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Griffin Force #4
Second Look
**Whitney Award Finalist for Best Suspense**
**Swoony Award Winner for Best Military Romance**
With a large-scale terrorist attack imminent, can Nate trust the woman he wants by his side or should he turn her in as a traitor?When the most wanted terrorist in the world escapes from a high security prison, Nate Hughes is part of the task force sent to recapture him. During the mission, he meets Abby, a fellow investigator that seems to have it all together. He's drawn to her and hopes they can join forces, but when her past is revealed, loyalties are called into question. Could she have turned against the country she once held dear?The CIA wants her captured and interrogated, but with a terrorist attack imminent, Abby may be the only person in a position to help them stop it. Nate must make a choice to either trust her or turn her in---but the wrong decision would clear the path for the largest attack on freedom the world has ever seen.And time is running out.
**All books in the Griffin Force series can be read stand-alone**
"An edgy page-turner . . . the brisk pace, the likeable characters, and the intensity of the plot makes this story a quick, highly suspenseful thrill ride and will leave romantic suspense fans begging for more!" ---InD'Tale Magazine"Bellon has built a solid reputation as one of the top writers dealing with international espionage, military intelligence, and interaction between various world agencies. Her characters are strong, intelligent, and physically adept. Both Nate and Abby are characters the reader will find likable and realistic . . ." ---Meridian MagazineRead all the books in the best-selling Griffin Force seriesThe Captive (Griffin Force #1)The Captain (Griffin Force #2)The Capture (Griffin Force #3)Second Look (Griffin Force #4)
**Swoony Award Winner for Best Military Romance**
With a large-scale terrorist attack imminent, can Nate trust the woman he wants by his side or should he turn her in as a traitor?When the most wanted terrorist in the world escapes from a high security prison, Nate Hughes is part of the task force sent to recapture him. During the mission, he meets Abby, a fellow investigator that seems to have it all together. He's drawn to her and hopes they can join forces, but when her past is revealed, loyalties are called into question. Could she have turned against the country she once held dear?The CIA wants her captured and interrogated, but with a terrorist attack imminent, Abby may be the only person in a position to help them stop it. Nate must make a choice to either trust her or turn her in---but the wrong decision would clear the path for the largest attack on freedom the world has ever seen.And time is running out.
**All books in the Griffin Force series can be read stand-alone**
"An edgy page-turner . . . the brisk pace, the likeable characters, and the intensity of the plot makes this story a quick, highly suspenseful thrill ride and will leave romantic suspense fans begging for more!" ---InD'Tale Magazine"Bellon has built a solid reputation as one of the top writers dealing with international espionage, military intelligence, and interaction between various world agencies. Her characters are strong, intelligent, and physically adept. Both Nate and Abby are characters the reader will find likable and realistic . . ." ---Meridian MagazineRead all the books in the best-selling Griffin Force seriesThe Captive (Griffin Force #1)The Captain (Griffin Force #2)The Capture (Griffin Force #3)Second Look (Griffin Force #4)
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2018
31 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Julie Coulter Bellon
47 books590 followersAfter reading every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book her elementary school library had, Julie Coulter Bellon knew from a young age she wanted to write books and be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of thirty romantic suspense novels and two children's books. One nightmare that also came true was that she once tripped up the stairs going on stage to accept a book award and she thinks about that moment more often than she should.
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 23, 2019
Whew! Faced paced and intense romantic suspense.
December 31, 2018
Ms. Bellon is a master of creating these adventurous, suspenseful stories, with a healthy dose of romance. Sometimes I wonder what her "real" job is because the way she crafts together these terrorist books has me ready to pass out from an anxiety attack.
Abby is beyond smart and is in a position to bring down one of the world's top terrorists. She will do anything to stop it--even die--but Nate doesn't want that to happen. As these two race against time, the pages will fly by way too fast and your heart will be pounding too.
I love a female character who has it all together, especially in a situation where I would be a puddle of a mess on the floor. She's so dedicated and talented, yet works together with Nate perfectly. As for Nate, it was amazing to see how much faith and trust he had in Abby, without much more to go on than his gut. And don't discount those gut feelings.
This is one suspense you won't want to miss!
Content: mild romance; mild-moderate elements of violence and danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Abby is beyond smart and is in a position to bring down one of the world's top terrorists. She will do anything to stop it--even die--but Nate doesn't want that to happen. As these two race against time, the pages will fly by way too fast and your heart will be pounding too.
I love a female character who has it all together, especially in a situation where I would be a puddle of a mess on the floor. She's so dedicated and talented, yet works together with Nate perfectly. As for Nate, it was amazing to see how much faith and trust he had in Abby, without much more to go on than his gut. And don't discount those gut feelings.
This is one suspense you won't want to miss!
Content: mild romance; mild-moderate elements of violence and danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 19, 2019
Author Julie Coulter Bellon is one of my very favorite authors in the romantic suspense genre. I love this Griffin Force series and I'm always so excited when a new one comes out.
Each book in this series can stand alone but you might have more fun if you read this series in order because there is some continuation of secondary characters.
Abby is one smart lady. Honestly, I know there are people out in the world right now doing exactly what Abby did in this book and it honestly just boggles my mind. Smart, brave, dedicated people, willing to give all for the fight of freedom and justice. It makes me feel so lame and weak, but so grateful too. Anyway, back to Abby. Smarty pants Abby. And Nate, who believes in her from the moment he meets her. I love how Nate trusts his gut and those feeling inside him and how his whole team supports him. It's awesome.
This story had me so invested from beginning to end. I loved the fantastic forward momentum that hardly left me any time to breathe. I had moments of full anxiety and then moments of sweet love. It was exactly what I was hoping for.
Content: violence, sweet kissing
- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited
Each book in this series can stand alone but you might have more fun if you read this series in order because there is some continuation of secondary characters.
Abby is one smart lady. Honestly, I know there are people out in the world right now doing exactly what Abby did in this book and it honestly just boggles my mind. Smart, brave, dedicated people, willing to give all for the fight of freedom and justice. It makes me feel so lame and weak, but so grateful too. Anyway, back to Abby. Smarty pants Abby. And Nate, who believes in her from the moment he meets her. I love how Nate trusts his gut and those feeling inside him and how his whole team supports him. It's awesome.
This story had me so invested from beginning to end. I loved the fantastic forward momentum that hardly left me any time to breathe. I had moments of full anxiety and then moments of sweet love. It was exactly what I was hoping for.
Content: violence, sweet kissing
- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited
January 5, 2019
Second Look is another nail-biting suspense novel from Julie Bellon. I always thoroughly enjoy her books. They are always full of page turning suspense. This book had a great balance of suspense and romance. The romance between Nate and Abby was a great mix to the story. It didn't feel forced or rushed at all. Without giving anything away, I really liked Abby. She was written well and she had secrets of her own. She is also very smart and driven. A great lead character. There are great twists and turns on every page.
February 24, 2021
I loved writing Nate's story and I hope you love reading it!
April 7, 2019
Whoa! Fasten your seatbelts folks! This high-octane romantic suspense novel is packed with non-stop action and suspense!!
Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 21, 2019
I love a good suspense story and Julie Coulter Bellon always delivers a fantastic story! I highly recommend all of her books!
March 25, 2019
It is heartbreaking that the war on terrorism has gone on as long as it has. We hear about it on the news but have you ever stopped to think about the battles themselves and the ones that so bravely fight to protect our country every day? Unless you've been there I don't think you can really grasp the magnitude of what we're dealing with. Julie Coulter Bellon has given us a small taste of what it's like to chase a terrorist in Second Look and it is terrifying just reading a fictitious account let alone imagining the real thing that his happening right now.
Two years ago Abby Caldwell was working for the CIA and was at an arena that was attacked by the most notorious terrorist leader Mahmoud Atwah. Everyone in her team was killed except her, but as fate would have it she took an opportunity to take the identity of one of Atwah's followers that had also died in the explosion, and try to take down Atwah from the inside. After two years Abby finally proved her loyalty to Atwah after helping him escape from prison, and set into motion his final plan that would take down major cities across the world and cause incredible panic.
Nate Hughes works for the Griffin Force task force and it's love at first sight the first time he sees Abby, which is when she is pretending to be apart of the CIA but really helping Atwah escape prison. He can tell that there is something different about her and is finally able to uncover the truth that Abby had desperately been trying to keep hidden. They decide to join forces and take down Atwah for good, together.
This is the first book that I've read by Julie Coulter Bellon and I am more than a little impressed. I've never been interested in book on war or terrorism before but I am a sucker for a good suspense and Second Look delivers! Julie has an incredible ability to put you right there in the action, and you find yourself anxiously turning from page to page to find out what will happen next. I instantly fell in love with sweet, trusting Nate and my heart went out to Abby and everything she had to sacrifice to try to take Atwah down. You can feel the electrifying chemistry between these characters as well as the pure evil that emanated from Atwah and his entourage. By the time you reach the final scene you are ready to see justice served!
After reading Second Look I am eager to read the other book in the Griffin Force series. Though there are predictable parts the story still flowed with wonderful writing and a great plot. If you're in the mood for suspense and violence that isn't too graphic, then Second Look is a must read! I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to read the next installment!
Two years ago Abby Caldwell was working for the CIA and was at an arena that was attacked by the most notorious terrorist leader Mahmoud Atwah. Everyone in her team was killed except her, but as fate would have it she took an opportunity to take the identity of one of Atwah's followers that had also died in the explosion, and try to take down Atwah from the inside. After two years Abby finally proved her loyalty to Atwah after helping him escape from prison, and set into motion his final plan that would take down major cities across the world and cause incredible panic.
Nate Hughes works for the Griffin Force task force and it's love at first sight the first time he sees Abby, which is when she is pretending to be apart of the CIA but really helping Atwah escape prison. He can tell that there is something different about her and is finally able to uncover the truth that Abby had desperately been trying to keep hidden. They decide to join forces and take down Atwah for good, together.
This is the first book that I've read by Julie Coulter Bellon and I am more than a little impressed. I've never been interested in book on war or terrorism before but I am a sucker for a good suspense and Second Look delivers! Julie has an incredible ability to put you right there in the action, and you find yourself anxiously turning from page to page to find out what will happen next. I instantly fell in love with sweet, trusting Nate and my heart went out to Abby and everything she had to sacrifice to try to take Atwah down. You can feel the electrifying chemistry between these characters as well as the pure evil that emanated from Atwah and his entourage. By the time you reach the final scene you are ready to see justice served!
After reading Second Look I am eager to read the other book in the Griffin Force series. Though there are predictable parts the story still flowed with wonderful writing and a great plot. If you're in the mood for suspense and violence that isn't too graphic, then Second Look is a must read! I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to read the next installment!
February 22, 2024
Wowsers!!! I loved this one so much!
Nate and Abby meet for the first time at a high security prison trying to figure out how a high profile prisoner escaped. Nate is captived by her right away. They get along great, even though she's reserved and he's hoping that maybe they'll be able to work on the case together as it progresses further. But he has a big surprise in store for him in regards to Abby.
I was not expecting the plot twist from the beginning. I was like "Whaaaaaattt???!!!" *Rubs hands together gleefully* You're going to love it but be caught off guard like me!
These two were great together! I really liked watching them learn to trust each other, as well as their quick thinking in figuring out how to capture this prisoner again and stop a major attack!
Abby's history was heartbreaking but I loved her determination, even if it meant giving up everything to protect others. She's a fabulous character. I think her and Nate are my favorites of the series so far. But man, that's hard to say because all of these characters have been wonderful. And you get to see a lot more of them working together in this one.
I love the Griffin Force! I love the sense of family and trust and goodness within their ranks! They sure have a fan in me!
And it just makes me so happy that it's the same narrator for all of the books! He's great and does such a great job and has me wanting to look for more books that he's narrated.
Content: Clean. This book deals with talk of attacks (previous and upcoming) and trying to find escaped bad guys. The author was sensitive in her writing but did a great job with it. But a heads up that this book deals with suspense in case these things can be a trigger for you. There is nothing more than sweet kisses and no language.
I listened through Audible. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading/Listening!!!
Nate and Abby meet for the first time at a high security prison trying to figure out how a high profile prisoner escaped. Nate is captived by her right away. They get along great, even though she's reserved and he's hoping that maybe they'll be able to work on the case together as it progresses further. But he has a big surprise in store for him in regards to Abby.
I was not expecting the plot twist from the beginning. I was like "Whaaaaaattt???!!!" *Rubs hands together gleefully* You're going to love it but be caught off guard like me!
These two were great together! I really liked watching them learn to trust each other, as well as their quick thinking in figuring out how to capture this prisoner again and stop a major attack!
Abby's history was heartbreaking but I loved her determination, even if it meant giving up everything to protect others. She's a fabulous character. I think her and Nate are my favorites of the series so far. But man, that's hard to say because all of these characters have been wonderful. And you get to see a lot more of them working together in this one.
I love the Griffin Force! I love the sense of family and trust and goodness within their ranks! They sure have a fan in me!
And it just makes me so happy that it's the same narrator for all of the books! He's great and does such a great job and has me wanting to look for more books that he's narrated.
Content: Clean. This book deals with talk of attacks (previous and upcoming) and trying to find escaped bad guys. The author was sensitive in her writing but did a great job with it. But a heads up that this book deals with suspense in case these things can be a trigger for you. There is nothing more than sweet kisses and no language.
I listened through Audible. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading/Listening!!!
December 29, 2019
Exciting
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked or what caught my interest:
• The mysterious disappearance of Atwah from a high security prison in England caught my interest right away.
• Abby was a puzzling, unpredictable character. I never knew how she would react or what she would do next. I wanted to know more about her so I could figure out what made her so unique.
• The Griffin force was a special forces group specializing in eliminating terrorists.
• There were many twists and turns to the plot. Lots of suspense, excitement, and action.
• There were many secondary players in this novel. They were varied, well developed, and interesting. They added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was neither too fast nor too slow.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book. The author was a great writer.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that.
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked or what caught my interest:
• The mysterious disappearance of Atwah from a high security prison in England caught my interest right away.
• Abby was a puzzling, unpredictable character. I never knew how she would react or what she would do next. I wanted to know more about her so I could figure out what made her so unique.
• The Griffin force was a special forces group specializing in eliminating terrorists.
• There were many twists and turns to the plot. Lots of suspense, excitement, and action.
• There were many secondary players in this novel. They were varied, well developed, and interesting. They added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was neither too fast nor too slow.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book. The author was a great writer.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that.
April 1, 2021
Yet again, Julie Coulter Bellon, has created a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you fall in love with her characters. I absolutely loved this book!! Tristan Wright does a phenomal job narrating this book, portraying the characters, bringing them to life and humanizing them with their emotions, attitude and personality. He is an amazing voice performer. This was a fantastic story involving SpecOps! Great mixture of character development, mystery, and action. Takes readers on an emotional and highly compelling journey. I can't wait to read/listen to book #5 of the Griffin Force series. Highly recommend listening (or reading if audiobooks aren’t your thing) this series.
December 11, 2018
This story gets you right from the first words. The jail cell of an escaped isis leader. How is this possible from the high security prison? Nate and Abby are there to figure it out. Even though they are on opposite sides of the law.
Second Look will keep you engaged every step of the way. It is suspenseful with a few twists and turns.
I love the relationship between Abby and Nate. And how easygoing it is. And how well they do work together.
I would definitely recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
Second Look will keep you engaged every step of the way. It is suspenseful with a few twists and turns.
I love the relationship between Abby and Nate. And how easygoing it is. And how well they do work together.
I would definitely recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
March 30, 2022
This is a high-octane story of Abby working to stop an awful terrorist who is trying to bring down important facilities in the world. Nate likes her but is not sure she is trustworthy. There is just the right about of suspense & excitement. I especially like the voice of Tristan. Course I love audible books because I can do other things while I listen to stories. I highly recommend this series. I was given this audible copy. This is my voluntary review.
December 10, 2018
Second Look is well-written, clean, romantic suspense. I was drawn in from the first page and kept in suspense until the last one. The plot has twists and turns, is fast paced, and could be tomorrow's news. I highly recommend it to suspense readers and to romantic suspense readers. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
October 2, 2020
Griffin Force is an elite team that effectively takes down terrorists. Following along is a fast-paced, epic adventure. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy fast-paced military adventures.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy fast-paced military adventures.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
March 29, 2021
This book draws you in from the beginning and doesn't let go until the very end. It has suspense, mystery, surprises and romance. Such vivid descriptions that I felt like I was in the room with Abby and Nate. Some twists and turns. Great ending. I listened to this book on audible. The narrator did a great job and IMO brought a great life to the author's descriptions.
April 17, 2021
You will not be disappointed! I have loved every book in this series thus far and Second Look dd not disappoint. I love Abby’s character. Her selflessness, tenacity and never give up attitude is one to be admired. Julie Coulter Bellon has weaved such a deep and intense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat up until the last page.
August 1, 2021
Abby was a little kick-butt. Nate a super friendly and kind man. He seemed a little naive to me, but I liked him. This was my first book I’ve read in this series but it was okay not having read the first three. I enjoy the author. I’d read others in the series. Abby and Nate made a great team and had a sweet love story.
December 18, 2018
This book has it all -- suspense, mystery, romance. This is a fast-paced book that has you hooked right from the start. Nate and Abby are great characters. Ms. Bellon has done it again! Highly recommend.
January 1, 2019
The Hunt continues
I love this series and this book is no exception. There were many twists and turns, one that surprised me. This book contains just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and slow build up to romance. Great read.
I love this series and this book is no exception. There were many twists and turns, one that surprised me. This book contains just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and slow build up to romance. Great read.
March 29, 2021
Another fantastic adventure by Julie! I listened to the audio version and Tristan Wright is hands down my favorite narrator! I love this clean suspense series by Julie and would recommend reading/listening to it in order.
July 16, 2021
Another great read in Griffin Force series! It is a very captivating and suspenseful story where sparks really do fly and not only from the bullets. I couldn’t stop listening – narrator did a great job! Highly recommend.
December 25, 2018
This was an intense, suspenseful read. The characters were well-developed and believable. I loved this book and would recommend it.
March 4, 2019
This is probably my favorite Griffin Force book. Liked the characters and the suspense. 4.5 stars.
August 9, 2019
Julie continues to write wonderful suspense while weaving in beautiful romance. I love reading her books.
November 14, 2019
Great!
I really enjoyed this book. The suspense and intrigue start right from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. I'd definitely recommend this book and this series!
I really enjoyed this book. The suspense and intrigue start right from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. I'd definitely recommend this book and this series!
February 25, 2020
Intriguing as always, but the ending felt too quick and too attached to the next in the series.
March 15, 2020
I guess I need explosions or something other than hacking computers for tension?
August 4, 2020
You'd never know that Abby wasn't a traitor until you get to know her. That's exactly what Nate Hughes determines to do. Putting their resources together to capture terrorist
March 31, 2022
love the book!
This is the second time I read this book. Still couldn’t put it down, which isn’t my normal. The people seem so real! Places and events feel like I’m there.
This is the second time I read this book. Still couldn’t put it down, which isn’t my normal. The people seem so real! Places and events feel like I’m there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews