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Undercover #1
Undercover: Secrets & Lies
In the underbelly of L.A., crime has a sinister grip on the inner-workings of the city. When a cop turns up missing, his senator father will stop at nothing to locate him, even if that means bringing in the precarious Laila Lowell. Charged with the task of rescue or recovery, Laila sets out to take down the city's most powerful criminal while defending the secrets that will keep her alive, but the moment she meets bad boy Benjamin Ryder, her mission takes on a whole new dimension -- a deeply personal one. From the front lines to the tangled depths of honor, vengeance, and allure, Laila is locked and loaded as she goes Undercover.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2017
1 person is currently reading
498 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 8, 2017
That wasn't part of the plan. She was supposed to get in, get information on the missing cop, and get out. She thought it would be easy, but Laila didn't count on falling in love with him.
Ben has worked for Mercier for years, protecting him and his enterprise. Then she came along, and turned his world on its side. He's never met anyone who could defend herself as well as she, but it didn't stop him from wanting to take care of her.
From the first few pages, I knew I was going to like Laila. She's strong, feisty, confident, and very independent. It took me a little bit to warm up to Ben, because I couldn't determine how entrenched he was in Titus Mercier's organization. Clearly he was one of his top men...but just how far was he willing to go for the man? But the way he treated Laila...It wasn't long before I too fell half in love with him.
Having read as many Jennifer Loren novels as I have, there were definitely some parts where I could say "I totally saw that coming". But, as usual, within a few paragraphs of one of those moments, I'd sit up straight and say "I didn't see THAT coming!"
Ben has worked for Mercier for years, protecting him and his enterprise. Then she came along, and turned his world on its side. He's never met anyone who could defend herself as well as she, but it didn't stop him from wanting to take care of her.
From the first few pages, I knew I was going to like Laila. She's strong, feisty, confident, and very independent. It took me a little bit to warm up to Ben, because I couldn't determine how entrenched he was in Titus Mercier's organization. Clearly he was one of his top men...but just how far was he willing to go for the man? But the way he treated Laila...It wasn't long before I too fell half in love with him.
Having read as many Jennifer Loren novels as I have, there were definitely some parts where I could say "I totally saw that coming". But, as usual, within a few paragraphs of one of those moments, I'd sit up straight and say "I didn't see THAT coming!"
December 7, 2017
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by this fresh spin on a mafia romance. Laila is a breath of fresh air, and her prowess knows no bounds.
It’s going to be hard to let you in on all the secrets because that’s what this book has in spades. Laila is a female of strength, and I appreciated her candor throughout. She is tough as nails, but when it comes to meeting the ever loving Ben she get’s caught up in a game of revenge and love. Will she choose? Maybe.
If you like the heroine who rises up this book is your jam.
It’s going to be hard to let you in on all the secrets because that’s what this book has in spades. Laila is a female of strength, and I appreciated her candor throughout. She is tough as nails, but when it comes to meeting the ever loving Ben she get’s caught up in a game of revenge and love. Will she choose? Maybe.
If you like the heroine who rises up this book is your jam.
October 30, 2017
4 Stars
I always enjoy Jennifer Lorens writing, it has a familiar comfortable feel to me and it makes it that much easier for me to fall into the flow of her books. Here she delivers an action packed, funny at times, entertaining love story with a badass heroine and a hot male lead that you can’t help but instantly fall for. The secondary characters were pretty awesome too which is always important for me. What more could you ask for? Nothing! Add this book to your TBR’s!
I always enjoy Jennifer Lorens writing, it has a familiar comfortable feel to me and it makes it that much easier for me to fall into the flow of her books. Here she delivers an action packed, funny at times, entertaining love story with a badass heroine and a hot male lead that you can’t help but instantly fall for. The secondary characters were pretty awesome too which is always important for me. What more could you ask for? Nothing! Add this book to your TBR’s!
September 13, 2017
"Who are you Benjamin Ryder?"
"The man who is all wrong for you, Laila Lowell."
Laila is a pretty fierce and fearless individual. She is confident...and just a bit reckless. The troublesome daughter of a murdered police officer, Laila has been tasked with going undercover inside L.A.'s most dangerous crime syndicate. Her mission is to locate a senator's missing son - an undercover detective. Laila is sure that this will be a fairly easy assignment. What she doesn't expect, however, is to enjoy working with some of the city's most dangerous criminals...or to find herself falling for one of them.
Benjamin Ryder is charming, charismatic, and too sure of himself for his own good. He knows what he wants, and what he wants is Laila. Ben is not what most readers would expect of someone who is seemingly being groomed to take over the criminal empire. He is loyal and funny, and people genuinely seem to like him - and not because they fear him or his boss.
Laila and Ben's relationship evolves over a relatively short period, but neither knows how to trust the other, since they are each harboring secrets in a world where one wrong move can get a person killed.
What I didn't like:
The movement of the storyline. Actually, it seems like the style was more suited to a screenplay than a book. I could easily see this book being a made for TV movie (and one I would totally watch!!). The writing didn't give me a sense of suspense and the action could have been...more. It always seemed to be over way too quickly. Also, there are some unnecessary gaps in the storyline, which could have been filled by removing the extra baggage (i.e., Cole Shepherd).
Overall, I enjoyed reading Undercover, but it is not a book that I will place on my "keep" shelf. I liked the humorous and witty dialogue, and I caught myself laughing out loud at times. The protagonists are engaging, even if some of their personal choices are oddly questionable. However, some of the secondary characters, specifically the antagonists, are hard to relate to/understand due to lack of description or lack of clarification regarding the motives behind their behavior. For the sake of not providing spoilers, I'm being intentionally vague here.
This was my first Jennifer Loren book, and I will most likely read another.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
"The man who is all wrong for you, Laila Lowell."
Laila is a pretty fierce and fearless individual. She is confident...and just a bit reckless. The troublesome daughter of a murdered police officer, Laila has been tasked with going undercover inside L.A.'s most dangerous crime syndicate. Her mission is to locate a senator's missing son - an undercover detective. Laila is sure that this will be a fairly easy assignment. What she doesn't expect, however, is to enjoy working with some of the city's most dangerous criminals...or to find herself falling for one of them.
Benjamin Ryder is charming, charismatic, and too sure of himself for his own good. He knows what he wants, and what he wants is Laila. Ben is not what most readers would expect of someone who is seemingly being groomed to take over the criminal empire. He is loyal and funny, and people genuinely seem to like him - and not because they fear him or his boss.
Laila and Ben's relationship evolves over a relatively short period, but neither knows how to trust the other, since they are each harboring secrets in a world where one wrong move can get a person killed.
What I didn't like:
The movement of the storyline. Actually, it seems like the style was more suited to a screenplay than a book. I could easily see this book being a made for TV movie (and one I would totally watch!!). The writing didn't give me a sense of suspense and the action could have been...more. It always seemed to be over way too quickly. Also, there are some unnecessary gaps in the storyline, which could have been filled by removing the extra baggage (i.e., Cole Shepherd).
Overall, I enjoyed reading Undercover, but it is not a book that I will place on my "keep" shelf. I liked the humorous and witty dialogue, and I caught myself laughing out loud at times. The protagonists are engaging, even if some of their personal choices are oddly questionable. However, some of the secondary characters, specifically the antagonists, are hard to relate to/understand due to lack of description or lack of clarification regarding the motives behind their behavior. For the sake of not providing spoilers, I'm being intentionally vague here.
This was my first Jennifer Loren book, and I will most likely read another.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
September 7, 2017
Laila is just a bada$$...no better way to describe her in my opinion! She’s a strong yet soft woman that has her heart set on becoming a police officer, just like her father. When she takes an undercover assignment that will help her achieve her goals, she’s tested in every way imaginable…physically, mentally and emotionally. There are some pretty violent scenes in the book but it works perfectly with the story. She actually participates in a death match as an interview for the job of her undercover persona so when she realizes that the toughest part of the job would actually be resisting Ben, she’s a little stunned to say the least.
“I thought this mission would be all about fighting, gun battles and secret messages, easy stuff, but no, I have to pretend I am not the least bit attracted to the hot, wet man in the next room.”
But no one could resist Ben! I absolutely loved his character and his strength, loyalty and charm are just a few reasons why. He’s determined to have her completely and won’t give up He turns out to be a perfect match for Laila. I loved them as a couple!
The plot of the story is fantastic! It keeps you guessing and glued to its pages. It seemed to be a bit rushed at times, especially when the action picked up pace but overall, I really enjoyed this book!
“I thought this mission would be all about fighting, gun battles and secret messages, easy stuff, but no, I have to pretend I am not the least bit attracted to the hot, wet man in the next room.”
But no one could resist Ben! I absolutely loved his character and his strength, loyalty and charm are just a few reasons why. He’s determined to have her completely and won’t give up He turns out to be a perfect match for Laila. I loved them as a couple!
The plot of the story is fantastic! It keeps you guessing and glued to its pages. It seemed to be a bit rushed at times, especially when the action picked up pace but overall, I really enjoyed this book!
September 16, 2017
Undercover: Secrets & Lies by Jennifer Loren
I didn't really know what to expect from Ben & Laila because I hadn't read Jennifer Loren previously but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Jennifer's writing is engaging and in Undercover she has given the reader characters that have the believability to capture our thoughts & hearts.
I thought the first and last third of the story were particularly engrossing however I have to admit the middle of this book lost impetus slightly which took away from the enjoyment somewhat.
I loved how the author delivered us such a character as Laila...she is a hard hitting, take no prisoners kind of girl with a hint of vulnerability who is certainly not expecting her heart to be seized by a bad boy such as Ben.
And Ben is not the typical bad boy either...his dangerous persona is more hinted at rather than directly portrayed and he certainly had a soft side that was most endearing.
Although marginally predictable, there was enough action to keep the surprise aspect alive right to the end.
Overall an entertaining read.
I didn't really know what to expect from Ben & Laila because I hadn't read Jennifer Loren previously but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Jennifer's writing is engaging and in Undercover she has given the reader characters that have the believability to capture our thoughts & hearts.
I thought the first and last third of the story were particularly engrossing however I have to admit the middle of this book lost impetus slightly which took away from the enjoyment somewhat.
I loved how the author delivered us such a character as Laila...she is a hard hitting, take no prisoners kind of girl with a hint of vulnerability who is certainly not expecting her heart to be seized by a bad boy such as Ben.
And Ben is not the typical bad boy either...his dangerous persona is more hinted at rather than directly portrayed and he certainly had a soft side that was most endearing.
Although marginally predictable, there was enough action to keep the surprise aspect alive right to the end.
Overall an entertaining read.
September 14, 2017
This was totally worth it! I liked this book a lot! Laila and Ben were amazing.
I didn't expect to be hooked like I was with this book, new author for me but when someone says the word Mafia? I'm in!
Normally when I do my reviews my main topic is the couple. This time? Laila took the spotlight, she was a badass and I was rooting for her all the time. The book was totally interesting, you'll want to know with every turn what happens next!
I didn't expect to be hooked like I was with this book, new author for me but when someone says the word Mafia? I'm in!
Normally when I do my reviews my main topic is the couple. This time? Laila took the spotlight, she was a badass and I was rooting for her all the time. The book was totally interesting, you'll want to know with every turn what happens next!
September 13, 2017
It started really nice, as a 3.5, sometimes 4 book but it rapidly went down. I felt like the characters were never fully developed. It rested too much on the funny side and I never got to know them well.
The writting was good, as in all Jennifer Loren's book, but the story, for me, wasn't quite there yet.
The writting was good, as in all Jennifer Loren's book, but the story, for me, wasn't quite there yet.
February 24, 2021
Love reading Jennifer Logan's book they are so awesome 💘
Appallingly brilliant , I 💘 the character's and their journey to realizing they were meant for each . It's been awhile since I've read the Devil 's Eyes series and was glad to see this one on Kindle, I a!also have another new book waiting to be read. Thank you Jennifer Loren . 💘 you're books.
Appallingly brilliant , I 💘 the character's and their journey to realizing they were meant for each . It's been awhile since I've read the Devil 's Eyes series and was glad to see this one on Kindle, I a!also have another new book waiting to be read. Thank you Jennifer Loren . 💘 you're books.
January 10, 2018
4.5 stars!! Loved this latest book by Jennifer Loren! What surprised me the most was the humor throughout the book, great twists and turns and I fell in love with Ben!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews