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Black Cipher Files #4
Dangerous Game
A blind date with a sexy double agent on a covert mission…what could possibly go wrong?
Barb Williams is on the blind date from hell. She realizes she’s being used as a decoy, but before she can ditch her sexy date, the embassy party they are attending is crashed by terrorists.
Ken Park is on a very personal covert mission to uncover the intel that will exonerate his father, but his exotic, sensual, distracting date is messing with his focus.
When masked mercenaries take over the embassy party, can Barb and Ken overcome their trust issues and band together to save the day?
Dangerous Game is the fourth installment in the Black Cipher Files series. This is a shorter work than the original trilogy (about half the length of Blowback, Betrayals, and Burned)
The Black Cipher Files is a fast-paced, edgy romance and espionage series that features hot, alpha heroes and kick-ass heroines, working to uncover long-buried secrets from the past so they can save their future.
More in the Black Cipher Files series:
BLOWBACK
Years ago, Jamie Hunt sacrificed everything to keep her sister protected and safe. Now she lives alone, works alone, survives alone. When a covert mission goes horribly wrong, she can trust no one.
On the trail of a missing teenager, private investigator Lucas Goodman’s investigation leads him to Jamie. Despite her attempts to ditch him, Lucas tenaciously shadows Jamie, realizing he doesn’t just want information...he wants her.
When Jamie’s sister is in danger, Jamie is forced to team up with Lucas. Together they must expose the connection between agents’ murders, a missing teenager, and a sixty-year-old government conspiracy.
BETRAYALS
Staci Grant is dead. Jordan Ramirez saw the photographs, but he refuses to believe. His missing lover is the best CIA officer in the field. Now Jordan must find Staci and convince her that trusting him means the difference between staying alive or staying dead.
Staci has been betrayed. Captured, imprisoned and tortured, it took all her skills to escape. Now she is determined to uncover who set her up and why, a mission that leaves no room for trust.
When Jordan finds her, he won’t take no for an answer, and together they desperately race to unravel a decades’ old secret. But each revelation brings fresh betrayals that threaten their love and their lives.
BURNED
Zeke Hawthorne, a programmer and hacker at the NSA, is in trouble. Under investigation to make sure had hasn’t divulged national secrets, he’s sent on a boondoggle. All he has to do is keep an eye on Sunshine, from afar, and make sure she’s safe.
Sunshine Smith’s entire world was blown apart thirteen years ago when her obsessive stepfather killed her grandparents. She and her mother went into hiding to escape. For years they’ve been safe…until now.
When Sunshine is threatened, Zeke cannot keep his distance. Only danger and betrayal are coming for Zeke too. Zeke and Sunshine must combine forces to stay one step ahead of the peril that stalks them, but trust between two people who grew up without faith is a difficult bond to form.
Barb Williams is on the blind date from hell. She realizes she’s being used as a decoy, but before she can ditch her sexy date, the embassy party they are attending is crashed by terrorists.
Ken Park is on a very personal covert mission to uncover the intel that will exonerate his father, but his exotic, sensual, distracting date is messing with his focus.
When masked mercenaries take over the embassy party, can Barb and Ken overcome their trust issues and band together to save the day?
Dangerous Game is the fourth installment in the Black Cipher Files series. This is a shorter work than the original trilogy (about half the length of Blowback, Betrayals, and Burned)
The Black Cipher Files is a fast-paced, edgy romance and espionage series that features hot, alpha heroes and kick-ass heroines, working to uncover long-buried secrets from the past so they can save their future.
More in the Black Cipher Files series:
BLOWBACK
Years ago, Jamie Hunt sacrificed everything to keep her sister protected and safe. Now she lives alone, works alone, survives alone. When a covert mission goes horribly wrong, she can trust no one.
On the trail of a missing teenager, private investigator Lucas Goodman’s investigation leads him to Jamie. Despite her attempts to ditch him, Lucas tenaciously shadows Jamie, realizing he doesn’t just want information...he wants her.
When Jamie’s sister is in danger, Jamie is forced to team up with Lucas. Together they must expose the connection between agents’ murders, a missing teenager, and a sixty-year-old government conspiracy.
BETRAYALS
Staci Grant is dead. Jordan Ramirez saw the photographs, but he refuses to believe. His missing lover is the best CIA officer in the field. Now Jordan must find Staci and convince her that trusting him means the difference between staying alive or staying dead.
