Investigating cyberattacks on VA payment systems with Emma Sinclair should be straightforward—trace the money, identify the hacker, close the case. But when threats escalate, Emma refuses to back down. I walked away from her six months ago when I thought she was with someone else. Now, as we chase leads across the country, I’m falling for the woman I never should have left behind. When evidence points to someone in her inner circle, keeping her safe might mean admitting I was wrong about everything.
EMMA
Having Coleman “Kodiak” Emeric assigned to my VA fraud investigation wasn’t my choice—but when someone rigs your coffeemaker with explosives, you need K19’s cyber expertise. Working with the man who disappeared six months ago should be strictly professional. Instead, I’m falling for the lone wolf who walked away without an explanation, just as we uncover $30 million stolen through fake veteran charities. The closer we get to the truth, the more dangerous this becomes—and not just for my heart.
We met Kodiak and Emma in the last book of K19 Sentinel Cyber Team one. They were a secondary undercover couple in Code Name: Atticus. Readers could see the sparks were flying between these two in their fake marriage. However Kodiak, (Coleman)walked away from Emma on the dance floor at Atticus and Brenna's wedding. The excuse he made was she was seeing Brenna's brother Luke, totally fabricated. Reality, he can't handle relationships, and he has his reasons.
When Emma's house was ransacked and it appeared that her coffee pot was turned into a bomb, she ran to Brenna and Atticus. Who of course pulled in K19 for her protection, and you can bet that Coleman wasn't allowing anyone else on that detail. He's exactly the person Emma didn't know she needed in her corner. One phone call and he handled her overbearing mother. But Sherry has her perks, it's that personality that got her marine father through his PTSD. Sadly to have a heart attack take him out years later.
Emma works for the treasury and accidentally came across information that money was being funneled away from veterans organizations and into shell companies and off shore. She apparently got to close and that is why people are trying to persuade her off the trail. It's a tangled web to who is actually funneling the money and why. It's almost a Robin Hood theme. Anyone that is, or loves a veteran knows just how frustrating the VA system can be. (Literally my 82 year old father just got his VA benefits)
I appreciate the interaction between Gunner and Coleman. It's always nice to see the OG's that started K19 make appearances. These two friends share some of the same baggage. Coleman related to his brother and those that have read the whole franchise know what Gunner went through in the beginning with Doc's ex wife. It was also fun to see Zary and their children.
Frame work for the next book in the series has been laid. Luke's been a periphery character in the last two books.
Code name: Kodiak is a new series in the K19 family (K19 Sentinel Cyber) and is a high octane romantic suspense that grabbed me from the first page. I loved the main characters, Emma and Coleman (code name Kodiak) who met at Brenna's and Atticus's wedding. Emma and Kodiak were dancing when he suddenly gave her the cold shoulder. How they resolve this initial meeting is pure Heather Slade. Emma's job is a high level government position where she currently is investigating some potentially significant VA fraud. When she begins finding anomalies in the VA accounting spreadsheets, she lands on someone's radar who doesn't want her snooping. She returns home to find her place ransacked and a homemade bomb left for her. She immediately calls Brenna whose husband is in security. Atticus is on his way but calls Kodiak who is in closer proximity. Now Emma needs a bodyguard and Kodiak volunteers. My oh my! The closeness taxes Kodiak's resolve to remain aloof. As the heat between Emma and Kodiak builds, the threat level skyrockets to attempted murder. Can Kodiak and the mighty K19 family find the mastermind before the attempted murder before the attempt turns into premeditated murder? Heather Slade is one of my go-to authors. Her characters are well-developed and the plots are always interesting. My only complaint is that I wish she could dumb-it-down regarding internet coding for this reader and still stay true to the novel. I have difficulty understanding what these characters are trying to convey. This causes me to skip ahead which causes another whole other set of issues. 4 1/2 stars
Code Name: Kodiak is the first book in Heather Slade's new series K19 Sentinel Cyber Team 2 and it starts with a BANG!!!
Coleman "Kodiak" Emeric is the main male character and he is fierce, protective and HOT! Emma Sinclair is a professional analyst in the Treasury Department in DC. She is very intelligent, brave and a no nonsense kind of person.
Due to a break in a her home, Emma is assigned Kodiak as her personal bodyguard. A few months prior they were working together on a different case in California where they pretended to be husband and wife. Emma had developed some feelings for Kodiak but did not act on them. Now he was to be with her 24/7.
After the California job, Kodiak had a moment at Atticus and Brenna's wedding where he was dancing with Emma, but then saw her attention was snagged by another. So he walked away, without a word to anyone, he just left.
Due to these past moments with each other they are walking on eggshells around each other. Then things begin to escalate and the drama continues. When they, finally, discuss their pasts with each other, it's a box of tissues moment.
In my opinion, these characters are well written, the spice is HOT and the two who have been tiptoeing around each other finally get on the same page, personally. This is a fast-paced book and I enjoyed every single word.
It took me until the villain was revealed before I could figure it out. I love this type of mystery.
Thank you Heather Slade for all your words. Keep em coming! Please.
Suspense, Steam, and a Second Chance You Won't Forget! Heather Slade has done it again! Code Name: Kodiak is a high-octane addition to the K19 world that perfectly balances a complex cyber-crime investigation with an emotional, slow-burn romance that hit all the right notes.
From the very first page, the stakes are sky-high. When Emma Sinclair’s fraud investigation turns deadly you know you're in for a wild ride. Emma is exactly the kind of heroine I love: brilliant, tenacious, and completely unwilling to back down, even when there’s a target on her back.
Then there’s Coleman “Kodiak” Emeric. If you’re a fan of the "lone wolf" trope, Kodiak is going to be your new obsession. He’s rugged, protective, and carrying the weight of a past mistake that makes his reunion with Emma feel incredibly earned. The chemistry between them is electric, fueled by the unresolved tension of their history and the forced proximity of a cross-country investigation.
Whether you are a long-time fan of the K19 series or looking for a standalone romantic suspense that delivers on both heart and heat, Code Name: Kodiak is a must-read. Heather Slade remains a master of the genre!
Code Name: Kodiak is equal parts suspense and intrigue that reach high into the Government. Added to that is a steamy second chance romance that is full of highs and lows. Coleman "Kodiak" Emeric is a man who is buttoned down tight. He's weighed down by guilt and vowed to never want someone because wanting means losing. Emma Sinclair is an analyst at the Treasury Department who has found systematic fraud involving Veterans Affairs funding which, puts a target on her back. She and Kodiak have a history that abruptly ended with him walking away wihout a word and seemingly not looking back. Now he's her protection and she's not sure if that's a good or a bad thing as he seesaws between terse exchanges and silence. The K19 Team along with the help of the ever present Tex Keegan wade through layers of inscription, cloning masks and authorization identifications to track down the surprising culprit. The longer Emma and Kodiak are together, the more his walls crumble. Ultimately, the good guys win, the bad guys get caught and a happy ending happens!
Emma, in her job at the Treasury Department, starts investigating an apparent embezzlement scheme only to find that someone in her own office is tracking her investigation. In steps Kodiak, who works with her best friend's husband, and with whom she had worked an earlier investigation where he constantly and persistently flirted with her. Only now, while he takes his protection duties very seriously, he's not flirting even the tiniest bit and Emma's left wondering why.
Kodiak got the wrong impression of Emma but he's too proud to ask about what he saw, so he just shuts down. Still, he can't resist keeping her as close as possible to ensure her safety, while trying his best to keep his emotional distance.
I highly applaud the author's strong focus in this book on society's debt to our service members. Both Kodiak and Emma have suffered losses that they are still grieving, which gives the reader a very personal look into the issues veterans face.
The investigation takes several surprising turns as Emma faces betrayals from several angles while following the evidence and sorting out the truth. I was intrigued throughout the story, on the edge of my seat with some of the more harrowing scenes, and appreciated the way the entire case was eventually wrapped up.
I love the way the romance builds slowly but gradually as they work side by side and learn to trust each other. Kodiak proves to be a hard nut to crack, but Emma's quiet charm and persistent efforts finally get to the heart of the matter. These two are so sweet with each other as they heal old wounds and forge a heartwarming future together. Such a beautiful HEA with a satisfying epilogue. Highly recommended for anyone who loves contemporary romantic suspense.
Emma doesn’t just walk into danger - she collides with it and unprepared for the level of escalation that unravels around her. What started out as peak curiosity quickly spirals from a bomb threat to attacks on her life. And just when the stakes couldn’t get higher, she runs straight to her best friend and her husband who leads her to none other than back to Kodiak. The flirtatious man she remembers that left her cold at her best friend’s wedding. Kodiak remembers that painful moment when he gave up on her. He tries to hold his emotions intakes but he’s her only shot at making it out alive. Their chemistry is electric. Every glance feels loaded. As the suspense heats up, so does the heat! The heartbreak and emotional pasts only add to the thrill. This is the kind of story from Heather Slade that has you up long past midnight, promising one more chapter and delivering with twists and mystery. I can’t wait to see what the next book unfolds!
After seeing the sparks fly between Kodiak (Coleman) and Emma in Code Name: Atticus, I was dying for their story—and it did not disappoint! That heartbreaking moment on the dance floor left me frustrated, but seeing Coleman step up for Emma’s protection detail when her life is literally threatened by a coffee-pot bomb was the perfect redemption.
The tension from the previous book carries over into a high-stakes investigation. Emma is such a strong, smart heroine; her discovery of money being funneled away from veterans' organizations adds a layer of depth that feels incredibly relevant and moving.
It was also a total treat to see Gunner, Zary, and the rest of the K19 OGs. The camaraderie and shared baggage between the team members make this world feel so lived-in and real. Heather has done a fantastic job laying the groundwork for Luke’s story next—I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him!
What started out as a series of curious money transfers involving the VA that piqued Emma Sinclair's interest has now escalated to a break-in at her house and her coffee pot being wired to look like a bomb. Emma realizes she might be in over her head and contacts her best friend at K19 Sentinel Cyber for help.
The man sent to help her is none other than Coleman "Kodiak" Emeric, with whom she once worked with on an assignment. He was a different man then, fun, flirty, now he is quiet, and broody. Emma isn't sure what has changed but she knows she can trust Kodiak with her life.
I love Heather Slade's ability to bring you into the story, even though the characters are involved with complicated jobs you are able to understand exactly what is going on and are able to develop an emotional attachment to them.
Code Name: Kodiak is full of suspense, action and a few of those plot twists we love so much!!! I cannot wait for the next book in Sentinel Cyber!!!
Emma and Kodiak/Coleman worked together in the past, they got along well, then at a wedding while dancing he thought he saw her glance at someone and he went. Now Emma is being targetted because of information she's found. Money that should be going to veteran's charities is being diverted. The team all start working on it and Emma moves to Kodiak's house, she tries to get him to open up but doesn't have much luck. She still has feelings for him but has enough self worth and independence to not chase him. He's still trying to come to terms with losing his brother and isn't able to communicate about it with her, much ad he would like to. Then things start to ramp up, someone knows what shes been doing and is trying to stop her. Can the team find the culprits in time?
Code named: Kodiak is special forces team twos first book and its a fantastic start to the series! Kodiak aka Coleman is protecting Emma from an unknown enemy while shes doing a serious investigation on millions of dollars of VA Money being stolen. I love the emotional battles they have between them. Emma won't give up when she sets her mind to something she wants, needs or is fighting for. Kodiak learns to open up,feel, and deal with things he hasn't in years. The ride our wonderful Author Heather Slade takes us on to find out where, who, why, what is going on with this investigation is FANTASTIC. Will Coleman and Emma end up together? Oh its sooooo good!!! You must read it!!
Wow brilliant characters and a plot to carry them through.
When fraud analyst Emma needs help investigating a case, she is assigned Kodiak an operative she has history with.
The dynamic of misunderstandings in their past leads to the temporary friction before the work sets in but it's Kodiak's resolve to protect Emma that sets the course of the book. They have a real connection, one that helps to fast track their relationship build up.
Amazing story that i just thoroughly enjoyed. This author sure brings a story with all the action and suspense wrapped in a fantastic romance. So good!!
Starts off with a bomb scare, then hold on, the action keeps coming! This is the first in a new series, but fear not, lots of drop ins from old friends! Emma has followed a trail and uncovered something big and someone is not just watching her, but trying to scare her off. Coleman (aka Kodiak) has spent weeks believing Emma loved someone else, but when she is in danger, he goes into protect mode. In safe seclusion, truths are told, secrets are shared, and they piece together the puzzle that leads to more danger as they jump into the fray to find the answers. Overall a great read, highly recommend
Code Name: Kodiak is book 1 in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha; K19 Sentinel Cyber Team Two by Heather Slade
Kodiak and Emma were working undercover months ago as husband and wife feelings developed but neither acted upon them. They caught up again at their friend’s wedding and he thought her attention was on another so he split. Now with a break-in at her home, she’s back on his radar for protection, while trying to figure out the fraud she investigating, suspense, emotional, steamy, twists, turns and edge of your seat read!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading KODIAK . I'll start by saying wow what an outstanding suspense romance . Coleman “Kodiak” Emeric and Emma Sinclair worked together on a case months ago and there were feelings between them Kodiak walked away from her when he assumed she had feelings for another . Now Emma is investigating a cyber attack on the VA payment system but quickly finds herself in danger . Kodiak refuses to walk away he'll do whatever it takes to protect Emma and win her heart . This story is sensational . I really enjoyed reading it . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Coleman and Emma’s story is non stop action from the first chapter. It’s quite the read as these two race to solve what’s happening to funds meant for veterans that are being sent to dummy companies instead. As Emma gets to close and finds herself danger, Coleman and K19 step in to protect her. The spark between them hasn’t cooled at all from their last mission together. How this all unfolds and they finally get their relationship figured out is a fabulous page turning read.
Get ready for another great book by Heather Slade! Kodiak falls for Emma when they first meet but a misjudgement causes him to walk away. Emma starts investigating fraud with the VA but runs right into trouble and it's the kind that wants to kill her. The K19 Cyber team are the first people she runs to and of course Kodiak is determined to be her bodyguard. This book has it all with slow build up romance, government fraud, attempted murder and of course the great crew from K19 Sentinel Cyber.
Coleman & Emma - Kodiak and Em worked on a case together in the past and their time together came to a close and life went back to the way it was. But as Emma starts an investigation of her own, she finds her home in disorder and Kodiak is back in the picture. But with everything going on can their ever present chemistry boil over as things heat up? That's for you to learn as you read yet another well written story for the K19 Special Forces team.
"Code Name: Kodiak" (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (K19 Sentinel Cyber Team Two Book 1) by Heather Slade was a great read. I loved Kodiak and Emma's story. This story had romance, passion, military veterans, twists, entertaining characters, family, friends, action, and more. This was a great addition to these two series. I'm looking forward to reading what happens next. I highly recommend it to all fans of military, romance, action, and series.
This book was a great read, it hit me a little more emotionally dealing with the VA and the Marine Corps Marathon, but Mrs Slade is good at getting you into a story and pulling you into it. I loved Kodiak (Coleman) I had a few choice words in the beginning for him but he is now a favorite. We get to see past characters and a favorite of mine too who is a mentor to Coleman.
Wow, I mean WOW. This end of this story pulls at your heart strings. The plot was well developed and the wonderful characters were complex, compassionate, and driven to find the culprits. This story is one not to miss. Note: please remember all the veterans who return, especially those with mental and physical problems. They fought for our country, so that we may be free.
This one really pulls you in from page one. If you read the series you know Coleman and Emma already. If you haven't you will shortly. The suspense and chemistry jump off the page in the first chapter. The tug and pull between them is sweet and heartbreaking. The misunderstanding and fear that is no match to the need to keep Emma safe from whoever is after her. This is definitely a keeper.
Kodiak and Emma get this new series off to a memorable and impactful start. The smart and skillfully constructed combination of drama, twists, emotions, action, thrills, suspense, tension, intensity and heart is totally consuming and had me devouring chapter after chapter and up late to finish. I eagerly look forward to future entries in this seductive series.
This story is the start of a new series by this Author and I have to tell you or maybe I don't , her stories and ultimately her series are fantastic reading. This one keeps up with the action packed and dangerous times. I can usually tell right away if this story will be another great start to this series exactly what I love to read!
This had mystery, drama, love and angst, also a look into the lives of vets. It obviously doesn’t matter what country you serve for their governments don’t value the lives of those who fought so we could live a good life. Having said that I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and storyline .
I absolutely loved this story! I could not put it down. Was up til 5am, was so tired the next day but worth it. Coleman and Emma story was so much fun to watch unravel. There was just enough drama and heat to make the pages fly by! I highly recommend this story to others
Love on the edge strikes a cord with the heart. Dangerous seduction is quite the thrill ride. From the heat of attraction to the heartache of romance, Slade is sure to deliver the burn. Emma and Kodiak are breathtaking.
Kodiak, another wow story by Heather Slade. This story started off with a bang, Kodiak & Emma are working to figure out who set the bomb, and who's stealing money that is to go to veterans. The chemistry between Kodiak & Emma is hot. I was wishing the story could go on, I didn't want it to end.
I absolutely loved Coleman & Emma's book and so will you. What an amazing start to the series. I absolutely can't wait for more. Thanks, Heather for writing an amazing story.