The Strategist

WaterFyre Rising #5

by Nadia Han

She is the most beautiful target to land at the center of his heart.

Calculated and sinfully attractive, Arrow Holt is a former Navy SEAL full of strategies that make him a successful wine entrepreneur. But the wounds he carries still haunt him. When he sees scars worse than his own on a stunning woman, his closed heart breaks open.

Mysterious and exquisite, Vivian Vo is an efficient dentist with a hidden agenda and no time for romance even with a gorgeous man she’s drawn to. She believes he’s moved on after her rejection. But his determined plan eventually earns him a duel, a date, and her admission that he is her perfect match.

Her brilliant strategist.
Her relentless protector.
The savior to her soul.


As their romance intensifies, her deep ties to the triad threaten to destroy them and everyone they love.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary

ebook

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Nadia Han is a dreamer, a visionary, and a believer in karma and kindness. She lives in New England with her family and spends most of her time crafting stories. When she’s not writing, she practices yoga, reads, explores nature, and eats all kinds of foods.

Website: https://www.nadiahan.com
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Reviews

[Bookaholic Shaima · Rating 5 out of 5]

❝ “𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐈 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭. 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.”❞ 🫠🫠

This is one of my favorite romantic suspense series, with each book we dive more into this universe and with each book the plot thickens and keep getting better and better.

❝ 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞.❞

Arrow and Vivian are by far my favorite. The tension was sizzling and palpable from the get go, Viv made sure to make Arrow work for it, even though our man was deterred. He respected her initial " no" but nothing could make him stay away,I mean the guy bought her building so he can watch her/over her using the security system, and I quote:

“𝐘𝐞𝐬. 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 ‘𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝’ 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭.”🤭🤭

He fell first and HARD. HE WAS OBSESSED with all his stalking. ( my favorite kind of MMC) ....

Vivian was a literal BAD+A$$, she was fierce, driven, with scars and secrets of her own , her upbringing was so unique, I fell for it and she was the Ultimate Asian warrior, and this is where I think the author EXCELLED !!!!! I love how Nadia Han explored and shared her heritage with us, the book was filled with everything cultural, rich with background knowledge only a native can master. So thank you for that little slice of heaven we got to experience through this book.

With two more stories left in the series, I'm sooo excited and equally dreading .
This is a book that will stay with me.

Here's what to expect
🌷Billionaire spicy Romance
🌷Strong FMC
🌷Chinese- vietnamese- American rep
🌷Moral grey MMC
🌷 Stalking
🌷Thrilling suspense
🌷Multicultural Romance
🌷Twists and Secrets

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I can’t believe we are at book five in this series already. I have loved this series from the very first book and each book there after only gets better and better. This is my favourite story in the series although I have said that about the others. This is one series that you should get behind because it is great reading.
Each book can be read as a standalone, but I say make sure you start with The Mastermind which stars the first of the WaterFyre men to get his story told.
The Strategist is Arrow’s story and Nadia has woven a complex tale that I could not set aside I had to keep the pages turning because I couldn’t get enough of it and wanted to see how it all went. I love getting the inside thoughts of the characters instead of it being one sided and Nadia does this by writing in dual POV.
Arrow left the life of a Navy SEAL behind but that doesn’t mean he can leave behind painful memories that is until her but when danger comes calling can he help her? Or better yet does she need his help? Will her secrets keep them from what could truly be? Danger and dark secrets that may just destroy it all. What happens next makes for one intriguing and engrossing read.
As always, I look forward to seeing what Nadia gives us next.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and I didn't read any of her previous books within the series. To be fair though, the blurb caught my eye and I couldn't wait to read this book.

Vivian is a strong and beautiful female lead and Arrow is the morally-grey-sexy Navy SEAL who falls in love with her. She struggles with things in her past, but in the meantime, is a literal force of nature. She is also a dentist that teaches martial arts classes. One thing is for sure, you have to really love her and care for her if you want to be in her circle. This is where Arrow shows up. He had one thing in common with Vivian - a traumatic past. This is one of the reasons why these two bonded so quickly. He is extremely patient with her and doesn't give up. He wants her and he will have her.