Staci has been betrayed. Captured, imprisoned and tortured, it took all her skills to escape. Now she is determined to uncover who set her up and why, a mission that leaves no room for trust.
When Jordan finds her, he won’t take no for an answer, and together they desperately race to unravel a decades’ old secret. But each revelation brings fresh betrayals that threaten their love and their lives.
BURNED
Zeke Hawthorne, a programmer and hacker at the NSA, is in trouble. Under investigation to make sure had hasn’t divulged national secrets, he’s sent on a boondoggle. All he has to do is keep an eye on Sunshine, from afar, and make sure she’s safe.
Sunshine Smith’s entire world was blown apart thirteen years ago when her obsessive stepfather killed her grandparents. She and her mother went into hiding to escape. For years they’ve been safe…until now.
When Sunshine is threatened, Zeke cannot keep his distance. Only danger and betrayal are coming for Zeke too. Zeke and Sunshine must combine forces to stay one step ahead of the peril that stalks them, but trust between two people who grew up without faith is a difficult bond to form.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2016
23 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Hughey
85 books668 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Lisa Hughey started writing romance in the fourth grade. That particular story involved a prince and an engagement. Now, she writes about strong heroines who are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves and the heroes who love both their strength and their vulnerability. She pens romances of all types—suspense, paranormal, and contemporary—but at their heart, all her books celebrate the power of love.
She lives in Cape Ann Massachusetts with her fabulously supportive husband, two out of three awesome mostly-grown kids, and one somewhat grumpy cat.
Yoga, hiking, and traveling are her favorite ways to pass the time when she isn’t plotting new ways to get her characters to fall in love.
You can find her on the web at http://www.lisahughey.com
Instagram: @lisa.hughey
FB https://www.facebook.com/LisaHugheyRo...
Email: lisa@lisahughey.com
She loves to hear from readers!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 11, 2016
Boo! You have such a hard time getting a date that you have to be set up by the girlfriend of the guy you used to have to hots for.
Yay! But he's a totally hot Asian guy.
Boo! He appears to be a bit vapid. You're a super intelligent biologist with a couple of PhDs. He just has great shoulders.
Yay! A least you're going someplace cool -- a classy Embassy dinner.
Boo! The Embassy is overrun by terrorists with a real convoluted plan.
Yay! Your sexy date isn't as vapid as he seems. He's rather bad ass and you're starting to warm for his form.
Boo! He might die before the night is over those terrorists are baddies!
Yay! You both help thwart the bad guys, call in the cavalry, defuse a bomb or two.
Boo! You learn it wasn't a real date, but a covert mission.
Yay! He really likes you though and wants to date for real and you have real sexy sexy times.
Boo! Your name and his name together is Barb & Ken. A Black Barbie and Asian Ken, but still....
Yay! Best first date ever!
Yay! But he's a totally hot Asian guy.
Boo! He appears to be a bit vapid. You're a super intelligent biologist with a couple of PhDs. He just has great shoulders.
Yay! A least you're going someplace cool -- a classy Embassy dinner.
Boo! The Embassy is overrun by terrorists with a real convoluted plan.
Yay! Your sexy date isn't as vapid as he seems. He's rather bad ass and you're starting to warm for his form.
Boo! He might die before the night is over those terrorists are baddies!
Yay! You both help thwart the bad guys, call in the cavalry, defuse a bomb or two.
Boo! You learn it wasn't a real date, but a covert mission.
Yay! He really likes you though and wants to date for real and you have real sexy sexy times.
Boo! Your name and his name together is Barb & Ken. A Black Barbie and Asian Ken, but still....
Yay! Best first date ever!
May 11, 2016
Rating 3.5
Barbara goes on a blind date with Ken to an event at the Korean Embassy. Both are having a terrible time then things get worse when terrorists crash the party. I haven't read any of the other books in the Black Cipher series but didn't feel lost. The story was fun fast paced and sexy. Loved the banter between Barbara and Ken. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I recommend this book to romantic suspense readers who want a quick funny read.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
Barbara goes on a blind date with Ken to an event at the Korean Embassy. Both are having a terrible time then things get worse when terrorists crash the party. I haven't read any of the other books in the Black Cipher series but didn't feel lost. The story was fun fast paced and sexy. Loved the banter between Barbara and Ken. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I recommend this book to romantic suspense readers who want a quick funny read.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
Review to Follow Soon
April 29, 2016
I love the Black Cipher series and absolutely loved Blowback. So when I realized that this story involved the Dr. (Barbara Williams) that helped Lucas and Jamie out in Blowback, I was excited. I loved her as a secondary character and was anxious to explore her a bit more. I must say though this book left me with a love/simmer relationship with her. I loved her spunk, her confidence, and her witty humor. I guess what didn’t really resonate with me was how she and her “date” acted during the hostage situation, especially since she is not used to being in these types of dangerous situations. Helping once does not make for a covert operator. I get that you found your date handsome, sexy, and yet somewhat frustrating because the date is going bad. But when the terrorist took over the house, their thoughts are still about getting the other in bed, even making out during the most inappropriate times. I’m not a prude but I can guarantee you that I would not be thinking about making out with anyone when there are people getting killed and terrorist with bombs around me. That was the main criticism I had of this book. I do like the action and the humor surrounding the action. And just when you think the book is winding down…..
The only other criticism I had was the cover of the book. While I thought the cover was hot, hot, hot, the guy on the cover did not match the character. So when I started reading that the guy was Asian it was hard to separate the cover from the character. This would have been a great opportunity to show a bit more diversity and have an Asian on the cover. The references to the Korean culture I absolutely loved as you don’t read that as much in romantic fiction. I just wished that the cover reflected this diversity as well. With those exceptions, overall it was a good book and I enjoyed seeing a couple of the previous characters from the series.
I received an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
The only other criticism I had was the cover of the book. While I thought the cover was hot, hot, hot, the guy on the cover did not match the character. So when I started reading that the guy was Asian it was hard to separate the cover from the character. This would have been a great opportunity to show a bit more diversity and have an Asian on the cover. The references to the Korean culture I absolutely loved as you don’t read that as much in romantic fiction. I just wished that the cover reflected this diversity as well. With those exceptions, overall it was a good book and I enjoyed seeing a couple of the previous characters from the series.
I received an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
April 30, 2016
Funny, fast-paced, fantastic
Barb and Ken are set up on a blind date by a mutual acquaintance. Barbara dislikes Ken instantly, but the attraction between the two is definitely mutual. With an ongoing battle of wills, the date goes from bad to worse as the home of the Korean diplomat they and other guests are in is overrun by terrorists. Thankfully, Ken isn't your run-of-the-mill guy. He's a spy with ulterior motives for being at the party- motives he's been bound to before he was even old enough to understand why. He handles himself with finesse while Barb, who brings her own attributes, and not just the ones Ken lust over, to the situation. This story contains action, moderate suspense, humor, and enough steam to fog an e-reader.
Overall, I loved this story between Ken and Barb. As someone who has enjoyed reading great romance stories and HEAs since I was 12, regardless of the race and culture of the hero and heroine, I especially appreciate authors who are able to write stories that switch up those demographics from story to story. While the heroine is black and the Hero is Korean, the author's depiction of them is one whereby almost any demographic could be inserted, minus a few cultural references. I'm definitely a new fan of this author and look forward to reading her other work.
Barb and Ken are set up on a blind date by a mutual acquaintance. Barbara dislikes Ken instantly, but the attraction between the two is definitely mutual. With an ongoing battle of wills, the date goes from bad to worse as the home of the Korean diplomat they and other guests are in is overrun by terrorists. Thankfully, Ken isn't your run-of-the-mill guy. He's a spy with ulterior motives for being at the party- motives he's been bound to before he was even old enough to understand why. He handles himself with finesse while Barb, who brings her own attributes, and not just the ones Ken lust over, to the situation. This story contains action, moderate suspense, humor, and enough steam to fog an e-reader.
Overall, I loved this story between Ken and Barb. As someone who has enjoyed reading great romance stories and HEAs since I was 12, regardless of the race and culture of the hero and heroine, I especially appreciate authors who are able to write stories that switch up those demographics from story to story. While the heroine is black and the Hero is Korean, the author's depiction of them is one whereby almost any demographic could be inserted, minus a few cultural references. I'm definitely a new fan of this author and look forward to reading her other work.
April 29, 2016
Another winner in the Black Cipher Series! If you enjoy fast paced romantic suspense, you will love this book! It's so good that I read it in a single sitting - I just couldn't put it down. Barbis set up on a blind date with Ken, a type of super spy. Before long, their location is under attack and Ken explodes into super spy mode. Despite being rom sus, the author allowed bits of humor to shine through, I mean, really, what could be better then a Barbie and Ken love story set to bombs and bullets?
Fans of the genre will love this book. While it is part of a series, it is a stand alone novella. I normally avoid novellas unless it's part of a series I love, please don't make that mistake with this book - it is well worth your time.
Fans of the genre will love this book. While it is part of a series, it is a stand alone novella. I normally avoid novellas unless it's part of a series I love, please don't make that mistake with this book - it is well worth your time.
May 10, 2016
Barbara goes on a blind date with Ken who just happens to be friends with the one guy she had cared about for whole life. At the Korean Embassy Things go south when terrorists crash the party and everyone is wondering why it seems more like a show than actual terrorist event. I have read the 1 and 2 of the Black Cipher series and just like those I didn't feel lost. The story is super fun, fast pace and the banter between Barbara and Ken is so much fun.
My only complaint is the fact they can't seem to stop thinking about making out with each other while terrorists are looking to kill everyone in the room but it makes for some fun moments.
I recommend this book to romantic suspense readers who want a quick funny read.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
My only complaint is the fact they can't seem to stop thinking about making out with each other while terrorists are looking to kill everyone in the room but it makes for some fun moments.
I recommend this book to romantic suspense readers who want a quick funny read.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
May 31, 2016
this is the forth book in the series and its a fab romantic suspense story. this story is fast paced. the author has a fab way of writing so the suspense keeps on coming and you never expect them. I loved the characters, they are very entertaining to read. another fab book in the series
highly recommended
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highly recommended
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March 15, 2017
Barb underestimates Ken, but as their date contributes, they end up in s Korean president's secret bunker, get bombed, shot at, and steal secret information.
Of course, the attraction between them adds to
the excitement, and their connection is a happy beginning.
This, in essence, is the problem with short stories/novellas and the like. I love the characters, Barb(ie) and Ken, especially with their multicultural backgrounds, but for me, the pacing is way off.
So, good story, too short.
Of course, the attraction between them adds to
the excitement, and their connection is a happy beginning.
This, in essence, is the problem with short stories/novellas and the like. I love the characters, Barb(ie) and Ken, especially with their multicultural backgrounds, but for me, the pacing is way off.
So, good story, too short.
April 30, 2016
Dangerous Game is a very fast pace book that is full of surprises and suspense. A little romance is thrown in to spice it up.
November 7, 2022
Great Read!
This book held my interest from beginning to end. Good story with few grammatical errors. Not just about sex. Very likable characters. Left me wanting more.
This book held my interest from beginning to end. Good story with few grammatical errors. Not just about sex. Very likable characters. Left me wanting more.
May 26, 2021
First Timer....
I will admit I have not read any of the other books in this series. But this one had a lot of action and wasn't to shabby. I would have to agree with the characters, is their attraction real or adrenaline. Author did ok with the interracial concept of the book. Not to much detail about things I'm sure she doesn't have a clue about. (No shade intended)
I will admit I have not read any of the other books in this series. But this one had a lot of action and wasn't to shabby. I would have to agree with the characters, is their attraction real or adrenaline. Author did ok with the interracial concept of the book. Not to much detail about things I'm sure she doesn't have a clue about. (No shade intended)
April 29, 2021
Great action packed romance novel! The author captured my interest from beginning to end.
My only critique is that the cover model did not fit the description of the male lead.
My only critique is that the cover model did not fit the description of the male lead.
May 25, 2025
2.5✨
April 20, 2016
What a heck of a first date being a blind date even makes it worse. Barb is much more of a women than I would have been she has guts, smart, she is a take the bull by the horn women, she sure doesn’t let any grass grow under her feet when she makes up her mind. When Barb first looks at Ken she isn’t so sure he just isn’t her normal kind of guy. Before the evening is through she tells herself she will be killing Jamie or kick her tail along with many other promises. It isn’t long into the date that she feels Ken isn’t acting right. It isn’t long before they find themselves under attack and go into hiding. This is not the first time tonight that Barb wonders if there is more to Ken than meets the eye.
Ken thought this would be an easy night fast in fast out with what he was looking for. What he finds is Barb isn’t what he expected and the attraction between them is making it hard to keep his mind on his mission. He thought he would get some simple minded lady who would stay out of his way. What he got was a woman who saw too much and asked too many question. He is starting to think maybe she is with the terrorists and trying to bring him down.
This is a very fast pace read with all happen in more or less one day. You would be surprised what can happen in a day when you are a spy and on a mission. Not all thing are as they seem nor are the people. You will have to look closely if you want to find the clues to who, what, why and where. The author sure isn’t giving much away as she twists the read into a thrilling adventure. This author starts off this thrilling read with a bang and keeps the same pace throughout. You are pretty well hooked from the first page until the end. There is some powerful attraction when these two first meet as these two hit head on dancing around it. Neither really likes the other but when push comes to shove they stand up and make a wonderful team.
There are times my mouth fell open or times when I had to laugh and still times when I sat on the edge holding on to find out how things would go. This was really a thrilling read which make your heart beat a little faster. OH MY the passionate nights will have you a little heated yourself. I thought this had a wonderful plot and well written. I loved the characters Barbie and Ken made a find match lol. There is just enough push and shove to make this a very entertaining read. I have never read anything by this author and can’t wait to read more. If you are looking for a fast pace thrilling read with some romance I hope you give this a read.
Ken thought this would be an easy night fast in fast out with what he was looking for. What he finds is Barb isn’t what he expected and the attraction between them is making it hard to keep his mind on his mission. He thought he would get some simple minded lady who would stay out of his way. What he got was a woman who saw too much and asked too many question. He is starting to think maybe she is with the terrorists and trying to bring him down.
This is a very fast pace read with all happen in more or less one day. You would be surprised what can happen in a day when you are a spy and on a mission. Not all thing are as they seem nor are the people. You will have to look closely if you want to find the clues to who, what, why and where. The author sure isn’t giving much away as she twists the read into a thrilling adventure. This author starts off this thrilling read with a bang and keeps the same pace throughout. You are pretty well hooked from the first page until the end. There is some powerful attraction when these two first meet as these two hit head on dancing around it. Neither really likes the other but when push comes to shove they stand up and make a wonderful team.
There are times my mouth fell open or times when I had to laugh and still times when I sat on the edge holding on to find out how things would go. This was really a thrilling read which make your heart beat a little faster. OH MY the passionate nights will have you a little heated yourself. I thought this had a wonderful plot and well written. I loved the characters Barbie and Ken made a find match lol. There is just enough push and shove to make this a very entertaining read. I have never read anything by this author and can’t wait to read more. If you are looking for a fast pace thrilling read with some romance I hope you give this a read.
August 5, 2019
Hmmmmm.
Not my favourite Black Cipher book, it's an ok book but I found Ken and Barb a little hard to like in comparison to Lucas, Jamie, Staci and Jordan from the previous books.
This book is set in a very short timescale (an evening) and most takes place in a hidden room with just Ken and Barb, parts just felt a little stilted and unnatural as both characters have a tendancy to get lost in their own heads.
I did enjoy it but it wasn't as gripping as the rest of the series and I wasn't as invested in the characters and their HEA.
Not my favourite Black Cipher book, it's an ok book but I found Ken and Barb a little hard to like in comparison to Lucas, Jamie, Staci and Jordan from the previous books.
This book is set in a very short timescale (an evening) and most takes place in a hidden room with just Ken and Barb, parts just felt a little stilted and unnatural as both characters have a tendancy to get lost in their own heads.
I did enjoy it but it wasn't as gripping as the rest of the series and I wasn't as invested in the characters and their HEA.
November 29, 2016
I just going to say it: describing a Black heroine as having "coffee and cream skin" needs to just DIE!!! Not only is it more colorism, but just lazy and problematic writing to boot. Sad too, because the plot is awesome. I actually loved the snarkiness of the characters. But I just can't co-sign on the colorism. Blame the authors who keep doing it and turning me off to my beloved IR genre.
May 22, 2016
Barbara and Ken's first date was set up but started them on a journey of embassies, abduction and missions to be completed. Enjoyed the characters and story line.
Ebook from netgalley
Ebook from netgalley
May 30, 2016
An okay book. There were too many parts that dragged, and a few things that missed the eyes of a sharp editor. Overall, the hero and heroine had fun chemistry and i enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews