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Incognito
For Frankie Strong, results mean more than sticking to the rules, until she runs heart-first into Evan Spears.
US Marshal Evan Spears commands a federal task force of seasoned agents who track and capture dangerous fugitives around the world. When Evan is forced to take on DEA Agent Frankie Strong, a free spirit with unorthodox methods, she sees nothing but trouble for the team, the mission, and her future.
Frankie just wants to locate the murder suspect and prove her worth, but Evan seems determined to block her. To catch the killer they must learn to work together, but their attraction blurs the lines between professional and personal.
US Marshal Evan Spears commands a federal task force of seasoned agents who track and capture dangerous fugitives around the world. When Evan is forced to take on DEA Agent Frankie Strong, a free spirit with unorthodox methods, she sees nothing but trouble for the team, the mission, and her future.
Frankie just wants to locate the murder suspect and prove her worth, but Evan seems determined to block her. To catch the killer they must learn to work together, but their attraction blurs the lines between professional and personal.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2019
23 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
V.K. Powell
21 books113 followersAs a thirty-year law enforcement veteran, VK Powell brings a rare level of authenticity to her novels of romantic intrigue. Her career spanned numerous positions including beat cop, homicide detective, vice/narcotics lieutenant, and assistant chief of police. Now retired, VK infuses her writing with the wealth of experience she gained in police work.
VK is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She has penned several novels and short stories featuring strong women who struggle with the timeless question: can you really have it all?
VK is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She has penned several novels and short stories featuring strong women who struggle with the timeless question: can you really have it all?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 20, 2019
3.5 Stars. I thought this was pretty good but I wasn’t blown away. I like reading Powell’s books. They don’t always wow me but I’m always excited when a new book of hers comes out. After decades working in law enforcement, before becoming an author, I know I will usually get a good police procedural or action-romance from Powell. I think the biggest problem for me was I didn’t find this book to be as gripping or exciting as I hoped.
US Marshall Evan Spears is the lead for a taskforce to hunt down the most dangerous fugitives. After an attempted fugitive apprehension goes really bad, Evan wants these criminals more than ever. When her boss tells her DEA agent Frankie Strong will be added to help their team, Evan balks at the idea. Frankie seems reckless and Evan doesn’t think she can trust her. Can the two of them work together or will their feelings get in the way?
This book was entertaining but I did feel that certain parts seemed unrealistic to me. I had a hard time turning off my brain and just having fun with the book instead of questioning everything. I think this is the kind of book you just need to go with the flow and don’t take it too seriously.
I did really like the character of Frankie. I thought she was well done and I liked that she was a little quirky. Evan was a little stiff for me. She has baggage that has really affected her past and I get that, I just wanted to get to know her a little better and beyond just that.
Actually I thought the best part of the book was the chemistry between the mains. They don’t start off on the right foot, but you can see those sparks building and they get brighter and brighter. Frankie could be quite the tease and I really enjoyed those parts of the book. The sex scenes where not as hot as I was hoping for, they were fine really but with all the chemistry I was hoping for a little more than just fine. The romance was not insta-love, but it did happen pretty quickly and some of the relationship angst I did roll my eyes at. So overall the romance had its ups and downs like the rest of the book did.
Not one of my favorites by Powell but it was entertaining enough. The character of Frankie and the chemistry she had with Evan is where the book shined. I wish there had been more excitement overall, but the book was still pretty good. I'm not sure if this book will appeal to everyone but I do think some people will enjoy it.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
US Marshall Evan Spears is the lead for a taskforce to hunt down the most dangerous fugitives. After an attempted fugitive apprehension goes really bad, Evan wants these criminals more than ever. When her boss tells her DEA agent Frankie Strong will be added to help their team, Evan balks at the idea. Frankie seems reckless and Evan doesn’t think she can trust her. Can the two of them work together or will their feelings get in the way?
This book was entertaining but I did feel that certain parts seemed unrealistic to me. I had a hard time turning off my brain and just having fun with the book instead of questioning everything. I think this is the kind of book you just need to go with the flow and don’t take it too seriously.
I did really like the character of Frankie. I thought she was well done and I liked that she was a little quirky. Evan was a little stiff for me. She has baggage that has really affected her past and I get that, I just wanted to get to know her a little better and beyond just that.
Actually I thought the best part of the book was the chemistry between the mains. They don’t start off on the right foot, but you can see those sparks building and they get brighter and brighter. Frankie could be quite the tease and I really enjoyed those parts of the book. The sex scenes where not as hot as I was hoping for, they were fine really but with all the chemistry I was hoping for a little more than just fine. The romance was not insta-love, but it did happen pretty quickly and some of the relationship angst I did roll my eyes at. So overall the romance had its ups and downs like the rest of the book did.
Not one of my favorites by Powell but it was entertaining enough. The character of Frankie and the chemistry she had with Evan is where the book shined. I wish there had been more excitement overall, but the book was still pretty good. I'm not sure if this book will appeal to everyone but I do think some people will enjoy it.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
July 5, 2019
Frankie Strong, DEA undercover agent, is taken on as a liaison by Evan Spears, US Marshal, to assist in the apprehension of some dangerous fugitives. Evan needs the information Frankie has to offer but is hesitant to have to deal with someone who lives by their own set of rules. A recent disaster of an operation has left one of Evan’s team members in a wheelchair.
Frankie and Evan have quite different personalities and there is a lovely dynamic set up between them. I enjoyed their interaction and dialogue. The procedural stuff and hunt for the criminals held my interest, especially as there is an entanglement twisted into the story. It is an enjoyable read with subject matter that’s not too heavy.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Frankie and Evan have quite different personalities and there is a lovely dynamic set up between them. I enjoyed their interaction and dialogue. The procedural stuff and hunt for the criminals held my interest, especially as there is an entanglement twisted into the story. It is an enjoyable read with subject matter that’s not too heavy.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
July 3, 2019
Deceit leaves scars.
Evan is in charge of a team of US Marshalls. They recently had a botched mission and now Evan is afraid to do the field work needed to capture the fugitives that got away. And it is personal. Frankie is an undercover agent for the DEA and gets assigned to be a liaison to Evan's team because of her past experience with the fugitives they are looking for. Frankie is an enigma to Evan. All eccentric, outgoing, and constantly changing. A complete contrast to her strict and formal regimen. They will have to find a way to mix oil and vinegar in order to bring in the bad guys.
There were several mysteries and secrets to uncover throughout the story. And there was a certain confrontation I was looking forward to. I was always waiting for the next thing to happen. So that was exciting.
I liked the team of US Marshalls and how they interacted with one another. It would have been nice to get a little bit more background behind the guys on the team to show a deeper connection with Evan.
It is very shaky and contentious between Evan and Frankie in the beginning. But there is an instant attraction and Frankie's outgoing persona is able to chip away at Evan's defenses. There is definitely a forbidden feel to their relationship. Evan is sort of the boss. They are working together. And Evan is still reeling over a very humiliating breakup.
Overall, this was a really good book. The writing was high quality, there were things to uncover that kept me interested, and I enjoyed the will they/won't they aspect of the relationship between the two main characters.
I recommend this to people who like to read workplace romance, US Marshalls, the DEA, undercover work, chasing bad guys, and cigars.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Evan is in charge of a team of US Marshalls. They recently had a botched mission and now Evan is afraid to do the field work needed to capture the fugitives that got away. And it is personal. Frankie is an undercover agent for the DEA and gets assigned to be a liaison to Evan's team because of her past experience with the fugitives they are looking for. Frankie is an enigma to Evan. All eccentric, outgoing, and constantly changing. A complete contrast to her strict and formal regimen. They will have to find a way to mix oil and vinegar in order to bring in the bad guys.
There were several mysteries and secrets to uncover throughout the story. And there was a certain confrontation I was looking forward to. I was always waiting for the next thing to happen. So that was exciting.
I liked the team of US Marshalls and how they interacted with one another. It would have been nice to get a little bit more background behind the guys on the team to show a deeper connection with Evan.
It is very shaky and contentious between Evan and Frankie in the beginning. But there is an instant attraction and Frankie's outgoing persona is able to chip away at Evan's defenses. There is definitely a forbidden feel to their relationship. Evan is sort of the boss. They are working together. And Evan is still reeling over a very humiliating breakup.
Overall, this was a really good book. The writing was high quality, there were things to uncover that kept me interested, and I enjoyed the will they/won't they aspect of the relationship between the two main characters.
I recommend this to people who like to read workplace romance, US Marshalls, the DEA, undercover work, chasing bad guys, and cigars.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
July 3, 2019
I have a read a few of VK Powell's books and enjoyed them but sadly I cannot say that about this one.the gist of the story is Evan is team leader and trying to catch three fugitives on the run. A botched up job based on bad decisions leads to an injured agent, a transferred agent, and a new liaison...in walks Frankie. Frankie, unlike Evan, is an undercover agent who is used to working alone but tired of it. She needs a change so agrees to be the liaison.
The problem I have with this book is really Frankie. I liked her character fine but not as an agent. She actually annoyed me because she kept trying to sleep with Evan. It was like trying to catch the fugitives, whom did a number on Evan's team, was not that important. She annoyed me and because she was such a big part of the book I found myself not liking the book. Her antics were a big distraction from the case. Now, when she was actually being an agent and productive, I liked her and could really see a nice romance develop. And then she would try to turn into something sexual with Evan and I hated her.
I'm sorry but this book was just not for me. I'm all for on the job romances and having one character want more than the other until it becomes mutual. But this just didnt do it for me.
***ARC from Netgalley for an honest review from me :)***
The problem I have with this book is really Frankie. I liked her character fine but not as an agent. She actually annoyed me because she kept trying to sleep with Evan. It was like trying to catch the fugitives, whom did a number on Evan's team, was not that important. She annoyed me and because she was such a big part of the book I found myself not liking the book. Her antics were a big distraction from the case. Now, when she was actually being an agent and productive, I liked her and could really see a nice romance develop. And then she would try to turn into something sexual with Evan and I hated her.
I'm sorry but this book was just not for me. I'm all for on the job romances and having one character want more than the other until it becomes mutual. But this just didnt do it for me.
