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Laynie Portland #2
Renegade Spy
Once a spy, always a spy. And once a renegade . . .
Director Wolfe brings Laynie “in from the cold” to a place of relative safety. However, she will remain free only if she meets Wolfe’s three conditions. She must accept the new identity he gives her, and she must meet with an agency “shrink” to address the emotional damage caused by her years undercover. This counselor, handpicked by Wolfe, will evaluate Laynie and determine if she is fit to participate in his secret task force. Moreover, Laynie must remain in Wolfe’s witness protection program. The program will hide Laynie from those who are hunting her, but it will also greatly curtail her freedom.
Nothing goes as Laynie hopes. The rules grind and grate on her. They shackle her choices and constrict her movements. She feels controlled and manipulated. Her clashes with bureaucratic culture only serve to tighten the restrictions and send her spiraling downward, out of control.
Meanwhile, in the background, dark forces are at work, forces that compel Laynie to disobey directives in order to save a life. Rather than proving her value to Wolfe’s satisfaction, Laynie’s risky exploits mark her as a faithless renegade, a rebel whose insubordination may earn her harsh, ruinous consequences.
Laynie must fight to earn her place on the task force—even as unfolding events expose a looming danger. Wolfe’s task force has a leak . . . one that threatens them all.
Laynie Portland
Book 1: Laynie Portland, Spy Rising—The Prequel
Book 2: Laynie Portland, Retired Spy
Book 3: Laynie Portland, Renegade Spy 12.02.2019
Book 4: Laynie Portland, Spy Resurrected 06.02.2020
Director Wolfe brings Laynie “in from the cold” to a place of relative safety. However, she will remain free only if she meets Wolfe’s three conditions. She must accept the new identity he gives her, and she must meet with an agency “shrink” to address the emotional damage caused by her years undercover. This counselor, handpicked by Wolfe, will evaluate Laynie and determine if she is fit to participate in his secret task force. Moreover, Laynie must remain in Wolfe’s witness protection program. The program will hide Laynie from those who are hunting her, but it will also greatly curtail her freedom.
Nothing goes as Laynie hopes. The rules grind and grate on her. They shackle her choices and constrict her movements. She feels controlled and manipulated. Her clashes with bureaucratic culture only serve to tighten the restrictions and send her spiraling downward, out of control.
Meanwhile, in the background, dark forces are at work, forces that compel Laynie to disobey directives in order to save a life. Rather than proving her value to Wolfe’s satisfaction, Laynie’s risky exploits mark her as a faithless renegade, a rebel whose insubordination may earn her harsh, ruinous consequences.
Laynie must fight to earn her place on the task force—even as unfolding events expose a looming danger. Wolfe’s task force has a leak . . . one that threatens them all.
Laynie Portland
Book 1: Laynie Portland, Spy Rising—The Prequel
Book 2: Laynie Portland, Retired Spy
Book 3: Laynie Portland, Renegade Spy 12.02.2019
Book 4: Laynie Portland, Spy Resurrected 06.02.2020
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2019
60 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Kestell
54 books211 followersVikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 2, 2020
I struggled through "Rising" but on finishing "Renegade" I have a better appreciation for the need for the early character development. The loss of faith and identity could happen to anyone and the years of guilt and self-loathing drove her to be very successful at her vocation. Now in "Renegade" I see God continuing to show His hand in her life, drawing her to Him.
PS...I hope Tobin gets the girl in the end.
PS...I hope Tobin gets the girl in the end.
April 28, 2020
This has been my favorite of Laynie ... I can not wait for the next book! I usually do not care for spy stuff, however this entwined with Faith -filled fiction really interested me! Great job Vicki!!
I love the task force, I believe it all makes for a great read.
I love the task force, I believe it all makes for a great read.
June 25, 2020
Laynie is rescued by Wolfe and brought to a new task force. At first Laynie is so bored and did not think they were using her talents.
Laynie finds out that a IT woman by the name of Jaz was helping her when she was escaping Russia. Laynie's relationship with Jaz and Tobin increases.
Laynie finally realizes that God can love someone like her. Yay for God!
This book ended with a cliff hanger and so I am now reading the final book in this series.
Reading these books is very interesting to me. I normally do not read this type of genre.
Laynie finds out that a IT woman by the name of Jaz was helping her when she was escaping Russia. Laynie's relationship with Jaz and Tobin increases.
Laynie finally realizes that God can love someone like her. Yay for God!
This book ended with a cliff hanger and so I am now reading the final book in this series.
Reading these books is very interesting to me. I normally do not read this type of genre.
May 20, 2020
I don't usually chose to read Spy stories, but I needed to know what happened to Kari's sister, Laynie. They were among the last named descendants of Rose Thoreson, the star of the Prairie Heritage series.
This installment, like the ones before it, is well written, full of interesting characters, some of whom, appropriately, are in no hurry to be unmasked. Not all loose ends are knotted by the end of the book, so, yes, there's at least one more spy story for me to read.
This installment, like the ones before it, is well written, full of interesting characters, some of whom, appropriately, are in no hurry to be unmasked. Not all loose ends are knotted by the end of the book, so, yes, there's at least one more spy story for me to read.
August 22, 2020
Renegade Spy
This might be the best of all, but then each story has left marks in my spirit. I will 'll have to re-read certain pearls of wisdom. How the spiritual warfare is fought, and how to fight to bring everything in to submission to God. I cried and paused when salvation was accepted. I love the change ,the fruits of repentance. And the worthless feelings carried for a lifetime slowly disabled belief of being loved was overcame.
This might be the best of all, but then each story has left marks in my spirit. I will 'll have to re-read certain pearls of wisdom. How the spiritual warfare is fought, and how to fight to bring everything in to submission to God. I cried and paused when salvation was accepted. I love the change ,the fruits of repentance. And the worthless feelings carried for a lifetime slowly disabled belief of being loved was overcame.
March 10, 2021
Laynie Portland, Reneade Spy
Another action packed adventure in the life of Laynie. From Russia to the states and back again, but this time she travels with the assurance that God is with her.
Another action packed adventure in the life of Laynie. From Russia to the states and back again, but this time she travels with the assurance that God is with her.
July 21, 2021
I’m a Renegade
Wow this was quite a ride again. Good to know Laynie turned it all over to God anyway. And I think she was justified punching Gupta. Good to see Ruth back in the mix too.
Wow this was quite a ride again. Good to know Laynie turned it all over to God anyway. And I think she was justified punching Gupta. Good to see Ruth back in the mix too.
October 25, 2021
Thank God the fourth book is written
I gave it four stars for the nasty cliffhanger. They’ve got to be some sort of sin. The story is great — really well written, except for being dumped back into reality in the middle of the story.
I gave it four stars for the nasty cliffhanger. They’ve got to be some sort of sin. The story is great — really well written, except for being dumped back into reality in the middle of the story.
November 12, 2022
Excellent novel
I really enjoyed this Christian suspense novel! In this installment, laynie becomes a Christian. This suspense around the assignment she has taken on is tremendous. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this Christian suspense novel! In this installment, laynie becomes a Christian. This suspense around the assignment she has taken on is tremendous. I'm looking forward to the next book!
March 28, 2025
Riveting
I enjoyed the sequel of Kathie Portland and how she copes with the changes in her life. The description of the trauma of a high risk job and other issues were described beautifully.
I enjoyed the sequel of Kathie Portland and how she copes with the changes in her life. The description of the trauma of a high risk job and other issues were described beautifully.
May 4, 2020
Very good plot, but disappointing that the story was not completed and is to be continued in another book!
May 12, 2020
As always, great storyline, awesome character development, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. June 2nd cannot come soon enough for me! I need to see what happens next!!!
December 15, 2020
Riveting and Suspenseful
Once again, a masterpiece of action and adventure. Just wish this book had not ended where it did, in the middle of her mission.
Once again, a masterpiece of action and adventure. Just wish this book had not ended where it did, in the middle of her mission.
June 24, 2021
Great writer
Vikki Kestell is one of the best spy writers I have read. I have read most of her books and not been disappointed.
Vikki Kestell is one of the best spy writers I have read. I have read most of her books and not been disappointed.
October 28, 2021
Outstanding !!
This series has been great. This book even better! The handling of God and His word was outstanding.. May you be blessed and Highly favored! Keep up the great work!
This series has been great. This book even better! The handling of God and His word was outstanding.. May you be blessed and Highly favored! Keep up the great work!
September 15, 2022
Quite intriguing!
This book is packed with adventure and mystery and I am ready to jump into the last book in the series. This book has a cliffhanger ending!
This book is packed with adventure and mystery and I am ready to jump into the last book in the series. This book has a cliffhanger ending!
February 15, 2025
First of all, I recommend reading the books of this series in order because that’s the best way to understand the lead character and follow the events happening in and around her life. Second, this book has some fantastic developments that readers can look forward to; I thoroughly enjoyed them.
December 18, 2025
Exciting
What is going to happen next? So many twists and turns that it's hard to anticipate what will happen. I love the action. I love the gentle Christian reminders.
What is going to happen next? So many twists and turns that it's hard to anticipate what will happen. I love the action. I love the gentle Christian reminders.
December 31, 2019
Wow! From the very first page, this story hooked me. There was plenty of action and suspense, a lot of unexpected plot twists, and high tension. Laynie is thrust in the middle of international politics and underground warring powers, yet while she is trying to stay ahead of those who plan to destroy her and the US, there is a mole in her team (I can't figure out who). I can't wait to read the conclusion!
When Laynie first arrives in her new undercover position with a new identity, she is in torment over everything that has happened to her the past two decades. It only gets worse when she is faced with someone who took advantage of her when she was young. She doesn't trust anyone, and she is full of bitterness and anger. She desperately needs to be set free so she can do her job and discover the infiltrators as well as stop whatever destruction America's enemies are ready to execute.
Her counselor, Ruth, was such an incredible character who could see right into Laynie's soul. I deeply appreciated Ruth’s explanations of spiritual strongholds … how lies and deceptions can become so strong that they control someone's thoughts and actions. It's not just the physical things that happened to Laynie, but the emotional and spiritual anguish that is tormenting her to the point of cracking. Also I loved Ruth's reminder that our value is not determined by anything that we DO. As she said, "We bear the stamp of God's image and likeness in our body, soul, and spirit—and that alone is what gives us worth." We all need to know we are deeply loved by the One created us, no matter what we've done or what's been done to us. It will take a lot for Laynie to come to grips with the past two decades of battle wounds, soul wounds all the way from childhood, and be set free while simultaneously trying to identify and defeat assailants. I could hardly put this book down!
It helps to have read the prior two in the series, but it's not necessary. These books keep getting better & better! I can't wait for the conclusion!
When Laynie first arrives in her new undercover position with a new identity, she is in torment over everything that has happened to her the past two decades. It only gets worse when she is faced with someone who took advantage of her when she was young. She doesn't trust anyone, and she is full of bitterness and anger. She desperately needs to be set free so she can do her job and discover the infiltrators as well as stop whatever destruction America's enemies are ready to execute.
Her counselor, Ruth, was such an incredible character who could see right into Laynie's soul. I deeply appreciated Ruth’s explanations of spiritual strongholds … how lies and deceptions can become so strong that they control someone's thoughts and actions. It's not just the physical things that happened to Laynie, but the emotional and spiritual anguish that is tormenting her to the point of cracking. Also I loved Ruth's reminder that our value is not determined by anything that we DO. As she said, "We bear the stamp of God's image and likeness in our body, soul, and spirit—and that alone is what gives us worth." We all need to know we are deeply loved by the One created us, no matter what we've done or what's been done to us. It will take a lot for Laynie to come to grips with the past two decades of battle wounds, soul wounds all the way from childhood, and be set free while simultaneously trying to identify and defeat assailants. I could hardly put this book down!
It helps to have read the prior two in the series, but it's not necessary. These books keep getting better & better! I can't wait for the conclusion!
February 26, 2020
Better and better!
Every book in this series is better than the last....the characters and plots become more involved - always interesting with unexpected twists and turns. Phenomenal research demonstrated by details too intricate to be common knowledge makes the unbelievable seem possible. As with each Kestell series I read, the last book is both wildly anticipated and dreaded as finishing will feel like saying goodbye to good friends. Keep writing, Ms. Kestell - you've hooked me and must now feed my addiction!
Every book in this series is better than the last....the characters and plots become more involved - always interesting with unexpected twists and turns. Phenomenal research demonstrated by details too intricate to be common knowledge makes the unbelievable seem possible. As with each Kestell series I read, the last book is both wildly anticipated and dreaded as finishing will feel like saying goodbye to good friends. Keep writing, Ms. Kestell - you've hooked me and must now feed my addiction!
February 17, 2020
Good continuance of a gripping story...
I knew I would love this book and it didn’t disappoint until I realized I was at the last page! WAH! 😫 Now I have to wait for the new book! I hope she will be releasing it soon! I love this author’s weaving of Christian truths into the story line. I’m glad her characters share the same human flaws that everyday ordinary humans have. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat by revealing information about government agencies not known to those of us who work outside of government agencies.
I can hardly wait for the next book!
I knew I would love this book and it didn’t disappoint until I realized I was at the last page! WAH! 😫 Now I have to wait for the new book! I hope she will be releasing it soon! I love this author’s weaving of Christian truths into the story line. I’m glad her characters share the same human flaws that everyday ordinary humans have. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat by revealing information about government agencies not known to those of us who work outside of government agencies.
I can hardly wait for the next book!
May 12, 2020
Action packed
Very seldom does a book include both authentic action and powerful Christian-based spirituality. This one does it masterfully. The story of Laynie co to yes to enthrall and engage. Can hardly wait for book 4.
Very seldom does a book include both authentic action and powerful Christian-based spirituality. This one does it masterfully. The story of Laynie co to yes to enthrall and engage. Can hardly wait for book 4.
February 2, 2020
Outstanding plot
This has kept me spellbound , allowing me to try to figure out who what & were. Christian suspense readers
This has kept me spellbound , allowing me to try to figure out who what & were. Christian suspense readers
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews