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Songbird: Book One of the Increment Series
Songbird, the first book in the Increment series, follows Billie Larkin, a self-taught hacker who is infiltrating the dark net in search of her childhood friend who was kidnapped and trafficked by a group of organised criminals and Angus Ward, the Captain of Increment, a specialised group of SAS soldiers from the British Army, who is tasked with recruiting Billie onto the team after they discover her unique talents.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2025
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Beth Walker
3 books12 followersBeth Walker is a British romance Author, currently residing in Leeds with her two children and a handful of Guinea Pigs.
She is currently studying an MA degree in social work and from this has a deep understanding of the psychology of people that is reflected in her characters when she writes.
She loves reading dark romance a little too much and has a TBR pile (physical and electronic) that will likely never be depleted or get any smaller because she buys books faster than she can read them.
When not writing or reading, you will find her in front of the television, watching one of the Marvel movies or The Walking Dead.
You can follow Beth on:
Instagram: b.walker.author
Facebook: beth.walker.author
TikTok: Beth Walker Author
She is currently studying an MA degree in social work and from this has a deep understanding of the psychology of people that is reflected in her characters when she writes.
She loves reading dark romance a little too much and has a TBR pile (physical and electronic) that will likely never be depleted or get any smaller because she buys books faster than she can read them.
When not writing or reading, you will find her in front of the television, watching one of the Marvel movies or The Walking Dead.
You can follow Beth on:
Instagram: b.walker.author
Facebook: beth.walker.author
TikTok: Beth Walker Author
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 1, 2025
After meeting and chatting with the lovely, friendly Beth the evening before the AATA25, she told me about her book that she had written and I naturally just needed to read it!
Our FMC Billie, is a hacker but not just any run of the mill one, she does it for a reason though passes her information on to the relevant security division. A secret branch from this, only known as The Increment swoop in initially to gain the upper hand before disappearing into the night, like they never existed. Billie’s life takes a turn for the worst, throwing her into the real world, the life she thought she had disintegrates and she blames herself. However, the leader of The Increment team seems smitten with her. Don’t want to give you anymore as it’s a story you’d have to read to understand where it and what it takes her through 😜
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚋𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚗𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚔!𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛.
Loved the storyline, there are some spicy times but for me the plot was what grasped me, the emotions I felt at times kept me gripped until I finished it at 1am 🤣 I wanted to continue with the next phase straightaway 🫣
Our FMC Billie, is a hacker but not just any run of the mill one, she does it for a reason though passes her information on to the relevant security division. A secret branch from this, only known as The Increment swoop in initially to gain the upper hand before disappearing into the night, like they never existed. Billie’s life takes a turn for the worst, throwing her into the real world, the life she thought she had disintegrates and she blames herself. However, the leader of The Increment team seems smitten with her. Don’t want to give you anymore as it’s a story you’d have to read to understand where it and what it takes her through 😜
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚋𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚗𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚔!𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛.
Loved the storyline, there are some spicy times but for me the plot was what grasped me, the emotions I felt at times kept me gripped until I finished it at 1am 🤣 I wanted to continue with the next phase straightaway 🫣
July 23, 2025
Rating: 4½ stars
Storyline
Songbird drops you into a high-stakes digital world where Billie Larkin—brilliant, guarded, and self-taught—is a hacker navigating the darker corners of the internet. Haunted by a mysterious past and driven by justice, she’s pulled into a deeper conspiracy that quickly escalates into something far more dangerous. As Billie is drawn closer to a secretive team working with military precision, loyalties are tested, motives are questioned, and danger comes from all directions. What unfolds is a sharp, fast-paced cyber-thriller with emotional weight and real-world tension.
Writing
Beth’s writing is clean, clear, and crisply immersive—you’re not just reading Billie’s world, you’re in it. Every detail is rendered so vividly and accessibly that even readers with no background in tech or military operations can follow along effortlessly. Her storytelling makes complex concepts understandable without ever talking down to the reader. You can’t help but feel completely involved in Billie’s mission, rooting for her every step of the way. And Angus? He’s a standout—his clever, subtle approach to drawing Billie into his team adds just the right touch of charm and intrigue.
Spice
Firstly this is a story with spice in it not a spicy book but yes, this book brings still brings the spice—and it’s *chef’s kiss* perfect. There are a number of intimate scenes between Billie and Angus that are beautifully written: tasteful, intense, and emotionally charged. They’re not just hot; they mean something, deepening the connection between two strong, guarded characters who don’t trust easily. Alongside those moments, there’s plenty of flirtation, tension, and heat throughout the story that makes their evolving relationship feel earned and electric. The spice builds naturally from trust and banter to something much deeper—and steamier.
Chili rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5) — flirty, hot, and emotionally satisfying.
July 17, 2025
I received this book has an ARC from the author. This is a military romance with some dark themes. The mmc Angus is interesting because he thinks he will never full in love. He’s put on a case with the fmc whom is Billie. She is a self taught hacker whom is trying to find her friend who went missing when they were children.
The mmc is intense, possessive and touch her and you will die. Billie is independent, gritty and also possessive. This book had many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages and not sleeping. 464 pages of intense chemistry, it’s an amazing slow burn with so much suspense I was screaming at the book. This is a must read. I am looking forward to release date of book 2. This author got an amazing gift, she writes her story lines in such a way that you don’t care that there is not much spice in her first book. Because Billies and Angus story is gripping.
The mmc is intense, possessive and touch her and you will die. Billie is independent, gritty and also possessive. This book had many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages and not sleeping. 464 pages of intense chemistry, it’s an amazing slow burn with so much suspense I was screaming at the book. This is a must read. I am looking forward to release date of book 2. This author got an amazing gift, she writes her story lines in such a way that you don’t care that there is not much spice in her first book. Because Billies and Angus story is gripping.
June 14, 2025
I love the book from beginning to end it was a lovely story and I can't wait to read the next book. I would 100% recommend reading this book.
July 7, 2025
What a great story! Fast paced with lots of layers and a sprinkling of spice. Can’t wait to hear more about all the characters & hopefully there are many more stories to come. Fabulous debut novel!
June 22, 2025
I loved this book all the way through. I was hooked. it is so well written it had me at the edge of my seat in some parts. I honestly can't wait until the next book to which I have been watching coming together 🤗
November 23, 2025
This is the first military romance book that I've read, and while it didn't have as many military elements in it as I expected there to be. I did enjoy the story as a whole. I did have some issues (some were with the physical book itself which were rectified by the author)
The other issues I had were with the story and they were very minor, first of which being Ethan. His attitude about Coles treatment of his sister even before her investigation came to light about her missing friend Darcy. The fact that Cole called his sister a "cunt" and he did nothing to defend her. That made me so mad at his character. Like I get Cole is his best friend but that doesn't trump his sister so to let someone treat her so badly for literally just turning him down and his ego was bruised so to me that is ridiculous. One word... Cole, that is all that needs to be said. One of the plots I did see coming was the part the part with Darcy at the end with her mom. The way she hesitated gave me the thought that it could only go one of two ways and the way it went was what I thought it could be. The only bit I am interested to find out is if it was her mom that said something that was triggering or was something said to her in the car beforehand?
I also liked that the book was set over a short period of time as it gives room for genuine character growth so it feels like it is happening in real time instead of being rushed. I hope that in the next book Ethan gets his redemption as during this book I wanted to punch him so many times.
Overall this book made me smile and laugh and want to commit violence so a good combo!
The other issues I had were with the story and they were very minor, first of which being Ethan. His attitude about Coles treatment of his sister even before her investigation came to light about her missing friend Darcy. The fact that Cole called his sister a "cunt" and he did nothing to defend her. That made me so mad at his character. Like I get Cole is his best friend but that doesn't trump his sister so to let someone treat her so badly for literally just turning him down and his ego was bruised so to me that is ridiculous. One word... Cole, that is all that needs to be said. One of the plots I did see coming was the part the part with Darcy at the end with her mom. The way she hesitated gave me the thought that it could only go one of two ways and the way it went was what I thought it could be. The only bit I am interested to find out is if it was her mom that said something that was triggering or was something said to her in the car beforehand?
I also liked that the book was set over a short period of time as it gives room for genuine character growth so it feels like it is happening in real time instead of being rushed. I hope that in the next book Ethan gets his redemption as during this book I wanted to punch him so many times.
Overall this book made me smile and laugh and want to commit violence so a good combo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to arc read this. I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good story with some cute romance, a bit of spice and dark themes. Can't wait for the next one.
August 14, 2025
For me there aren't many good dark military romance books out there so I was interested in reading this one & I wasn't disappointed.....
Characters:
MMC - Angus is a military captain giving him a calm / controlled disposition in high stress situations. He is very much the protector for his team, but with Billie it does tend to slide more into obsession!
MFC - Billie is a stereo-typical red head being a strong, feisty & sassy women. She does show her compassionate side thou & wants to help others, which is how she gets involved in the undercurrent of the internet. She maybe self taught in the wonders of computers / hacking & navigating the dark web, but she is quite naïve on protecting herself from the nasties roaming that world.
The supporting characters are fabulous, ranging from friends that are free-spirited or make your skin crawl, those that are mentors, several that contribute with great banter/one-liners, along with LGBTQ representation. Which for me gives the story depth & relatability, knowing this book is the 1st in a series you know some of these other characters will be further developed, which I am thoroughly looking forward to.
Plotline (no spoilers):
You follow Billie on her quest to find her childhood friend Darcy who she witnessed being kidnapped when they were playing as kids & how she goes about finding her with the aid of the dark web. The storyline is faced paced, so you hit the ground running from page 1. There are many troupes within this book from secret identity, forbidden love, work colleagues, alpha male, family drama, too name a few plus the delicious slow-burn between Billie & Angus - yes there is spice, but it doesn't distract from the storyline, if anything it compliments it. Check your trigger warnings as darker topics are mentioned (Bereavement, DA, kidnapping & torture), which for me gave the book a more emotional depth.
Overall, I would 100% recommend this book, I would have put this as 4.5 stars read, but goodreads won't allow for half a star :(
Characters:
MMC - Angus is a military captain giving him a calm / controlled disposition in high stress situations. He is very much the protector for his team, but with Billie it does tend to slide more into obsession!
MFC - Billie is a stereo-typical red head being a strong, feisty & sassy women. She does show her compassionate side thou & wants to help others, which is how she gets involved in the undercurrent of the internet. She maybe self taught in the wonders of computers / hacking & navigating the dark web, but she is quite naïve on protecting herself from the nasties roaming that world.
The supporting characters are fabulous, ranging from friends that are free-spirited or make your skin crawl, those that are mentors, several that contribute with great banter/one-liners, along with LGBTQ representation. Which for me gives the story depth & relatability, knowing this book is the 1st in a series you know some of these other characters will be further developed, which I am thoroughly looking forward to.
Plotline (no spoilers):
You follow Billie on her quest to find her childhood friend Darcy who she witnessed being kidnapped when they were playing as kids & how she goes about finding her with the aid of the dark web. The storyline is faced paced, so you hit the ground running from page 1. There are many troupes within this book from secret identity, forbidden love, work colleagues, alpha male, family drama, too name a few plus the delicious slow-burn between Billie & Angus - yes there is spice, but it doesn't distract from the storyline, if anything it compliments it. Check your trigger warnings as darker topics are mentioned (Bereavement, DA, kidnapping & torture), which for me gave the book a more emotional depth.
Overall, I would 100% recommend this book, I would have put this as 4.5 stars read, but goodreads won't allow for half a star :(
August 3, 2025
An electrifying blend of tech-thriller and military suspense—Songbird is impossible to put down!
From the very first page, Songbird sinks its claws into you and doesn’t let go. Billie Larkin is a standout protagonist—brilliant, vulnerable, and relentless in her search for her kidnapped childhood friend. Her journey into the dark net is both terrifying and fascinating, and her hacking skills are portrayed with a realism that feels authentic without ever bogging down the pace.
Enter Angus Ward, the hardened SAS captain leading the elite Increment team. The chemistry between Billie and Angus crackles—not just romantically, but in the clash of ideologies and skill sets. Their partnership is tense, believable, and deeply satisfying to watch unfold.
The plot moves at breakneck speed, with just enough emotional depth and high-stakes action to keep you turning pages late into the night. The writing is sharp, cinematic, and smartly layered with moral ambiguity, making the villains chillingly plausible and the heroes all the more compelling.
If you love gritty, character-driven stories with hacking, military ops, and a raw emotional core, this book is for you. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the Increment series.
From the very first page, Songbird sinks its claws into you and doesn’t let go. Billie Larkin is a standout protagonist—brilliant, vulnerable, and relentless in her search for her kidnapped childhood friend. Her journey into the dark net is both terrifying and fascinating, and her hacking skills are portrayed with a realism that feels authentic without ever bogging down the pace.
Enter Angus Ward, the hardened SAS captain leading the elite Increment team. The chemistry between Billie and Angus crackles—not just romantically, but in the clash of ideologies and skill sets. Their partnership is tense, believable, and deeply satisfying to watch unfold.
The plot moves at breakneck speed, with just enough emotional depth and high-stakes action to keep you turning pages late into the night. The writing is sharp, cinematic, and smartly layered with moral ambiguity, making the villains chillingly plausible and the heroes all the more compelling.
If you love gritty, character-driven stories with hacking, military ops, and a raw emotional core, this book is for you. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the Increment series.
September 7, 2025
‘Two broken souls playing a dangerous game of love & trust…’
A hacker FMC searching for her childhood friend & saving trafficked girls on the dark web.
Billie is a really well written strong FMC but also vulnerable in many ways, I think ‘naive’ was the word used, & that’s shown in the way she doesn’t quite understand the extent of the danger she’s put herself in.
Military MMC with a mission to assess Billie & see if she would be useful to Increment, the organisation he works for.
Angus is everything I’d expect & more from a military vibes, touch her & die kind of MMC. You can’t help but be drawn to him from really early on in the book.
The age gap, although not huge, helps to validate Billie’s more naive side.
Malik’s surname is my maiden name… kind of love that!
I also didn’t clock on to the Seth thing until way later than I should have.
& I had a feeling what was gonna come when Billie found out about Angus but it still made me a little sad!
There was a few twists but one of the biggest ones - Cole… had me shook. I knew something was off but that wasn’t what I expected!
Can’t wait for the next book!
A hacker FMC searching for her childhood friend & saving trafficked girls on the dark web.
Billie is a really well written strong FMC but also vulnerable in many ways, I think ‘naive’ was the word used, & that’s shown in the way she doesn’t quite understand the extent of the danger she’s put herself in.
Military MMC with a mission to assess Billie & see if she would be useful to Increment, the organisation he works for.
Angus is everything I’d expect & more from a military vibes, touch her & die kind of MMC. You can’t help but be drawn to him from really early on in the book.
The age gap, although not huge, helps to validate Billie’s more naive side.
Malik’s surname is my maiden name… kind of love that!
I also didn’t clock on to the Seth thing until way later than I should have.
& I had a feeling what was gonna come when Billie found out about Angus but it still made me a little sad!
There was a few twists but one of the biggest ones - Cole… had me shook. I knew something was off but that wasn’t what I expected!
Can’t wait for the next book!
August 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this and I can't wait for the next installment!!!
I loved that thus book was based in the UK.
The only downside for me personally is the age of the FMC. I dont know why she had to be so young with it being a military romance but again it's a me problem as id like to see more books written with adult characters. Luckily it didnt take away from how good the story was and how good the author's writing is.
I really hope Ethan gets his redemption in book 2 as he was an ass in this book and deserves a good kicking for the way he treats his sister and how he stand up for her against his idiot of a best friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5
I loved that thus book was based in the UK.
The only downside for me personally is the age of the FMC. I dont know why she had to be so young with it being a military romance but again it's a me problem as id like to see more books written with adult characters. Luckily it didnt take away from how good the story was and how good the author's writing is.
I really hope Ethan gets his redemption in book 2 as he was an ass in this book and deserves a good kicking for the way he treats his sister and how he stand up for her against his idiot of a best friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5
September 28, 2025
first of all...Beth...I have some words to share with you.
secondly, I cannot even comprehend how incredible this book is. It's definitely my favourite book I've read this year and I cannot even begin to explain how much it broke me. The entire plot of this book is so perfectly set out, Angus and Billie's relationship is so amazing! the spice...*chefs kiss* and the end....I cannot tell you how many tears i shed throughout it.
Beth, Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful book, I am so proud of you and how far you have come with this amazing journey! I wish you the best of luck with everything. I'm so excited to read Bloodlines...LET THOSE TEARS FALL!
secondly, I cannot even comprehend how incredible this book is. It's definitely my favourite book I've read this year and I cannot even begin to explain how much it broke me. The entire plot of this book is so perfectly set out, Angus and Billie's relationship is so amazing! the spice...*chefs kiss* and the end....I cannot tell you how many tears i shed throughout it.
Beth, Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful book, I am so proud of you and how far you have come with this amazing journey! I wish you the best of luck with everything. I'm so excited to read Bloodlines...LET THOSE TEARS FALL!
October 13, 2025
Reading Songbird felt like being inside a movie fast paced, emotionally charged, and unpredictable. Billie’s backstory, her motivation to hack into the dark net, and her determination to find her missing friend all felt heartbreakingly real. The moment she crosses paths with Angus Ward and the Increment team, the story hits a new level of intensity. I loved how the author didn’t just rely on action scenes but layered in deep emotion and moral questions about justice, loyalty, and what we’re willing to risk for the people we love. The writing style is sharp, intelligent, and filled with authenticity clearly written by someone who understands both technology and human psychology.
September 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked straight away!
🐦Found Family
🐦Strong Independent FMC
🐦Overprotective MMC
🐦Military Romance
🐦Spicey
🐦7 Year Age Gap
This is the first military romance I've read and it did not disappoint! I wouldn't say it was a dark romance but it has dark themes so check the trigger warnings! The book was so well written and I love (almost) every character, they had me laughing, almost crying and on the edge of my seat. The plot/ storyline was amazing and I cannot wait for the next book!
🐦Found Family
🐦Strong Independent FMC
🐦Overprotective MMC
🐦Military Romance
🐦Spicey
🐦7 Year Age Gap
This is the first military romance I've read and it did not disappoint! I wouldn't say it was a dark romance but it has dark themes so check the trigger warnings! The book was so well written and I love (almost) every character, they had me laughing, almost crying and on the edge of my seat. The plot/ storyline was amazing and I cannot wait for the next book!
January 4, 2026
this book by the lovely Beth walker is an amazing read as will her other ones be. this follows a girl looking for her best friend that went missing into being humanly trafficked and manages to crack into their database. meanwhile a special task force is watching her save all these women and sends one of their own in to assess her skills to see if she's worthy to be in the special task force. but then a romance joins between the 2 and u couldn't put it down the ending though blew my mind and I don't put it in here for fear of spoiling the rest of the story. you can get signed editions of her book on tik tok under beth walker
October 18, 2025
Love Love Love!!!
December 19, 2025
After so much recommendation from my booktok friends. I finally ordered this.
Safe to say that I was not disappointed in the slightest.
From beginning to end I was hooked. Fast-paced. Thrilling. Dark And characters you will love / love to hate 🩷
Left me gasping, desperate to know what happens next for the characters and how the overarching plot will unfold. Highly. Recommend
Safe to say that I was not disappointed in the slightest.
From beginning to end I was hooked. Fast-paced. Thrilling. Dark And characters you will love / love to hate 🩷
Left me gasping, desperate to know what happens next for the characters and how the overarching plot will unfold. Highly. Recommend
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews