Hostile Alliance

Hightower Security #5

by Jorgia Yates

He had the perfect cover.

Until she walked in.

Hightower’s forgery specialist, Adena Graceson, can counterfeit anything—currency, IDs, entire identities. But when an uneasy alliance with the DEA drags her into New Orleans’s seedy underbelly, faking a romance with a volatile agent might be her deadliest forgery yet.

Her life is in his hands.

His soul is at stake.

Jagger Rourke lives by two stay cold and stay alive. His existence is a structure of precarious lies, but after three years, his cover is burning. And the partner he never wanted is a fiery wild card. One mistake won't just shred the operation—it'll be the dirt over both their graves.

Trust no one.

Love no one.

Break the rules and die.

Genres: Thriller

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

Falling in love shouldn’t be this dangerous—but Jorgia Yates wouldn’t have it any other way.

She writes Christian Romantic Suspense with protective heroes, courageous heroines, and a faith that holds strong when everything else falls apart.

Jorgia married her teenage sweetheart (after a very awkward meet-cute in the 90s), and together they’re raising two amazing children on the spectrum.

Living with chronic illness means her world is a little smaller—but her imagination is anything but. So while real life includes rest, resilience, and lots of grace, her characters chase danger, dodge bullets, and fall hard for the kind of love that protects—body and soul.

✨ Grab a free Hightower Security prequel at www.jorgiayates.com and start falling for heroes who never back down.

Reviews

[H J Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Janet Evanovich but don't love immorality, then 'Hostile Alliance' is the book for you.
Yates manages to write a thrilling dual POV crime novel but without the badly behaving MCs. The criminals are certainly criminal, but Yates manages to keep most of the gang violence off page while keeping the thrilling car chases and good vs bad guy shoot outs.
The faith content is neither too much or too little; it is merely representative of how we *should* be each day. There is nothing woke or that could offend even the most devout sects here. Similarly, the romance manages to be captivating and complete; yet perfectly balanced by the intrigue and danger. And despite the blurb the tension was not overdeveloped either.
'Hostile Alliance' is in present tense (which I despise) but it is so good that I barely noticed. I have not read the others in this series, but that was not an issue either.

I highly recommend this to Christian adults.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Hostile Alliance, was written so creatively, so enticingly packed full of non-stop action and I just couldn't put it down!! No matter the danger, or the pitfalls that spiraled out of control, I just kept turning pages. With each passing page, and chapter, Jagger and Adena had to make choices just to stay alive. These choices would now paint a picture of their future, irrevocably enforcing change daily. As I reached the final chapter of this book, I was amazed at the skill of the story-telling Yates used to draw me in. I absolutely loved Hostile Alliance and all of the levels of emotions that I felt throughout the reading of it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I feel the muscles in my back lock. It’s the same way he eyes a new shipment. I don't shift to block him—that’s a defensive tell—but I settle a hand on the small of her back, a claim disguised as a courtesy. "Thank you." Adena's smile is gracious, controlled. Valentina's gaze lands on Adena and holds. Not hostile. Not warm. Evaluating. Like she's deciding whether Adena is an asset, a liability, or competition."

When Adena's boss asks if she is up for an undercover forgery position, she thinks she's up for the challenge. But when she meets Jagger, she is not so sure. This undercover cop is a bit too sure of himself. As they move forward, the danger seems to escalate. Is this temporary alliance a good idea? Or has it been doomed from the start?

This title is a part of a series. Some of the characters overlap. Adena is a part of the previous books. So I'm glad that I read them first. But this book could be read as a standalone title.

Every book in the "Hightower Security" has had a very unique plot which makes all of them such great reads. This was definitely the case with this one. The undercover situation was quite precarious, and the roles they had to play made for a great plot!

I did read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny x Carolena]

This was my first book by Jorgia Yates and it pulled me in immediately. The tension is relentless from the opening pages, and every chapter ramps up the stakes, making it nearly impossible to put down. Adena and Jagger’s forced partnership crackles with danger and emotion, blending high-risk action with deeply personal struggles.

The story is fast-paced and action-packed, but what stood out most were the charged emotional stakes. Themes of fear, faith, and obedience are constantly under fire, pushing the characters to their limits and forcing them to confront what they truly believe. It’s an edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense that keeps you turning pages and leaves a lasting impression.

I will be adding the rest of the books to my TBR and diving into them!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kim Thomas]

Jorgia's books are always suspenseful but this one was even more intense than others. Jagger is undercover with drug dealers and Adena comes in to work with him. I enjoyed the interaction they have as they work together under extreme conditions. This one will keep you up late reading to see how it all ends.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I thought I'd read other books by this author but apparently not.
Her writing brought me right into something like a Jason Bourne flick from the first page. The words were not minced, nothing wasted on the page and action was intense.

She did such a great job making the reader feel the intensity of each situation with such brevity of words it was amazing. I felt as if I was holding my breath as each main character weighed out the situation, had a carefully measured response and continued to put their lives on the line for the cause.

I felt the characters and situations were well written and I didn't see the ending unfolding the way it did.
I loved the strength Adena showed as she lived out her faith in the precarious situations.
I really felt it tug on my heart, the way Jagger was seeing himself through her eyes and we the reader got to see his soul change.
The book had the plot with Jagger, Adena and the "bad guys", the undercover situation with Adena tasked to assess Jagger and it had the relationship between the two of them that was understated and intense at the same time. The tension in the woven plot lines was well balanced and made for a quick read to see what was going to happen next.

I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I did receive an ARC and all of these thoughts are my own. I didn't receive anything in exchange for my honest review.

[Ellen]

Hostile Alliance by Jorgia Yates is book five of the HighTower security series. The book is very suspenseful and based on Christian principles. The book is well written and put together with lifelike characters. At first glance, the world in which the book is set seems to be diametrically opposed to Christian principles, but the story shows the search and struggle to find the way to God from this world. A very good story where love and hope overcome evil.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story full of action from the start.
Two operators, strangers to each other work as a team to bring down a cartel before they themselves are brought down.
Can they succeed where others have failed?

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Alliance’s tension is immediate, volatile, and heavy with threat, as though the air itself has been wired to explode. Every page carries pressure. Every scene feels watched, measured, cornered, one misstep away from ruin. The writing is fierce and exacting, charged with danger that feels intimate, unavoidable, and closing in. I felt the hostility of the world tightening, the emotional stakes rising, the cost sharpening, the realization that survival demands far more than skill. This story requires attention, steadiness, courage, endurance, drawing the reader into a landscape where fear, faith, obedience, and surrender are tested beneath scorching scrutiny and fire.

This novel is forged with precision and courage, written with a clarity that slices through danger, deception, fear, and self-illusion. Every thread of suspense is intentional, purposeful, weight-bearing. The story keeps pressing inward, not toward spectacle, but toward the soul. It asks difficult questions and refuses to soften them. It creates space for the reader to pause, to listen, to examine what faith requires when obedience carries risk, when trust feels dangerous, when standing firm costs more than retreat ever could.

Adena’s faith anchors this story with quiet authority. It is steady, practiced, and lived in the dark. Scripture appears with reverence and restraint, never ornamental, never performative, always placed where it can be carried into the reader’s own life. Her belief does not shield her from danger, fear, or consequence. It steadies her when nothing else can. Watching her walk forward with integrity, discernment, resolve, humility, and trust felt deeply personal. Faith is portrayed as lived endurance.

Jagger’s journey carries its own gravity. Years of survival have taught him to measure everything by risk, exposure, loss, and damage. The weight of his inner conflict surfaces in moments that feel painfully honest, especially when grace begins to press against long-held defenses. One line captured that tension with aching clarity: “The words settle over me like a weight I don't know if I can carry. She's offering me something I've spent years running from, something I'm not sure I deserve.”

His struggle is not rushed. His reckoning unfolds under pressure, doubt, resistance, exhaustion, longing, forcing him to confront what survival has demanded and faith now requires. The surrender that follows strips away everything he once relied on to stay alive and binds him fully to the faith he can no longer resist.

The relationship between Adena and Jagger develops under relentless surveillance, constant threat, and emotional restraint. What forms between them is shaped by trust, attentiveness, shared peril, and quiet sacrifice. One moment crystallized that shift with striking intimacy: “Whatever it is we're about to walk into, his touch doesn't feel like a cover anymore. It feels like a lifeline.” That line holds the heart of the story. What begins as strategy becomes refuge. What is supposed to be false becomes something irrevocably true.

This story also dares to ask what faith looks like when morality is complicated by circumstance. When obedience means remaining in the shadows. When doing the right thing requires patience, restraint, silence, suffering.

This story opened the door to the Hightower Security series for me, and I am committed to reading from the beginning. Hostile Alliance stands as a powerful witness to what clearly Christian fiction can accomplish when faith, obedience, and truth shape stories created prayerfully, intentionally, and with care

I received a digital ARC from the author and BookSirens. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gritty novel and not for the naive or weak of heart, those used to cozy Christian mysteries. The characters here are undercover and their experiences are not gentle. There is psychological and romantic tension as the plot progresses. The characters express their concern for the possibilities of dangerous experiences more than actually experiencing them. There is some real suspense near the end of the book.

Yates changes the POV between the male hero, longtime DEA undercover agent, Jagger, and the newly inserted female agent, Adena, from Hightower Security. That is not a writing style I prefer. When reading an ebook, it is easy to be confused as to through which character we are experiencing the action. There is a very clear faith message as well as an experience of salvation in this novel. One of the major issues the characters face is the sense of responsibility of aiding nefarious criminals, hurting people in the process, while working undercover. An example would be providing forged documents for drug transportation, knowing those drugs might kill people. Also an issue is the possible change of character from being deeply embedded within an illegal and evil organization.

This is a hard hitting novel and a good addition to the series. Since each centers on a different person from the Hightower agency, it reads well on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tender” is not a term I typically associate with a suspense storyline. It tender is exactly the right word to describe the relationship between main characters in Hostile Alliance. Though I think this about every book by Jorgia Yates, this one is my favorite to date.
Adena is on loan from Hightower Security for her skill as a master forger. She’s to be paired with undercover DEA agent Jagger Rourke in a volatile situation around New Orleans. Jagger’s handler wants her assessment of his stability after 3 years of deep cover. Is he losing himself in the role?
Adena is like no one else and Jagger can’t quite figure her out. Is she really that cool and calm? Does she truly believe all that about God covering sin? Is she genuinely concerned about him more than herself?
And then the moment of crisis that brings every micro expression under scrutiny and when every breath could be their last. Adena knows in whom she trusts. Who does Jagger have to hold onto?
Remarkably, there is something achingly tender and real in this relationship that was only supposed to be fake. Jagger’s capitulation vibrates with authenticity while Adena’s integrity provides steady ground for his change. It was amazing and so real! Loved this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of gritty suspense:
I found this novel to be unique and I liked how it tackled some difficult subjects in a thought provoking way. I also enjoyed how unpredictable it was and there was plenty of pulse spiking suspense and action.
However I was a little confused at times as not everything was explained and a few things were even contradictory. It definitely would be beneficial to have read the prior books in the series as the storyline continues from where the last one left off. It is also presumed that the reader can recall what has previously transpired and who all the characters are. It would have been helpful if the author had of recapped and provided more backstory.
This was not your typical love story and whilst I liked Adena and Jagger, they remained somewhat aloof and mysterious. We didn't really get to see them work out their feelings given the nature and duration of their relationship and the fact that the suspense aspects took precedence. There was barely any meaningful dialogue which was a pity. I did like that there was a strong Christian message about redemption and salvation that was honest and true, without being too preachy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Carolyn Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I couldn't put it down. I love the Hightower series. With every installment, I get more invested. When Adena goes undercover, the tension doesn't let up. She's a great heroine - brilliant, capable, brave, and vulnerable. She's trustworthy and beyond loyal.

Jagger is in over his head, in so deep and for so long he doesn't think he'll ever get out. He wants to protect Adena, no matter what.

Great baddies, great set up. And, as always, the beautiful support system of Hightower Security and a solid exposition of faith. Yates does a fantastic job of integrating faith into gritty situations. It never comes off as churchy or cheesy. It's raw and real. The gospel presentation in this one brought me to tears. It didn't sugarcoat Jesus's sacrifice, and it was expressed in a way that someone hardened by life on the wrong side could embrace it.

The only problem? Now I have to wait for the next installment. I want more of these two characters now.

I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adena, who is a master forger and Jagger who's three years into an undercover assignment go up against a ruthless criminal in this fast paced tale.

This was such a captivating story. It dives into and shows a fascinating insight into the world of an undercover agent. The changing POV between the two main characters was seamless and interesting.The book is so well written that I felt myself totally immersed in it. Faith based without being cheesy or preachy it is thought provoking which had me looking inward into my own spiritual journey .

While this is number 5 in the Hightower Security series, ( and my favorite thus far) it can be read as a stand alone. However, I encourage reading the other books as well. You'll enjoy them.

I received an advanced copy of this book but the opinions are my own. Quite frankly, I'm positive I will purchase it though.

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[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adena, who is a master forger and Jagger who's three years into an undercover assignment go up against a ruthless criminal in this fast paced tale.

This was such a captivating story. It dives into and shows a fascinating insight into the world of an undercover agent. The changing POV between the two main characters was seamless and interesting.The book is so well written that I felt myself totally immersed in it. Faith based without being cheesy or preachy it is thought provoking which had me looking inward into my own spiritual journey .

While this is number 5 in the Hightower Security series, ( and my favorite thus far) it can be read as a stand alone. However, I encourage reading the other books as well. You'll enjoy them.

I received an advanced copy of this book but the opinions are my own. Quite frankly, I'm positive I will purchase it though

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Alliance is intense and powerful! Jorgia Yates has woven a spectacular, evocative story of being lost and trapped in dangerous choices where the high cost of redemption and liberation is paid by another! Adena is so powerful because of her love for and surrender to the Lord, which is demonstrated through her choices in the face of depravity and her conduct towards Jagger. The way she calls Jagger out on his destructive choices without making him feel like she is judging opens the way for a beautiful redemptive story arc! I was so caught up in their valiant fight against overwhelming evil that I couldn't stop reading... and I didn't want it to end! I am so thrilled that I was given an early copy to read and share my excitement! This is one of Jorgia Yates's most compelling romantic suspense ever! Well done!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the absolute best. The action was so fast and it really kept me captured from start to finish.

This was about Hightower operative Adena who is a forger, asked to go undercover with a DEA agent Jagger.

I really enjoyed this plot. Really engaging from start to finish. I liked how Jagger and Adena were with each other. Both perceptive of the other, working out what the other needed even in the Perilous situation they were in. That connection and chemistry was so enlightening. It really was dangerous but the faith Adena had opened Jagger up.

Beautifully written. So well done. The whole book was a credit to this author and I certainly will be recommending this book to others. A truly fantastic book!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I received a copy prior to publication, I have also pre-purchased this book

When Adena and Jagger first connected, the only information they had on each other was from their Hightower headquarters. Thrown into a situation where they are supposed to be a couple, know everything about each other was rather difficult. Thankfully they were either very skilled with under-cover work or acting.
It is difficult keeping to your faith while pretending to be part of a crime cartel, Adena managed to lessen the tension with her skilled talent for humour that she could diffuse the situation.
As soon as I got my hands on this book, nothing could tear me away until I had read the last page and pre-ordered for my library.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jorgia Yates has created another well written novel in the Hightower Security series. This story was fast paced and intense with a great faith message woven in. A story of redemption, finding God’s love and mercy when you think you’re too far gone. Jorgia knows how to create amazing imagery that transports you directly into the story. You feel as if you’re standing there with Adena and Jagger as they face the tests and trials of their undercover work. The story flows smoothly. I would definitely recommend this book as well as this author. This book is a clean read with no explicit scenes or language.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carlien Peens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books . . .

Those books that keep you spellbound and neglecting your work!

The suspense is off the charts, and I wanted to take a peek at the end quite a few times!

Do Jagger and Adena make it out of the viper's nest alive? Who do you trust when you can trust no one? How do you live under surveillance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 3 years?

I love how they grow and develop as characters! Normal people faced with an abnormal situation! How do you learn to trust God when trust is a commodity you can't afford?

Jorgia Yates did an excellent job, and I cannot wait for the next book in the Hightower Security series! You will be blessed beyond measure reading this story!!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, heart pounding, gut wrenching had me in knots and I am so grateful for the portions of faith as my stomach and heart could not have finished the book without the respite. Whether you have faith or not, this book is a win for the suspense and more. Grabbed me at page one, tossed me about and would not let go till the end. Jagger is DEA, he's been undercover for 3 years. Adena works for Hightower and hangs onto her faith. I loved her silent prayers as she dealt with the cartel and as she shared some with Jagger. Never smothering, just always present. The ending was not hopeless and was realistic. My favorite Hightower Security. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #HostileAlliance #HightowerSecurity #JorgiaYates #JorgiaYatesPublishing #Booksirens

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Adena and Jagger’s story is one that immediately pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Plan to stay up late to finish it in one reading like I did.

This book does push further into each person’s struggles than the earlier books in this series, but it’s exactly what is needed. Without the deep and soul searching moments, a lot would be lost.

It’s gritty, and at the same time, it brings such amazing spiritual guidance that I can use in my own life.

You will feel such a glow by the end!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my truthful review voluntarily.

[Harriet Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What??? This book was amazing!! I started it today and finished it today!! This book was so intense that I had to finish it in one day!! The suspense, the intensity, the intrigue all had me wrapped up in having to know what was going to happen next!! I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them but this one…. Wow!!!! The best action and suspense I’ve read in a long time. The characters came alive as I was reading. Truly well written!! I would give it ten stars if I could!! If you’re looking for riveting action and suspense… this is a must read!!

I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review

[sharon blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me absolutely speechless. The deep‑cover action is intense and unrelenting, especially as the cartel world tightens its grip and makes it clear that this mission could cost them everything — even themselves. That darkness is powerfully balanced by the steady, unwavering presence of God’s love, sacrifice, and redemption. The theme of laying down your life so someone else can be saved is written with such sincerity that it lingers long after the final page. It’s an excellent, high‑stakes, faith‑driven story, and I strongly recommend reading the entire series to experience the full emotional and spiritual journey.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jagger has been undercover for three years and lines are blurring for him. DEA decides he needs help from an outside source. Hightower sends their top forger to help help him. Adena sees his soul is more in danger than anything else.

I love how the characters interact and she doesn't take any guff from anyone. Neither want a romantic relationship but God has other plans. They are very realistic characters and not goody two shoes at all. How Adena is able to bring him around is very moving.

This is a very different book for the series in that she is the strong guiding character.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story keeps you firmly on the edge of your seat, where every choice, decision, and consequence carries heavy moral weight. The constant, unrelenting danger had me completely captive, perfectly matched by the intense, volatile dynamic between Jagger and Adena. Their relentless toeing of the line keeps the tension high and the pulse racing as emotions slowly unravel between them. I loved the determination, hard-earned trust, and the fragile beginnings of love that bloom against a backdrop of violence and bloodshed. An exciting, pulse-pounding, and gripping blend of romance and danger that doesn’t let go.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Hostile Alliance’ was gritty. The gripping yet spirituality-driven plot was filled with the protocols of cartel mayhem: the hierarchy, the henchmen, the dutiful significant others, and other underlings. Moreover, Adena and Jagger, the protagonists and both working undercover, skillfully and methodically fit into the cartel’s underbelly just fine. Their chemistry was palpable and off the charts. Additionally, I liked the author’s vivid descriptions that created a tension-filled tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the engrossing narrative.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Very intense story where there’s that fine line between reality and undercover. Main characters Jagger undercover for over 3 years for the DEA and Dena undercover from Hightower and supposed Jagger’s girlfriend trying to get mob boss Marquez and wife Valentina caught. Lots of tense writing and drama especially seeing the main characters going through the transformation from their Christian reality to the grungy people they were pretending to be. Story held me at the end of my chair until the end, which I liked. Great character writing by author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super intense story; once launched into it, the pedal stays pressed to the metal and hardly lets up. The tension continues to build throughout the book until the threads holding up Adena and Jagger are ready to snap. Such an excellent story and storyteller. I could hardly put the book down and couldn't wait to find out what happens to them. Be sure to read the epilogue so you don't miss the satisfying resolution.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Hostile Alliance in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. The story is full of non-stop action, characters with lots of layers, and a plot that keeps you glued to the pages.

I loved that Adena's character is a Christian full of faith. She never lost her true identity and trusted in God regardless of the circumstances. The setting and the author's descriptive style made me feel like I was there. The ending is awesome.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.