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Sub Rosa

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"You think being a spy is glamorous?  Well, then come follow me down a path that started years ago...but don’t forget to watch your back."

I was a case officer for the CIA before I started selling flowers and greeting cards in Savannah's most popular florist shop.  Sounds like the lead-in for a sassy chick-lit novel, doesn't it?

I assure you, it is not.

It was my reality, and there was nothing sassy about it.  Either life or death could have brought you into my world and, depending on your motives, I may have been the one to take you right back out of it again.

Book Three of the Pistils series goes back in time to explore the past that ex-spy Vivian Carmichael has tried so hard to bury.   Once you discover why, you may find yourself agreeing with her, since only the dead can be trusted to keep secrets...

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Published February 8, 2018

14 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Kate McNeil

8 books32 followers
I'm an author, photographer and blogger, I'm married to a wonderful chef, and I LOVE TO READ! Come over and say hi on Instagram @twintypebooks, and leave a comment mentioning if you found me via Goodreads!

I don't bite, so please feel free to add me as a friend! I also love book recommendations (I'm always reading SOMETHING), so let me know if there's anything that you think I should check out! I am a stalker of NetGalley as well, and am always happy to check out (and review) new authors' work!

My favorite genres are Women's Fiction, Adult Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Romance, Mysteries, Espionage, and Thrillers.

Books I have zero interest in are bodice-rippers, done-to-death tropes, and writing filled with errors (I will DNF and post a review saying so).

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5 stars
44 (61%)
4 stars
19 (26%)
3 stars
6 (8%)
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1 (1%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Autumn.
908 reviews10 followers
March 26, 2018
Graduating at the top of her class at MIT and specializing in Russian Studies, Vivian Carmichael is perfect for the CIA. It represents everything that she thought she ever wanted – mystery, danger and intrigue. And she gets far more than she bargained for on her very first assignment.

She’s to infiltrate one of the most dangerous Russian crime families and find out exactly how to take them down. Instead she meets a man that has the ability to steal her breath as well as her heart.

Parker would have called him sex on a stick…but it wasn’t that. Yes, okay, he was good-looking, but there was something else about him. Why did I feel so comfortable with him? Why did I find myself suddenly wanting to know more about him, to talk to him for hours until I could finally put my finger on what was causing this sudden and overwhelming fascination?

Fascination? Whoa, rein yourself in there, Carmichael.


David Coburn has spent years working for MI6. He’s the best at what he does and high enough to not have to make explanations. And then he meets the newest American operative…

Vivian is the woman that he always wanted – beautiful with a wickedly sharp mind to match. And he just helped to send her into the lion’s den.

With danger all around them, Vivian and David find a love that they would risk everything for. But if they both make it out alive, love might not be enough to keep them together.

“No matter what, I’ll always treasure last night. No matter if we’re just friends from now on, no matter if we go for years without seeing each other or if you’re married the next time we meet. You and I are kindred souls, Vivian Carmichael. Do you know what ty nuzhna mnye means?”

My mind automatically translated the Russian words. “‘I need you.’”

“Literally, yes, but when spoken to someone you care about, it means ‘I need you in my life.’ Even if it’s just as a friend, I hope you’ll always be there, somewhere.”


One of the reasons that we love this series from Kate McNeil so much is that each of the books are as thrilling as they are passionate. The characters are whip-smart and the locations add just the right amount of exotic mystery.

Sub Rosa takes all of the things that we love most about thrillers and romance and blends them into a genre all its own. And we are can hardly wait to see what happens next…
Profile Image for RK.
198 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2018
It's hard to believe this was a debut solo novel. The plot was tight and fast paced and the characters likeable.
That ending though! Without giving too much away, the ending makes me want to reread "Pistils" to see if I can glean any satisfying info.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
916 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2021
I loved this book! A fast-paced and engaging read! Vivian (aka Lina) is a strong lead and I like her. She isn’t always being saved by the men surrounding her. In her pursuit of the villainous Atanasov family she steps away from the side of righteousness and uses their love of her to help bring them down. Not crowding her spotlight is heartthrob MI6 David. Their relationship develops over time, never overtaking the actual story, but in the end causing Vivian’s termination with the CIA. I loved the way the book ended. I was craving more. But in looking for the next instalment I found this book is apparently the third written in the series but the first in chronology. Unfortunately I also found out what happened next by reading the brief overview Thistles.

I received this book through VRO for an honest review, I have rated slightly higher than I would normally because I was just so surprised with how well it was written and how cohesive the story was. I didn’t expect that at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
62 reviews
July 23, 2019
Still whirling from the wind that blew through my expectations and shattered my complacency! Loved the read! This was an exciting, eye of the tornado grabber that kept me glued to the CIA machinations and criminal twists. At times I felt more sympathy for the villains than the heroes though, to be completely honest. I’m not one for romance, so the more emotional pairings didn’t really engage me, but in the surrounding excitement I was never detached or distracted. McNeil has a solid, down to earth, suck the marrow out of the bones storytelling style that leaves you smacking your lips in gluttonous delight. I could NOT put down this book till the last drops of devilry, and was mightily disappointed when there were no more pages to digest. Thankfully I had picked up the next in the series while still in the first throes of Sub Rosa and was already contemplating dessert. Highly recommend this one for your next feast o’fiendish! Thank you Voracious Readers Only!
Profile Image for Pam.
331 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2018
My cousin wrote this book, and I went into this book impartial. I was hooked! I had to put it down to sleep! I highly recommend this book! Mystery, suspense, love, everything a woman could want in a book!
251 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2020
I have yet to read any other books in this series but it almost seems as if this was a prequel. I enjoyed it a lot. There were times where I thought I didn't need to have that description, now I can't get the picture out of my head. I like the character enough that I want to check out the other books just to see what kind of adventure she gets up to. I wonder how her life compares, surely much less exciting, maybe?

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
11 reviews
February 1, 2022
Found it difficult to get into the book at first. But set aside a good couple of hours one day and I couldn't put it down as had to know what happened next. Once I was gripped by story I was hooked. I would recommend it but give yourself time to get into.
17 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2021
I received a review copy from Voracious Readers Only and man oh man was this story amazing! I actually yelled "NO"! when I read the last page...I didn't want this story to end yet! I don't think I can read the prequel but I sure want to read the following books, I have to know how Vivian rebuilds and starts a new business with Parker and of course I need to know that David will show up somewhere....what a book!!
Profile Image for Diana Kathryn Penn.
Author 69 books31 followers
November 25, 2020
Holy Moly! I waited WAY too long to read Kate McNeil's work. I don't think I've enjoyed a spy book this much in quite a while. Generally, I gravitate more toward stories about people and exotic locations, rather than tales of espionage and government back dealings... but this one had me hooked from page two.

It took me a minute or two to realize that this wasn't going to be the average take on the spy genre. This wasn't James Bond or Jason Bourne... this was so much better! Why? Mostly because of the fact that the main character, Vivian Carmichael was a real person. She has self-doubt, strong confidence, mad firearms skills, and a heart and brain that are constantly in motion... sometimes overlapping with the high-energy of a quick-step, and at other times with the seductiveness of a tango. So unpredictable are her thoughts and movements, that only a skilled author, like Kate McNeil, can create a love interest to keep up - and sometimes, he doesn't... which makes this story even more engaging.

If you're looking for an escape into a world of thinking ahead while simultaneously pulling the pieces together, this book, with its tight dialogue, reverberating action, and tender psychology will have you hooked. The details written into the story... the places, the language syntax, the cultural nuances... they all provoke you to follow wherever Vivian leads, and you'll believe it's all true.

This is book three in the series, but it's really the beginning. The acumen with which the author can entice you to jump in the middle while validating your need to read both forward and back, is, in my opinion, the reason to ditch your preconceived notions about what spy thrillers are all about, and embark on the adventure to Bulgaria.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
July 29, 2019
After graduating at the top of her class at MIT, while waiting for a chance at a UN internship, multi lingual studies and political affairs student Vivian Carmichael is identified by the unseen law enforcement powers of the United States CIA (as well as other organizations) as the ideal candidate.
Not only is she fast tracked to become an agent, she is tested by fire in some very dangerous situations.
The first thing I was reminded of while reading this series is a television show called Covert Affairs.
The huge difference is that Vivian, AKA Lina, AKA other names as required, is much better suited to her work. She is also entrusted into the care of special "friends" to help her along the way.

One of those friends is the very suave, multi talented David Coburn, of MI6. Can the attraction these two spies feel be more than the need for a safety net from the life they have been thrust into?

Although the subject matter of the crimes is hard hitting and horrific, it is the capacity of Vivian to handle herself, stay alive, keep her cover and sense of humanity that got through to me.
Also her friendship with best friend, Parker.
Then there is the romantic aspect of the book.
Be prepared for your glasses to steam over!

Even if this is not your usual genre, give this book a chance. It has me eager to read the rest of this series.
I did receive this book through VOracious Readers in case I wanted to write a review. I was not required to rate it anything specific. I have picked up the first book in the series on my own from Amazon.


Profile Image for Lynne-Maree.
50 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2021
Fun, exciting, nerve wracking, mysterious, intriguing, dangerous, suspenseful ……… just a few words to describe the life of Vivian Carmichael, an undercover operative for the CIA, in her first real undercover position where she was to find out information about a crime family, a family that she becomes heavily involved in.

The story was extremely beautifully written, it was descriptive enough that I was with Viv, fearing for her at times, getting angry with her, feeling deflated with her, even feeling heartbroken with her at the end of the story. It did not end how I thought it was going to. Well done Kate McNeil, the twist at the end was fantastic and has left me wanting more!

Kate McNeil took me to Europe, had me transfixed from start to finish. It was a book I could not put down. This is not a genre I normally read, but I may very well be inspired to read more like this. I will be putting this author Kate on my to read list of authors.

The lead character Viv was a strong female, who also had doubts, loved hard, and worked hard to be the best agent she could, and she had some flaws which made her very relatable. This story hooked me in and held me from the very first chapter. I am trying to remember if there were any writing style issues that I might have picked up on, I can only say that I was so involved in the story that none were apparent to me. I give this book 5/5 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by Kate McNeil via Voracious Readers Only, thank you Kate, Sub Rosa has moved up to being one of my favourite books that I have read recently.
17 reviews
April 9, 2021
Having just graduated at the top of her class at MIT, and currently waiting for a chance at a UN internship, multi-lingual studies and political affairs student Vivian Carmichael is identified by the CIA as the ideal candidate to join them. She is soon fast tracked to become an undercover agent and is immediately thrown into her first assignment where she was to find out information about a crime family, a family that she becomes heavily involved in.
The subject matter of the crimes is hard hitting and it takes all of Vivian's skills to handle herself, stay alive and keep her cover, although she meets many allies along the way.
Add to that an element of romance in the form of an MI6 agent and a personal touch of a best friend, Parker, brings a human element to the story so its not all action and superheros.
The end of the story has a twist I was not expecting and left me wanting more.
Beautifully written, this book had me transfixed from start to finish. This is not a genre I would normally read, but this has inspired to read more like this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
88 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2021
*Note: I received a free copy from the author through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book...until the end, which really frustrated me due to the rushed and anticlimactic feeling it left me with.

This book is fast paced and well written with a strong female lead character. However I feel it could have done with going into more detail at times so we could get to know key characters better and understand their backgrounds and reasons for doing the things they did.

For the third book in the series, having not read any of the previous books, it didn't feel like I was missing anything that may have come in the earlier books, it felt more like a stand alone than part of a series. Overall, I could see myself reading more books from the series in the future.
1 review
April 20, 2021
This book took me quite a while to get into. The main character was a CIA agent and this is the third book in the series. It started just as she was being recruited and skipped a few years ahead, so there wasn't much about her training. This may have been covered in earlier books. I really didn't get too invested in the character at first, but I'm glad I stayed with it. Once I got into her main assignment, the story picked up and got very exciting. It took me 5 days to read the first half and I went through the second half practically in one sitting. I would recommend this to anyone who likes thrillers. I received this copy free from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review. Thank you
243 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2021
This book was a great action packed spy book. I have not read any of the previous books in the series (but really want to now) and I don’t feel like it affected the story at all. I love Viv’s character as well as her relationships with both Parker and David. I found her thought process was very relatable and really felt her cycle of emotions through the descriptions throughout the text. Although Viv was a great protagonist, I really would like to learn more about Parker and David, so it seems this book has not only hooked me straight away with one book, but to continue to read the rest of the series. The plot was very well thought out and featured twists and an ending I never guessed. A thrilling read.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for K Huskić.
2,202 reviews39 followers
August 6, 2019
I loved this book! Stayed up way too late to finish it! The story just draws you in and you don't want to stop reading.

Vivian is a strong, intelligent woman who infiltrates a dangerous crime family in her work for the CIA. With limited support, she is required to report back any detail that could potentially take the family down. This is a highly dangerous task.

The characters and their relationships are so complicated, and you go through all the emotions and frustrations along with them.

This was the first book in the series that I've read, and as soon as I was done reading I bought the other two! I need to see how it continues.
42 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2021
A tension filled page turner!
Recommended by her university professor for a career with the CIA Vivian Carmichael is sent to Bulgaria for her first field assignment. Calm and quick thinking, she embeds herself within the Atanasov crime family to report on their growing involvement in human trafficking.
The level of intensity rises even further when a passionate relationship develops between Vivian and MI6 agent David Coburn.
Very well written and even though you are anticipating a climax, the twist that comes at the end is not what you expect. Bring on the next book!

