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FBI Trilogy #3
Cutting Edge
A RADICAL WAY TO DIE
When security specialist Duke Rogan’s state-of-the-art computer system fails at a controversial bio-tech firm, a raging inferno spreads, and a grotesquely charred body is discovered in the aftermath. With an extremist anti-technology group claiming responsibility, the case grows even more complex when the victim’s autopsy unexpectedly reveals that he bled to death. Heading the FBI’s domestic terrorism unit, Agent Nora English is fiercely determined to track and stop a sadistic assassin.
When security specialist Duke Rogan’s state-of-the-art computer system fails at a controversial bio-tech firm, a raging inferno spreads, and a grotesquely charred body is discovered in the aftermath. With an extremist anti-technology group claiming responsibility, the case grows even more complex when the victim’s autopsy unexpectedly reveals that he bled to death. Heading the FBI’s domestic terrorism unit, Agent Nora English is fiercely determined to track and stop a sadistic assassin.
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 28, 2009
287 people are currently reading
1564 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,316 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 20, 2020
FBI Special Agent Nora English heads the domestic terrorism unit in Sacramento and she’s assembled a task force to investigate a series of troubling arson cases that appear to be connected and targeted towards specific companies. The latest one, however, went further when the body of one of the partners was found in the charred ruins. Security specialist Duke Rogan is taking this personally as his company installed the compromised security system. He’s joined the task force, which is not only searching for the arsonists but the research animals that were taken and represent a biotech hazard.
This wasn’t Duke and Nora’s first meeting and he’s been trying to get her attention on a personal level for about two years. The romance progressed nicely without over- or underwhelming the main plot. She’s got a unique history with special insight into the psychographics of these terrorists. The opening prologue provides that insight and it was extremely helpful in not only understanding her but critical elements of the case. He’s got an equally compelling background and we finally learn more about the Rogan brothers. I loved the pace of this story as well as the procedurals of the investigation. There are lots of clues to keep your mind spinning a host of theories and that’s where I like to be in these kind of thrillers.
I had no idea this would be the most exciting of the books in this trilogy and it never let up. It takes a big, surprising turn that I had an inkling about but still was unprepared for the breadth of it. The narrator was excellent, giving distinctions to the most important characters and doing some fine storytelling. If you can listen to this book you I highly recommend you do so. It was a great ending to a really good series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This wasn’t Duke and Nora’s first meeting and he’s been trying to get her attention on a personal level for about two years. The romance progressed nicely without over- or underwhelming the main plot. She’s got a unique history with special insight into the psychographics of these terrorists. The opening prologue provides that insight and it was extremely helpful in not only understanding her but critical elements of the case. He’s got an equally compelling background and we finally learn more about the Rogan brothers. I loved the pace of this story as well as the procedurals of the investigation. There are lots of clues to keep your mind spinning a host of theories and that’s where I like to be in these kind of thrillers.
I had no idea this would be the most exciting of the books in this trilogy and it never let up. It takes a big, surprising turn that I had an inkling about but still was unprepared for the breadth of it. The narrator was excellent, giving distinctions to the most important characters and doing some fine storytelling. If you can listen to this book you I highly recommend you do so. It was a great ending to a really good series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 16, 2016
This three book series was so good! Fast paced and thrilling! There was just a little romance; enough to make me happy, and I liked that there wasn't over the top drama between couples once they were together.
Each installment is very much a stand-alone. You don't even have to read in order. Nora English is an FBI agent specializing in domestic terror. Something she has personal experience with being raised by annutjob anarchist and barely surviving. There's a group setting fires and one ends in the murder a friend and client of Duke Rogan. Duke Rogan is a security specialist and FBI consultant who has worked with Nora several times and has always been attracted. Nora has fought their attraction in the past, but as things become more intense, and personal in this investigation, she finds Duke hard to resist.
I will say that Nora's little sister, Quin rubbed a nerve and I was really irritated with her! Her ungratefulness led to some scary stuff, but she did get better in the end. Their mother was a piece of work!
Ann Marie Lee narrated all three in the series and she was fabulous! Total recommend.
Each installment is very much a stand-alone. You don't even have to read in order. Nora English is an FBI agent specializing in domestic terror. Something she has personal experience with being raised by an
I will say that Nora's little sister, Quin rubbed a nerve and I was really irritated with her! Her ungratefulness led to some scary stuff, but she did get better in the end. Their mother was a piece of work!
Ann Marie Lee narrated all three in the series and she was fabulous! Total recommend.
April 21, 2020
When a Bio-Tech firm goes up in flames, police believe it is another case of arson caused by an extremist group. FBI Special Agent Nora English has been hunting this group for nearly two years. But this fire is different. There is a body in the midst of the rubble. Security Specialist Duke Rogan wants to know who breeched his state-of-the-art security system at the Bio-Tech firm. He has helped the FBI in the past and is happy to lend a hand again, especially if he can work closely with Nora, a woman who turns him down each time he asks her out.
The final book in the FBI trilogy started out a little slow, then the story ramped up near the halfway point. I liked the story even though I figured out the killer's connection to Nora early in the book. I really liked Duke and his relationship with his younger brother, Sean. I also liked that he never gave up on Nora. But I had a hard time warming up to both Nora and her sister, Quin. Nora seemed so focused on the investigation that I don't think she even noticed Duke was with her most of the time. My rating: 4 Stars.
The final book in the FBI trilogy started out a little slow, then the story ramped up near the halfway point. I liked the story even though I figured out the killer's connection to Nora early in the book. I really liked Duke and his relationship with his younger brother, Sean. I also liked that he never gave up on Nora. But I had a hard time warming up to both Nora and her sister, Quin. Nora seemed so focused on the investigation that I don't think she even noticed Duke was with her most of the time. My rating: 4 Stars.
July 24, 2020
This was the best of the Trilogy with a believable romance and a great suspense plot with a few surprises along the way.
This is not the first time FBI Agent Nora English has had to work with Duke Rogan of Rogan-Caruso Security. For the past two years Duke has be trying to get a date and Nora has been avoiding that. Now they have a case that falls into Nora's domestic terrorism unit's prevue. It happens to involve a security system Duke installed and that makes him all over this case. The bio-tech firm suffered a fire which was used to hid the murder of the owner.
Nora's unusual childhood make her uniquely qualified for this case and she is not comfortable with the feelings it arouses. But, it draws Nora closer to Duke and they work together to find the sadistic murderer before they can strike again.
This is not the first time FBI Agent Nora English has had to work with Duke Rogan of Rogan-Caruso Security. For the past two years Duke has be trying to get a date and Nora has been avoiding that. Now they have a case that falls into Nora's domestic terrorism unit's prevue. It happens to involve a security system Duke installed and that makes him all over this case. The bio-tech firm suffered a fire which was used to hid the murder of the owner.
Nora's unusual childhood make her uniquely qualified for this case and she is not comfortable with the feelings it arouses. But, it draws Nora closer to Duke and they work together to find the sadistic murderer before they can strike again.
September 3, 2015
My second book by Allison Brennan and my first in this series. It was a nice and easy read, not a book you will remember after few months but a one you can read on the beach. It's more like a suspense than romantic suspense.
The characters were likeable, while being unmemorable. It's good that Duke and Nora knew each other for few years, it makes the romance part more reliable. Especially that the romance part isn't really developed or even an important part of the plot.
But the writing wasn't really brilliant. Sometimes the characters were saying things that were too obvious. Not every explanation was needed. Sometimes they were doing stupid things.
And I feel like it should be more FBI investigation. What we get was not enough to me.
A nice but unmemorable read.
The characters were likeable, while being unmemorable. It's good that Duke and Nora knew each other for few years, it makes the romance part more reliable. Especially that the romance part isn't really developed or even an important part of the plot.
But the writing wasn't really brilliant. Sometimes the characters were saying things that were too obvious. Not every explanation was needed. Sometimes they were doing stupid things.
And I feel like it should be more FBI investigation. What we get was not enough to me.
A nice but unmemorable read.
February 5, 2018
3.5 stars
April 28, 2020
The prologue to the book is a great start to the story. It gives the reader a very detailed account of Nora’s life prior to joining the FBI. It also helps you understand her reactions throughout the book.
Nora is a scarred character who still has not accepted her past and has not moved past it. Her sister Quin is free spirited and doesn’t seem bothered by her past at all. She was young when it happened though.
Nora and Duke have great chemistry in this book. It’s probably the most believable romance in the trilogy. They have worked together before and knew each other before this case. Duke is great and really knows how to talk to Nora.
The author really knows how to write psychopath characters. Maggie is truly a dangerous person who gave me the chills. How she so casually goes about her plans is methodical and emotionless. I really liked how the author linked her and Nora .
Nora is a scarred character who still has not accepted her past and has not moved past it. Her sister Quin is free spirited and doesn’t seem bothered by her past at all. She was young when it happened though.
Nora and Duke have great chemistry in this book. It’s probably the most believable romance in the trilogy. They have worked together before and knew each other before this case. Duke is great and really knows how to talk to Nora.
The author really knows how to write psychopath characters. Maggie is truly a dangerous person who gave me the chills. How she so casually goes about her plans is methodical and emotionless. I really liked how the author linked her and Nora .
August 9, 2019
A small group of activists, led by a psychopath, burns down a wing of a research facility, freeing the animals inside. A burned body is found. FBI agent Nora English is assigned to find the arsonists/killers. Few people know that many years ago, Nora testified against her activist mother who was sent to prison. further deaths seem to indicate a personal vendetta against Nora.
The book is a solid romantic suspense from 2009. Nora is a fine FBI agent who personal upbringing has made her into the law enforcement agent she is today. The author puts an unexpected twist into the story about 2/3 of the way through. Action packed ending.
The book is a solid romantic suspense from 2009. Nora is a fine FBI agent who personal upbringing has made her into the law enforcement agent she is today. The author puts an unexpected twist into the story about 2/3 of the way through. Action packed ending.
Read
April 22, 20203.5 stars
June 12, 2014
#3 in Allison Brennan's FBI trilogy - not a bad read, fairly fast paced, continous story line - tree huggers against the world with psychopathic tendencies! The prologue gives a good idea as to what lies ahead.
The only problem I had with this series is that the heroines cry too much - I'm use to stronger female lead characters, but I guess there's always room for the more sensitive ones. A bit of angst, a bit of romance, and a serial killer that is just plain mad/deranged.
2 thumbs up and 4 stars - "Kjen" this one would be good for you!
The only problem I had with this series is that the heroines cry too much - I'm use to stronger female lead characters, but I guess there's always room for the more sensitive ones. A bit of angst, a bit of romance, and a serial killer that is just plain mad/deranged.
2 thumbs up and 4 stars - "Kjen" this one would be good for you!
April 28, 2019
Best of the trilogy.
August 25, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy , I was happy to go back to audiobooks.
It's back to Sacramento CA for a new couple. We've met Duke Rogan who is a brother of Cane Rogan. He's appeared in a few books, along with his younger brother Sean Rogan. Other people we know (and love) who show up include Dean Hooper, Hans Vigo, Megan (Elliott) Kindcaid, and a few more.
The FBI case is one tracking a series of arsons at biotech firms. The Agent in charge is Nora English who has deep knowledge having grown up as the child of activists / domestic terrorists. The state arson investigator is her younger sister, Quinn. The latest fire also includes a dead body, and ducks stolen which have a deadly virus. Duke shows up because their firm designed the security system for the business.
Duke and Nora have a history, and have been attracted to each other for a few years. But Nora hasn't made room in her life for anyone but her sister. Now they will be working this case together. I enjoyed Nora's past which informed her deep understanding of environmental activists. As the bodies pile up, Duke insists on protecting Nora as backup as well jointly working the investigation.
The romance here is a small part of the story, as the case takes the focus with its engaging action and developments. I really liked these characters and the slower pace of their romance than some of the other books in the trilogy. I am sure we will see them in future books, at least I hope so.
Narration:
The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it 4.5
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy , I was happy to go back to audiobooks.
It's back to Sacramento CA for a new couple. We've met Duke Rogan who is a brother of Cane Rogan. He's appeared in a few books, along with his younger brother Sean Rogan. Other people we know (and love) who show up include Dean Hooper, Hans Vigo, Megan (Elliott) Kindcaid, and a few more.
The FBI case is one tracking a series of arsons at biotech firms. The Agent in charge is Nora English who has deep knowledge having grown up as the child of activists / domestic terrorists. The state arson investigator is her younger sister, Quinn. The latest fire also includes a dead body, and ducks stolen which have a deadly virus. Duke shows up because their firm designed the security system for the business.
Duke and Nora have a history, and have been attracted to each other for a few years. But Nora hasn't made room in her life for anyone but her sister. Now they will be working this case together. I enjoyed Nora's past which informed her deep understanding of environmental activists. As the bodies pile up, Duke insists on protecting Nora as backup as well jointly working the investigation.
The romance here is a small part of the story, as the case takes the focus with its engaging action and developments. I really liked these characters and the slower pace of their romance than some of the other books in the trilogy. I am sure we will see them in future books, at least I hope so.
Narration:
The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it 4.5
February 8, 2020
Review up on my blog:
http://www.booksrfab.blogpot.com
I always enjoy a good mystery novel and Allison Brennan has been my go to recently. Her books are always fast-paced and keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.
Cutting Edge follows FBI agent Nora English as she races against the clock to stop a sadistic domestic terrorism group. Over the past several months multiple bio-tech businesses have been set ablaze by this group and up until recently no one was hurt, but one member has changed the rules and is out for blood.
Duke Rogan finds himself back in Nora's life as he works along side her to stop this psychopath that murdered one of his dear friends. Duke and Nora will stop at nothing to find the killer, and as the investigation heats up so does the romance between Duke and Nora.
Like many of Allison Brennan's book Cutting Edge had me hooked up until I came down sick with a terrible sinus infection, a week down and no reading. It took me longer than anticipated to finish this book and after going so long without picking it up I found it difficult to get back into. But I know if I had read straight through without taking that break, I wouldn't have wanted to put it down...eager to discover the truth behind these crimes.
I would recommend any of Allison Brennan's books, they are quick reads and perfect for that suspenseful-mystery fix.
http://www.booksrfab.blogpot.com
I always enjoy a good mystery novel and Allison Brennan has been my go to recently. Her books are always fast-paced and keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.
Cutting Edge follows FBI agent Nora English as she races against the clock to stop a sadistic domestic terrorism group. Over the past several months multiple bio-tech businesses have been set ablaze by this group and up until recently no one was hurt, but one member has changed the rules and is out for blood.
Duke Rogan finds himself back in Nora's life as he works along side her to stop this psychopath that murdered one of his dear friends. Duke and Nora will stop at nothing to find the killer, and as the investigation heats up so does the romance between Duke and Nora.
Like many of Allison Brennan's book Cutting Edge had me hooked up until I came down sick with a terrible sinus infection, a week down and no reading. It took me longer than anticipated to finish this book and after going so long without picking it up I found it difficult to get back into. But I know if I had read straight through without taking that break, I wouldn't have wanted to put it down...eager to discover the truth behind these crimes.
I would recommend any of Allison Brennan's books, they are quick reads and perfect for that suspenseful-mystery fix.
January 26, 2022
Great 3 Book Series, enjoyed all 3 books!!!
June 24, 2017
Attention grabbing, some profanity and gore. Well narrated.
July 26, 2023
My own fault for finishing this book because I knew what I was getting into having read the previous two. At least it was a fast read. But how do you trust either the author or editors when Disney WORLD in Florida is called Disneyland? Maybe along with the fictional characters they’re just California-centric!
December 8, 2019
Standard romantic suspense thriller in which FBI agent Nora English is on the trail of domestic terrorists who are anti animal testing and bio-engineering and so forth. Except their latest attack has resulted in a death. However, it turns out this death occurred before the fire, in which the victim slowly bled to death from multiple small cuts.
One of the members of Nora's task force is Duke Rogan the head of the security firm that handled the security system for the latest attack, acting as consultant. He's been wanting to date her for the four years he's known her, but Nora has the standard I'm-too-afraid-to-love-because-it-means-losing-someone narrative. Nora's history includes sending her own mother to prison for domestic terrorism, and it becomes apparent the latest events are connected to Nora in some way.
I don't have much to say other than that it's neither the best nor worst of its type. It moved along at a reasonable pace, and was simple enough that I was able to come back to it in bits and pieces over five or so days without missing anything. Completely unremarkable, but that's not always a bad thing. Some days it's relaxing to read something that delivers exactly what you expect from it.
One of the members of Nora's task force is Duke Rogan the head of the security firm that handled the security system for the latest attack, acting as consultant. He's been wanting to date her for the four years he's known her, but Nora has the standard I'm-too-afraid-to-love-because-it-means-losing-someone narrative. Nora's history includes sending her own mother to prison for domestic terrorism, and it becomes apparent the latest events are connected to Nora in some way.
I don't have much to say other than that it's neither the best nor worst of its type. It moved along at a reasonable pace, and was simple enough that I was able to come back to it in bits and pieces over five or so days without missing anything. Completely unremarkable, but that's not always a bad thing. Some days it's relaxing to read something that delivers exactly what you expect from it.
October 22, 2011
Do all law enforcement officers hump each other? I guess I am naive, but the last few novels I've read feature the men and women of law unable to get through a case without hopping into the sack together. I stumbled onto another romance-thriller, much to my chagrin. The plot is interesting. Nora was reared by a revolutionary mother who is spending life in prison after Nora ratted her out years ago for trying to blow up a nuclear plant. Nora took care of her younger sister Quin after their mother's arrest. Years later, Nora is in theFBI and Quin is a Fire inspector. They end up working on a case where a bio labs is burned and a professor dies, but not during the fire in the lab; he was stabbed to death prior. The lab was under Duke Rogan's security watch, so he insists on helping Nora track down the perps. Duke also has the hots for Nora and she for him, so yeah, there is some soft porn action. It soon becomes apparent that Nora is the real target of the killer or killers. Again, good plot, but could have done without the romance. Plus side: Nora is not the single mother of a young son. I need to find me a new Harry Bosch book fast!
October 19, 2013
I can't rate this book higher even if I wanted to because the author's cruelty against animals revolts me yet again, more than the book from the first series about dead little girls, yep.
I was really horrified at her descriptions of killing the birds and I think I'll never forget it. I don't recommend anyone who loves animals to read it.
other than that, her characters are totally twodimensional as usual, if movies were made out of her books, one male and one female actor could practically play all of the main characters just changing hair color. it was a book worth finishing, too often overexaggerating in its point and some characters. I am kinda glad this was the last trilogy.
skipping the supernatural crap (I really don't want to know if heroines have sex with demons or devil himself?) and continuing with Lucy series, no idea why I am devoting so much time to this author when there are much more promising titles to read.
oh well, she's not that bad for killing time in public transport and while travelling which is my main read time.
I was really horrified at her descriptions of killing the birds and I think I'll never forget it. I don't recommend anyone who loves animals to read it.
other than that, her characters are totally twodimensional as usual, if movies were made out of her books, one male and one female actor could practically play all of the main characters just changing hair color. it was a book worth finishing, too often overexaggerating in its point and some characters. I am kinda glad this was the last trilogy.
skipping the supernatural crap (I really don't want to know if heroines have sex with demons or devil himself?) and continuing with Lucy series, no idea why I am devoting so much time to this author when there are much more promising titles to read.
oh well, she's not that bad for killing time in public transport and while travelling which is my main read time.
September 25, 2016
Why do I read these books?? Nora is an FBI agent who is working on a string of arsons that appear to be done by group protesting the use of animal testing in science. The most recent fire includes a dead body and an introduction to Duke, the man whose company set up the security for the lab. Turns out that Nora and Duke have met each other previously and sparks always fly. The story was thin and unbelievable. In an exchange with Nora and her sister Quin (an expert at 26 on fires), Quin sounds like a 15 year old. Sean (Duke's brother) is an expert on flying even though he just got his pilot's license. The whole story was filled with inconsistencies like this.
March 8, 2016
Suspense and romance. I'm such a junkie. :)
July 26, 2020
Having read Brennan's Lucy Kincaid series first, this FBI trilogy felt as though it was written to fill in the blanks in regards to some of the supporting characters in Kincaid's world. But this isn't the case, as this trilogy was written alongside some of the Lucy Kincaid series' earliest books. While it still could be regarded as filler, these books take on a life of their own, offering readers the opportunity to explore these characters in ways they wouldn't expect if they had only read the Lucy Kincaid series.
Cutting Edge, for example, focuses on FBI Special Agent Nora English. But anyone who has read the Lucy Kincaid series will know her as Duke Rogan's wife. Yet this book allows readers to see how they started. To see them interact. To see Nora initially fight against the very essence that draws them together, constantly afraid of letting anyone get too close to her.
Working alongside Duke Rogan, Nora is tracking down arsonists in a series of cases that remain unsolved. Someone has been targeting biomedical research laboratories and has made it their mission to destroy facilities and free any animals being used for research. But when someone dies in the most recent fire, it's up to Nora to think like the arsonists in order to determine exactly what happened - and exactly who is behind the fires.
With a unique past, Nora is able to get inside their heads enough to determine what choices they made, why, and where they might be moving next. Nora grew up with an anarchist for a mother, and understands how these groups work. But what she wasn't prepared for was the psychopaths, despite having had to deal with one from a young age.
When the arsonists turn to murder and numerous bodies turn up within a week, it's up to Nora to track down the main suspect: Maggie O'Dell. But nothing could prepare Nora for what she's about to learn about the young girl.
---
Personally, I really enjoyed this trilogy, but I can't help but miss the further development of characters that comes from Brennan's series of more than three books. This trilogy focused on different characters, locations, and plot lines depending on the book at hand. Each story progressed so quickly, due to it only having one book length to finish off the plot. Because of this, each book had very similar nuances that were difficult to overlook when reading an entire trilogy within a single week.
For example, the romances are very quick. In the 16 (soon to be 17) book series of Lucy Kincaid, we get to know her before romance takes over her life. She is her own person. And all of Allison Brennan's characters are strong, independent individuals who have their own lives. But when their life or death scenarios force them all to appreciate the loved ones in their life, the romance is accelerated and often happens so quickly it's as if each couple meets, falls in love, and potentially get married all within a single week or two.
Additionally, the sex scenes that take place in Brennan's books are beautifully written and truly capture the passion and love between her characters, but many of them - especially in a short trilogy - are portrayed nearly identically. People are far more unique in their sexual escapades than they seem to be in her stand-alone novels. When I was reading the Lucy Kincaid series, there is obviously more than one occurrence of this, meaning there is variety in how Lucy and Sean interact and appreciate one another physically. But in a brief trilogy, where each couple gets a single book to prove to the reader that they love one another, the interactions are a bit forced, and they seem identical from one couple to the next.
Anyone who has read my reviews knows that I love Allison Brennan and her writing style. Even the nearly identical love scenes from book to book still managed to have me hooked. But I would have appreciated if they could have been a bit more unique in regards to how the couples interacted.
Overall, Cutting Edge was riveting and I couldn't put it down. And I can say the same about the entire trilogy as a whole.
Cutting Edge, for example, focuses on FBI Special Agent Nora English. But anyone who has read the Lucy Kincaid series will know her as Duke Rogan's wife. Yet this book allows readers to see how they started. To see them interact. To see Nora initially fight against the very essence that draws them together, constantly afraid of letting anyone get too close to her.
Working alongside Duke Rogan, Nora is tracking down arsonists in a series of cases that remain unsolved. Someone has been targeting biomedical research laboratories and has made it their mission to destroy facilities and free any animals being used for research. But when someone dies in the most recent fire, it's up to Nora to think like the arsonists in order to determine exactly what happened - and exactly who is behind the fires.
With a unique past, Nora is able to get inside their heads enough to determine what choices they made, why, and where they might be moving next. Nora grew up with an anarchist for a mother, and understands how these groups work. But what she wasn't prepared for was the psychopaths, despite having had to deal with one from a young age.
When the arsonists turn to murder and numerous bodies turn up within a week, it's up to Nora to track down the main suspect: Maggie O'Dell. But nothing could prepare Nora for what she's about to learn about the young girl.
---
Personally, I really enjoyed this trilogy, but I can't help but miss the further development of characters that comes from Brennan's series of more than three books. This trilogy focused on different characters, locations, and plot lines depending on the book at hand. Each story progressed so quickly, due to it only having one book length to finish off the plot. Because of this, each book had very similar nuances that were difficult to overlook when reading an entire trilogy within a single week.
For example, the romances are very quick. In the 16 (soon to be 17) book series of Lucy Kincaid, we get to know her before romance takes over her life. She is her own person. And all of Allison Brennan's characters are strong, independent individuals who have their own lives. But when their life or death scenarios force them all to appreciate the loved ones in their life, the romance is accelerated and often happens so quickly it's as if each couple meets, falls in love, and potentially get married all within a single week or two.
Additionally, the sex scenes that take place in Brennan's books are beautifully written and truly capture the passion and love between her characters, but many of them - especially in a short trilogy - are portrayed nearly identically. People are far more unique in their sexual escapades than they seem to be in her stand-alone novels. When I was reading the Lucy Kincaid series, there is obviously more than one occurrence of this, meaning there is variety in how Lucy and Sean interact and appreciate one another physically. But in a brief trilogy, where each couple gets a single book to prove to the reader that they love one another, the interactions are a bit forced, and they seem identical from one couple to the next.
Anyone who has read my reviews knows that I love Allison Brennan and her writing style. Even the nearly identical love scenes from book to book still managed to have me hooked. But I would have appreciated if they could have been a bit more unique in regards to how the couples interacted.
