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Cost of Attainment
Cost of Attainment (phrase)
The price paid, or the exertion required, to obtain a desired outcome.
***
Carver
Carver never expected to end up on an assignment with his ex. He also never expected to be left behind.
***
Clara
After her previous assignment, Clara is left picking up the pieces. If she could change things, she would, but some decisions are made far too late.
***
In the thrilling conclusion to the Rules Duology, Carver and Clara learn that every action has a price. While Carver is grappling with the results of his decision, Clara is sent on another assignment. This time, the assignment involves a friend, an enemy, and a stranger. Will this mission be as devastating as the last?
The price paid, or the exertion required, to obtain a desired outcome.
***
Carver
Carver never expected to end up on an assignment with his ex. He also never expected to be left behind.
***
Clara
After her previous assignment, Clara is left picking up the pieces. If she could change things, she would, but some decisions are made far too late.
***
In the thrilling conclusion to the Rules Duology, Carver and Clara learn that every action has a price. While Carver is grappling with the results of his decision, Clara is sent on another assignment. This time, the assignment involves a friend, an enemy, and a stranger. Will this mission be as devastating as the last?
308 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 19, 2026
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review (no spoilers)
I was hooked from the very first page to the last. Clara’s journey—from where she started to where she ended up—was beautifully done and honestly stayed with me long after I finished.
The characters?? Everything. Every single one added something special to the story. I found myself rooting for each one of them, even when I didn’t want to (Looking at you, Marsh). And Reese??? She’s the perfect contrast to Clara—fun, bubbly, compassionate—and the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. Her backstory just made me love her even more 🥺
This was a quick read, but SO enjoyable. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this group and would 100% read more about them.
And that ending… 🥹
Also… can we talk about Nate for a second?! Because I LOVE him. 😭💖
I was hooked from the very first page to the last. Clara’s journey—from where she started to where she ended up—was beautifully done and honestly stayed with me long after I finished.
The characters?? Everything. Every single one added something special to the story. I found myself rooting for each one of them, even when I didn’t want to (Looking at you, Marsh). And Reese??? She’s the perfect contrast to Clara—fun, bubbly, compassionate—and the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. Her backstory just made me love her even more 🥺
This was a quick read, but SO enjoyable. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this group and would 100% read more about them.
And that ending… 🥹
Also… can we talk about Nate for a second?! Because I LOVE him. 😭💖
April 18, 2026
ARC Review!!!
I absolutely loved this book! The story was so engaging I finished it in one sitting. It picked up right where Rules of Engagement left off and jumped right back into the story, with Clara dealing with what happened at the end of Rules of Engagement and then having to deal with going back in the same mission again. Highly recommend reading both book!
I absolutely loved this book! The story was so engaging I finished it in one sitting. It picked up right where Rules of Engagement left off and jumped right back into the story, with Clara dealing with what happened at the end of Rules of Engagement and then having to deal with going back in the same mission again. Highly recommend reading both book!
April 15, 2026
ARC reader! So thankful to have been selected. I loved both books.
These was my first books from Alex and I loved her writing style. I felt like it flowed and was easy to read in my opinion. I was hooked!!! This was a page turner for me.
After being left with a cliffhanger, this book started perfectly jumping right back where book 1 left off. I enjoyed how the story flowed and added her best friend and Carvers mentor. I would say that I did wish there was more development of the characters as they play small roles and even wish Clara had more action. She’s talked about being the best assassin but it’s not showcased much. I would have loved to have more on what exactly happened to Carver while he was held captive.
What did they really do to him? Same for when they got to the other kingdom. What did he endure to come back? More on Marsh and how she settled into the new city. Overall, I’d say this gave more of a YA vibe. I really did enjoy it just wish there was more details as I loved the characters and could not put it down. I would definitely recommend and feel like it ended perfectly for a spin off. Maybe we will get more on the backgrounds of the other characters or even their lives before the 2 assignments in future books.
These was my first books from Alex and I loved her writing style. I felt like it flowed and was easy to read in my opinion. I was hooked!!! This was a page turner for me.
After being left with a cliffhanger, this book started perfectly jumping right back where book 1 left off. I enjoyed how the story flowed and added her best friend and Carvers mentor. I would say that I did wish there was more development of the characters as they play small roles and even wish Clara had more action. She’s talked about being the best assassin but it’s not showcased much. I would have loved to have more on what exactly happened to Carver while he was held captive.
What did they really do to him? Same for when they got to the other kingdom. What did he endure to come back? More on Marsh and how she settled into the new city. Overall, I’d say this gave more of a YA vibe. I really did enjoy it just wish there was more details as I loved the characters and could not put it down. I would definitely recommend and feel like it ended perfectly for a spin off. Maybe we will get more on the backgrounds of the other characters or even their lives before the 2 assignments in future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW - NO SPOILERS
After reading Rules of Engagement, I was eager to see how Alex Lane’s second book developed and continued the cliffhanger we were left with from book 1. I was incredibly thrilled to be picked to receive an ARC of this book and have the opportunity to share my honest opinion.
I appreciated that the second book started almost right where the first left off. It didn’t start off slow, you got right into the action.
I definitely expected a little bit more thickness to the war plot, but that was never truly expanded on. It seems we hear so much about Clara being an assassin yet rarely see her in action. I loved the way Alex’s writing has matured, the flow of the story was much smoother than the first book, in my opinion.
I started to get nervous towards the ending when it seemed the story was still open-ended and I only had 5 pages left. It all concludes very quickly, seeming a bit rushed. While I felt like I was still left with some questions even after the epilogue, it seems this duology is the perfect candidate for spin-offs, fan fic, or expansion/prequel books focused on other characters. I would love to hear more about Marsh, Clara, Carver, or even Nate’s past.
Overall a very good read and definitely appropriate even for a younger audience!
After reading Rules of Engagement, I was eager to see how Alex Lane’s second book developed and continued the cliffhanger we were left with from book 1. I was incredibly thrilled to be picked to receive an ARC of this book and have the opportunity to share my honest opinion.
I appreciated that the second book started almost right where the first left off. It didn’t start off slow, you got right into the action.
I definitely expected a little bit more thickness to the war plot, but that was never truly expanded on. It seems we hear so much about Clara being an assassin yet rarely see her in action. I loved the way Alex’s writing has matured, the flow of the story was much smoother than the first book, in my opinion.
I started to get nervous towards the ending when it seemed the story was still open-ended and I only had 5 pages left. It all concludes very quickly, seeming a bit rushed. While I felt like I was still left with some questions even after the epilogue, it seems this duology is the perfect candidate for spin-offs, fan fic, or expansion/prequel books focused on other characters. I would love to hear more about Marsh, Clara, Carver, or even Nate’s past.
Overall a very good read and definitely appropriate even for a younger audience!
April 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️
4.5 out of 10
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑯𝒊𝒎
🪖🔫 Super Soldier x Assassin
🎖️ Military Romance
🌆 Dystopian World
💥 Warring Kingdoms
🏡 Found Family
🥀 Angst & Yearn
🔁 Second Chance
🧸 Childhood Best Friends
💔 Grief
🤕 Memory Loss
🌸 No Spice
I had such high expectations for this one because I really did enjoy the first book so much. This book, however, felt like it was a lot of filler and not much actually happened. The story picks up right where we left off at the end of book one and I was expecting everything to be bigger and better but there were just so many plot holes that I could not ignore. Everything felt anti-climatic including the way the story was resolved at the end. I also didn’t like how Marsh and Clara bicker for a good chunk of the beginning, and even though there was a found family aspect to this I felt like the characters could’ve been more fully flushed. That being said, I appreciate that this was an easy and quick read.
"Cost of Attainment (phrase)
The price paid, or the exertion required, to obtain a desired outcome.
Carver
Carver never expected to end up on an assignment with his ex. He also never expected to be left behind.
Clara
After her previous assignment, Clara is left picking up the pieces. If she could change things, she would, but some decisions are made far too late.
In the thrilling conclusion to the Rules Duology, Carver and Clara learn that every action has a price. While Carver is grappling with the results of his decision, Clara is sent on another assignment. This time, the assignment involves a friend, an enemy, and a stranger. Will this mission be as devastating as the last?”
“Cost of Attainment” is Book Two in the Rules Duology and is out now! Thank you so much to Alex Lane and her team for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated Young Adult / Older Teen for Mature Themes, Romance and Violence 🖤
4.5 out of 10
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑯𝒊𝒎
🪖🔫 Super Soldier x Assassin
🎖️ Military Romance
🌆 Dystopian World
💥 Warring Kingdoms
🏡 Found Family
🥀 Angst & Yearn
🔁 Second Chance
🧸 Childhood Best Friends
💔 Grief
🤕 Memory Loss
🌸 No Spice
I had such high expectations for this one because I really did enjoy the first book so much. This book, however, felt like it was a lot of filler and not much actually happened. The story picks up right where we left off at the end of book one and I was expecting everything to be bigger and better but there were just so many plot holes that I could not ignore. Everything felt anti-climatic including the way the story was resolved at the end. I also didn’t like how Marsh and Clara bicker for a good chunk of the beginning, and even though there was a found family aspect to this I felt like the characters could’ve been more fully flushed. That being said, I appreciate that this was an easy and quick read.
"Cost of Attainment (phrase)
The price paid, or the exertion required, to obtain a desired outcome.
Carver
Carver never expected to end up on an assignment with his ex. He also never expected to be left behind.
Clara
After her previous assignment, Clara is left picking up the pieces. If she could change things, she would, but some decisions are made far too late.
In the thrilling conclusion to the Rules Duology, Carver and Clara learn that every action has a price. While Carver is grappling with the results of his decision, Clara is sent on another assignment. This time, the assignment involves a friend, an enemy, and a stranger. Will this mission be as devastating as the last?”
“Cost of Attainment” is Book Two in the Rules Duology and is out now! Thank you so much to Alex Lane and her team for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated Young Adult / Older Teen for Mature Themes, Romance and Violence 🖤
April 17, 2026
I just finished Cost of Attainment and honestly? Alex Lane did not come to play 😭🔥
Book 1 was already a solid 4 stars for me, but this one felt tighter, fuller, and so ridiculously well thought out. Every twist, every emotional hit, every relationship shift felt intentional — like the author finally revealed the master plan they’d been hiding.
The journey itself felt real and grounded. Nothing was chaotic just for the sake of drama; everything unfolded in a way that made sense for the characters. And one of my absolute favorite parts? Watching Clara actually work with her teammates. Seeing her put aside her instinct to do everything alone — and even her desire to stay distant or unfriendly — just to help the cause was such a satisfying layer of growth. It made the stakes feel even more real.
The evolution (and sometimes the lack of evolution) in the relationships was chef’s kiss. You’re basically a fly on the wall watching everyone make choices that have you whispering “oh babe… don’t do that” while still devouring the next chapter.
Clara’s pain and determination hit me all over again — that girl is fighting battles on every front and I felt every single one. And the grip this book had on me? I read the entire thing in under six hours because putting it down simply wasn’t an option 😅📚
And that ending. THAT ENDING.
I’m not spoiling anything, but just know I sat there staring into space like… wow 🔥✨
Book 1 was already a solid 4 stars for me, but this one felt tighter, fuller, and so ridiculously well thought out. Every twist, every emotional hit, every relationship shift felt intentional — like the author finally revealed the master plan they’d been hiding.
The journey itself felt real and grounded. Nothing was chaotic just for the sake of drama; everything unfolded in a way that made sense for the characters. And one of my absolute favorite parts? Watching Clara actually work with her teammates. Seeing her put aside her instinct to do everything alone — and even her desire to stay distant or unfriendly — just to help the cause was such a satisfying layer of growth. It made the stakes feel even more real.
The evolution (and sometimes the lack of evolution) in the relationships was chef’s kiss. You’re basically a fly on the wall watching everyone make choices that have you whispering “oh babe… don’t do that” while still devouring the next chapter.
Clara’s pain and determination hit me all over again — that girl is fighting battles on every front and I felt every single one. And the grip this book had on me? I read the entire thing in under six hours because putting it down simply wasn’t an option 😅📚
And that ending. THAT ENDING.
I’m not spoiling anything, but just know I sat there staring into space like… wow 🔥✨
April 22, 2026
Third Person, Dual POV
- Dystopian Military Romance
- Book 2- Rules duology
- kisses only
- strong language used
"Everyone makes mistakes. The question is, can you learn from those mistakes and do better next time?"
"Everything worth having has a price."
Cost of Attainment is book 2 in the Rules Duology by Alex Lane. After reading book 1, Rules of Engagement, back in January of 2025 I was very invested in seeing how this one would play out.
This series is a military dystopian romance that takes place in a pretty intriguing world with interesting characters who you can't help but root for, despite their job titles (spy/a$sassin).
I felt that, like Book 1, this was also well written and kept me pulled into the story. You also get more than one redemption arc and we see characters offering forgiveness and understanding.
There was adventure, action, suspenseful moments, some heartbreaking moments, and a good bit of humor to balance out the heavy.
While this was the conclusion to this particular story, I feel like enough was left open to bring some spin-offs into play in the future 🤞 I would love to see Marsh in her own book!
Cost of Attainment released today and if Dystopian Romance and "stabby" (took that one from Alex 😁) FMCs are your thing, then you should enjoy this duology. I can't wait to see what Alex puts out there next!
⚠️ Scroll down all the way for Content Warnings ⚠️
(this will have spoilers)
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
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Content-
⚠️ Lots of strong language used
⚠️ Suicidal Ideation
⚠️ Violence typical of this genre
⚠️ Some innuendos used but the story itself remained kisses only with some talk of one of the characters having to use her body to gain information for her military command (nothing described graphically)
- Dystopian Military Romance
- Book 2- Rules duology
- kisses only
- strong language used
"Everyone makes mistakes. The question is, can you learn from those mistakes and do better next time?"
"Everything worth having has a price."
Cost of Attainment is book 2 in the Rules Duology by Alex Lane. After reading book 1, Rules of Engagement, back in January of 2025 I was very invested in seeing how this one would play out.
This series is a military dystopian romance that takes place in a pretty intriguing world with interesting characters who you can't help but root for, despite their job titles (spy/a$sassin).
I felt that, like Book 1, this was also well written and kept me pulled into the story. You also get more than one redemption arc and we see characters offering forgiveness and understanding.
There was adventure, action, suspenseful moments, some heartbreaking moments, and a good bit of humor to balance out the heavy.
While this was the conclusion to this particular story, I feel like enough was left open to bring some spin-offs into play in the future 🤞 I would love to see Marsh in her own book!
Cost of Attainment released today and if Dystopian Romance and "stabby" (took that one from Alex 😁) FMCs are your thing, then you should enjoy this duology. I can't wait to see what Alex puts out there next!
⚠️ Scroll down all the way for Content Warnings ⚠️
(this will have spoilers)
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
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.
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.
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Content-
⚠️ Lots of strong language used
⚠️ Suicidal Ideation
⚠️ Violence typical of this genre
⚠️ Some innuendos used but the story itself remained kisses only with some talk of one of the characters having to use her body to gain information for her military command (nothing described graphically)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
Tropes first because this one?? TENSE, EMOTIONAL, and FULL OF CONSEQUENCES 👀🖤🔥
• second chance (but complicated)
• exes forced together
• high-stakes mission
• “we’re not done… even if we should be” energy
• choices with real consequences
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
Cost of Attainment leans hard into the idea that every decision *matters*—and not in a small way. Every choice, every mistake, every moment carries weight 👀
Carver and Clara??
Messy. Complicated. Still connected whether they want to be or not 🖤
There’s history there, and you can feel it in every interaction—the tension, the regret, the things left unsaid 🔥
And the mission??
High stakes from the start.
It’s not just about completing it—it’s about what it costs them to get through it 👀
✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the emotional tension is strong and layered
• the relationship dynamic feels real and unresolved
• the stakes stay high the entire time
• it keeps you invested until the very end
✨ If you love:
• second chance romance 🖤
• action + emotional depth
• complicated relationships
• stories where choices have consequences
This one is intense, emotional, and hits where it hurts 👀🔥
• second chance (but complicated)
• exes forced together
• high-stakes mission
• “we’re not done… even if we should be” energy
• choices with real consequences
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
Cost of Attainment leans hard into the idea that every decision *matters*—and not in a small way. Every choice, every mistake, every moment carries weight 👀
Carver and Clara??
Messy. Complicated. Still connected whether they want to be or not 🖤
There’s history there, and you can feel it in every interaction—the tension, the regret, the things left unsaid 🔥
And the mission??
High stakes from the start.
It’s not just about completing it—it’s about what it costs them to get through it 👀
✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the emotional tension is strong and layered
• the relationship dynamic feels real and unresolved
• the stakes stay high the entire time
• it keeps you invested until the very end
✨ If you love:
• second chance romance 🖤
• action + emotional depth
• complicated relationships
• stories where choices have consequences
This one is intense, emotional, and hits where it hurts 👀🔥
April 19, 2026
This sequel to rules of engagement was everything I was hoping for and more. I needed to know what happened to Carver and how Clara would deal with everything. Not only was I taken in a wonderful albeit sometimes painful journey to find this out. I was also pleased to find I had fallen in love with their wonderful group of misfits and how much they supported each other! I truly loved how everything was brought together in the ending!! And the twist I wasn’t sure would come but sooo thankful it did. I again felt sooo much reading this book: happiness, laughter, sadness, grief and loneliness. Thank you for delving into all of those true emotions and not shying away from them. I felt I could connect so much more because of it!! These books are a definite must read! And I can’t wait to see what else Alex brings to life for us!!
April 22, 2026
** Review of advanced copy received from Author**
This book had me just as invested in the characters as in Rules of Engagement. After picking back up after the cliffhanger, the pace didn’t change which I really liked. I really enjoyed getting to see the growth in Clara as she was grappling with her emotional swings and learning how to build friendships. The chapters about Carver were both gripping and saddening watching how his mind is frayed and trying to discover what he lost. I was outwardly yelling at the characters for some things that they said, which told me that I was invested in the characters. Alex Lane’s weaving of tension and emotional vulnerability on tough topics like grief and loss were wonderful, and then adding in quips from characters like Reese to make us all laugh tied a nice bow on the end.
This book had me just as invested in the characters as in Rules of Engagement. After picking back up after the cliffhanger, the pace didn’t change which I really liked. I really enjoyed getting to see the growth in Clara as she was grappling with her emotional swings and learning how to build friendships. The chapters about Carver were both gripping and saddening watching how his mind is frayed and trying to discover what he lost. I was outwardly yelling at the characters for some things that they said, which told me that I was invested in the characters. Alex Lane’s weaving of tension and emotional vulnerability on tough topics like grief and loss were wonderful, and then adding in quips from characters like Reese to make us all laugh tied a nice bow on the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by Alex Lane, and I have to say—I absolutely loved her writing style. I typically stick to dark romance, but wow… this book completely pulled me in.
Clara’s journey was especially gripping. Everything she endured to get Carver back had me fully invested, and the emotional weight of wondering if he would ever truly be himself again added so much depth to the story.
As the second book in a duology, it did an incredible job of continuing the story and delivering a satisfying, emotional payoff. I definitely recommend reading the first book beforehand to fully appreciate everything these characters go through.
This was definitely worth the read, and I would absolutely recommend it to others. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author!
Clara’s journey was especially gripping. Everything she endured to get Carver back had me fully invested, and the emotional weight of wondering if he would ever truly be himself again added so much depth to the story.
As the second book in a duology, it did an incredible job of continuing the story and delivering a satisfying, emotional payoff. I definitely recommend reading the first book beforehand to fully appreciate everything these characters go through.
This was definitely worth the read, and I would absolutely recommend it to others. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review
Just as good if not better!
Get tissues. You will shed plenty of tears.
This was a roller coaster of emotions. I loved the little squad that went on their little mission. They were adorable and went through so much character growth together. Little found family they became.
Poor Carver went through so much and came out stronger for it (😉). Clara did as well, learning to actually feel her emotions instead of ignoring them and pretending they didn’t exist.
Still such a perfect blend of the hunger games and divergent but so much better this time around. I almost want a third book 🤣 I’m not ready to say goodbye to everyone.
Just as good if not better!
Get tissues. You will shed plenty of tears.
This was a roller coaster of emotions. I loved the little squad that went on their little mission. They were adorable and went through so much character growth together. Little found family they became.
Poor Carver went through so much and came out stronger for it (😉). Clara did as well, learning to actually feel her emotions instead of ignoring them and pretending they didn’t exist.
Still such a perfect blend of the hunger games and divergent but so much better this time around. I almost want a third book 🤣 I’m not ready to say goodbye to everyone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to be an ARC reader for this book and this is an honest review in exchange for the ebook!
I think the writing definitely improved between the first and second book, but the story was very entertaining throughout both. You definitely need to read both books, this is not a standalone. It is worth reading both for sure!
The ending left me with some more questions. It ended well, but if there is another book in the future, I wouldn't be surprised and I would definitely read it!
I really enjoyed the imperfect characters, the growth they had, the plot, the tension, and how I was stressed as I got closer and closer to the end wondering how it would end!
I think the writing definitely improved between the first and second book, but the story was very entertaining throughout both. You definitely need to read both books, this is not a standalone. It is worth reading both for sure!
The ending left me with some more questions. It ended well, but if there is another book in the future, I wouldn't be surprised and I would definitely read it!
I really enjoyed the imperfect characters, the growth they had, the plot, the tension, and how I was stressed as I got closer and closer to the end wondering how it would end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an ARC received from author! Somewhat of a spoiler if you have read the first book.
I loved this book & read it in less than a day! The Cost of Attainment is the sequel/ finale of The Rules of Engagement so you need it to read it beforehand. I can say that it almost it had me in tears multiple times, for so many different reasons. There is such raw emotion in Clara & she has to deal with what happened in the last mission while also trying to survive the next one she is sent on, with a team she wasn’t expecting. I love how real it is in how she is coping & had to face her emotions. I love how the story wrapped up, but wished it would continue. It comes out April 18th!
I loved this book & read it in less than a day! The Cost of Attainment is the sequel/ finale of The Rules of Engagement so you need it to read it beforehand. I can say that it almost it had me in tears multiple times, for so many different reasons. There is such raw emotion in Clara & she has to deal with what happened in the last mission while also trying to survive the next one she is sent on, with a team she wasn’t expecting. I love how real it is in how she is coping & had to face her emotions. I love how the story wrapped up, but wished it would continue. It comes out April 18th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖 ARC Review 📖 the final assignment was the hardest yet Clara would have to face. Her “suicide mission”with her team made them all learn to work together even when there is bad blood amongst them. Carver/Carrion was lost to the torture and experimentation he was put through but in the end love conquers all. I feel like this fell short as far as excitement and war plot that wasn’t expanded. The first book made me feel like this one would have been more action based and had a bigger story to tell. It just fell flat for me.
March 29, 2026
So happy to have been an ARC reader for this book, Alex was a pleasure to work with! Absolutely an amazing read. Would recommend to anyone looking for brilliant love story with a FMC that is a badass assassin who finds herself fighting the balance her mental sanity and twist of events that the love of her life brings. The character and story development in the book is something that had me on my toes wanting to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
picking up right where the first book left off carver is mia and clara is distraught.
getting ready to go on the same mission again to complete it this time.
this book kept me on the edge of my seat. plenty of jaw dropping moments and moments where it will just piss you off.
definitely a good book. epilogue could’ve been a little longer. but it’s worth the read
check it out 4/18
picking up right where the first book left off carver is mia and clara is distraught.
getting ready to go on the same mission again to complete it this time.
this book kept me on the edge of my seat. plenty of jaw dropping moments and moments where it will just piss you off.
definitely a good book. epilogue could’ve been a little longer. but it’s worth the read
check it out 4/18
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was an arc reader for this book. Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read it.
I would classify this as more of a YA book. There was more of an assuming idea of what the characters could do. Clara being an Assassin is mentioned but you don’t get much action from that. I had trouble getting into the book at first but then it sorta clicked and I got more into it. This is the conclusion to the series and I would recommend it to others.
I would classify this as more of a YA book. There was more of an assuming idea of what the characters could do. Clara being an Assassin is mentioned but you don’t get much action from that. I had trouble getting into the book at first but then it sorta clicked and I got more into it. This is the conclusion to the series and I would recommend it to others.
April 21, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ It was hard for me to get into (maybe because I didn’t realize it was book two but never went back for book one) but it just kept getting better and better the more I read. For a book about assassins and spies it’s a little low on action/fight scenes but the plot definitely makes up for it. I loved watching our characters come together and work as a team. Seeing Clara struggle internally with her mistakes was very relatable and helped her feel real.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of this book. I love the dystopian world that Clara and Carver live in! Clara is an assassin and Carver is a spy. The first book, Rules of Engagement was their first adventure together but at the end, things go awry! This is the conclusion to Clara and Carver’s story. However, there could have been much more action and I feel that was missed in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is definitely a case of, “I liked book one, but book two was better.”
The FMC, Clara, was much more tolerable this book haha.
And obtaining that happily ever after was satisfying.
Also I would very much like to visit Calyndor in real life. Sounds beautifully chaotic and full of color.
This review is given honestly and freely in exchange for an ARC.
The FMC, Clara, was much more tolerable this book haha.
And obtaining that happily ever after was satisfying.
Also I would very much like to visit Calyndor in real life. Sounds beautifully chaotic and full of color.
This review is given honestly and freely in exchange for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review !! Boy oh boy did I love this group of characters. What Carver went through and Clara trying to save him had me on the edge of my seat dying to know how it would turn out. Would definitely recommend this duology.
April 20, 2026
I was so ready for Cost of Attainment after finishing book one, Rules of Engagement. Alex absolutely nailed it with this book! The tension and emotion are top tier. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves enemies to lovers and a fantastically done slow burn. The emotions in this are everything!
April 25, 2026
Ugh. I’m so frustrated. The concept of this book was great, but unfortunately the execution just wasn’t there.
I think the writing style felt too conversational… or maybe too summarized? I’m not even sure, but everything felt rushed and not developed enough. It just didn’t have the depth I wanted.
I think the writing style felt too conversational… or maybe too summarized? I’m not even sure, but everything felt rushed and not developed enough. It just didn’t have the depth I wanted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
More ya than adult but it was an ok read. I didn’t enjoy it as much as i thought I would but I am still grateful for receiving an arc.
More ya than adult but it was an ok read. I didn’t enjoy it as much as i thought I would but I am still grateful for receiving an arc.
March 23, 2026
With the 2613542 scenarios I had formed, I was still unprepared. This book is faster paced than the first one. Very few moments of “I can pause right here”. My nails will grow back and my case can be replaced.
I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to arc read this one after reading Rules of Engagement. I absorbed every second of it!
I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to arc read this one after reading Rules of Engagement. I absorbed every second of it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Alex for letting me be on your arc team!
🖤Assassin x Spy
🖤dystopian setting
🖤Lab Experiments
Overall I liked how the story wrapped up and how everything came together from the first book. I did feel like Clara and her team stole from the lab again so quickly and didn’t encounter many obstacles besides carver. I also felt the ending felt rushed a little and left open for more that could happen.
Thank you to Alex for letting me be on your arc team!
🖤Assassin x Spy
🖤dystopian setting
🖤Lab Experiments
Overall I liked how the story wrapped up and how everything came together from the first book. I did feel like Clara and her team stole from the lab again so quickly and didn’t encounter many obstacles besides carver. I also felt the ending felt rushed a little and left open for more that could happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
ARC read: revised stars ⭐️ ⭐️.5
First I want to say thanks for the ability to jump in with an ARC. I don’t take that lightly.
I also don’t have a huge review but this book read more like a YA to me than an adult novel. It blended nicely from book 1 to 2 in following the story but over all was all vanilla/toned down and safe for my imagine on such a plot.
Assassins, revenge, spies, covert operatives, prisoners, etc
I expected a little more tooth to the story and a little less “golly” “goodness” and “darn”.
Over all I think this story could be a great intro for YA or those sensitive/more religious focused wanting to read a safer story that’s not so in your face for the plot that’s based on murder. Less blood guys and gore. More safe words, less sweet words. That kind of thing.
Personally this series was not for me.
First I want to say thanks for the ability to jump in with an ARC. I don’t take that lightly.
I also don’t have a huge review but this book read more like a YA to me than an adult novel. It blended nicely from book 1 to 2 in following the story but over all was all vanilla/toned down and safe for my imagine on such a plot.
Assassins, revenge, spies, covert operatives, prisoners, etc
I expected a little more tooth to the story and a little less “golly” “goodness” and “darn”.
Over all I think this story could be a great intro for YA or those sensitive/more religious focused wanting to read a safer story that’s not so in your face for the plot that’s based on murder. Less blood guys and gore. More safe words, less sweet words. That kind of thing.
Personally this series was not for me.
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