(The author kindly made a copy of this novel available for review via Voracious Readers – with thanks).
Profile Image for Martha.
78 reviews
December 31, 2021
Amazing and captivating Novel !!!

I loved this book; adventure, action, espionage, organized crime ... very well presented; I couldn't stop reading it and she invited me to read the other books in this series or saga. I am motivated to continue. I am pleasantly impressed with how many great talents we have and they just need a referral opportunity to be followed; I recommend Kate McNeal as a great writer. I think this novel could well be brought to the screen, I'm sure it would be successful. I am grateful to Voracious readers for the opportunity to introduce me to her work. The stars I award are well deserved. Congratulations

Profile Image for Stephanie.
5 reviews
June 9, 2020
This book was brilliantly written. It has everything-love, espionage, and friendship. The Author uses language in many ways. First, it is used it to create depth in the characters. As the story goes on the reader actually can visualize where they are and what's around them. It creates the movement the reader sees as they travel throughout the book. I can't recommend this book and series enough and hope the Author writes another book in the series for us to read. I want to know what happens with the girls and their love interests.
352 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2021
Review through Voracious Readers Only

An exciting fast paced read looking into the world of spies and the cartel in Bulgaria and Russia. Had a healthy dose of mystery, intrigue, action, romance and adventure. I liked the characters and enjoyed that the romance didn't overshadow the story. I always love a story with a strong female lead and Sub Rosa did not disappoint. I was left hanging and look forward to what happens next.
Profile Image for Erika Oney.
250 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2025
At first, I thought it was going to be boring. The first chapter was a little dull....but , surprise, there was so much action 🎬. I love the instant connection between her and David. The Antanasovs are the biggest, perverted jerks ever. I'm glad what happened to most of them, even though not sure if it is the end, based on the ending. Glad she still kept in touch with her bff, no matter how hard it was getting for her. I hate the ending though! She did not deserve 😔 that
Profile Image for Pam C..
245 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2020
Wow. This book is a fast-paced story with a strong female lead! The characters are believable with enough detail not to bore the reader. I couldn't put the book down with all the suspense, drama, love, mystery, and more! It had a quick ending leaving me wondering about what will happen to Vivian. Highly recommend. Seriously.

I received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only for my review.
15 reviews
December 8, 2020
Really enjoyed this book! Was free from Voracious Readers and I doubt I’d have found it otherwise! I’ll be buying the next one that’s for sure! I loved the female CIA agent element, makes a change from male dominated books in this field. For readers of Mitch Rapp series, you’ll enjoy this. So glad I was given it to read. Now found a new author I will be sure to check out future releases!
50 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2021
Wow this book kept me hooked all the way through, I read it in two days and loved every minute. The book is about a spy who works for the CIA she is sent on her first mission and falls in love with another spy in MI6. This book has many twists and turns and is about love mission and betrayer. I can highly recommend this book. I received this complementary copy from The Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Kim.
37 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2021
This was my first book by Kate McNeil. I was hooked in Chapter 1 and could not put the book down. With the fast paced sorry line, intriguing characters and he they al intertwined kept me at the edge and craving more. Totally did not see the ending coming, which tells me of a great story teller. Will definitely be reading more books by this author.
18 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Cracking spy thriller with romantic side

I received a free copy to review via Voracious Readers. Although the third in the series, the book works well as a standalone. It is a well paced thriller with engaging characters (including good development of the lead character) and a good plot. I really enjoyed this and will be buying the rest of the series
Profile Image for Donna.
482 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2024
I received this book in return for an honest review. I’m not normally a fan of sort of spy type novels but this one was really good. It was super easy to get into and considering I am not a fan of spy novels. I’m looking see if there’s a sequel to this book it was written really well. Characters are Interesting and easy to attract my interest, with considering some of them evil. Thank you.
Profile Image for Lillian Wakulchyk.
105 reviews
August 7, 2019
Well written, suspenseful and quite lyrical. I enjoyed this book with the main characters conflicted nature , yet her strength never wavering . The ending seemed a bit abrupt but who knows, the CIA could be cutthroat ! I received this from
Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review 🙂
105 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2021
I was very disappointed when I finished reading my complimentary book from Voracious Readers Only. I didn't was it to end. What was going to happen to Vivien and David. What a great read - couldn't stop.
15 reviews
February 24, 2021
Oh my goodness, once you start reading this book you won’t be able to put it down!! Thank you Voraciousreadersonly.com for turning me on to this book. What a great set of characters and plot. Not only a page turner, but a nail biter as well. Can’t wait to to read more from Kate McNeil.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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