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Deadly DNA #1

Adrenaline Secrets

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This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN13: 9783981894523

He's a trained, genetically engineered mercenary. She's a spy on a quest to avenge her family. Falling for each other was never part of the plan.

Freelancing as a soldier for hire, Jake Hanson is ready to take down GovCorp, the ruthless corporation that created the mercenary that he is. But when he gets teamed up in the jungles of Africa with the fiery and determined Kendra Reed, Jake struggles with his mission. After all, he's not programmed to feel—but he's beginning to feel a hell of a lot for the feisty ex-soldier.

Kendra Reed works for GovCorp as a translator. But she has a hidden agenda. She's after the truth—and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Working with a genetically-engineered bad boy sparks intrigue in her. But the last thing Kendra needs is to be falling for someone like Jake.

As they face a deadly enemy, Jake and Kendra are forced to trust one another, while confronting the heated attraction that burns between them. With time running out and their adrenaline in overdrive, can they find a way to save themselves before it's too late?

Don't miss this steamy and suspenseful action romance with a dash of sci-fi thriller!

*Contains strong language, violence, and sexual situations. No cliffhanger.

Paperback

Published October 8, 2017

56 people are currently reading
617 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Reilly

4 books145 followers
Carolyn Reilly is and always will be a sucker for high stakes romances with happy endings. Her favorite themes are forbidden/impossible love, enemies to lovers, and second chances.

​After spending many years in East and West Africa, the US, and Central Asia, she currently resides in Bavaria/ Germany. When she isn’t reading, writing, or daydreaming, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her horses.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,042 reviews811 followers
October 28, 2017
Jake Hanson is a genetically engineered ex-soldier. He was part of the GovCorp program that tried and failed to create the ultimate soldier in by way of Genetic Invitro borns. These GV's, as they are called, started a rebellion 4 years ago and now live openly with natural borns.

Jake is now a freelance soldier. When he gets recruited to go to Nigeria as part of a protection detail, he meets Kendra once again. Their first meeting didn't go very well. Jake doesn't want to get involved with a natural born, but he will soon learn that he can't stay detached with Kendra even though he doesn't understand what he is feeling.

I'm impressed that this is a debut book for this author. This had all the elements I like in my romantic suspense books. An interesting plot, mature writing, likeable characters and it left me wanting more books from the side characters. This ends on a HFN but leaves us wanting to know what will happen with Oliver and Luna. Great start to a new series! ARC provided by NetGalley.
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,122 followers
October 17, 2017
My Adrenaline spiked near the end.

***3.5 Stars***

First up, I don’t read these types of books very often, so I’m not sure I am the best judge. By these, I’m referring to action/suspense/romance types of reads. Add in that we’re talking about genetically modified…created…birthed peoples, I’m really experiencing something new to me.

So, surprisingly enough, this book delves into science. Now, I didn’t do too well at science back in the day and I was a wee bit worried that it would all go straight to the keeper without me getting a look in. Luckily, it was pretty easy to follow and I never felt overwhelmed or lost.

Adrenaline Secrets delves more into modifying feelings. I found this fascinating…and a little scary. It was like watching robots acting as humans. They eat, drink and socialise but it all seems unemotional. Each batch was created and tweaked to test out different reactions and emotions. I spent quite a bit of time reflecting *is this where we’re heading?*

In Adrenaline Secrets there is a love story. It doesn’t start off well, mind you. Our hero is a tough nut to crack and certainly struggles with his emotions or lack of emotions. The heroine is loving, compassionate and giving. They seem like a mismatched pair, but there’s this connection between them that neither can deny. It takes dedication from both of them to understand each other, ignore the judgement from others and find time for each other. They’re both busy fighting the bad guys and saving the world.