Overall, Cutting Edge was riveting and I couldn't put it down. And I can say the same about the entire trilogy as a whole.
September 27, 2024
Slowly making my way through Allison Brennan's entire catalog; so fun to see Duke and Nora's backstory after seeing them briefly in other parts of the Lucy Kincaid series.
Special Agent Nora English is an incredibly impressive woman -- rising the ranks as an FBI agent working domestic terrorism cases despite her own upbringing with an anarchist mother who gave her no formal education. As a seventeen year old she agreed to testify against her mother in exchange for freedom for her and her nine year old sister, Quin. The plan went sideways but her mother was placed in prison for life without the possibility of parole and Nora was able to build a semi-stable life for herself and Quin. But her whole life is her work and she is not used to relying on other people -- which is why she has rebuffed Duke Rogan's advances for so long.
But Duke is a man who is used to getting what he wants, and he has been patient long enough. He can tell that Nora is interested in him, but needs to show her that he can be there for her and won't be scared off by her past, or present. As the two try to figure out who set fire to a local lab and killed a prominent scientist it is quickly evident that the culprit has ties to Nora -- but she doesn't know what they are. As the culprit is escalating rapidly and more people are dying, Nora will need get in their head fast to keep herself and her family safe.
Another solid book with lots of familiar faces!
Special Agent Nora English is an incredibly impressive woman -- rising the ranks as an FBI agent working domestic terrorism cases despite her own upbringing with an anarchist mother who gave her no formal education. As a seventeen year old she agreed to testify against her mother in exchange for freedom for her and her nine year old sister, Quin. The plan went sideways but her mother was placed in prison for life without the possibility of parole and Nora was able to build a semi-stable life for herself and Quin. But her whole life is her work and she is not used to relying on other people -- which is why she has rebuffed Duke Rogan's advances for so long.
But Duke is a man who is used to getting what he wants, and he has been patient long enough. He can tell that Nora is interested in him, but needs to show her that he can be there for her and won't be scared off by her past, or present. As the two try to figure out who set fire to a local lab and killed a prominent scientist it is quickly evident that the culprit has ties to Nora -- but she doesn't know what they are. As the culprit is escalating rapidly and more people are dying, Nora will need get in their head fast to keep herself and her family safe.
Another solid book with lots of familiar faces!
December 11, 2019
I read the Lucy Kincaid series first and it always refers to Duke being a father/brother so it was great to see Duke in action and see that relationship at hand. Duke and Nora are both strong protectors of their family. This story pushes them to relax their protectiveness and try to solve a crime that brings in all their loved ones. A great blend of romance and suspense this was a perfect insight into more of the Rogan family.
September 19, 2024
The story is ridiculous. There is no way the FBI would keep Nora on the case once they learned of the connection. There are so many detail that are wrong, there is no way the reader could put any trust in the story. I found the book in the neighborhood book exchange and should have figured it was a looser when there was a $1.00 price tag on the cover. But even for $1.00 it is way overpriced. The story is not ‘over the edge’. But the book should be tossed over the edge.
July 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. The suspense was great! Maggie was cuckoo for Coco Puffs, a sociopath...but I liked her. You never really learned what Dr. Payne did to Maggie’s dad, but I think he was more of a test case for her cutting and subsequent bleed out. This is a new author for me (2nd book) but I can see reading more from her.
June 19, 2024
4.25 stars. WHEW, I'm exhausted after sitting on the edge of my seat for most of this book! Talk about plot twists and turns...environmental terrorists, murder, sociopaths and being raised off-grid turned FBI informant now agent. Brennan does really good with character development, and the romance was spicy without detracting from the primary storyline.
March 9, 2017
In this book we meet older brother Duke Rogan and earlier version Sean Rogan, many years before he meets Lucy. Good story line, environmentalists taking the fight too far being lead by a wack-a-doodle. A bit predictable but otherwise ok.
March 30, 2021
An extremist group is trying to stop research into the avian flu. When the group steps up their attack with murder, the FBI intensifies its investigation. FBI Agent Nora English is leading the investigation when it becomes clear that the attack is also aimed at her and her family.
January 12, 2022
Wonderful mystery reading
Last book 3 in the series will written with lots of action as the main characters race to solve the mystery. I would highly recommend this series and author to reads of crime and mysteries. Enjoy read 2016
Last book 3 in the series will written with lots of action as the main characters race to solve the mystery. I would highly recommend this series and author to reads of crime and mysteries. Enjoy read 2016
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