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EXIT Inc. #2
No Exit
Lena Diaz returns to the thrilling world of EXIT Inc., with two enemies who become unlikely allies—and discover that only through love can they save each other.
As an agent of the Equalizers, Jace Atwell will risk everything to destroy EXIT Inc., the corrupt antiterrorist group, before more innocent lives are lost. The only way to infiltrate EXIT is by getting close to the CEO's beautiful daughter, but when they get a little too close, Jace finds himself falling for the woman he is duty-bound to deceive.
Whatever clandestine activities EXIT is involved in, Melissa Cardenas refuses to believe that her father is responsible and is determined to prove it. So when sexy, smooth-talking Jace comes clean about his motives, Melissa drops a bombshell of her own: she's been investigating too—and she wants to help him find the truth.
The chemistry between Melissa and Jace is undeniable, but their opposing views of justice make teamwork tricky. With their lives on the line—and the truth something neither of them expected—the only way to survive will be to trust their hearts and each other . . . if they can.
As an agent of the Equalizers, Jace Atwell will risk everything to destroy EXIT Inc., the corrupt antiterrorist group, before more innocent lives are lost. The only way to infiltrate EXIT is by getting close to the CEO's beautiful daughter, but when they get a little too close, Jace finds himself falling for the woman he is duty-bound to deceive.
Whatever clandestine activities EXIT is involved in, Melissa Cardenas refuses to believe that her father is responsible and is determined to prove it. So when sexy, smooth-talking Jace comes clean about his motives, Melissa drops a bombshell of her own: she's been investigating too—and she wants to help him find the truth.
The chemistry between Melissa and Jace is undeniable, but their opposing views of justice make teamwork tricky. With their lives on the line—and the truth something neither of them expected—the only way to survive will be to trust their hearts and each other . . . if they can.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 26, 2016
37 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Lena Diaz
193 books432 followersRomantic suspense author, Lena Diaz, is a four time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. She's also a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finalist and has won numerous other awards.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 15, 2016
After reading Exit Strategy last year I couldn't wait to read No Exit and watch the Equalizers bring down EXIT Inc. That being said, while I enjoyed some aspects of No exit, it wasn't everything I was hoping it'd be.
Jace is new to the Equalizers and has been tasked with getting close to the CEO of EXIT Inc's daughter, Melissa, so he can get inside EXIT and do some digging. When things don't exactly go according to plan, Jace ends up protecting Melissa and getting in a lot sooner than he expected.
Melissa has been doing a little snooping of her own to try to figure out what her father's been up to and when she decides that Jace is trustworthy enough, even though she knows he's not being totally honest about a few things, she lets him in on her little secret... Which is when things start to pick up a little bit.
I think my main issue with No Exit is the fact that up until 50% nothing really happened. Jace and Melissa meet, argue about her father, and then FINALLY we get to see just a little bit of action... With the baddies and between the sheets. Since the first book in this series offered non-stop action from beginning to end I was expecting the same to be said about this one and unfortunately that's not the case.
Once the action started to pick up though? I couldn't wait to see how it would all play out. Melissa and Jace had each others back right through it all and it was a nice change to see a heroine hold her own in some of the situations they were in. But that ending? I was really hoping for more closure, and at this point, after everything that happened, we're left wondering if the Equalizers are even still a team.
Overall, while I was hoping for a little more from No Exit, it still ended up being a decent read and I'm still looking forward to see where Lena Diaz goes with this series if she decides to get the Equalizers back together again.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Jace is new to the Equalizers and has been tasked with getting close to the CEO of EXIT Inc's daughter, Melissa, so he can get inside EXIT and do some digging. When things don't exactly go according to plan, Jace ends up protecting Melissa and getting in a lot sooner than he expected.
Melissa has been doing a little snooping of her own to try to figure out what her father's been up to and when she decides that Jace is trustworthy enough, even though she knows he's not being totally honest about a few things, she lets him in on her little secret... Which is when things start to pick up a little bit.
I think my main issue with No Exit is the fact that up until 50% nothing really happened. Jace and Melissa meet, argue about her father, and then FINALLY we get to see just a little bit of action... With the baddies and between the sheets. Since the first book in this series offered non-stop action from beginning to end I was expecting the same to be said about this one and unfortunately that's not the case.
Once the action started to pick up though? I couldn't wait to see how it would all play out. Melissa and Jace had each others back right through it all and it was a nice change to see a heroine hold her own in some of the situations they were in. But that ending? I was really hoping for more closure, and at this point, after everything that happened, we're left wondering if the Equalizers are even still a team.
Overall, while I was hoping for a little more from No Exit, it still ended up being a decent read and I'm still looking forward to see where Lena Diaz goes with this series if she decides to get the Equalizers back together again.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2016
This is my first book by Diaz and wow I really enjoyed every minute of it! It was fast paced and filled with non stop action that I honestly didn't want to end. Since I didn't read the first book I was a little lost on the whole history of exit but I'm so glad Diaz took the time to explain it over again for first time readers of this series.
Jace is a ex navy seal and recently left his bodyguard job when something went wrong. Now he's helping other men take down exit and get to the bottom of why innocent people are being killed by assassins.
Melissa is the president of exit while her father is the CEO. Some strange things are going on and she is digging deep to find out what they are. The problem is she doesn't know who she can trust.
It's been a while since I have read a good romantic suspense with characters that I really enjoyed and this one just did it for me. I never got bored and I honestly didn't want to put this down. I had no issues on keeping track with who was who and what side they were on.
I felt these two main characters had some great chemistry and I loved how they started to work together even if they didn't completely trust one another. This book also had a mystery vibe on who is pulling the strings and why.
If you're looking for a good suspense to get your heart rate going I definitely suggest reading this book!
Jace is a ex navy seal and recently left his bodyguard job when something went wrong. Now he's helping other men take down exit and get to the bottom of why innocent people are being killed by assassins.
Melissa is the president of exit while her father is the CEO. Some strange things are going on and she is digging deep to find out what they are. The problem is she doesn't know who she can trust.
It's been a while since I have read a good romantic suspense with characters that I really enjoyed and this one just did it for me. I never got bored and I honestly didn't want to put this down. I had no issues on keeping track with who was who and what side they were on.
I felt these two main characters had some great chemistry and I loved how they started to work together even if they didn't completely trust one another. This book also had a mystery vibe on who is pulling the strings and why.
If you're looking for a good suspense to get your heart rate going I definitely suggest reading this book!
January 12, 2016
4.5 Stars – 2.5 Flames
We all know that the second installment to series are rarely better than the first, but this one blows the first out of the water…and I LOVED the first one. I have to give the author credit. This is the second book of hers that I’ve read that there is non-stop action on every page. Yes, every page. So if you’re a skimmer, don’t do it with this one. You’ll miss something important, guaranteed.
As with the first installment, we’re immediately thrust into a high stress situation where the lead female, Melissa, is being chased off a mountain. But it’s not the typical chase; at least that’s not what it’s supposed to be. We as readers are thrown a twist in the first Chapter. Yep, I said it. Don’t worry though. It won’t be the first twist, turn, and jaw dropping moment in this.
Jace is a member of the Equalizers who are still trying to take down Cyprian Cardenas and his “behind the scenes” company. Turns out that Cyprian’s daughter runs the “front” part of the company, completely blind to what her father is really up to. Unfortunately, Jace has the task of getting to know Melissa in order to find a way to take her father down.
There is absolutely no way for me to write this review without some sort of spoilers, so I’ll keep the good ones to myself. Obviously there will be chemistry between Jace and Melissa because, well, because. What you’ll find out is that Melissa isn’t the typical innocent girl. She’s been through a lot and can totally hold her own. Now wonder Jace falls for her, right?
Since there are so many twists and turns and so much awesome action, the romance department isn’t on the top of the list. But the action scenes and “who done it” feel kept me so captivated that I found it very hard to put down, even when I had to. I highly recommend this to any suspense, action, military reader and it CAN be read as a stand alone….but why would you?
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
We all know that the second installment to series are rarely better than the first, but this one blows the first out of the water…and I LOVED the first one. I have to give the author credit. This is the second book of hers that I’ve read that there is non-stop action on every page. Yes, every page. So if you’re a skimmer, don’t do it with this one. You’ll miss something important, guaranteed.
As with the first installment, we’re immediately thrust into a high stress situation where the lead female, Melissa, is being chased off a mountain. But it’s not the typical chase; at least that’s not what it’s supposed to be. We as readers are thrown a twist in the first Chapter. Yep, I said it. Don’t worry though. It won’t be the first twist, turn, and jaw dropping moment in this.
Jace is a member of the Equalizers who are still trying to take down Cyprian Cardenas and his “behind the scenes” company. Turns out that Cyprian’s daughter runs the “front” part of the company, completely blind to what her father is really up to. Unfortunately, Jace has the task of getting to know Melissa in order to find a way to take her father down.
There is absolutely no way for me to write this review without some sort of spoilers, so I’ll keep the good ones to myself. Obviously there will be chemistry between Jace and Melissa because, well, because. What you’ll find out is that Melissa isn’t the typical innocent girl. She’s been through a lot and can totally hold her own. Now wonder Jace falls for her, right?
