Three hearts. Two betrayals. One impossible choice.
Six years ago, DEA psychologist Nina Palmer lost the man she loved to deep cover—and buried the grief so deep it almost broke her. When Chris Longo came back from the dead, nothing was the same. Not for her. Not for the man she’d learned to trust in the aftermath.
Wyatt Booth never meant to fall for Nina. Never meant to get tangled in her past. But he stayed anyway—through the silence, through the scars, through the night that changed everything.
A shared night of reckless, blistering intimacy cracks their fragile triangle wide open. In the morning, Chris is gone. Wyatt stays. And Nina runs.
Now she's undercover inside the lion's den—embedded as a therapist to two cartel kings whose alliance could stop a global trafficking pipeline... or blow the entire operation sky-high. Chris and Wyatt are circling the same op from opposite sides, but their collision course isn’t just professional. It's personal. Violent. And intimate in ways neither man is ready to admit.
Because loving Nina means facing the They were never just fighting for her. They’ve been falling for each other, too.
Gripping, visceral, and scorchingly intimate, Longshot is a high-heat romantic thriller about survival, shame, and the raw, terrifying power of connection. Featuring bisexual heroes, polyamorous healing, and a trauma-forged bond that refuses to break, this is a story about learning how to stay—when every instinct says to run.
Longshot is the sixth book in the "Fall of the Amador Cartel" series. Although all books in this world can be read as standalones, this one hits hardest if you've been along for the ride. Contains explicit love scenes, strong language, and an MMF happily ever after. Enjoy!
Ophelia Bell is the author of the super steamy Sleeping Dragons series. Ophelia loves hot alpha heroes, especially if they’re dragons, but believes the world needs more alpha heroines, so has made it her mission to make that happen. Ophelia grew up on a rural farm in North Carolina and now lives in Los Angeles with her sexy tattooed alpha husband and five-and-a-half attention-whoring cats (one of them is exceptionally large and might actually be a dragon in disguise).
It may have been a couple of years since i visited this world and it’s residents,but i haven’t forgotten them. So,when i heard Longshot was coming,i knew i needed to get my hands on it…..if only to find out how everyone was doing. I expected a rollercoaster ride,because let’s face it,it’s Nina,Wyatt and Chris’ story. What i didn’t expect, was to be totally wrecked by it,though!
Wyatt was the strong one of the three,and even he was struggling with his emotions. Nina had suffered a horrible trauma when she was only 8,and was still suffering. On top of that,she’d thought Chris,her childhood anchor and first love, had died years ago….only to find out he was still alive,but wasn’t the same man she’d known. Chris had been broken and abused by the man he was sent to during the 5 years he was undercover,and 6 months later,he was still drowning.
You’d think that this was enough for them to deal with,but there’s more…. After the three of them had one very hot night together,Chris runs,and Nina needs space to deal with her emotions. She agrees to be Vicente and Arturo’s therapist as part of a deal they made with the DEA. Wyatt doesn’t like it,but he knows she’s the best for the job,and he’s monitoring to make sure she’s safe. Staying close without pushing. Chris would’ve stopped her,but he was too late. While he’s busy falling apart,he still manages to become the handler of Tatiana,a woman who has her own nightmares to deal with while being undercover. She warns them there’s a contract out to kill Vicente and Arturo,and that means Nina might become a target. Then there’s another unknown threat,one that can’t be identified….the only thing they know,is his name:Rafael. On top of all this,Nina is dealing with the very thing she’s been terrified of for most of her adult life,and she still feels guilty for the choice she makes.
So,you see why i feel wrecked….right? It’s a good thing it all worked out,even if the scars were deep,and the emotions were high. That they found,and held onto, eachother as they struggled through everything to the happy after they deserved só very much. But there are a few people i need to hear more of…..like Rafael and Tatiana. And it seems i’ll get it in Bloodright……sometime soon i hope???
Word of warning though….while Longshot can be read as a standalone,it helps a lot if you read the books leading up to it. Mad Dog,Mile High,Valentine’s Day,The Devil’s Daughter and Marked Man,aka The Fall of the Amador series,also known as The Second Skin series.
I wouldn't say you would need to read the other before this but it doesn't hurt to to understand and know who is who and what has been done prior.
Delivers a powerful mix of danger, emotion, and slow‑burn tension that never lets up. Nina, Chris, and Wyatt are three people bound by grief, loyalty, and a connection none of them expected. Their shared history is messy, painful, and deeply human, and the author handles their trauma and healing with a level of care that makes every moment hit harder.
The cartel backdrop adds real suspense, especially as Nina goes undercover and the men circle the same operation from opposite sides. The stakes feel high on every page, and the emotional fallout between the three of them is just as intense as the action surrounding them.
The chemistry is undeniable, but what really stands out is the vulnerability—three people learning to trust again, to face the truth about what they feel, and to stop running from the bond that’s been there all along. It’s intimate, raw, and beautifully written without ever becoming graphic or crossing content lines.
Nina Palmer- DEA psychologist. Lost the man she loved (Chris) six years ago when he went deep cover. Built a fragile new life with Wyatt afterward. Now undercover inside a cartel as a therapist to two cartel kings. The emotional center of the MMF triangle
Chris Longo- Deep‑cover DEA agent. Nina’s former lover, presumed dead for six years. Returns alive, creating emotional upheaval. Working the same cartel operation from a different angle. His reappearance reignites old feelings and exposes new ones
Wyatt Booth Fell for Nina despite her grief. Became her emotional anchor. Shares a night of intense intimacy with Nina and Chris. Forced to confront his feelings for both of them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really interesting mix of romantic suspense and poly romance.
The story follows Nina, a DEA trauma specialist whose life is turned upside down when Chris—her presumed-dead husband—returns after spending ten years undercover infiltrating a cartel operation. During that time, Nina had started building a life with Wyatt, so Chris’s return creates an emotionally complicated situation for all three of them.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is Chris’s undercover history and the psychological impact it had on him. The way his identity was shaped by his time with Vicente and the persona he created to survive added a lot of depth to his character.
The relationship dynamic between Nina, Chris, and Wyatt gradually shifts from a love triangle into something more balanced as the story progresses, which I really appreciated. The characters are forced to confront their pasts, their fears, and what they actually want from each other.
The cartel plotline and the later reveal involving the Yakuza added suspense to the story and kept the stakes high throughout the second half of the book.
Overall this was an engaging romantic thriller with strong emotional moments and a relationship dynamic that evolves in an interesting way.
Longshot Fall of the Amador Cartel Book 6 by Ophelia Bell. Nina is a DEA psychologist and has a very complicated pasted with Chris and Wyatt DEA agents. After one steamy night with Chris he then goes missing while undercover and doesn’t reappear till years later. By then Nina start a relationship with Wyatt but all this comes to a sudden and complicated end when Chris comes back and the three of them start something after Callie’s wedding. This book has a lot of ups and downs and especially with Nina having awful childhood trauma and Chris ptsd with his undercover work. Absolutely love this series and any Ophelia Bell book.
This was a heavy emotional read but so worth it. Nina has trauma from her childhood and Chris from his time deep undercover. Wyatt tries his best to be there for them both. The three of them are learning to navigate a relationship and with secrets that come from each of their job clearance it isn’t always easy. They are all very possessive of one another but also understanding of each other’s trauma and boundaries. I absolutely adore their relationship and the love that they have.
The complexities of Nina, Chris, and Wyatt are intense. When past fears come to haunt, they work hard to hold together. I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
4.5 stars. This long story is triple POV, well written and edited, and the last in a series of interconnected standalone romances - the author accurately notes that the romance stands alone but the whole story is enhanced by reading as part of the series. It is a darker, emotional, spicy, ménage a trois, contemporary organised crime romance between Nina, the female DEA psychologist lead, Wyatt, the male DEA asset handler lead (and Nina’s ex), and Chris, the male CIA operative recovering from the trauma of his last role (and Nina’s childhood crush). I empathised with the heavy (though different) trauma loads that Nina and Chris held. I appreciated the active on-page presence of the role professional help plays. I enjoyed Nina’s active personal reflection and development and her solution finding for her own fears, as well as her determination to help others. I enjoyed Wyatt’s calm and supportive presence, as well as his quick reactions when necessary. I enjoyed Chris’ capability and his desire to help, even though the effort cost him. I enjoyed the significant character development through the story. I enjoyed the spicy intimate scenes and the way they supported the development of the relationship. I enjoyed the pair relationship development, as well as the triad. I adored the integrated secondary characters and the relationships that appeared to flow from previous stories in the series. I adored the found/chosen family vibes, and appreciated the acknowledgment that there was tension/dysfunction. The quality of this story is 5 stars but I found it emotionally draining (though that may be a selling point for some) and read it over several days between other (lighter content) reads, and have therefore rated it at 4.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an intense, emotionally charged read that balances high-stakes action with a deeply complicated relationship at its core. The story doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love, grief, and loyalty, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
Nina, Chris, and Wyatt are all carrying their own scars, and the history between them adds a constant undercurrent of tension. Nothing about their connection is simple, and the story really leans into that — the confusion, the hurt, and the pull they feel towards each other, even when it would be easier to walk away.
The cartel plotline adds a strong layer of suspense, especially with Nina placed right in the middle of it all. There’s a real sense of danger throughout, with everything feeling like it could unravel at any moment. At the same time, the emotional stakes are just as high, if not higher, than the external ones.
What stands out most is the vulnerability between all three characters. This isn’t just about chemistry — it’s about trust, healing, and confronting feelings none of them are fully prepared for. The dynamic evolves in a way that feels raw and honest rather than rushed.
It’s gripping, messy in the best way, and packed with tension, both emotional and physical, making it a standout for anyone who enjoys romance with real depth alongside the action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! Longshot by Ophelia Bell is book six of the Fall Of The Amador Cartel and was a rollercoaster of a read. Fine as a standalone book, I think greater appreciation and enjoyment can definitely be had by being familiar with previous titles in the series. Although its been a while, and lots of books since I read them, it was better having a little knowledge of the world and other characters making the experience of reading this book so much better. Fair warning, it is advisable to read the warnings regarding the content of this book in terms of some of the themes and subjects addressed as it's a heavy, emotional read but well worth it. Nina, Chris and Wyatt were all great characters and through the triple POV we see and feel their struggles as they navigate the path towards their relationship. Childhood history, grief, emotional trauma and damage that each of them have shape the path towards one another and in the process help to support one another in the healing process and acceptance that they need to continue to work on themselves and as a unit. Their personal lives intertwined with their professional lives and the high level of heat, spice and danger from the operations they are involved with made for a gripping story that had me hooked from the start. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in this series that I have read, though I think I do own the first one. That said, I had no problem understanding the plot. This book is mostly about Nina, Chris, and Wyatt. These three have a complex relationship. Nina used to date Chris, years ago. Then he disappeared (he is CIA and went into a deep undercover operation) and Nina thought he was dead. Then she was seeing Wyatt, when suddenly Chris turned back up. All of this happened in previous books. This one starts with the three of them hooking up at a wedding. Chris is gone the next morning when Nina and Wyatt wake up.
I won't try to explain the plot to you. There are two ex-cartel bosses that now live together in LA, and Nina is assigned to be their psychologist and try to get something useful out of them. Chris gets himself assigned to the team that is going to try to use any info they get, Wyatt(DEA) is also assigned to the case. Nina is messed up in the head, Chris is messed up in the head, Wyatt is the only one that isn't, though he is bisexual so look at that however you will. There are plots within plots and angst galore. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ophelia Bell always brings the spice. Longshot does not disappoint in this category, but it is more. To start if you have not read the previous books in the series I would encourage you to stop and go back to the start. Each of the books in the series are stand alone stories but the characters build in each book. So although this is story is the only one centered on Chris, Wyatt and Nina they are intricately woven into the other books and the supporting cast is introduced and explained in each of their stories proceeding this one. That being said now that you are here, this is an amazing story. There is a depth to this one, a significance to the healing each of the characters is faced with that will challenge the readers. Some very difficult topics that are handled gently and given the focus and care that they deserve. I have enjoyed Ophelia’s writing in the past, I have considered most of her books fairly easy, quick reading. This story and the characters definitely feels like more. Well done Ophelia! Reading the trigger warnings is important for this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was quite the emotional and high stakes reading ride. It can be read as a stand alone but the depth is better if you read the whole series in order. This romance brings Nina, a trauma specialist with the DEA, and her new love interest, Wyatt, into an intense confrontation when her 'deceased' husband, Chris, comes back on scene. Yeah, he's not so dead ;) However, he's gone through a ton of trauma in his undercover work so everything is quite fragile for them as they work their way through surviving cartel dangers and getting that fab & spicy HEA. Expect to get caught up in the drama, danger, threats, trauma, loyalty, emotions, grief and a movement from fragile to a strong & healthy happy ending when you dive into this engaging read. They so deserved to be happy and I'm thrilled they overcame the odds.
Book 6 of the Fall of the Amador Cartel series. Can be read as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'Gripping, visceral, and scorchingly intimate, Longshot is a high-heat romantic thriller about survival, shame, and the raw, terrifying power of connection. Featuring bisexual heroes, polyamorous healing, and a trauma-forged bond that refuses to break, this is a story about learning how to stay—when every instinct says to run.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would like to say first of all, please read all trigger warnings in the beginning of this story. It deals with a lot of deep dark situations. Nina, Chris and Wyatt each have thier own past traumas. Each finding that they need each other to heal themselves is a long and difficult road. The characters are done very well and the world building is amazing. It's very realistic, which is something we don't see often. Although some of the triggers were a usual reason for me not to read it, I decided to read anyway and I'm glad I did. There is a lot of depth to this story and as you see it begin to unravel, it tugs at your emotions and pulls you in. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story focuses on the complex relationship between Nina, Chris (CIA), and Wyatt (DEA). Nina dated Chris years ago before he vanished on a deep undercover mission—she believed he was dead. She later started seeing Wyatt, only for Chris to reappear. All of that backstory occurred in previous books. This installment opens with the three of them hooking up at a wedding—only for Chris to disappear again by morning. Nina is assigned as psychologist to two ex-cartel bosses living in LA. Chris and Wyatt both join the case, leading to layers of intrigue, plots within plots, and plenty of angst. Nina and Chris are emotionally messy, while Wyatt is the more stable one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is MMF romance with lots of suspense and thrill. I had read the previous books a quite long time ago, and had to remind myself of some things in the beginning. There is so many characters and past events that the reader may be confused if not have resently read the other books. The backstory continues liniently and more events are revealed and clarified. The characters are very relatable and they must all go through their own journey of growing/ healing. The book deals with heavy subjects such as trauma from different angles, so some readers might want to look for the triggerwarnings, if needed. There is no easy solutions in this book, and it does raise up strong emotions, so be prepared. The book is spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶 Trigger Warnings: Complex trauma Grief PTSD Suicidal ideation Medical anxiety Pregnancy Abortion Guilt over abortion M/M Anilingus
Complicated, messy, and sensual.
Longshot hit heavier than the rest of the series. There are a lot of therapy sessions involved and a lot of work being done by multiple characters. The web of characters keeps getting wider and weaving back in the best of ways. Nina, Wyatt, and Chris are all spectacular characters with extreme depth, and I adore their relationships. It's one of those books that can be tough to read but you can't stop. It's a great addition to the series.
Longshot is an absolute scorcher! If you’re expecting a typical romantic thriller, think again. This isn’t a neat tale about a woman choosing between two men, it’s a raw, gripping dive into what happens when three broken people stop facing their trauma alone and start letting their pain intertwine. It’s a powerful portrayal of polyamorous healing that honors each character’s individual wounds while shaping them into something entirely new. It’s messy, “trauma-forged,” and deeply compelling. The final book in the series is layered and intense, and I’ve loved every book in this collection filled with drama, danger, volatility, and searing emotion.
These three have history that goes beyond intense; Nina loved Chris, until he “died”, Nina had a relationship with Wyatt until Chris came back from the dead, and now all three of them are tangled up in operations, cartels, assassination plots and family. This book is so much and so perfect all at once. Reading it, I viscerally felt the emotions these three went through (and I mean these three, because Nina, Chris and Wyatt all have past trauma that influences who they are and what they are trying to recover from). I’m so glad that there will be more to come - this world, these characters, this family, make for an amazing read.
This was intense! I shed many many tears for our MCs Listen to the warning, do not go in blind unless you don't mind playing catch up with the plot/characters as this picks up from the rest of the series. It was my first Ophelia Bell contemporary book and I felt a bit lost at the start. I still absolutely loved the book, and would recommend it wholeheartedly to people who like dark suspense/thriller romances. As usual, check the trigger warnings, this is a very emotional read with damaged MCs, but so much healing... and let's not forget amazing spice! Ophelia knows what she's doing :).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ophelia Bell has delivered an absolute page turner with Longshot. This dark and steamy MMF romantic thriller takes the second chance romance trope to a whole new level with an intense trauma bonding narrative that keeps your heart pounding. The chemistry between the leading lady and her two leading men is electric, set against a backdrop of great world building and action-packed suspense. It is a deeply informative look at complex relationships that leaves you wanting more—truly a must read for fans of gritty, emotional romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow did this book have me flipping the pages! It held me captivated from the very first page and didn’t let go! Nina, Chris, and Wyatt definitely have a complicated relationship and I loved watching them grow and learn how to navigate through everything. There is definitely a lot of emotions in this and I really suggest reading the trigger warnings. This story was very well written and an absolute wonderful read! It was great being back in this world!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very intense book. The series has brought so many characters with our three main characters. Some have made us cry, hate them or love them. For Nina, Wyatt and Chris it has been a long journey. Chris’s brought some very strong and at times uncomfortable situations. Nina has been the center for them in this book. They will face both physical and mental issues. But can they find the love they deserve? The story blew me away and had my emotions all over the place. This is not the last book. Their story may have been told but there is more for some of the others.
This book is intense on so many levels! You have the relationship, you have the past op, facing the new op and so much more. The characters work well together once they themselves figure out how to voice their wants and needs and hard passes- and the understanding of her crew… heart melting. There is a lot of past trauma in these pages that does get talked about and not necessarily resolved but it works for these characters as it gives them depth and helps us to understand where they’re coming from.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a powder keg of desire, danger, emotion, action and SO. MUCH. INTENSITY. I'll tell you that you had better hang on because Nina, Chris and Wyatt take you on a breath stealing, heart racing, twist your feelings into knots and make you experience every emotion under the sun as you delve into the complexities of these characters, the rawness of their feelings and desire for each other and growing relationship that will connect them all together.
A page-turner rich with drama, action, suspence, heartache and spice, Longshot delivers on it's promise to utterly captivate you with its brilliance.
Your heart aches for Nina, Chris and Wyatt and all they've endured. Each is written so emotionally in-depth and raw, you can't help but be sucked in by their trauma and experiences as if they're your own. So gripping and heartfelt, once finished, you won't be the same. You'll be as moved and owned by this baby as I am!
This is the sixth book in the Fall of the Amador Cartel and it was amazingly written. Nina, Chris and Wyatt each have their highly emotional trauma to deal with but they come together beautifully. The love and support they give each is wonderful. The story has drama, suspense, action, and love. Please check the trigger warnings for this one and be safe. The story brought tears to my eyes several times because it was so gripping and real.
Longshot is a story of tension, grief, vulnerability and danger as Nina, Chris and Wyatt navigate special operations around the Amador Cartel.
These three characters are complex but when they let their walls down and allow their emotions to show, the story explodes with passion. The spice was amazing but I felt like there were more spicy scenes than parts of the operation. High stakes operation as Nina went undercover and the boys kept tabs but I wished there was more action.
Wow, you definitely took us along for the ride. You make us feel like we're apart of the family. We're drawn in and feel for each character. The depth of all there own drama is just so horrible. But they are learning day by day. I just love this series so much. Thank you for letting me be apart of reviewing this story. I am so happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, you definitely took us along for the ride. You make us feel like we're apart of the family. We're drawn in and feel for each character. The depth of all there own drama is just so horrible. But they are learning day by day. I just love this series so much. Thank you for letting me be apart of reviewing this story. I am so happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.