Under the Rose

Codex #2

by Kathryn Nolan

She’s about to go undercover with her arch-nemesis…

From the outside, the gorgeous Freya Evandale seems like a quirky bookworm with a taco addiction. Most people would never guess she’s a proud drop-out of the FBI’s training academy and a highly-skilled computer nerd. These days, she’s happy as a private detective at Codex, specializing in stolen rare books.

That is until an old nemesis with an arrogant smirk and superhero shoulders ends up in her office.

Special Agent Sam Byrne is a tightly-wound workaholic with a secret…or ten. When a betrayal leaves him questioning his career with the Bureau, consulting for Codex seems like the perfect place to hide. But he certainly never expected to see Freya again. At the academy, their rivalry was legendary. And their sparring sessions resembled an actual battle, or worse… foreplay.

Now these enemies are forced to play nice as they go undercover to infiltrate a secret society. It’s a dangerous world of power, wealth, and shifting alliances. The higher the stakes, the harder it is to resist the true reason behind their rivalry. But surrendering to years of pent-up lust is a direct threat to their mission…and their safety.

Author’s If smoldering enemies-to-lovers, volcanic repressed lust, secret tunnels, gun-toting bad guys, and delicious slow burns are your jam, Under the Rose is for you!

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Suspense

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2020

About the author

Kathryn Nolan (she/they) is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author. Her steamy romance novels are known for their slow-burn sexual tension, memorable characters, and big, hopeful feelings.

Kathryn is a bisexual bookworm and femme cutie with big Leo energy. They love to spend their free time hiking, camping and traveling. When not on the road, they live in their hometown of Philly with their cute husband and giant-eared rescue pup, Walter.

Sign up for Kathryn’s weekly newsletter to see what she’s writing, what she’s reading/watching and get all her travel stories (plus an abundance of Walter photos!).

Newsletter link: https://www.authorkathrynnolan.com/jo...

Reviews

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Every action in my life had a Freya-inspired reaction." - Sam Byrne, FBI agent and arch-nemesis

Enemies to lovers is my jam. The side-stepping dance between characters, the scorching passion, the bickering and bantering foreplay, it's all here in Under the Rose delivered in a beautifully wrapped literary package by Kathryn Nolan.

Freya is a taco loving, computer-nerd detective at Codex. Unbeknownst to her, Sam has just landed in a time out from the FBI and is now her partner. He is a company man through and through, thus "his way" is the best course of action. These two adversaries from college and quantico training, pick right up with the squabbling the minute they are in the room together. I loved the character growth of Freya and Sam, how each address their own vulnerabilities and learn to trust in their actions. Their chemistry is off the charts and the results are a steamy emotional mess you will not forget.

The secondary characters are so vibrant, even the city of Philadelphia itself. The landmark descriptors make you feel as though you are right there following along the hallways of the hotel and museums. And lets not forget Abe, the stoic leader of these detectives. I'm looking forward to getting under his suit, and his story of course. The thrill of the chase and underlying mystery make this book such an adventure. Intellectual and poetic writing at it's best!

Under the Rose is the second book in the Codex world, and while it's a stand alone, reading Behind the Veil will enrich the reader's experience.

[Emily T · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! The chemistry in this book is literally on fire! Sam and Freya are everything!

I loved going back into the Codex world with Sam and Freya and seeing the characters I grew to love in Behind the Veil. Sam and Freya have a history of being competitive, and it picks right back up when they meet again in Abe's office. Except so much has happened between when they last saw each other, and I love how complex the characters are, especially Freya. I love how she develops through the story -- she is such a strong, empowering character and I love Freya all the more for it! One of my favorite characters written!

We get an interesting case and how it is spun through the story is perfect! Philly is as much a character in this book as anyone else, and I loved how Kathryn set the scene throughout the city -- it was perfect! It makes me want to visit Philly!

This book was incredible, and I would 100% recommend it to anyone! The Codex Series is sexy, intriguing, and has mystery -- what more could you want in a book!?

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead, 3.5* (not quite 4 but what the heck)


I'm lazyyyyyyy today so just randoms

H/h have been rivals for years, from college to Quantico and then she dropped out and they haven't seen each other since
Ion like when GROWN men keep seeking DADDY'S approval and make choices based on such(that's a ME thing)
This author's hero's are bossy and Alpha in the bedroom but REAL in other areas of their lives, I'm not sure if that's a positive or a negative😂
Too much on the rare book case for me
I still enjoyed this, it was well written, with likeable mcs and steam
Apparently there was another book about the secondary characters which I missed
I'll read more from this author

No cheating
Non manwhore H
Enemies(well really rivals) to lovers
They both had others during the rivalry period

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling in every way!
I loved this book! It was suspenseful, gripping, and thrilling! The slow burn leading up to explosive pent up passion is classic Kathryn Nolan.
Both Sam Byrne and Freya Evandale have insecurities. Deep seated fears that have plagued them for years after a shared experience as young adults that shaped who they are at their core. When they’re thrown together to recover rare love letters, they both must face their shortcomings and learn to work together again. To trust. To realize they are better together. Sam and Freya have one of those rare loves that make you swoon and sigh, poetically written as only Kathryn Nolan can.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun and so nicely steamy. I liked the quirkyness mixed in with some seriousness but also a great romance and interesting plot. I'm eager to read other books by Kathryn Nolan for sure!

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Rose by Kathryn Nolan is a suspenseful, slow burn, contemporary, enemies to lovers, workplace romance told in first person, dual POV. It's the second book in the Codex trilogy and can be read as a standalone. Although it's not necessary to read Behind the Veil first, I'd definitely recommend doing so as it sets up the series by introducing readers to the Codex world and several characters that appear throughout the series.

The story follows Codex private investigator Freya Evandale and FBI Special Agent Sam Byrne as they partner to recover rare stolen love letters while working undercover in the elite world of priceless texts and antiquities. Freya and Sam have a long contentious history. They were rivals in college and also at Quantico before Freya left and joined Codex. Neither are happy to be working together, but they really have no choice in the matter. Can they leave the past behind and work as a team? Or will their heated exchanges compromise the entire operation? Read the book to find out.

I loved Freya and Sam's story! As characters, they were both well-developed and likeable. Their banter was witty and fun, and their chemistry sizzled on the page. I enjoyed how their shared history was woven into the story, and how they were able to challenge and bring out the best in each other once they finally stopped fighting. This book was just as addictive as the previous one. It was mysterious, clever, steamy, and suspenseful. I highly recommend it! Really looking forward to Abe's story in book three.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

So, before I begin, let me just say that I am still in a massive book hangover from this book. It was everything I love about an enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense. I needed more, I still need more. I can't get over it. Sam and Freya planted themselves deep into my subconscious and refuse to let me go.

I won't give anything away because this is a new release. But if you've read Kathryn Nolan before, then you KNOW that she SLAYS! And this book is no different. There was angst, suspense, mystery, romance, swoon-worthy moments that lit the book on fire, laughs, tears... and just EVERYTHING! I literally fell in love with this book.

Sam and Freya are a part of my life now. They are everything I never knew I needed in my life. By the time the book was said and done, I was crying because I didn't want it to end. I wasn't ready to let go of these two characters. They became a pivotal part of my day and here I was trying to flip a page that wouldn't flip because I had reached 100% and there was nothing left to read.

The intensity and chemistry between Sam and Freya is one for the record books. You could feel it between them from the moment they saw each other. Add in their past competitiveness and everything they went through... all of that only heightened every single moment between them.

Five stars for this hot enemies to lovers will leave you breathless, wanting more when it's all said and done, and unwilling to let you go when it is. You will be on your knees by the end, begging for just one more chapter... even though there isn't one out there to read.

[Gina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Rose takes the reader on an adventure in the dark underbelly of the art heist world. Freya and Sam have been rivals since they meet each other freshman year of college, always competing against each other and sniping at one another. After graduation they went their separate ways thinking they would never see each other again, until walking into the first day of training at Quantico, where they picked up right where they left off, at each other’s throats and always trying to one up the other. Until Freya left that is. Now it’s seven years later, and Sam is being lent by the FBI to Codex, little did he know that his new colleague walking through the door would be his old nemesis. Immediately Freya and Sam are assigned an undercover job together and immediately the sparks fly. I loved this book, the banter, the tension, the suspense and especially the steamy bits. I recommend reading the first book in the series Behind the Veil, before reading this one, only because, you definitely don’t want to miss one sentence of the Codex series.

