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Against Orders
Obeying orders will make him their scapegoat. Defying them will make him their enemy.
Captain Kynan Esprit served six years in the Marines, then four more in the Secret Service. Both ended in disgrace.
Jobless, his former commander recommends him to weapons manufacturer Whit Lasette, who doesn’t care if Kynan’s moral compass sometimes conflicts with orders from above.
Whit admires the captain’s uncompromising valor and hires Ky to protect his adult daughter, Reina, while he campaigns for the US presidency.
Determined not to torpedo another opportunity, Kynan vows to never again disobey orders or get personally involved, but he forsakes both after a kidnapping attempt forces him to hide Reina at her father’s Mediterranean compound.
But it's much bigger than just a kidnapping. After unearthing documents about a global conspiracy to fatten the wallets of certain power players by sabotaging peace overseas, they find themselves hunted from every angle.
Only they can divulge the truth and save millions... if they can survive against all odds.
AGAINST ORDERS is an exciting new geopolitical conspiracy thriller, a fusion of Hour of the Assassin and The 500 by Matthew Quirk, Simon Gervais’ The Last Protector, Tim Tigner’s Boundless Ambition, LT Ryan’s Thin Line, and a reckoning of our recent political climate.
Captain Kynan Esprit served six years in the Marines, then four more in the Secret Service. Both ended in disgrace.
Jobless, his former commander recommends him to weapons manufacturer Whit Lasette, who doesn’t care if Kynan’s moral compass sometimes conflicts with orders from above.
Whit admires the captain’s uncompromising valor and hires Ky to protect his adult daughter, Reina, while he campaigns for the US presidency.
Determined not to torpedo another opportunity, Kynan vows to never again disobey orders or get personally involved, but he forsakes both after a kidnapping attempt forces him to hide Reina at her father’s Mediterranean compound.
But it's much bigger than just a kidnapping. After unearthing documents about a global conspiracy to fatten the wallets of certain power players by sabotaging peace overseas, they find themselves hunted from every angle.
Only they can divulge the truth and save millions... if they can survive against all odds.
AGAINST ORDERS is an exciting new geopolitical conspiracy thriller, a fusion of Hour of the Assassin and The 500 by Matthew Quirk, Simon Gervais’ The Last Protector, Tim Tigner’s Boundless Ambition, LT Ryan’s Thin Line, and a reckoning of our recent political climate.
- GenresFiction
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
531 people are currently reading
2744 people want to read
About the author
Nancy S. Thompson
5 books328 followersNancy S. Thompson is an award-winning author who loves to write suspenseful action thrillers with a touch of romance. Her latest, Against Orders (Book One), is a geopolitical conspiracy thriller and a reckoning of our recent political climate.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Nancy in her studio, painting contemporary art, or at the piano, playing Chopin or Mozart. She’s a California transplant currently living in Seattle, Washington with her husband and cats, and recently retired after 35 years in the architectural and interior design business.
To learn more, visit her website and sign-up for Nancy’s newsletter to receive updates in your inbox. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Threads, Tribel, and Bluesky.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Nancy in her studio, painting contemporary art, or at the piano, playing Chopin or Mozart. She’s a California transplant currently living in Seattle, Washington with her husband and cats, and recently retired after 35 years in the architectural and interior design business.
To learn more, visit her website and sign-up for Nancy’s newsletter to receive updates in your inbox. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Threads, Tribel, and Bluesky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 13, 2025
Nancy S. Thompson storms onto the scene with this thriller that has great underlying conspiracy themes to keep the reader curious. After miserable endings to his Marine and Secret Service careers, Captain Kynan Esprit is looking for yet another new start. He’s hired as part of the private security detail for a lavish businessman making a play for the White House. Assigned to Whit Lasette’s daughter, Reina, Esprit must keep her from facing any danger. However, this does not go as planned, leaving him to flee the country with Reina. It is only then that they learn to truth about Whit Lasette and what he has in store for the America he hopes to run. A gripping conspiracy thriller that has elements of greatness embedded in a story that spreads itself a little too thin.
After a military career in the Marines left Captain Kynan Esprit dismissed in disgrace, he was sure that a change to serve his country as part of the Secret Service would be just what he needed. Helping protect the daughter of the sitting vice-president was going so well, until an attempt on her safely left one man dead and Agent Esprit dismissed once again. Now, he is without a job and desperate to re-invent himself. Enter Whit Lasette, a weapons manufacturer who wants to make a play for the White House, using his many connections. Lasette needs security as he tries to earn the Republican nomination, especially for his college-age daughter, Reina. Esprit is recommended and soon has the job, with one role; keep Reina safe.
After a harrowing attack in Seattle sees Reina almost kidnapped and killed, Esprit cannot risk losing another job or messing things up. He flees with Reina to the Lasette compound in the Mediterranean, where he hopes they can lay low and stay off the grid until Whit Lasette secures the presidency and protection is restored to normal. However, things go off the beaten path when they discover some correspondence that shows ulterior motives of Whit Lasette, as well as some of the friends he has made along the way. Esprit cannot sit on this, but also does not know who he can trust.
Rushing into deeper seclusion, away from the Lasette eye, Esprit tries to protect Reina as best he can, hoping that what he saw was but an aberration and something that will never come to pass. However, some who discover what he knows want nothing more than to ensure there are no leaks and pave the way to the White House without any chance of an October Surprise. Captain Kynan Esprit, Reina Lasette, and others could be impediments and must be removed as swiftly as possible. A chilling story that puts Nancy S. Thompson on the map and opens the door to what might be a strong series, given some tweaks.
I enjoy thrillers most of all when reading for pleasure, especially if there is a political angle to them. Nancy S. Thompson presents a viable option for me and I was pleased to have stumbled upon her writing. The narrative clips along, providing the reader with a great foundation for understanding the setting and the political intrigue that is set to transpire. The introduction of the story’s protagonist, Kynan Esprit, keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to decipher how he will fit into the larger story. Many characters who fill the pages of the book are just as intriguing, though they are not as well-developed as I would have liked. The premise of the piece is fuelled by many plot twists throughout, leaving the reader to wonder what they are reading. However, I was left feeling as though things were cobbled together with many of the plot lines and can only wonder if they might have been meant for a few novels, though Thompson did not have enough fodder to extend them sufficiently and create a series with the ideas she had at the start of her project. While the writing is strong and the story moves along, there seemed to be too much going on or not enough development on any one theme. That said, I hope that with the ending of this novel, there is a follow-up—perhaps more defined—to offer added answers for the curious reader.
Kudos, Madam Thompson, for a great start. I hope some organisation can help subsequent novels work with ease!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After a military career in the Marines left Captain Kynan Esprit dismissed in disgrace, he was sure that a change to serve his country as part of the Secret Service would be just what he needed. Helping protect the daughter of the sitting vice-president was going so well, until an attempt on her safely left one man dead and Agent Esprit dismissed once again. Now, he is without a job and desperate to re-invent himself. Enter Whit Lasette, a weapons manufacturer who wants to make a play for the White House, using his many connections. Lasette needs security as he tries to earn the Republican nomination, especially for his college-age daughter, Reina. Esprit is recommended and soon has the job, with one role; keep Reina safe.
After a harrowing attack in Seattle sees Reina almost kidnapped and killed, Esprit cannot risk losing another job or messing things up. He flees with Reina to the Lasette compound in the Mediterranean, where he hopes they can lay low and stay off the grid until Whit Lasette secures the presidency and protection is restored to normal. However, things go off the beaten path when they discover some correspondence that shows ulterior motives of Whit Lasette, as well as some of the friends he has made along the way. Esprit cannot sit on this, but also does not know who he can trust.
Rushing into deeper seclusion, away from the Lasette eye, Esprit tries to protect Reina as best he can, hoping that what he saw was but an aberration and something that will never come to pass. However, some who discover what he knows want nothing more than to ensure there are no leaks and pave the way to the White House without any chance of an October Surprise. Captain Kynan Esprit, Reina Lasette, and others could be impediments and must be removed as swiftly as possible. A chilling story that puts Nancy S. Thompson on the map and opens the door to what might be a strong series, given some tweaks.
I enjoy thrillers most of all when reading for pleasure, especially if there is a political angle to them. Nancy S. Thompson presents a viable option for me and I was pleased to have stumbled upon her writing. The narrative clips along, providing the reader with a great foundation for understanding the setting and the political intrigue that is set to transpire. The introduction of the story’s protagonist, Kynan Esprit, keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to decipher how he will fit into the larger story. Many characters who fill the pages of the book are just as intriguing, though they are not as well-developed as I would have liked. The premise of the piece is fuelled by many plot twists throughout, leaving the reader to wonder what they are reading. However, I was left feeling as though things were cobbled together with many of the plot lines and can only wonder if they might have been meant for a few novels, though Thompson did not have enough fodder to extend them sufficiently and create a series with the ideas she had at the start of her project. While the writing is strong and the story moves along, there seemed to be too much going on or not enough development on any one theme. That said, I hope that with the ending of this novel, there is a follow-up—perhaps more defined—to offer added answers for the curious reader.
Kudos, Madam Thompson, for a great start. I hope some organisation can help subsequent novels work with ease!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 2, 2024
Usually suspenseful, thrilling books all claim to be ‘gripping’ and it’s rare to actually find one that hooks into you and keeps you that way until the last page. This book is a true gem that does exactly that- grips you from start to finish. The storyline goes off in all different directions to where it’s hard to pinpoint who the villain is, and wether or not the main character has the crappiest luck or isn’t as a good a person as he’s portrayed to be. You think you may know how this book goes from reading the summary, but it’s the complete opposite of predictable!
July 30, 2024
The best word to describe this propulsive thriller is ADDICTIVE. I highly recommend that before you crack this book open, you clear your schedule and put on a pot of coffee because once you begin, you'll be fully immersed and unable to stop turning pages. From its explosive first line, you won't want to do anything except read it straight through. As a Captain in the Marine Corp, Kynan Esprit is the very definition of honor and valor. His dedication and commitment to serving his country make him a warrior.
But even warriors have weaknesses.
Kynan's weakness seems like a strength--his need to protect the most vulnerable and powerless among us--until it gets his best friend killed. The Captain operates in a world where following orders is paramount and essential for the survival of everyone around him. When those orders clash with Kynan's internal moral compass, he chooses the path that will allow him to sleep at night. Unfortunately, those choices don't end well for him, either in the Marine Corp or in the Secret Service. It doesn't matter that while a Secret Service Agent, going against orders saves the life of a young girl. He's officially out of chances and unemployable.
Enter a Colonel with an offer that Kynan can't refuse. Act as a bodyguard for the adult daughter of a rising political candidate, the future President of the United States, and make sure the only mother he's ever really known gets all the medical care she needs for life. Kynan's not keen on acting as protector to Reina Lasette. He's certain she's an entitled, spoiled brat. It's a far cry from the high-value targets he hoped to protect in the Secret Service, but he has little choice.
Reina Lasette is everything he expected at first glance but nothing he expected when she lets her walls down and accepts that she's not getting rid of him. As her genuine kindness and compassion emerge, the bond between her and Kynan swiftly transcends beyond a mere professional association. No sooner do they give in to their attraction for one another, their entire world is turned on its head. They find themselves embroiled in a global conspiracy that threatens democracy and may result in a staggering loss of life. With no one to trust, they go on the run, firmly in the crosshairs of some of the most powerful men in the world who are determined to end their existence. Now Kynan is tasked with protecting the woman he loves as well as the country he loves, and he may not be able to do both.
Kynan is a complex, deeply damaged, wholly honorable character you will root for--hard. His innate goodness and sense of justice are the bedrock of his personality, and he follows his heart even when it costs him everything. You can't help but fall in love with him and then feel his heartbreak as your own. The chemistry between him and Reina leaps off every page. It is palpable, poignant, and unexpectedly sweet against the backdrop of so much tragedy, violence, and international intrigue.
In addition to fantastically well-drawn characters, no one raises the stakes like Nancy S. Thompson. Just when you think the tension can't get any higher, Thompson deftly delivers another seemingly insurmountable obstacle, another stunning twist, and another action-packed sequence of events that will leave you gasping for breath. Nothing--and I mean NOTHING--is as it seems in this book. Against Orders is a thought-provoking exploration of the true meaning of justice and the sacrifices made when doing the right thing intersect with a power structure designed to annihilate all potential threats.
With its gorgeous prose, this explosive roller coaster of a thriller will hold you in its thrall with every page and leave you begging for more. Bold, intelligent, gripping, and absolutely addictive. DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. ONE.
Ms. Thompson, I do hope the next book is on its way!
But even warriors have weaknesses.
Kynan's weakness seems like a strength--his need to protect the most vulnerable and powerless among us--until it gets his best friend killed. The Captain operates in a world where following orders is paramount and essential for the survival of everyone around him. When those orders clash with Kynan's internal moral compass, he chooses the path that will allow him to sleep at night. Unfortunately, those choices don't end well for him, either in the Marine Corp or in the Secret Service. It doesn't matter that while a Secret Service Agent, going against orders saves the life of a young girl. He's officially out of chances and unemployable.
Enter a Colonel with an offer that Kynan can't refuse. Act as a bodyguard for the adult daughter of a rising political candidate, the future President of the United States, and make sure the only mother he's ever really known gets all the medical care she needs for life. Kynan's not keen on acting as protector to Reina Lasette. He's certain she's an entitled, spoiled brat. It's a far cry from the high-value targets he hoped to protect in the Secret Service, but he has little choice.
Reina Lasette is everything he expected at first glance but nothing he expected when she lets her walls down and accepts that she's not getting rid of him. As her genuine kindness and compassion emerge, the bond between her and Kynan swiftly transcends beyond a mere professional association. No sooner do they give in to their attraction for one another, their entire world is turned on its head. They find themselves embroiled in a global conspiracy that threatens democracy and may result in a staggering loss of life. With no one to trust, they go on the run, firmly in the crosshairs of some of the most powerful men in the world who are determined to end their existence. Now Kynan is tasked with protecting the woman he loves as well as the country he loves, and he may not be able to do both.
Kynan is a complex, deeply damaged, wholly honorable character you will root for--hard. His innate goodness and sense of justice are the bedrock of his personality, and he follows his heart even when it costs him everything. You can't help but fall in love with him and then feel his heartbreak as your own. The chemistry between him and Reina leaps off every page. It is palpable, poignant, and unexpectedly sweet against the backdrop of so much tragedy, violence, and international intrigue.
In addition to fantastically well-drawn characters, no one raises the stakes like Nancy S. Thompson. Just when you think the tension can't get any higher, Thompson deftly delivers another seemingly insurmountable obstacle, another stunning twist, and another action-packed sequence of events that will leave you gasping for breath. Nothing--and I mean NOTHING--is as it seems in this book. Against Orders is a thought-provoking exploration of the true meaning of justice and the sacrifices made when doing the right thing intersect with a power structure designed to annihilate all potential threats.
With its gorgeous prose, this explosive roller coaster of a thriller will hold you in its thrall with every page and leave you begging for more. Bold, intelligent, gripping, and absolutely addictive. DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. ONE.
Ms. Thompson, I do hope the next book is on its way!
July 6, 2024
twists and turns abound
Enjoyed getting together meet these characters and getting on a fun and intense ride. Really liked the ending and sure more adventures will follow
Enjoyed getting together meet these characters and getting on a fun and intense ride. Really liked the ending and sure more adventures will follow
July 23, 2024
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!! Well written and I hope their is a sequel!
August 2, 2025
Intriguing story
The writer does a great job of keeping the storyline twisting and turning. Making hard to predetermined the out come
The writer does a great job of keeping the storyline twisting and turning. Making hard to predetermined the out come
July 25, 2024
I feel like I just read five books. There was so much revising that could have been done. The plot was so predictable right up until the "reveal" which barely made sense. They paid off someone to be his friend to teach him how to be....insubordinate? But then he decides to die for him anyway? And his sister is in on it? It was hard to suspend reality. Also, maybe it's nitpicky, but the use of "Haji Fuckers" seemed unnecessary given how much the soldiers "know" about Arab and Muslim cultures. That was a big part of the mystery, right? Muslims don't gamble, so he didn't lose the compound in a card game! If they knew that, they knew Hajj. It was just alright. I'm for sure not going back for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
Excellent to read
This book requires your undivided attention. Its hard to put down then pick back up ESPECIALLY the last few chapters that tie everything together!! But all in all its a good thriller to read.
This book requires your undivided attention. Its hard to put down then pick back up ESPECIALLY the last few chapters that tie everything together!! But all in all its a good thriller to read.
July 10, 2024
Great read.
This is a great book. So much action, love and you never know what will happen next. The next in this series is just a few days away.
This is a great book. So much action, love and you never know what will happen next. The next in this series is just a few days away.
July 28, 2024
This was by far the best book I’ve ever read! I think I could read this over and over again and still feel lol of the same emotions and thrills as the first time.
July 18, 2024
I wish I could add a few more stars. Quite on opening! A very intense story, confusing at times so stay alert! Filled with exciting action, it deals with love, sadness and political corruption. I just wish authors would stop using the term “former Marine.” ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE”
SEMPER FI
SEMPER FI
July 24, 2024
Good book
July 24, 2024
Great read. Hard to put down and looking forward to the next book!
December 28, 2025
He was just following orders and after many years of honorable service he became a scapegoat and is on the run trying to prove his innocence.
August 16, 2024
Captain Kynan Esprit has been a Marine and a secret service officer but both ended badly for not following orders even though it might have been the right thing to do. Now his Marine commander gets him and some of his Marine buddy’s work protecting and Presidential candidate’s daughter. Ky decides he will not screw this chance up, but this gets strained when there is a kidnapping attempt on her life and Ky must flee with her to a Mediterranean island. But when they find documents pinning her father to a international arms ring, they are both in the most danger of their lives and don’t have much help out there, who can they trust.
This was a edge of your seat, say up past your bed time to get that one more chapter, that always means more. This book just draws you into the story and you want to help them on their way. The audio was awesome there were days I had to take the long way home. This is just a special book.
Audiobook was provided by Aethon for review purpose
This was a edge of your seat, say up past your bed time to get that one more chapter, that always means more. This book just draws you into the story and you want to help them on their way. The audio was awesome there were days I had to take the long way home. This is just a special book.
Audiobook was provided by Aethon for review purpose
September 21, 2025
This was pretty good but I feel could have been better. A decorated Marine is forced out of the service but offered a position in the Secret Service, quickly rising to the head of the Vice President’s young daughter’s security detail. For some tenuous reason he is dismissed after rescuing her from an attempted kidnapping. He is then hired by a businessman who is favored to become the next President to be his university daughter’s bodyguard. Following a failed kidnap attempt they are despatched to the supposed sanctuary of a compound on a Greek island where they fall in love, discover evidence of some shady business dealings, and are then forced to flee. Living with a new baby in Cairo arranged by a former Marine comrade an attack sees the daughter killed and the baby kidnapped. The remainder of the story is the attempt to find the baby back in Washington, leading to a pretty far fetched conclusion. For me this ending was rushed, crammed into less than a quarter of the book, whereas the burgeoning romance was drawn out for far too long in comparison. If I could give half stars this would be 3.5 but I’ve rounded up to give credit for the accessible writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
Wow! Where to start....
With a gruesome opening, this book is filled with so many twists and revelations your head will be spinning. I can't recall the number of times my reaction included, are you sh!tting me right now!?!? What the actual f@*&!!!
This is one rollercoaster of a read right to the very end.
With a gruesome opening, this book is filled with so many twists and revelations your head will be spinning. I can't recall the number of times my reaction included, are you sh!tting me right now!?!? What the actual f@*&!!!
This is one rollercoaster of a read right to the very end.
March 21, 2025
Against All Odds
Kynan witnessed the beheading of his best friend after he disobeyed orders to save a young woman from a brutal attack. After his discharge, he shared the truth with his fiance his friends sister who then ran into the street and was killed by a hit and run driver. That's only the beginning of the story which includes murder, conspiracy and surprise ending.
Kynan witnessed the beheading of his best friend after he disobeyed orders to save a young woman from a brutal attack. After his discharge, he shared the truth with his fiance his friends sister who then ran into the street and was killed by a hit and run driver. That's only the beginning of the story which includes murder, conspiracy and surprise ending.
March 14, 2025
Super read
This book really hit the mark for an exciting, action packed, and what's next story. I haven't read a book as entertaining and captivating as this for a long time and I highly recommend this author!
This book really hit the mark for an exciting, action packed, and what's next story. I haven't read a book as entertaining and captivating as this for a long time and I highly recommend this author!
July 19, 2025
non-stop, heart pumping action
Twists turns and a complicated unfolding. This will make a fantastic action film. Patsies, devils, narcissists, rich folk, abused folk all in one book.
Twists turns and a complicated unfolding. This will make a fantastic action film. Patsies, devils, narcissists, rich folk, abused folk all in one book.
November 3, 2024
Book 5
Well written, story kept you into the story , the inter action be twen each char
acter was great.
Kept you wanting to keep reading
Well written, story kept you into the story , the inter action be twen each char
acter was great.
Kept you wanting to keep reading
December 28, 2024
I couldn't put this book down! Normally not a fan of military/government books but this was an incredible read. It was a suspenseful thru out and kept me wanting more.
March 16, 2025
Somewhat confusing with all the different people involved but an interesting read. There were parts I couldn’t put down.
June 23, 2024
The best word to describe this propulsive thriller is ADDICTIVE. I highly recommend that before you crack this book open, you clear your schedule and put on a pot of coffee because once you begin, you'll be fully immersed and unable to stop turning pages. From its explosive first line, you won't want to do anything except read it straight through. As a Captain in the Marine Corp, Kynan Esprit is the very definition of honor and valor. His dedication and commitment to serving his country make him a warrior.
But even warriors have weaknesses.
Kynan's weakness seems like a strength--his need to protect the most vulnerable and powerless among us--until it gets his best friend killed. The Captain operates in a world where following orders is paramount and essential for the survival of everyone around him. When those orders clash with Kynan's internal moral compass, he chooses the path that will allow him to sleep at night. Unfortunately, those choices don't end well for him, either in the Marine Corp or in the Secret Service. It doesn't matter that while a Secret Service Agent, going against orders saves the life of a young girl. He's officially out of chances and unemployable.
Enter a Colonel with an offer that Kynan can't refuse. Act as a bodyguard for the adult daughter of a rising political candidate, the future President of the United States, and make sure the only mother he's ever really known gets all the medical care she needs for life. Kynan's not keen on acting as protector to Reina Lasette. He's certain she's an entitled, spoiled brat. It's a far cry from the high-value targets he hoped to protect in the Secret Service, but he has little choice.
Reina Lasette is everything he expected at first glance but nothing he expected when she lets her walls down and accepts that she's not getting rid of him. As her genuine kindness and compassion emerge, the bond between her and Kynan swiftly transcends beyond a mere professional association. No sooner do they give in to their attraction for one another, their entire world is turned on its head. They find themselves embroiled in a global conspiracy that threatens democracy and may result in a staggering loss of life. With no one to trust, they go on the run, firmly in the crosshairs of some of the most powerful men in the world who are determined to end their existence. Now Kynan is tasked with protecting the woman he loves as well as the country he loves, and he may not be able to do both.
Kynan is a complex, deeply damaged, wholly honorable character you will root for--hard. His innate goodness and sense of justice are the bedrock of his personality, and he follows his heart even when it costs him everything. You can't help but fall in love with him and then feel his heartbreak as your own. The chemistry between him and Reina leaps off every page. It is palpable, poignant, and unexpectedly sweet against the backdrop of so much tragedy, violence, and international intrigue.
In addition to fantastically well-drawn characters, no one raises the stakes like Nancy S. Thompson. Just when you think the tension can't get any higher, Thompson deftly delivers another seemingly insurmountable obstacle, another stunning twist, and another action-packed sequence of events that will leave you gasping for breath. Nothing--and I mean NOTHING--is as it seems in this book. Against Orders is a thought-provoking exploration of the true meaning of justice and the sacrifices made when doing the right thing intersect with a power structure designed to annihilate all potential threats.
With its gorgeous prose, this explosive roller coaster of a thriller will hold you in its thrall with every page and leave you begging for more. Bold, intelligent, gripping, and absolutely addictive. DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. ONE.
Ms. Thompson, I do hope the next book is on its way!
But even warriors have weaknesses.
Kynan's weakness seems like a strength--his need to protect the most vulnerable and powerless among us--until it gets his best friend killed. The Captain operates in a world where following orders is paramount and essential for the survival of everyone around him. When those orders clash with Kynan's internal moral compass, he chooses the path that will allow him to sleep at night. Unfortunately, those choices don't end well for him, either in the Marine Corp or in the Secret Service. It doesn't matter that while a Secret Service Agent, going against orders saves the life of a young girl. He's officially out of chances and unemployable.
Enter a Colonel with an offer that Kynan can't refuse. Act as a bodyguard for the adult daughter of a rising political candidate, the future President of the United States, and make sure the only mother he's ever really known gets all the medical care she needs for life. Kynan's not keen on acting as protector to Reina Lasette. He's certain she's an entitled, spoiled brat. It's a far cry from the high-value targets he hoped to protect in the Secret Service, but he has little choice.
Reina Lasette is everything he expected at first glance but nothing he expected when she lets her walls down and accepts that she's not getting rid of him. As her genuine kindness and compassion emerge, the bond between her and Kynan swiftly transcends beyond a mere professional association. No sooner do they give in to their attraction for one another, their entire world is turned on its head. They find themselves embroiled in a global conspiracy that threatens democracy and may result in a staggering loss of life. With no one to trust, they go on the run, firmly in the crosshairs of some of the most powerful men in the world who are determined to end their existence. Now Kynan is tasked with protecting the woman he loves as well as the country he loves, and he may not be able to do both.
Kynan is a complex, deeply damaged, wholly honorable character you will root for--hard. His innate goodness and sense of justice are the bedrock of his personality, and he follows his heart even when it costs him everything. You can't help but fall in love with him and then feel his heartbreak as your own. The chemistry between him and Reina leaps off every page. It is palpable, poignant, and unexpectedly sweet against the backdrop of so much tragedy, violence, and international intrigue.
In addition to fantastically well-drawn characters, no one raises the stakes like Nancy S. Thompson. Just when you think the tension can't get any higher, Thompson deftly delivers another seemingly insurmountable obstacle, another stunning twist, and another action-packed sequence of events that will leave you gasping for breath. Nothing--and I mean NOTHING--is as it seems in this book. Against Orders is a thought-provoking exploration of the true meaning of justice and the sacrifices made when doing the right thing intersect with a power structure designed to annihilate all potential threats.
With its gorgeous prose, this explosive roller coaster of a thriller will hold you in its thrall with every page and leave you begging for more. Bold, intelligent, gripping, and absolutely addictive. DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. ONE.
Ms. Thompson, I do hope the next book is on its way!
May 16, 2024
Against Orders is an electrifying rollercoaster ride through the murky waters of geopolitics and conspiracy. From the first page (how about that opening line) to the last, author Nancy S. Thompson weaves a gripping tale of sacrifice and redemption.
Captain Kynan Esprit’s character leaps off the page with his complex morality and unwavering valor. Ultimately, his goal is always to protect the ones he loves, even if it doesn’t always go as planned. His journey from disgraced Marine to hired protector is fraught with loss, tension, and suspense as he navigates a world where obeying orders often goes against his morality, which could mean his downfall. Still, defiance could lead to even greater peril.
The narrative is relentless in its pacing, propelling readers from one heart-pounding moment to the next. It’s a thriller filled with the gritty realism of contemporary political dramas; Against Orders stands as a testament to the author's skill in crafting a truly immersive experience.
But it's not just the adrenaline-pumping action that sets this novel apart. At its core, Against Orders is a thought-provoking exploration of power, corruption, and the lengths some will go to in the name of greed. As Kynan races against time to uncover a global conspiracy, he confronts the harsh realities of our modern world, forcing readers to question the true nature of justice and accountability.
In a literary landscape crowded with thrillers, Against Orders shines as a beacon of originality and innovation. With its unforgettable characters, pulse-pounding plot twists, and timely themes, this is a novel that demands to be read. Prepare to be captivated from start to finish. Five stars without hesitation.
Captain Kynan Esprit’s character leaps off the page with his complex morality and unwavering valor. Ultimately, his goal is always to protect the ones he loves, even if it doesn’t always go as planned. His journey from disgraced Marine to hired protector is fraught with loss, tension, and suspense as he navigates a world where obeying orders often goes against his morality, which could mean his downfall. Still, defiance could lead to even greater peril.
The narrative is relentless in its pacing, propelling readers from one heart-pounding moment to the next. It’s a thriller filled with the gritty realism of contemporary political dramas; Against Orders stands as a testament to the author's skill in crafting a truly immersive experience.
But it's not just the adrenaline-pumping action that sets this novel apart. At its core, Against Orders is a thought-provoking exploration of power, corruption, and the lengths some will go to in the name of greed. As Kynan races against time to uncover a global conspiracy, he confronts the harsh realities of our modern world, forcing readers to question the true nature of justice and accountability.
In a literary landscape crowded with thrillers, Against Orders shines as a beacon of originality and innovation. With its unforgettable characters, pulse-pounding plot twists, and timely themes, this is a novel that demands to be read. Prepare to be captivated from start to finish. Five stars without hesitation.
July 2, 2024
This is a straight up thriller and generally isn't in my bivouac... However after a stumbling start the storyline was quite mesmerizing. As Ky is in the dark about lots of things surrounding him. He knows that his gut's telling that he needs to protect Reina at all costs and of course to not get emotionally involved!!! Your gonna see how well that works out for Ky. 😆... Nancy S Thompson holds her cards close and doesn't reveal anything until she's ready.
You'll definitely wanna grab this intense plot-driven book so all your gonna have'ta do is sit back because Peter Berkrot has a story to reveal!
You'll definitely wanna grab this intense plot-driven book so all your gonna have'ta do is sit back because Peter Berkrot has a story to reveal!
August 4, 2024
This is a book I received from a Goodreads giveaway.
I felt that the author didn't know what they wanted this book to be. I don't mind a little romance in a thriller nor a little scary action in a romance. However. It felt like this book started off as a thriller. Then the second part changed into a romance. Then the third part was a mishmash of trying to bring them together. Therefore I would give this book a 2.5 because some parts were somewhat compelling but other parts could have been left out. It said it was Book One. I don't see myself continuing with this series because I have several series already that I have trouble keeping up with.
I felt that the author didn't know what they wanted this book to be. I don't mind a little romance in a thriller nor a little scary action in a romance. However. It felt like this book started off as a thriller. Then the second part changed into a romance. Then the third part was a mishmash of trying to bring them together. Therefore I would give this book a 2.5 because some parts were somewhat compelling but other parts could have been left out. It said it was Book One. I don't see myself continuing with this series because I have several series already that I have trouble keeping up with.
March 24, 2025
I expected to read a thriller, and that’s how it really starts. There were even war scenes in the opening. But then I realized that the book is mostly a romance novel. It might be an excellent romance novel, but that’s not my genre. In short, I had to abandon it halfway through. I’ll recommend it to my wife.
July 13, 2024
Man, I'm a slow learner! Time and again, I start a book that is promising, only to have it turn out to be a love story. Gag! Perhaps if I paid more attention to reviews, I'd learn my lesson. Sigh.
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