Dead No More

by L.R. Nicolello

The next person you trust…may be the last… Lily Andrews was once the most sought-after undercover operative at Unit 67, a Black Ops agency buried deep within the U.S. Intelligence Community. But then her partner--and fiance--turned rogue, leaving her for dead after a mission gone horribly wrong. Disgusted with 67's attempt to cover up Jackson's traitorous actions, Lily walked away from everything she knew and loved…and swore she'd hunt her ex down on her own and bring him to justice. When the handsome, undeniably alpha Derek Moretti needs her help to pursue a ruthless sociopath who is putting advanced weaponry into the hands of terrorists, Lily sees her chance to return to 67 with her pride intact. She didn't realize how much she'd missed the adrenaline rush of being undercover--or maybe that's the heat that races through her whenever Derek is near. But soon Lily will have to choose between the vengeance she craves and the country she's sworn to protect. And with the clock ticking down on a nuclear catastrophe, she knows that this time, if she's trusted the wrong man, she won't live to regret it…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

L. R. Nicolello has been obsessed with all things suspense and justice related for as long she can remember. When other girls her age were watching the latest chick flick, she was watching Top Gun, dreaming of flying fast. Growing up, if a fighter jet flew over while she was driving, her sister would pray they wouldn’t crash—still happens, actually. She thinks a man in uniform is swoon-worthy and her husband likes to tease her about it, especially whenever they are near a military base. Growing up, her parents instilled in her and her sister that women can be strong without losing their femininity, and she takes that to heart with every character that comes to life.

She lives in blue-sky Texas with her husband and daughter, but travels—a lot. When she’s not writing, she watches and re-watches her favorite television shows, exercises or reads anything she can get her hands on.

DEAD DON’T LIE, her debut novel, is out September 2014, followed by the next book in her series, DEAD NO MORE, released January 2015. She is currently working on her next novel and is represented by Jill Marsal of MarsaLyon Literary Agency.

Say hello below

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy romantic suspense secret operations stories, then this novel was written for you. Nicolello brings action, murder, investigations, and more to this suspenseful novel. Lily Andrews was once an undercover operation at Unit 67, an agency buried within the U.S. Intelligence Community. But when her partner at work and in life turns rogue, she walks away from the covert live she loved and swore to bring Jackson to justice. Derek Moretti needs her help on an operation when someone is illegally selling advanced weaponry. She is finally convinced to join him on the mission.

The characters are well-defined and it was great to mix in new ones and bring in the two key characters from the debut book by this author. Lily and Derek are both strong characters that readers can easily want to succeed. There is a solid plot with plenty of action and some heat. It also has a devastating twist that I did not see coming while other parts were a little predictable. Woven into the story line are revenge, family, friendship, romance, anger, loyalty, power, and greed.

Overall, this novel was compelling, heart-breaking, and drew on my emotions. The ending action scene is intense and memorable. This was a page-turner for me.

I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2015.

------------------------------------------
My 4.47 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, solid romantic suspense! Quite a page-turner with plenty of action and heat.

[Sparkymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Dead Don't Lie, so when the opportunity to read this book came up, there was no way I could pass it up. This story features Derek, the brother of the first story's hero. Derek is an agent with a top secret intelligence type agency, the same agency Lily walked away from just over a year earlier after her partner/fiance almost succeeded in killing her. Lily has regretted losing the job she loved, so when Derek offered her an opportunity to"get back in the game", she didn't pass it up. Derek stirs up feelings in Lily that she thought were long dead. She tries to resist, but Derek doesn't make it easy with all his cute winks and charming smiles. Both Derek and Lily are fierce operatives with a strong sense of honor and family. When things all go crazy, Lily's adopted family and Derek's brother and sister in law step in to round out their team. Unfortunately, Lily's former partner keeps dropping in to harass and throw her of track complicating matters further. In the meantime, a terrorist bent on destroying the U.S. has a plot in the works and Lily in his sights.

I loved this book every bit as much as the first one and can't wait to see what's coming next. L.R. Nicolello has totally made my favorite author list. Fortunately, Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.

[Cindy Boepple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Novel! Lots of action. Great plot twists that kept you guessing until the end.
Looking forward to the next book in this series

[Alima Livzletlivz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few writers that I hold in high regard and L.R Nicolello is definitely one of them. Writing is a laborious task that takes plenty of research, taking time away from family, endless dialogue with characters, and a detailed eye to the flow of the story. Some are born with the talent and harvest their skills with a passion and some hone their skills to get to that point. Nicolello is definitely from the first category and her books are an ultimate treasure trove of pure reading pleasure.

“Dead No More” brings us up close and personal with Lily Andrews. A woman of epic qualities of courage, loyalty and fearlessness, she was once the sought after agent of the covert Unit 67, buried deep under the layers of the US Intelligence. A career that she walked away from, without a second thought, when she was betrayed and thrown to her death by her partner and fiancée Jackson. Anger burns in her veins, rage rules her heart and revenge gives her a breath of life. She lives for the country and she can never ever forgive a person who betrays her country.

Special ops agent Derek Moretti breaches her Fort Knox as he needs Lily to help him pursue a sociopath who is selling advanced weaponry to terrorists and is hell bent on taking down a country for personal revenge. Having surveyed her for months, living in close proximity yet not beside her, breathing her daily life for months puts Derek in the crossfires of a love he never saw coming. Meeting Lily face to face only hits close to home the feelings this sexy alpha has been hiding; Working side by side on the mission only brings out the fear and protective instincts for the woman who has stolen his heart.

If Nicolello’s first book “Dead Don’t Lie” is loaded with pain, sympathy, torture and loss of loved ones, “Dead No More” is an adrenaline ride of rage, revenge and fiery anger for rich and powerful, planning nuclear destruction. If the first book brings out heart-wrenching sorrow, agony and trauma, “Dead No More” brings out the fierce loyalty, allegiance and the pride soldiers breath to keep their homeland safe from threats, domestic or foreign. Both books stand alone as intense and powerful stories of courage, endurance and love. The contrast between these two stories is so immense; it just brings out the writing prowess of the writer!

You will not encounter another pair like Lily and Derek. Fast and furious, passionate and sizzling, honest and loyal, defiant and kickass!!!! Nicolello has done an amazing job of etching these two perfect people to the point of human imperfection. Giving them equality within their professions, yet keeping them vulnerable to the daily pleasures and insecurities of life is just perfect. Their union is just pure magic with thunderstorms and lightening!

“Dead No More” is another brilliant romantic suspense, and putting the book down for a break is not an option. Revisiting Evelyn and Marcus was pure delight and emotional, and it actually brought a lump to my throat as I remembered their story and union.

A winner for me all the way!!

Received an ARC from Harlequin via Netgalley for an honest review

[Karsyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished ~ Dead No More by L.R. Nicolello
Completed 01/30/15
4.5 of 5 stars
286 page Kindle book


I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Dead No More follows Lily who has left the covert sector after a mission that went really really wrong in which her partner, and fiance, turns rouge and leaves her dying. She walks away from her that world and hides away in a safe, if boring life.

Derick needs Lily's help on a mission and has been watching her for ages before approaching her to try to get her help. Lily wants to refuse but is intrigued by both Derick and getting back into the world that she loves.

This is the 2nd book by Nicolello that I've read, and though it's not named as a series, the book follows the brother of one of the main characters in her first book, Dead Don't Lie, which I have Reviewed Here. Unlike Dead Don't Lie, which I wasn't too thrilled about the killer, I completely enjoyed Dead No More. I loved both Lily and Derick and unlike SOOOOOO many books out right now, this couple actually talks to each other.... or at least Lily does! They each make a few assumptions, and I think that Lily was a little slow on the uptakes, but later on, Lily is definitely talking out about her feelings, not trying to hide things or not work things through. It's great!

The story was enjoyable and tho the "bad guy" was once again predictable, it was still a really great storyline. I like that the romance wasn't rushed, and Derick took his time, knowing that Lily was wounded, even if he didn't know how deep her scars, literal and emotional, went. I like that Lily wasn't afraid to speak her mind and make sure she got what she wanted, once she figured out what that was.

Dead No More was a great book, and I recommend it for anyone who is interested in the romantic suspense genre. Derick and Lily are great characters and we also get to see Evelyn and Marcus from the first book, so that was wonderful as well. :)



Setting = A
Plot = A
Conflict = B
Characters = A+
Theme = B

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read anything by this author before. But since my favorite genre is romantic suspense, I decided to try something new. It took me a long time to finally decide to read it, but once I started the book, I was hooked. I loved the heroine, Lily Andrews becaise she is a very independent woman who does not need a man to take care of her.

Lily is an undercover operator in a Black Ops agency that operates within the U.S. Intelligence Commnunity. However in her last mission, her partner, who was also her fiance, left her for dead and turned rogue. Lily left the agency when her unit covered up for her traitor of a fiance. However, Derek Moretti needs her help to catch a sociopath who is putting weapons in the hands of terrorists and convinces her to come back.

Without giving away too much of the story, Lily finds herself having to deal with the treachery of her former fiance. Plus, Derek and Lily find themselves falling in love.

This book is heavier on the suspense than the romance, but I would compare it to Catherine Coulter or Iris Johansen which I still enjoy reading. Lily and Derek are a fantastic couple, and truthfully, I think the slower romance seems to fit the book better especially since Lily is still out to get revenge from her ex.

This author is a wonderful storyteller. Her plot is so exciting and so complex that I did not want to put the book down until I finished it. I definitely plan to read another book by this author.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this story after Dead Don't Lie. And let me tell you it was well worth the wait. The action is packed, the romance is sizzling and the heroine is kick ass. Lily is probably one of my favorite characters, since she is so bad ass. I really liked her for Derek, he is so alpha man that he really needed an equal and Lily was definitely that for him. I was happy to have Evelyn and Marcus make an appearance in this book. I just love those two.
One of the things I was sad about was the abrupt end. I still had some questions I wanted answered. And I am curious if there's gonna be a third book... I certainly hope so. I wish there was an epilogue or something, I wasn't ready for this book to end. It did end on a nice note but as always with good stories, I always want more!
I give this book 3.5 stars, I did like Dead Don't Lie better just because I believe that story was all around more complete. In DNM, I felt like the story could have had more, it felt rushed and even the romance was kinda fast. The best part for me in DNM was the action, the storyline was very compelling but I wanted more romance and some more storytelling/background. That might not make sense but that's how I feel.
Read and see for yourself! I will absolutely keep following her books though!

[Dísir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Derek Moretti meets his match in this story, where his smooth insertion into a messy government conspiracy-type plot isn't what he's expecting. Enter Lily Andrews, the jaded top agent of Unit 67 who's flailing in the wind after a devastating betrayal nearly a year ago by her ex-fiancé, who he's supposed to work with. But from the get go, nothing is as it seems and their attraction to each other only complicates matters.

I found this book more disappointing than the first, in spite of the positive reviews it has garnered. L.R. Nicolello's writing is distinctive and smooth without the extraneous glitter that can typically be found in many authors' attempts at waxing lyrical. It's also complicated (and interesting) enough, plot-wise to keep a reader's interest for a whole 300 pages.

My only issue's with the characters, especially Lily Andrews who is almost too perfect and sculpted like a Mary Sue - and consequently, not that likeable or relatable. I also found too little differentiation between Derek and Marcus, the former of whom appeared in 'Dead don't lie' and I struggled to tell them apart at times if not for their names. Yes, they're kind, compassionate, with a very alpha, yet grounding presence and I love them for that - yet they could be twins for all I know.

[Illustrious Illusions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by LR Nicolello, but it won't be the last!

I got sucked into the action from the first page and it never stopped. I love a good suspense, action packed story with a touch of romance. And this delivered on all levels from a very strong female heroine to an equally strong male hero. Great story!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this authors first book but this book was okay it kept your interest BUT was slow.I really didn't get into this book till half way thru disappointed loved loved her first book.I recommend reading but don't be surprised if it's a bit slow in the beginning.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book ... but the ending needs some work. Too much resolved too quickly, and the timeline seemed a bit off.