[CzekMart · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The element of surprise is a crucial part of my leadership style.” -Abe Royal, founder of Codex

Under the Rose takes us back to the intricate underworld where high society trades in stolen, priceless literary artifacts. Codex agents are once again needed to infiltrate an Antiquarian Convention as undercover operators to recover recently stolen letters of famous literary couple.
On this case, Codex gets help from temporarily available FBI agent Sam Byrne, who happens to have a complicated history with Freya, and as they work together to expose the secret society involved in the latest theft, they’ll have to navigate their feelings towards each other and overcome the demons of their past.
This book is a phenomenal combination of suspense and romance, the glamorous wealth and the intrigue of the prohibition-era historic location. It captivates you from page one and keeps you on the edge until the very end!

[Laura ~ Not Now I'm Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you are forced to work side by side with your arch-nemesis in a case that pushes you both outside of your comfort zones?

FBI agent Sam and Codex agent Freya find out in this spellbinding romantic thriller. Infiltrating a secret society of underground book antiquities black market cause a tug-of-war for both agents as they put their wits, experience, lives, and hearts on the line. FYI - one of the hottest scenes I have ever read takes place in the backseat of Sam's car! *fans self*

I loved the Sherlock Holmes book references woven throughout the book. Also loved the story of Freya dressing up like Scully from the X-Files one Halloween as a child. Seeing Delilah and Henry again, deliriously happy in their relationship was a huge bonus.

I am looking forward to the third and final installment of the Codex series and seeing Abraham find his HEA. I am sad to see this series end.

[Bex_Book_Revieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Nolan is the Queen of slow, SLOOOW burn romance, and Under The Rose might be her best yet!

When Freya finds her old arch nemesis, Sam Byrne, sitting in her favourite chair in Abe's office at Codex she is immediately incensed. When Abe announces that she and Sam need to go undercover at a Antique Books Expo in Philadelphia, Freya is nervous and even angrier that she is being required to work with the man who tossed his last insult at her the day she left Quantico.

Sam Byrne is a FBI agent currently under investigation by the Office of Professional Respnsibility because his partner was found to be tipping off suspects being investigated for potential theft of art antiquities. When he sees Freya come into Abe's office at Codex, Sam is angry at the possibility of being forced to work with the woman who'd been referred to by his father, Dep. Director of the FBI, as the finest agent in training he'd ever taught. One more way for Sam to fail in the eyes of his father he thought, not realizing the reason why Freya had quit the Bureau.

The fire, and sexual tension that both Sam and Freya are fighting to ignore is off the charts, and Kathryn's ability to make the reader feel like she is trapped in that tiny little corridor with Freya is next level genius!! The suspense, action and HOT sexy times throughout Under The Rose made it impossible to put the book down, and I can't WAIT to see what happens next with the Codex team!

[Kim May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The talent of Kathryn Nolan never ceases to amaze me. This book is a perfect combination of suspense and romance. You will want to know what happens next as much as you will be enthralled as the chemistry between Freya and Sam. Not only will you be captivated by the intrigue, suspense, and steaminess of the story, it is just beautifully written. There were times I had to stop to just appreciate the beauty of the words and the sentiment.

This is technically an enemies to lovers book, but it's really so much more. The chemistry and the push-and-pull between these characters just leaps off the page. You will want to hug, shake, and yell at these characters equally. There is so much passion and tension that I could not put it down. In the midst of all that there is also a sweetness and vulnerability that hovers in the background and then hits you with all the feels. You will be left breathless (for multiple reasons), swooning, and filled with emotions.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Even though it can be read alone, this author weaves a world that you won't be able to get enough of. I want to know everything about Codex and these eclectic characters that are in this underworld.

I wish my review could adequately convey how much I love this author and this book. You need this book, and you need everything this author has ever written in your life. Trust me…you'll thank me later.

[NovelMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but Kathryn Nolan is truly a magician with words. It doesn’t matter what trope she is writing, her writing has this unidentified quality that makes me both want to savor every word and rush through the whole thing in one sitting. I’m equally addicted and never want it to end. Her writing creates such imagery, and has a beautiful, poetic quality. And don’t get me started on the chemistry she is able to create between characters. She is truly magic, and this book is no exception.

If you read Behind the Veil, you already love Freya (and if not, you’ll fall quickly). This book, however, will take that to a whole new level. Freya and Sam are explosive. They aren’t expecting to be thrown together, but when these enemies are forced to work together and face their insecurities, things get intense! This book is full of suspense and romance. I was on the edge of my seat, and I think my Kindle melted a bit.

