Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Furtive Rebels

Rate this book
-Nominated for the Indieverse Awards Book Of The Year 2025 & Best Romance Novel 2025-

Oliver Anderson is a former black-ops operative turned Private Investigator who mostly helps people on the wrong side of the law get away with shady deals.

He doesn’t seem to care much about following rules anymore. His soul has been tainted by an imperfect system he now hates.

That is until Agent Mila Jenkins gets sent undercover to look into his practice and singular way of dealing with things, just as one of the biggest criminal master plans the country has ever seen is slowly unfolding.

In a world ruled by chaos and deception, enemies lurk in the shadows, the line between right and wrong gets blurrier at each passing second, and trust doesn’t come easy.

In the midst of such adversity, Oliver and Mila’s beliefs will soon be tested.

For better or worse, he is mayhem, she is turbulence.

Will it be their demise? Or will it make them stand stronger?

One thing is for they’ll have to face their truths and all it entails whether they’re ready for it or not.

481 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2024

37 people want to read

About the author

M.H. Cali

8 books110 followers
M.H. Cali is an Award-Nominated author who writes character-driven romances, romantic suspenses and thrillers books as well as the occasional comic or graphic novel.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes she builds. If you ever read any of her works, you’ll notice that she loves writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to her quiet moments are just as important than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about harmony in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's her motto.

If she manages to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then she succeeded.

Make sure to follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-h-cali for all sales and preorders alerts!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
31 (64%)
4 stars
14 (29%)
3 stars
3 (6%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for mary ♡⋆ ࣪₊ꫂ᭪݁⋆˙.
232 reviews92 followers
November 4, 2024
4 - 4.5 ⭐

“𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨,”
“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥.”

I’m such a sucker for when the main characters are totally down bad for each other. The tension is everything! Their first kiss had me on the edge of my seat legit screamed when it finally happened! It was just so satisfying after all that buildup.

M.H. Cali really nailed it with these over the top characters. Mila is a total coding queen (Women in STEM! 🧎‍♀️) and her independence shines through in every scene. She’s unapologetically herself, never hesitating to speak her mind, and her strength is truly inspiring. and you can just feel her passion for coding. It’s awesome to see a strong female lead who owns her space.

Then there's Oliver, who has this incredible talent for reading people. His darker side just melts away when Mila’s around; he’s so gentle and genuine with her, and you can tell he’s completely obsessed. Seriously, he’s a goner!

"𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙖 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮. 𝙏𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙘𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨."

Their relationship is this perfect mix of cute, sexy, and a little dangerous. The banter is sharp and fun and so so hot, making their connection feel so genuine. Watching them challenge each other is just the best.

“𝙃𝙚’𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙖𝙬𝙣. 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨.”

Plus, the world building is on point! The settings are vibrant and immersive, really pulling you into the story. From Mila’s tech savvy environment to Oliver’s more mysterious vibes, everything just adds depth to the narrative.

Major props to the author for crafting such phenomenal characters and a captivating world! I’m already hooked and can’t wait to see where it all goes because that ending left me hanging!
Profile Image for Ruchita .
136 reviews14 followers
October 12, 2024
This book was wonderful. The Banter, the spice, the suspense and the drama. Everything was flawless. There were numerous parts that made me laugh out loud. This was a fantastic read. 🧡


Mila is wild, and she's well known for living by her own unique set of rules at her job. She's powerful, intelligent and kind. She's known for her unruly nature. No one can tame her. She is an incredible match for Oliver in everything. And who doesn’t love an FMC with a witty humor and the best part is, she gives as good as she gets. 🫶🏻🥹


Oliver is compassionate, smart and has a dark side. He keeps his caring side for his small circle of friends only. He's truly amazing. 👀Even though his way of doing things is wrong, his intentions are good. He is a former black-ops operative turned private investigator who mostly helps people on the wrong side of the law get away with shady deals.


Their journey starts when Mila gets sent Undercover to find out about him and his dealings with the criminal organization. But after meeting and working with him for some time, she gets to know him better. With everything going on the line between right and wrong gets blurrier at each passing second. With each passing day, their connection deepens and their feelings for each other start interfering with their goal. The ending of the first book left me wanting more of them. 😩


The side characters were so good. I loved them all. And the connection between Mila and her friends was beautiful. And Oliver's friendship with Willow and Dom was truly commendable.🧡
Profile Image for Apoorva Sharma.
843 reviews47 followers
October 18, 2024
M.H.Cali is one of the Indie Authors that I would want my friends to give a chance to and this book is the reason why. Both the characters were written with such rawness and authenticity that it was easy to fall in love with Oliver and Milla. They are made for each other! This book is well written in terms of character development, banter, flirting and moments that will keep you engrossed in the story. The found family vibes that friends bought was beautiful to witness too.
Profile Image for Dara's Book Nook.
45 reviews22 followers
April 25, 2025
Furtive Rebels is an amazing love story and a 5-star read! Set in L.A., it’s about Oliver Anderson, a tough but kind private investigator, and Mila Jenkis, a secret agent and computer whiz. They meet at Dominic’s bar, Yes and … More PudDrinks, Please, and sparks fly.

Both are ex-Black Ops and perfect for each other, connecting over their past struggles and love for justice. Oliver fell for Mila first—and he fell hard! Written in third-person, the story is told exceptionally well, with clear, lively writing that’s never dull. MH Callie PER-fectly captures their emotions, and for me, this book is the anatomy of love. The slow-burn romance is great, leading to awesome spicy moments (Ch. 14!).

Let me tell you a story, a love story of two strong people who don’t commit—until they meet. A must-read for fans of forbidden love!

Vibes:
🚘 slow burn
🚘 he is slightllyy morally grey
🚘 found family
🚘 both ex-black ops
🚘 brilliant writing
Profile Image for Kerin Ray.
208 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2024
5/5 stars! I breezed through this book! The action the suspense! I was on the edge of my seat and I fell asleep with my glasses still on my face cause I couldn’t put it down. LOL (so if that tells you anything) 🤣 Spice but there is so much plot and story building. It’s not repetitive in anyway! Overall would reccomend it’s such a good read! Strong characters and the line between bad and good is so captivating. You will sit there asking yourself ohhhh what are they going to do the entire time. -Kerin
Profile Image for Ashley.
411 reviews26 followers
June 2, 2025
Spice: 3

Tropes:
morally gray mmc
black cat fmc
secret identity
found family
spy romance
He falls first

Furtive Rebels is a fast paced, spy romance that gave off Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes to me! Oliver is former black ops who now works as a Private Investigator in LA. He also works the streets in what seems to be with criminals but Oliver can't stand bad guys. While he does have connections to La Luz or "The Queen" of criminal bosses in LA, Oliver does things such as paying off abusive fashion designers to retire and leave his models alone or else..... and Oliver will make you pay if you go against your word.

Mila is working for the Agency and her mark is Oliver. Coming in under the disguise of helping Oliver with high tech for his PI job, Mila has found a way to stake out Oliver and his connections. However.... the chemistry between Oliver and Mila is immediate and unquestionable. They're quickly unable to keep their hands off themselves as they partner up... and the body count around them starts rising.

I liked the storyline. I want more of the action, of Mila and Oliver investigating not only Marcus' affair but also Nick and Derek's death. I'm excited to learn more about "The Queen" and this new player "King" that's come to town. The book ends on a cliff hanger and I have questions....

Will Oliver figure out Mila's true identity? How will he feel about it?
What's going on with Yaya and will she confide in her mom?
Will Mila leave the Agency for Oliver?
What's going to happen between the Queen and King of LA?

I'm excited to start book 2!
Profile Image for Cait Gordon.
Author 15 books45 followers
May 10, 2025
I admit that I typically don’t read super spicy romance (probably because I’m on the ace spectrum), but I was intrigued by the crime underworld setting of Furtive Rebels. While I much preferred Mila (she seems more fully fleshed out to me) over Oliver, I also liked the conflict of the undercover trope and the world-building of the story. I loved how the queer characters (Mila and YaYa) are just part of the story and there’s no phobia arc against them. (Yay, acceptance!) Unfortunately, and I know this sounds weird because I knew it was a spicy romance, I found the sex got too much in the way of the plot. I often skipped pages because it felt like repetitive beats of the characters thinking about having sex, having sex, then remembering how good the sex was. (When the couple even flirted in front of a corpse at a crime scene, I wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be a darkly funny juxtaposition on purpose.) I would have liked a bit more of the crime story element in the plot because it’s a cool setting with morally grey characters. However, for those who enjoy a book with a lot of sex scenes in it, they won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Megan Thee Reader.
75 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2024
M.H. Cali captures us again in The Black Ops Duology. I love how she intertwined banter, suspense, drama and spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Mila is unique, intelligent, and wild in her own right. Oliver is caring, intelligent, and dark in his own right. I love the side characters and wish they had stories of their own. I loved how this story not only gave you steamy love but also thriller and suspense. The major question is - does love or work come first? The pacing is relentless, making it impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Jawa Kween Reads.
284 reviews25 followers
March 1, 2025
I loved this book!

The characters were amazing and had amazing chemistry together. The spice hit so hard but was mixed into the plot so perfectly. This book did not disappoint at all!
Profile Image for Mena and Books.
43 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2024
Listen! I will READ whatever MH Cali writes! I loved this book so much! Could it be considered enemies to lovers from Milas POV? Hmmmm… let’s see where this takes us cuz lawd I’m so ready
Profile Image for Anwesha Chattoraj.
132 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2025
FURTIVE REBELS" by M.H. Cali is the first book of Black Ops series. I was very excited to read this book and after finishing it' I can say it's worth perfectly my expectations. M.H Cali has done great job in this book. This is my first time reading her book and now am fan of her writing. The way she writes definitely has own style . This book is like a crime thriller movie watching in theatre. I pictured scenes perfectly while reading it'. It' had kept me on edge till end. There was blast of emotions, suspense, mystery, climax in this book.

Oliver Anderson & Mila Jenkins. The power couple of this book. I loved both of them.Their hot,bold, humorous chemistry is electrifying. Oliver is a former Black Ops member now helping the illegal people to get away with shadowy things,deals. He didn't care about law, justice anymore. His personality is strong, masculine, flattering yet dark,shadowy. He doesn't care about emotions very much until he met with Mila. The undercover coding agent. What a character she is!!! I love her.She is bold, independent,sharp and perfectly hide her identity from Oliver though it' was not easy. But this two are so good together.

But a man like Oliver who is handsome, strong and habituated to have women easily Mila was tough for him. Oliver struggled to have Mila. Their first kiss was really amazing. It' has my heart. M.H. Cali wrote the scene beautifully. Mila didn't plan to fall for Oliver but fate has other plans. They fallen in love with each other. Their chemistry,banter, love all are exiting to read. Enjoyed totally reading it'.

But I was not ready for the unexpected turn in the end. It made me emotional. Now waiting for second book to read. This book is really nice. It' has blend of spice too 🌚🔥
Loved reading the whole book. It's definitely unique than my usual read. The author did really well.
Profile Image for Mia.
243 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2024
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆"

Furtive Rebels is wild, fast, and absolute page-turner. Oliver and Mila were a great couple, and the secondary characters were the book's best part. This was quite a ride where Mila, having lost her mother, learns to let her walls down enough to let Oliver into her life and with someone who reads her mind in and out, makes her believe in almost everything. She's tough and insightful and courageous and able to strike that balance in everything.

"𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔. 𝑰'𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 '𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒖𝒈 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅"

There is lots of action, romance and banter in the beginning between the two of them, intense banter (Iykyk) and it was great to follow their relationship blooming with each other. Oliver and Mila got attracted to each other right from their first meet but they took their time to explore each other's mind that makes it a slow-burning romance, but with that heightened intensity between them makes it worth it. The chemistry between Mila and Oliver causes sparks to fly and the result is a highly entertaining romance with suspense and thrills going behind.

I mean, how can you not love a book that explores a smart, independent, sassy heroine and her extraordinary hero with a dark past having playboy history but for her he'll do anything to get into a relationship with name tags, getting together? I cannot possibly gush enough. This book was too good to describe, and had me flipping pages like mad, grinning endlessly and laughing and squeezing out-loud more times than I could count!

The art works are amazing part of this book❤

Having said all of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for The Windy City Bookworm.
90 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2024
Book Review: "Furtive Rebels" by M.H. Cali

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Furtive Rebels," the first installment in the gripping "Black Ops Duology," is an electrifying journey into a world where the line between right and wrong is anything but clear. M.H. Cali masterfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in the chaotic life of Oliver Anderson, a former black-ops operative turned private investigator. His morally ambiguous path leads him to assist those on the fringes of legality, painting a vivid picture of a man disillusioned by the very system he once served.

The arrival of Agent Mila Jenkins adds a compelling twist, as she goes undercover to investigate Oliver’s unorthodox methods. Their dynamic is rich with tension and complexity, driving the plot forward as they navigate a landscape rife with betrayal and looming danger. The chemistry between Oliver and Mila is palpable, highlighting the struggle between their conflicting beliefs and their growing connection.

Cali's writing is sharp and engaging, filled with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. The stakes escalate as a massive criminal plan unfolds, forcing both characters to confront their own truths. The exploration of trust and betrayal in a world of chaos is both thought-provoking and thrilling.

"Furtive Rebels" is not just a page-turner; it’s a profound exploration of human nature and moral ambiguity. M.H. Cali has set the stage for an unforgettable duology, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what’s to come. If you love a blend of suspense, complex characters, and a riveting plot, this book is a must-read!
Profile Image for Pitoufa's Bookish Corner.
243 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2025
This one felt like a crime TV show in written form 🤣❤ it was fast-paced and overall quite enjoyable. I haven't read a third-person narrated book in a long time, but M. H. Cali's writing made it easily readable and entertaining ❤

Oliver was such a sweet talker 🤣❤ He always knew what to say to Mila, but what I liked most about his character was that he wasn't judgemental and chose to give a chance to the people no one else would have looked at twice, those who had no other choice but to follow the messy path they did. He was very giving, whether it was with friends or with his romantic partner, Oliver was the exact opposite of selfish. He emanated warmth and tenderness and I was THERE. FOR. IT! 😍

Although Mila was working for the opposite side, she couldn't help but notice the corruption and flaws of the law, which was supposed to bring justice and hope for the people 💔 it was hard pretending she was on the good side, when she knew firsthand how things worked in the shadows. Going undercover didn't help at all; having to hide her identity from Oli was the hardest part of the operation, as she hadn't planned to develop feelings for her mark. She didn't seem to be good at sharing parts of herself, to begin with, and having to keep such a secret from her partner only seemed to make things much harder.

I simply can't WAIT to jump into book 2! That ending truly made my heart squeeze for Mila 😭 such a tough choice to make 💔 I wonder how it'll all pan out when Oli finds out about the truth! I just hope he won't resent her too much for it 😞 He's super sweet, but I've got a feeling something like this could potentially make him behave in a totally different way 😭
220 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2024
@mhcaliwrites must have said to herself, let me take my readers through an emotional roller coaster, because this book was crazy good! Drama, banter, spice, strong FMC, morally grey MMC, found family, enemies to lovers, and super slow burn.....it's all in there. I would consider this a romantic suspense, borderline romantic thriller.

Oliver used to be a black ops agent until he had to make a change. Naturally it flowed into being a private investigator. When you are good at your job word gets around, but not in the best way for Oliver. He's getting quite the reputation for doing business with people who are not exactly morally sound.

Enter Mila. She is going undercover to see what she can find out about what Oliver is doing. She gives me the impression of seeing things as black and white so that grey area is not the best place for her to be. One thing she didn't see coming was the way Oliver made her feel.

When feelings start crossing the line, Mila and Oliver find themselves suspended in this web of feelings but their work is supposed to take priority. They have hard decisions to make. The way this book ended sent me scrambling for book 2 so fast!

Thank you @mhcaliwrites for my gorgeous art and copy to review. I felt like I was a part of the book watching it play out in front of me. Bravo to another well done novel!
Profile Image for Tishana Wright.
532 reviews44 followers
November 3, 2024
You know when an author can literally bring joy back into reading for you? This was MH Cali for me with "Furtive Rebels". I read a lot of books, and most are repetitive with the same troupes and storylines that don't excite me as much anymore. The first book in the Black Ops duology was the highlight of my October reads. MH Cali wrote a thrilling book with so much suspense page after page, two lovable characters, spice, banter, and some of the most memorable quotes ever. I love it when an author can captivate me with their way of words as well as a storyline that will keep me guessing. If I didn't have to adult, I would have finished it on the same day I started, I had a hard time putting it down to save my life. Oliver and Mila has *chemistry* and it's obvious with the way that MH built up the storyline that there's more heat and chemistry coming! They are currently my favorite book couple right now.

I would also like to mention if you want a book that will be different from your normal reads and keeps you engaged, pick up this duet. MH put her own twist on the romantic suspense genre and really knocked it out of the park with a troupe for everyone. I loved every single minute of it and it got me out of a BAD SLUMP. She is definitely an author that I will continue reading books by!
Profile Image for Bookaholic Shaima .
185 reviews227 followers
October 18, 2024
🧡 ♣️🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 ♣️🧡

❝𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙛𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮… 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙘 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. ❞

I can't express how in love I am with Oliver and Mia 🖤 a lethal duo with mutual interests and the same fire in their souls.

I love how unapologetic Mia was, she knew what she wanted and went for it, literally throwing caution to the wind. All be damned.
The cuteness!!!! Was too much, they are literally a match made in heaven.
But the way Oliver was there, waiting it out, falling first and hard, was the most romantic thing ever.

❤️Partners with benefits
❤️“We shouldn't” but do anyway.
❤️ Meeting his match
❤️Inconsequential, flirty banter.
❤️Verbal sparring
❤️Sunshine MMC ( unless it rains)

Their challenge is wether their love can defeat lies and secrets.
But with book two immediately available, we get to find out all about it.
Review coming soon.

Her's what to expect:

✨Enemies (Rivals) to Lovers
🐍 Morally Gray MMC
✨ Bisexual FMC
🐍 Spicy & Steamy
✨ Undercover Secret Identity
🐍 Emotional Scars
✨ Found Family
🐍Vibes of: Casino Royale, The Bourne Trilogy and Mr & Mrs Smith
Profile Image for Chhaya.
307 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2025
It's my third book by MH Cali. I've already read Balancing Entropy Series by her, and I never thought that anything could top that series, but here I am being obsessed with Oliver and Mia.

In this series her writing has improved a lot, and I fell for her writing more. Her writing is unique and descriptive with a lively essence. All the characters in the book are portrayed exceptionally well with distinct characteristics. Even the character development is great.

Mila is wild, smart, untameable, kind, and our coding queen. Oliver is caring, intelligent, flirtatious, talented in reading people, and incredibly hot n sexy.Their chemistry is sizzling. The moment they met each other for the first time, they were unable to get each other out of their heads.

I loved the storyline along with the plot and spicy scenes. It was full of angst, love, action, suspense, and mystery. The book ends on a cliffhanger (but I already have the next book), and I can't wait to unravel the answers to my questions in the next book.

The illustrations by Liana are the chef's kiss 💋. They help a lot with imagination and getting the idea of the scene.

Overall, don't hesitate to pick the series; you'll definitely love it.
Profile Image for Brenda Smith.
223 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2024
Former black-ops operative turned private investigator, Oliver Anderson, is my favorite color; morally grey. Disillusioned by the system he once respected, he now helps those less than savory types that lurk in the shadows. But when Mila Jenkins walks into his life, the walls he’s so carefully constructed begin to crumble.

Unaware that Mila is an undercover agent tasked with investigating his questionable practices and taking down the very criminals he’s come to protect, he lets her in; their intense connection only becomes stronger and nothing is what it seems.

While Oliver has seen and done things no one ever should, he’s truly compassionate and gentle. And Mila has an unexpected wild side with a penchant for following her own rules. The banter between them is absolutely delicious! It’s clever and spicy and I couldn’t get enough; slow burn perfection.

I completely devoured this story from page one. With captivating characters and her vivid, unique writing, M.H. Cali is truly at the top of her game with this romantic suspense. Did I immediately dive into the second book of this duet? There’s no way I was going to miss any of this flawless ride.
76 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2025
Get ready for intrigue and passion with "Furtive Rebels" by M.H. Cali, a thrilling spy romance that masterfully weaves together secrets, suspense, and romance❤️

The story revolves around the MMC- Oliver, former black-ops operative turned Private Investigator & the FMC- Mila Jenkins, an undercover agent. The morally ambiguous nature of Oliver adds complexity to the story, while Mila's undercover mission creates tension and suspense. Their contrasting backgrounds and motivations lead to interesting conflicts and power struggles, making their relationship compelling to follow👉🏻👈🏻

The slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of tension and anticipation, especially when paired with secrets, suspense, and mystery. The theme of found family and relationships added a deeper emotional layer to the story. The plot's focus on secrets, lies, and deception creates a sense of tension and suspense, keeping us readers on the edge of our seats.

I read M.H.Cali's book for the very first time & she has become one of my favourite authors already💞 I loved her writing style. I was hooked since, the very beginning & I completed it in one-sitting. Can't wait to dive into the next Book- Rogue Wanderers🤌🏻
Profile Image for Aries me.
2 reviews
August 14, 2024
No Spoilers:

This book was absolutely incredible. MH Cali is an exceptional author, crafting unique and beautiful universes that draw you in completely. The characters are so well-developed that you can't help but want to befriend them and spend time in their world. I'm not a fast reader—books usually take me 7-10 days or more to finish, but I devoured this one in just 4 days. It's such a page-turner!

There were moments that brought me to tears, made me smile, and even laugh.

Mila stands out as an incredibly strong character, while Oliver’s kindness and respect for those around him are truly commendable. Willow’s past experiences have forged her into a powerful, wise, and remarkable queen. The supporting characters, Dom, Esther, Lilian, and Kaylee are equally well-developed.

You can tell that MH Cali put a lot of thought into their diversity, depth, and the chemistry between them. The way relationships, friendships, and moral themes are woven together makes this story truly special.

I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a must-read!

Profile Image for Natalie.
109 reviews16 followers
August 7, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Another great read by M.H. Cali! After reading her first series I knew she would become one of my favorite authors. Her writing is amazing, she brings the story to life, brings her characters alive, and just makes you fall in love with them! This book did not disappoint.

A former black ops operative and an agent having to work together but only one knows the truth about the other?! Sign me up. What an amazing read, this book was full of temptation, eagerness, secrets, wit, spice! (Most definitely a slowww burn with lots of angst)

The plot was so good! You’ve got suspense, mystery, a little bit of action. Like you won’t be disappointed when reading this book! It was so good. And Oliver?! I just love him. He’s such a sweetheart, but with a horrible past, being in the black ops really did a number on him.

Thank you @ for the amazing book! And I can’t wait to dive into book 2!!

Also dove back into annotating, since I’ve been slacking on it and I really enjoyed it! What a fun book to get back into it! ♥️
20 reviews
January 15, 2026
When I started Furtive Rebels, I did not expect it to be this good 🥹. From the first page I was hooked. Mila and Oliver’s chemistry was insane ❤️‍🔥. I was literally on edge waiting for their first kiss and when it finally happened I screamed 😭. The tension and teasing between them made every scene feel electric 🤌.

Mila is amazing. She’s smart, independent, and unapologetically herself 💕. I loved seeing her confidence and her passion for her work. Oliver… wow 😅🫴. He’s dark but caring, and the way he softens around Mila made me melt 🫂. Their connection felt so real 💫. And the art of them kissing? Absolutely insane 😭❤️‍🔥. I could not stop looking at it 💜.

The book had everything I wanted banter, spice, action, and moments that made me laugh or tear up 😅😭. The side characters were awesome too. The ending left me desperate for the next book 💫. Furtive Rebels reminded me why I love books that make you feel everything at once ❤️‍🔥.

Can't wait to dive into the next book in this series 😍!
409 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2024
Furtive Rebels by M.H. Cali is a captivating read that keeps us engaging till the last page. Another great read by the author, the plot was excellent, she brings everything vivid through her writing.

Oliver Anderson is a former black-ops operative turned Private Investigator who has to work with Agent Mila Jenkins. Mila is a strong FMC, whereas Oliver is kind and respectful.

The story is intriguing and fast-paced. The writing is flawless, which keeps us glued to the page. I adored Oliver and Mila. Slow burn, spice, secrets, suspense, mystery, everything has my heart. This book is a threat for romantic thriller lovers. Friendships and relationships are blended perfectly by the author. This makes this book an exceptional read.

Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Profile Image for Dana McKenzie.
259 reviews56 followers
August 31, 2024
4.5/5 stars

One thing you’re always going to find in MH Cali’s books is her incredibly unique writing style. You become fully submersed in her books. Her characters are real, it feels as if you know them personally, as if they are living, bringing people. It’s crazy!

Romantic suspense has always and will always always have my heart, especially when it’s written as well as this.

Oliver, the MMC, is a former black ops agent. He has a past but is about the greatest guy ever. Mila, the FMC goes undercover to check on Oliver‘s practice (he’s a Private Investigator). The banter and angst between these two, my goodness! I absolutely love them together. The slow burn of this one will have you flying through the pages. But when that spice hits, Lawd Have Mercy!!
Profile Image for Krystal Kraft.
239 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2025
The authors writing style is perfection!
I have heard some say they flew through this book, and while I am a quick reader and COULD have, I could NOT bring myself to. I could not resist the urge to read it at a pace that allowed me to soak every ounce in. Every word. The simmering tension was so ungodly delicious. I really really don’t want to ruin anything at all. But between the suspense, the raw and relatable characters, the way Mila and Oliver interacted together on a daily basis, and the spice!! Ugh!
This book will-
-Easily make my top 5 books for the year.
-Place Oliver in my top 5 favorite book boyfriend’s list.
-Make me wish I had Mila’s fierce confidence.
-Officially make M.H. Cali an author I will recommend to anyone that will let me give them a recommendation!

HAPPY READING!
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
503 reviews22 followers
February 12, 2025
Such a good read. Two main characters who I enjoyed getting to know and the side characters made the story enjoyable as well.

Mia is wild, a spit-fire, who lives by her own set of rules was sent as an undercover agent to work with Oliver as a means to look into his practice and find out about his crossing the line.

Oliver is smart, doesn’t see things as black or white by grey and has a darker side. He is former black ops and now a PI who helps criminals get away with it.

During their time working together Mia starts to understand him more, connections get stronger, and feelings between them start heating up. Between the bantering and the spice, I don’t know which had me going more! Looking forward to the next book to see what’s next for the two!
Profile Image for Emily.
229 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2024
M.H. Cali has done it again. This book was a fantastic read and the PR package sent was beyond a dream. The artwork and care put into it was stunning and beyond worth the surprise. Cali’s world building, characters, plot and general story telling was immersive, spicy and bold. I love a book that features Lots of drama, witty banter, chemistry/spice, a strong FMC, and a morally grey MMC. It also features the following tropes found family, enemies to lovers, and super slow burnnn and they were delivered well. Thank you for letting me be apart of your world and team. Oliver and Mila were riveting to read, I rated this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Profile Image for Manda  PandaMonium.
150 reviews6 followers
February 27, 2025
Furtive Rebels
M.H. Cali
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book kept falling in to my lap at the worst times so that has nothing to do with the book itself but I had to restart it a couple of times. All that to say I still love the book when I finally got to read it.

I love it from the moment she starts saying she won't she won't she won't… because my brain kept going… “yes you will.” And I love that 😂😂

The storyline reminds me of like a Mr. And Mrs. Smith situation but better. The story is great. The characters are likeable. The suspense is there.

The will they won't they… of course they will. Is there. I love plot with my spice (most days) so I loved this. On to book 2!!
Profile Image for Maddie Elam.
147 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2025
A private investigator crossed paths with the undercover agent meant to investigate him… and as they work together, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, and Mila realizes she doesn’t know what to think or feel anymore. The truth has to come out, but at what cost?

Oliver and Mila were so so so swoony. I myself started to forget the secrets being kept when reading their banter and their chemistry. I love when both main characters can match each others energy, and these two did not disappoint. The spice was on point, also, which only made the chemistry even better!

If you want a read that is action packed, with tension caused by secret identities.. this one is for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.