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Forced Alliance
AN UNEASY PARTNERSHIP
By-the-book FBI agent Josie Gilbert has no business falling for her confidential informant, but she can't walk away. She needs this case—her career needs this case. And suave thief turned FBI asset Connor Randall is too deep in the mob syndicate to pull out now. But when the crime boss they are trying to take down becomes a target himself, Josie is forced to take Connor into hiding without blowing his cover. Now, dodging hit men and fighting a perilous attraction, she has to make a life-and-death decision. Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart…or is he working one last con?
By-the-book FBI agent Josie Gilbert has no business falling for her confidential informant, but she can't walk away. She needs this case—her career needs this case. And suave thief turned FBI asset Connor Randall is too deep in the mob syndicate to pull out now. But when the crime boss they are trying to take down becomes a target himself, Josie is forced to take Connor into hiding without blowing his cover. Now, dodging hit men and fighting a perilous attraction, she has to make a life-and-death decision. Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart…or is he working one last con?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
19 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Lenora Worth
277 books381 followersLenora Worth has written 75 books for three different publishers. She reached a milestone when she received her 50th book pin from Harlequin. Her books have won both regional and national awards and she now has millions of books in print and is a NY Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Currently she is writing both Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense and Tule Publishing. Married to her childhood sweetheart, Lenora has two grown children and lives in Florida.
Pen name: Lenora Nazworth
Pen name: Lenora Nazworth
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 26, 2021
Action packed and fast paced suspense thriller! It took me a while to be drawn into the story but when I did I found it to be entertaining, unpredictable and I was kept glued to the pages. Definitely edge of seat reading near the end of the book. Through out the book the story went from once dangerous and scary situation to another as the two main characters dodged bullets and fled for their lives.
I highly recommend to readers of Suspense thrillers. Fans of the author will enjoy reading this book.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I highly recommend to readers of Suspense thrillers. Fans of the author will enjoy reading this book.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
May 16, 2014
Wow! Forced Alliance is definitely an exciting story, with excellent themes and awesome characters! A page turner for sure! With a most definite surprise ending! I recommend this book to any one that loves a good mystery and one that assures us that no matter what we have in our past, God is always there ready to listen and help, as Lenora Worth, so beautifully relates to us in this awesome book! Thanks Lenora, for sharing your God given talent!
June 3, 2014
31/2 stars
Forced Alliance is a good clean entertaining story. Most of the plot twists or the mystery I was able to guess right off. That is why I only gave 3 1/2 stars. I did like reading it.
Josie Gilbert is a FBI Agent that is working with a conman as her confidential informant. Josie likes him but does not trust him. She is determined to keep him safe and solve the case.
Connor Randall has been a conman for years. Now he wants to go straight. He is determined to make right choices from now on. His sister is sharing about Jesus Christ. He does like his mob boss and wants to bring him in and find his partner.
I like Connor and want to trust him. I also like most of the characters. Some of course are not meant to be liked.
Someone is trying to kill the mob boss, Josie and Connor to. Their is lots of drama, action and mystery while they try and find out who wants to kill them and find the evidence to bring down the whole mob.
Who is working with the mob boss? Will Josie ever fully trust Connor? Why does Connor want to go straight?
I like reading books from Lenora Worth and will continue to read more books from her in the future.
I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review by Netgalley & Harlequin.
Forced Alliance is a good clean entertaining story. Most of the plot twists or the mystery I was able to guess right off. That is why I only gave 3 1/2 stars. I did like reading it.
Josie Gilbert is a FBI Agent that is working with a conman as her confidential informant. Josie likes him but does not trust him. She is determined to keep him safe and solve the case.
Connor Randall has been a conman for years. Now he wants to go straight. He is determined to make right choices from now on. His sister is sharing about Jesus Christ. He does like his mob boss and wants to bring him in and find his partner.
I like Connor and want to trust him. I also like most of the characters. Some of course are not meant to be liked.
Someone is trying to kill the mob boss, Josie and Connor to. Their is lots of drama, action and mystery while they try and find out who wants to kill them and find the evidence to bring down the whole mob.
Who is working with the mob boss? Will Josie ever fully trust Connor? Why does Connor want to go straight?
I like reading books from Lenora Worth and will continue to read more books from her in the future.
I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review by Netgalley & Harlequin.
March 17, 2014
*** I have received an ARC via NetGalley ***
I didn't read the previous book "In Pursuit of a Princess" (where Connor was introduced) but "Forced Alliance" can be read as a stand alone.
Somehow "Forced Alliance" reminded me of a steamier version of the TV Series "White Collar".
A criminal turned FBI asset? Schemes of revenge and betrayal, turned agents and gangster clans? Count me in!
I loved how the stern Josie and charming Connor danced around each other and after all they went through, got their deserved HEA (yes, sorry about that spoiler ;)).
As for the ending of the story, I was surprised how it played out but it left me a bit unsatisfied for Connor, where was the retribution for the things he had to endure?
It was frustrating to read that he sat face to face with the person responsible for his pain (not spoilering that!) and not being able to do anything.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a supporter of violence, but when the agents stopped Connor lashing out at the culprit I was equally angry at the situation.
I guess, I got sucked into the plot because of Lenora Worth's great storytelling :)
For some time I almost felt like watching a movie - instead of reading a book.
Great romantic suspense with two strong leads~
I didn't read the previous book "In Pursuit of a Princess" (where Connor was introduced) but "Forced Alliance" can be read as a stand alone.
Somehow "Forced Alliance" reminded me of a steamier version of the TV Series "White Collar".
A criminal turned FBI asset? Schemes of revenge and betrayal, turned agents and gangster clans? Count me in!
I loved how the stern Josie and charming Connor danced around each other and after all they went through, got their deserved HEA (yes, sorry about that spoiler ;)).
As for the ending of the story, I was surprised how it played out but it left me a bit unsatisfied for Connor, where was the retribution for the things he had to endure?
It was frustrating to read that he sat face to face with the person responsible for his pain (not spoilering that!) and not being able to do anything.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a supporter of violence, but when the agents stopped Connor lashing out at the culprit I was equally angry at the situation.
I guess, I got sucked into the plot because of Lenora Worth's great storytelling :)
For some time I almost felt like watching a movie - instead of reading a book.
Great romantic suspense with two strong leads~
June 21, 2014
I love Lenora's books. This one is awesome and you just have to buy a copy.
May 2, 2025
“Forced Alliance” by Lenora Worth
3 stars
REVIEW SUMMARY
This had some intrigue and a lot of lag. I did not feel the connection between the hero and heroine. He comes off as disingenuous, and she comes off as weak-willed.
When you’re paired up professionally, and your lives depend on it, you don’t make the stupid moves that these two did relationally over and over. She’d have been gone right at the start.
I did experience a great amount of frustration—heroine’s guard down in the bayou, gun left on night table…really stupid moves that didn’t wash.
I liked that the hero began to behave within his character near the end of the book but didn't like the ending.
OPINION
This book felt as if the author was trying to write a screenplay but failing miserably. The reason I read books is because they are not like TV or the movies, they are more intimate and personal, and you can take your time; so, when I read one that seems to be replicating a typical TV show, I see it as frustrating and a waste of my time. If I wanted TV, I’d watch TV.
I didn't enjoy the last scene between the hero and heroine in England just because of the guy’s arrogance.
The description of the hero’s apartment in New Orleans did not fit (again, typical TV flashy), and I also had trouble with some of the other descriptives. Some of the plotline was not believable either. If they were really trying to get to the mafia guy, why not kill his son as well as or instead of the mistresses? Doesn't ring true, leaving his son alive, if they were really trying to get to him.
COMMENT
I read books because they are more personal. The author can take their time. It’s one-on-one; so, there is no need for all the flash and other attention grabbers that fall flat in a book. The author should remember that they are writing for one and can be a little bit more personal and use descriptives more specifically, the way you would in conversation, not for flash and attention grabbing. That's for TV.
Also, since this is my review, I’m not into the big macho woman submissive man thing. No need. How about writing a book about a strong, godly woman who can just be herself and doesn’t spend her life trying to overcompensate. I’d also like a man to be a man and take responsibility, have integrity. I saw a reversal of roles here when it came to responsibility.
3 stars
REVIEW SUMMARY
This had some intrigue and a lot of lag. I did not feel the connection between the hero and heroine. He comes off as disingenuous, and she comes off as weak-willed.
When you’re paired up professionally, and your lives depend on it, you don’t make the stupid moves that these two did relationally over and over. She’d have been gone right at the start.
I did experience a great amount of frustration—heroine’s guard down in the bayou, gun left on night table…really stupid moves that didn’t wash.
I liked that the hero began to behave within his character near the end of the book but didn't like the ending.
OPINION
This book felt as if the author was trying to write a screenplay but failing miserably. The reason I read books is because they are not like TV or the movies, they are more intimate and personal, and you can take your time; so, when I read one that seems to be replicating a typical TV show, I see it as frustrating and a waste of my time. If I wanted TV, I’d watch TV.
I didn't enjoy the last scene between the hero and heroine in England just because of the guy’s arrogance.
The description of the hero’s apartment in New Orleans did not fit (again, typical TV flashy), and I also had trouble with some of the other descriptives. Some of the plotline was not believable either. If they were really trying to get to the mafia guy, why not kill his son as well as or instead of the mistresses? Doesn't ring true, leaving his son alive, if they were really trying to get to him.
COMMENT
I read books because they are more personal. The author can take their time. It’s one-on-one; so, there is no need for all the flash and other attention grabbers that fall flat in a book. The author should remember that they are writing for one and can be a little bit more personal and use descriptives more specifically, the way you would in conversation, not for flash and attention grabbing. That's for TV.
Also, since this is my review, I’m not into the big macho woman submissive man thing. No need. How about writing a book about a strong, godly woman who can just be herself and doesn’t spend her life trying to overcompensate. I’d also like a man to be a man and take responsibility, have integrity. I saw a reversal of roles here when it came to responsibility.
September 19, 2021
I believe that this book had potential, but unfortunately it just fell way short for me. The story line was there, but this book was so stiff to read. I felt that the dialog bounced all over the place, and that the character's continously repeated themselves. I also didn't feel the connection between Conner and Josie. Their relationship felt forced instead of genuine.
June 13, 2023
I enjoyed the character of Connor and how Josie made him want to keep on the right side of the law. Connor's disbelief at discovering the mob boss they were investigating was his father seemed a bit of a stretch. I get that, as an FBI agent, Josie has trust issues, but I felt like she placed more emphasis on words than actions. Overall, a good escapist read.
April 9, 2019
A fun and quick read that leads to interesting discussions about acceptance, sin, and redemption, and the importance of believing in someone no matter what their background is - only what is in front of them.
December 24, 2021
Not a great book. The plot was almost there, and the writing wasn't. Took me a 150 pages to get into it, got some decent plot and then a rushed, forced, flat ending. There was so much potential in this story that it never delivered.
September 11, 2017
This book follows The Diamond Secret and In Pursuit of a Princess.
All intriguing stories set in New Orleans area.
All intriguing stories set in New Orleans area.
March 2, 2019
If you enjoy Mafia type stories, you will enjoy this book.
November 13, 2025
3.5 stars
A fun story, but the ending was rather rushed.
A fun story, but the ending was rather rushed.
February 8, 2017
FORCED ALLIANCE
---------------------
Like the story I reviewed a few weeks ago, this book represents a "mixed bag"--there are positives and negatives. However, even though I finished at least three-fourths of the story, since I did not finish the book completely, it automatically garners a one-star rating.
As I have mentioned previously, I love how supportive this community of writers and readers are, but I think it only fair to our genre to be honest about my opinion .
Positives
The story starts well; there is intrigue; and, the writing is of higher caliber than some of the other books that I pick up in this genre. I love New Orleans and the bayou, so huge points for setting!
Negatives
I am the person who never figures the mystery out. Ever. Seriously. I didn't realize what he meant when he saw dead people; I never know whom Sherlock will implicate; and, even when I play Clue, I never know it was whomever with the candlestick in the library.
Yet I figured this one out rather early, and I have to say that the knowledge sort of ruined the story for me and made the other areas of weakness, such as uneven writing and somewhat weak characterization (at least from my perspective--I did not care a fig about any of the characters), stand out.
No writing is perfect, but quite a few of the similes, metaphors, and descriptions just do not make sense. For example:
--"...smoke clouding her in a scorching blanket of choking heat" (page 139). The heat cannot come from the smoke. Pick one metaphor and/or disconnect them. A cloud of smoke. A blanket of heat. But not mixed.
--"...Connor's home. Eclectic and sterile. Edited and minimalist. Artsy and comfortable...a hint of steam-punk mixed with a futuristic vibe" (page 204). There is so much description here that there is no description here. Also, in my opinion, many of these descriptors (e.g.--"sterile" and "comfortable"; "minimalist" and "artsy") simply do not coincide.
In any event, I have heard that Ms. Lenora Worth's books are good, so I will definitely pick up another of her stories.
September 15, 2015
The heroine is one brave lady. Going after a Mafia boss is not something I ever wanted to do. She seems to take it all in stride but a lot of that has to do with trying to prove to herself and everyone else that she is good enough for the job and not like her father. Either one of those can be daunting but to tackle both in her job would be overwhelming for most people. Fortunately for those around her, she isn't most people. She works to stay focused on the important things. To complicate matters, she is working for a boss who doesn't really care for her and she is forced to work with a confidential informant that she has trouble trusting. Forced alliance seems to be an understatement. I enjoyed the suspense and drama as the book unfolds. Is this really the time and place for romantic feelings? I guess you will have to read it and draw your own conclusions. I recommend it if you like suspense.
July 23, 2014
FBI Agent Josie Gilbert is on the case in New Orleans keeping dibs on her confidential informant, Connor Randall, who was working for a mafia boss. Question is, as her feelings for Connor grow, can she trust the former con man? An okay choice for those looking for romantic suspense.
September 16, 2014
Ordinarily, I enjoy all the books by Lenora Worth, but this was not one of my favorites. The reasons I did not enjoy it as well as the others were totally personal preferences. Normally, I love her books, and she is a talented and creative author.
April 28, 2014
Somewhere between 3 1/2 and 4. Pretty good for this genre, and a female protagonist who is not wimpy.
dnf
September 15, 2014I had a really hard time getting into this book. After reading the first two chapters, I'm not planning to finish. There are just too many other books on my shelves right now!
February 3, 2017
Predictable plot, cliche situations, cardboard characters. Plus occasional God/Jesus stuff thrown in out of nowhere. Part of a series yet. No thanks.
February 9, 2018
This was such a good book. I love it when authors right about the same characters in different books. love the series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews