Breakwater

Cold Ridge/U.S. Marshals #5

by Carla Neggers

When Alicia Morrow, a former co-worker at the U.S. Department of Justice, is found dead, Quinn Harlowe, investigating on her own, finds an ally in Huck McCabe, an undercover agent who is after the same people who murdered her friend.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Thriller, Contemporary

447 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2006

About the author

Carla Neggers is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sharpe & Donovan series featuring Boston-based FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, and the popular Swift River Valley series set in the small, fictional New England town of Knights Bridge. With many bestsellers to her credit, Carla loves to write now as much as she did when she climbed a tree at age eleven with a pad and pen and spun stories perched on her favorite branch.

A native New Englander, Carla and her husband divide their time between their hilltop home in Vermont, a sofa bed at their kids' places in Boston and various inns, hotels and hideaways on their travels, frequently to Ireland.

Find out more and sign up for Carla's newsletter at CarlaNeggers.com.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakwater is part of a series, but you can read it as a standalone. Quinn Harlowe is feeling guilty about the death of her friend Alicia. She thinks she should have been able to help her when she realized that she was disoriented and talking crazy. Based on some hunches and things Alicia said, she starts to investigate the neighbour who is setting up a private security business on the estate in Yorkville, where she has a cottage. One thing leads to another until she puts herself in danger. Of course there is an undercover US Marshall that she realizes is working for the government and they become attracted to one another. The story had a lot of suspense, but not a lot of action. It was a dramatic suspense novel almost like a chess game that I enjoyed. The characters of Quinn and Huck were believable and cared about what was happening around them. I liked that a female was the smart one who was able to figure it all out. The only thing I didn't like was the sex scene thrown in at the end of the novel. I didn't think it was necessary and it did not flow well from the story, but that is just my opinion. I can see myself reading others in this series if I happen to come across them. This was my "B" book for my alphabet challenge. I had it on my shelf and grabbed it and I am glad I did.

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing in comparison to the previous books in this series :(

[Shera Melton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The back of the book sucked me in, and the first few chapters made me really excited to get into the story. It started out interesting and suspenseful and I thought that if the first few chapters were that good, then the book must me one awesome read. I was wrong. After those first few chapters, nothing interesting happened at all. There was no suspense, and there wasn't even any romance. Unless you count one kiss and a dance that turned into third base for a split second romance. When I got to the end, I was hoping that the book would at least go out with the same excitement it started with. Nope. The "action" wasn't even suspenseful or interesting. I just couldn't like this book, because nothing really even happened. It was just a bunch of dialog that went in circles over and over again. And the characters weren't anything special either. The whole book was just a very cliched waste of time. And despite the labeling on the spine, Breakwater was neither Romantic, or Suspense.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have tried to figure out what was lacking in this book. The basic plot was interesting, but I had to read well into the book before I got the gist of it. I decided that my lack of interest was because the characters seemed cardboard and formulaic.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be rather bland. I really had to push myself to read it because I kept hoping something would happen to make it more but it stayed very bland for all of it. It lacked characters with depth and any kind of umph to the story.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alicia Miller, DOJ lawyer goes to friend, Quinn Harlowe, former DOJ analyst, for help. She's jumpy and talking crazy. Quinn fears a mental breakdown, but before she can do anything Alicia runs off, getting into a black car and disappearing. Fearing for her friends mental state, she begins looking for her only to find her body washed up near her cottage. Quinn doesn't believe it's suicide and starts looking into Alicia recent activities. At the same time Huck McCabe (aka Boone) is undercover at Breakwater Security, next door to the cottage, looking into possible vigilante activity. They have a common goal but Huck must maintain his cover. He has a dangerous line to walk. Many of the characters from the earlier volumes appear in supporting roles. We always have a batch of political types with questionable ethics and a group of thugs willing to do the violence. Good thriller.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel will appeal to everyone that delights in romantic suspense novels by Carla Neggers. It is part of a series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. As a reader that loves mysteries I enjoyed trying to figure out the "good guys" and the "bad guys" of Breakwater Security. The sexual chemistry between Quinn Hallahan and Huck Boone/McCabe sizzles. Loved the humor of Huck's friend and back-up Diego Clemente.

I am disappointed as I've mentioned previously in review of novels by Carla Neggers that my joy as a reader is interrupted by copy editing errors. Otherwise, I would have given a rating of 4 stars.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was on my TBR pile and I was looking for something different than I had been reading. I've read at least one other book by this author so I knew it would be fast paced and full of action. I got caught up in the story right away and really liked the suspense of it. I could have done without the graphic sex scenes towards the end of the book, less explicit info would have been just as good of a story. But I knew what I was getting when I chose it. I will read more books in this series as I come across them.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorites in this series to date. The suspense keep me reading, and the couple was believable. The only that that kept it from 5 stars for me was the obligatory sex scene near the end. Nothing wrong with a good sex scene, but this didn't flow from the story and characters. It felt more like the editor said, you have to include a sec scene; just stick one after after the suspense is resolved."

[David Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because someone left it at my house. Fairly standard suspense/romance fare, with brief explicit sex (obligatory, I presume, for the target audience). I enjoyed it, but wouldn't go out of my way for more.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just discovered this author recommended by Kristin Hannah. Can’t wait to read more.

[Heli - So Many Books - So Little Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this whole series

[Tia Lappe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Great read!

[Laurie D'ghent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot. Two sex scenes that are easy to skip and mild swearing.

[Sandy Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book,but I got lost with some of the characters. The story got a bit confusing too.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was good, little hard at the start.. lots of people to get straight in my mind… then the book took off!

[Madonna Slife]

Good

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bored out of my mind. Struggling to finish this book. First few chapters we're good, flew through it, but then it got really boring I dreaded to pick up the book 🙃

[Edie Kennard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty predictable.

[Laura de Leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I'd taken enough of a break from Carla Neggers, but I guess not. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with this book, it just didn't really do it for me.

[Rebecca Dowd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how I missed that book. I really like that author.

[nimrodiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good little romantic suspense book.

Quinn Harlow, an independent contractor in Washington DC. She used to work for the justice department. Her friend and colleague Alicia from the Justice Department is having a rough time. Thinking that her friend is suffering burnout form work Quinn lets her use her bayside cottage in Yorkville. Quinn becomes worried about Alicia when her friend rushed up to her at a coffee shop yells about how "The Ospreys are going to kill me" runs off and disappears into a black Lincoln town car. Quinn tries to call Alicia, visits her DC townhouse with no answer. She drives to Yorkville hoping that she will find Alicia there. Unfortunately she finds her friend dead on the shore, an apparent drowning victim to a kayaking accident.

Bodyguard Huck McCabe from the Breakwater Institute, a startup security firm is out for a run when he hears Quinn screaming for help. He is in fact an undercover US Marshal investigating Breakwater as he suspects that there is more to the security firm than it looks: a front for a group of violent vigilantes that may be headed by a powerful politician. McCabe tries to keep Quinn from investigating her friends death. However, Quinn doesn't listen and starts asking questions. Questions that bring her to the attention of the vigilantes. Huck finds his attention divided. To continue his undercover work, and to protect this inquisitive woman.

I really enjoyed this because while there was attraction between the two main characters the mystery was the main focus. Which doesn't always happen in these types of romantic suspense books. It was a fairly light and quick read. Just what I needed at the end of the semester. This was an older book from My TBR pile. It came from another bookcrossing member in 2017.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read any of the previous books by the author so went into this without any background on some of the characters, but feel like this can be read as a stand-alone. Does it mean I won't read the earlier books, no, I most likely will at some point.

Quinn Harlowe decided to leave her high-security job at the Justice Department to become an independent consultant. She wanted a better work-life balance than what she experienced at her prior job. And so far, she was definitely enjoying the ability to set her own hours, at least until she runs into an old friend, Alicia, at her favorite little cafe close to home and work. Unlike herself, Alicia tried to warn Quinn of something, but was acting very erratic. When Quinn decides to look into the situation and is unable to locate Alicia, she decides to head to her bay side weekend cottage where Alicia was staying for the past month. What she finds isn't what she expecting. She finds Alicia dead and after a chance encounter with Huck (McCabe) Boone, a bodyguard from the nearby Breakwater security compound.

Quinn doesn't believe Huck is exactly who he says he is, especially when he warns her to let things go with Alicia and to head back to Washington. But Quinn is very good at what she does and believes there is more to Alicia's death than a simple accident or suicide. Quinn begins an investigation of her own and soon finds herself being watched by several different organizations. Putting two and two together, Quinn confronts Huck with her theories forcing him to take a chance and confide to Quinn his true identity as an undercover agent sent to infiltrate a violent group of vigilantes believed to be headquartered at Breakwater. Now it is race against the clock to keep her safe, to not have his cover blown, and to discover the truth behind Alicia's death and the ties to the vigilante group.

Of course there is a little romance involved. Quinn finds herself attracted to Huck, even when she wasn't completely sure he was a good guy. And Huck finds himself in a position that he never thought he would, potentially compromising his case over a woman. I didn't love the book, but I did find it interesting and not having the same intro to the author that others did, liked her writing style and enjoyed the suspense. It did drag a little, but overall if you like suspense, then this is a good book to try.

[Genie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Harlowe left a high-security job in the Justice Department to become an independent consultant. She thought she would have more control over her life if she was self-employed. Her hopes were dashed when Quinn found her long-time friend and former colleague, Alicia Morrow, dead near Quinn's bay side weekend cottage. At the scene she finds herself face to face with Huck McCabe who claims to be a bodyguard from the nearby Breakwater security compound. Quinn doesn't buy into his story any more than she does the local police report stating Alicia's death was an accident or suicide. Knowing her friend as well as she does, the police report doesn't add up and neither does Huck's claim. Quinn begins an investigation of her own and soon finds herself under surveillance by several different organizations. McCabe decides to confide to Quinn his true identity is that of an undercover agent sent to penetrate a violent group of vigilantes headquartered at Breakwater. Quinn has identified these same people and suspects they had a hand in Alicia's death. Joined by a common goal, Quinn and McCabe work toward bringing the wrong doers to justice before anyone else is murdered. Their goal may lead them into a disaster.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, to echo some other reviews - I didn't know I was coming in at the middle of a series. Of course, from the little free library, you couldn't have gotten the earlier books even if you knew they existed - you take what's there or do without. I felt like there were too many characters, and it was tough to know which ones could be trusted. Reading the earlier books would have clued me in
on some of them.
Also, I have to agree that suspense and romance are uneasy partners. The suspense predominated and, to my mind, made the romance much too rushed. (And anyway, how could she have gotten pregnant so fast? I know it happens, but doesn't it usually take more tries? And maybe a bit longer to manifest??)
The author writes well, and the story was compelling. I personally could have skipped the details of the sex scenes. Well, actually the last one I just skimmed until they were done.
I don't feel the urge to seek out more books from the series, but if they show up on the shelf, I might read another. Certainly a pretty good result for a long shot at the little free library. Unlike the last one that I am embarrassed even to admit I read it - and I read the whole thing!

[Pattianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakwater - Cold Ridge/U. S. Marshall Series #5 - (Quinn and McCabe) - Quinn finds a body in the harbot area and McCabe is working under cover.

Three months ago Quinn Harlowe left the high-pressure hallways of the Justice Department to become an independent consultant and have more control over her life - maybe even have a life. But the nirvana of her new gig is short-lived when Quinn discovers her friend and former colleague Alicia Miller dead outside Quinn's bayside cottage. Suicide? Quinn is doubtful. Investigating on her own, she soon discovers that someone is following her every move. Huck McCabe claims he's a bodyguard at Breakwater, a high-security compound near Quinn's cottage. But Quinn suspects he's lying, never imagining the truth: McCabe is an undercover agent trying to penetrate a violent network of vigilantes - the same people Quinn has identified. Joined by a common goal, Quinn and McCabe must take on the fight of their lives - a fight they know could lead to disaster.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently this is a book in a series. I wish Negger's website listed them chronologically in order instead of the reverse. Fortunately the filling-in from previous stories was not too bad and the book could be read on its own.

Wasn't a great book but it wasn't very bad either. The setup for the badguys was a bit cliche. It almost had a traditional gothic feel as the cottage and the Breakwater compound were a bit isolated. It's also unclear, to the heroine, who the good guys and the bad guys really are.

The most confounding part of the book was the time factor. It seems people can arrive at the small town in minutes. And yet the drive from Washington, DC to this small town is a lot longer. Odd author choice.

Enjoyable enough for a pleasant afternoon or two. I'll try a couple more in the series to see if they are better.

[Amy Young-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I only realized after that it was number 5 in a series-I was going to say the character introductions weren't great but that explains it. As you read the book it got better. Quinn reminds me of Nancy Drew a bit. Always sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Although she has a more impressive background than good ole Nancy Drew!

Anyway it was a good read. It wasn't anything spectacular or outrageous but it definitely was a fun quick read! I will be reading the rest of the series when I want a fun mystery that is a bit on the lighter side! There also was a romance in there as well which was a nice touch, and a sexy scene at the end.

Read more reviews on amypauline.com!

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ex Justice department lawyer Quinn Harlowe finds herself in the middle of a secret investigation into a possible domestic terrorist group when a she finds a friend dead near her (Quinn's)Chesapeak bay get away cabin. There is a big estate near her cabin that is being turned into the headquarters for a Security Firm, but the FBI and others think that there is more going on and have a undercover operative in the organization. Quinn, being a bright and inquisitive sort gets herself into the middle of things and into a dangerous position before things come to a head.