The story was fascinating. It was well written and full of angst, suspense, passion, mystery, drama and one big emotional love that lasts through a lifetime. They still had to fight for it, but in the end it was definitely worth it. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading "The Strategist".

***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotion and my review is given voluntarily.***

[Micalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had my eye on this series for a while but have never taken the leap to read it until now. Why I started with book 5 I couldn’t tell you. I guess I’m just random like that. I realized that they can be read as standalone novels but by starting from the beginning you gain more from the series and have all your questions answered if you read the series in order. Arrow and Vivian are a power couple once they get together, but in the mean time they do surely take their time getting there. She’s an independent, fierce self defense teacher/dentist, and Arrow is a morally gray retired Navy seal who has an interest in wine. Their chemistry was great, the novel was intense, and meaningful. I’m so glad I gave this novel a chance. I am looking forward to going back to start this series from the beginning.

[Georgiana Cilian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I did not get the hang of this book. I really tried with it, but somwehere in the second part it lost me and my desire to continue as well. I got to the end, but I will not remember it with anything in particular.
The information did not go well together, their backgrounds were not properly evolved or connected to their present and personality. Their relationship was superficial in my opinion and I could ‘t see the goal of the story. On and off their maturity was making an appearance, but then the action that looked too much as fiction, swiped it away.
I liked it in the beginning, where they were coming from, the fact that they had a shared burden, but then everything got too complicated.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Strategist by Nadia Han is book five in the WaterFyre Rising series and can be read as a standalone however there are questions that can will only be answered by reading the series from the beginning.

Arrow is a billionaire wine entrepreneur and a retired navy seal who has his sights set on Vivian who is a bad ass self defense teacher and a kids dentist. They both have been through unimaginable things in the past. Both have ties to a criminal underground and host of unsavory people, he wants to protect her but she’s been on her own too long, it’s not that easy.

This book gripped me from the beginning and I caught on and understood everything even though I haven’t read the other books in the series. I love Arrow and Vivian’s stories of change and growth. There were such heartfelt moments woven into some heavy scenes and they were so well done. The authors writing made me see the scenes like they were playing on a movie screen, she used a lot of wonderful descriptions during fighting scenes and outdoor scenes that just made them come to life.

I recommend for a series but can be a standalone, morally gray hero, he falls first and HEA.

[Ashley's Novel Idea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite out of all of the books in this series. Arrow was hands down my favorite mmc for sure, and Vivian was a total bad ass. I loved their hearts , nadia wrote such incredible characters here.

You could read this as a standalone, but as I always recommend reading it in order, you don't want to miss any of the action of the Water Fyre Rising series

The book was riveting right out the gate and entirely unputdownable. As always, Nadia's imagery swept me up, and I devoured this in a day!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Strategist by Nadia Han is book 5 in the Waterfyre Rising Series. This is the story of Arrow Holt and Vivian Vo. Vivian is a kids dentist who also teaches self defense but she has a dark past that she is trying to keep it there. Arrow is a former Navy Seal who is now a billionaire wine entrepreneur who has his eyes on Vivian. But, will Arrow be able to get what he wants most this time? Enjoyed this book.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
4 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘯

This was my first book by Nadia Han, and the characters from the previous book have me intrigued. Will definitely be adding those books to my TBR.

Vivian has a painful past, but that past is suddenly front and centre when someone she cares about is taken and she has to delve into her old life in order to get answers.

Arrow, also didn't have the best childhood, but he not only served his country but is now a successful business man, with secrets of his own.

I really enjoyed the plot in this book, and how everything worked out, the chemistry and connection were amazing...but I also felt like there were too many things to focus on as well

