Fighting for Keeps

Agents of TRAIT #3

by Seleste deLaney

He made her crazy. In every way imaginable...


Since her partner's death, Jodi Israel has been perfectly happy playing Q to everyone else's Bond. Electronics and machines are safer - and they are a lot easier to deal with. Unfortunately, she's stuck with TRAIT's newest recruit, an infuriating, arrogant alpha-male who plays by his own rules...and is hot enough to send electric voltage through all of Jodi's circuitry.

Finn Danby heeds his instincts, even though it's cost him his job on more than one occasion. The moment he sees Jodi's fiery hair and uncanny engineering abilities, Finn's instinct takes over...and it's all libido. Now they're working together to protect the unstable daughter of a high-profile politician - and the sparks are flying. Both in and out of the bedroom. But when all hell breaks loose, Jodi and Finn just may find themselves alone…and unemployed.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense

152 pages, ebook

First published April 21, 2015

About the author

Author of speculative romance (aka Julie Particka).

My quirky spy series, Agents of TRAIT, is published by Entangled: GAMING FOR KEEPS, CONNING FOR KEEPS, FIGHTING FOR KEEPS, and DYING FOR KEEPS

My steampunk romance series is from Carina Press: BADLANDS and CLOCKWORK MAFIA.

The Blood Kissed novels (KISS OF DEATH, KISS OF LIFE, and TALES OF THE BLOOD KISSED) are available from Seleste deLaney Books. The short stories that begin the Blood Kissed series (OF COURSE I TRY and THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT) are currently out of print. They are included in the TALES anthology)

My short stories YES,ALANA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS; MAKING THE NAUGHTY LIST; and A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS were formerly part of Evernight Publishing's holiday anthologies. In addition, Evernight was the home of the Cupid's Conquests multi-author, shared world series. (GUNSHY--book 1, and LOVE & OTHER INDOOR SPORTS--book 4). All my Evernight titles, however, are currently out of print.

Reviews

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sexy action packed romance is the story of Jodi and Finn. Jodi is content perfecting her spy gadgets for TRAIT and doesn't need a partner, certainly not a loud, obnoxious, overbearing man like Finn. But when they're put on an unusual case protecting a young woman, Finn's character shows something else Jodi's not used to - a caring and protective side. Sparks fly, and clothes with it, but while a wild fling might satisfy for now, it doesn't ease the ache of loneliness Jodi feels. Time is running out though, and if they want to make it through alive they're going to have to trust each other, and maybe, just maybe it'll lead to something more.

I really enjoyed this story! From Jodi and Finn's first meeting there is instant antagonism that makes the sex between them, when they succumb to the underlying attraction, hot and emotional. The suspense plot is unique and interesting, propelling the story forward at a rapid pace that made for a real page-turner. I liked how Jodi and Finn related to one another, that Jodi doesn't take any nonsense from him and equally Finn isn't afraid to push right back. They are like oil and water but when in a crises they work together as they are supposed to, perfect partners when needed. They have each other's backs and that thought isn't lost on Jodi as she grudgingly admits to herself that maybe she need's Finn after all. It was an entertaining and fun read. 4 stars!

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Nicole (bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable paranormal romance, in spite of the way the characters got on my nerves at the start of the book. Both of our MCs (dual POV narration) have baggage from their past, and it takes a while for them to move past that. They do start working through their issues at about the same time that the plot picks up, though, and I really enjoyed the read from that point forward.

The paranormal part of this book is minimal, but it's there. It felt like it made perfect sense to me in the context of this book, and I don't think that it would get in the way for people who don't normally read PNR. However, do be sure that you're ready for spicy scenes if you decide to read this one! There are multiple on-page sex scenes here. (Though, if you prefer to skim them, there's no plot development during the sex. Character development yes, but not plot.)

