Flash Point

Steele Ridge: The Blackwells #1

by Tracey Devlyn

In this first book of Steele Ridge's exciting new series, The Blackwells, USA Today bestselling author Tracey Devlyn plunges readers into the dangerous world of asset recovery with this one-night stand, frenemies to lovers story between a burned out recovery agent and a single mom who leads the FBI's art crime cases.

A treasure hunter thought he had everything in his life firmly in hand until a chance encounter with a mysterious redhead tests the limits of his self-control.

When FBI Special Agent Olivia Westcott’s boss hands over her next assignment, she has an opportunity to retrieve a priceless artifact and shut down a high-profile drug scheme in one fell swoop. All Liv has to do is work with the lead recovery agent of Blackwell Asset Recovery Services—with whom she’d had a passionate one-night stand two weeks prior—and not let her feelings compromise the case.

Zeke Blackwell still struggles with running the family business after his older brother unexpectedly left him in charge. Now he has the added responsibility of keeping drugs off the streets of small towns across Western North Carolina and keeping his hands off the too-enticing special agent while they’re planning the joint operation. As if that’s not enough to keep him up at night, he’s also searching for a centuries-old treasure that could change the course of his and his family’s lives.

But what starts as a high-value asset recovery spirals out of control when their enemies force Liv and Zeke to stay one step ahead of danger. Is their attraction worth the risk? Or will they find themselves playing a game too dangerous to survive?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

444 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2022

About the author

Tracey Devlyn is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense, which often contains elements of mystery, romance, and environmental crime.

Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.

For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.

Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book with suspense, excitement, and romance! Zeke and his brothers owned a recovery business. Some of the items they recovered bordered on theft. Zeke’s older brother Ash left the business to become an FBI agent. I felt so bad for Zeke as he and his brother had always been together and close. Zeke felt like Ash had left him. Unfortunately on Zeke’s birthday he had made it to Asheville to meet his brother for a birthday celebration, and Ash was not only late, but when he got to the table he had to leave with two other agents for work. Little does Zeke know how well this will turn out for his future as he meets Olivia (Liv) Westcott and spent a romantic evening with her. Later when the FBI wants Zeke to do a job for them, who walks into the room but Liv. Luckily this is the beginning of an uphill battle for a romance between Zeke and Liv who has a son named Brodie. Someone is after Liv and does some scary things to her and her loved ones. My heart was in my throat at times with the suspense. I loved going through all the adventures with everyone. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the main storyline. However, the author appeared to want to paint a picture of a character who is not only a widow, single mother and FBI agent, but to include volunteer for a woman’s shelter and taking on a stalker victim and domestic abuse victim as well. Not sure any woman actually exists who could actually accomplish all these things. It felt like the author was trying to check too many boxes. I lost interest in the story as her charitable volunteer work and associated storylines became too much.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romantic suspense novel begins a new series within the Steel Ridge greater series. Zeke Blackwell leads his company which consists mainly of his brothers in asset recovery which essentially means that they steal stolen items to return to their original owners.

Olivia Westcott is an FBI Special Agent who is in charge of art crimes. She's a widow with a nine-year-old son and a trust fund. In her spare time she is involved in rescuing abused women.

Olivia and Zeke meet when they have a spicy one-night-stand while she is attending a conference and he is there to try to reconcile with his older brother who left the business for the FBI. Neither expects to meet again especially by being involved in the same case in which the FBI needs BARS to recover an asset that is needed to buy information about a major drug deal.

Zeke is also on the hunt for a family heirloom that went missing many years earlier. He feels that the return of the sword will make things go well at BARS. He is lacking in confidence about his ability to run the business and sees it breaking up and breaking the relationship between him and his brothers.

Meanwhile, Olivia is also dealing with a stalker who has attacked her and threatened her son.

This was an engaging story and a nice romance.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

A solid, fast-paced, and, at times, very intense thriller. Zeke Blackwell runs a private recovery agency which handles things in the gray area of the law. Olivia Westcott is a Special Agent with the FBI who deals in stolen art. She also volunteers at a Women's Center. They get thrown together on a job for the FBI. A few weeks before, they had a one-night stand during which both parties weren't fully aware of the other's career and activities. When the FBI calls Zeke to handle a job for them, he and Olivia meet once again. Sparks fly between them throughout most of the story. While some things don't go well for them, most do. The ending is quite wonderful.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Witty. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 August 2024
Wow flash point is the first book I've read by Tracy Devlyn and what a story it is!
It the beginning of a new series but can definitely be read alone.
The intriguing mystery's agent Olivia Westcott uncovers with the help of Zeke Blackwell are riveting. I could not read fast enough to find out how the book ended. I was totally addicted from the very first page to the last.
And each of the characters made the story more intense. Liv and Zeke were so magnetic towards each other from the very first time they met.
I also loved Callie she seemed to add a spark to the story every now and then.
An all round great read!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow

When FBI agent Olivia Westcott is tasked with working with Zeke Blackwell to steal a priceless doll for a CI in exchange for info on a huge drug shipment.
Zeke's family artifact recovery business runs on the edge of legal. But his main focus is finding and getting back the Blackwell Lupos sword that was stolen years ago.
This book has everything a older brother who is now FBI, artifacts, a grandmother with insight to her family and a young mom with a little boy who misses his dad. This is a
Fantastic book and I can't wait to read the second book.

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the Steeles and Kingston families, but the Blackwells are up to the challenge of keeping me hooked on the Steele Ridge world. I devoured this book in just a few days because I just had to know if Special Agent Olivia would break through the walls Zeke had erected and refused to tear down for anyone. To say I didn't see any of it coming is an understatement. It was a couple of late nights for me, but worth every minute of lost sleep. Time to start book two!

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read of this author’s publication. I loved it! The story was fast paced, filled with twist and turns, and an endearing romance. The two primary characters were well defined and believable. The story kept my interest from page one until the finale, I look forward to reading future books from this author. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Jan Fore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackwell #1

The start of a series that gives us a story of legal thieves. Same is brought into the FUN conference room to view a Deal where he and his brothers, the team who run the Blackwell organization are to steal an art antiquity for CO of the the bureau. It would involve Olivia an agent who is an art specialist. It's full of suspense and drama. A good read - enjoy!

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the story line was unique in itself. But FBI turned Theif Recovery Agent seemed out of sorts. The romance part was also out of sorts. Though I still found the story interesting enough to finish it. Being a Theif is more exciting than being an Agent. Though it's all for the greater good. Stealing from Theives to get items back to their rightful owners. Interesting!!!

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the world of asset recovery the line between what’s right and wrong is permanently blurred. When the FBI needs to side step the law - they reach out to a ‘den of thieves’ to help them out. Action, suspense, intrigue and romance all follow making this a really entertaining read.

[Phyllis Bernstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller packs in romance, suspense and lots of action. Olivia and Zeke are thrown together in a quest that is in the grey area of the law. It was lots of fun seeing how they try to avoid the attraction while doing their task.

[Tracy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure

This book will have you going in all directions. I absolutely loved it and learning about the Blackwell family! You will enjoy the twists and turns the ins and outs and of course there is love!!!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a little bit of a hard time getting into the story…..but once I did, it was nonstop twists and turns, steamy romance and suspense.
Looking forward to the next in the series……..

[Maureen Harris]

Stereotypical. Rich handsome artifact expert and a beautiful FBI agent. Fall in love over a drink at a bar with etc to follow. Just not interesting and not edited properly either.

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Pat · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author likes to swear a lot in this book. I don't like that so this is a warning to others who may feel the same way.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF ~80% (I really tried)
I didn’t really like the whole controlling growly you’re-gonna-do-as-I-tell-you-woman alpha male thing going on with Zeke and thought Liv was a bit too passive.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read with some twists, turns and romance too. I enjoyed it!

[Laura Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Interesting story that held my attention (I.e. kept me up late at night reading ☺️). I am curious about the title. Can anyone explain why it was titled “Flash Point”?

[Gail Chianese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly blended romantic suspense filled with twists and turns and a dash of humor, heat, and family to keep the pages turning from start to finish.

[Haleigh Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars feels generous

[Amy Bearinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first ever book on a Kindle. Was exactly as promised.