Since there are so many twists and turns and so much awesome action, the romance department isn’t on the top of the list. But the action scenes and “who done it” feel kept me so captivated that I found it very hard to put down, even when I had to. I highly recommend this to any suspense, action, military reader and it CAN be read as a stand alone….but why would you?
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2016
Diaz begins the No Exit with an intense scene that does not play out at all like Equalizer, Jace Atwell expected. Jace is trying to infiltrate EXIT Inc. and the team decided the CEO’s daughter Melissa Cardenas is the perfect way to gain entry. He is to save her after his teammate runs her off the side of the road. Only it is not his teammate and gunshots are exchanged. From that, moment on Diaz kept up the intense thrills.
I enjoyed watching Melissa and Jace get to know each other. Neither trusts the other, but Jace quickly realizes that Melissa is beginning to suspect her father is up to something nefarious. There interactions felt genuine and the constant danger may have sped up the emotional aspects of their relationship, I never doubted it.
I love ex-military, special OPS men and Jace was adorable. While his basic instinct is to protect, I appreciated his interaction and respect for Melissa. Melissa is strong, but definitely lonely. She was well on her way to discovering her father’s secrets, but it is hard to accept your father is a cold-hearted killer. A twist at the end almost made me pity the man. Jace and Melissa are leaders and it created some fun banter, a little danger and some heat. Characters from Exit Strategy are present, and we get updates on the Watcher's, Council and overall story arc. Each book features a different member of the Equalizers and their love interest. Diaz does a nice job of bringing the reader up to speed enabling No Exit, to work as a standalone. The overall story arc continues and I am anxious to discover which teammate will be featured next.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
I enjoyed watching Melissa and Jace get to know each other. Neither trusts the other, but Jace quickly realizes that Melissa is beginning to suspect her father is up to something nefarious. There interactions felt genuine and the constant danger may have sped up the emotional aspects of their relationship, I never doubted it.
I love ex-military, special OPS men and Jace was adorable. While his basic instinct is to protect, I appreciated his interaction and respect for Melissa. Melissa is strong, but definitely lonely. She was well on her way to discovering her father’s secrets, but it is hard to accept your father is a cold-hearted killer. A twist at the end almost made me pity the man. Jace and Melissa are leaders and it created some fun banter, a little danger and some heat. Characters from Exit Strategy are present, and we get updates on the Watcher's, Council and overall story arc. Each book features a different member of the Equalizers and their love interest. Diaz does a nice job of bringing the reader up to speed enabling No Exit, to work as a standalone. The overall story arc continues and I am anxious to discover which teammate will be featured next.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
February 11, 2016
Lena Diaz is a sure bet for a well written, action packed romantic suspense story. To see more, check out my review on my blog.
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September 13, 2019
I actually really enjoyed this . Yes Melissa was annoying at times but I get it for the most part. She is an independent woman and doesn't want to seem weak or a damsel in distress. Jace on the other hand was a good guy who wasn't to much of a push over with Melissa being so independent. In other words when there was a fight or something he brought her along reluctantly. I'm looking forward to the last book. Not sure who it about yet .
March 13, 2016
Review posted on Got Fiction?
The first book in this series really caught my attention. It was full of intrigue, twists, turns, and hot romance.
This second book starts off just as fast, with the mission going south. But the hero Jace doesn't know the half of it. The plan is to have his partner run the daughter of their enemy off the road, and Jace will save her, gaining her trust. Of course, it doesn't go to plan.
Part of the problem with this book is that it doesn't stand alone. If you haven't read the first one, you won't get caught up until midway through. I mean, you'll know what's going on in the plot for this actual book, but you won't know why Cyprian Cardenas is the bad guy, what he did last book, or why his actual (original) purpose wasn't terrible.
EXIT Inc. is Cyprian's business. It's a tour guide company where they take you on extreme vacations. But there's another side to EXIT Inc. It's a secret government department that takes out bad guys. So EXIT Inc. starts out as the good guys. In the last book Exit Strategy, we found out that Cyprian has been using it to take out innocent people. So the good guys have become his personal assassin team.
In this book, Jace is using Melissa to get close to her father. The idea being that the guys who broke away from EXIT Inc. are trying to prove what's going on and get the government to shut down Cyprian's operation.
Melissa is trying to figure out what's going on as well. But on her own, she isn't able to do what Jace can do. Although she's made some progress. Melissa hires him for protection as her bodyguard, and the two of them dance around each other. This is where it starts to fall apart for me. (and it's still like only the first quarter of the book).
Melissa obviously doesn't know what's going on, but she knows Jace isn't just her bodyguard. Everything was too coincidental. So she starts to push him for info. And he tells her almost everything! I was so mad at that. The guy's a former SEAL. He can keep a secret from everybody but this chick?! Seriously? And his backup decided since he couldn't keep his trap shut, that he was out of their club. It was just such a weird scene. In general. It really sticks out as where I almost DNF'd the book.
Melissa veered into TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) territory a few times. She kept talking about how she needed to protect him. Anytime something bad happened, she acted as if he's incapable of doing anything, and ruins his plan. He's not a martyr, he's a SEAL. Give him some credit that he's not going to go down without a fight, or a plan. At one point she brought a knife to gun fight-she doesn't know what she's doing! She tried to protect Jace, but got in the way, and got shot for her troubles.
Overall, the plot is there, it's a full and exciting plot that she did so little with! I was so disappointed that this book didn't hold up to the first.
***ARC courtesy of AVON books
HighlandHussy
The first book in this series really caught my attention. It was full of intrigue, twists, turns, and hot romance.
This second book starts off just as fast, with the mission going south. But the hero Jace doesn't know the half of it. The plan is to have his partner run the daughter of their enemy off the road, and Jace will save her, gaining her trust. Of course, it doesn't go to plan.
Part of the problem with this book is that it doesn't stand alone. If you haven't read the first one, you won't get caught up until midway through. I mean, you'll know what's going on in the plot for this actual book, but you won't know why Cyprian Cardenas is the bad guy, what he did last book, or why his actual (original) purpose wasn't terrible.
EXIT Inc. is Cyprian's business. It's a tour guide company where they take you on extreme vacations. But there's another side to EXIT Inc. It's a secret government department that takes out bad guys. So EXIT Inc. starts out as the good guys. In the last book Exit Strategy, we found out that Cyprian has been using it to take out innocent people. So the good guys have become his personal assassin team.
In this book, Jace is using Melissa to get close to her father. The idea being that the guys who broke away from EXIT Inc. are trying to prove what's going on and get the government to shut down Cyprian's operation.
Melissa is trying to figure out what's going on as well. But on her own, she isn't able to do what Jace can do. Although she's made some progress. Melissa hires him for protection as her bodyguard, and the two of them dance around each other. This is where it starts to fall apart for me. (and it's still like only the first quarter of the book).
Melissa obviously doesn't know what's going on, but she knows Jace isn't just her bodyguard. Everything was too coincidental. So she starts to push him for info. And he tells her almost everything! I was so mad at that. The guy's a former SEAL. He can keep a secret from everybody but this chick?! Seriously? And his backup decided since he couldn't keep his trap shut, that he was out of their club. It was just such a weird scene. In general. It really sticks out as where I almost DNF'd the book.
Melissa veered into TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) territory a few times. She kept talking about how she needed to protect him. Anytime something bad happened, she acted as if he's incapable of doing anything, and ruins his plan. He's not a martyr, he's a SEAL. Give him some credit that he's not going to go down without a fight, or a plan. At one point she brought a knife to gun fight-she doesn't know what she's doing! She tried to protect Jace, but got in the way, and got shot for her troubles.
Overall, the plot is there, it's a full and exciting plot that she did so little with! I was so disappointed that this book didn't hold up to the first.
***ARC courtesy of AVON books
HighlandHussy
February 15, 2016
NO EXIT is a captivating, action-filled, edge of the seat ride from the first page, filled with mystery and suspense, many players with complex and conflicting motives as well as surprising and unexpected twists.
The Equalizers are still on a quest to bring down EXIT, Inc.'s covert operation and this time, they plan to infiltrate using Melissa Cardena, the President of EXIT, Inc. and daughter of the CEO. While Jace Atwell's plan to gain entry does not go as expected it works out in his favor and gets him the access he needs, but Melissa is much smarter than he gives her credit for and soon they find themselves working together as unwilling allies.
Melissa Cardena has had her suspicions that her father is involved in unsavory activities and one too many coincidences, including the convenient death of her boyfriend and his family only served to support her suspicions. She doesn't want to believe that her father is dirty and she has been secretly conducting an investigation, one that could lead to her death if caught and she knows that Jace Atwell's sudden appearance in her life is connected but she is determined to find the truth.
Melissa and Jace at cross-purposes but have to depend on each other when Jace is cut loose by the Equalizers for fear that his loyalty has been compromised and their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole where they are up against bad guys with different motives and a master puppeteer who takes delight in manipulating all the players for his own purposes.
I have to say that Ms. Diaz writes a mean thriller, the nail-biting kind that keeps the reader flipping pages quickly to find out what happens next. Melissa and Jace are very strong but complimentary characters and work very well together. Jace is reliable, honorable and protective and Melissa is smart and stubborn. My only minor issue about this book was that in spite of the sparks between Jace and Melissa, their romance did not get equal billing as the mystery and suspense.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The Equalizers are still on a quest to bring down EXIT, Inc.'s covert operation and this time, they plan to infiltrate using Melissa Cardena, the President of EXIT, Inc. and daughter of the CEO. While Jace Atwell's plan to gain entry does not go as expected it works out in his favor and gets him the access he needs, but Melissa is much smarter than he gives her credit for and soon they find themselves working together as unwilling allies.
Melissa Cardena has had her suspicions that her father is involved in unsavory activities and one too many coincidences, including the convenient death of her boyfriend and his family only served to support her suspicions. She doesn't want to believe that her father is dirty and she has been secretly conducting an investigation, one that could lead to her death if caught and she knows that Jace Atwell's sudden appearance in her life is connected but she is determined to find the truth.
Melissa and Jace at cross-purposes but have to depend on each other when Jace is cut loose by the Equalizers for fear that his loyalty has been compromised and their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole where they are up against bad guys with different motives and a master puppeteer who takes delight in manipulating all the players for his own purposes.
I have to say that Ms. Diaz writes a mean thriller, the nail-biting kind that keeps the reader flipping pages quickly to find out what happens next. Melissa and Jace are very strong but complimentary characters and work very well together. Jace is reliable, honorable and protective and Melissa is smart and stubborn. My only minor issue about this book was that in spite of the sparks between Jace and Melissa, their romance did not get equal billing as the mystery and suspense.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
January 30, 2016
This is the second of the series. I liked it better than the first one because I had already met the cast of characters from the first book, so it made more sense. Lots of action, interesting story.
May 12, 2017
Fantastic. 2nd book in An Exit Inc Thriller.
Ms. Diaz has gives so much suspense and let me tell you I could not but it down. It's emotional and you'll see why.
When Jace Atwell is assigned to watch Melissa Cardenas it's only a job. To find out what her father is doing inside EXIT Inc. But the plan doesn't go as planned. He may have to rethink things. Just maybe
things will work out better for him now. It's about to get really interesting.
The only problem is there's something happening to him when he's around her.
The best is yet come. It may be dangerous, and soon Melissa realizes what's the real truth.
She doesn't want to face but she has too.
Highly recommend...
1st book must read: EXIT STRATEGY
2nd: NO EXIT
3rd book: FINAL EXIT
Ms. Diaz has gives so much suspense and let me tell you I could not but it down. It's emotional and you'll see why.
When Jace Atwell is assigned to watch Melissa Cardenas it's only a job. To find out what her father is doing inside EXIT Inc. But the plan doesn't go as planned. He may have to rethink things. Just maybe
things will work out better for him now. It's about to get really interesting.
The only problem is there's something happening to him when he's around her.
The best is yet come. It may be dangerous, and soon Melissa realizes what's the real truth.
She doesn't want to face but she has too.
Highly recommend...
1st book must read: EXIT STRATEGY
2nd: NO EXIT
3rd book: FINAL EXIT
December 4, 2024
I started this over a year ago and forgot it. Started it again and finished it. It is a light easy read with an interesting story line. Loved the main character.
February 12, 2016
The second I’ve read in this series, I’m still sorting out the ins and outs of the genre itself, although I do love the characters, action and tension that weaves through this series. An underlying common thread EXIT means they are all just dancing over the edge of rogue agents, handling the jobs that are ‘too hot’ for ordinary sanctioned actions by the government. That alone has readers expecting action and tension, and Diaz certainly delivers with plots, subplots, agendas and the underlying truth so buried it requires an excavation.
Jace works for the Equalizers, an organization that is dedicated to unearthing the covert actions of EXIT, ostensibly to protect those who are wrapped up in situations while not truly being involved. He plans to infiltrate EXIT by using and deceiving the daughter of the CEO, Melissa. Starting in 5th gear, we’re dropped into Jace’s plan but things don’t follow his outline.
While publicly, Melissa isn’t wlling to acknowledge her father could have been involved in less than savory missions, she’s also not willing to share her own discoveries with a man she just met. These two do spark off one another, and the revelation is more of a surprise to Jace than I think he was expecting. Jace isn’t cold-hearted or single-minded: his character is protective and caring and he manages to balance the two in such a way that Melissa can’t help but see the honorable man beneath the initial deceptions. She’s not meek either, and these two strong personalities have plenty of banter as they test one another on that journey to trust. Sparks fly a plenty, always with the threat of discoveries and being discovered along the way…
Discovering secrets, dropping in a serious twist with secondary characters, background information and a mystery puppet master pulling the strings that combine to make the story move forward apace while allowing the reader to feel they have enough information to follow along, know the characters and understand just what is going on. Well-balanced to give a nod to the first book, while still allowing readers to jump in without having experience with the earlier titles in the series. A wonderful read that kept me intrigued and thinking throughout.
I received an ARC copy of the title via the publisher’s Avon Addicts program for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Jace works for the Equalizers, an organization that is dedicated to unearthing the covert actions of EXIT, ostensibly to protect those who are wrapped up in situations while not truly being involved. He plans to infiltrate EXIT by using and deceiving the daughter of the CEO, Melissa. Starting in 5th gear, we’re dropped into Jace’s plan but things don’t follow his outline.
While publicly, Melissa isn’t wlling to acknowledge her father could have been involved in less than savory missions, she’s also not willing to share her own discoveries with a man she just met. These two do spark off one another, and the revelation is more of a surprise to Jace than I think he was expecting. Jace isn’t cold-hearted or single-minded: his character is protective and caring and he manages to balance the two in such a way that Melissa can’t help but see the honorable man beneath the initial deceptions. She’s not meek either, and these two strong personalities have plenty of banter as they test one another on that journey to trust. Sparks fly a plenty, always with the threat of discoveries and being discovered along the way…
Discovering secrets, dropping in a serious twist with secondary characters, background information and a mystery puppet master pulling the strings that combine to make the story move forward apace while allowing the reader to feel they have enough information to follow along, know the characters and understand just what is going on. Well-balanced to give a nod to the first book, while still allowing readers to jump in without having experience with the earlier titles in the series. A wonderful read that kept me intrigued and thinking throughout.
I received an ARC copy of the title via the publisher’s Avon Addicts program for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
February 4, 2016
NO EXIT is an action packed thriller captivating readers from the start of Lena Diaz’s storyline. Diaz weaves subplots around betrayal, corruption, murder, manipulation, and romance moving the main storyline forward like the speed of lightning. Her female protagonist, Melissa Cardenas, daughter of EXIT Inc., CEO, Cyprian Cardenas, is loyal to her father but feels something is off. Exit Inc., is on the surface is a legitimate company offering extreme international tours and behind the scenes is secret government sanctioned company charged with eliminating people who are a danger to national security. Diaz’s male protagonist, Jace Atwell, works undercover for the Equalizer organization, seeking to prove EXIT is doing something illegal. Equalizer’s goal is to stop EXIT’s illegal assassinations. Readers are given Melissa and Jace’s backstory and Diaz continues to develop each character as the story proceeds. After Jace saves Melissa’s life, they found a connection and decided they would work together to uncover the truth regarding EXIT’s activities.
Readers meet key support characters and learn their history and roles in the storyline as Diaz brings them into her story. Diaz moves her storyline forward keeping focus on activities at EXIT Inc. She takes her story different directions via subplots giving readers in inside view of what the antagonists are planning. The decision of Melissa and Jace to work together creates a conflict between Jace and the Equalizer team. Readers see events unfold through Melissa and Jace’s eyes giving them an understanding of their feeling of being alone. The author keeps her readers aware of her continuing development each of the key support characters. She reveals information to readers, gradually keeping their involvement in story’s action.
Diaz creates an atmosphere of intrigue by adding suspense with each twist and turn of the storyline. Each change helps readers understand unfolding events, bringing each piece of the puzzle together. The author keeps readers off balance gradually helping them focus so they can figure out what is happening. Lena Diaz is careful to build the momentum moving readers towards the intense ending of NO EXIT.
Readers meet key support characters and learn their history and roles in the storyline as Diaz brings them into her story. Diaz moves her storyline forward keeping focus on activities at EXIT Inc. She takes her story different directions via subplots giving readers in inside view of what the antagonists are planning. The decision of Melissa and Jace to work together creates a conflict between Jace and the Equalizer team. Readers see events unfold through Melissa and Jace’s eyes giving them an understanding of their feeling of being alone. The author keeps her readers aware of her continuing development each of the key support characters. She reveals information to readers, gradually keeping their involvement in story’s action.
Diaz creates an atmosphere of intrigue by adding suspense with each twist and turn of the storyline. Each change helps readers understand unfolding events, bringing each piece of the puzzle together. The author keeps readers off balance gradually helping them focus so they can figure out what is happening. Lena Diaz is careful to build the momentum moving readers towards the intense ending of NO EXIT.
February 9, 2016
Take a deep breath, and sit back comfortable, because you are about to emerge in a roll-a-coaster ride, a non stop thrill ride of suspense, mystery, and murder.
Wow, this story starts with the guns blazing, high intensity, and goes into the deep secrets of EXIT from the page one. It was impossible to put off my hands. The action is constant, the twists in the plot, the little pieces of the puzzle of the mystery recovered, the murders, and attempts to kill, all requires your attention.
The events of the book one, are so cleverly build into this story, that everything that happen in the book before, are clear in the memory of the reader, without boring them to tears with repetition. Also, makes this book two easier to follow, for a new readers for the series.
There's a lot characters, but they are manageable to keep track of, the members of the council, the watcher, whomever it is, the enforcers, the main characters, all play an important part in the revealing puzzle of information. It is mesmerising, how all the pieces fall into the place, and more about the evil actions of EXIT comes to light.
Jace, the former SEAL, is honourable, trustworthy, smart, and always ready for action. He is adorable, really, with his convictions and attraction to Melissa, he won my heart easily.
Melissa is a leader, she stubborn, intelligent, sassy lady. She has been lonely, worried, and fearful for a long time, and finally found a person she feels safe with, Jace. The banter between them is fun and to the point, they work well as a team, and respect each other, even learn to trust each other as time goes by. The romance takes a backseat to the action in the story, but there's no doubt about the connection, attraction, and feelings growing on between Jace and Melissa, and they are genuine.
Riveting action, breathtaking battles to stay alive, and enchanting romance on the side between charming characters - all the trademarks of excellent romantic suspense!
~ Five Spoons
Wow, this story starts with the guns blazing, high intensity, and goes into the deep secrets of EXIT from the page one. It was impossible to put off my hands. The action is constant, the twists in the plot, the little pieces of the puzzle of the mystery recovered, the murders, and attempts to kill, all requires your attention.
The events of the book one, are so cleverly build into this story, that everything that happen in the book before, are clear in the memory of the reader, without boring them to tears with repetition. Also, makes this book two easier to follow, for a new readers for the series.
There's a lot characters, but they are manageable to keep track of, the members of the council, the watcher, whomever it is, the enforcers, the main characters, all play an important part in the revealing puzzle of information. It is mesmerising, how all the pieces fall into the place, and more about the evil actions of EXIT comes to light.
Jace, the former SEAL, is honourable, trustworthy, smart, and always ready for action. He is adorable, really, with his convictions and attraction to Melissa, he won my heart easily.
Melissa is a leader, she stubborn, intelligent, sassy lady. She has been lonely, worried, and fearful for a long time, and finally found a person she feels safe with, Jace. The banter between them is fun and to the point, they work well as a team, and respect each other, even learn to trust each other as time goes by. The romance takes a backseat to the action in the story, but there's no doubt about the connection, attraction, and feelings growing on between Jace and Melissa, and they are genuine.
Riveting action, breathtaking battles to stay alive, and enchanting romance on the side between charming characters - all the trademarks of excellent romantic suspense!
~ Five Spoons
February 17, 2016
If you read the previous EXIT, Inc. book, you know all about the sly, crazy stuff going on 'on the side' of this business. If you didn't...? Well, you're going to learn, and you'll learn first hand through the daughter of the CEO. I enjoyed that Jace and his team decided to infiltrate the group in a slightly different manner -- and when the first mission doesn't go exactly as planned, he starts to question well... everything. Including the fact that he may find the daughter to be quite beautiful.
I love when we have main characters who know that the other is completely, 100%-ly, off limits, yet fate doesn't allow them to look the other way. That was the case with Jace and Melissa. Watching as he battles his desire for her, and stay true to the man he was, was a fun journey. Likewise, though, I was fully expecting a big fall-out when Melissa learned just what was happening.
This was another fun, action-packed story by Ms. Diaz. On one hand, the character growth wasn't too substantial, but the chemistry was there, so it was easy to overlook. I also personally found Melissa's loyalty-versus-betrayal thought pattern to be a bit wishy-washy, especially in one of the final scenes.
In the end, there was more to like in this book than be annoyed with. Not only that, but there are more questions that arise... I'm looking forward to the third installment.
* received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
I love when we have main characters who know that the other is completely, 100%-ly, off limits, yet fate doesn't allow them to look the other way. That was the case with Jace and Melissa. Watching as he battles his desire for her, and stay true to the man he was, was a fun journey. Likewise, though, I was fully expecting a big fall-out when Melissa learned just what was happening.
This was another fun, action-packed story by Ms. Diaz. On one hand, the character growth wasn't too substantial, but the chemistry was there, so it was easy to overlook. I also personally found Melissa's loyalty-versus-betrayal thought pattern to be a bit wishy-washy, especially in one of the final scenes.
In the end, there was more to like in this book than be annoyed with. Not only that, but there are more questions that arise... I'm looking forward to the third installment.
* received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 19, 2016The second book in the series continues where book one ended with Jace looking for a way in to EXIT to help take it down. Unfortunately, the only way is through their enemies daughter. They are sure of Melissa's knowledge of or involvement in EXIT's enforcement arm, but after months of surveillance, Jace can't believe that she even knows about her father's secret activities. Melissa may have been ignorant of her father's activities, but in the recent months she had some suspicions and began to investigate on her own. Jace's boss doesn't think that Melissa can be trusted and cuts off communication with him. As they work together to get to the truth and stop EXIT, they face danger from not only her father, but a traitor who is out for personal revenge. This was a fast-paced suspense that kept me glued to the pages wondering what was going to happen next and where the Equalizers go from here.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
February 7, 2016
This second book of the EXIT Inc series we are taken on a wild ride. This is Jace's chance to shine. We find him trying to help his equalizer buddies to help him get close to the enemies daughter. But things go wrong and that is not how it goes down..But it all works in Jace's favor. Melissa, the bad guys daughter turns into an ally..she has been investigating her dad this whole time as well, but doesn't want to believe what she is learning.>Jace becomes her bodyguard, but it is more like they are guarding each other. they have each others backs. The book is fast paced, turn the page to see what happens next..It keep me hanging til the very end. So as not to give much away that is all I can say..This is a definite MUST read book. You just never know what is going to happen next which is what makes a good book for me!!
February 8, 2016
No Exit, book 2 in the Exit Inc. series, is one insane ride!! Full of twists and turns, with a hard left turn at the end of the book that I never saw coming, this book kept me turning pages way after I should have been asleep. Jace is an Alpha, ex-Navy Seal bad boy who is working with a group of men trying to take down a large criminal organization hiding behind the front to a legitimate company. Melissa is the daughter of the owner of the company, completely oblivious to the man her father truly is. The action begins on page one and never ends. Once you pick up the book, settle in for a long day (or night) or reading, as this is one that you will not be able to put down. While it is book 2 in the series, I will highly recommend reading Book 1 first, otherwise you are a bit lost at the beginning. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series!
January 9, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This romantic suspense kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. As I neared the end of each chapter, promising I'd put it down, something else would happen to keep me reading until the end. I enjoyed the main characters Jace and Melissa, although I do find myself shaking my head when the heroine feels that she needs to help/protect an ex-SEAL who clearly can handle himself quite well.
This is #2 in the series, but adequate explanation is provided so that you don't feel as though you missed too much by not having read #1.
This romantic suspense kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. As I neared the end of each chapter, promising I'd put it down, something else would happen to keep me reading until the end. I enjoyed the main characters Jace and Melissa, although I do find myself shaking my head when the heroine feels that she needs to help/protect an ex-SEAL who clearly can handle himself quite well.
This is #2 in the series, but adequate explanation is provided so that you don't feel as though you missed too much by not having read #1.
December 19, 2016
There was a high level of tension, so many will they, won't they moments. Not everyone was as they seemed. Who were the good guys and who the bad? Perhaps a little too much suspicion with too many possible guilty individuals. I found that I could not really relate to the main characters, they failed to come alive for me, so I was not carried along with them on their struggle to get to the truth.
February 15, 2016
Each book in this series gets better and better. The writing and characters are what keep you coming back for more. To read more of my review: http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
July 10, 2016
Love Lena Diaz books!
February 11, 2016
2.5 stars
It was okay. I couldn't really connect to the characters.
It was okay. I couldn't really connect to the characters.
August 21, 2025
What another fantastic read by Lena Diaz!!!:) Very fast pace & gripping:)
A fantastic 2nd read of this book & this series!!!:)
A fantastic 2nd read of this book & this series!!!:)
March 16, 2016
Fantastic! I loved every exciting moment! Lena hit it huge with this one. Review coming soon!
July 7, 2016
While not as action packed as the first, I was glad to reconnect with the characters. I'm interested to see where she goes with the last book.
October 21, 2016
No Exit review
No Exit is the second romantic suspense book in the Exit Inc. series written by author Lena Diaz. Good action and storyline.
No Exit is the second romantic suspense book in the Exit Inc. series written by author Lena Diaz. Good action and storyline.
May 10, 2016
An okay read.
April 23, 2017
No Exit is the second book in the EXIT Inc., series. Melissa is the daughter of, Cyprian Cardenas, the man Jace and the Equalizers have been after due to his botched handling of his company, EXIT, a front for enforcers killing enemies of the US around the world that can't be touched by our government. When Melissa tells Jace that she has overheard parts of clandestine meetings that her father has been having, he realizes that they are after the same thing, if only until that proof can be uncovered.
Overall, another good, quick read by Diaz, but nothing special.
Overall, another good, quick read by Diaz, but nothing special.
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