***ARC from Netgalley for an honest review from me :)***
July 19, 2019
🏳️🌈👭📚⚢👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (via NetGalley) an ARC of « Incognito » from BSB … So, here it is !!
My rating : 2 ⭐️
The story, set both in the US & in Australia, focuses on DEA Agent Frankie Strong, a free spirit with unorthodox methods, and US Marshal Evan Spears who commands a federal task force of seasoned agents who track and capture dangerous fugitives around the world. They met when, after an attempted fugitive apprehension goes really bad and Frankie is sent to act as a liaison between the 2 agencies during the investigation to catch a murderer. For Evan sticking to the rules is what matters. For Frankie results mean more than that … To catch the killer the all by the book Marshal and the rogue agent must learn to work together while both struggling with their emotional past & wounds and their attraction to one another which blurs the lines between professional and personal.
OK … So …What can I say about this novel ???
° When I read the plot I was thrilled by the idea of what I could find in the book +there were some interesting , wise and/or supportive secondary characters (Eli or Evan’s team) and I liked them…But I didn’t feel any connection with any of the MCs, and that’s something I don’t like. Thank God that’s rare …
° A couple of things are quite repetitive through the entire novel, so it becomes boring.
° There’s no real time markers in the book so it’s quite difficult to know for sure how long the story narrated in it lasted but it seems that not a lot of time passed … So, for me, the « romance » falls in the « insta-Love » category and the rest of the story falls in the « insta-everything else » category which I’m not a fan of (at all !!) . Seriously … The Marshals failed to catch the bad guys, they have no clue at all for a long while since the guy who was arrested never said a word and their team leader is a mess. Then enters Frankie … And … BANG !!! Miraculously, the minion of the bad guy talks (a lot …) &the investigation has been concluded succesfully pretty fast (3 arrests abroad) + both MCs don’t really get along well (one has been betrayed and dumped recently by her GF and the other has been raised with the idea that connection with others are bad) but fell head over heel in love with one another … => I don’t buy it ‘cause some things weren’t credible .
° There wasn’t enough suspense in the book and way too much drama ... Seriously the way the MCs (over)analyse the other’s actions or sayings is beyond ridiculous sometimes : whereas some things are pretty obvious, they, of course, think the opposite of what the other said or did and create some drama where there’s no need … I know some people have trust issues due to some things which happened in their past but with those 2 MCs that’s a lil bit too much for my own taste …
I like VK Powell’s writing but, sadly, something didn’t clicked totally for me in this story.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Yes and no … I love the idea of what it could have been, but I didn’t like the way it has been developed
Did I find the characters believable? => Nope …
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Nope…
Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope…
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes because I like VK Powell’s writing style even if I don’t click with all of her novels (+ I have several books of hers in paperback on my shelves waiting to be read).
Would I recommend this book => Yes … because everyone will have a different opinion about it : some will love it, some won’t like it at all
Hey guys and gals, now it’s your turn to chase fugitives all around the world … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚⚢👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (via NetGalley) an ARC of « Incognito » from BSB … So, here it is !!
My rating : 2 ⭐️
The story, set both in the US & in Australia, focuses on DEA Agent Frankie Strong, a free spirit with unorthodox methods, and US Marshal Evan Spears who commands a federal task force of seasoned agents who track and capture dangerous fugitives around the world. They met when, after an attempted fugitive apprehension goes really bad and Frankie is sent to act as a liaison between the 2 agencies during the investigation to catch a murderer. For Evan sticking to the rules is what matters. For Frankie results mean more than that … To catch the killer the all by the book Marshal and the rogue agent must learn to work together while both struggling with their emotional past & wounds and their attraction to one another which blurs the lines between professional and personal.
OK … So …What can I say about this novel ???
° When I read the plot I was thrilled by the idea of what I could find in the book +there were some interesting , wise and/or supportive secondary characters (Eli or Evan’s team) and I liked them…But I didn’t feel any connection with any of the MCs, and that’s something I don’t like. Thank God that’s rare …
° A couple of things are quite repetitive through the entire novel, so it becomes boring.
° There’s no real time markers in the book so it’s quite difficult to know for sure how long the story narrated in it lasted but it seems that not a lot of time passed … So, for me, the « romance » falls in the « insta-Love » category and the rest of the story falls in the « insta-everything else » category which I’m not a fan of (at all !!) . Seriously … The Marshals failed to catch the bad guys, they have no clue at all for a long while since the guy who was arrested never said a word and their team leader is a mess. Then enters Frankie … And … BANG !!! Miraculously, the minion of the bad guy talks (a lot …) &the investigation has been concluded succesfully pretty fast (3 arrests abroad) + both MCs don’t really get along well (one has been betrayed and dumped recently by her GF and the other has been raised with the idea that connection with others are bad) but fell head over heel in love with one another … => I don’t buy it ‘cause some things weren’t credible .
° There wasn’t enough suspense in the book and way too much drama ... Seriously the way the MCs (over)analyse the other’s actions or sayings is beyond ridiculous sometimes : whereas some things are pretty obvious, they, of course, think the opposite of what the other said or did and create some drama where there’s no need … I know some people have trust issues due to some things which happened in their past but with those 2 MCs that’s a lil bit too much for my own taste …
I like VK Powell’s writing but, sadly, something didn’t clicked totally for me in this story.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Yes and no … I love the idea of what it could have been, but I didn’t like the way it has been developed
Did I find the characters believable? => Nope …
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Nope…
Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope…
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes because I like VK Powell’s writing style even if I don’t click with all of her novels (+ I have several books of hers in paperback on my shelves waiting to be read).
Would I recommend this book => Yes … because everyone will have a different opinion about it : some will love it, some won’t like it at all
Hey guys and gals, now it’s your turn to chase fugitives all around the world … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚⚢👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
July 1, 2019
A lot of action in this one :) it was quite an entertaining book! Sometimes the action was unrealistic but I still enjoyed it..
what I liked most about the book was the insane chemistry between both MCs. Frankie, one of the MCs was my favorite, she’s hot, sexy and I loved her character. The supporting characters were very entertaining as well ! Evan, the other MC was too boring for me though, and at a certain point I couldn’t understand or believe the reason why Frankie would fall for her (apart from the fact that she dressed amazingly).
Overall the book was solid, i just wasn’t blown away with the “action” part of it (as I said some things were just not making sense to me) but other than that it’s a 3.4 for me!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
what I liked most about the book was the insane chemistry between both MCs. Frankie, one of the MCs was my favorite, she’s hot, sexy and I loved her character. The supporting characters were very entertaining as well ! Evan, the other MC was too boring for me though, and at a certain point I couldn’t understand or believe the reason why Frankie would fall for her (apart from the fact that she dressed amazingly).
Overall the book was solid, i just wasn’t blown away with the “action” part of it (as I said some things were just not making sense to me) but other than that it’s a 3.4 for me!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
July 1, 2019
This is my first time reading a book by Powell and I enjoyed it. DEA agent Frankie Strong has been working undercover for years. She is ready for a change after her last job and is teamed up to work US Marshall Evan Spears on a case that Frankie is familiar with. Frankie and Evan bump heads upon meeting and it mainly is because Frankie is more carefree and walks to the beat of her own drum. Evan is really uptight and I haven't decided if it was because of what happened when trying to catch 3 fugitives or if she is just uptight period. Either way, you can feel the chemistry with these two. Frankie for sure lets Evan know she is very interested in her.
Normally I don't read action type of romances. I prefer just romance, because I don't do well with suspense. Incognito actually has just the right amount of action where I thought it was good. Frankie was my favorite MC in this one. I liked Evan, but she was just a little too wishy washy. Even though she was uptight, I didn't mind that so much because it was a good balance with Frankie's more carefree/take chances personality. There were a couple of things I wish was different. I honestly didn't feel like the MC's got to know each other well enough to fall in love. Maybe a strong like. Also, I think that angst at the end was not truly angst. It just didn't seem like anyone should have the reaction that Evan has to Frankie's truth. Things just seemed a tad bit rush towards the end.
I rate this one 3.75 stars.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Normally I don't read action type of romances. I prefer just romance, because I don't do well with suspense. Incognito actually has just the right amount of action where I thought it was good. Frankie was my favorite MC in this one. I liked Evan, but she was just a little too wishy washy. Even though she was uptight, I didn't mind that so much because it was a good balance with Frankie's more carefree/take chances personality. There were a couple of things I wish was different. I honestly didn't feel like the MC's got to know each other well enough to fall in love. Maybe a strong like. Also, I think that angst at the end was not truly angst. It just didn't seem like anyone should have the reaction that Evan has to Frankie's truth. Things just seemed a tad bit rush towards the end.
I rate this one 3.75 stars.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
July 7, 2019
US Marshall Evan Spears has been burned in the past both professionally and personally so when rogue DEA agent Frankie Strong gets assigned to her unit temporarily, she’s on guard. Frankie herself is fighting demons which sets up a powder keg of feelings between them.
There’s a good book in here somewhere but it felt like I couldn’t find it. Instead, it’s an okay story with fragments pieced together to make a patchwork of a narrative. It made it even more disappointing because the trope of an undercover agent losing grip with her real self and fighting to reclaim it is one of my favorites. So maybe I’m being hard on the book because I wanted something special and it missed for me. 3.25 stars because I wanted so much more. I read this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a good book in here somewhere but it felt like I couldn’t find it. Instead, it’s an okay story with fragments pieced together to make a patchwork of a narrative. It made it even more disappointing because the trope of an undercover agent losing grip with her real self and fighting to reclaim it is one of my favorites. So maybe I’m being hard on the book because I wanted something special and it missed for me. 3.25 stars because I wanted so much more. I read this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2019
Incognito by V.K. Powell is the kind of intrigue/thriller novel that I enjoy. This story has all the elements of a good mystery. You have the main characters as federal agents with U.S Marshal Evan Spears and DEA Agent Frankie Strong. Frankie ends up joining Evan and her team as a liaison to help catch some criminals both agencies had been looking for. Add in an international setting and the help of Interpol when the criminals try to escape. Then top it all off with sizzling chemistry between Evan and Frankie, and you end up with a great action packed story.
I think the best part of the novel is the characters themselves. They really make the story. Both are well-developed, but I really was intrigued with Frankie. Ms. Powell could make a book simply from Frankie’s back story. Both characters have secrets from their pasts that causes problems with their work as well as with their budding relationship.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy a good mystery with interesting characters and a bit of romance, then try this book.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
I think the best part of the novel is the characters themselves. They really make the story. Both are well-developed, but I really was intrigued with Frankie. Ms. Powell could make a book simply from Frankie’s back story. Both characters have secrets from their pasts that causes problems with their work as well as with their budding relationship.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy a good mystery with interesting characters and a bit of romance, then try this book.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
July 5, 2019
Opposites attract, stiff and quirky. Frankie Strong, unusual, quirky, caring, afraid to show real self, hiding a secret, yet determined to impress. Evan Spears, focused, stiff, protective, hiding a secret, and determined to follow procedure. Independent of each other, Evan and Frankie are very interesting women with the same drive to capture the bad guys. As the story unfolds, the reader learns the secret and it is difficult to not feel for each of them and what they are and have gone through. There were some parts that were difficult to believe and stretched your imagination but the read was still entertaining.
ARC provided provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
June 26, 2019
Lots of action in this one, balanced out by a good deal of emotional push-pull between the two main characters. Most of the characters were fleshed out enough to almost see them, except for one. I couldn't really "see" him. As I said before, lots of angst, questions and will-they-won't they. The bad guys had lots of motive, the good guys had their share of frustration. The cover caught my eye right away, and I had to look twice to make sure Melanie Bardot wasn't on the cover! (Go look her up in Europe in 2018, you'll see what I mean)
All in all, a nice fluffy, escapist read. Just the thing for a rainy day!
All in all, a nice fluffy, escapist read. Just the thing for a rainy day!
July 11, 2019
I went into this loving what I was reading. The story line was so different and interesting. The DEA and US Marshalls. Undercover officers. But wow it got tedious fast. I can't be with you...oh I have to be with you. I can't get involved....Oh how can I help myself? It was over the top for me. It sucked quite a bit of enjoyment from the book. I initially felt the chemistry between the MCs, but then it quickly died for me. The book could have easily stood alone without the romance...and honestly probably would have been better.
I recevied and ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I recevied and ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2019
While not ground-breaking, this book is exciting and fast-paced and the chemistry between the two main characters is great.
Evan Spears is a by-the-book US Marshall whose last mission ended in disaster, making her more cautious than ever. She’s forced to include to her team DEA agent Frankie Strong, who has been working mostly undercover and unsupervised for the last six years. At first they go head to head, each trying trying to assert her standing. As they start working together, Evan trying to plan for everything and Frankie ad-libbing, they get to know and respect each other. The growing attraction between them is just one more hurdle they have to overcome.
I’ve read three or four books by V. K. Powell before but they didn’t make much of an impression. This one, on the other hand, I really enjoyed, despite the back and forth between Frankie and Evan being slightly repetitive. I also wish one of the villains didn’t bear my name, but I'll get over it.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Evan Spears is a by-the-book US Marshall whose last mission ended in disaster, making her more cautious than ever. She’s forced to include to her team DEA agent Frankie Strong, who has been working mostly undercover and unsupervised for the last six years. At first they go head to head, each trying trying to assert her standing. As they start working together, Evan trying to plan for everything and Frankie ad-libbing, they get to know and respect each other. The growing attraction between them is just one more hurdle they have to overcome.
I’ve read three or four books by V. K. Powell before but they didn’t make much of an impression. This one, on the other hand, I really enjoyed, despite the back and forth between Frankie and Evan being slightly repetitive. I also wish one of the villains didn’t bear my name, but I'll get over it.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2019
Evan is a US Marshall. She and her task force track and capture fugitives around the world. Frankie is a DEA Agent who is assigned to Evan's team. Both are strong women in their own ways. Frankie is used to working alone and sees problems for the team and herself.
This one has plenty of action and has you turning page after page. I was hooked from start to finish. I loved the story line. I loved the characters, Evan is my favourite. She is strong and knows what she wants, although not all goes to plan with her. Frankie is a free spirit and does her own thing but still gets the job done. The pace was about right. Some things within the story were unrealistic but doesn't take anything away from my reading pleasure.
If you like action and romance then this one could be for you.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley.
This one has plenty of action and has you turning page after page. I was hooked from start to finish. I loved the story line. I loved the characters, Evan is my favourite. She is strong and knows what she wants, although not all goes to plan with her. Frankie is a free spirit and does her own thing but still gets the job done. The pace was about right. Some things within the story were unrealistic but doesn't take anything away from my reading pleasure.
If you like action and romance then this one could be for you.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley.
July 23, 2019
This was just an okay read for me. I don't read a lot of V.K. Powell because, even though they are romantic suspense, a lot of her writing isn't super intense in regards to the suspense parts. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the interplay between the leads and some of the secondary characters, and the to leads here are a great dynamic, but the case is not super great. There is a lack of urgency even though the good guys are trying to catch fugitives that seem to have gone international. There's also a couple of extra dramatic bits thrown in at the end to ratchet up the stakes, but I thought it was just a little too late for that.
The strongest part of the book was the interplay between leads, Evan, a US Marshal who is a huge control freak and is still reeling from a botched arrest that's connected to a pair of fugitives her and her team are currently running down, and DEA liaison Frankie, a deep undercover operative that has a past. Both women learned to keep people at arms' length, Frankie with her abilities to become almost anyone, and Evan with her almost obsessive need for rules and order. They clash, because Frankie's often mischievous behavior is so out of what Evan thinks she needs. But they are attracted to each other, and it does blow up their world view a bit.
Evan and Frankie are very good characters on their own, but I wish I could see them in action a little more. The handling of the case was just way too slow. There was a lot of buildup for the characters, but without the urgency of their case, it just felt like they were floating through it. Other, than that, the book was okay.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The strongest part of the book was the interplay between leads, Evan, a US Marshal who is a huge control freak and is still reeling from a botched arrest that's connected to a pair of fugitives her and her team are currently running down, and DEA liaison Frankie, a deep undercover operative that has a past. Both women learned to keep people at arms' length, Frankie with her abilities to become almost anyone, and Evan with her almost obsessive need for rules and order. They clash, because Frankie's often mischievous behavior is so out of what Evan thinks she needs. But they are attracted to each other, and it does blow up their world view a bit.
Evan and Frankie are very good characters on their own, but I wish I could see them in action a little more. The handling of the case was just way too slow. There was a lot of buildup for the characters, but without the urgency of their case, it just felt like they were floating through it. Other, than that, the book was okay.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2020
VK Powell's real life police experience leads to some exciting police procedural drama. Then there's the scorching chemistry between the leads. The book is fast paced and the characters are easy to identify with.
ARC received in return for a review.
ARC received in return for a review.
July 28, 2019
If you’re in the mood for a fast paced romantic intrigue novel with action, romance and humour, this might be one for you.
A team of US Marshals, led by Evan Spears, have been hot on the heels of a dangerously smart fugitive when their latest operation goes off the rails in such a way that the fugitive escapes and the team is sidelined due to a serious injury of one of the members and the departure of another. Despite the setbacks, they are determined to get their man – even if it means having to work with a liaison from the DEA, Frankie Strong, who may have critical information to share. From that point, its a fast paced investigation as they track the bad guys down.
I found myself rooting for Frankie throughout the story – she’s a bit of a rebel with a rather irreverent sense of humour and a tendency to strip naked at the drop of a hat and engage in serious discussions. When she joins the team, she’s at the point of nearly being burned out – living undercover on a string of operations and having had to shoot a fugitive has taken a toll and she’s wondering if it is time to come in our of the cold and settle into a “normal” kind of job. Despite this, she jumps in feet first and is pretty much running circles around the established team, using her unorthodox methods to move the case forward. Her skills at uncover work have come at a price and Frankie struggles with the morality of what she’s done in her past and how to make amends.
Evan, on the other hand, I had a harder time rooting for. Opposite of Frankie, she’s buttoned up and a bit of a control freak. Oddly enough, she’s the angsty one as she’s carrying a fair bit of guilt and regret over the last mission that landed one team mate in a wheelchair and how she got played by an informant. Based on the events of that mission, I had a hard time she’d be allowed to remain on the case due to conflict of interest. Obviously, she isn’t immune to Frankie’s charm – hell, how do you maintain eye contact when someone’s dropped a towel – and softens up as she sees the results that Frankie’s street smarts and methods are achieving and how vital she is to the team tracking down the bad guys.
This is more of a light intrigue/action novel with a bit of smolder and spark added to keep the momentum going. The investigation rolls along at a good pace and the characters get plenty of action as they close in on the bad guy and his partners. As a romance, this is almost too fast paced and is built on the old adage that opposites attract – the two meet, antagonize one another (aka foreplay), have a strained discussion or two while one is in the nude, kiss a few times, sleep together and are in love. If the story line hadn’t been so compressed (l think it was spaced over a week or ten days), the intrigue and romance could have more time to grow and develop. As it is, everything moves at a lightening pace – which is great for an action oriented book, but an be a bit of a detriment to building a romance plot line.
A team of US Marshals, led by Evan Spears, have been hot on the heels of a dangerously smart fugitive when their latest operation goes off the rails in such a way that the fugitive escapes and the team is sidelined due to a serious injury of one of the members and the departure of another. Despite the setbacks, they are determined to get their man – even if it means having to work with a liaison from the DEA, Frankie Strong, who may have critical information to share. From that point, its a fast paced investigation as they track the bad guys down.
I found myself rooting for Frankie throughout the story – she’s a bit of a rebel with a rather irreverent sense of humour and a tendency to strip naked at the drop of a hat and engage in serious discussions. When she joins the team, she’s at the point of nearly being burned out – living undercover on a string of operations and having had to shoot a fugitive has taken a toll and she’s wondering if it is time to come in our of the cold and settle into a “normal” kind of job. Despite this, she jumps in feet first and is pretty much running circles around the established team, using her unorthodox methods to move the case forward. Her skills at uncover work have come at a price and Frankie struggles with the morality of what she’s done in her past and how to make amends.
Evan, on the other hand, I had a harder time rooting for. Opposite of Frankie, she’s buttoned up and a bit of a control freak. Oddly enough, she’s the angsty one as she’s carrying a fair bit of guilt and regret over the last mission that landed one team mate in a wheelchair and how she got played by an informant. Based on the events of that mission, I had a hard time she’d be allowed to remain on the case due to conflict of interest. Obviously, she isn’t immune to Frankie’s charm – hell, how do you maintain eye contact when someone’s dropped a towel – and softens up as she sees the results that Frankie’s street smarts and methods are achieving and how vital she is to the team tracking down the bad guys.
This is more of a light intrigue/action novel with a bit of smolder and spark added to keep the momentum going. The investigation rolls along at a good pace and the characters get plenty of action as they close in on the bad guy and his partners. As a romance, this is almost too fast paced and is built on the old adage that opposites attract – the two meet, antagonize one another (aka foreplay), have a strained discussion or two while one is in the nude, kiss a few times, sleep together and are in love. If the story line hadn’t been so compressed (l think it was spaced over a week or ten days), the intrigue and romance could have more time to grow and develop. As it is, everything moves at a lightening pace – which is great for an action oriented book, but an be a bit of a detriment to building a romance plot line.
July 3, 2019
Just finished VK’s latest crime romance and it’s a cracker. Set in the US and Australia, a team of US Marshalls and a semi-feral DEA agent hunt for a crime boss and his sidekicks as they flee from arrest. It’s fast paced, action packed and keeps you glued to the page. The whole team are engaging characters and would definitely work as an ongoing series (pretty please VK?). It’s a classic “will they won't they” romance as the MC’s have a ton of baggage each, some ancient but inescapable, some very recent and raw. Great reading as always with VK Powell’s cop based romances.
https://amzn.to/2XlwJ4k
July 10, 2019
A story about a US Marshall supervisor who gets a liaison forced on her team in the form of an independent, headstrong former undercover agent of the DEA while her team is chasing 3 fugitive sounds like it is right up my alley. And I liked the book, it just wasn't great. I can't really say what's the matter..the story moves along, there's some trauma in Evan's past that explains her not wanting to form a connection, Frankie has trouble with showing her real self after all that time doing undercover work and the pacing of the chase is also well written.
I could have used a better developed Evan to establish a connection I guess, not really sure what Frankie sees in her. And Frankie was a bit annoying with her pushing for sex almost from the beginning. Yes you could see the sparks were there, but let's give the romance a build-up period with the main characters getting to know each other. Anyways, I would not not recommend this book, but it's also not going on my re-reading pile and the characters didn't stay with me after the last page.
I could have used a better developed Evan to establish a connection I guess, not really sure what Frankie sees in her. And Frankie was a bit annoying with her pushing for sex almost from the beginning. Yes you could see the sparks were there, but let's give the romance a build-up period with the main characters getting to know each other. Anyways, I would not not recommend this book, but it's also not going on my re-reading pile and the characters didn't stay with me after the last page.
December 28, 2019
It was a great read. Ms Powell is an excellent author, she has a wonderful way of describing the scenes and characters. Incognito though, isn't one of her better books. It's a workplace romance with opposites attract mains.
A great chemistry between Evan et Frankie, the two characters.
This is a fast-paced, quick read with an interesting plot.
What to spend pleasantly 4 hours.
A great chemistry between Evan et Frankie, the two characters.
This is a fast-paced, quick read with an interesting plot.
What to spend pleasantly 4 hours.
August 2, 2019
I like Powell's books a lot, and this was no exception. I liked everything about this book and I will tell you why. The book is about tow strong agents one in the DEA and one a US Marshall. The book details their lives as they have to team up in order to Cath a criminal. Frankie is looking to amend the wrongs of her past, and Evan is looking to make things right with her team after a failed mission. There was so much to love both main characters were excellent. The one thing I did not like was how quickly they had fell in love, it was super instantaneous and it was cool only because it made the tension better.
There were parts of the book that felt uneven, like how Frankie was rebellious one minute and then basically throwing herself at Evan the next, her mood swings were hard to follow. As I write this I find it difficult to tell the characters apart, sometime their voices sounded so similar and that was hard to follow. I liked Evan from the beginning because I love butch women characters in my lesbian books. I thought the story and the romance were sweet and well written and I will continue to read Powell's books.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from bold strokes books and netgalley.
There were parts of the book that felt uneven, like how Frankie was rebellious one minute and then basically throwing herself at Evan the next, her mood swings were hard to follow. As I write this I find it difficult to tell the characters apart, sometime their voices sounded so similar and that was hard to follow. I liked Evan from the beginning because I love butch women characters in my lesbian books. I thought the story and the romance were sweet and well written and I will continue to read Powell's books.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from bold strokes books and netgalley.
January 1, 2020
I really feel for Frankie in this story. It was hard to see how draining it was on her, physically and emotionally, when she goes under as someone else. It was heartbreaking learning of her childhood and knowing how her parents used her in her cons. I think Evan is the perfect person to provide her with the love she’s been missing all her life. I loved it when she told Evan she was her home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2019
VK Powell is an excellent author, she has a wonderful way of describing the scenes and characters. Incognito though, isn't one of her better books. I felt like the story dragged a bit. There's good meat to it though and is worth the time to read about Frankie and Evan, a U.S. Marshal and a DEA agent, respectively,working together on a case.
October 4, 2022
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the story and the ups and downs. I have gone on a VK Powell binge since I read my first book by her a week ago. I love laughing out loud. Some very funny parts.
June 15, 2020
This was another novel that started slowly for me. It slowly ramped up and pulled me in. Frankie’s an undercover DEA agent and Evan is a Marshall. Frankie is assigned to the Marshalls to bring in a man connected to both their agencies’ purviews. Frankie is like a wild child who doesn’t act very professionally, at least according to the Marshalls’ standards. Evan is very much by the book because of a mistake that had a devastating result on her team members, so she wants nothing to do with Frankie, and that creates the tension between them. The team have an international adventure with several heart-stopping complications and misfortunes, while the women grow more attracted to one another. In some ways, this plot is straightforward, while in other ways, it’s rather devious; there are setbacks. Powell does resolve all the loose issues at the end. I’ve read of lot of Powell’s books and I will read more, but this is not one of my favorites by her.
May 7, 2024
Books are rather similar, with just a little twitch.
July 2, 2019
This book started a tad bit slow for me, but within the first fourth, I started getting really into the story. I don't read a lot of suspense/mystery/cop drama etc. I really enjoyed the tension that built between the two characters as the story progressed. The main characters were likable and the internal issues they dealt with felt believable. I found myself really enjoying the secondary characters as well. They had a lot of personality and really added something to the book as a whole. The overall story minus the romance was engaging and I had a hard time putting it down.
My only major issue came with some of the dialog. There was a couple of times I had to backtrack what I was reading because I wasn't quite sure which character was speaking. that pulled me out of the moment a couple of times and certain scenes would lose their effect.
My only major issue came with some of the dialog. There was a couple of times I had to backtrack what I was reading because I wasn't quite sure which character was speaking. that pulled me out of the moment a couple of times and certain scenes would lose their effect.
June 28, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Evan is a US Marshal who in charge of a team of season agents. When the plan to capture fugitives goes wrong leaving one of her teammates injured because she trusted the wrong person who betray her and she carries that guilt to the point that she holds a tight leash on her team although her teammate Aaron doesn't blame her she still feels it was her fault.
When her boss Michael decide to bring on a liaison to help them capture the fugitives because of the Intel they have Evan isn't pretty happy about that but it's a done deal.
Frankie is DEA Agent who been undercover for the last couple of months is haunted by her past that she not proud of when she is ask to work with the US Marshal to help catch the fugitives while investigating a another case.
Evan and Frankie when first meet clash I wouldn't say their attraction was immediate but it grow over time I like that they didn't jump into bed right away and when did happen it was hot. They both have different ways of doing the job. Overall a good read.
Evan is a US Marshal who in charge of a team of season agents. When the plan to capture fugitives goes wrong leaving one of her teammates injured because she trusted the wrong person who betray her and she carries that guilt to the point that she holds a tight leash on her team although her teammate Aaron doesn't blame her she still feels it was her fault.
When her boss Michael decide to bring on a liaison to help them capture the fugitives because of the Intel they have Evan isn't pretty happy about that but it's a done deal.
Frankie is DEA Agent who been undercover for the last couple of months is haunted by her past that she not proud of when she is ask to work with the US Marshal to help catch the fugitives while investigating a another case.
Evan and Frankie when first meet clash I wouldn't say their attraction was immediate but it grow over time I like that they didn't jump into bed right away and when did happen it was hot. They both have different ways of doing the job. Overall a good read.
July 6, 2019
This is a fast-paced, quick read with an interesting plot. It's a workplace romance with opposites attract mains, with a little melting the ice queen thrown in. Evan and Frankie had great chemistry, but the secondary characters in this one added a lot to the enjoyment. A great way to spend four hours.
June 29, 2019
Frankie Strong has been working as an undercover agent and pretty much doing her own thing for the last 6 years. Due to the fact she has inside knowledge on some fugitives US Marshall Evan Spears team of crack agents is hunting down, Frankie is assigned to Evan's team. Evan is a control freak who runs a tight ship but Frankie is fiercely independent and a bit of a loose cannon and not used to authority. When Frankie and Evan meet they are polar opposites but their curiosity with working out what makes each other tick immediately ignites sparks between them.
Incognito is a great read, there's the thrill and mystery of the chase with tracking down the fugitives that keeps you guessing till the end. Then there's the attraction between Frankie and Evan, with the constant will they, won't they get together. Frankie and Evan's characters were well developed enough to give you a sense of their personal struggles and why they made particular decisions. The side characters were also well written and enhanced the storyline. Would I read this book again? Most definitely!
Incognito is a great read, there's the thrill and mystery of the chase with tracking down the fugitives that keeps you guessing till the end. Then there's the attraction between Frankie and Evan, with the constant will they, won't they get together. Frankie and Evan's characters were well developed enough to give you a sense of their personal struggles and why they made particular decisions. The side characters were also well written and enhanced the storyline. Would I read this book again? Most definitely!
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