Covertly Strong

Strong #1

by N.A. Alcorn

She can track down the world's most dangerous drug lords, hack into any computer, and kill a man in fifteen different ways—but when she comes face-to-face with the only man who’s ever held her heart, it might be her most dangerous mission yet... Or is it?

Sloan Walker. Dr. Felicia Santora. Agent L-55.
Three very different personas, three very different names, but all have one thing in common. They’re all controlled, acted out, and lived by one woman.

Her past has been long forgotten. Ten years have gone by since someone remembered the girl she used to be. The young girl with the big-brown eyes and beautiful dreams of happiness, dreams of love. She now lives a clandestine life. A life filled with top-secret missions and covert assignments. Only a handful of people know the true nature of her job. Her safety is constantly being pushed towards the brink of life-threatening danger.

Then one day someone unexpectedly steps back into her life…

A man who once owned her mind, body, and soul.
A man who held her heart in the palm of his hand.

He remembers. He knows.

And this knowledge could threaten everything she’s worked so hard for. Nixon West is as intelligent as they come and his Navy SEAL training has made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the United States Military. The moment she reappeared into his life he promised himself that he wouldn't let her go.

But the true question is…what extreme lengths will Nix go to for her?

She will soon face another mission.

And it will test everything.

Time never seems all that important until your life hangs in the balance.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock…

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Adult, Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2014

About the author

Author of the Infamous Series.
The Infamous Ellen James- Dec 2013
Avoiding Amy Jackson- Feb 2014
Finding Lizzy Montgomery- Summer 2014

Avid reader.

Tequila enthusiast.

Smut addict.

Lover of all things inappropriate and perverted.

Reviews

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei)]

DNF at 15%

A big block of cheese that literally had me gagging.

[Lady Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this story. I loved Sloane's character! She was strong, smart, independent, ans sassy.
The reason I only gave this story a 'generous' 3 star rating is because by the end of the story the dialogue between the H/h was getting very cheesy, repetitive, and on my last nerve.

I get they loved each other, and they would be with/or wait for the other always , but saying it like 50,000 times didn't reinforce the feeling...it just pissed me off.

I will read the next book in this series because I really like this author's voice, and her characters.
This series has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to see where she goes with it.

[Talltree · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars, would have been more but the third person-present tense POVs were hard to read for me, plus the violence against the h:(. Otherwise it was a great second chance read. The situation was also reminiscent of The Notebook at certain moments.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review from Tara and I at http://www.twounrulygirls.com **

So enjoyed this book..full review to follow!

4.5 Stars!! When you find an author that writes in a way that totally speaks to you as a reader, you not only become a fan, you relish in the fact that they can write something completely different and find it captures you just the same. Having fallien head over heels in love with first Ellen and then Amy in Ms. Alcorn’s first two books was easily done for me…the humor, the women’s strength and friendship, and the hot guy were an easy sale for this book whore. So when I saw her new book Covertly Strong was coming…let’s just say begging began for an early copy. Not even reading a blurb I went in strong knowing I would be able to connect with whatever story Ms. Alcorn was ready to deliver…and I DID!

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My only slight hiccup came in the form of third person, but where I would gently set book down and move to another (not my favorite) I plowed and on and quickly forgot the out of POV comfort zone…I fell hard for both Nixon and his Meli from the get go…her strength and sassy-ness (best game of nerf war ever) made the connection for me solid and quick…and Nixon was completely swoon worthy and possessive of his girl from first glance…years, careers and pasts that took a different turn but inevitably intersect for my pleasure take place…but once those paths cross, the bond that was created and never forgotten is realized as what they hope is their forever! Nothing comes easy for these two and this simple fact has you gripping the kindle until your knuckles are white...

"God, I need her. I fucking need her more than I've needed anyone or anything in my entire existence."

Really enjoyed this story, and find myself still thinking on it weeks after reading it! Suspense, romance, strong female lead, first love and a hot soldier…check please!

Full Review of Covertly Strong

Two Unruly Girls FB Page

[M. Mabie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is different from what I've read by this author in the most amazing way. if you like tough, kickass male and female leads, then you'll love Nix & Sloan. great book. I can't wait for book 2!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I LOVED it!!

[Nic Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

** review for BareNakedWords **

“True love is intangible, and once it’s found---once it’s felt inside the soul, possessing every single cell inside the body---the heart never wants to let go.”

OMG!!!!! ~SIGHS~
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I LOVE NIX ~SIGHS~
...And I LOVE SLOAN.

I was intrigued when I got sent the synopsis to this book, but also knew that I would fall in love with it when I started reading. NA had me hooked from the very first page, and I became so immersed into it, that everything else got forgotten about.

‘Covertly Strong’ is told to us in multiple parts. These parts unfold the emotional story of Nixon West and Sloan Walker. The first part tells us how Sloan and Nix met, their relationship and how they fell in love. Their relationship is exactly the kind of young love you expect to see. The loved fiercely, spent every moment together and relished in the time they had. They made plans, adamant that they both could overcome anything that got in their way. But, as is life of a military child, you don’t always get what you want, and you can be shipped off at a moment’s notice.

