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Protocol #2
Variance
After a successful escape from Baker and Pryor, Cassie and Elias finally have the life they fought so hard for. They try to enjoy the quiet moments together, basking in the fragile peace they've carefully constructed.
On a Friday night in May, a call takes it all away.
Cassie has been given her first foreign assignment, and Elias is contractually bound to accompany her as her bodyguard. Their destination is a remote Russian Outpost with a major pathogen problem, and Cassie has been requested specifically.
Cassie and Elias are suspicious of the Russians. The Russians are suspicious of them. One of the doctors is friendly, the off-putting smile just won't leave his face. The other scientists avert their eyes when Cassie and Elias pass by, never wanting to be near them for too long.
Something isn't right.
Fueled by jet lag and bland rations, Cassie and Elias can't help but argue more than they talk. Secrets are revealed, doubts are planted, and the tension between them only tightens as they are forced into close quarters.
But the virus refuses to stay in the lab, and they have to navigate yet another dangerous terrain. Each moment of chaos threatens to push them further apart, or bring them closer, and it's up to the two of them to decide what they're willing to risk.
On a Friday night in May, a call takes it all away.
Cassie has been given her first foreign assignment, and Elias is contractually bound to accompany her as her bodyguard. Their destination is a remote Russian Outpost with a major pathogen problem, and Cassie has been requested specifically.
Cassie and Elias are suspicious of the Russians. The Russians are suspicious of them. One of the doctors is friendly, the off-putting smile just won't leave his face. The other scientists avert their eyes when Cassie and Elias pass by, never wanting to be near them for too long.
Something isn't right.
Fueled by jet lag and bland rations, Cassie and Elias can't help but argue more than they talk. Secrets are revealed, doubts are planted, and the tension between them only tightens as they are forced into close quarters.
But the virus refuses to stay in the lab, and they have to navigate yet another dangerous terrain. Each moment of chaos threatens to push them further apart, or bring them closer, and it's up to the two of them to decide what they're willing to risk.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 18, 2026
Dare I say I liked this even better than the first one? I loved seeing these two on a new adventure together..and nothing good ever happens when you’re sent to the middle of nowhere. I also love getting to see Cassia and Elias’ relationship develop and the impact of their new found path on their relationship.
Must read, especially if you liked the first one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Must read, especially if you liked the first one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2026
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, Protocol, and the author promised it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this second book. But after a few paragraphs I stopped reading and bought the first. Not because I was having trouble following anything (I hadn’t gotten far enough to worry about that), but because I was so entertained and delighted by those paragraphs that I knew even if it wasn’t necessary I *wanted* to read the first book.
This second one was just as much fun, maybe more, than the first. And it all came down to the chemistry and banter between the two main characters. Cassie and Elias are absolutely brilliant. After being together for a while they have created this charming relationship. While the first book introduced us to them, this second gives readers a chance to get to know them as a couple. There is such a sexy spark between them, a natural give and take, and a mutual trust. Elias is still delicious as ever and I loved how he took care of Cassie—and how she let him.
There is more to the story, of course. Danger, excitement, intrigue. The fate of the world, maybe. But all of those take a backseat to the incredible, and inevitable, relationship between Cassie and Elias. My only complaint is having to wait for more from these two. Absolutely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second one was just as much fun, maybe more, than the first. And it all came down to the chemistry and banter between the two main characters. Cassie and Elias are absolutely brilliant. After being together for a while they have created this charming relationship. While the first book introduced us to them, this second gives readers a chance to get to know them as a couple. There is such a sexy spark between them, a natural give and take, and a mutual trust. Elias is still delicious as ever and I loved how he took care of Cassie—and how she let him.
There is more to the story, of course. Danger, excitement, intrigue. The fate of the world, maybe. But all of those take a backseat to the incredible, and inevitable, relationship between Cassie and Elias. My only complaint is having to wait for more from these two. Absolutely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2026
I don’t know what my favorite part of Cassie and Eli’s relationship is: their witty banter, their growing loyalty to one another, or how absolutely human they are. They have a complicated relationship with relatable problems, messy emotions, and personalities that make them read like actual people rather than just characters moving the plot along. Plus--and I know other readers can relate to this--how refreshing is it to read a relationship in which the perspectives, wants, and boundaries of a woman are so deeply respected and appreciated?! And the pacing! The video game-like feel of the action sequences made this a fun, fast-paced read. As a reader who admittedly tends to stray away from action based plots and sci-fi heavy novels, I was pleased to find myself swept up into the adventure of this world with book one (Protocol) and Variance absolutely continued that momentum. I can’t wait to be rooting for Cassie and Elias for several books to come!
August 31, 2026
Oh what another fun read! I think I like this one even more than the first. Already knowing the main characters made me feel more connected from the start, so the story flowed easily. Reading the development of Elias and Cassie's relationship was enjoyable. They're one badass, intelligent couple. Seeing Cassie in action working on the virus was so cool to read about and her sidekick Misha was a fun addition during the action. I would have loved to read more on the antagonist- makes me excited for book three!!!
September 9, 2026
As much as I loved the first book. I think I fell more in love with the second. Getting to read more of Cassie and Elias in action, but also watching them grow in their relationship made me wanting the third book even more. Getting to read more about Elias be a badass? Well that is also a plus. But seriously, a must read!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews