Working for a vigilante task force requires Mac Riley to do the unthinkable. It's not everyday you stab the Vice President of the United States - then fall in love with him. A global network of dark forces challenges these renegades at every turn, yet they are ready to do what is necessary to tip the scales towards justice. When her family becomes the target, Mac and her colleagues are put to the ultimate test. And Mac will do anything to keep her loved ones safe...but will it be enough? Join this ragtag team as they travel across the globe, using unconventional methods to right some wrongs. Karma is calling and V Division Investigations is answering the call. It is time for some people to get what they give...
I’ve been reading a lot of heavy stuff lately and wanted something a bit more breezy. This was exactly what I expected. A really fun and well written novel, with a dash of intrigue and romance!
Mac is an adventure romance story built around a dysfunctional group of characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. The author provides an extremely imaginative read that could easily be made into a mini-series and includes just the right amount of cheese to keep it fun and light-hearted.
Fantastic book! Young has done a superb job of combining a thriller of a story with the most hilarious and wonderful characters imaginable. It’s James Bond meets The Incredibles! Just brilliant!
I could immediately tell that this author has plenty of sense of humor and that this would be a lovely read. Such an atmosphere was amplified when the premise widen to include the US President and international characters. And I could easily understand why the book called, Mac; she is just an extraordinary character. That makes this writing unique compared to many others in this genre. As stated: “If Jesus didn’t want us to have a sense of humor, he wouldn’t have insisted on wine with dinner.”
Here is one of many entertaining dialogues that also move the storyline forward; “My dad has gotten into trouble with some really bad characters and if we did this one thing, all debts would be forgiven. You know how people can make some bad judgement calls, right?” … “Anyway, the head guy wants these brats for some reason, so…” Devlyn grabbed one of the extra copies of the axe off the side table and hit him in the groin again, causing him to gasp in pain. “Call them brats, one more time, and I’ll go to the garage and grab the real axe.”
The first page took me immediately into a certain situation but then moves to ‘15 years earlier…’ such a great opening concept. The dialogues are flowing freely making me feel I am actually within those scenes. There is little ‘telling’ and plenty of ‘showing’ through dialogues, typical of a great fast-paced tale. indeed, sometimes it feels like reading a detailed script in a positive sense. I suspect the author had in mind having it ready to become a good film. I sure hope so.
I really enjoyed Sheila E. Young’s debut novel, Mac. It’s the perfect book and the main reason I read, to escape reality for a little while and get engrossed with likable characters and an engaging story.
This book centers around Macklyn Riley and her close-knit family. On the surface, they are an ordinary bunch who enjoy spending time together. But behind the scenes, and behind the closed doors of “Riley’s Martial Arts,” they are a family of vigilantes, on a mission to rid the world of evil, and they will do whatever, and go wherever it takes.
The Riley’s and their devoted team from across the globe take you on a wild ride and visit many parts of our world, in great part, to secretly protect the President and Vice President of the United States. The writing is witty, sexy, and a great adventure from start to finish.
Aside from the good story, I love the way Sheila writes her characters. Like the modern world we live in, the Riley family, and extended family are real and excepting and prove there is room for all of us, especially in the name of justice.
It was love at first sight for this book, or should I say, “ZING!”
I look forward to the next adventure with the Riley’s.
MAC is equal parts action, romance, and fun. You can really feel the authors personality on every page with smart/quick dialogue that keeps the reader engaged. Young also has fun descriptors that I thoroughly enjoyed such as describing fall (yes, the season) as “having great legs.” Her unique romance descriptions of the “hot thigh sweats” and “walking clouds of hormones” really let the authors voice come through and I enjoyed every one of those moments.
Young writes a fun mystery that moves quickly, but for me it’s the romance and the witty dialogue that I enjoyed the most. I think I’d read a novel about Young’s characters doing just about anything as long as I got more sharp-witted conversations and fun back and forths.
Mac was such a refreshing change, so different to what I've been reading lately. The author has some imagination! Loved the fast pace, never a dull moment. The characters of full of personality, and I loved their dysfunctional, loving, crazy family life - truly made me smile. As a romance lover - the zinging was adorable too! This author has some imagination going on. I hope this progresses to a full series!
Action packed from the get go with a dash of comedy and romance thrown in for good measure. Whilst there is plenty of flag waving and ‘feel good’ moments, you will warm to this unusual family. Well written and with strong characters and a well thought out plot, you get the feeling that the author has done her research. The main character, Mac, has endless talent as well as being beautiful. No spoilers, suffice it to say that I enjoyed this story.
I’ve long posited that whilst literary fiction is important and has driven cultural transformation for many years, popular fiction or ‘genre fiction’ is where most of us find ourselves when we are in bricks and morter bookshops or online. It’s escapism pure and simple, we walk past a shop on our way to catch a train or a flight and grab something to read on the way. Sheila E. Young’s first book fits neatly into that category. A spy/thriller/action/comedy book it revolves around the attempted assassination of the U.S Vice President. Macklyn Riley is a secret agent who attempts to assassinate Vice President Nathan Davis as part of a mission to alert the Secret Service that they’ve been infiltrated. She works for her dad in an elite task force. However when she and her dad review the footage of the attack they see a former task force member Brad taking a shot at her. This starts an investigation into who has infiltrated them as well whilst trying to protect the Vice President. The fact that Mac has a crush on the VP does complicate things somewhat. The book is an easy and entertaining read and as mentioned above has a comedic flavour to it, Mac is an intriguing character, she’s not only a good fighter she’s good at hacking into systems to add to her knowledge. At times she seems a little like Jason Bourne without the emotional hangups of Bourne. She is helped along the way by a cast of characters such as her father, Jack, mother Edlyn and various colleagues. These people would probably put the CIA and a few other intelligence agencies to shame with their antics. I found it a great read, it’s one of those books that keeps you going until the very end, I’d love to see a sequel at some point in the future! I gave it a much deserved five stars.
A fun spy thriller with romance and family themes…
Mac is fun and original spy thriller about a family who run a secretive vigilante group on the fringes of secret service and government agents.
Sheila E. Young tells the story of top spy ‘Macklyn Riley’ who is part rockstar and part operative with ‘limitless talents’ and follows events after her latest political target/mission. She needs to lay low but then her feelings for this particular target take her on another path. Her immediate family are no strangers to the business they are in and join her in hiding with fun and enjoyable results.
‘The Riley family had been made aware of the “cloak and dagger” nature of their baby sitter and dad’s business. They understood the dangers involved and, as a result, could be ready to disappear within a moments notice. This wouldn’t be an ideal way to live for most, but the Rileys were not most people…’
The story is full of fun moments that make the reading experience both light and breezy. Its a spy thriller romance comedy with lots of original concepts – something I very much enjoyed!
Sheila Young masterfully blends international intrigue with heartwarming local lore in her novel, delivered at a pace that’s as relentless as it is engaging. This book transcends genres, melding mystery, espionage, and romance with a skill that makes each page a revelation. Young’s narrative style is akin to sharing riveting gossip with a close friend, making you feel present in the unfolding drama without giving away the secrets just yet.
Reading aloud, as is my personal practice, only enhances the experience. Young’s dialogue pops off the page, bringing characters to life through their vibrant interactions and distinct voices. It’s a novel that compels you to read just one more chapter before bed—only to find yourself several chapters deeper than intended.
I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this vibrant world where every turn is unexpected yet thoroughly rewarding. Sheila Young has crafted a story that is both fun and profound, ensuring that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination, without revealing the paths she takes us on.
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read and it’s an absolute winner. MAC is a thrilling blend of action, romance, and sheer entertainment. From the very first page, the author's personality is evident within a text that’s fuelled by snappy dialogue, moving the story along at an often blistering pace. Young's descriptions are a delight and all serve to bring her characters to life in a way that is both refreshing and utterly enjoyable.
While Young crafts a fast-paced mystery that keeps the adrenaline pumping, it's the sizzling romance complemented by the aforementioned often witty dialogue that truly captivated me. To write a story with any level of humour is always tricky as obviously tastes can wildly vary but, for me, Young hits all the right notes with a believable central character who has the perfect balance of sass and charm.