I enjoyed Adrenaline Secrets but I did find it a little flat at times. What should have been emotionally charged scenes did not make even a blip on my scale. There wasn’t anything wrong with the storyline, characters or settings it just felt like I was being told instead of experiencing the story. I must be reading too many angsty stories where my heart is being ripped out and pummelled that I expect that in all my reads. Towards the end, there was an extreme adrenaline kick and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was there, holding a gun in one hand and trying to staunch the bleed of my teammates, with the other. My knee was killing me…but I had to survive. They were all counting on me…

Maybe I’m not the best judge of action/suspense/scientific romance, but, for what it’s worth, I quite enjoyed it and would definitely go back for more. There are a few characters I wouldn't mind getting to know better and I found Derek extremely intriguing.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.


Profile Image for JG.
1,075 reviews68 followers
May 31, 2018
She’d always been drawn to bad boys and, later, dangerous men. But this? This unbidden attraction to a GV was a whole new kind of crazy.


A really enjoyable and well-written story from a very talented debut author.

I love a good romantic suspense, especially where there is a strong female lead and this book gave me exactly that. Set in a time where cold-blooded killers are genetically engineered, readers are treated to a tense battle between the organisation who created them, GovCorp, and the congressional committee set about stopping them.

Kendra Reed is currently working undercover at GovCorp on behalf of the Committee and is determined to find out what secrets they have to hide. After losing her parents and her brother in a car crash years before, Kendra has always had her suspicions that GovCorp were behind their demise but as yet has not been able to find the proof that she needs. Supported in her pursuits by Derek, a senior member of the Committee and a close family friend, Kendra is assigned to a mission which will take her into the depths of Africa in order to find out what happened to one of the Committee's planes, and its precious cargo.

Kendra is joined on this mission by a freelance Genetic InVitro soldier, Jake Hanson. Kendra and Jake’s paths have crossed before and it is clear that Jake’s opinions of “naturals” isn’t one that’s overly friendly. Referred to as “giffs”, the GVs are tormented by naturals especially since their kind have been going rogue and killing innocent naturals. What Jake doesn’t know, is that Kendra is a loyal supporter of GVs for reasons which become clear later into the story.

Jake’s character, having being engineered, comes across as remarkably sweet and vulnerable, despite his killer training. When it becomes clear just how he, and other GVs, are birthed you can’t help but shed a tear for him and his kind. Despite his brusqueness towards Kendra initially, it soon becomes clear that they respect each other and soon that respect turns to feelings of love, which comes as a surprise to Jake. After arriving at their mission destination, Jake soon realises that Kendra isn’t the meek and fragile natural that he suspects and it’s not long before they are saving each other from imminent danger.

The story continues along with yet more mystery as Jake and Kendra find their paths inexplicably intertwined. As Kendra reveals what happened to her family, Jake also becomes aware of the part he too has played in Kendra’s past as his ghost suddenly becomes real.

All of the characters in this book are equally as fascinating and captivating in their own way. We meet Jake’s GV friend, Max, and also a fellow batch sibling, Oliver, who is also in a relationship with another undercover spy, Luna, and Cruz and Sela, colleagues of Kendra’s who readers can receive a short story about at the end of the book by signing up to the author’s newsletter. For a debut novel, this story is scarily complex and I commend the author for being brave enough to take it on, without error, I might add.


This ebook was kindly provided by the author and Netgalley prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,423 followers
December 11, 2023
2.5 stars

I enjoyed the premise of this story. Supersoldiers, mad schemes behind the scenes, bucking the system, etc.

I even liked how both Jake and Kendra underestimated each other in the beginning but grew to rely on each other in the end.

I think I didn't like the whole thing because it was so difficult for me to read. I put it down and picked it up again so many times that it took me a very long time to read it. And it's not even that long!