“You will always have my heart, Meli, Always. I know we’re young, but fuck, I know with every inch of my soul that I will never love anyone else the way that I love you. This right here,” he continued on as he pointed to his chest. “This right here is yours. It will always be yours, and no one else will ever have this part of me...”

“And my heart is yours, Nixon West. No one will ever have this piece of me.”

Part 2, takes us on the journey of Nixon and Sloan in the present day, 10 years later. They’re living, but not really ‘living’. They both throw themselves in to their respective careers, but are both lonely in every other aspect. One chance meeting at a charity dinner party, throws both their worlds and minds off kilter. When they come face to face you can feel the tension thickening at every minute. The air around them was thick with it....and not just sexual.

It’s been 10 years since they seen each other. So much has happened. They’ve changed and each has their fair share of secrets, but since reconnecting things seems brighter and everything feels right.

“Put your money where your mouth is, Lieutenant, and prove it. Scream it. Tell the fucking world,”
“His lips brush her ear as he whispers, “I love you, Sloan. I love you with every ounce of my soul.”
She looks up into his sapphire orbs with curiosity and surprise. “Why’d you whisper it to me?”
“Nix stares down at her, locking his gaze with her beautiful eyes. “Because you are my world, Meli...” He pauses as he inhales a shaky breath. “You. Are. My. World.” ~Sighs~

Part three, is where all hell breaks loose and their jobs collide in epic proportions which leaves us in utter chaos and full blown anxiety mode.

“His reality has now morphed into his worst nightmare.”

This really is such a phenomenal book.

Sloan has got to be one of the strongest lead females I have come across. She’s fierce, strong, and loyal and is very passionate about her job. She takes it very seriously and even when Nix comes back in to her life, is determined to keep it that way. But she’s also one of the most loveable people there is. She loves Nix with every bit of her soul and isn’t afraid to show it...or the other ‘frog hogs’, and by god does she give it to them. Hahahahaha!!!!!

I felt myself waiting with bated breath to know what would happen. How they would react after being reunited and what would happen next, especially with all the time that had past, and the lives they now lead.

The writing was flawless. The characters are amazing and loveable.
The attention to detail and research has been done with such precision and thought, that it is easy to understand military terms and what it going on without being overwhelmed by it.

I love Military novels and find that I can relate to the characters more. Coming from a Military background myself, I sympathise with what they go through and the emotions they feel.

NA Alcorn has really done a marvellous job with ‘Covertly Strong’ and I very much look forward to the future books in this series.

If you love smoking hot, Alpha males...in the form of a Navy Seal and an equally as strong, independent and powerful female lead, then you will absolutely love this novel. I cannot recommend it enough and you will not be disappointed.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 to 3.5 stars

This is another one of those books that I am struggling with rating.

One one hand, there were a lot of boxes ticked for me with the story. Hot dirty talking alpha- Navy SEAL. Strong sassy smart and independent heroine. Second chance love story. All of these things work for me and usually signify a kickass story in my book.

But on the other hand, I really struggled with the third person narration. I am so accustomed to first person or dual POVs that I had a really hard time sticking with it. In fact, once I put it to the side it took 3 attempts to get through it and finish the last 60% of the book. And there were parts that just came across as predictable and downright cheesy to me.

So what can I say? I loved Nix and Sloan as characters for the most part. Their story covered from the time they met when they were 16 until they found their way back to each other by chance more than 10 years later. I really enjoyed Nix's SEAL brothers, particularly Julian who will be the star of the next book in the series. Based on the loose end left open in this story, I have a pretty strong suspicion how his and Aly's story will be affected by a baddie but who knows, I may be wrong. I will have to decide when it is released if I will read it. Right now I am interested in the characters but not sure if the writing style will allow me to enjoy the story the way I would hope based on my experience here.

If you enjoy romantic suspense novels with elements noted above, I would strongly recommend downloading a sample before buying to see what you think.

[Noura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of young love that's lost and later found.

Nix West and Sloan Walker were highschool sweethearts and they knew then that they would be together forever. But circumstances and distance made them lose one another and they went about their own way not knowing what happened between them that ended their young live story. Fast forward 14 years, they meet each other again. Nix is now a SEAL and Sloan is not exactly Sloan but a CIA Agent living under a different name. They meet, they try tomfigure out what happened but in the end they just couldn't stay away from one another.

There were some suspenseful bits later in the book when Sloan had to go on a very dangerous mission (cue some mild nail-biting moments). But throughout the book it is all about how much Nix and Sloan luuuuuuuuurve each other. Yes. The loving and sexing probably takes up more than 70% of the book. But it's ok if you are not expecting a Grisham or Archer-esque story. This is no heavy duty espionage. This is first and foremost a romance novel with a bit of spy suspense thrown in. Nothing too complicated, not a lot of heavy drama. Loads of cuss words but eh...it's ok. The story is not bad.

Can't wait for the next installment on Julian and Aly.

[Vfc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time apart, almost a decade - - time transitions

Nix and Sloan were each other’s first love...with an intensity that ran so deep that it stuck with them for the rest of their lives. The moment Nixon West laid eyes on Sloan Walker, he just knew she would be important to him.

Her father being a well-decorated Navy admiral made it inevitable that her family would continuously move, as soon as Sloan would get settled into a new school and meet new friends, her father would once again be transferred.

Any moment, John Walker could get the call and Sloan’s family would yet again be uprooted, shipping out to another town, a different city or a foreign country.

They were sixteen when her father was stationed in Honolulu and Sloan demanded that Nix teach her to surf. She went to homecoming and prom; she danced, learnt to surf honing her skills with a competitive edge and she made lots of friends. Movie nights, pizza dinners, and parties on the beach became frequent occurrences

Twelve months later, they got the call.

Two years later their letters would go unanswered and they’d lose touch. Sloan experienced unimaginable loss. The first time was when she lost Nix. The second and third time occurred at the very same moment, and they were the most tragic, devastating losses of her life. Not many people can say that they experienced love, heartache, and unthinkable loss all before the age of twenty.

At thirty-two, she has changed with time.

Some may even consider her harder, less optimistic, less carefree. But who could blame her for changing into someone who no longer allows her mind to be filled with daydreams and thoughts of happily ever after?

Only a select few are aware of the true nature of her job. Her personal identity is nonexistent. Since she’s been working under the agent name L-55, her cover has never been revealed.

She was trained as one of the CIA’s most valuable agents within the Clandestine Affairs Division—a division whose sole focus is to fortify the United States security by collecting human intelligence through covert action and espionage.

Her actual strengths—her strong points—are from a purely mathematical, linguistic, and computer analytic standpoint. She’s assisted in developing the most high-tech computer software. Her real job—her ultimate priority over anything and everything—is her her agent name. This CIA appointed name has meaning. L stands for Lady and 55 is in relation to her ongoing assignment on Project 55. She signed on with the US Central Intelligence Agency at the age of twenty-one after completing a two-year internship with them as an undergraduate student at Georgetown University.

Sloan’s undergraduate major was engineering with a dual degree in computer analytics. Under the alias Dr. Felicia Santora, she graduated from Harvard Medical School four years after being employed by the CIA and completed a plastic surgery residency in record time. Most surgical residencies specializing in plastics take between five and six years—she finished hers in three.

Her mother, Maria Milochana Sanchez Walker originally from Spain, met
Sloan’s father while he was stationed overseas. United States Navy Vice Admiral John Walker met his Spanish wife in a small village just outside of Alicante, a historic Mediterranean port on the Costa Blanca.

Her parents died tragically in a car accident while she was away at college. They were killed instantly. L-55’s primary focus is international drug cartel. She’s strategically placed in areas suspicious for high drug activity and trafficking to the United States under the pretense of providing charitable surgeries for Project Smiles. By day, she’s the picture-perfect surgeon. By night, she’s L-55.

Agent L-55 is highly trained. She can hack into any computer and gain intel
on anyone. She can face some of the world’s most despicable human beings head on without showing an inkling of terror. She can kill a man in fifteen different ways, and even though her kill count in the CIA is classified, it goes without saying that she’s had to put those defense skills to use on more than one occasion. Bottom line, Agent L-55 is a badass in her own right—really amazing at her job.

Lieutenant Nixon West is, first and foremost, a Navy SEAL. He is the leader
of his platoon. SEALs —Sea, Air, and Land. They are the foundation of Naval Special Warfare combat forces Nix is highly intelligent and can use, work, fix, and disarm any type of weapon in the world. Like most frogs—they are highly skilled warriors of the military. They’re the experts—the strongest critical thinkers in the United States military. He Is assigned to the most top-secret SEAL Team—SEAL Team Six. The Team that no one even knew existed until it was leaked to the press that SEAL Team Six took out Osama bin Laden. Everything is kept highly classified and confidential in relation to this Team. Even the President of The United States couldn’t get the names of the SEALs who took out bin Laden. There are two platoons within SEAL Team Six: Nix’s platoon, Black Mamba, and Blue Krait. No one knows the names of the men on these platoons. Nix—codename Boss—is the leader of his platoon. He received the nickname during BUD/S Training. There are six other men in Black Mamba.

A few days after they’ve reconnected, she’s reveals she’s Sloan and they’re declaring their undying love.

Once in Guadalajara, her mission is compromised. Abducted, drugged and tortured by the underbelly of criminals and betrayed by a fellow agent. Black Mamba is brought in for a rescue mission.

Multiple lacerations, bruises all over her body, a visible bullet still embedded inside her right thigh and a moderate sized graze to her shoulder, blood loss...later, with track marks of unknown substances forced into her system including heroin.

She was shot twice, kidnapped, tortured, drugged and left to die.

[N.A. Alcorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Heart-ache. Suspense.
Are you ready for Nix & Sloan's Story?

"I will make her mine again. One smile. One kiss. One touch. One delicious fucking lick at a time. Game. On." -Nix


Covertly Strong is now officially live on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords!

Purchase Links:

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OFCJW12

Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cover...

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book. Im even happier to see its part of a series:) this book kept me up late as I just didn't wanna put it down. It's a book full of action, suspense and romance.

The characters are brilliant. Sloan is a tough ass female. She's a really strong heroine that I loved. Nixon is a Navy Seal. He's hot, gorgeous and delicious. Have I mentioned there are more Seals in this book??

Really brilliant read. Am looking forward to reading more of this series. I highly recommend this book. I loved it.

[Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever start reading book, and immediately you know you’ve never read a book quite like it before? Let me tell you, that feeling is amazing.

Well, I got that feeling on about page 4 of Covertly Strong, and that is when I knew I was going to absolutely love this book. That’s also about the time I fell instantly in love with one Nixon West.

Covertly Strong has everything that makes a book exceptional for me, yet it really was a book unlike any other I’ve read. Its got two strong badass main characters, with a new twist on a second chance love story. It also has a strong military aspect to it that just made this book so enthralling and exciting to read. I’m telling you, my heart was racing with adrenalin and excitement reading this book.

When I read NA Alcorn’s first two books, I immediately fell love with her laugh out loud hysterical humor, along with her fun loving and outrageously witty characters. I must admit that I was very curious to see how this book would compare to those since I knew the storyline and characters were going to be different, but I was thrilled to find I positively loved this book for the unique aspects it had. Those aspects through her so wonderful crafted writing made the book such a fantastic reading experience for me.

Basically, NA Alcorn just hit it out of the damn park with this one.

Sloan is a sassy as all get out character who instantly won me over with a highly memorable nerf game. That girl is something else, but I couldn’t get enough of how strong, sassy, and fierce she was. Sloan has some balls, and it was utterly fantastic to read such a truly strong female character who has the strength of 10 men put together. Her sassy personality shines through so wonderfully, and even in the toughest of situations she is herself through and through. Did I also mention she is a kick ass CIA agent? Major fist pump in the air for Sloan!

Nixon West is just one badass man. He not only manages to be one of the strongest and most determined male characters I’ve read, but he’s also got so many well developed and heartfelt feelings that just made me swoon. Nixon is brash, and he’s tough, and he means business with everything he does. I loved that about him. It’s also not hard to imagine his swoon worthy self, which makes it all the more enjoyable to love his character. He’s also charming as all get out, so triple dog dare you to not love this hot Navy SEAL. (FYI, you’re gonna lose that dare.)

Sloan and Nixon are given a second chance at love in Covertly Strong. I love me a good second chance romance, and Covertly Strong just reemphasized that for me again and again. These two are thrust back together, and reading them try to make sense of all that while embracing their second chance together is just the best. The level of feeling and emotions and power behind their second chance will also just make your heart feel for both of them, and will have you rooting for them and cheering them on every step of the way.

This book has an utterly fabulous level of kickassery. (Yes I made that word up, but that’s what this book has.) This book is just oozing the kickassery with a CIA agent and a Navy SEAL as the main characters. How could you not be kickass with a combo like that? Those two are also strong as hell, they bring out the best fierceness and fight in each other, and their banter is also pretty darn fantastic. This book also has a plotline that just takes charge and means business from start to finish. And don’t even get me started on the amazingness of Black Mamba. All of these aspects combine to make one helluva story you won’t soon forget.

I absolutely loved how Covertly Strong gives you the chance to experience Nixon and Sloan when they were young and first met. It sets up their relationship and story so fantastically, and allows you the chance to see where it all began for them. You feel the ease and sweetness and magic that comes with their young love, yet you also feel the power it really has.

I was also beyond thrilled with the military aspects of Covertly Strong. I’ve never read a book that incorporated those kinds of aspects into a story, and I couldn’t get enough of it all. The jargon, the tenacity, the fight will all envelop you into that world so easily, and I easily felt like I understood everything that was going on within that world. This also adds a whole new dynamic to these characters and their story, making it all the more remarkable to read.

I was kind of shocked by how much I loved the third person POV used in this book. This genre is well known for first person, but I was pleasantly surprised by what the third person POV added to how this story was told. This perspective allowed me to easily get into so many characters heads, and NA Alcorn did a magnificent job of going back and forth between them all seamlessly. It allowed me to know and love them all so easily. I honestly don’t think this story would’ve been the same without this perspective, as it just highlighted and exemplified every fantastic aspect of the book and characters.

Covertly Strong is practically bursting with adrenalin pumping moments. Some of those moments result from the intense action of the book, but just as many are a result of the high level of emotion and love firing through the pages and characters. Those moments were exceptional. They also made every heart pounding moment, or pulse rate inducing character feel so real to me, and with each additional adrenalin pumping moment I connected more deeply to the story and Sloan and Nixon.

There is no better group of guys to read, than the members of Nixon’s SEAL team, Black Mamba. I am more anxious than ever to get my hands on those guys. They are each different in their own way, but wholly engaging throughout, and I loved them all. You will get moments of them through this book that are highly memorable and will stick with you. These guys are hysterical and will leave you with one helluva smirk, but they’re also the strongest of brothers that will no doubt adhere themselves to your heart in an instant.

I can’t describe enough to you how powerful Sloan and Nixon’s love is. It grew when they were young, and it did a lot of things when they were apart. Covertly Strong explores what happens when these two and their utterly powerful love are thrown together again. The fight that their love brings out in them, their emotions, their feelings, and their vulnerabilities, will just have you feeling the tenacious power of that love, and you’ll realize over and over again why it’s so clearly worth fighting for.

Covertly Strong blew me away with everything it had.

This book brings two fiercely strong and determined characters together in such a way that will have you feeling the intensity of all that is between them, while making you want to fight like hell right along with them. You will love Nixon and Sloan. You will want to fight for Nixon and Sloan. You will love all the pages, all the heart rate inducing moments, and all the emotion and feeling you get to experience with Nixon and Sloan.

Covertly Strong has so many aspects that set it apart from other books you’ve read. These aspects make this book, its story, and its highly engaging characters wholly unique and truly enthralling to read.

I guarantee you’ve never read a book quite like this one, but remember, that’s what makes all the difference.

[Shar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm like so disappointed with the writing and content. I feel like im reading to my little sister and i couldn't formulate thoughts without being repetitive in my sentences. No offence. This wasn't what I was hoping from the writer. Where's the wit? I'm sorry..

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything that N.A. Alcorn writes. She could write a manual on watching paint dry and I would love it. Her style flows so well. Covertly Strong is not like her previous books. This one is completely different but it proves how strong of an author she is. She can write on two different spectrum’s and they are both fantastic.

Covertly Strong is the story of Sloan Walker and Nixon West. It follows their long journey through life and love; and what a journey they have. I love their love story.

Sloan Walker aka Agent L-55 aka Mellie works undercover for the CIA. She is a bad ass female lead. She takes no shit from anyone and commands a room. She is loyal to her job and doesn't date. She had her one true love and that didn't work out. No one compares to Nixon West. Sloan met Nix while her family was stationed in Hawaii. She was at the beach with her friends when she laid eyes on him.

"Only one guy in particular stood out. His wet, brown hair was brushed back from his face and a fierce expression encompassed his entire demeanor. He called to her like a beacon-pulling her entire awareness, stealing every aspect of her focus."



Nix is HOT. I understand why Sloan loved that man so much. He quickly moved up the chain of my top book boyfriends. I would say he is so amazing that he rival's Kellan Kyle. This man is hands down, perfect. There is no better way to describe him other than perfect. Nixon is part of the elite SEAL team. He does the missions that only the top of the top can do. He doesn't really date either. He lost the one person that was his entire world and knew that no one would every compare.



Sloan and Nix's love story started on that beach. It was more than just a typical high school romance. Their love was real. They thought they would be together forever. That was until her family got transferred to Italy. Vowing to write and stay in touch as much as physically possible they dated long distance. I loved reading their letters to each other. They were so sweet and personal. It made me really feel their love. Then all of a sudden it stopped. My heart broke for both of them because neither could understand why.



Fast forward ten years later. Sloan lives her life day in and day out being guarded and doing whatever is needed of her for her work. She can't let anyone know that her real name is Sloan Walker. She doesn't even know who Sloan Walker is anymore. She is Dr. Felicia Santora and she does charity missions all over the world to help children with facial deformities; all while getting covert information needed for the CIA. Even though she hasn't been Sloan Walker for a long time she still holds on to the memories of what life was like when she was her, when she was with Nix. She has held on to the very last letter she ever received from Nix.

"It's not just any letter, but a letter that reminds her of a love that was so strong-so deep- that she'll forever be reminded of the boy with the gorgeous blue eyes and contagious smile."



Fate has a way of bringing together two people back together that even though so many years has passed are still each others only one.

"Despite the distance-the time that passed-my heart was always loyal to you."



If you think that their love story would be easy after they reconnected you are far from wrong. Every relationship has obstacles and this one is no different. I believe that those obstacles only make each person stronger.

"LOVE IS WORTH THE RISK-it's worth everything."



"Our love is perfect Meli. Me and you together? Fuck, baby. There's no obstacle that could stand in our way because with your mouthful of sass and my huge...ego, we can handle anything."



Covertly Strong is full of romantic letters, lost love, suspense, and two people who could not be more perfect for each other. Their love story is unique. It is one of love and loss and the way they find their way back is heart-warming. The feels you get from reading this book are off the charts. If you want a HOT Alpha male, a beautiful love story, and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat then this is the book for you.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Espionage? Check
CIA operative? Check
Navy SEAL? Check
A beautiful romance? Check
The return of a long lost love? Check
Action and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Check
Hot reunion and second chance? Check

This book was awesome! It played in my head like a movie, one that I would watch over and over again. Covertly Strong begins to unfold a lovely tale in multiple parts. The first part is basically a series of events that happened in the past, how Sloan and Nix met, their relationship, how they fell in love, and what happened to their relationship. The first part is everything that a young love story should be. They fell hard and fast, loving each other fiercely, believing that their young true love could overcome and conquer all obstacles. Yet with life, things happen and lives go astray and connections are severed.

Part two begins in the present day and we see where Nix and Sloan are 10 years later. Both living exciting yet lonely lives. With a chance encounter at a dinner party, Nix and Sloan are reunited and it is heartbreaking and wonderful. They both have secrets and so much has happened in the past decade. They have changed. As they try to muddle through the emotions and confusion, they reconnect and life seems a little bit brighter than before.

The last part is crazy emotional and awesome. Sloan is sent to Guadalajara under her cover as Dr. Felicia, who works with Project Smiles, doing operations and giving immunizations, while collecting intel and attempting to set the path for infiltrating a drug cartel. Her works seems to be going well until she is betrayed and all hell breaks loose, leaving us in chaos and anxiety to see what will happen!

THIS STORY WAS AMAZING! I love a good action story and this book fits the bill to a T. Sloan is such an incredibly strong and fascinating character. I want to be her! She is intelligent, resourceful, and strong. Her work with the CIA is not for the faint of heart and her work with Project Smiles is commendable and sweet. However, she is living a life dedicated to the job at hand, leaving all emotional and personal relationships behind. She has been though a lot in her life and she is closed off as a result. Nix is the epitome of a Navy SEAL, a strong, sexy, wonderful man. When they reconnect, it is hard to watch them attempt to muddle through their past, attempting to learn where everything went wrong. They have limited time to reconnect before both are pulled away in defense of their country. They use that time to rehash some things and reconnect in every possible way. They are a couple on fire. Their connection is deep, raw, and powerful. I loved their relationship and how they became more "alive" together than they had been in so long.

There is so much that happens in the last part of the book but I will not spoil it. Just know that you will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens. This book started off sweet and became intense until the very last word. My heart sighed at the sweet moments. I was giddy at their second chance, then my heart was ripped apart and painstakingly put back together again. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this series has to offer. If this first book is any indication, we are in for a crazy ride! I applaud you NA Alcorn on a book well written and a job well done!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes, HOT SEAL ALERT!! Damn, Nixon West (and his SEAL team) is....mmm hmm. And his lady love, Sloan? Kick. Ass.

Sloan Walker is known by many names, and lives her life in danger and on the edge. She’s brutally smart and cool as ice. Usually. But when she comes face-to-face with her first love, her control starts to slip.

Nix never forgot the girl branded on his heart, even after more than a decade. Now a strong SEAL, he's dangerous and determined, and nothing will stop him having his Sloan back in his life. Except her latest covert op...

OMFG, I LOVED this book. After kicking my kids and husband out of the house, I sat and read cover-to-cover, with brief pauses only to rehydrate. It was heart-stoppingly good, different from most everything I've read before, and f*cking funny in places.

Nix and Sloan had excellent, sparky chemistry and while I struggled with the first few pages, once they came together, they were captivating. My heart broke, my brow furrowed. They came back together (second-chance romance? That's so me!), and my heart soared, my eyes widened.

I was sad when I reached the end of Covertly Strong, but happy with the set-up for book two in this new series from an author that split my sides with her Infamous series. N.A. Alcorn is officially an author I will one-click regardless of synopsis or series. Most especially if there's going to be more hot SEALs.

Covertly Strong is the first book in the Strong series. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 5 stars.

~~~

Nothing. There is NOTHING I could think of that could make this story better. It was perfect. Perfect pace, perfect amount of everything, and lots of feels.

Nix and Sloan....I fell in love with them falling in love. At just 16 years old, they knew they were soul mates. They are adorable and sassy and I could FEEL their love, which translates to: great writing. The ups and downs of emotions are addicting.

Present day: we have one bad-ass surgeon/CIA agent and a smokin' hot Navy SEAL/caveman. And heads up, he is not the only one. With six men in uniform, this series is off to an AMAZING start!

At 30% in, I read one of the most beautiful declarations of love. Ever. Tears, people. Nixon West, you dirty talkin' sweetheart.

My only "fear" is that I will fall hard for a different SEAL in the next book! What a burden!

Great story, great characters, great action, great relationships. ~ Krissy, 5 (great BIG) stars

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Covertly Strong is a story about a second chance at a first love that’s full of heart ache and suspense. This is a new genre for N.A. Alcorn. I absolutely loved her Infamous series and was excited when I read the blurb for Covertly Strong. I couldn’t wait to read it and was not disappointed.

Sloan Walker is the daughter of Naval Officer who was newly stationed in Hawaii. It’s there where Sloan finally feels at home, feels like herself. One day at the beach she sees him….Nixon West. From that day forward her life is changed. She knows she met the person she was meant to be with. Then the news comes in and it’s time for the Walker family to relocate. Sloan and Nix promise to stay in touch and be together again one day. Things happen, moves take place and they lose touch. Both try their best to move on but never forget the love they had for one another.

Fast forward 10 year and Sloan is living a completely different life then she ever imagined. She is an undercover CIA agent working as a plastic surgeon. She has still never forgotten about Nix. Nix has become a very successful Navy Seal. He lives, eats, and breaths being a Seal and is very proud of what he has accomplished. He has tried to forget Sloan, tried to move on but was never successful at it.

Then it happens. He sees her again and all of his feelings come running back, only it isn’t her. She is going by another name, Dr. Felicia Santora. He puts everything he has into getting her back in his life. Sloan remembers everything, the feelings, the love but she is afraid to let him back in because he can’t really know the truth behind her career.

Sloan and Nix’s story is full of suspense, love, and heart ache. Let me tell you Nix can swoon the panties right off of you. He is everything you look for in a male character of a book. He is sweet, caring, protective, strong, and just a little bit of bad boy thrown in there. I think one of my favorite parts about this book that it wasn’t insta-love. They had a past that helped bring them together. I’m really looking forward to the 2nd book in the series. I have an idea who it’s going to be about and I can’t wait to see that story play out.

[Romancerwblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by the synopsis of Covertly Strong and was really excited to read this book by NA Alcorn. I fell in love with her as an author when I read her Infamous Series and wondered how this story would be since it is totally different. Fortunately, I am happy to report she can literally write anything and do it great!

The story begins with a story of young love between Sloan and Nix while they are in high school. I really loved getting to know the characters while they are young and experiencing emotions for the first time. I felt so bad for them, when things took a turn south. The characters are the same as me so I can totally remember a life without cell phones, constant contact and other conveniences we take for granted now.

Once we are back in present day, we see the changes both characters have gone through. Sloan is a total bad ass. I love her character. It is refreshing to have such a strong, independent, sassy lead character. She works for the CIA, so she can handle pretty much anything, except maybe Nixon West.

Navy SEAL, Nixon "Nix" West, never leaves me disappointed. I loved his character at 16 and even more so at 30 something. He is a fighter and once he finds Sloan, there is no way he is backing down and losing her again. Did I mention he is hot, gorgeous and a Navy SEAL?!

The only thing I would have changed about this book is that it is narrated and I think I would have enjoyed it even more if it had been told from the characters POV. It is really just a personal preference for me. In conclusion, if you like hot, steamy novels with plenty of action and drama, you should one click this bad boy right now! You will thank me for the introduction to Nix later! I can't wait until the next book is released. Well done, Ms. Alcorn!

http://romancerewind.blogspot.com/201...

[Pratr- Authors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloan Walker was used to moving and having to change schools never having close friends. With her father being an Admiral in the Navy. After her father is stationed in Hawaii Sloan takes a trip with her new friend to the beach for a party and she meets Nixon West, there was something about him that just drew her in. nix knew when he met Sloan that his world would never be the same again. Finally Sloan ends up spending a whole year in one place and that is more then enough time for her and Nix to fall in love and know that they are going to spend the rest of their lives together. Then her father is transferred again, and Sloan and Nix stay in touch, then when her father is sent to Japan the letters stop and the phone is disconnected. Sloan is heart broken. While Nix is heart broken never hearing back from Sloan and having no way to find her. Until over fourteen years later.

I absolutely loved this book. the characters, the emotions just drew in in and stayed in your heart and mind. Even though when I found out both Sloan and Nix's occupations I kind of knew what would happen. Just didn't know how or the when. to fall in love at sixteen and still be in love with that person over a decade later just pulls at your heart strings. Sloan is one of the strongest female heroines I have read in a long time. Nix, is just a drop dead gorgeous man. Never afraid to show how he feels and the chemistry between the two just jumps off the pages. After all that time and where life has taken them it is amazing that they come full circle without to many scars.

[Miranda Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covertly Strong is the first book in a new series by NA Alcon. I really enjoyed this book and its\’s military/cia theme. It was so different than any other book I had read and thoroughly enjoyed how it used military style headings and time to help tell the story of Nix and Sloan.

Nix and Sloan met when they were 16 years old in Hawaii while her dad was stationed there. It took no time at all for them to become attached to each other and become inseparable. It is quickly apparent that they are in love and that their love is very very strong. But a year later when they get separated because Sloan’s dad gets a new assignment something happens and they lose contact.

Flash forward fourteen years and Nix is a very sexy Navy Seal and Sloan is a in command CIA agent. The two run into each other while she is undercover and we can all see that the chemistry and feelings they were once there never really go away.

Covertly Strong is an action packed romantic suspense novel that will leave you wondering what is about to happen next. I loved Nix’s alpha tendencies and how much he clearly has always loved Sloan. Sloan is a wonderful Heroine who is strong willed and can easily handle herself in any situation! Overall, I really liked the plot and characters in this novel.

I will say that I enjoyed the present part of the book a lot more than the past. It took me a few to get hooked into it but once I did I just couldn’t stop. If you like Romantic Suspense novels than this is one you will want to add to your list!

~miranda

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Provided by Author in exchange for honest review via Blog Tour*

4 solid stars!

Nix, where have you been all my book life?
Kick-Ass CIA agent? Hot Navy SEAL? Wow, these are what drew me to this book, well after reading the synopsis that is.
I freaking devoured this book. It had the one main thing that I love in a book- Navy SEALs. Or well, Military in general- Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. I like them all.
I loved Nix and Sloan. They were really easy to fall in love with.
Nix, is the best. If something needs done, well, Nix and his team will get it done. Not only is he the best, he is also gorgeous, kind and a bad ass.
Sloan, like Nix, is the best at her job. Not only is She the best at her job, but she is also every man’s Dream. She’s Gorgeous, Smart and can kick ass.
By the way I’m describing them they sound like they are a match made in heaven. Well they are. But there’s only one problem. They haven’t seen each other in 12 years. But that’s about to change.
One thing is for sure, and that is Nix will do anything to get his Meli. Nothing will stop him.
I’m really excited to get the rest of the SEAL teams guy’s books.

If you like Drama, suspense, and Romance, then you should check out this book. You Really don’t want to miss their story.

Well it’s safe to say after this review that I’m reallllly excited for book two. Which just so happens to be Aly and Julian’s book.

[Chelsea Hockenberry ~ Author Groupies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.75 Groupie Stars!
I have been in love with N.A. Alcorn’s writing since I stumbled along her first novel The Infamous Ellen James. With Covertly Strong, Alcorn takes a turn for the serious and I so pleased!! Sloan Walker, aka Agent L-55, aka Dr. Felicia Santora, has let go of her past. Or so she thought, but when her past comes back to her life she knows it doesn’t mix well with her current life of secret missions and a new identity, but will she risk it all anyway?
Nixon West thought he saw the last of Sloan Walker, but here she is after fourteen years and he won’t let her go, but can he deal with her secret life? Can she deal with his? Will their love stand the test of time or will their secret lives put their lives in peril?
I loved this book soooo much! I was skeptical as to how the chapters would work as they were all in military time but I loved how the book flowed! NA blew me away with her knowledge of Navy SEAL’s and covert operations. The only thing that I wished for more of in this book is more from Nix’s POV. I loved Nix and Sloan’s love story and I feel that it was wrapped up perfectly! I can’t wait for book 2!!

Love and Books
~Chelsea

[Evette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I enjoyed so many aspects of this book. Strong as hell Sloan, does her job and takes no prisoners. Intense Nixon, has made a life for himself as a SEAL and has built a band of brothers. Excellent secondary character development. Romance with suspense, yet the story was almost too far fetched for me.

First love is amazing. The connection between Sloan and Nix has been unusually strong form the start. And it felt real. The intensity of their renewal of that love was whew! This is where it it was frustrating for me, so much narration instead of conversation. Lots of telling, not so much discovery. I get that they need to reassure themselves and each other, but the almost constant fawning was a bit much. On the other hand, how well they actually communicated with each other was brilliant. There was absolutely no doubt of the depth of their feelings. The emails were freaking awesome.

This was a very different kind of book from NA Alcorn’s Infamous series, and I am very ecxited to see where the stories go from here.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing. There is NOTHING I could think of that could make this story better. It was perfect. Perfect pace, perfect amount of everything and lots of feels. Nix and Sloan....I fell in love with them falling in love. At just 16 years old, they knew they were soul mates. They are adorable and sassy and I could FEEL their love, which translates to: great writing. The ups and downs of emotions are addicting.

Present day: we have one tough surgeon/CIA agent and a smokin' hot Navy SEAL/caveman. And, heads up, he is not the only one ;) With 6 men in uniform, this series is off to an AMAZING start!

At 30% in, I read one of the most beautiful declarations of love. Ever. Tears, people. Nixon West, you dirty talkin' sweetheart.

My only "fear" is that I will fall hard for a different SEAL in the next book! What a burden!

Great story, great characters, great action, great relationships.

5 (great big) stars from me

[Perusing Princesses · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had sooooo much!
It starts of with an Sloan moving with her family to Hawaii... Her father being in the military has made her life difficult with never being able to have roots because she moves so often all over the world...
Then fate would have her move to Hawaii... And she meets the love of her life... Nix
They have an intense year... Full of life happiness and love.... Then Sloan's dad gets "the call". And she is moving away from her heart from her soul....
The first ��� of the book is so bittersweet... And just takes you back to those feelings of your first love...
Then.... Fate seems against them... Destiny seems to want them apart... Noooooo....heartbreak!

Years later... Well life's cruelty turn in their favor... Could they get their second chance! She is now undercover CIA...He is part of the elite seals team 6....
Will a chance meet bring them together just to rip them apart? Or will destiny keep them apart?

Read this!

[Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had sooooo much!
It starts of with an Sloan moving with her family to Hawaii... Her father being in the military has made her life difficult with never being able to have roots because she moves so often all over the world...
Then fate would have her move to Hawaii... And she meets the love of her life... Nix
They have an intense year... Full of life happiness and love.... Then Sloan's dad gets "the call". And she is moving away from her heart from her soul....
The first ⅓ of the book is so bittersweet... And just takes you back to those feelings of your first love...
Then.... Fate seems against them... Destiny seems to want them apart... Noooooo....heartbreak!

Years later... Well life's cruelty turn in their favor... Could they get their second chance! She is now undercover CIA...He is part of the elite seals team 6....
Will a chance meet bring them together just to rip them apart? Or will destiny keep them apart?

Read this!

[e · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eu queria muito ter adorado o livro, pois eu gosto da autora. Esse livro tem uma essência bem diferente dos outros livros da série "Infamous" da N.A. Alcorn, mas, às vezes, era possível pegar um pouco daquele humor em algumas conversas entre os personagens.

A história não é ruim, mas, sinceramente, já li vários livros com a mesma trama. Senti falta de algum diferencial, algo que chamasse a atenção.

Gostei dos personagens apesar de querer mais deles. Achei que a base do que separou o Nix e a Sloan no início da história deixou a desejar, foi algo muito aleatório e 14 anos para eles se reencontrarem foi tempo demais.

Esperava mais.

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is seriously awesome! I was so honored to read this book before it released. It's different than most due to the fact that both characters are very headstrong and stubborn. They are also very committed in their careers. This is different from normal NA books, you don't get the humor like in her other books but minus that this book is full of action and romance plus he's a sexy smooth talking Navy Seal, you can't go wrong with that. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action and romance plus it keeps your attention from start to finish.