All in all, there is never a dull moment in this story-a great read!
The author has successfully combined a very interesting and engaging plot, complete with unexpected turns and a fair measure of adventure, with a healthy dose of humour, all the time making this one of the all around positive stories you could hope to read. There is never a dull moment, and there is something for everyone to get on board with. Most of the characters portray how they have, in their own way, faced adversity, and not only come out on top, but flourished because of it. The book is very uplifting, as it shows in a realistic way, that the good guys can win. Even the politicians are the good guys! I would sincerely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something to read to distract them from their day to day routine. I do have to warn you though, you'll end up reading more than you planned. I wish the author all the best, and thank her for the hours of fun.
Mac works as a vigilante for her father and with her family. When an attack on the President is brought to their attention not only do they need to step in, but their own family is at high risk. The family have to carry out black op type missions to survive and to save the President. A compelling and yet fun read with plenty of humor. Young is a fantastic storyteller and the detail was brilliant. One of my favorite genres is black ops and this book in particular was every bit as good as a Jack Mars book so well done to Young Our MC Mac is also attracted to the VP and thus some lighthearted romance twines through which worked brilliantly. Highly recommend this book. Kerry Kennedy Author
"Mac" by Sheila E. Young is a thrilling dive into the world of vigilante justice. Mac Riley, a member of a renegade task force, finds herself in the unthinkable position of stabbing the Vice President, only to fall in love with him. This gripping narrative weaves through a global network of dark forces, challenging Mac and her team at every turn. As the stakes rise and her family becomes a target, Mac's resolve is tested to its limits. Young masterfully balances action and emotion, delivering a fast-paced, heart-pounding read. A compelling tale of justice, love, and resilience.
This book is so entertaining! It has unique, smart, fun characters. I love books with family groups in them. There is mystery and action as well as touches of romance. It is fanciful in parts which adds to the joy of the book. This is a really good choice to read to bring you cheer and entertainment. I hope there will be more books with this family.
Mac was an absolute pleasure to read. The author has created a nice "family" unit that goes about taking care of things that need to be adjusted for the better. From the flashback of Mac's beginnings, through to the final pages, the author tells a tale of international intrigue and suspense. Some scenarios are described so well you'd think you were there, or, at least, watching it on a screen! I would highly recommend Mac to anyone needing a fun afternoon of action reading.
Sheila Young spins tales of international intrigue and local legend within this fast-paced novel. She tells of plots to assassinate world leaders alongside schemes to cause explosive, digestive turmoil in kindergarten bullies. The world is safer for this band of international do-gooders, but it is also a lot more fun and unpredictable.
The characters will pull you in and the plot will keep you guessing until the end. It is part romance, part mystery, part spy novel, part mob, and part spice (cinnamon, not cayenne).
Sit back and let Ms. Young take you on a wild journey. It's a great escape and a fun romp!
I discovered this book via X, and I'm so glad I did.
You'll "zing" with Mac in the first few pages, and be just as endeared with the rest of the Riley clan (those by birth and those by choice) soon thereafter. The plot is well-crafted and the idea is intriguing. The women are strong characters, and the writing is witty, smart, and fun.
Sheila E. Young fills this fun tale with humor and suspense. Mac is not only a likable, fun protagonist, but Mac's family is a real hoot too. And when things get nuts, Mac isn't afraid to get nuts. Mac has all the earmarks of a successful series, and I hope there is more to come.
Mac and her family are a fascinating group with unique skills they put to good use, ridding the world of the bad people. Oh, and they've gathered some like-minded, talented folks along the way.
Fast-paced, filled with humor and great connections to get the job done, this was a fun read!
I just finished your book "Mac" and I find it an exceptional piece of writing. The characters are genuine and have a well-done backstory. Pacing was very good. A love story wrapped around a muder for hire mystery.
Fast paced and action packed. I loved the author's writing style which made the book such an easy read. Fantastic debut and looking forward to the next one.