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If You Can #2
Release Me If You Can
Secrets always have a way of coming to light.Special Agent Renata Parker learns this the hard way, when the secret she’s held close for many years is finally revealed, exposing her as traitor to the team of thieves, spies, hackers, and federal agents who thought they shared a common goal — take down Damien Wolfe. Her dedication to their cause doesn’t quite stand up to scrutiny — especially for Quentin, a fellow hacker who was drawn to Renata’s quiet energy before her true identity was exposed. With her loyalty in question, Renata finds herself in a position where she’s forced to rely on help from the very people she may have unwittingly betrayed. Quentin wants to trust Renata, but repairing their friendship — and possibly taking it further — requires the healing of past wounds, answering unresolved questions, and revealing unknown connections that bring new light to Damien Wolfe’s misdeeds.While Quentin and Renata search for common ground, Marcus and Naomi navigate unexpected circumstances in their budding relationship, and Inez tries to resist Kendall’s magnetic, dangerous appeal.Romance, danger, a little hacking, and a bit of espionage ensue as the team struggles to be released from the traumas of their past.*Dear reader, please note that this book does contain references to sexual assault. There are no details of the actual act, but I wanted to offer this brief trigger warning, in advance of diving in.*(Release Me If You Can is book 2/3 of a continuous series. I would *not* recommend reading this one unless you've read book 1, Catch Me If You Cn)
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2015
167 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 23, 2022
Mind blown! Honey, those last three minutes just about took me out! There were so many moving pieces in this book. CCJ was droppin’ all kinds of plot twists, secret tea, and raising folks from the dead. The six degrees of separation was real. All of these characters have some kind of familial connection to Damien and Terry. By the end of this series, they gon’ all be related to each other. Because, I know I’m not the only one asking if Damien is Naomi's real daddy?!!! Release Me If You Can was the perfect continuation to this trilogy. I cannot wait to see how this story finally comes together in the last book.
March 24, 2024
3.5 stars I think for a lot of other readers, this would be 4 stars or more. I just don’t love CCJ’s romantic suspense, especially the older ones. For me they are too much on the suspense storyline and not enough romance. But I’m trying to read CCJ’s entire backlist and I’m down to a small number unread, including this series.
April 7, 2024
Oooooh honey this series is good! Highly recommend 10/10!! Because this right here is good!! Although it gives more background behind Quentin and Renata. Everybody’s story is still intertwined. And baby I believe this last book is going to be some good ish!! 😜😜
But why is Leon so unenthusiastic with his narrating 🙄🙄. Just let Wesleigh do it LOL
But why is Leon so unenthusiastic with his narrating 🙄🙄. Just let Wesleigh do it LOL
January 30, 2026
4⭐️
This is the second book in the If You Can series, and once again, Christina C. Jones proves how good she is at weaving romance, suspense, and long-brewing revenge plot into something that feels both gripping and emotionally layered.
If you're here reading this, you already know that this series is about how one person’s actions (or maybe more than one🙈) can ripple outward and damage countless live. While we were introduced to all characters in book one, and mainly focused on the relationship of Naomi and Marcus, here the focus shifts to Renata and Quentin, while the shadow of Damian Wolf continues to loom over everything. He is less a distant villain and more a constant presence here, shaping choices, fears, and motivations even when he is not on the page.
We already know that this series is not built around a single revenge plot. Everyone is carrying their own version of it. Wolf is executing his long game. The people trying to stop him are running theirs. Watching these motives collide creates a tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere, where no plan feels entirely safe, and no victory feels guaranteed.
I loved having all the different background stories come together, and yes, there are a lot of POVs, but I actually find this very refreshing. It makes the story feel layered instead of linear, and it underscores the idea that this is not just one couple’s fight, but a network of interconnected lives trying to survive the fallout of someone else’s obsession.
And Renata and Quentin are a strong enough central couple. Their relationship grows slowly, shaped by history, trust, and emotional caution rather than instant passion. There is real care in how their connection develops, especially in the way vulnerability and patience are treated as strengths rather than weaknesses. Their romance never felt like an afterthought to the other POVs.
I also appreciated how this book balances its romantic suspense with intelligence. The investigation, the corporate corruption, the manipulation, and the psychological chess between characters all feel thought-through. Actions have consequences. Secrets matter. People miscalculate. Every step forward seems to drag the characters deeper into a carefully constructed mess, and that sense of escalation is handled very well.
Tonally, the book walks a line between danger and intimacy. There is always the sense that something is unfolding beneath the surface, that not all cards are on the table yet. The PTSD aspect was handled well, and I appreciated that.
My reason for not giving this five stars lies with how Tomiko and Damian Wolf were handled.
For being this big bad alpha she-wolf, it felt almost too lazy and massively rushed in how she was handled. And without going into spoilers, I had the odd feeling that there was a noticeable effort to contextualise Damian's behaviour and soften his image towards the end. Given the weight of his actions and their impact on so many characters, I don't know if I like where I think this is going. I might be wrong, and maybe I will come back later to change this review, because maybe I'm not seeing the big picture yet, but as of now I am sceptical.
This is the second book in the If You Can series, and once again, Christina C. Jones proves how good she is at weaving romance, suspense, and long-brewing revenge plot into something that feels both gripping and emotionally layered.
If you're here reading this, you already know that this series is about how one person’s actions (or maybe more than one🙈) can ripple outward and damage countless live. While we were introduced to all characters in book one, and mainly focused on the relationship of Naomi and Marcus, here the focus shifts to Renata and Quentin, while the shadow of Damian Wolf continues to loom over everything. He is less a distant villain and more a constant presence here, shaping choices, fears, and motivations even when he is not on the page.
We already know that this series is not built around a single revenge plot. Everyone is carrying their own version of it. Wolf is executing his long game. The people trying to stop him are running theirs. Watching these motives collide creates a tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere, where no plan feels entirely safe, and no victory feels guaranteed.
I loved having all the different background stories come together, and yes, there are a lot of POVs, but I actually find this very refreshing. It makes the story feel layered instead of linear, and it underscores the idea that this is not just one couple’s fight, but a network of interconnected lives trying to survive the fallout of someone else’s obsession.
And Renata and Quentin are a strong enough central couple. Their relationship grows slowly, shaped by history, trust, and emotional caution rather than instant passion. There is real care in how their connection develops, especially in the way vulnerability and patience are treated as strengths rather than weaknesses. Their romance never felt like an afterthought to the other POVs.
I also appreciated how this book balances its romantic suspense with intelligence. The investigation, the corporate corruption, the manipulation, and the psychological chess between characters all feel thought-through. Actions have consequences. Secrets matter. People miscalculate. Every step forward seems to drag the characters deeper into a carefully constructed mess, and that sense of escalation is handled very well.
Tonally, the book walks a line between danger and intimacy. There is always the sense that something is unfolding beneath the surface, that not all cards are on the table yet. The PTSD aspect was handled well, and I appreciated that.
My reason for not giving this five stars lies with how Tomiko and Damian Wolf were handled.
For being this big bad alpha she-wolf, it felt almost too lazy and massively rushed in how she was handled. And without going into spoilers, I had the odd feeling that there was a noticeable effort to contextualise Damian's behaviour and soften his image towards the end. Given the weight of his actions and their impact on so many characters, I don't know if I like where I think this is going. I might be wrong, and maybe I will come back later to change this review, because maybe I'm not seeing the big picture yet, but as of now I am sceptical.
June 16, 2021
This series is so good....I'm loving the twist and turns and all of the secrets that are being uncovered. I'm happy to see the developing relationship between Quentin & Agent Renata ....Love to see Renata coming to terms with the violation that happened to her when she was a teenager. I absolutely love how supportive Quentin is with her....I'm so excited for book 3's audio release next, although I'm going to hate to see this series end....On the other hand I'm definitely excited to see what audiobook CCJ will release next. As always Wesleigh is Amazing as a Narrator.
February 12, 2021
CHRISTINA. C. JONES. The absolute GOAT.
Release Me If You Can was such an excellent continuation of this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the twists and turns and revelations have my head spinning right now. I loved the romance in this one, but the suspense plot is really what has me hooked. Cannot wait to see how this all ends in the final instalment of this trilogy.
Phew.
TW: This book has mentions of rape/date rape, sexual assault, and violence throughout.
Release Me If You Can was such an excellent continuation of this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the twists and turns and revelations have my head spinning right now. I loved the romance in this one, but the suspense plot is really what has me hooked. Cannot wait to see how this all ends in the final instalment of this trilogy.
Phew.
TW: This book has mentions of rape/date rape, sexual assault, and violence throughout.
March 29, 2022
Still very much enjoying this series and the character development. Just when I think I have a new favorite couple, someone else steals my heart. I will give my final review after book 3 but so far I’m enjoying the read.
July 7, 2021
Mrs. Jones..... Now why did you have to do me like this. So many moving pieces lawd so good.... Just really good!
April 25, 2023
This If You Can series is full of action, suspense, and romance. Mrs Jones did her thing with this story. The plot
keeps twisting and delivers you right into a cliff hangar that I’m not mad about. Naomi and Marcus, Renata and Quentin, Inez and Kendall, three couples that kept me on the edge. Their scenes were hot and full of passion. So much is revealed and yet so much left to discover. I’m running to book 3. Oh and the narrators delivered…PERIODT!
keeps twisting and delivers you right into a cliff hangar that I’m not mad about. Naomi and Marcus, Renata and Quentin, Inez and Kendall, three couples that kept me on the edge. Their scenes were hot and full of passion. So much is revealed and yet so much left to discover. I’m running to book 3. Oh and the narrators delivered…PERIODT!
September 10, 2024
This series is sooo good! It’s so wild how everything has been revealed to be intertwined! So many twists, all the suspense, all the feels. Another amazing addition to this series and once again a crazy cliffhanger making me start the next book immediately! Can’t wait to see how this all wraps up.
October 19, 2015
Release...
This series is addicting! Lots of valuable information revealed as storyline continues to flow with twists I didn't see coming. Well connected characters. Quentin & Renata's long term friendship has blossomed into something beautiful...I'm happy for Marcus & Naomi. Wolfe, although treacherous, does look out for family. I thought Kendall & Inez made a great team. Such an enjoyable read! On to Save Me...
This series is addicting! Lots of valuable information revealed as storyline continues to flow with twists I didn't see coming. Well connected characters. Quentin & Renata's long term friendship has blossomed into something beautiful...I'm happy for Marcus & Naomi. Wolfe, although treacherous, does look out for family. I thought Kendall & Inez made a great team. Such an enjoyable read! On to Save Me...
November 13, 2024
It’s going to be a 3.5 for me. The story is entertaining but it’s so much going on. I got to the point that I was connecting all the dots before it happened. This is my least favorite series that I’ve read of CCJ so for. This cliffhangers are annoying.
October 2, 2025
How this story and these characters are woven together is GENIUS! Romantic suspense might just be my new favorite genre.
Renata and Quentin—what can I say? I love these two together. The fact that they carried this love for each other since their teenage years, without even seeing each other, and then found their way back in adulthood? Beautiful. Renata is courageous, strong, and so smart. Quentin is a charmer with just the
soft spot reserved for her, and the way they balance each other had me hooked.
The action scenes? Written so vividly I felt like I was watching them play out on screen. CCJ really knows how to make suspense matter.
I will admit I’m still unsure how I feel about Naomi and Quentin—it’s a little weird to me—but I absolutely loved the update on Marcus and Naomi.
Overall, this book was so, so good. CCJ delivered the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and heart.
Renata and Quentin—what can I say? I love these two together. The fact that they carried this love for each other since their teenage years, without even seeing each other, and then found their way back in adulthood? Beautiful. Renata is courageous, strong, and so smart. Quentin is a charmer with just the
soft spot reserved for her, and the way they balance each other had me hooked.
The action scenes? Written so vividly I felt like I was watching them play out on screen. CCJ really knows how to make suspense matter.
I will admit I’m still unsure how I feel about Naomi and Quentin—it’s a little weird to me—but I absolutely loved the update on Marcus and Naomi.
Overall, this book was so, so good. CCJ delivered the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and heart.
January 26, 2023
Christinaaaaaaaaaaaa why are you doing this to me?!!!!! the cliffhanger?!!!
These books are perfect - the suspense, the 🌶️, the character and world building. I usually pride myself on being able to sniff out the big plot twists before they’re revealed but CCJ stumps me almost every time - I love it! Moving on to book 3
These books are perfect - the suspense, the 🌶️, the character and world building. I usually pride myself on being able to sniff out the big plot twists before they’re revealed but CCJ stumps me almost every time - I love it! Moving on to book 3
July 27, 2023
4.5⭐️- I’m still trying to figure out how CCJ tied these pieces together. Like her mind at story telling is something to be desired. Those last few minutes Chiie… I loved this. This has suspense, guns, romance, and secrets. Honey this is sooo good.
December 1, 2024
This book was a little bit better than the first book in my opinion, and it really kept you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what was going on who is who. It Has multiple point of views from all of the main characters and I think it made the story a little bit more appealing
December 19, 2023
CCJ literally never misses. Those last couple of minutes had me sitting in complete stillness. I’m questioning EVERYTHING!!!!!!! & everybody. The perfect continuation to the first book. The suspense, and the SPICY! *chef kiss*, the characters, im eating it slll up! I cannot wait to complete the last book of the series!
February 28, 2015
Release Me If You Can continues right off of the cliffhanger of book 1, Catch Me If You Can. Special Agent Renata Parker has revealed the unthinkable. Her secrets have placed her on shaky ground not just with her team but with the one she holds in high regard..in her heart. Though Quentin wants to trust Renata and help get back what she wants most, her connection to his enemy proves to be a great barrier. Marcus and Naomi also face many life changing uncertainties that make their hatred for a common enemy even more palpable. Drawn into this special assignment, Inez also finds her libido..and heart in a precarious position with Kendall. With so much unsavory circumstances, can this team of special agents be released from their past demons..or will the mission prove to great a task?
Sigh, let me just take a moment to catch myself..or release my thoughts..ha! When I say this book had me, it had me. I was so into this read I could not put it down. The drama was neverending; the many twists in the plot was so suspenseful to the point I didn't even know how it would end..with only 1% left to finish! The pacing was spot on and CCJ left no room for fillers. This reminded me of a juicy soap opera: the main characters were not the only ones focused on. CCJ meshes various storylines together and weaves a tale so effortlessly to the point you just want to know about everyone in the story. Like really, every character gave me something, pulled a different emotion out of me. That is the art of having a great character-driven plot. It was like she allowed each character to stay true to themselves no matter how raw or gritty it got to tell me this story and I loved that. It all seemed real and very plausible to me and that's all any reader can ask for in a book. Though I have enjoyed her other series, this by far is my fav. I haven't enjoyed good suspense romance in a longgggg time. It is a genre that is really lacking in the AA book industry and I'm glad CC Jones breathed new life into it. Thank you!
Sigh, let me just take a moment to catch myself..or release my thoughts..ha! When I say this book had me, it had me. I was so into this read I could not put it down. The drama was neverending; the many twists in the plot was so suspenseful to the point I didn't even know how it would end..with only 1% left to finish! The pacing was spot on and CCJ left no room for fillers. This reminded me of a juicy soap opera: the main characters were not the only ones focused on. CCJ meshes various storylines together and weaves a tale so effortlessly to the point you just want to know about everyone in the story. Like really, every character gave me something, pulled a different emotion out of me. That is the art of having a great character-driven plot. It was like she allowed each character to stay true to themselves no matter how raw or gritty it got to tell me this story and I loved that. It all seemed real and very plausible to me and that's all any reader can ask for in a book. Though I have enjoyed her other series, this by far is my fav. I haven't enjoyed good suspense romance in a longgggg time. It is a genre that is really lacking in the AA book industry and I'm glad CC Jones breathed new life into it. Thank you!
August 5, 2024
Wait a minute how is this going to play out. Miss Ma'am all these people have grudges? Are we going to get a satisfying revenge plot? I'm immediately starting book 3 because that cliffhanger is not ok.
CN: rape, drugging, abuse (physical, emotional, and child), pharmaceutical negligence, absentee parenting, PTSD, addiction
CN: rape, drugging, abuse (physical, emotional, and child), pharmaceutical negligence, absentee parenting, PTSD, addiction
March 31, 2015
Perfect continuation of this trilogy.
May 13, 2025
Hey there! . I wanted to share my thoughts on this book. It was okay, but honestly, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. The story shifted focus to Renata and Quincy, which didn’t really grab my attention since the main characters weren't the center of the story. I found my mind wandering a bit because I just wasn’t that invested in their storyline. And wow, that cliffhanger ending! It really felt like a door was slammed in my face again. 😞 I think I’ll take a little break before diving into part three. I totally need it! 🤷🏾 Looking forward to hearing your thoughts too!
February 21, 2022
Book 2 of the series picks up with one of the agents on the team being questioned about being a traitor to the team and the mission. However when she explains her hidden secret about her past, the team forgives her. Now the team has another reason to work together and go after the enemy that they all have something in common with.
April 20, 2017
This was an awesome book. The storyline(s) of the characters had so many twist and turns that it was mouth-wide-open good. The men in the story had great, strong and supportive personalities. I just can't wait to I am blessed with my Marcus, Quintin or Kendal. Definitely A Good Read!
February 10, 2025
When I say I’m thoroughly invested…understatement! First it was Naomi & Marcus but this book really does embody when people say “it’s a small world”. Now all of a sudden the secret team formed are all related in some way or form and are heavily invested in taking key crooked players out come hell or high water…sheesh!
June 19, 2021
CW: flashbacks and discussion of past rape and emotional trauma from that
October 23, 2021
love this series so much but the multiple pov's confuse me sometimes
October 31, 2024
THIS ONE ATEEEE!!!! I WAS SO LOCKED IN
December 11, 2024
Wow…another book full of twists and turns. Another cliff hanger ending that I saw coming but still makes me want to jump right into the next book.
June 4, 2025
This was okay. I was a little disappointed with the MFC and the way she was acting but I understood
June 12, 2018
wow...
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