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Agent O’Connor #2
Worthy of Trust and Confidence
Following an incident on her last protection assignment, Special Agent Ryan O’Connor’s life is in shambles. Her sort-of ex, Det. Lucia Mendez, was killed, and the guilt she feels is crushing. Her current girlfriend, Special Agent Allison Reynolds, is upset about something, but Ryan doesn’t know what. She’s on light duty because of her own injuries, which severely limits what she’s allowed to do. And what little sleep she’s getting is plagued by horrible nightmares of recent events that confuse as much as terrify her.
Ryan tries to put her emotions on the back burner and focus on discovering who was responsible for Lucia’s death, but life keeps derailing her efforts. When Ryan finally manages to get to the bottom of who shot her, she inadvertently discovers the truth will indeed set you free. But not until it’s finished with you. And before it does, it’ll royally piss you off.
Ryan tries to put her emotions on the back burner and focus on discovering who was responsible for Lucia’s death, but life keeps derailing her efforts. When Ryan finally manages to get to the bottom of who shot her, she inadvertently discovers the truth will indeed set you free. But not until it’s finished with you. And before it does, it’ll royally piss you off.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
15 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Kara A. McLeod
5 books37 followersKara A. McLeod is a badass by day and a smartass by night. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Or quite possibly neither. It really depends on who you ask. A Jersey girl at heart, “Mac” is an intrepid wanderer who goes wherever the wind takes her. A former Secret Service agent who decided she wanted more out of life than standing in a stairwell and losing an entire month every year to the United Nations General Assembly, she currently resides in an RV with her straight best friend and two ferocious dogs searching hither and yon for the meaning of life, the nearest comic con, and the world’s best margarita.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 27, 2017
While book 1, in this series, had some mixed reviews, I enjoyed it and was looking forward to this book. This book was not as exciting as book 1, but I enjoyed it more, and thought the writing was better.
If you have not read book 1, I would not keep reading this summary until you have. It will give away some of what happened in book 1. These books do not standalone. You must read them in order. Book 2 picks up after Ryan was shot 5 times. She is still dealing with her recovery and the death of her ex. Ryan is suffering form PTSD and survivors guilt, blaming herself for what happened. Ryan is still keeping secrets from Allison, and it is causing their relationship to be strained. Can they work things out, while Ryan tries to find Lucia's murderer?
This book was a lot about Ryan's state of mind, and how PTSD and depression was getting to her. I thought McLeod did a good job of really letting us know what Ryan was feeling. This book also is a lot to do with Ryan and Allison's relationship. In book 1, I didn't care for Allison very much. I'm starting to warm to her after this book. She still has some issues, and can be a little unfair to Ryan, but you could really tell they loved each other in this book. The chemistry and attraction was strong.
There was quite a few questions left unanswered in book 1. Like who shot Ryan, and why. If you pay attention to enough clues in book 1, you will have a good guess. I enjoyed reading how everything unfolded, and was happy to get answers to the big questions. This book did leave one question hanging, but it is about Allison. It made me wonder if maybe there will be a book 3.
I enjoyed this read and recommend this to anyone that read book 1. Even if you had mixed feeling about the first book, I think you will enjoy how this book wraps everything up.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
If you have not read book 1, I would not keep reading this summary until you have. It will give away some of what happened in book 1. These books do not standalone. You must read them in order. Book 2 picks up after Ryan was shot 5 times. She is still dealing with her recovery and the death of her ex. Ryan is suffering form PTSD and survivors guilt, blaming herself for what happened. Ryan is still keeping secrets from Allison, and it is causing their relationship to be strained. Can they work things out, while Ryan tries to find Lucia's murderer?
This book was a lot about Ryan's state of mind, and how PTSD and depression was getting to her. I thought McLeod did a good job of really letting us know what Ryan was feeling. This book also is a lot to do with Ryan and Allison's relationship. In book 1, I didn't care for Allison very much. I'm starting to warm to her after this book. She still has some issues, and can be a little unfair to Ryan, but you could really tell they loved each other in this book. The chemistry and attraction was strong.
