothing to “I love you” in record time and I found it completely unbelievable.
I think, at the end of the day, I was just hoping for more. I felt there were avenues that could have been better executed and a romance that could be better evolved.
I give Dire Distraction by Dee Davis 2.75 stars
For quite awhile I have rode this train, each book saying the same thing…for a mastermind the criminal element was lacking. It seemed to limp along in each book, barely functioning and I wondered, how the hell had they not caught the leader of The Consortium yet? Why was this so difficult? I mean the guys at the helm were constantly screwing up. Now with the leader, Micheal, having acknowledged his personal vendetta against A-Tac and Avery in particular, I figured that this was it. We’d finally get some closure and let this series go. Hopefully I am correct.
When A-Tac finally figures out who has been yanking their chains for all this time and catch up with them, it’s all over fairly easily. I didn’t find it suspenseful in any way and thought that the protagonist wasn’t very well done. We get his back story but not once did I find myself worried. He just wasn’t big and bad enough for me. He had all his minions doing his dirty work for him so his only strength seemed to be in getting other people to work for him. He needed to be more hands on, more sadistic…more scary. The crescendo wasn’t nearly big enough for a closing book.
The romance between Avery and Sydney seemed to be an afterthought to the author. This was mostly a black ops story with the romance added in to satisfy the “romantic suspense” genre. It took quite a long time for either Avery or Sydney to acknowledge their attraction, mainly because Avery was grappling with the idea that after many years his wife might not actually be dead as he believed. This created a wedge between the characters that was hard to surpass. It’s hard to create a budding romance with a ghost in between the characters. As a result Avery and Sydney go from nothing to “I love you” in record time and I found it completely unbelievable.
I think, at the end of the day, I was just hoping for more. I felt there were avenues that could have been better executed and a romance that could be better evolved.
I give Dire Distraction by Dee Davis 2.75 stars
October 18, 2013
I really love romantic suspense. When I picked up Davis last year I was instantly in love with the way she wove the two together and pulled me into an action packed sexy read. So I was really excited to see another addition to the series. Unfortunately, Dire Distraction didn't do much for me.
Things kicks off with the A-Tac team discovering a recent photo of their team leader Avery's wife. The only problem is she died over a decade ago...or so he thought. His search for the truth leads him to Asia and to an undercover guide, Sydney--a woman he's undeniably attracted to and who will help him track down his rogue ex-partner and the answers he desperately desires.
There was nothing really wrong with Dire Distraction. It's well written. There's action, mystery and danger mixed with likable characters, a bit of sex and a scorching hot cover. But it was missing...something and just fell a bit flat and felt unfinished to me. There was never that 'wow' factor with either facet of the story. The romance felt like an afterthought and moved from meeting and escaping a few dangers to a night of sex and instant I love yous in a matter of days. The two were good together but felt more like team mates than a couple in love. And the suspense, while it had a couple make your palm sweat moments, led to an incredibly anticlimactic resolution and too many moments where the timing was just too damn perfect and lacked enough explanations to make things believable.
So, while I really do love Davis and her writing this one didn't do anything for me. If you adore the series, yeah, I'd say read it because it's a quick read and you'll get to see how things all come together in the end. But this isn't one I'd recommend for anyone new to Davis and the A-Tac series.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
Things kicks off with the A-Tac team discovering a recent photo of their team leader Avery's wife. The only problem is she died over a decade ago...or so he thought. His search for the truth leads him to Asia and to an undercover guide, Sydney--a woman he's undeniably attracted to and who will help him track down his rogue ex-partner and the answers he desperately desires.
There was nothing really wrong with Dire Distraction. It's well written. There's action, mystery and danger mixed with likable characters, a bit of sex and a scorching hot cover. But it was missing...something and just fell a bit flat and felt unfinished to me. There was never that 'wow' factor with either facet of the story. The romance felt like an afterthought and moved from meeting and escaping a few dangers to a night of sex and instant I love yous in a matter of days. The two were good together but felt more like team mates than a couple in love. And the suspense, while it had a couple make your palm sweat moments, led to an incredibly anticlimactic resolution and too many moments where the timing was just too damn perfect and lacked enough explanations to make things believable.
So, while I really do love Davis and her writing this one didn't do anything for me. If you adore the series, yeah, I'd say read it because it's a quick read and you'll get to see how things all come together in the end. But this isn't one I'd recommend for anyone new to Davis and the A-Tac series.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
June 10, 2013
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013...
A photo is uncovered .....it looks recent.....but how is that possible?
Avery Solomon, commander for A-Tac, a CIA black ops unit, is sure his wife died 14 years ago, but when no evidence of tampering can be found on this image of his wife, he is compelled to search for an answer.
Clues lead him to Southeast Asia where he meets up with Sidney Price, an operative posing as a wilderness guide. She is supposed to lead him to his former partner's compound in hostile territory and there is an instant attraction between them.
Someone is determined to stop them, however, and they narrowly escape an attack on Sidney's boat and a raid on the the compound. When the A-Tac team is able to pull them out, they manage to come away with a few answers.....and a few more questions. But this doesn't stop the relationship between Avery and Sidney from heating up.
The threat has not let up........where before it seemed only Avery was the intended target, now Sidney appears to have drawn attention as well and the team is scrambling to find out who is behind this.......and why??
After reading the Prologue, I was not sure yet. But after I had read the first chapter I was hooked.............line and sinker!
DIRE DISTRACTION is the 8th book in the "A-Tac Series", and the first book of the series I read. I will have to go back and read the 7 that went before, it was that good!!!!
Suspense won over romance, but not by much!
The suspense was an action packed, thrill ride. The romance was a simmering, mature build-up, and sparks into a hot blaze, yum!
"A-Tac Series" by Dee Davis in order:
DARK DECEPTIONS
DANGEROUS DESIRES
DESPERATE DEEDS
DARING
DEEP DISCLOSURE
DEADLY DANCE
DOUBLE DANGER
DIRE DISTRACTION
A photo is uncovered .....it looks recent.....but how is that possible?
Avery Solomon, commander for A-Tac, a CIA black ops unit, is sure his wife died 14 years ago, but when no evidence of tampering can be found on this image of his wife, he is compelled to search for an answer.
Clues lead him to Southeast Asia where he meets up with Sidney Price, an operative posing as a wilderness guide. She is supposed to lead him to his former partner's compound in hostile territory and there is an instant attraction between them.
Someone is determined to stop them, however, and they narrowly escape an attack on Sidney's boat and a raid on the the compound. When the A-Tac team is able to pull them out, they manage to come away with a few answers.....and a few more questions. But this doesn't stop the relationship between Avery and Sidney from heating up.
The threat has not let up........where before it seemed only Avery was the intended target, now Sidney appears to have drawn attention as well and the team is scrambling to find out who is behind this.......and why??
After reading the Prologue, I was not sure yet. But after I had read the first chapter I was hooked.............line and sinker!
DIRE DISTRACTION is the 8th book in the "A-Tac Series", and the first book of the series I read. I will have to go back and read the 7 that went before, it was that good!!!!
Suspense won over romance, but not by much!
The suspense was an action packed, thrill ride. The romance was a simmering, mature build-up, and sparks into a hot blaze, yum!
"A-Tac Series" by Dee Davis in order:
DARK DECEPTIONS
DANGEROUS DESIRES
DESPERATE DEEDS
DARING
DEEP DISCLOSURE
DEADLY DANCE
DOUBLE DANGER
DIRE DISTRACTION
October 11, 2013
Book Review- Dire Distraction by Dee Davis
This is Dee Davis’s newest installment of her A-Tac series. This story involves Avery, leader of A-Tac. His past is coming back to haunt him. The leader of the Consortium is gunning for him. A picture surfaces of Avery’s dead wife, and according to the picture she isn’t dead. Avery travels to Laos in search of an old friend looking to see if his wife, Evangeline, is indeed still alive. His mission is unsanctioned so he is without his team. He enlists the help of fellow CIA operative Sidney Price. She has been in the area for three years establishing her cover as a guide taking tourists down the Mekong River. They enter the dangerous world of drug cartels while searching for Avery’s past friend and possibly his dead wife. Avery knows this could be a trap set up by the Consortium but he needs to know the truth.
Sidney also has her secrets. She purposely hides who she really is and has her own agenda for finding Martin Shrum, Avery’s estranged friend. They enter a partnership to find answers. The mission takes a wrong turn when Sidney’s true identity becomes known and the Consortium tries to kidnap her along with kill Avery. They have to stay one step ahead to survive as it is revealed that the leader of the Consortium has a personal vendetta against Avery.
This story was full of suspense and non-stop action. I couldn’t put it down. This was the first book of her A-Tac series I have read. I really liked it and I will definitely be checking out the others. She writes about the great teamwork among her characters. They have a family-like atmosphere within their team. I also liked knowing the name of the villain but not really understanding why he was gunning for Avery until almost the very end. It kept the reader guessing. I give this book 4 out of 5.
This is Dee Davis’s newest installment of her A-Tac series. This story involves Avery, leader of A-Tac. His past is coming back to haunt him. The leader of the Consortium is gunning for him. A picture surfaces of Avery’s dead wife, and according to the picture she isn’t dead. Avery travels to Laos in search of an old friend looking to see if his wife, Evangeline, is indeed still alive. His mission is unsanctioned so he is without his team. He enlists the help of fellow CIA operative Sidney Price. She has been in the area for three years establishing her cover as a guide taking tourists down the Mekong River. They enter the dangerous world of drug cartels while searching for Avery’s past friend and possibly his dead wife. Avery knows this could be a trap set up by the Consortium but he needs to know the truth.
Sidney also has her secrets. She purposely hides who she really is and has her own agenda for finding Martin Shrum, Avery’s estranged friend. They enter a partnership to find answers. The mission takes a wrong turn when Sidney’s true identity becomes known and the Consortium tries to kidnap her along with kill Avery. They have to stay one step ahead to survive as it is revealed that the leader of the Consortium has a personal vendetta against Avery.
This story was full of suspense and non-stop action. I couldn’t put it down. This was the first book of her A-Tac series I have read. I really liked it and I will definitely be checking out the others. She writes about the great teamwork among her characters. They have a family-like atmosphere within their team. I also liked knowing the name of the villain but not really understanding why he was gunning for Avery until almost the very end. It kept the reader guessing. I give this book 4 out of 5.
Want to read
January 18, 2014Dire Distraction - A-TAC #7 - (Avery and Sydney)
As the commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Avery Solomon is the best of the best. He'll stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his team, but when a mystery from the past resurfaces, he puts himself directly in the line of fire.
PUSHED TOO FAR
After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife's death fourteen years ago-until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery's wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence-only to find himself captured by desire . . .
Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sydney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth-and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . .
As the commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Avery Solomon is the best of the best. He'll stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his team, but when a mystery from the past resurfaces, he puts himself directly in the line of fire.
PUSHED TOO FAR
After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife's death fourteen years ago-until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery's wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence-only to find himself captured by desire . . .
Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sydney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth-and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . .
June 29, 2013
A blast from the past leads Avery, the leader of an undercover CIA team, to travel to Southeast Asia without the aid of his team. After his wife's death fourteen years ago Avery has led a bachelor's life and focused his energy on being an effective team leader for A-Tac. His comfortable existence is blown away when a picture of his wife and his former partner surfaced from last year he immediately decides to investige the validity of the picture. His partner on the adventure is Sydney, an undercover CIA agent who is stationed in the area.
Although the chemistry is there between Avery and Sydney from the beginning their relationship is complicated by the fact that there is a mystery surrounding his wife's death. Avery presented himself as a tough as nails operative trying to wade his way through the blurred lines that exist between his personal and professional life. Sydney is a take no prisoners CIA agent who has to learn how to work with a partner, especially one she is falling for. There journey to find the answers leads to new discoveries while neatly wrapping up Dee Davis' A-Tac series.
Reviewed by Lucy for Cocktails and Books
Although the chemistry is there between Avery and Sydney from the beginning their relationship is complicated by the fact that there is a mystery surrounding his wife's death. Avery presented himself as a tough as nails operative trying to wade his way through the blurred lines that exist between his personal and professional life. Sydney is a take no prisoners CIA agent who has to learn how to work with a partner, especially one she is falling for. There journey to find the answers leads to new discoveries while neatly wrapping up Dee Davis' A-Tac series.
Reviewed by Lucy for Cocktails and Books
August 1, 2013
Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 3 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Heather
In the seventh book in the A-Tac series, Avery the “commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty”, has lived with the guilt of losing his wife 14 years ago. Sydney, a Wilderness Guide, has also lost someone she cared about. Neither is what the other expects, when they’re teamed together.
But with the possibility of Avery’s wife still alive, he can’t just let it go. Not even when it screams setup.
If you enjoy contemporary romance with strong characters than you’ll enjoy this read. I would’ve enjoyed more weakness from Sydney in the beginning of the story, but she’s likable character that grew on me as the book progressed. Avery’s pretty cut and dry but I like his dedication to not only Sydney but to his team. I’m definitely looking forward to going back and catching up with the rest of the series!
Rating: 3 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Heather
In the seventh book in the A-Tac series, Avery the “commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty”, has lived with the guilt of losing his wife 14 years ago. Sydney, a Wilderness Guide, has also lost someone she cared about. Neither is what the other expects, when they’re teamed together.
But with the possibility of Avery’s wife still alive, he can’t just let it go. Not even when it screams setup.
If you enjoy contemporary romance with strong characters than you’ll enjoy this read. I would’ve enjoyed more weakness from Sydney in the beginning of the story, but she’s likable character that grew on me as the book progressed. Avery’s pretty cut and dry but I like his dedication to not only Sydney but to his team. I’m definitely looking forward to going back and catching up with the rest of the series!
June 13, 2013
Great wrap up to all the loose ends that have been on going through out the series. It is sad that this is the last of A-Tac but we finally got Avery’s story.
The mystery of who was running the Consortium and Avery’s wife’s death are finally revealed. After 14 years of mourning his wife a picture is found that makes it look like she is alive. Even though Avery is pretty sure it’s the Consortium messing with A-Tac again he has to follow the lead to be sure. This leads him to Asia where he is paired up Sydney Price who is an undercover CIA agent. Many other mysteries of Avery’s life are explained and resolved while he and Sydney manage to escape attempt after attempt on their lives all while fighting there growing attraction to each other.
There was plenty of edge of your seat moments and it was great to see Avery finally get his HEA.
The mystery of who was running the Consortium and Avery’s wife’s death are finally revealed. After 14 years of mourning his wife a picture is found that makes it look like she is alive. Even though Avery is pretty sure it’s the Consortium messing with A-Tac again he has to follow the lead to be sure. This leads him to Asia where he is paired up Sydney Price who is an undercover CIA agent. Many other mysteries of Avery’s life are explained and resolved while he and Sydney manage to escape attempt after attempt on their lives all while fighting there growing attraction to each other.
There was plenty of edge of your seat moments and it was great to see Avery finally get his HEA.
November 29, 2016
This was a nice conclusion to the series. After that disaster of the previous book, I held out no hope for this one. But I liked Avery, the head of A-Tac, as a romantic lead. Even though he suffered from insta-love, I didn't mind it. I was happy to see him move on from his dead wife and find happiness with someone new. Sydney was no one special but I liked her all the same. They worked well off of each other. I felt like the take down of the Consortium was rushed and didn't leave me satisfied after all of the horrible stuff the terrorist group had done. But I get that the author had to wrap this up with every single team member paired off.
June 25, 2013
An enjoyable read but not what I was hoping for. I was expecting something more intense, more intrigue, more suspense/action and one heck of a steamy romantic couple to end this series. I just felt that Avery's story didn't deliver as well as the other books in this series. The story just felt too rushed.
September 9, 2016
I love a great action packed, romantic suspense novel and this definitely qualified. This is the story of Avery Soloman, leader of the secret spec ops team, A-Tac, and Sydney Price, undercover CIA agent. Very emotional story of loss and hope for the future.
Fantastic book in this series of sexy spec ops alpha men and women. This is the last book in the A-Tac series.
Fantastic book in this series of sexy spec ops alpha men and women. This is the last book in the A-Tac series.
August 6, 2016
I love a great action packed, romantic suspense novel and this definitely qualified. This is the story of Avery Soloman, leader of the secret ops team, A-Tac, and Sydney Price, CIA agent. Very emotional story of loss and hope for the future.
Fantastic book in this series of sexy spec ops alpha men and women. This is the last book in the A-Tac series.
Fantastic book in this series of sexy spec ops alpha men and women. This is the last book in the A-Tac series.
March 2, 2015
It was enjoyable enough but seemed rather short and the romance very abrupt. They spend a day of so together travelling through the jungle before being captured. They escape with very little trouble after another day and are now in love and together. There was just too little interaction between them for it to feel real.
June 9, 2013
Excellent end to the series. Loved every single thing about this book. Consistent, attention grabbing action, a wonderfully perfect love story with an appropriate mix of emotion and romance. This book wrapped up the continuing conflict from all of the other books beautifully.
July 13, 2013
So excited we finally got to Avery's story. but does this mean the end of the Consortium and the series? Yikes! I'm not sure I'm ready for it to end.
Favorite Line: He’d arrived in the Golden Triangle looking for one woman, and in the process, fallen in love with another.
Favorite Line: He’d arrived in the Golden Triangle looking for one woman, and in the process, fallen in love with another.
September 14, 2013
Love this series! This book was good but not as much as the previous books. Much shorter with less of a story line that left me feeling a bit disconcerted and still wanting more :o
November 3, 2013
Finally an end to Martin and the havoc he was wrecking on A-TAC. Although I enjoyed the characters, they seems a bit rushed.
June 7, 2013
2 1/2 stars. This one just seemed kind of flat. Everything got wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end.
June 25, 2013
I wish it was longer!
July 9, 2013
See my full review:
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-dir...
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-dir...
February 10, 2014
WHAT A GREAT END TO THE SERIES,I LOVE AVERY'S STORY AND THE SINCE OF ACTION DRAMA AND LOVING EVERY MOMENT OF IT.
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