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive action, hot chemistry between the characters, and mystery to be solved that involves powerful political players, are the makings of a book that I had a hard time putting down.
Jodi is independent and strong minded woman, with sass and attitude, and mega skill in technology. She is the red haired geek in the garage, making everyone's operations go smoothly.
Finn is an arrogant, pompous, skillful out-of-the-box thinker, who seems to be misunderstood at every step of his life. When they meet the first time, the irritation and anger set off, as well as the electrifying chemistry.
While training to go on the field together as partners is not easy, trouble free, or even team work, their lustful thoughts of each other are so animalistic, they are fun, and made me laugh out loud. They make the perfect couple, as soon as they stop playing power games, and trust each other enough to open up, let go of the insecurities and not misunderstand everything the other one does.
The hunt for the truth, for the people after Jodi, and TRAIT, is intense, full of twists and turns that kept the story moving fast. From the acknowledgments I saw that this story was first written as a novella, and then into a full length novel. With the action and solution to the crimes, it could have gone even deeper into the story. The ending felt a bit like it was wrapped up too soon.
I absolutely loved the author's voice. The inner thoughts of the characters were full of humor and irony, several times I realized my own thoughts going on the same path as the cast of characters, and that doesn't happen to me ever! I realize that this is a book three in a series, that I haven't read the previous books of, but that didn't take away the enjoyment of the story at all
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time in reading this author. I also very much enjoy novels of this nature because of the promise of lots of action. This one fulfilled that promise on many levels. Jodi hasn't been out in the field much thanks to a unhappy event in the past and a dead partner. But new blood is in and she gets to train one of them. Finn also does not play well with others. He must though take his training and learn to be a team player. What happens when you take temper and combine with stubbornness? Explosive combination but fun to read. These two were quite entertaining but also they face plenty of action. When they are given a case but do not receive all the info they do pretty darn good together. The case also is not the average either which as a reader standpoint made it interesting. Something though goes sideways and now they must really work together because they on another level have become excellent players together with hearts at risk. This author gives you a merry chase when they must find all the answers to have a different outcome because the other one stunk too bad. The humor interjected comes at exactly the right times. The agents alone are pretty interesting do not know how I missed this series before. Received a copy for a honest review.

[Sparkymom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series which I must admit I have not read. It certainly didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book since I didn't even notice that it was book 3 until after I finished it. I liked this story of two prickly characters haunted by past decisions who are thrown together suddenly and then tasked with a near impossible job. Both Finn and Jodi were moody and difficult to partner with. They were attracted to each other, but more sparks were flying due to their tempers than their chemistry at first. The longer they worked together the more their barriers against each other started to come down. Finn realized his feelings toward Jodi before she was willing to admit her own. The story had plenty of suspense and action and bedroom adventures. I did feel like the ending was a bit too cut and dried and abrupt for my taste. It seemed to leave out some of the details behind why and how this person committed the crimes he/she did. Since it is a series, I figure it is likely more will come out about the plot later. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Net Galley provided a copy for review.

[Julie-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series but how weird must it be to work at TRAIT knowing that all your co-workers are hooking up and becoming couples? I mean what are the chances that so many people within the same company partner up with their actual partners? This is not a complaint! I still love the series and can't wait to read more, I kinda want Marron to get his sexy on.

Anyway, back to this book. Finn comes across as a bit of a douche but eventually proves to Jodi that he can work as part of a team - although he's still a bit of a douche, just a douche-y team player. Jodi tries to break up the partnership at the beginning because she's happy enough working on gadgets and is still upset by what happened to her last partner. We also discover exactly how secret the secret agency really is and the work that it takes to keep it that way.

I really enjoy this series and the world and characters deLaney is building and I'm definitely looking forward to more.

[H.L. Nighbor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars….

This is the first book in this series and by this author. The writing was great and the dynamic between the characters was fun. However, I had a hard time with this book. It was a great story but it had some paranormal aspects that I wasn’t a fan of. I don’t like paranormal books so I was surprised to see those elements when the book description made no mention to that aspect of the story.

Don’t get me wrong. Those readers who like great romance books with paranormal elements will probably like this book more than I did. When I look at it for what it was, it is a good read. I just had a hard time getting into it. I prefer my books a little more realistic in nature.

With that said, I would be willing to give other books by this author a chance. I would also give other books in this series a chance. Maybe this was a one off with the paranormal elements.

Read my other book reviews at http://heathersbookreviews.com/

[Michelle (Adventure in Bookland) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book that I read in the Trait series and I like that I was able to read it as a stand-alone and the characters from the other books were mentioned but they weren’t too involved. I would have never known they were from the other books with out looking them up.

I loved the story between Jodi and Finn. I liked them together. They both had to deal with things that happened in their past in order to really work together. In the end they ended up becoming the perfect team in more ways than one.

I also liked the added twist with Izzy, the girl Jodi and Finn where to protect!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not an enjoyable read for me. The plot was odd, and not in an interesting, gotta read it kind of way. I found myself skimming the last few chapters.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the ARC!

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodi has locked herself away in the garage of TRAIT, becoming its own version of Q! She now doubts herself, after all her last partner died because he wouldn't take her seriously. But after TRAIT gets hacked she has nowhere to hide anymore. She needs a partner, someone who is a bit more instinctual. But does it have to be Finn? He's arrogant, foolhardy and a very strong contender for a$$hole of the year!

Finn, former soldier, former cop, current pain in Jodi's ass! But together they have been tasked with keeping a senators daughter safe. But if you're going to give them an assignment - maybe give them all the details especially of the paranormal, telekinesis type! Add in the fact that someone has Jodi in their sight and they don't seem to be too particular how they get her.

I loved Jodi's idea of team building - leave him in a room with booby traps and train in peace - LOL. But they do set the sheets alight. Jodi and Finn both have their own doubts about their pasts, they just need to believe in each other. Now to go back and buy the rest of the series.

[Booknook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action adventure romance

This story had all the steam of the previous ones with an increase in the action adventure. It also featured an enemies-to-lovers aspect that was a lot of fun to read.

[Gigi staub · Rating 4 out of 5]

He made her crazy. In every way imaginable...


Since her partner's death, Jodi Israel has been perfectly happy playing Q to everyone else's Bond. Electronics and machines are safer - and they are a lot easier to deal with. Unfortunately, she's stuck with TRAIT's newest recruit, an infuriating, arrogant alpha-male who plays by his own rules...and is hot enough to send electric voltage through all of Jodi's circuitry.

Finn Danby heeds his instincts, even though it's cost him his job on more than one occasion. The moment he sees Jodi's fiery hair and uncanny engineering abilities, Finn's instinct takes over...and it's all libido. Now they're working together to protect the unstable daughter of a high-profile politician - and the sparks are flying. Both in and out of the bedroom. But when all hell breaks loose, Jodi and Finn just may find themselves alone…and unemployed.

Review:

First can I say,"Whoa Momma!" what a cover. Now that that is out of the way I can talk about the story.

I have not read this author before and really got wrapped up in the story and characters she wrote. Of course, I picked up a book that is #3 in a series, but at no time was I lost or confused. I am curious and want to go and read the other books now though. When I first picked this up for review I thought "hey" I am going to get to read a romantic action suspense book, but I was really surprised when it had that twist of the supernatural in the story.

Jodi and Finn were fun to read, from their first meeting there is that romantic tension and their love-hate relationship. I liked that Jodi was this sort of geeky/tech girl, though she is awesome in the field. Finn is like that rogue, who can't follow the rules, but you love him anyway. Their passion is what drew me to them both and of course to each other. Both have been burned by past partners and bosses, it was interesting to watch how they tried to deal with each other and their attraction.

I am glad I picked up this fast, page turner.

*Book provided by Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review*
4Stars

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun with this story. I pretty much finished it in one day. The "fighting" connection of Jodi and Finn have here is frustrating and challenging for them, but fun for me to read. They make quick jokes when working at each other's nerves.

****FULL REVIEW****
The synopsis of the book is spot on. So I'm not going to describe anymore as it'd be the same thing repeated. This is also going to be a short review as I don't want to give to much away or mush about how much I enjoyed this story and couple.

I had fun with this story. I pretty much finished it in one day. The "fighting" connection of Jodi and Finn have here is frustrating and challenging for them, but fun for me to read. They make quick jokes when working at each other's nerves.

Jodi and Finn strike me as two sides of the same coin. They both have different reactions and outcomes in their lives to a very powerful moment they lived through.

Jodi has spunk. But she hates having to assert her "rank" over Finn from the first meeting. But Finn reminds her of a past partner that didn't fair well in the field due to his lack of respect for her ability to do her job. She thinks in order to help Finn, and keep him from the same path of her last partner, she needs to do just this to make him better.

Finn is a bit different. He is like, from Jodi's view, her past partner yet he's not. From the moment he helped the little girl, I knew it (and I think Jodi too). He has a soft side and can be worked with, no matter how lone wolf he comes across. He does, however, have a past that affects his thinking on working and trusting others, one that also had the outcome of death. And he doesn't want it to happen again.

Their mission! I have to mention the senator's daughter. That's such a surprise! I liked this little twist.

I always have fun with the books in this series. They are shorter stories but fun with the banter and connecting the couple does through out. It is a sexy romance that has intimate moments. I will be looking forward to the next couple in TRAIT's agency. I think I know who it may be.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review***

Finn and Jodi were a fiery couple. The story starts with the main couple disliking each other intensely but it could be because they have instant sexual chemistry that bound between them.

Jodi Israel has been perfectly happy playing Q to all the other agents’ since her partner’s death. Electronics are safer and do not cause her heart to break; they do not cause her emotions to be damaged unlike working with a partner. Jodi’s boss needs Jodi’s help with a ferreting out a spy and sends in a new partner for Jodi to work with-something Jodi does NOT want.

Finn Danby needs to find the spy as well but for his own reasons. He comes off as a huge ego-ladden jerk but he ends up coming together with Jodi to get the job done to work together to protect all the players in the deadly game. What Finn didn’t expect was to fall for Jodi.

Both Finn and Jodi were capricious and broody when they were partnered with. The fascination with each other grew daily, yet the longer they partnered together the more their walls against one other start to come down. Finn realized he had feelings toward Jodi before she was ready to admit her feelings back to him. This story had tons of twists and turns with suspense and explosive action. Loved how Finn and Jodie had that instant spark and how they fought it yet worked together to get the job done, The sex between them was so explosive and hot. I loved the secondary characters that were in this story. This is my first time reading the Agents of Trait series but it will not be my last. I can’t wait to read what the author has up next. This is a great story, if I had to have a criticism for this story, I would say I feel the ending was rushed and there should have been a bit of a longer ending for this story but other than that, great story.


My rating: 4.0 stars

[2kasmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodi and Finn's story is kind of complicated. Jodi first meets him as he is a cop trying to give her a parking ticket. Finn is attracted to her right away but not sure how to approach, since she is in quite the hurry.

Finn next sees Jodi over at TRAIT - who is trying to recruit him. She will be his trainer/supervisor for his trial period. Finn is just fine having a woman be his superior. What is bothering him is he can barely restrain himself from touching her. He has the desire to kiss her all the time. The chemistry is literally killing him.

Jodi is also attracted to Finn. She has had a bad partner in the past who would never rely on a woman, so she afraid to take Finn's word that all is fine. The trust is not there yet and they are already in danger. Nothing seems to stop the sizzle between them and they finally just give in. Is it just sex? Can it be more? Is there something there between them?

Both of them have been hurt before. Both of them are scared. Meanwhile, there is a threat against Jodi's life that has jumped the track and now is after Finn also. Can they catch a killer, save the girl, and find love? I think they can. The characters are very well developed and this is the TRAIT series book # 3.


***This ARC copy was given free from Netgalley.com and its publisher, for review purposes. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.

[Maf (Bookworm Wanders) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more reviews check my blog Maf's Crazy Book Life

And here we have another book that I was pleasantly surprised by.

This book starts with one of my favourite thing in books ever they hate each other at first sight but then BOOM. Crazy sexual chemistry. You can never really go wrong with that.

I loved the interactions the main characters had because even though they were both incredibly stubborn, I understood their motivations and never once did I feel like it was being annoying to the point where I wanted to scream at them, I liked how their relationship progressed personally and professionally between them, I wish I could get more of this couple because they were both amazing.

This book was so much fun to read that I needed to highlight in orange the funny bits and pink the cute ones because the funny bits deserved their own colour.

It was a really good, fast paced read with a plot twist I didn't see coming but when it happened I was totally shocked because I definitely did not see that one coming.

My only problem was that the ending felt a bit rushed, I really liked these characters and the world around them, I needed more!!! Thank god it's the third book in the series so I'm definitely going to be reading the first two books, I have a feeling the world of the agents of TRAIT and me are going to get along just fine.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fighting for Keeps is book number three in Seleste deLaney's romantic suspense series Agents of TRAIT. Here we've got Jodi Israel and Finn Darby and they're assigned together, something neither of them is really excited about. While her boss believes she's ready to return to the field, Jodi's hesitant and being partnered with someone who reminds her too much of her dead partner isn't helping. She's the senior agent but Finn isn't too thrilled about having to take his orders from someone who obviously dislikes him.

I so enjoyed this third book and loved the enemies to lovers feel of it as well as the fact that they're co-workers. There's an attraction that's there but they don't particularly like each other very much so reading about them learning to work together and then earning each other's trust and respect made for an entertaining read. This book had action, romance, suspense, and a hint of the paranormal, so there were thrills in all forms. Fighting for Keeps is my favorite book in the series, so far, and is getting 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads! ♥

Release Date: 21 April 2015

[Kathleen Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I don't normally read contemporary very much. unless I know it's good or if it's from an author I read and adore. Good news! I love this series and I love this author! Agents of TRAIT is a pretty fun series, but you don't have to necessarily read it in order. it's got sexiness, action and humour thrown in as well! and it kept me guessing to the end. And you have to love the characters. Finn was a pretty interesting and stubborn as guy. until you read more and realise theres a lot more to him than that. so don't judge him too quickly because he will melt your heart. And your panties! and Jodi is a spitfire! so many times I wanted to yell at her! I also liked how the author threw in references to pop culture that made me laugh. and if you don't know it your loss. one of my favourite lines

"he had to have the dark kind that could pull a pleading, wide-eyed Puss-in-Boots in a heartbeat. Not that he would"

And use of Doll and uses of teddy bear were just awesome. I also loved the first in the series Gaming for Keeps with what "cute" meant. which was just... beautiful. so Doll is soo going into my repertoire !

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn Danby needs a job since he was just fired from the Chicago Police Department. As he walked out of the police department, he was approached by Josh Marron of TRAIT and offered a job. Now he's a new recruit at TRAIT and partnered with Jodi Israel. She lost her last partner, Nolan, because he refused to listen to her and wait for back up. Jody soon realizes that Finn seems to have that same attitude that Nolan had. There is one huge problem...she can't keep her eyes off the sexy recruit and the feelings are definitely mutual.

I love the relationship these two have. It's that kind of relationship that says "I'm attracted to you but I hate you at the same time." As expected, the sex between these two is off-the-charts! They make a good team in bed and out of it. Also, Izzy was quite a surprise. She gave the story that perfect little twist.

This is book 3 in the Agents of TRAIT series and it's my first book by Seleste deLaney. It won't be my last! I must go read books one and two!

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodi Israel doesn't want to deal with chauvinistic Alpha males. She won't be put in that position ever again. The loss of her partner showed her what could happen. Suddenly she has a new recruit to deal with. He's as stubborn as they come. Can they learn to work together? Finn Danby has issues with authority especially when the person in charge is a woman, but he wants to work for TRAIT so he has no choice. The battle of wills between Jodi and Finn is intriguing. The heat between them is a potent mix of attraction and fiery passion. Both have built up walls to protect themselves from their pain and guilt. I liked seeing them grow close and fall in love. They can deal with the danger but can they accept love. The story is a fast paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns. I want to know more about Izzy and her telekinetic abilities. Her talent added suspense to Fighting For Keeps. Seleste Delaney did an excellent job keeping me guessing. I didn't know until the very end who the mastermind was. I enjoy the Agents of TRAIT series and I'm looking forward to more adventures.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like the beginning of the story was more developed than the end. I liked the first half of the book. It was well presented why Jodi didn't want a partner and the type of guy Finn is. They had good tension when the two were together. After Jodi and Finn were directed to watch the Senator's daughter, the story lost a little something. It was also an odd addition that the senator's daughter had supernatural powers. It was quite unexpected since nothing else was out of the norm. Also, the characters took it in stride. They never discussed how shocking it was. When Jody and Finn identified the leak, it was so sudden and wrapped up so quickly and with little explanation that I anticipated that they had apprehended it was the wrong suspect. Perhaps as a part of a series, that will come out later.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Finn always the feisty one, "fighting. You have to be in control of every damn second. Hell, do you even let men join you in bed, or do you handle everything on your own?" And what he says after that was funny as s***, "I don’t need to know. I can imagine you with a lover. You riding him like a prize stallion until he comes, and then rolling off and taking care of yourself without letting him lay even a finger on you. I guess he’s just supposed to consider himself lucky for getting to be in your presence." Finn really was a smarta** and that's what I loved about him, "I thought about sleeping, but I forgot to bring my teddy bear.” He ran a hand over the spot next to him, then patted it. “Why don’t you come over and play substitute?" I liked this book and enjoyed Finn.

[Tory Michaels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and of course I like the TRAIT series anyway.

Finn - he wasn't the most PC guy out there and he's willing to do what it takes to get the job done. It was nice to see a guy who might go a bit overboard and not apologize for it or fall over himself being all PC. He is who he is.

Jodi - sweet girl. I loved seeing her pushed back into the field and find a way to heal emotionally from what happened to her.

These two worked together (as a couple ultimately) but it wasn't easy for them to see that they could become a couple and I enjoyed watching the struggle.

Great book!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and Jodi were a riot to read! Who would be the most stubborn? Who would be in control? Who would be on top? Their verbal heated matches were such a fun form of foreplay and when they got together...oh momma Mia, it was hot! Their bantering and sparring was sexy. It was easy to see how much fun the writer had with this book because the story flowed flawlessly, the action and intrigue was fantastic and the chemistry between Jodi and Finn was scorching. Now I want to read the first two stories on this series.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.

[Kelley Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book from this series. I was a little concerned about not reading the other two but this one works well as a stand alone. There are many twists and turns in this one and the chemistry is amazing. The characters are intriguing. This is a wonderfully written romantic suspense that gives an equal balance of both. Fast paced and provocative, this is one story that keeps you interested.

ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn definitely has the alpha thing going for him. He and Jodi have consistent interaction and development. I enjoy the surprise regarding the girl in their care because I was definitely not expecting it. It adds a different element and opens up the possibilities for expansion beyond the scope I initially thought it fit in. Really good writing. Super hot scenes. Fun read :p