I loved returning to this intense world full of mysteries and undercover agents. It is full of adventure while still telling a fantastic love story. I couldn’t possibly love this book more!

[Clau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I should say that this book is the second one in a series (the first one is called Under the Veil, I believe). Although it is not necessary to read that one in order to understand this one. And yet, I wouldn't say it is a stand-alone, given that the "villain" in the first book is mentioned here.

Freya and Sam have always been rivals. In college and in the FBI academy. They were always competing against each other for the first place. Weirdly enough, that meant that they were together most of the time.
But then, Freya quit the academy and left Sam. They don't see each other in seven years, until Sam ends up consulting in a firm of private investigators.
Almost upon this arrival, they get a case that demands both Sam and Freya to go undercover. And this will be the perfect opportunity to realize that they are more than rivals... actually, they are the perfect team.

[Katharine OConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Rose is a sexy romantic suspense novel that is heavy on the yearning, the sexual tension, and the suspense. Freya and Sam are longtime rivals from long ago, and they're thrown together in a high stakes undercover operation, which ratchets up the sexual tension and the longing between them. We catch glimpses of their past, which show us the genuine connection they have always had. The excitement in this book is tangible, as are all the other many emotions that author Kathryn Nolan portrays masterfully. Under the Rose is truly a treat- a great book to escape into!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Rose gives you mystery, suspense, danger, a secret society, hidden tunnels, code words and some of the hottest almost kisses to ever grace the pages of a book! As always Kathryn Nolan delivers a delicious slow burn full of gorgeously written words. This book combined all of my favorite things. I was completely immersed in Sam and Freya's story and never wanted to find my way out!!

[nitya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rivals/frenemies to lovers with mutual pining tho 🔥🔥🔥🔥

And it was DELIGHTFUL to see Henry and Delilah's cameos here!! I am intrigued by book three now...

Content warning: toxic relationship (with parent), Harry Potter references (the FMC is a big fan), explicit sex scenes, some violence

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to get sucked into the dark underworld belly and espionage of antiquities, rare books, art and exceptional finds that are being illegally bought and sold from some of the most colorful and unlikely characters you will ever meet.
Enter Codex and it’s dedicated staff of highly skilled, professional agents groomed to meet the demands of recovering these treasured and valued items at almost any cost.

From the moment you open this book you will be taken in from the dedication alone. This author writes from the heart, and continues to beautifully evolve in her writing techniques. This is the second book in this series and just like like the first book she captures your attention from the first page. You will be held captive. Not only is this a book filled with drama, intrigue, a unique romance, heat, but it’s also a look inside the psyche of the human element and what agents in these professions have to go through in the world of private detectives and the FBI. The relationship and rivalry of Freya and Sam is tested beyond normal limits and forces them to deal with the past and present to be able to come to a viable solution to be able to work together. The heat that is generated between these two will keep you on the edge of your seat and on your toes in a variety of ways.
As if there isn’t enough in this book we are treated to the vivid descriptions of caverns and speakeasies and beautiful hotels. There is a lot of cultural learning to be had in reading this book. You may even find yourself looking up facts about authors and historical references. Make sure you read the author’s notes at the end of the book. She explains so much about her journey of writing this book.

I never thought reading about librarians, rare books and private detectives could be sexy but turns out it can be with the right author! Do yourself a favor and check out Under the Rose. It’s a different kind of rare sexy romance, that will steal your heart!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Rose is book two in the Codex Series. I was immediately drawn into the story and become invested in Sam and Freya’s past and present.

Sam was a FBI agent who was forced to take a leave of absence because of an “incident” in his previous case. He begins working at Codex as a consultant in the meantime and is reunited with his nemesis from Princeton and the FBI academy. Freya is as shocked to see Sam as he is to see her. When they are forced to work together undercover to solve a case, their past and present collides and their chemistry literally leaps off the page.

Freya was a breath of fresh air. She hid her insecurities well and fooled herself into believing that she was happy living behind the scenes. When she’s forced to put her trust in Sam and in herself, she discovers she’s capable of anything.

Sam started out as an uptight, FBI suit, but he longed to be as carefree and happy as Freya. Once he lets down his guard and loosens up, we see him learn how to stand up for himself and what he wants.

These two together were FIRE! While they considered themselves enemies, we learn that they were really each other’s confidante and that there were definitely feelings underneath the surface that they both tried to ignore. Once they gave into the feelings, you knew they were destined to be partners both professionally and personally.

If you love romantic suspense novels with a dash of intrigue, mysterious characters, mystery, adventure and romance, this book is for you. It has all that and more!! Escape into this book and lose yourself in the adventure and romance

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting this book since we met quirky Freya in book 1. It was so good being back "in" the Codex offices amongst familiar faces that felt like old friends.
Just like the 1st book in the series you will get hooked from the very beginning and will not be able to stop turning the pages.

"Dr Ward will see you now"
If that line isn't a dark omen of what's to come, I'm not sure what is.
As I turned the pages of this fast paced book, I couldn't get that line out of my head, even when I was unsure of what's to come.

Watch as two archnemeses go undercover to find the latest artifacts Codex has been asked to rescue. Can they let years of point scoring go, or will the op be cursed? Read to find out if they can bury their differences to unearth treasures.

This was definitely a brillant follow on story that I loved just as much if not more.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Rose was everything I have come to expect from Kathryn Nolan and so much more! This world of antique books is fascinating and spooky. Freya and Sam are absolutely freaking perfect! There is so much in their pasts that collide with the present that they can't help but ignite! Reading this book took me through so many emotions, I was wrung out in the very best way when I finished.

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This book was entertaining, the banter between Freya and Sam was great. I just didn't feel strongly towards either character, just sort of meh. I couldn't tell you if it was due to being stuck working from home and trying to entertain myself with reading rather than working, or if the book didn't live up to my standards.

I think the reason I didn't rate it high was because I didn't feel like we got a lot about the characters, we didn't really feel their pain. I felt more of a surface level relationship with the characters, and it was a lot more of the telling rather than the showing for family, friendships and their past.

I think that the main conflict was just a small blip, it didn't have to do with the couple it was an outside force conflict. I liked that a lot better for this book and glad it wen that direction rather than them arguing over something trivial.

It was an entertaining read. It is within the same world asBehind the Veil, I did DNF that book it didn't keep me engaged as much as this one. You also don't have to read that book to enjoy this one. You will get spoilers obviously for the couple that was in the book, but overall it wasn't needed to read before this one.

If you wanted a more high action and FBI/CIA romance I would say pick up The Cardinal Bird, it is a RH (VERY VERY SLOW BURN, no romance in the first book, a lot of great witty banter though) so if that isn't your thing then... I don't know what to tell you, but you are missing out.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Codex series. Though it can definitely be read as a stand alone there is added value if you read “Behind the Veil” first as the reader gains a deeper understanding of the Codex team and of the criminal world involving rare manuscripts and documents. This story is dual POV, with insight from both Sam and Freya. The writing is beautiful, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of rare books. This is not the first time this author has driven my curiosity toward real world poets that were previously unknown to me, but through mentions within the book, I now have new poetry to find and read.
The story follows old adversaries, Sam and Freya, as they are partnered undercover on a case. Their competitive banter is invigorating and smart. Trust is a big part of their story as they work together to solve the case. The suspense and the fantastic imagery of the criminal book world is captivating. The criminals are well developed, and I felt like I knew them. I was on the edge of my seat to see how the mysteries would unfold and the drama would play out. The relationships between the team members at Codex are also focal to the book, as they form the central core of trust and friendship. I really came to love Sam. I appreciated that his childhood history drove his decisions including how he expressed feelings. I loved the light and understanding that Freya brought him, though she was working through her own self-doubts. The heat between these two is scorching in this slow burn romance, and I loved them together. This was an excellent addition to the Codex series and I highly recommend it.

[Christine F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Under the Rose” 🌹—Kathryn Nolan [5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] This is book two in the Codex series, and although this can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading “Behind the Veil” first to get a better feel of the characters and how Codex came to be. OMG! Kathryn has outdone herself on this book. I was literally hooked from page one, and finished the whole book in one sitting. This book combined the elements of adventure, mystery, and romance, all of which I loved, along with our two main characters, Freya Evandale and Sam Byrne. Sam has been Freya’s arch nemesis ever since college, and then again when they were going through the FBI’s training academy at Quantico. They constantly competed against one another to see who was the best. Freya ended up dropping out of the academy, and ended up working as a private investigator at Codex, while Sam went on to being a Special Agent with the FBI. Fast forward seven years later when Freya finds her rival Sam in her office and they are tasked with working a case together to go undercover at an Antiquarian Book Convention to recover recently stolen letters of a famous literary couple. Will they be able to work together to fulfill their mission, or will the years of pent-up lust and frustration hinder their investigation? 😉 You will absolutely fall in love with Freya and Sam in this book! Trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss! Under the Rose will be released on April 3rd, so make sure you grab a copy; you won’t be disappointed! 💕👍🏼📚 *I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

[Amber Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Codex Series SOOOO much! Kathryn Nolan's writing is so intelligently sexy and really puts a reader in the thick of it. She knows how to transport you, to make you feel like your in that city. And Freya and Sam's story is no exception.

My favorite trope - enemies(ish) to lovers....Kathryn Nolan brought it when she laid pen to paper with these two. Their constant competitive nature, and need to be better than the other offered up great moments of exquisite banter, and luscious tension that you know will be put to great use.

Nolan's character and story development is spot on in this Codex Series. As each story unfolds a new chapter in this series, the uniqueness of each story is so welcomed. It allowed for me to see a different facet of the Codex world. All her characters are so strong and intriguing. Under the Rose is truly a perfect continuation of this series.

I loved Freya's strength and her competitive streak. And Sam...well, he gave me butterflies like no other. Although the books in this series are able to be read as standalones, I'd 100% recommend everyone to pick up the first book (Behind the Veil). You will love these books to pieces.

A big BRAVO to Kathryn Nolan. She does it like no other!

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge fan of this author ever since I read 'Wild Open Hearts' last year, so when the opportunity came for me to review her new book I was so excited!! And damn, this sure did not disappoint!

Sam and Freya are each other's archnemisis, but when they are thrown undercover together, and the sparks -- and their attitude -- immediately fly. I absolutely love banter in my romance novels, and it definitely proves to be the best kind of foreplay here with our amazing characters. Plus they are pure FIRE together .. like scortch my kindle fire.🔥🔥

There was mystery, intrigue, all the feels and swoon, and did I mention the steam? All which will make me read this book again and again!! And can we talk about what a badass Freya is? I want to be friends with her asap.

I didn't know that there was a previous book in the series (even though this can be read as a standalone) and I will definitely be going back and reading it!! Kathryn is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! A definite must read!!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**

[Nicole Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Nolan is the queen of sexual tension and slow burn and in Under the Rose she elevates this into a sexy and fast paced romantic suspense set in her Codex world of secret underground societies.

Freya & Sam sizzle right from the get go. They straddle that fine line between love and hate with delicious snark and banter. Freya’s quirks are just as endearing as Sam’s determination. I loved watching these two spark against each other. And that car scene....🔥🔥

I really enjoyed the realistic issues both of the characters had to work through and how they had to learn to work together and trust each other to stay alive. Along with delightfully ridiculous secondary characters that inhabit the underworld of antiquities theft.

I highly recommend this series and I’m especially excited to revisit this world when Abe gets his story later this year.

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED Sam and Freya's story SO MUCH! Everything I love all in one book, books, mysterious clubs, intrigue, suspense, nerdy awkwardness, and the BICKERING! Its amazing how a good bickering banter is to foreplay as kindling and pine needles are to a bonfire, EXPLOSIVE! Their shared background, strong connection, and mutual anxiety challenges were what made this couple feel so much like people I knew in my own life. I love how this author brings her characters to life for us, makes them real and well rounded and makes us feel a part of the adventure. Just such a fun escape into the antique book world!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I thought I loved book 1 of the Codex books, Behind the Veil, then I don't know what comes after love, but that's what I felt for Under the Rose. Freya was a great character, I felt very connected to her, maybe because her uniqueness called to me. Sam was a strong male but had his insecurities too. He was vulnerable and I think that's what had me turning the pages. There's more mystery, more intrigue, more secrets and more heat! Again the writing had me pulled in immediately and I totally felt like I was in these hidden rooms, and this hidden underworld! Love every page!

I received an ARC in return for my honest review.

[Love Books 💜]

UNDER THE ROSE is the second book in the Codex series and can be read as a standalone.
BEHIND THE VEIL is the first book in the Codex series and can also be read as a standalone. Find it free on #KU here: https://amzn.to/38enhWh

The Codex books are best read in order, so start the series today!