The author did a decent job with the world building. It was actually creepy how easy it was to imagine our world mirroring the one created here. Money is power and add a corrupt soul or souls and you have the makings for some horrific things.
Profile Image for Lydia W..
14 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2017
This one blew me away! An unexpectedly enjoyable read! Definitely one of my new favorites! Perfect mix of romantic suspense, science fiction, thriller and mystery. Jake is superhot and so much more than I expected and Kendra is my hero in more than one ways. But all the other characters were just as intriguing and interesting. I so hope there’ll soon be another book in this series.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
15 reviews
November 17, 2017
This book was recommended to me and I took a chance and really liked it. Though I primarily read science and action thrillers, I really enjoyed this more romancy read. The romance between Jake and Kendra was the main part of the story and it was hot and emotional, but never sappy, angsty or otherwise eyeroll-inducing. It was quite realistic given the differences of the main characters. The whole story was quite believable. I wouldn’t be too surprised to see a scenario like this come true sometime soon with all the genetic research going on. I’m curious to find out what will happen with the Committee and GovCorp in the next book.
Highly recommended if you like adventure, action or scifi thrillers and great, believable love story (with descriptive scenes).
Profile Image for Rhona.
10 reviews
November 3, 2017
Right up my alley! Pulse-pounding suspense, hot supersoldiers, and lots of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages until the wee hours.
And I loved the diverse settings: African jungle, futuristic GovCorp City and the horse rescue ranch was a definite plus. Can’t wait for book two!
*I received an advance reader copy and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Molly.
11 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2017
Fantastic romance novel

Reilly's book, Adrenaline Secrets, was one of the best romance novels I've ever read!

Given the subject matter, I wasn't really sure what to expect out of this novel, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The story is set in a futuristic world with 2 types of people roaming the world - "naturals" and "GV's."  GVs are these laboratory created people that have been genetically altered to be soldiers with excess adrenaline and physical strength and a lack of emotions. This book is a story about the treacherous attraction between a GV and a natural. 

I have picked up my fair share of romance novels and usually have to put them down because I can't stand the repetitive, over the top attention to the main characters' syrupy sweet attraction. Adrenaline Secrets was definitely a romance novel, but the action between all the 'action' - wink wink - made it not just bearable but a book that I couldn't put down! Sure, you see what's coming between Kendra and Jake the moment they're introduced, and the Romeo and Juliet love story has been done, but their chemistry sizzles, leading us into perilous jungle expeditions, to-the-death fights with rogues, and head on collisions with authorities.  It isn't an apocolytic story, but rather a dystopian society, one that isn't that much of a stretch to believe from what modern day science is. Between the thrilling action there is a narrative about accepting one another for what they are, which was another point this book had over traditional romance novels. It's a short read, definitely worth your time and I'm looking forward to picking up the 2nd book in the series!
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,100 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2017

This was a great book from beginning till end! Jake was a great character that was likeable and it was fun to read about him overcoming what he saw as flaws as he was genetically altered. Kendra was also likeable and a strong woman that stood for whatever she believed in. They had great chemistry and lots of sexy time. The book itself had lots of mystery and suspense and action. The secondary characters were well written and I hope to see more of them in the future. All in all a fantastic start to a new series that I plan to follow. Loved it! I am giving my voluntary review on a copy I received from the author.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,720 reviews230 followers
October 27, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

After reading Carolyn Reilly's biography I am more than a little intrigued about this book. I'm not sure what to call this book, paranormal, fantasy, science-fiction or just plain old romantic-suspense. What it is, is out of the norm for what I usually read. Thought provoking, entertaining and in parts, edge of your seat suspenseful. A very good first book by a new author.

Jake Hanson is the product of a program to create a super solider by the genetics and pharmaceutical mega company, GovCorp. The program was a bust and left in it's wake many whom society has no place for. Jake is a Genitic Invitro created human, or GV as they are referred to in the story. He was birthed fully formed at 16 years old and trained to kill. Now he wants to track down the scientist who created him and others in his batch to get to the bottom of some issues he has. In order to do that he needs access and has signed on with the Committee to try and gain that. His current assignment is to protect Kendra Reed, a linguist, and recover documents from a plane that went down in Nigeria.

Kendra Reed is a natural born and as such, Jake wants nothing to do with her, but the attraction is real and palpable for both of them. Jake's job to guard her is not making things easy at all. Kendra has her own problems with GovCorp and although she works for them, she is actually working against them with the Committee. Kendra's family was killed and she believes that GovCorp is responsible.

It takes lot for Jake and Kendra to see that they want the same thing. That old sexual attraction keeps getting in the way. 31/2-Stars
888 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2017
This is an amazing science fiction romance. I'm not really a fan of Sci-Fi so I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I was happily surprised! I really enjoyed reading this story! The plot is intriguing and action packed, with suspense, mystery, romance and drama. The characters are well developed and likable. It's a nice blend of the sci-fi, suspense and romance genre. I highly recommend to everyone. I received this book as a gift and am very happy I did. I voluntarily give this review.
Profile Image for Erin Kelch Zerby.
109 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2017
Gripping Page Turner!

I received this book as an ARC and I'm so glad I did as I might not have come across this amazing read otherwise! Jake and Kendra were perfect in their flaws and strengths. The portrayal of military personnel and the way they interact was spot on! Although at times more graphic than expected, this author was not at all gratuitous. I can not wait to see what else she writes. I hope this author has more incredible stories to tell!
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,252 reviews13 followers
November 6, 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book that I received for free. 5 stars

A gripping romantic suspense set in an alternate universe where genetically modified humans exist. Adrenaline Secrets is about Kendra, a natural born human, and Jake, a genetically modified human, finding a way to work together while dealing with multiple physical, emotional, and life issues. Carolyn Reilly has set an action packed road for the reader to travel. I am looking forward to other books set in the same world.
Profile Image for Bella.
693 reviews31 followers
November 7, 2017
This book was ridiculously excellent. From the superior writing to the character details and plot twists, I was utterly hooked. Did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did - there are lot of books that follow this trope that are total rubbish. This one is not, and I am really keen to read the next one to see where the story goes! Could not put it down.
Profile Image for Liv.
472 reviews44 followers
October 23, 2017
Honestly, I was really impressed with this debut novel. I didn't expect it to be so good and well written. Not that I thought it would be anything less but it's always different when you have no indication on how the author constructs a story and where it will lead you. The writing style is very important for me as a reader to be able to get into the story and connect with its characters. Although it took a while to get all the details together in my head of this rather complex world this story took place in, I soon started to love it after I finally had a rough overview put together. I was instantly captured by this very intriguing storyline.

This sci-fi romance had a great pace, was action-packed and would make a great movie. Especially because it had it all: advanced technology, crazy scientists, lots of action and suspense as well as hot and heavy but no overwhelming romance. It was a good balance of all the important things that made me want to get lost in and have more of.

(It’s impossible to place this book in one specific genre, so don’t get confused that I put it into sci-fi romance.)

The Story:
Kendra doesn't despise GV's unlike so many other people. GovCorp is the devil in disguise because they promised improvement but only brought destruction. So, having to work on a mission with Jake, a genetically engineered ex-soldier and cold-blooded killer, was not the problem but keeping a clear head while watching his perfectly formed and lethal body fight to protect her. It's just impossible to suppress all the fuzzy feelings bubbling up inside her.
‘Now, this guy could mean trouble. A lot of trouble. In a lot of different ways.’

Although this isn't Jake's first mission it feels a lot harder than anything else he's done before. He is quite resilient to injuries and was created to kill and not to feel but this naturally born woman touches something inside of him which brings foreign and unwanted emotions to the surface.
‘One thing he’d learned during his short, perverted excuse for a life: naturals couldn’t be trusted.’

Eventually they both realize that it's useless to fight their feelings and join in together on the fight against GovCorp. But what will it take to succeed against such a powerful institution? Can they find answers to their questions on Jake's batch and Kendra's family? The closer they get to unveil the truth, the more dangerous it gets. Will they be able to get out of this war alive in the end?

Thoughts:
Although the beginning was good it took me longer than usual to get caught up with the storyline and to get the hard facts straight. Facts about GovCorp and naturals and those Genetic InVitro (GovCorp’s military) were spread throughout, so every time I’ve read something new, I was wondering about something else. This hindered me a bit to fully enjoy the story at first, which doesn't mean that I didn’t later on. My mind just wanted to get caught up earlier to lie back and enjoy the romance. I might be a little spoiled by all the previous easy reads I had =P

The romance had a strong hold of the story somewhere along the way and I was worried (only for a moment though) that it would drift off into only romance but luckily, the action picked up again later on. So fear not, for it's not romance in disguise of action. Or is it?! =P

Not everything was comprehensible, particularly closer to the end with Anderson's intentions, but I was OK with that as it was fiction after all.

I wouldn't say that all my questions had been answered but it may be just me because I couldn't process all the information fast enough at the beginning as they were quite complex. Anyway, I'm sure I will get more insight of this constructed world with the next book in this series.

It wasn't hard to love Jake despite his upbringing or rather making because he still felt somewhat human. And although there were quite a few characters involved, I had no problem remembering their names and characteristics. The author made it easy for me to follow the story and to distinguish the different involvements. I normally would have gotten confused with more than four characters being prominent that often in a story but I believe that I especially loved it a lot more because it wasn't just about Jake and Kendra. There was so much more going on with Derek, Kendra's family and all of GovCorp's scheming that it was impossible for me to put the book down until I’d finished it.

The author did a great job outlining the story. When you got the gist of all the important things, you will find that there's lots of real life in it too; despite the otherworldly feel of the science part. Although who knows what we haven't been told that's been going on in all the labs around the world. Oops, I'm drifting off here.. So, anyway, to meet with refusal, rejection, detestation, fear of something unknown and different is to be expected everywhere people live. And I liked how this topic was addressed and worked into the story in an eye-opening way.

You could say I went into this book blind as there's no way to know how a new author goes about a story. Will the characters all be killed off at the end or will there be a happy ever after? I was kept in the dark until the end and this made reading this book so much more exciting and suspenseful.

I'm really curious for the next book in this series. I hope we soon get to know who it will be about, although I'm happy to read about all of them again since I took a liking on quite a few characters :) Cruz, Derek, Oliver...

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --
Profile Image for Breyanna.
14 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2017
Action, adventure, mystery and romance

Adrenaline Secrets is exactly what it promised to be. Action packed and filled with some mysteries that unravel throughout the novel. Jake and Kendra are fated to play a part in each other's lives, but there are disastrous consequences. They are trying to overcome sinister scientists with murderous intentions. Their feelings develop over time, while they struggle with the secrets they keep from each other.

Jake Hanson is a genetically engineered soldier, who was created by GovCorp, but soon turns on them when he starts to show signs of humanity. Kendra Reed is a spy who works for both GovCorp, and The Committee, which is against GovCorp. She plans to unravel GovCorp's secrets and expose them.

This book has it all, action, adventure, mystery, romance, suspense, science fiction and humor. I enjoyed reading it because Kendra is a strong female lead who is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, even though Jake comes to her rescue a few times. She also ends up saving his life, physically and metaphorically. Jake is overcome with emotions he was not programmed to feel, and longed for a family he never had.  Kendra gave him a sense of fulfillment and love.
Profile Image for K.J. Simmill.
Author 9 books145 followers
October 17, 2017
Carolyn Reilly presents an amazing read in her Adrenaline Secrets: A Deadly DNA Novel There are naturals and there are Genetic InVitros or GVs. But lately, in Reardon, there are other concerns, people are turning into rabid killers, and whilst there were many theories, disease, drugs, etc, the truth remained there was no evidence of either, simply because these rogues somehow seemed to evade capture. The attacks were getting worse and tension across the city is at an all time high. Meanwhile, a plane on its way to Reardon fell off the radar, the only image located was that of a crashed vessel, no survivors. Rumoured to have been on board was a German scientist, someone who wanted to aid the committee in taking down GovCorp, and he was bringing them some vital information. A rapid mission was assembled in order to reach the wreckage before GovCorp did. Kendra a skilled linguistic was partnered with Jake, a VG who makes her blood boil in more ways than one. A misunderstanding caused great friction, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Their attraction is dangerous, but will it be their salvation, it their undoing?

