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Biological Rapid Response Team #1
Deadly Strain
Book one of Biological Response Team
Major Grace Samuels, a trauma surgeon deployed to Afghanistan, spends her life helping her fellow soldiers overcome disease and combat injuries. But her own wounds are harder to heal. Wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier, she finds comfort in her only friend and appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob "Sharp" Foster.
Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.
Sharp is Grace's most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can't watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.
79,830 words
Major Grace Samuels, a trauma surgeon deployed to Afghanistan, spends her life helping her fellow soldiers overcome disease and combat injuries. But her own wounds are harder to heal. Wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier, she finds comfort in her only friend and appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob "Sharp" Foster.
Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.
Sharp is Grace's most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can't watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.
79,830 words
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2015
68 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Julie Rowe
37 books2,159 followersJulie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at www.julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 3, 2018
Non-stop action with a strong STEM heroine who is an Army trauma surgeon and virologist stationed in volatile Afghanistan. Toss in a bit of a Ripley / Hicks vibe (a la "Aliens"), but with more physical contact and falling-in-love-on the run, and you've got an excellent suspense/adventure/romance story. The mushy times are held in check (except for a couple of encounters) and everything felt pretty genuine regarding mixing rank and personnel. This book gives plenty of opportunity for Major Grace Samuels to be the hero, which I really liked. She has a bit of PTSD and is carrying way more baggage than the steady rock of a sniper assigned to protect her. They have great banter, especially in the beginning. Tonally, this book hit all the right notes for me. Don't get too attached to any of the characters, though. The ranks are decimated, which was tough to take. I will be picking up the rest of this series in short order.
Book source: Purchased.
Book source: Purchased.
February 3, 2019
3.5 stars
I hope that we get books for Max and for Smoke
I hope that we get books for Max and for Smoke
May 1, 2024
Everyone makes dumb decisions constantly. It feels like the author wanted a military book, but wanted to ignore how interconnected and in constant communication everyone would be so she just kept killing off everyone around the main couple so they got proper getting to know you alone time. Their plot armor was like a force field.
My favorite part was the danger bang at 22% because it was so completely random and inappropriate given their circumstances, that I thought it was hilarious.
My favorite part was the danger bang at 22% because it was so completely random and inappropriate given their circumstances, that I thought it was hilarious.
January 14, 2016
Really good, even if a slightly light handed when dealing with anthrax...
February 19, 2022
Unrealistic and over the top. There was too much going on but almost nothing realist enough.
June 18, 2015
A solid 3.5 read.
Likeable characters and interesting, intense environment. I love military romances, esp when there's a conflict between enlisted and officers. (It's catnip, what can I say.) The characters are very likeable and there's a great little curveball as to who is actually sequel bait and who is just a red-shirt destined to die.
What keeps this from being a 4 star read is some of my personal preference. I detest the...'we interrupt this story for a quick sex break'. No, they stop running for a quickie while the barbarians are at the gates, but there's a quick hand job scene that I found frustrating and jarring. To me, it just didn't belong. Also, I felt there was too much falling back into well-worn military tropes: dead soldier with vindictive relative, can't shoot a kid, oh noes, I've shot and killed people (insurgents) now I have to have a wangstfest about it. I felt that the heroine should have been a bigger badass and that all the wangst about the results of her badassery is just a short cut to show how TROUBLED!!! and human she really is. That despite her doing her job and doing it well, if she's haunted by her actions, then she's still feminine and a worthy heroine. For me, it had the opposite affect and I felt her ghosts just made her be whiney. Personally, I would have preferred the wangst to be from the fact that relationships between officers and enlisted personnel is forbidden. Finally, I thought that some of the actions, what moves the plot along, became a bit cartoonish. Like in the movies when none of the villains can shoot the side of barn, but the hero who's never picked up a gun before can shoot like an expert. What ultimately saves this from being ridiculous, is that there's an explanation that makes sense.
Considering all those complaints, which are really about my own preferences, I have to say I did enjoy this story overall and will definitely look for more in the series. This is a solid and entertaining military/suspense romance and Carina Press continues to impress me with the variety of stories they publish.
Likeable characters and interesting, intense environment. I love military romances, esp when there's a conflict between enlisted and officers. (It's catnip, what can I say.) The characters are very likeable and there's a great little curveball as to who is actually sequel bait and who is just a red-shirt destined to die.
What keeps this from being a 4 star read is some of my personal preference. I detest the...'we interrupt this story for a quick sex break'. No, they stop running for a quickie while the barbarians are at the gates, but there's a quick hand job scene that I found frustrating and jarring. To me, it just didn't belong. Also, I felt there was too much falling back into well-worn military tropes: dead soldier with vindictive relative, can't shoot a kid, oh noes, I've shot and killed people (insurgents) now I have to have a wangstfest about it. I felt that the heroine should have been a bigger badass and that all the wangst about the results of her badassery is just a short cut to show how TROUBLED!!! and human she really is. That despite her doing her job and doing it well, if she's haunted by her actions, then she's still feminine and a worthy heroine. For me, it had the opposite affect and I felt her ghosts just made her be whiney. Personally, I would have preferred the wangst to be from the fact that relationships between officers and enlisted personnel is forbidden. Finally, I thought that some of the actions, what moves the plot along, became a bit cartoonish. Like in the movies when none of the villains can shoot the side of barn, but the hero who's never picked up a gun before can shoot like an expert. What ultimately saves this from being ridiculous, is that there's an explanation that makes sense.
Considering all those complaints, which are really about my own preferences, I have to say I did enjoy this story overall and will definitely look for more in the series. This is a solid and entertaining military/suspense romance and Carina Press continues to impress me with the variety of stories they publish.
October 5, 2015
Dr. Grace Samuels is a hero in the eyes of this civilian. She’s a trauma surgeon in Afghanistan and her job is to treat combat soldiers. She’s brave, tough and wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier. She buries her feelings and soldiers on (so to speak).
When there’s a threat of a deadly strain of anthrax, Grace and Sharp must work together to discover the source of the strain before it’s too late. Someone is using anthrax as a weapon and a whole town is dead. Time is against them and the more they work together, the closer Grace and Sharp become. Grace pushes him away, fearing his death more than her own safety. Filled with twists and turns I didn’t expect, this book reads like a blockbuster movie.
I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved the premise and the medical/military background information is peppered throughout the story. While I know this is fiction, it reads like reality, as if it came straight from the headlines.
That being said, I loved the slow-building of romance between Grace and Sharp. Grace is a hard person to get close to and yet the author shows the soft side of her. Sharp, on the other hand, is what many call an Alpha male. He’s strong, sexy and shows Grace it’s not life-threatening to love him.
I can’t wait for book two this month so I can read the next installment!
Favorite Character: I loved Grace for many reasons but one of them is her humanity. She’s been through the wars and seen it all. She knows she shouldn’t “feel” for Sharp yet she can’t help herself. My aunt is a nurse and I remember her telling me the hardest part in medicine is not dying every time a patient dies. For Grace, it’s the soldiers she’s surrounded by.
Favorite Quote:
How were they going to stay out of jail long enough to prove they weren’t the crazy ones?
Marshall had lost his mind. Ordering his men to fire on them—how was murder an acceptable response to soldiers following orders, even if they were someone else’s?
My Rating: 5 stars
When there’s a threat of a deadly strain of anthrax, Grace and Sharp must work together to discover the source of the strain before it’s too late. Someone is using anthrax as a weapon and a whole town is dead. Time is against them and the more they work together, the closer Grace and Sharp become. Grace pushes him away, fearing his death more than her own safety. Filled with twists and turns I didn’t expect, this book reads like a blockbuster movie.
I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved the premise and the medical/military background information is peppered throughout the story. While I know this is fiction, it reads like reality, as if it came straight from the headlines.
That being said, I loved the slow-building of romance between Grace and Sharp. Grace is a hard person to get close to and yet the author shows the soft side of her. Sharp, on the other hand, is what many call an Alpha male. He’s strong, sexy and shows Grace it’s not life-threatening to love him.
I can’t wait for book two this month so I can read the next installment!
Favorite Character: I loved Grace for many reasons but one of them is her humanity. She’s been through the wars and seen it all. She knows she shouldn’t “feel” for Sharp yet she can’t help herself. My aunt is a nurse and I remember her telling me the hardest part in medicine is not dying every time a patient dies. For Grace, it’s the soldiers she’s surrounded by.
Favorite Quote:
How were they going to stay out of jail long enough to prove they weren’t the crazy ones?
Marshall had lost his mind. Ordering his men to fire on them—how was murder an acceptable response to soldiers following orders, even if they were someone else’s?
My Rating: 5 stars
March 15, 2025
Netgalley review copy.
This was just the right mix of plot and romance. Grace is investigating a bioweapon threat in Afghanistan after training for a year with a dedicated team of soldiers in biowarfare. Unfortunately she’s also now working alongside a base leader who knows her for reasons she wished she could forget. Luckily for her, Grace has a shadow named Sharp, a sharp shooter in the team she’s been training in and he has reason to not let any harm come to her. Hopefully they all survive this new bio threat…
This was just the right mix of plot and romance. Grace is investigating a bioweapon threat in Afghanistan after training for a year with a dedicated team of soldiers in biowarfare. Unfortunately she’s also now working alongside a base leader who knows her for reasons she wished she could forget. Luckily for her, Grace has a shadow named Sharp, a sharp shooter in the team she’s been training in and he has reason to not let any harm come to her. Hopefully they all survive this new bio threat…
September 23, 2015
3.5 stars
A taut thriller with lots of medical details...maybe too much? I was wishing for some more romance. However, it was a page turner and I am eager awaiting the next book!
A taut thriller with lots of medical details...maybe too much? I was wishing for some more romance. However, it was a page turner and I am eager awaiting the next book!
May 31, 2017
This one was non-stop action, where you weren't quite sure who the bad guy was and things quickly snowballed out of control. I loved Grace, even though she was a doctor in the army, she was a badass herself and was able to keep up with the guys, even manage to save them a couple of times. Sharp wasn't too bad himself. It was great how he admired Grace's skills, both as a doctor and when she managed to save him and others.
I was glad that they figured out who was behind things, but wish there hadn't been so many innocents killed along the way, especially one where Grace finally made peace with.
With the changes at the end it will be interesting to see where things go with this series.
I was glad that they figured out who was behind things, but wish there hadn't been so many innocents killed along the way, especially one where Grace finally made peace with.
With the changes at the end it will be interesting to see where things go with this series.
November 13, 2022
DEADLY STRAIN was a great action packed romance! Grace and Sharp have a lot of obstacles working against them and the action never lets up. Between a village full of dead bodies and a terrorist trying to stop Grace from getting her samples to her commander, luck is not on her side. To complicate matters, the Colonial at the US military base has a major hate for Grace who he blames for the death of his son. The only person Grace can really trust is Sharp but she's not good at relying on other people. Grace is independent and outspoken and she refuses to ever give up no matter how much risk it puts her in. Guilt and PTSD has kept Grace running from any connections and any peace. I felt so much for Grace and the decisions she had to make, it's clear how much they affected her, and how strongly she wants to get back to normal but just can't.
Sharp has dedicated himself to protecting Grace no matter what comes their way or how often Grace disobeys his orders in order to save him back. I loved how much they supported each other and how they almost equally saved each other. Grace can take care of herself but she needs Sharp to keep her from always putting others first. Though Sharp isn't overly "romantic" he uses actions to show Grace what she means to him.
Because they're running for their lives Grace and Sharp don't have many opportunities to just be together and this means that a lot of their developing feelings stem from their friendship. There are not a lot of intimate scenes between them but under the circumstances this makes sense. They're literally running for their lives so there's no time to stop and relax in bed together -- in fact there is no bed because they're in a war zone. I didn't mind this but I would have liked a bit more on how they came to be friends to begin with so that I could better understand them falling in love. Really my only complaint is that some of the dialogue felt a little off but it's hard to explain. There were certain things that didn't sound natural to regular conversation or comments that didn't seem complete so I sometimes wasn't sure exactly what was being said. Otherwise, I really enjoyed how edge-of-your-seat this book was.
Content Warning: references to PTSD, warfare, graphic violence
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
He wanted her, all of her, twenty-four-seven, no holding back, no hiding anything.
Sharp has dedicated himself to protecting Grace no matter what comes their way or how often Grace disobeys his orders in order to save him back. I loved how much they supported each other and how they almost equally saved each other. Grace can take care of herself but she needs Sharp to keep her from always putting others first. Though Sharp isn't overly "romantic" he uses actions to show Grace what she means to him.
Because they're running for their lives Grace and Sharp don't have many opportunities to just be together and this means that a lot of their developing feelings stem from their friendship. There are not a lot of intimate scenes between them but under the circumstances this makes sense. They're literally running for their lives so there's no time to stop and relax in bed together -- in fact there is no bed because they're in a war zone. I didn't mind this but I would have liked a bit more on how they came to be friends to begin with so that I could better understand them falling in love. Really my only complaint is that some of the dialogue felt a little off but it's hard to explain. There were certain things that didn't sound natural to regular conversation or comments that didn't seem complete so I sometimes wasn't sure exactly what was being said. Otherwise, I really enjoyed how edge-of-your-seat this book was.
Content Warning: references to PTSD, warfare, graphic violence
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
He wanted her, all of her, twenty-four-seven, no holding back, no hiding anything.
August 31, 2015
In Deadly Strain, the first book in the Biological Response Team series, author Julie Rowe introduces the reader to trauma surgeon Major Grace Samuels, who is deployed to Afghanistan with the Green Beret Special Forces Unit on a mission along with her appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster, to discover the source of a new, quick-to-kill strain of anthrax that has been used as a weapon to kill. Grace and Jacob have to find the source before the deadly outbreak can strike again, but their mission is wrought with danger lurking around every corner.
This is a intriguing romantic suspense military tale that takes the reader on an exhilarating thrill ride. Grace and Jacob's story is a fast-paced, action packed tale filled with an exciting mixture of romance, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns that easily keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats.
I loved the mystery, suspense, drama, sense of danger, and intense military action used in the search to find the source of the anthrax outbreak, and when you add in the electric sexual chemistry and tension between Grace and Jacob, you have one hell of thriller that will keep you thoroughly captivated and wanting more. I can't wait to see what new adventures the author will take her readers on in the next book in the series.
If you are looking for a romantic military suspense tale that will give you an adrenaline rush and get your heart racing, look no further, Deadly Strain is the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
This is a intriguing romantic suspense military tale that takes the reader on an exhilarating thrill ride. Grace and Jacob's story is a fast-paced, action packed tale filled with an exciting mixture of romance, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns that easily keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats.
I loved the mystery, suspense, drama, sense of danger, and intense military action used in the search to find the source of the anthrax outbreak, and when you add in the electric sexual chemistry and tension between Grace and Jacob, you have one hell of thriller that will keep you thoroughly captivated and wanting more. I can't wait to see what new adventures the author will take her readers on in the next book in the series.
If you are looking for a romantic military suspense tale that will give you an adrenaline rush and get your heart racing, look no further, Deadly Strain is the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 10, 2017
Deadly Strain: Biological Response Team, Book 1 is a psychological biochemical novel by Julie Rowe. It is not my first choice of genre; but I was asked to read book 3 and then had to go back and read the first two. What would the US do if someone started using biological warfare?
Major Grace Samuels is a trauma surgeon who was stationed in Afghanistan. She used her skills to try to affect the outcome of disease and combat injuries in soldiers. She was very good at her job until an accident occurred in which a soldier was killed and she blamed herself for his death. Now she is dealing with that guilt as she begins working for the Biological Response Team. Her only friend, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster was assigned to be her bodyguard. He was the only one she felt safe enough to talk to. However, even he didn’t know of her guilt. When she was transferred to this base, the commander, Colonel Marshall, was very cold to her. Later, he accosted her by her barracks and let he know that the soldier she saw die was his son and the Colonel blamed her for his death. He then tended to make her stay at his base as difficult as possible.
When an unexplained and fast-acting disease broke out in a village, the Colonel sent Major Samuels and her protection team to investigate. He did not know that it was an outbreak of fast-acting anthrax which killed anyone who came in contact with it. Can Grace figure out what it is and what the antidote is before it spreads beyond the village? Can Jacob guard her and find the source of the anthrax before something happens to Grace? Who were they dealing with who was using this to kill innocent people and why?
Major Grace Samuels is a trauma surgeon who was stationed in Afghanistan. She used her skills to try to affect the outcome of disease and combat injuries in soldiers. She was very good at her job until an accident occurred in which a soldier was killed and she blamed herself for his death. Now she is dealing with that guilt as she begins working for the Biological Response Team. Her only friend, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster was assigned to be her bodyguard. He was the only one she felt safe enough to talk to. However, even he didn’t know of her guilt. When she was transferred to this base, the commander, Colonel Marshall, was very cold to her. Later, he accosted her by her barracks and let he know that the soldier she saw die was his son and the Colonel blamed her for his death. He then tended to make her stay at his base as difficult as possible.
When an unexplained and fast-acting disease broke out in a village, the Colonel sent Major Samuels and her protection team to investigate. He did not know that it was an outbreak of fast-acting anthrax which killed anyone who came in contact with it. Can Grace figure out what it is and what the antidote is before it spreads beyond the village? Can Jacob guard her and find the source of the anthrax before something happens to Grace? Who were they dealing with who was using this to kill innocent people and why?
March 10, 2016
Julie Rowe writes an adrenalin filled, action packed, heart thumping romantic suspense. Right from the first word, the action sequences in this story leap out of the page at you and keep you racing through to the end. Imagine yourself watching a blood pounding action movie like The Fast and The Furious, only this time you're reading it.
Everything about this story is driven by the action. It's non-stop as Sharp and Grace find themselves racing to stop a terrorist who has released a deadly biological weapon that can kill in hours.
Sharp is your typical alpha male. He's what puts the "special" in Special Forces. I love how tough and how protective he is of Grace, his sense of humor and kindness as he sees them through some truly horrific situations. If I found myself in such a situation, I'd definitely want sharp at my back.
Grace is amazing. She's brave and selfless. She's the kind of doctor who truly believes in the oath they take to save human lives. She puts herself at risk in order to protect the many and her selflessness is incredibly admirable. She's also smart, sassy and resilient as all get out. If I had to endure even half the things she had to, I'd have collapsed in a heap halfway through but then, I also do not have the training and the back up she's had.
This is a great story. There's not a lot of romance in it and I appreciate the fact that Ms Rowe didn't stop for them to have sex while they had bullets flying over their heads. There were a few stolen moments but those were short, sharp and shiny. It hinted at things to come without getting in the way of the story.
This is the start of a great series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Everything about this story is driven by the action. It's non-stop as Sharp and Grace find themselves racing to stop a terrorist who has released a deadly biological weapon that can kill in hours.
Sharp is your typical alpha male. He's what puts the "special" in Special Forces. I love how tough and how protective he is of Grace, his sense of humor and kindness as he sees them through some truly horrific situations. If I found myself in such a situation, I'd definitely want sharp at my back.
Grace is amazing. She's brave and selfless. She's the kind of doctor who truly believes in the oath they take to save human lives. She puts herself at risk in order to protect the many and her selflessness is incredibly admirable. She's also smart, sassy and resilient as all get out. If I had to endure even half the things she had to, I'd have collapsed in a heap halfway through but then, I also do not have the training and the back up she's had.
This is a great story. There's not a lot of romance in it and I appreciate the fact that Ms Rowe didn't stop for them to have sex while they had bullets flying over their heads. There were a few stolen moments but those were short, sharp and shiny. It hinted at things to come without getting in the way of the story.
This is the start of a great series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 14, 2015
This fast paced, intense suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end. I think this book has the highest body count I've ever read. Its like watching the Walking Dead, no one is safe.
Having read my fair share of Military romantic suspense I was pleasantly surprised to find this series goes a step further and incorporates bioterrorism and the Biological Response Team who does their best to make the world safe from the terrorists that use it.
The book takes place in Afghanistan where Grace Daniels is both a trauma surgeon and on a Biological Response Team. She has seen the ugly side of war from all sides and its definitely left its mark on her soul. She has become best friends with one of the men assigned to keep her safe and when a village is completely wiped out from an anthrax these two have to depend on each other to not only keep themselves alive but to also stop a terrorist bent on revenge.
Once I started this book I couldnt put it down until I'd finished it. The action is non-stop and every situation was intense. Looks like I've found a new author and series to read and cant wait to start the next book in the series.
Having read my fair share of Military romantic suspense I was pleasantly surprised to find this series goes a step further and incorporates bioterrorism and the Biological Response Team who does their best to make the world safe from the terrorists that use it.
The book takes place in Afghanistan where Grace Daniels is both a trauma surgeon and on a Biological Response Team. She has seen the ugly side of war from all sides and its definitely left its mark on her soul. She has become best friends with one of the men assigned to keep her safe and when a village is completely wiped out from an anthrax these two have to depend on each other to not only keep themselves alive but to also stop a terrorist bent on revenge.
Once I started this book I couldnt put it down until I'd finished it. The action is non-stop and every situation was intense. Looks like I've found a new author and series to read and cant wait to start the next book in the series.
December 26, 2022
This book started off really good but it was difficult to read due to the inconsistencies, for example, Hernandez. He went in to the cave with everyone else but then after the explosion there was no mention of him nor was there any mention of him after that point. So Sharp & Smoke just forgot their teammate existed? And also like their commander & basically whole team dies and they are like eh better luck next time?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2015
3.5
Superb action but not enough romance for me. Greatly enjoyed it, though.
Superb action but not enough romance for me. Greatly enjoyed it, though.
April 17, 2025
Deadly Strain is an extraordinary complex, riveting page-turner that will immediately grab your attention. The story contains a complex, exciting plot with military characters who are strong, independent and courageous, yet also imperfect.
Major Grace Samuels is a trauma surgeon who has been deployed to Afghanistan. Her job is to take care of soldiers’ combat wounds and diseases. Jacob “Sharp” Foster is a Special Forces Weapons who has become a close friend with Grace during their deployment.
When Grace and Sharp run into a village where everyone is dead, they are extremely upset. Grace realizes they were killed by a fast-working strain of anthrax that has no antidote yet. Grace and Sharp’s team are given the mission to collaborate while they search for the people who are making this dangerously new form of anthrax.
Soon, Sharp realizes he has strong feelings for Grace, so he decides to appoint himself as Grace’s bodyguard. He drives her crazy when he refuses to let her go anywhere alone.
As they all work together, Grace, Sharp and his rigid, poker-faced team all learn to respect each other and become good friends. The relationship that grows between Sharp, his men, and the very independent Grace is beautiful and heartwarming to read about.
Also, the affection between Grace and Sharp grows very slowly as they take great pains to hide it from themselves and each other. However, Julie Rowe skillfully reveals their feelings to the readers through their words and their actions. This technique is a fantastic way to intensify the subterfuge and intrigue throughout the book.
You will love this page-turner with riveting suspense, lots of action and many twists that will keep you on the edge-of-your seat!
Major Grace Samuels is a trauma surgeon who has been deployed to Afghanistan. Her job is to take care of soldiers’ combat wounds and diseases. Jacob “Sharp” Foster is a Special Forces Weapons who has become a close friend with Grace during their deployment.
When Grace and Sharp run into a village where everyone is dead, they are extremely upset. Grace realizes they were killed by a fast-working strain of anthrax that has no antidote yet. Grace and Sharp’s team are given the mission to collaborate while they search for the people who are making this dangerously new form of anthrax.
Soon, Sharp realizes he has strong feelings for Grace, so he decides to appoint himself as Grace’s bodyguard. He drives her crazy when he refuses to let her go anywhere alone.
As they all work together, Grace, Sharp and his rigid, poker-faced team all learn to respect each other and become good friends. The relationship that grows between Sharp, his men, and the very independent Grace is beautiful and heartwarming to read about.
Also, the affection between Grace and Sharp grows very slowly as they take great pains to hide it from themselves and each other. However, Julie Rowe skillfully reveals their feelings to the readers through their words and their actions. This technique is a fantastic way to intensify the subterfuge and intrigue throughout the book.
You will love this page-turner with riveting suspense, lots of action and many twists that will keep you on the edge-of-your seat!
August 2, 2025
I LOVED this book! It's full of action, suspense, steamy times and mystery. I devoured it and found myself pulling for both the heroine and hero to make it through this op in one piece. It was touch and go there in several places. It's the story of a terrorist who develops a weaponized strain of anthrax who's determined to kill the Americans in his country and anyone else who gets in his way. It's so well written you are experiencing what the main characters are as they live them in the book! I can't wait to read the next book. This series is a re-release by the author so you don't have to wait to get it.
Major Grace Samuels is a military trauma surgeon in Afghanistan. She's there to teach and assist Afghan Forces. She's also wracked with guilt over the death of a soldier and has PTSD from a recent op. When a whole village is attacked and dies rapidly she's sent to investigate what happened. Her bodyguard is Jacob "Sharp" Foster, Special Forces Weapons Officer and Green Beret. He's become her friend and respects her intelligence and strength of will. The base commander Colonel Marshall hates her because he blames her for the death of his son. When they get to the village she becomes alarmed, quickly recognizing what she hopes isn't fast acting anthrax. She quickly springs into action and tries to save as many people as she can. Then chaos erupts as they are attacked. She ends up saving Jacob instead of him saving her. This actually happens several times in this book and it's awesome to see. He saves her of course but the role reversal is a great twist in the story. These two end up becoming a great team together and have to work around their superiors and the terrorist's to save the day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. I also own a copy of it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Major Grace Samuels is a military trauma surgeon in Afghanistan. She's there to teach and assist Afghan Forces. She's also wracked with guilt over the death of a soldier and has PTSD from a recent op. When a whole village is attacked and dies rapidly she's sent to investigate what happened. Her bodyguard is Jacob "Sharp" Foster, Special Forces Weapons Officer and Green Beret. He's become her friend and respects her intelligence and strength of will. The base commander Colonel Marshall hates her because he blames her for the death of his son. When they get to the village she becomes alarmed, quickly recognizing what she hopes isn't fast acting anthrax. She quickly springs into action and tries to save as many people as she can. Then chaos erupts as they are attacked. She ends up saving Jacob instead of him saving her. This actually happens several times in this book and it's awesome to see. He saves her of course but the role reversal is a great twist in the story. These two end up becoming a great team together and have to work around their superiors and the terrorist's to save the day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. I also own a copy of it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2025
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
Biological Rapid Response Team book one is the first book by this author that I have read. It certainly won’t be the last as I enjoyed the complex plot and non-stop action and drama.
The lead characters, Dr Grace Sullivan and Sergeant Sharp are both dedicated military officers and work extremely well together. Grace is usually one hundred percent fully focused on her job but a past situation has left her with understandable trauma. Sharp is there for her no matter what and so begins the slowest burn relationship ever. 😆 Mind you it fits the context of the story perfectly and I liked the fact that it didn’t take over the storyline.
I loved the unpredictability of this book with its twists and turns. I also enjoyed the ‘real-life’ feel of the story, mind you it was pretty scary, too. The descriptions and the emotions encapsulated within the book ensure readers are participants, not spectators in this incredible story.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Biological Rapid Response Team book one is the first book by this author that I have read. It certainly won’t be the last as I enjoyed the complex plot and non-stop action and drama.
The lead characters, Dr Grace Sullivan and Sergeant Sharp are both dedicated military officers and work extremely well together. Grace is usually one hundred percent fully focused on her job but a past situation has left her with understandable trauma. Sharp is there for her no matter what and so begins the slowest burn relationship ever. 😆 Mind you it fits the context of the story perfectly and I liked the fact that it didn’t take over the storyline.
I loved the unpredictability of this book with its twists and turns. I also enjoyed the ‘real-life’ feel of the story, mind you it was pretty scary, too. The descriptions and the emotions encapsulated within the book ensure readers are participants, not spectators in this incredible story.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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March 8, 2025
(Note: I believe she's rewritten the book. My review is based on the 2025 ARC I read.)
Deadly Strain is a fast-paced and exciting new series starter by Julie Rowe, and I'm already anxious for book 2. Set in Afghanistan, it follows military doctor Grace and her band of merry men, er, special forces soldiers as they race to stop a deadly new strain of anthrax created as a bio weapon. As they battle insurgents and terrorists, they also battle serious challenges within their own base. Hard to say much without spoilers, so I'll just suggest you not get too attached to secondary characters.
Protagonists (female or male) don't get stronger or braver than Grace; she's an uber badass and a brilliant doctor, all while managing to be approachable. It's no wonder Sharp is dazzled by her. For his part, he's fun and utterly capable, a perfect match for our doctor.
There were parts that didn't fully gel for me though. Mainly, I wasn't fully convinced by the reasons for Marshall's issues with Grace, and I really wanted to throat punch him for his over-the-top asshattery towards her. His character seemed overblown until it, well, wasn't.
That said, I really loved this book. It checked all my boxes, and then some.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Deadly Strain is a fast-paced and exciting new series starter by Julie Rowe, and I'm already anxious for book 2. Set in Afghanistan, it follows military doctor Grace and her band of merry men, er, special forces soldiers as they race to stop a deadly new strain of anthrax created as a bio weapon. As they battle insurgents and terrorists, they also battle serious challenges within their own base. Hard to say much without spoilers, so I'll just suggest you not get too attached to secondary characters.
Protagonists (female or male) don't get stronger or braver than Grace; she's an uber badass and a brilliant doctor, all while managing to be approachable. It's no wonder Sharp is dazzled by her. For his part, he's fun and utterly capable, a perfect match for our doctor.
There were parts that didn't fully gel for me though. Mainly, I wasn't fully convinced by the reasons for Marshall's issues with Grace, and I really wanted to throat punch him for his over-the-top asshattery towards her. His character seemed overblown until it, well, wasn't.
That said, I really loved this book. It checked all my boxes, and then some.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
March 22, 2025
Major Grace Samuels, a trauma surgeon deployed to Afghanistan, spends her life helping her fellow soldiers overcome disease and combat injuries. But her own wounds are harder to heal. Wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier, she finds comfort in her only friend and appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob "Sharp" Foster.
Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.
Sharp is Grace's most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can't watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.
What an exciting ride this was with jaw dropping scenes and holding your breath moments.
I've not read a book for a while that had me so engrossed like this thriller.
A definite must read if you like thriller, mild romance, special forces books by authors much as Lee Child and James Patterson
Kerry Kennedy Author
Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.
Sharp is Grace's most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can't watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.
What an exciting ride this was with jaw dropping scenes and holding your breath moments.
I've not read a book for a while that had me so engrossed like this thriller.
A definite must read if you like thriller, mild romance, special forces books by authors much as Lee Child and James Patterson
Kerry Kennedy Author
April 8, 2025
💋 No plan survives first engagement.
📚Review ~ Deadly Strain
Biological Rapid Response Team Book 1
🖋Author ~ @authorjulierowe
🖋Genre: Action & Adventure Romance, Military Romance
⭐️Rating 5/5
🔬 Grace Samuels
🥾 Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster
★Protective hero
★Infectious Disease Specialist
★PTSD
★Potential Traitor
★Slow-burn
★Fast-action, Intense
This is the first time I’ve read Julie’s work. And, I’m so glad I did! Deadly Strain is an incredible read. It’s fast-paced and full of intense situations. With a new deadly strain of an infectious chemical along with a potential traitor in their ranks, Grace will be challenged to overcome her past to find the real terrorist. She will also need to reconcile the feelings she’s developed for “Sharp” her Special Forces bodyguard.
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #JulieRowe #DeadlyStrain #MilitaryRomance #BiologicalMedicalMystery @enticingjourney
📚Review ~ Deadly Strain
Biological Rapid Response Team Book 1
🖋Author ~ @authorjulierowe
🖋Genre: Action & Adventure Romance, Military Romance
⭐️Rating 5/5
🔬 Grace Samuels
🥾 Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster
★Protective hero
★Infectious Disease Specialist
★PTSD
★Potential Traitor
★Slow-burn
★Fast-action, Intense
This is the first time I’ve read Julie’s work. And, I’m so glad I did! Deadly Strain is an incredible read. It’s fast-paced and full of intense situations. With a new deadly strain of an infectious chemical along with a potential traitor in their ranks, Grace will be challenged to overcome her past to find the real terrorist. She will also need to reconcile the feelings she’s developed for “Sharp” her Special Forces bodyguard.
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #JulieRowe #DeadlyStrain #MilitaryRomance #BiologicalMedicalMystery @enticingjourney
April 17, 2025
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
Biological Rapid Response Team book one is the first book by this author that I have read. It certainly won’t be the last as I enjoyed the complex plot and non-stop action and drama.
The lead characters, Dr Grace Sullivan and Sergeant Sharp are both dedicated military officers and work extremely well together. Grace is usually one hundred percent fully focused on her job but a past situation has left her with understandable trauma. Sharp is there for her no matter what and so begins the slowest burn relationship ever. 😆 Mind you it fits the context of the story perfectly and I liked the fact that it didn’t take over the storyline.
I loved the unpredictability of this book with its twists and turns. I also enjoyed the ‘real-life’ feel of the story, mind you it was pretty scary, too. The descriptions and the emotions encapsulated within the book ensure readers are participants, not spectators in this incredible story.
February 18, 2025
On a mission, in Afghanistan, to locate a new, more dangerous strain of anthrax so she and her team can develop a vaccine for it, major Grace Samuels and sargeant Jacob "Sharp" Foster's team will have to run against time to accomplish that aim, facing an unknown enemy spreading untrue news about them - and turning allies against each other. Besides that, Dr. Samuels has her own demons to deal with.
And to complicate things a little more, Sharp and Grace don't know what to do with the growing sentiment they feel about each other.
Full of adrenaline and tension, with some comical, and loving moments, this story will keep you on edge from the first to the last page.
I've received an ARC of this e-book from the author. All the opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
And to complicate things a little more, Sharp and Grace don't know what to do with the growing sentiment they feel about each other.
Full of adrenaline and tension, with some comical, and loving moments, this story will keep you on edge from the first to the last page.
I've received an ARC of this e-book from the author. All the opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 9, 2025
Major Grace Samuels is in Afghanistan as a trauma surgeon. She is also an expert in diseases. Green Beret Jacob Sharp Foster is part of the team that works with her. Sharp helps Grace defeat her demons and is by her side the whole time. A soldier has it out for Grace and it seems like he is determined to take her down. They discover a new strand of anthrax that kills quickly and the regular antibiotics don’t work. Sharp and Grace become good friends and it’s a race against time to find the source of the anthrax. Will they find the terrorist using the anthrax before it kills them all?
I liked this story. It sort of scared me a little because it could happen here.
Action.
Steamy.
Friends to lovers.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
I liked this story. It sort of scared me a little because it could happen here.
Action.
Steamy.
Friends to lovers.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
March 9, 2025
Deadly Strain is the first book in the Biological Rapid Response Team Series by Julie Rowe. It is a story of incidents that can lead to a crippling guilt that must be worked though and then other newer serious anthrax outbreaks. It is also a “friends to more” relationship. Being in a place where rapid decision making must be made, it leads to one where the characters live fully in the moment because life turns on a dime there.
Easy to put you lace in the characters’ serious medical field without it being written too technical for a non-medical person to fully comprehend. The characters’ romantic actions at times seem odd, when the focus perhaps should have been on the danger of the situation. Still, it is eye-opening seeing the new dangers of war.
Easy to put you lace in the characters’ serious medical field without it being written too technical for a non-medical person to fully comprehend. The characters’ romantic actions at times seem odd, when the focus perhaps should have been on the danger of the situation. Still, it is eye-opening seeing the new dangers of war.
June 8, 2025
Exciting and fast paced, I loved the characters for this series. Grace and Sharp are fantastic characters in their own right and I liked their pairing as both smart and strong characters. The underlying aspect of biologic warfare and a person trying to kill thousands of people is scary but feasible so that kept me really enthralled. Be forewarned that this aspect seems to run through all of the books of this series. The one thing I miss is a bit of the humor that I found in the other Julie Rowe stories I've read. Although I guess this is no laughing matter! But great characters, a compelling story line, will make it so that I keep tuning in. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for a great read.
May 19, 2019
Dr. Grace Samuels is a trauma surgeon who works with the Biological Response Team. She is assigned a Green Beret as a bodyguard. Jacob "Sharp" Foster knows there is something going on with Grace but he's not sure what it is. She has terrible guilt over something. It is also clear that the Base Commander hates her. They are trying to identify a contagion that is killing rapidly. They find it is a modified version of Anthrax. At times they seem to be fighting against their own people. Grace and Sharp develop a relationship when neither expect it. This novel is full of suspense and moves at a rapid pace. I couldn't put it down. The characters were likable and admirable.
February 14, 2025
WOW!! Deadly Strain was one of the most instantly captivating books I’ve ever read. The gripping premise just didn’t stop.
Major Grace Samuels is a military trauma surgeon and infectious disease specialist the Army uses to train their troops & soldiers. When it turns out a deadly virus has destroyed an entire village, Dr. Grace Samuels, along with Jacob “Sharp” Foster, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, and their team will embark on a path to save the world before evil can destroy it.
There were loose ends left that I expect will carry over into the next book. I can’t wait!!
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
Major Grace Samuels is a military trauma surgeon and infectious disease specialist the Army uses to train their troops & soldiers. When it turns out a deadly virus has destroyed an entire village, Dr. Grace Samuels, along with Jacob “Sharp” Foster, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, and their team will embark on a path to save the world before evil can destroy it.
There were loose ends left that I expect will carry over into the next book. I can’t wait!!
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
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