There was quite a few questions left unanswered in book 1. Like who shot Ryan, and why. If you pay attention to enough clues in book 1, you will have a good guess. I enjoyed reading how everything unfolded, and was happy to get answers to the big questions. This book did leave one question hanging, but it is about Allison. It made me wonder if maybe there will be a book 3.
I enjoyed this read and recommend this to anyone that read book 1. Even if you had mixed feeling about the first book, I think you will enjoy how this book wraps everything up.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
July 9, 2017
This is a continuation of the book Actual Stop, where major plot threads were brought up and left dangling, for them to be resolved here, so it's not really possible to skip that and dive into this book directly and still fully grasp what's going on. This review will contain spoilers for the first book.
Secret service agent Ryan O'Connor gets shot multiple times in the line of duty, while on protection duty for the president of Iran. But Ryan is alive only because she got socked by jealous ex-lover Luce at just the exact moment, resulting in Luce taking the bullet that would have killed Ryan outright. So aside from dealing with her physical injuries, she is wracked with nightmares and guilt over Luce's death. Add to that her confusion and hurt over girlfriend Allison's sudden distance and her emotions are all over the place.
This book is much more about Ryan dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the shooting and her mysteriously strained relationship with Allison rather than the procedural investigation and work routines that dominated the first book. There's nothing much more strenuous here than a few phone calls ordering up subpoenas or talking down pervs. In fact, more energy was probably spent trying to fix "Ryan and Allison part 2" , which unexpectedly and inexplicably hit some rough patches. You'd think ex-lovers would learn their lessons from painful breakups but apparently not these two. Physically, they may sizzle and pop but their relationship skills don't seem to extend beyond the bedroom walls. So Ryan has put Allison on some unrealistic pedestal but she barely knows her beyond work and the bedroom. When they interact, it's always with some undercurrent of tension and uncertainty. Ryan seems to be always second guessing herself on how to act around Allison. Occasionally I couldn't help but feel that the relationship isn't very equal, like this could devolve into unhealthy codependency. Also, there was this painful stretch of the book where Ryan seemed to be doing everything to push Allison away, after previously pining for her the entire first book! Talk about a massive failure to communicate, due to their mutual inability to trust.
Fortunately that doesn't last too long. Romance lovers will love that the rest of the book is basically all about the "make up". Oh there was that bit about catching one of the bad guys and Ryan playing hero again, but to me those felt like minor distractions to the whole Ryan/Allison make up process. ;) Though to be fair, they're pretty good excuses to trot out even more hot secret service agents, women who can totally carry their own book. (hint, hint ;)) Anyway, so basically the author just turned the typical romantic trope on its head. Break up first, then make up, and then try to get to know each other... and maybe, when all is said and done, have their very first date? How's that for a different kind of love? ;)
Come to think of it, I was actually expecting the latter part of book to be more about Allison's mysterious "thing" with the boss (I don't know what to call it...exactly), but I'm not complaining--make ups are so much better. :) And yeah, there'll probably be a third book to take care of that.
4.45
ARC from Netgalley
Secret service agent Ryan O'Connor gets shot multiple times in the line of duty, while on protection duty for the president of Iran. But Ryan is alive only because she got socked by jealous ex-lover Luce at just the exact moment, resulting in Luce taking the bullet that would have killed Ryan outright. So aside from dealing with her physical injuries, she is wracked with nightmares and guilt over Luce's death. Add to that her confusion and hurt over girlfriend Allison's sudden distance and her emotions are all over the place.
This book is much more about Ryan dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the shooting and her mysteriously strained relationship with Allison rather than the procedural investigation and work routines that dominated the first book. There's nothing much more strenuous here than a few phone calls ordering up subpoenas or talking down pervs. In fact, more energy was probably spent trying to fix "Ryan and Allison part 2" , which unexpectedly and inexplicably hit some rough patches. You'd think ex-lovers would learn their lessons from painful breakups but apparently not these two. Physically, they may sizzle and pop but their relationship skills don't seem to extend beyond the bedroom walls. So Ryan has put Allison on some unrealistic pedestal but she barely knows her beyond work and the bedroom. When they interact, it's always with some undercurrent of tension and uncertainty. Ryan seems to be always second guessing herself on how to act around Allison. Occasionally I couldn't help but feel that the relationship isn't very equal, like this could devolve into unhealthy codependency. Also, there was this painful stretch of the book where Ryan seemed to be doing everything to push Allison away, after previously pining for her the entire first book! Talk about a massive failure to communicate, due to their mutual inability to trust.
Fortunately that doesn't last too long. Romance lovers will love that the rest of the book is basically all about the "make up". Oh there was that bit about catching one of the bad guys and Ryan playing hero again, but to me those felt like minor distractions to the whole Ryan/Allison make up process. ;) Though to be fair, they're pretty good excuses to trot out even more hot secret service agents, women who can totally carry their own book. (hint, hint ;)) Anyway, so basically the author just turned the typical romantic trope on its head. Break up first, then make up, and then try to get to know each other... and maybe, when all is said and done, have their very first date? How's that for a different kind of love? ;)
Come to think of it, I was actually expecting the latter part of book to be more about Allison's mysterious "thing" with the boss (I don't know what to call it...exactly), but I'm not complaining--make ups are so much better. :) And yeah, there'll probably be a third book to take care of that.
4.45
ARC from Netgalley
February 20, 2017
Kara A. McLeod knows how to write a great story with characters that have strength and at the same time are vulnerable. A hard mix but when is done well gives the reader a character that is absolutely captivating. Worthy of Trust and Confidence, gives you not one but two leading ladies that will capture your heart.
First off if you haven’t read Actual Stop you need to stop right here and go read it. You cannot read this one first, you’ll be totally lost. Take it from me it’s damn good and you want this in your life.
We pick back up with Special Agent Ryan O’Connor recovering from bullet wounds after the assassination attempt on Iran’s president. Ryan is haunted by the death of her former lover and riddled with guilt because she survived and Lucia didn’t. She holds back her pain from everyone, including her now girlfriend, Special Agent Allison Reynolds. Why to be tough? No that’s not it, but because she doesn’t want Allison to feel guilty as well. Her text message saved Ryan but cost Lucia the ultimate price. Ryan wants to shoulder that guilt all herself, even though she desperately needs to talk about it. She also is walking on eggshells with Allison. Old wounds from the past keep her from leaning too heavily on the love of her life. She doesn’t want to screw it up when they just go back together. All the while Allison’s heart is breaking Ryan won’t open up, she is also dealing a boss that is causing her hell on Earth.
So while the last book was a little heavy-handed on secret service procedures, this one is not. Not at all, this is an action-packed adventure with two badass female leads with smoldering hot chemistry. Once I got started, there is no way in hell you could have dragged this book from me. I needed to finish this one. It is that good! You have a fantastic mystery, a ton of corruption and a love story that just won’t quit. This one surpasses the first in the series and is every bit deserving of its five-star rating.
First off if you haven’t read Actual Stop you need to stop right here and go read it. You cannot read this one first, you’ll be totally lost. Take it from me it’s damn good and you want this in your life.
We pick back up with Special Agent Ryan O’Connor recovering from bullet wounds after the assassination attempt on Iran’s president. Ryan is haunted by the death of her former lover and riddled with guilt because she survived and Lucia didn’t. She holds back her pain from everyone, including her now girlfriend, Special Agent Allison Reynolds. Why to be tough? No that’s not it, but because she doesn’t want Allison to feel guilty as well. Her text message saved Ryan but cost Lucia the ultimate price. Ryan wants to shoulder that guilt all herself, even though she desperately needs to talk about it. She also is walking on eggshells with Allison. Old wounds from the past keep her from leaning too heavily on the love of her life. She doesn’t want to screw it up when they just go back together. All the while Allison’s heart is breaking Ryan won’t open up, she is also dealing a boss that is causing her hell on Earth.
So while the last book was a little heavy-handed on secret service procedures, this one is not. Not at all, this is an action-packed adventure with two badass female leads with smoldering hot chemistry. Once I got started, there is no way in hell you could have dragged this book from me. I needed to finish this one. It is that good! You have a fantastic mystery, a ton of corruption and a love story that just won’t quit. This one surpasses the first in the series and is every bit deserving of its five-star rating.
May 16, 2017
3 and a half rounded to 4 stars. This is not a standalone book. Be sure to read the first in the series. I did read the first and I was left feeling that the first book was lacking. Happy to say this book is better. The characters are more developed and so is the plot. I love the back and forths with Ryan and Allison. In some ways they're two sides of the same coin.
There are some unanswered questions and dangling plot points again, but it didn't leave me hanging like the first book did. Overall, a big improvement and I must say I'm really liking this series and looking forward to the next installment.
Received and ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
There are some unanswered questions and dangling plot points again, but it didn't leave me hanging like the first book did. Overall, a big improvement and I must say I'm really liking this series and looking forward to the next installment.
Received and ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
February 25, 2017
Even though I like this one better than the first one it left me with some unanswered questions. Allison never told Ryan what was going on but she asked Ryan to be honest with her. What was going on with Allison and her boss? Maybe in the next book there will be answers.
Arc Given by NetGalley for an honest review
Arc Given by NetGalley for an honest review
June 20, 2017
When I started to read this book I was unaware it was a book 2 of an on going series. I think I would have benefited by reading book 1 first but only at the beginning. After a while the author catches you up adequately so my enjoyment was not too affected.
The main character Ryan is recovering from being shot five times I think but she is also suffering from PTSD as she has reoccuring nightmares. Also there is evidence that she is blaming herself for her ex's death. She also fails to keep people up to date with her progress especially Allison who is her girlfriend. I got the impression that Allison is a very private person and neither of them are willing to take that extra step which starts trust and confidence.
The book takes you through the investigation of who shot her and who killed her ex. I did not read book 1 so I did not really see the result coming. Others have claimed that you should read book 1 first and I am tending to agree with them. I think a lot more would have been more noticable. It is a good mystery and has some very entertaining scenes.
I feel there is a book 3 in the making because some questions have not been answered especially the one about Allison and her boss. I would definately read book 3 and now I need to read book 1.
Would I recommend this? Yes without a doubt.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The main character Ryan is recovering from being shot five times I think but she is also suffering from PTSD as she has reoccuring nightmares. Also there is evidence that she is blaming herself for her ex's death. She also fails to keep people up to date with her progress especially Allison who is her girlfriend. I got the impression that Allison is a very private person and neither of them are willing to take that extra step which starts trust and confidence.
The book takes you through the investigation of who shot her and who killed her ex. I did not read book 1 so I did not really see the result coming. Others have claimed that you should read book 1 first and I am tending to agree with them. I think a lot more would have been more noticable. It is a good mystery and has some very entertaining scenes.
I feel there is a book 3 in the making because some questions have not been answered especially the one about Allison and her boss. I would definately read book 3 and now I need to read book 1.
Would I recommend this? Yes without a doubt.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
March 31, 2017
Before reading this, I went back and read the first book again. I had forgotten the history between Allison and Ryan which is rather important in this book too. Their love affair could be great but there are so many things that keep them apart. Thrilling, hot, murderous, treacherous are all words that could describe this novel. Fantastic job by McLeod in her second novel. It's just as good as the first
September 13, 2017
Great follow up to the first book Actual Stop which is a must read before this one. You will be completely lost if you don't. Most of the issues from book 1 are resolved and a couple new ones left to dangle. This one was a little more focused on the Secret Service but still a lot of romance. I like the chemistry between the mains....but still not sure I like Allison at all. Hopefully there will be a third book which will give more insight to this character.
January 26, 2018
Ok so I wasn't sure about Allison in book 1 but she definitely won me over in this book. I thought Allison and Ryan provided the perfect balance couple which I loved reading about. It did drive me insane their inability to talk but it also kept me completely engrossed in the story.
I was annoyed at the end that we didn't find out more about the issue between Allison and her boss but I assume that will come to light in the next book.
I was annoyed at the end that we didn't find out more about the issue between Allison and her boss but I assume that will come to light in the next book.
November 18, 2018
This series is so enjoyable I was motivated to go through my books and label all my series. I'm thinking that I always want to have a series in progress as one of my currently-reading books. The pacing of the character development, and the richness of the plot-lines is so satisfying when the author doesn't have to wrap-up everything in 250-350 pages. One to book three. This is too much fun!
March 9, 2017
I didn't read book 1 so I was very lost for the first part of the book. I quickly realized this wasn't a stand alone series and will need to read the first book in the series to really understand everything I read in the first.
While it was a good read but series does everyone love the female lead in the story. There isn't any one who dislikes her a while she is a great characters I didn't need to be reminded over and over again how amazing she was and how everyone loved her.
The author has the ability to pull readers in even when they might not be her choice audience. While the romance was between two women the story was more than romance. The author left a few questions that she never answered just like book 1 keeping readers wondering what will happen next.
Read Book 1 first it will give you less headaches trying to figure out who everyone is and what relationship they have with Ryan.
My only negative is the author made Ryan the female lead almost invisible adding to the already perfect character that everyone seem to love. I found it a little bothersome
Advance Copy from Netgalley for Honest thoughts
While it was a good read but series does everyone love the female lead in the story. There isn't any one who dislikes her a while she is a great characters I didn't need to be reminded over and over again how amazing she was and how everyone loved her.
The author has the ability to pull readers in even when they might not be her choice audience. While the romance was between two women the story was more than romance. The author left a few questions that she never answered just like book 1 keeping readers wondering what will happen next.
Read Book 1 first it will give you less headaches trying to figure out who everyone is and what relationship they have with Ryan.
My only negative is the author made Ryan the female lead almost invisible adding to the already perfect character that everyone seem to love. I found it a little bothersome
Advance Copy from Netgalley for Honest thoughts
May 21, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. THis is a sequel, and you need to read the first book before you pick up this one. I loved the first book, and I guess I was a little disappointed in this one. I wanted more of Allison and Ryan and felt a little short changed at the reality. I want to know a lot more from Allison's point of view, I know Ryan so well, but there are a lot of uncertainties with Allison that is making me need to know the answers about. All in all the plot was great as was us getting our answer on who ordered the shot that killed Luce. I hope the third installment will give us the answers that solve the questions that keep pilling up.
July 8, 2018
Wow. So I finished this book in record time. I couldn't put it down. I like this book so much more than the first book... and I really liked the first book. In book one I liked Allison.. but in this book for some reason I spent most of the time not trusting her. I guess I will have to wait and see if my suspicions are accurate. Ryan is a fantastic character in this book, and while she worked her way up in the line I really want to know about Ryan's sister, Rory. I hope book 3 has more of her. So this book kept me on edge, it introduced a few new characters who I hope to see more of. Especially Hannah. This series could just go on and on. I have no idea why I waited so long to read books 2 and 3. Do not be like me. I would pick up all 3 right now and kiss your weekend plans goodbye. I am about to start book 3. Can't wait to find out what happens.
February 18, 2017
Having loved Actual Stop I eagerly awaited the arrival of the follow up, frantically checking my inbox. When it did finally did arrive I read Worthy of Trust and Confidence in fewer than 24 hours and adored it! (Of course my impetuousness means I'm now stuck waiting god knows how long for the next one *sigh*)
On a more serious note, if you like secret service type thrillers you're going to enjoy the Agent O'Connor series. If you read Radclyffe's Cam & Blair series and found them a bit of a guilty pleasure because of how ridiculously far-fetched they were you will fucking love these books because the author is a retired secret service agent giving them a much more realistic air, while maintaining the hot lesbian action!
On a more serious note, if you like secret service type thrillers you're going to enjoy the Agent O'Connor series. If you read Radclyffe's Cam & Blair series and found them a bit of a guilty pleasure because of how ridiculously far-fetched they were you will fucking love these books because the author is a retired secret service agent giving them a much more realistic air, while maintaining the hot lesbian action!
August 4, 2017
This book picks up in the aftermath of events in book 1. Ryan is injured trying to heal both body and mind. She feels guilt for her ex girlfriend's death and suffers from nightmares. The lack of sleep is definitely wearing on her. Allison is also having trouble at work but won't open up about it.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The information on the Secret Service was interesting. Most of the focus of the book was Ryan and Allison's relationship and their trying to not repeat past mistakes. I liked Allison more in this book and liked learning more about her. I enjoyed their chemistry together.
I felt story answered some questions but there is still some left to figure out. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store next for Ryan.
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The information on the Secret Service was interesting. Most of the focus of the book was Ryan and Allison's relationship and their trying to not repeat past mistakes. I liked Allison more in this book and liked learning more about her. I enjoyed their chemistry together.
I felt story answered some questions but there is still some left to figure out. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store next for Ryan.
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.
March 8, 2017
The second book is way better! And I really think it improved a lot. The storyline are clearer and on point. Maybe because I connected more with this one. I really enjoyed it a lot. With book 1, I got lost sometimes and I couldn't connect that's why it took me more than a week to finish it.
Ryan is one superstar secret services like in book one everybody got her back.
Honestly, I think everybody's in love with her. Who wouldn't?
She's smart, silly, her sense of humor are off the charts.
No one can really say no to her.
There are thing that bothered me on the first part of the book and I got questions;
how many days did she stay in the hospital?
Is it really 3 days or I just didn't understand it?
And where did she got her strength?
I mean, she was released less than 24 hours and she already went to her office? And the next day punched by a big man and even manage to get laid? She was shot 5x right?
I think she's the sister of Wonder Woman or something.
I like Ryan and Allison here. Their banters are freaking funny! You can really feel the chemistry and love between them. I ship them badly and I'm really hoping for a third book. With Allison's POV.
What's up with her boss anyway?
What's with them and their bosses.
Don't ever read this without reading the first book.
If you like Hot Secret service agent, this is highly recommended.
4.5 close to 4 than 5.
Ryan is one superstar secret services like in book one everybody got her back.
Honestly, I think everybody's in love with her. Who wouldn't?
She's smart, silly, her sense of humor are off the charts.
No one can really say no to her.
There are thing that bothered me on the first part of the book and I got questions;
how many days did she stay in the hospital?
Is it really 3 days or I just didn't understand it?
And where did she got her strength?
I mean, she was released less than 24 hours and she already went to her office? And the next day punched by a big man and even manage to get laid? She was shot 5x right?
I think she's the sister of Wonder Woman or something.
I like Ryan and Allison here. Their banters are freaking funny! You can really feel the chemistry and love between them. I ship them badly and I'm really hoping for a third book. With Allison's POV.
What's up with her boss anyway?
What's with them and their bosses.
Don't ever read this without reading the first book.
If you like Hot Secret service agent, this is highly recommended.
4.5 close to 4 than 5.
February 27, 2018
Oooh, I really wanted to like this more than I did. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed this, and I’m definitely going to read the next in the series, as well as future books by this author. But I’m a tad frustrated because this ended up feeling pretty unsatisfying. At the end of book one we were left with a cliffhanger, which gets addressed in book two. The resolution was actually pretty anticlimactic. It just needed more action. We’ve also clearly been set up with another plot for the third book, but the lack of information the reader gets feels frustrating rather than intriguing. This whole book was a reading experience best described as reaching for something you really want and just not quite being able to grab it.
March 11, 2025
This is Book 2 in the series - you do need to have read book 1 for this to make much sense.
It is a Secret Service Agent Ryan O'Connor book; written by an ex secret service agent herself so expect reality and jargon - it's quite educational.
This picks up after the shooting and depicts the survivor guilt that Ryan is feeling. Ryan is trying to physically and mentally recuperate but is still working - downtime is when her demons rise to the surface.
Her boss seems to have an issue with her and is constantly popping up in places he shouldn't be in - like her desk drawers.
This story showcases what happens when a known individual - in this case with paranoid schizophrenia - develops and obsession with someone the secret service is protecting. It's all exciting, interesting and looks quite dangerous.
One of the things that makes this series shine is the the insider secret service knowledge - there are lots of behind the scenes admin and routine. All sounds mundane but it provides a background and is interesting.
Ryan's professional and personal lives collide - pretty much in each book.
This book also contains something that I've not seen very often - a 'Weebles wobble but they don't fall down' reference. Excellent.
It is a Secret Service Agent Ryan O'Connor book; written by an ex secret service agent herself so expect reality and jargon - it's quite educational.
This picks up after the shooting and depicts the survivor guilt that Ryan is feeling. Ryan is trying to physically and mentally recuperate but is still working - downtime is when her demons rise to the surface.
Her boss seems to have an issue with her and is constantly popping up in places he shouldn't be in - like her desk drawers.
This story showcases what happens when a known individual - in this case with paranoid schizophrenia - develops and obsession with someone the secret service is protecting. It's all exciting, interesting and looks quite dangerous.
One of the things that makes this series shine is the the insider secret service knowledge - there are lots of behind the scenes admin and routine. All sounds mundane but it provides a background and is interesting.
Ryan's professional and personal lives collide - pretty much in each book.
This book also contains something that I've not seen very often - a 'Weebles wobble but they don't fall down' reference. Excellent.
November 14, 2024
The title of this book is awkward and much of the book follows suit. McLeod's writing is reasonably smooth and professional but there isn't much of a structure here. Ryan is a strong woman but she spends the entire book in pain from being shot - I wanted her to just go lie down. Neither the action aspect or the romance felt convincing.
May 19, 2025
intense
The drama is intense, intriguing & enlightening. Learning more about FBI protocols is fun, but the real fun is in the humor spouted & thought throughout this book. Kudos to McMeod for these scenarios!
The drama is intense, intriguing & enlightening. Learning more about FBI protocols is fun, but the real fun is in the humor spouted & thought throughout this book. Kudos to McMeod for these scenarios!
March 15, 2017
Good sequel!
I really enjoyed this book, it answered a lot of questions that the first one left open. I'm hoping she writes more for this series!
I really enjoyed this book, it answered a lot of questions that the first one left open. I'm hoping she writes more for this series!
March 19, 2017
I love this series. Can't wait for the next one - still unanswered questions regarding Allison and her boss. I hope there will be one book with Allison's POV.
December 29, 2017
Ryan's having a hard time convincing herself she isn't responsible for the murder of her ex while trying to find the shooter. Allison wants them to open up to each other, but isn't sharing herself.
November 9, 2020
The book started very slowly and I had a hard time digging in. Luckily the pace picked up and I enjoyed the story and characters.
March 19, 2017
This book is the second book in the Agent O’Connor series. I would recommend that the first book be read prior to reading this one. It is not a stand-alone book because there are too many details in it which pertain to the first book.
The story begins with Agent Ryan O’Connor dealing with the devastating loss of her ex-partner Lucia Mendez who was murdered. While trying to solve the murder, Ryan is frustrated and deeply depressed. Her current girlfriend, Special Agent Allison Reynolds, is also upset, but Ryan doesn’t know the cause.
I found the story to be well written but a little depressing due to dealing with Ryan’s PTSD issues. The repartee between Ryan and Allison is good and certainly aids in their chemistry. If a reader is looking for a story filled with action, then this is a book to read.
Ms. McLeod leaves the reader with questions that still must be answered. This, of course, leads one to believe that there will be a book 3 in this series. I rate this book 4 stars out of 5.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
The story begins with Agent Ryan O’Connor dealing with the devastating loss of her ex-partner Lucia Mendez who was murdered. While trying to solve the murder, Ryan is frustrated and deeply depressed. Her current girlfriend, Special Agent Allison Reynolds, is also upset, but Ryan doesn’t know the cause.
I found the story to be well written but a little depressing due to dealing with Ryan’s PTSD issues. The repartee between Ryan and Allison is good and certainly aids in their chemistry. If a reader is looking for a story filled with action, then this is a book to read.
Ms. McLeod leaves the reader with questions that still must be answered. This, of course, leads one to believe that there will be a book 3 in this series. I rate this book 4 stars out of 5.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
August 26, 2025
I can only leave a message to the people in Book 2 saying don’t read Book 3
April 2, 2017
I loved this book.
I really enjoyed Worthy of Trust and Confidence. I re-read Actual Stop to remind me of the characters. This book is a great combination of romance and intrigue.
I really enjoyed Worthy of Trust and Confidence. I re-read Actual Stop to remind me of the characters. This book is a great combination of romance and intrigue.
April 2, 2017
I think it's fair to say first that I haven't read book one in this series and maybe if I had my rating would be higher. This is well written lesfic and has all the necessary angsty issues to keep you turning pages but I found it lacking something. Ryan is a great character but I was quite far into the book before I warmed to her. Some of her behaviours were irritating but I think that may be because they were following on from her previous adventure. The plot is very clever and there are some places in the narrative that are poetry, and the sex scene is well written and "real". It fits well and helps develop the relationship between Ryan and Allison. The minor characters worked, especially in helping Ryan resolve her major dilemma and the book is worth a read. I may go back and pick up book one after a gap before reading this again and I'll get more out of it.
April 4, 2017
This book is definitely the 2nd book in a series. Unfortunately I didn't realize that and was annoyed that the first part of the book was confusing. The first part of the book obviously assumes you already read the 1st book.
I enjoyed the warmth in the relationship between Ryan and Allison but was somewhat put off by the constant babbling of descriptions in Ryans thoughts. The mystery was barely mysterious or scary. I got enough out of it by just scimming and pausing from time to time to pick up the story. Too many long drawn out scenes.
I think the author is a good writer but I would prefer more story and more condensed personal description in Ryans head.
I enjoyed the warmth in the relationship between Ryan and Allison but was somewhat put off by the constant babbling of descriptions in Ryans thoughts. The mystery was barely mysterious or scary. I got enough out of it by just scimming and pausing from time to time to pick up the story. Too many long drawn out scenes.
I think the author is a good writer but I would prefer more story and more condensed personal description in Ryans head.
April 12, 2017
I haven't read the first book and so I was a bit lost for the first couple of chapters since this is not a stand alone books in the series. After I figured out all the characters names and their background and so on, I enjoyed this book. The main character was strong and vulnerable at the same time, which is hard to do with a character and make it believable. Kara McLeod did an excellent job in character portrayal and in building strong and believable characters with a great story behind them!
I definitely recommend this book but would say that it is important to read the first one first.
I definitely recommend this book but would say that it is important to read the first one first.
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