A brilliant book, without a question.  Carolyn Reilly Combines romance with suspense and intrigue to create a plot that is not only enticing, but brilliant. The attraction between the characters, the conflicts, and the attitudes and prejudices are expertly portrayed to create a real feel to all that transpires. This book is none stop action, from trying to survive rogues, and uncover the truth, all the way to the passion between Jake and Kendra. The erotic scenes are expertly crafted like the book itself they are well-written, descriptive, and by no means crude as some can be, better yet, the plot doesn't rely on sex to work. It is an amazing story, and one where all the facts don't become clear to the end, and even then you've still a few surprises in store. Needless to say there's more than one twist on the way. My only complaint is I couldn't put it down and didn't end up sleeping until half three this morning. Oops. Highest praises to Carolyn Reilly for writing such an amazing plot that there really was no choice between turning the next page and sleep. Hands down one of the best books of this genre I've read this year, and definitely in my all genre top ten of 2018. Adrenaline Secrets: A Deadly DNA Novel gets the honour of a phrase I rarely utter, I highly recommend this book. It really is the whole package.
Profile Image for Mona Silver.
Author 5 books10 followers
October 13, 2017
This book had me from the first page and never lost me before its end. Jake and Kendra's story isn't only about love and trust, but also about loss and overcoming fears. An incredibly enthralling and sizzling hot novel about genetically engineered supersoldiers, the secret schemes of a power-hungry corporation, prejudice and political intrigue.

Kendra lost everything Jake never had: a family and a place where she belongs. What they have in common is their single goal to put an end to the inhuman doings of GovCorp, a corporation that came to great power after creating the perfect warriors from DNA scratch: GInVitroes.
Jake is one of those GVs and when he and Kendra meet for the first time he rejects her believing she's one of those girls that are only into GVs for their reputation in bed. Soon after that they find themselves thrown together on a mission in the Nigerian jungle, where they have to depend on each other to stay alive while their attraction starts to become undeniable.

I just couldn't put down this book, following the urge to find out how Jake and Kendra were going to survive and if their feelings for each other would prevail. A real page-turner, Adrenaline Secrets promises to be the start to a great series that will simply have to find its place on bookshelves right next to the bestsellers of J.R. Ward or Rebecca Zanetti. If you don't read and love this story, you probably don't read at all!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Josefien.
27 reviews
December 4, 2017
Very good read! Interesting characters, no stereotypes, great pacing, fast action but also enough downtime to give Kendra and Jake a chance to act on their attraction. Very well-written. Would recommend this! I received a free review copy and this is my honest review.
256 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
VERY GOOD

What scientists and governments won't do to "enhance" our lives. Thank you for a very interesting and intriguing story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
Profile Image for Grant Leishman.
Author 16 books149 followers
October 17, 2017
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Serious Chick-Lit meets G.I. Joe, is what you get in Adrenaline Secrets by Carolyn Reilly. GovCorp has for years been creating genetically modified humans, in an effort to create the perfect soldier, but when it all went wrong, they had to free the genetically modified soldiers into the world and allow them to live with the “naturals”. The tension between these modified humans and the naturals, is high, especially when it appears some of the “Giffs” as they are called may be turning rogue. Jake Hanson is one of these Giffs, but he is a man on a mission, determined to find out more about himself and his origins. Kendra Reed is a spy in GovCorp and has her own reasons for wanting to bring the Corporation to its knees and find out what really happened to her family. When Jake and Kendra are thrown together on a mission, the attraction is instant and undeniable. Can they resist their need for each other and can a genetically modified human, designed to have no empathy, ever actually love a natural?

The author Carolyn Reilly has beautifully captured the dilemma we as humans face whenever we are confronted by people who are in some way different from us. The tension between the Giffs and the Naturals, especially as expressed by the ultra-religious Front, can easily be seen as a metaphor for the underlying tensions that exist today, both between races and cultures. I particularly enjoyed the way the author of Adrenaline Secrets developed the cast of characters that made up the Committee. Each contributed to the story in their own unique way and made for a fast, easy and very enjoyable read. This is an action-packed and fast-paced thriller, but it also has all the sweetness, romance and sexual tension of a top-flight Chick-Lit. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and have no hesitation in awarding this book and this author five well-earned stars. I flew through Adrenaline Secrets and found it impossible to put down. I know other readers will find this book a rewarding experience.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
9 reviews
December 12, 2017
Awesome! I love books with complex storylines, many of those books unfortunately get too complicated, but not this one. Great worldbuilding, no stupid moves, but a smart, caring heroine, a flawed, but likeable alpha hero, both with interesting and unexpected backstories that lead to some fascinating revelations.
Warning: Don’t start reading this novel when you go to bed, you’ll considerably decimate your sleeptime😉 Seriously, I loved it and couldn’t stop reading.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews25 followers
January 11, 2018
Title: Adrenaline Secrets    
Series: A Deadly DNA Novel. #1
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: Carolyn Reilly
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan 
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger  
#SciFi #DNATechnology #MadScientists 
#5Stars🌟⭐🌟🌟🌟
••••••••••••••
The Award Winning alarm is going off? This lady captivated me from the first page, to the last page filled with Passion and my Dream Boyfriend. In this book I had Adventure, Survival, Fear, Jealousy, Betrayal, Murder, Suspense, Mystery, Action Packed, Loyalty, Hate, Lust, Love, Wickedly Hot Scenes with Hero's and Strong Heroine's. Definitely a Must Read!
⚡Kendra Reed lived in Germany where she loved and laughed with her parents especially her brother Nate. Her childhood was cut short by the death her family - accident they said but she was sure it wasn't an accident, it was MURDER now she had to prove. Four years later she was still trying to prove it. She lived with Gram on the outskirts of Reardon at Gram’s rescue ranch. She worked at GovCorp headquarters as a translator, her secret job was with Derek Hayes and “the Committee.”
⚡Jake Hanson aka GV or Giff is a Mercenary who is ready to take down, the ruthless corporation that created him, GovCorp experimented with different genetic markers. Especially Dr. Anderson he was going to die. Jake lived in Reardon with the GovCorp’s GV battalions. When he received his freedom he was Spec Ops in the rebellion more than anything he wanted to join "the Committee" with Derek Hayes. Only to find his ghost girl, that's impossible, it's only in his screwed up mind.
🔥Jake discovers he has emotions? He was a trained Cold-Blood Killer, a Soldier for Hire.
     A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,773 reviews189 followers
October 18, 2017
The start of ‘Adrenaline Secrets’ plunges us straight into Carolyn Reilly’s intriguing world of the genetically-modified and the ‘natural’ borns, the schism deepened only by the physicality of the former, the ‘weakness’ of the latter and the prejudices that grew out of that widening divide. There is a fair bit to take in as well with a huge number of characters gracing the pages while Reilly sets up opposing factions: GovCorp vs. the Committee, GVs vs. naturals, Kendra vs. Jake, the rogues vs. everyone else (so it seems) as it slowly becomes clear that this is an alternate universe, or at least a futuristic earth not so distant that we can’t imagine ourselves in it.

It did take me a while to get my head around this reality that Reilly has created, though it’s definitely an action-packed but chilling ride that combines political tussle, whistle-blowers, double agents and paramilitary activities showing just how deep divides have become. Kendra and Jake were relatively believable protagonists though their fast-and-furious growing relationship amid the instability of the socio-political climate did at times however, feel more like lust than love. There were also, some abrupt and awkward breaks signalling POV changes that made me blink each time it happened, and the somewhat uneven characterisation/narration that threw me off.

In many ways, ‘Adrenaline Secrets’ reads like an establishing novel—it is in any case—as Reilly’s world-building gets off its feet. But it’s a world I’d be willing to revisit again and I’m already looking forward to see what Reilly has in store for this insane world that somehow, doesn’t feel too far from the nightmare our present reality can become.

*ARC by Netgalley
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,574 reviews89 followers
December 17, 2017
A few decades ago a novel such as this one would have stretched the imagination. Unfortunately, with the advances in technology and the advent of Dolly the sheep, born with a genetic age of six years in 1996, makes this book all the more probable. Jake, the laboratory born mercenary, engineered to fight to the death without questioning orders, is dealing with an overload of adrenaline. When he meets Kendra, he makes assumptions, even though she is calling to him at a subliminal level. His treatment of Kendra is less than complimentary and Kendra is furious with him. However, when they find themselves teamed together a few hours later on a special mission to the tropical forests of Africa, Kendra has no choice but to work with Jake. The attraction between Kendra and Jake is sizzling but is fraught with difficulties given his GV status and Kendra's natural birth. Their adventures in the jungle make them realise that the problems facing them are bigger than they first thought, but their return to base reveals much bigger problems. Despite her size and gender, Jake has to depend on Kendra every bit as much as she needs him in order to survive. The book is well written with a brilliant plot that required an enormous amount of imagination. Even though I am an older reader that generally avoids Sci-Fi type novels, I found myself totally engrossed in the story from the first page to the last. Jake's humanity and basic code of ethics shone through despite his DNA, and Kendra was a good match for him. Although this book is part of a series it is nevertheless a standalone and has a most satisfactory and believable ending. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2018
Wow! An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
12 reviews
August 29, 2018
Great read

Truly enjoyed this book. It is sci go so be prepared. Constantly moving and keeping you in your toes. Would recommend
Profile Image for Tara.
10 reviews
December 16, 2017
4.5 stars

Okay, now this is not the right book if you want an easy read where it doesn’t matter if you skip a few pages. You’d be missing out because there are so many great twists, turns and pulse-pounding moments. H/h have great chemistry, are relatable and multi-faceted, and the secondary cast is also very intriguing. I hope for some of them to get their own stories. A very original, hot and fascinating sci-fi romance thriller. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,221 reviews
January 25, 2018
>Book Review – Adrenaline Secrets
>I am an independent reviewer. This is the 1st book in the Deadly DNA series and ends with an HEA. This reality takes place after a government group called GovCorp created test-tube genetically manipulated humans for the purpose of creating the perfect soldiers. Any females that were created were adopted out as infants. Only the males were kept and birthed at 14. A lot about this process was kept from the actual government and the public. Once everyone found out that killing machines were being created and the soldiers were actually thinking, feeling humans, chaos ensued. The whole background into the war between the soldiers demanding their freedom, humanity religious groups and the government cover ups was a little hard to understand, but the prejudice against the genetically created humans, or GV’s was easily seen in almost every interaction.
>Jake is a GV that now freelances and takes a case to bodyguard a human linguist, Kendra. They get dropped in the jungle to recover some sensitive documents. There are so many things that keep this book exciting: Rogue GV’s killing everyone, double agents, evil scientists and just prejudiced religious fanatics. Jake should not be able to feel love, but the thought processes he goes through with Kendra was so sweet. He is like an emotional child in regards to love.
>This book has so much going for it. All of the characters are interesting. The action is practically non-stop. The romance is off the charts. The book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. Once the reader gets the lay of the land, so to speak, the story is incredibly exciting.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,687 reviews45 followers
October 22, 2017
What an exciting book with human and DNA modified soilder. Twist in turns on every page this book will keep you reading to see what will happen next. I hope we see more books in this series - since I would like to know what happens next.
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