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The Strategist is the fifth book in the fantastic ‘WaterFyre Rising’ series by Nadia Han. I have been captivated by this series right from the beginning, since first devouring The Mastermind- and this book certainly lived up to expectation.
Ms. Han certainly knows how to weave an enticing story, the way she has deftly woven each book, focusing each instalment on its own particular ‘couple’, but also building a gripping, overarching storyline that wends its way through the series- building on what has come before, and instalment by instalment, painting a much bigger and more intriguing picture/story.
‘The Strategist’ is an engrossing contemporary romantic suspense with a former Navy SEAL, a bit of a billionaire romance element, intrigue, dramatic developments, danger, chemistry, sizzle, angst, tension, secrets, forced proximity, emotion, family, friendship, intensity, mystery, violence, action, the Triad, sinister enemies, agendas, evil bad guys, a powerful criminal organisation, trauma, pain, hope, healing, a dynamic & multilayered storyline, and superb characters (& more).
This is Arrow Holt and Vivian Vo’s story- whom we have both met in previous books, as Arrow has been an integral part of the Waterfyre family since the beginning, and Vivian is friends with the Waterfyre women. Vivian has huge secrets that have shaped who she is and the path her life has taken. She is haunted by the past and has trouble trusting, building a wall around her heart in the process. Arrow had pursued her in the past, but she had rejected him as her plans don’t include love and romance. But she is drawn to him, and running into him at a wine expo only fans the embers of attraction into flames.
Arrow has his own scars and memories that haunt him, but Vivian seems to have a way of soothing his demons- and Arrow wants more. He is a brilliant entrepreneur whose strategies have made him a formidable opponent- and extremely rich in the process…. He now uses his strategic mind to dismantle every wall that Vivian had built, and to devise a way to make her his. Add in a dangerous quest, agendas, intensity, sizzling chemistry, and searing passion- and their story becomes unputdownable- and one of the best of the series.
As mentioned, even though each book has its own couple and storyline, all the books combined help to build a much bigger picture, providing morsels of information on the other recurring characters, the backstories, overarching storyline, and all the intriguing Waterfyre details. The whole Waterfyre element is what really hooked me into the series in the first place, and that combined with the exciting storylines, help to make this series stand out from the crowd.
The story was a little slow to build momentum, to begin with - but as the story progressed, and after only a few chapters, the pace really picked up, the intrigue kicked in, and the story completely captured me and had me gripped tightly all the way till the end. I read the whole thing in one sitting, as I needed to know how everything would play out in the end.
I loved meeting the intriguing new characters who have joined the Waterfyre family and can’t wait to read their story (Coming in Book #6 - ‘The Protégé’ - which is set to be amazing!).
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Nadia Han!

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything and more. This is the first book I have read by the incredibly talented Nadia Han though I have several of her books on my tbr, this was the first and I was over the moon with it. Yes, this is book five in the WaterFyre Rising series, but each book can be read as a standalone. I wasn’t confused or lost on anything, and it was explained what the previous four couples did to warrant the Trogyn being after him and his friends. Dual perspective of Arrow Holt and Vivian Vo.
Arrow has many accomplishments and interests including wine and video games. The one thing he wants is her. Vivian Vo is an accomplished pediatric dentist and martial arts master. Her childhood led her to mastering self defense and teaching others. So much in her life could be different if she and her mother knew those skills back then. After uprooting her entire life and putting it on hold to move across the country to find a kidnapped nine-year-old girl the unexpected shows up along the way. Seeing Arrow makes her have a flutter and spark of something she long thought was lost, something she could never get back when the scars were burned into her body long ago. Arrow thought he could have anything and everything he wanted until he found someone that matched his scarred soul, that awakened a part of him he never knew was there and only there for her. Thanks to Kaylee, the thirteen-year-old girl that Vivian is the guardian of, things progress faster in some ways than they could have. Vivian is forced to feel and not judge with her eyes as she begins to fall for “Bullseye” Arrow, while also battling herself about their actual encounters. Arrow falls for “Tulip” Vivian quickly and goes the distance to prove he is all in. When her past comes knocking, she worries more about how Arrow and those around her than herself.
Will Arrow run when he sees her scars as others had? Can Vivian let her walls down and finally trust someone again? This world is outside, maybe not in my personal experience but with how the world is I feel at least one person has lived this life or is living it now. The characters burrow into your heart, you feel their pain and their fear, but the author also makes you feel their hope and love as they break down their walls. Knowing up front from the tropes on that they get there happily ever after builds suspense and fear on how they will reach it. I cannot wait to see whose story comes next in book six, The Protégé, October 29th, 2024. Now to go back and dive into the other four books and see how his friends found their happily ever after.

[Tiffany Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

Category Ratings (out of 5):

Storyline: 5
Characters: 5
Suspense: 5
Action: 5
Romance: 5
Steamy Hot Scenes: Smoking hot.

** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

**Trigger warnings: Kidnapping, some violence, trafficking, sexy scenes.**

** This is a stand-alone book in the series and you do not need to read the previous 4 books. I do recommend reading them though, as it would help you tie in certain the whole storyline. Previous characters and previous plots will be mentioned. **

Told in dual POV from both Arrow and Vivian.

Teaser:

“Sometimes you have to be the most terrifying monster to deal with the worst of humanity.” - Arrow

This has been on my TBR list even before it became an actual book and it’s been my most anticipated book to read this year.

I have been anxiously waiting for this book and boy, did it not disappoint!

The Waterfyre series has become one of my most favorite series to read and Nadia Han just keeps on giving and giving.

Can’t complain at all!

This time around, we follow Arrow and Vivian’s story who were both introduced in The Mastermind, the first book of the series.

The way their individual stories are woven into one another is amazing, and I enjoyed that this was a he falls first type of deal versus her falling first. This man had to work for it and did he work for it!

His determination, perseverance and strategy made me fall in love with his character. I also loved Vivian, who was similar to Arrow in some ways, but not.

She was not prone to easily giving her trust to people, was tentative, hesitant, unsure, but a bada** character all in one. I don’t blame her one bit about her fears though, especially after learning her story.

They each had their own issues to work through individually, but that’s also how they came together. They were stronger together than they were apart, and it’s cheesy, but they were two pieces of a puzzle that truly did fit.

His strengths helped what she thought were her negative traits while she did the same for him.

Then, of course, you had their chemistry which went flying off the pages. Sizzling hot and steamy!! Bring out the fans!!!

A bit of drama, lots of angst, a bit of romantic smuttiness, this book has it all.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the WaterFyre Rising series. Even though these books can be read as standalone Indo recommend reading them in order so you can get a more complete picture of the WaterFyre men and how they find themselves where they are now
I have enjoyed every book in this series and this one was just as enjoyable. The author has an amazing way of gripping a reader and making them completely invested in the characters lives. Another thing I love about these stories is that they are told from a duel perspective so you get a complete story from both characters and not just a one sided story
This is a story that is filled with drama, angst, hot chemistry, secrets and danger
Both of our lead characters Arrow and Vivian have had traumatic pasts but both of them are trying to better themselves despite their demons.
Vivian is a strong independent woman. She has had a lot to deal with in her life and things aren't getting any easy as she is trying to locate a girl who has been kidnapped. With everything she has goes on the last thing she needs is romance and when Arrow approaches her she turns him down. However when they meet again she can't deny the attraction she feels towards him. There is something about him she is struggling to resist but is it a wise decision to let him in?
Arrow has his own demons that he fights with everyday. He struggles to trust and let people in but there is something about Vivian. When he is near her the demons he fights seem to calm and he doesn't want that feeling to stop. However she isn't making it easy for him. She is resisting him at every turn. Can he persist and eventually break through the wall she has around herself?
When Vivian goes up against some dangerous people all Arrow wants to do is protect her but will she allow him close enough to protect her from this danger or will she keep pushing him away to protect herself from the danger giving him her heart could cause?

This story is captivating and gripping. I wanted them to find peace and happiness they deserved together but it wasn't an easy ride for them. I couldn't stop reading.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrow Holt is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it, since he enlisted and through his career as a Navy SEAL, he always had to have a strategy and this is still true in every aspect of his life, both business and personal and he has a lot of different business interests, as well as working on his passion project, the WaterFyre Rising game he is developing with his friends. Vivian Vo is a paediatric dentist who has a dark past, she loves her job, as well as the community work she does for those who don't have insurance, however, she has a lot on her mind as well, she is looking for something, or someone to help her with the ties to her past which have encroached on her present.

Arrow and Vivian know each other through their friendship groups and ever since he laid eyes on her for the first time, he knew that she was the one for him, however, whenever he asks her on a date she always declines, but he is not put off that easily, meanwhile, Vivian knows that she is attracted to him, however, she doesn't have the time or energy for a romance with everything on her mind, that is until one day he asks for a duel and she reluctantly accepts. This all comes to a head when they are snowed in and Vivian is on the warpath because she feels like despite everything Arrow is saying, it seems like she will just be a one and done, so she goes to give him a piece of mind which ends up firing up the attraction between and causing it to ignite into a passion neither of them can deny.

This leads to them discovering each others scars and deepest emotions, as well as the hidden aspects of their lives, so while they discover each other, they realise that their stories are intertwined in a way neither of them expected when the Triad raises its ugly head and creates problems nobody could forsee, but will their romance continue to burn brightly, or will their pasts extinguish what could be perfection? This is a dark romance with danger around every turn and a mystery which readers will have to unravel as light is brought into the darkness surrounding the characters throughout this enthralling story.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arrow Holt is a retired Navy Seal and is a part of the billionaire set but he has worked hard to get where he is. His childhood was not good and his escape into the Navy gave him a sense of purpose and instant family but the things he has seen has left a big mark on his life.
So, when he meets her, he has this overwhelming protection of her when Vivian gets into some trouble, but will she let him help her and can the attraction he feels be put aside.

Vivian has been through the ringer in life and does not trust very easily, when Arrow becomes part of her life, she at first tries hard to reject his advances but there is just something about him that she wants to trust. Vivian has spent her whole life being just her can she let this man into her world and open her heart to him.

This is the fifth book in the series and with every book I say it’s my favourite and this book does not disappoint. As always, the characters are rich and well developed with their backgrounds that you fall straight in love with them along the way. Although this is part of a series you can read as a standalone story but there is a story arc which runs through the books, but I feel this would not distract from the story.

Arrow has always been one of those characters mentioned in the other stories that I was intrigued to know his story and here it is, this character is an alpha male, but you see the vulnerable side to him which is always great to read in such alpha characters. Vivian was the perfect equal to him as she was fiercely independent and had a fire inside her which was just brilliant to read and see in her character.

The story is full of twist and turns and I was fully engaged with the story. Having these two characters the chemistry was off the page and I enjoyed as previously said the vulnerability they were prepared to show to each, and the slow burn of the trust and relationship had me on the edge of my seat.

Another great addition to the series and can’t wait to read more by this great author.

[rorys books haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book soo much 🧡🧡 arrow and vivian have such an amazing dynamic together 🔥..

Vivian is a strong and mysterious FMC and i adored that about her🧡 .. she was carrying some heavy emotional and physical scars and my heart broke at what she went through.. 💔
arrow is soo steamy yet such cutie at times , he made me swoon 🫠🫠 i fell in love with his alpha tendencies and stalkerish ways to court Vi .. although vivian rejected him twice before yet he didn’t give up .. he kept persuading her until he got his chance 😍😍

« 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. »

the moment they get together, their chemistry was explosive 🔥🔥
loove the way their relationship just flowed 🥹..
like each one of them is the missing puzzle in the other’s life .. they just clicked 🫠🫠

« 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙨 ���𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙢 … 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙒𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘼 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬.”
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩?”
“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.

The suspense aspect in this book was my favourite.. the twists and mysteries were so good and kept me hooked and despearte to find out the who and where and why 🙈😍 .. i had my suspicions throughout the book and was so pleased at how everything was put in place at the end ..

Nadia’s writing style is engaging and soo good .. and she had some incredible similes that i looved 🩶🩶

« 𝘼𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙩���. 𝙄𝙛 𝙄 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩. »

I am in desperate need for some of the side characters stories 🙈🙈
two mysterious and alpha males to be more precise 🙈🙈❤️❤️🔥🔥

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this series. I really thought it was going to end with book 5, The Strategist. So I can’t tell you how happy I am to find out there will be more! I’ve been hooked since book 1. These are books you could read as a standalone novel, but they work and flow so much better in succession. The Strategist is Arrow’s story. And being there were originally 5 friends creating the WaterFyre rising video there’s been more characters introduced to take the story further.
Arrow and Vivivan dance around one another. He wants her. She wants him but not enough to give him a chance. She’s been through some trauma’s in her life, which is why she keeps her heart closed off. However she’s on a mission to find her friend's daughter who went missing 9 months ago. What she doesn’t realize is her mission is going to intersect Arrow and his friends' journey to take down The Trogyn organization. Forcing them to work together. Working together works best when trust is involved. However with their rough childhoods one might not believe it’s possible.
Can they both let down their walls to trust one another?
Will Vivivan finally give into the feelings she has for Arrow?
Can two broken souls mend each other?
Just like all the other books in this series. There’s romance with a little action and adventure thrown in. Stubborn characters who care mightily for those in their circle. A group of friends do thick; they are hesitant about letting new members in. Yet they embrace everyone’s family as if it were their own.
I can’t wait for book 6. Till then I’m contemplating about starting the series over. It’s all worth it! If you haven’t started it, go back to book 1. And if you have what are you waiting for book 5 is out!!!

[Mohini Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC Review***
I was waiting for this book for so long and when I got this, I finished it in 2 days.
This book is about Vivian and Arrow's story. In the last 4 books, Vivian's character was the strong woman character which I personally liked and I was waiting who will be the guy pair with her.
I was intrigued to read about Arrow because his mentions were very rare in previous books so I did not know much about his character but I must say that he is a perfect example of a Moral grey man. So basically following are the highlights from the book -
-- Strong female lead - check
-- Moral grey man - check
-- Suspense Thrill - check
--Romance - check
--Billionaire Romance - check
--Spicy Romance - check
--Doctor MC - Check
--Multicultural Romance - check
--Surprising elements - Double check

All these elements will make you stick to your place and turn the next page. The story flow is fast-paced and the scenes are written so clearly that anyone can understand. The detailing of little things is what makes Nadia Maam's work different from other authors. For instance, food and wine are some of the side characters in the book, like the introduction of Vietnamese culture and their food and the way Arrow loves food prepared by Vivian, I was giggling.
The book will make you feel happy, sad, excited as well as intelligent (because of the full professional knowledge).
If you like to read any kind of Romance you can check out this book as it will fulfil your category for sure.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I’m disappointed I hadn’t known about her before, as there are a lot of books in this series prior to this one. It didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book, and looking at things positively, I feel excited to have five books to go back to read after this one.

Arrow is one gorgeous character, both inside and out. His patience in waiting for Vivian to accept him as a romantic partner is worth noting. He is very determined, though, so it's not unexpected. Vivian is such a strong female character and I totally love her. She has a heart of gold and is also determined in her quests. Being guarded around Arrow, I feel, is natural, seeing as she has a rough past.

This fast-paced romantic suspense is full of action and drama that is both exciting and entertaining: a great mystery, terrific characters, and a special romance.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Strategist which is book 5. Every book in this series has been so good. I guess they don't really need to be read in order but, there are spoilers so, I'd recommend reading them in order to see how they all ended up where they are now. There's so much action and suspense that it will have you reading more and more chapters in one sitting just to see what happens or how it happens.
Vivian is trying to locate a missing girl named Aimee. She refuses to believe anything other than the fact that she is alive and well.

When Arrow and Vivian run into eachother unexpectedly, they agree to a duel.
Arrow took a liking to Vivian and asked her out on a date. She turned him down but, that didn't stop him. His actions could be confused with a stalker but he definitely is not a stalker. He always was close by and always kept an eye on her. He gave her, her space but knew, she was going to be his some day.

Arrow has a lot of connections and knows he can help her. The entire group of friends are there to try to find Aimee.

Vivian and Arrow made the best couple. They are both incredibly smart and care about others. They have something in common that neither of them would've ever guessed. I'm very surprised about when Arrow found Kaylee in chapter 68 and they came to realize something, it didn't get more attention or come as more of a shock.
Looking forward to book 6 so we can learn more about Orion.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Strategist is Book 5 in the WaterFyre Rising series....I have read every book in this series and I have loved every book...but this is my favorite. I love the connection between Arrow and Vivian...truly undeniable. This story gave me all the feels that I was all in for....hot sizzling chemistry and moments, danger, action, secrets and deep dark pasts.

Arrow Holt, a former Navy SEAL, is methodical and thinks every step with strategy. Building his wine business and being part of the WaterFyre team...he is also on the hunt for the bad guys. When his charms trying to ask Vivian Vo out on a date do not initially work...he waits patiently for her. Vivian has no time for romance, being a dentist, but also have other agenda on her mind in her hunt for a very bad guy as well...she consistently shoots him down for a date, until danger lurks and her determination to find a missing person brings her to new levels of danger. As Arrow tries to protect Vivian at all costs..will both Arrow and Vivian having painful dark pasts and scars to bear tear them apart or bring them closer then ever with the unexpected spark they have between them.

Definitely read and find out. This is a fantastic story!! Although you can read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning....I cannot wait until the next book in the series to get to know Orion more!

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Strategist is the fifth book in the series, and while you can read it as a standalone, reading the other books will help add a bit more depth to the story as it introduces you to some of the other characters and their stories.
 
Arrow has been attracted to Vivian for a while, but she keeps rejecting his advances. He’s persistent, and like many of the authors male characters, he's a little bit over the top when it comes to trying to get the woman of his dreams. Think buying the apartment block she lives in and using the CCTV so he can manipulate chance encounters. He has a plan, and I would expect nothing less from him.
 
As Vivian begins to relent and let her walls down for Arrow, we get to learn their lives are more intertwined than either of them realised at first. They are kindred spirits.
 
Expect plenty of drama and danger with some brilliant twists and turns as Vivian looks into the disappearance of a little girl and Arrow looks into the Triad. While their pasts may have been what originally kept them apart, they may also turn out to be exactly what brings them together.
 
There’s a particularly jealous ex of Arrows who tries to cause problems, and while I’m not normally a fan of OW drama, I loved it in this book because we got the chance to see Vivian’s kick-ass martial arts persona come out to play, and I love a strong, feisty FMC.

[Beth (what.beth.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Waterfyre Rising book series is a great collection of romantic suspense stories written by Nadia Han focused on five friends, linked together by tragedy as teens, and the strong women they fall for as adults. The Strategist features Arrow - a winemaker of bamboo wines - Vivian Vo - a pediatric dentist who is raising a teenager and harboring a secret revenge. Vivian and Arrow have been near each other for awhile as their friends have fallen in love, but she has yet to say “yes” to his advances. One kiss leads to so much more.

I think this may be my favorite in the series so far! Though it reads as a standalone romance, I recommend starting with book one in order to meet the rest of the Waterfyre Rising group. Arrow and Vivian have a lot in common, including their loyalty to those they love. There’s a lot of mystery/intrigue as they work to take powerful gangs and those in charge of them down. But they have enough free time to pursue their passion for each other, too. I recommend this one to readers of romantic suspense and interconnected romances. There are some potential content warnings here, so be aware!
I Received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian and Arrow’s story is one about love and reclaiming yourself after trauma. Vivian had one traumatic incident that changed her life while Arrow had lived his trauma for many years. When they found each other, it was intense and fast.

Vivian had moved to Providence to search for a young girl possibly taken by a memory Vivian didn’t want to remember. But Vivian not only had to face the memory but everything that went along with it to help save this girl. Arrow was willing to help but Vivian had to let him in.

As Arrow and Vivian grew closer, they were able to find the missing pieces of the puzzle to save the young girl. This also led to finding more people willing to help Arrow and his boys on their mission to destroy the international criminal organization, Trogyn. As Arrow and his boys continue to dismantle Trogyn, they face bigger and more powerful danger. As they gather allies, the battle doesn’t look as daunting.

Another stellar episode in the series! This one goes along all smooth and then BAM!!! Drama, intrigue, exploding teeth, and excitement. Hold onto your Kindle because you never know what is around the next corner!!

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good grief talk about a tall drink of water ! Have you drooled all over this cover ?!🔥


Arrow is an ex navy seal now winemaker and between me and you I’m sure we could mulch the grapes into nectar on his abs 🤣🙈🔥 but there’s a darker side to this delectable man , a dude that hides hurt and scars , a side that he’s hidden in a vault and I almost thought he’d never crack that is until a beautiful woman crosses his path , he’s sees the hurt and scars in her and all he wants to do is “ heal” and protect her ( cue deep sigh)


Vivian isn’t just beautiful but she’s smart as well and she’ll keep your pearly whites shiny ( she’s a dentist) she’s not easily swayed by Arrow’s attempts but I must give it to him he’s a determined man and goes after what he wants 🤭😉

Don’t let Vivian fool you she’s also on the hunt for a bad and brutal individual which places her in a very dangerous position but do not fret Arrow is close by and he’s all protector 🔥


This just ticked all my boxes , there was spice , tension , fear , swoon moments and times where I just wanted to push her aside and say “ I’ll have you Arrow” 🥰🤣

A brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the series and my first. I have not read the other books in the series but I will be going back to do that after I write this. The author has chosen to write each book about a different set of characters or that is what I am gathering from reading this one. I feel that if I would have read the others first, I would have more in depth knowledge about all the characters. However, that doesn't diminish this book at all. As a reader you are able to grab ahold of the ideas that the author is putting to paper. You will find yourself cheering on the characters and really feeling their emotions as the book continues. The writing will have you unable to look up from reading and unable to put the book down when you know you should. Each character in this book has struggled in life and reading how they have tried to better themselves individually and then seeing how they could be even better together. The push and pull with the added suspense of the story makes this a very riveting read. All of this with the chemistry of the characters is what is making me binge read the other books in this series.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about Vivian and Arrow. Vivian was a dentist. She lived in California but moved to providence to look for Aimee. A young girl that had disappeared. She was friends with her sister Kaylee. Kaylee wasn’t a bio sister but her mom was friends with Kaylee’s mom so she was her guardian until she could adopt her. Vivian lost her mom when she was a young girl. Vivian and her mom were attacked by a trusted member of her grandfathers circle. Vivian had the physical scars and she didn’t date because she was self conscious of them. She had a boyfriend that said mean stuff to her and she had enough and left him. She met Arrow because they had mutual friends. He would always ask her out and she turned him down. One day she was hanging out with the girls drinking Arrows bamboo wine and they had a lot of it. Vivian couldn’t drive so Arrow took her home. They ended up talking a little that night and he ended up seeing her scars when she changed. She didn’t remember anything the next day. Arrow really liked her and never gave up. Vivian and Arrow each learned a lot about their pasts. Great book.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I’m disappointed I hadn’t known about her before, as there are a lot of books in this series prior to this one. It didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book, and looking at things positively, I feel excited to have five books to go back to read after this one.

Arrow is one gorgeous character, both inside and out. His patience in waiting for Vivian to accept him as a romantic partner is worth noting. He is very determined, though, so it's not unexpected. Vivian is such a strong female character and I totally love her. She has a heart of gold and is also determined in her quests. Being guarded around Arrow, I feel, is natural, seeing as she has a rough past.

This fast-paced romantic suspense is full of action and drama that is both exciting and entertaining: a great mystery, terrific characters, and a special romance.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Strategist by Nadia Han
* * * * *
A great addition to the series! Vivian and Arrow are great characters who grew in strength of their scars to face their bloody and sad pasts.

Vivian had once rejected Arrow, but now, he's popping up in her life quite a lot lately.
Sure, he's attractive. However, she cannot afford the distraction right now. With her grandfather now dead, her family's protection may have also gone with him. Also, a little girl close to her heart has gone missing.
Juggling work and her teenage ward, she's got no time for a hot man wanting her attention.
Although, it seems fate and a naughty plan may have something else in store for her.

We are given Vivian's complicated past that carries aggressive scars and Arrow's childhood that brings wounds of his own. No matter the imperfections, they both find each other strong and beautiful.
We have evil men of the underworld being hunted, ghosts haunting our girl, and a surprise twist towards the end!
Great read!

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Strategist is the fifth book in the WaterFyre Rissing series by Nadia Han, a great collection of romantic suspense stories.
The series focusses on five friends, strongly linked together by a tragedy as teens. As adults, they fall for strong women and their love stories are captivating.

The books can be read as stand-alones but reading the entire series can help you understand the whole storyline, as previous characters and plots will be mentioned.

The Strategist follows the story of Vivian and Arrow, who were introduced in The Mastermind, first book in the series. Vivian is a strong female lead, a dentist that teaches martial art classes. Arrow is a morraly-grey retired navy seal and a billionaire wine entrepreneur.
They both struggles with unimaginable things in the past.

I love their stories of change and growth. I loved the angst, the mystery, the suspense, the passion, the drama and the big emotional love.

As always with Nadia's books, reading was like watching the scenes on a movie screen.