[Trey Renee" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Jayne Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read that kept me guessing to the end. I liked that Olivia and Zeke both had issues to deal with as well as her very nice son, Brodie.

[Brett S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down, read it in 2 days....can't wait to start Book 2.

[Ann C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am glad this book was free. It was my first book by the author and I just did not like it.

I made it through a few pages and was not really sure about the book. Zeke was a recovery person, but he seemed to be more of a thief. Then there is Liv in a hot tub propositioning Zeke. She did not even know who he was. That is when I said no more.

I skipped to the last couple of chapters and decided I would not read anymore of the current series and probably not anymore by the author.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flash Point, the first book in The Blackwells series by the wickedly talented Tracey Devlyn, is a return to Steele Ridge and the long awaited continuation of the Steele/Kingston/Blackwell family saga…returning to Steele Ridge in this new release is like returning home after a long absence. This much anticipated story’s interlude was well worth the fulfillment received from within the pages of Zeke and Liv’s smartly comprised drama/thriller that is rife with intrigue, suspense, tension, and romance…their story has set the stage for the remaining Blackwell brothers and their own intrigue.

As the layers are peeled away, and you become immersed in the complexities of the Blackwell brothers dynamics and the mission of the Blackwell Asset Recovery Services (BARS) is revealed, the reader is drawn deeper into the myriad workings of the group and the fine line of bending the law for the purposes of righting wrongs. With complex, yet relatable characters, humor, hilarious sibling banter, squabbling, and witty repartee, not to mention the incendiary chemistry between Zeke and Liv, there was not a moment where I was not totally captivated with the Blackwell world…the brief appearance of a Steele brother created an amusing moment that provided a satisfying Steele fix.

As Zeke and Liv’s story concluded, my anticipation was already wet for what is sure to be delightful and engrossing stories that are yet to come from Steele Ridge and the Blackwell family.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flash Point by Tracey Devlyn

Who knew one hot tub encounter would end up more than a steamy night – in more ways than one! Thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship as it developed between Zeke and Olivia. The setup for future books has me invested in the series!

What I liked:
* Zeke Blackwell: brother, son, in charge of the family recovery business, believes in shades of gray, has control issues, strong, capable, and a great book boyfriend
* Olivia “Liv” Westcott: widow, single mother, FBI Agent working in art recovery, works with abused women, not to be underestimated, ready to move into a committed relationship
* The Blackwell brothers: each different and equally interesting – can’t wait to read their stories
* The matriarchs of the Blackwell family – would love to hear their stories, too, should the authors be willing to write them
* The writing, plot, pacing, and story
* The twists and turns that kept me guessing
* Being able to thoroughly dislike those doing wrong
* That those doing wrong were dealt with
* The way Zeke was there for Liv and for her family and his own
* The insights the main characters gained as the story progressed
* Knowing that I will see the characters again in future books in this series
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Exactly what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that evil written about in this book happens more often than it should

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "FLASH POINT" WOW!!!! What an interesting, entertaining, intriguing intense drama, suspense, steam, angst, danger, action, your hooked to the end.
Olivia Westcott is an FBI Agent in Art Forgery her boss gives her an assignment to retrieve a priceless artifact & shut down a high profile drug scheme at samt time.
Zeke Blackwell is a treasure hunter his family's business slightly illegal Blackwell Asset Recovery Services is dropped in his lap unexpectedly by his brother plus keep drugs off the streets of small town in North Carolina.
Zeke & Olivia two weeks ago had one scorching hot steamy night together then they find they have to work a cast to together she won't let their trust compromise her case he hooked on the mysterious redhead who pushes him to lose all self control.
Zeke & Liv gave their hands full with this assignment trying to recover the artifact & dealing with the drugs hitting the street all while keeping their feelings out if it I love the chemistry between these two humor, witty banter.
I definitely recommend to get this book so well worth the read the characters were so well developed & pulled you right into all the chaos the Blackwell brothers small appearance was humorous it won't disappoint.
I'm so looking forward to more of "STEEL RIDGE"
THE BLACKWELL'S" series I thoroughly enjoyed this book. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!