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The Specter #1
CIA Specter
I’m whispered about within the walls of the CIA. The Specter. Everyone’s heard of me, but nobody knows who I am.
I work the extremely classified and high-profile assignments that nobody else could pull off. That’s what I’ve been trained for since I was ten. Since the day my adoptive father, David Briggs, took me in, he’s trained me to be who I am, and I’ve become incomparable.
How hasn’t anyone figured out who I am, you ask? I work alone. Every assignment that crosses my desk is handed to me by the director himself and I do the job without any help, working from the shadows.
That all changes when the largest ever shipment of fentanyl laced heroin is set to cross the U.S border from Mexico in under two weeks. If the shipment makes it across the border, containing 40 tons of heroin, it could potentially kill a million civilians.
I can’t handle this job alone. Not with the tight time-frame. Which is why I’ve been given a team to help me.
Elijah, Gael, Beau and Cameron. We’re tasked with stealing the files that contain the supply routes, dates, and times for the shipment. Piece of cake?
Yes, they are. I try to maintain a professional relationship with my new team, but they’re determined to make it personal.
Gael and Elijah with their sweet words and easy-going attitudes.
Cameron with his flirty grin and his in-your-face charisma.
Beau with his all seeing eyes and secretly gentle soul.
They’re determined to break down my barriers, and I’m inclined to let them.
I work the extremely classified and high-profile assignments that nobody else could pull off. That’s what I’ve been trained for since I was ten. Since the day my adoptive father, David Briggs, took me in, he’s trained me to be who I am, and I’ve become incomparable.
How hasn’t anyone figured out who I am, you ask? I work alone. Every assignment that crosses my desk is handed to me by the director himself and I do the job without any help, working from the shadows.
That all changes when the largest ever shipment of fentanyl laced heroin is set to cross the U.S border from Mexico in under two weeks. If the shipment makes it across the border, containing 40 tons of heroin, it could potentially kill a million civilians.
I can’t handle this job alone. Not with the tight time-frame. Which is why I’ve been given a team to help me.
Elijah, Gael, Beau and Cameron. We’re tasked with stealing the files that contain the supply routes, dates, and times for the shipment. Piece of cake?
Yes, they are. I try to maintain a professional relationship with my new team, but they’re determined to make it personal.
Gael and Elijah with their sweet words and easy-going attitudes.
Cameron with his flirty grin and his in-your-face charisma.
Beau with his all seeing eyes and secretly gentle soul.
They’re determined to break down my barriers, and I’m inclined to let them.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2022
342 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 25, 2022
5 stars
Loved this book so so much. It's been a while since I thoroughly enjoyed a RH with plot. This book had me reading from start to finish. I was constantly entertained and held captive by what was happening. There is a strong FMC that has her own set of skills. It allowed for a group dynamic where they were all equal. That last couple of pages really had you at the edge of your seat. I immediately want to know what happens next.
Looking forward to reading more from the reader. Highly recommend you read this.
Loved this book so so much. It's been a while since I thoroughly enjoyed a RH with plot. This book had me reading from start to finish. I was constantly entertained and held captive by what was happening. There is a strong FMC that has her own set of skills. It allowed for a group dynamic where they were all equal. That last couple of pages really had you at the edge of your seat. I immediately want to know what happens next.
Looking forward to reading more from the reader. Highly recommend you read this.
November 18, 2022
I wanted to like this one so much. Merging action with reverse harem should've had me devouring this book, just like I immediately downloaded and started reading it as soon as I found it on GR ... but sadly, that wasn't the case.
The poor writing had me skimming large chunks of this and there was way to many pop culture/colloquial sayings scattered throughout this; it was irritating.
There was absolutely zero ralationship development. Now, I don't hate insta-love/lust/attraction at all, but they were downright worshipping her and falling in love with her immediately and this was NOT a fated mates situation. So the group dynamics were weird and the conversations extremely unnatural.
Seems like lots of people like this, but I just could not get beyond the writing or characters.
The poor writing had me skimming large chunks of this and there was way to many pop culture/colloquial sayings scattered throughout this; it was irritating.
There was absolutely zero ralationship development. Now, I don't hate insta-love/lust/attraction at all, but they were downright worshipping her and falling in love with her immediately and this was NOT a fated mates situation. So the group dynamics were weird and the conversations extremely unnatural.
Seems like lots of people like this, but I just could not get beyond the writing or characters.
November 13, 2023
The first unofficial meeting with the guys was very bizarre, yet hilarious. I was fully invested in this book being fast paced throughout. Then it slowed down 😂. This is definitely a slow-burn. I mean they are pining after her a lot, but no actions are taken really. Towards the 60% mark some spice occurs, but the characters all feel so disjointed from each other.
I know there is an age-gap which I’m fine with, I think it’s about 15 years to the oldest MMC. The author described him as super attractive and I was invested…then they made him weird. For example, she finds him asleep on the sofa and she looks at his phone screen .. what is he doing you ask. Googling how to be in a poly relationship. At this point he hasn’t kissed her, discussed having a relationship with her or sharing her. Nothing has happened, so I found that super weird.
Also he talks about going out on the pull with her dad and essentially hooking up. I don’t wanna think about her dad when I’m trying to forget the age gap.
I have to say, I did enjoy the banter and Gael was a very sweet character. The relationship between the FMC and her father is very sweet also. The author doesn’t make a big point that it’s her ‘adoptive father’ after the initial intro to him, it’s just her dad.
I did have to stop around 86%, after then found the presidents wife in the cellar. I’m not trigger sensitive, but the description of her and that situation was hard to read. By that point I wasn’t really enjoying the book anyway, so it was a valid stopping point.
I know there is an age-gap which I’m fine with, I think it’s about 15 years to the oldest MMC. The author described him as super attractive and I was invested…then they made him weird. For example, she finds him asleep on the sofa and she looks at his phone screen .. what is he doing you ask. Googling how to be in a poly relationship. At this point he hasn’t kissed her, discussed having a relationship with her or sharing her. Nothing has happened, so I found that super weird.
Also he talks about going out on the pull with her dad and essentially hooking up. I don’t wanna think about her dad when I’m trying to forget the age gap.
I have to say, I did enjoy the banter and Gael was a very sweet character. The relationship between the FMC and her father is very sweet also. The author doesn’t make a big point that it’s her ‘adoptive father’ after the initial intro to him, it’s just her dad.
I did have to stop around 86%, after then found the presidents wife in the cellar. I’m not trigger sensitive, but the description of her and that situation was hard to read. By that point I wasn’t really enjoying the book anyway, so it was a valid stopping point.
September 12, 2022
Underhyped
This story needs so much more hype. It gave me the same energy as the Mindfck Series (ST Abby) or Guild Series (Tate James).
FMC: Collins is 22, bisexual, confident all around badass with grace and poise. She never comes across as tacky or crass in her strength which is something I often find with baddie fmcs in dark/suspense romance.
MMC(s): Elijah (35) leader, calm, mature. Beau is the golden retriever with an introverted side. Cam comes off as the playboy with a hidden possessive side. Gael is the techie with PTSD. They’re all lovable but I enjoyed seeing the individual relationships with Collins form.
The cliffhanger was expected in some ways because the author set it up perfectly with some great foreshadowing. I enjoyed it even if I’m desperate for more of their story.
This story needs so much more hype. It gave me the same energy as the Mindfck Series (ST Abby) or Guild Series (Tate James).
FMC: Collins is 22, bisexual, confident all around badass with grace and poise. She never comes across as tacky or crass in her strength which is something I often find with baddie fmcs in dark/suspense romance.
MMC(s): Elijah (35) leader, calm, mature. Beau is the golden retriever with an introverted side. Cam comes off as the playboy with a hidden possessive side. Gael is the techie with PTSD. They’re all lovable but I enjoyed seeing the individual relationships with Collins form.
The cliffhanger was expected in some ways because the author set it up perfectly with some great foreshadowing. I enjoyed it even if I’m desperate for more of their story.
March 14, 2023
This was great!
Honestly this book was pretty similar to Lexie Winston's M.I.T.H.O.S. book, so if you like this one, read that and vice versa.
I really liked the MFC (Collins). She is one of the top cia operatives who is forced to work for the first time with a team. This book is all about that first mission. I liked that while there is an overarching plot line, this feels like a complete story.
Excited for book 2
Honestly this book was pretty similar to Lexie Winston's M.I.T.H.O.S. book, so if you like this one, read that and vice versa.
I really liked the MFC (Collins). She is one of the top cia operatives who is forced to work for the first time with a team. This book is all about that first mission. I liked that while there is an overarching plot line, this feels like a complete story.
Excited for book 2
February 27, 2025
Picked this up because I was in a military-ish thriller/spicy romance mood and this had neither the thrills nor the spice. The romance itself was also pretty nonexistent and boring - which is wild since there’s literally multiple love interests... I was bored throughout. 🥱
July 18, 2022
Not great
I wanted to like this book so much. It was a mix of 2 of my favorite genre but it just didn't do it. The writing didn't flow, I didn't really like the FMC, the relationships didn't seem like RH at all. The unnecessary complications with the best friend were off putting and felt gross. I rarely DNF a book but this one made the list. A shame because the premise was so good it had the potential to be a home run, instead I got a foul ball 🤷♀️
I wanted to like this book so much. It was a mix of 2 of my favorite genre but it just didn't do it. The writing didn't flow, I didn't really like the FMC, the relationships didn't seem like RH at all. The unnecessary complications with the best friend were off putting and felt gross. I rarely DNF a book but this one made the list. A shame because the premise was so good it had the potential to be a home run, instead I got a foul ball 🤷♀️
July 19, 2022
Enjoyable first book in a series.
October 2, 2022
3.5 Stars
I haven't really been into contemporary romances for awhile but after reading that the FMC was a spy and assassin for the CIA I was excited. I did enjoy that aspect of the book. I also liked the pacing. I never felt like the book was moving too slow or too fast. That wasn't true with the feelings of the characters however because that did feel too fast for my preferences but didn't bother me overly much. I loved that there wasn't MM in this book since it is hard to find in RH stories these days (this preference isn't due to intolerance but instead jealousy if not done in a way that makes the FMC feel like she is the MMCs priority). There were a couple of new author issues which pulled me from the story. One example was the FMC saying that she had resented her father due to her rigorous training as a child then later in the book she stated that she never resented her father for her upbringing. Another example was having two side characters named Mateo. I know this happens in life but it is less confusing to readers if different names are used. My biggest critique was the last assignment in Mexico because many of their plans and the actions of the characters seemed illogical. To fully explain will be spoiling the story so don't read any further if you don't want spoilers.
******Spoilers******
*They are supposed to assassinate the president of Mexico. In order to avoid it possibly being linked to the US and to get more information they decide to use potassium chloride to induce a heart attack instead of sniping. That sounded logical until they decided to distract the cartel guards with a gun fight and molotov cocktails. No one is going to think the president just happened to die of natural causes the same night there was a battle at his home.
*Part of the reason for them deciding to go with the poisoning is so they can ask the president questions before he dies. Why would anyone experienced think that their victim would answer the questions of their murderer? There is a reason that it benefits him to answer but for them to expect it seemed odd to me.
*The president, who had been fully cooperating with the cartel turns on them when they sell his oldest daughter. Strategically this sounds like a really dumb decision. They had a powerful puppet who was in charge of the country but decide to sell his daughter? There are millions of women in Mexico but they sell the one that turns their puppet against them thereby necessitating them having to heavily guard him and lose his easy cooperation?
*The guard outside the palace is wearing kevlar but the guards at the president's house aren't?
*There are a dozen guards outside and five inside but all of them leave the president unguarded when the main characters intentionally try to lure them away? I don't know how this cartel is in power with how dumb their members are.
There were more things with this scene that bugged me but those were the main ones.
Regardless of the critiques, I enjoyed the story overall and plan to read book 2 when it comes out
I haven't really been into contemporary romances for awhile but after reading that the FMC was a spy and assassin for the CIA I was excited. I did enjoy that aspect of the book. I also liked the pacing. I never felt like the book was moving too slow or too fast. That wasn't true with the feelings of the characters however because that did feel too fast for my preferences but didn't bother me overly much. I loved that there wasn't MM in this book since it is hard to find in RH stories these days (this preference isn't due to intolerance but instead jealousy if not done in a way that makes the FMC feel like she is the MMCs priority). There were a couple of new author issues which pulled me from the story. One example was the FMC saying that she had resented her father due to her rigorous training as a child then later in the book she stated that she never resented her father for her upbringing. Another example was having two side characters named Mateo. I know this happens in life but it is less confusing to readers if different names are used. My biggest critique was the last assignment in Mexico because many of their plans and the actions of the characters seemed illogical. To fully explain will be spoiling the story so don't read any further if you don't want spoilers.
******Spoilers******
*They are supposed to assassinate the president of Mexico. In order to avoid it possibly being linked to the US and to get more information they decide to use potassium chloride to induce a heart attack instead of sniping. That sounded logical until they decided to distract the cartel guards with a gun fight and molotov cocktails. No one is going to think the president just happened to die of natural causes the same night there was a battle at his home.
*Part of the reason for them deciding to go with the poisoning is so they can ask the president questions before he dies. Why would anyone experienced think that their victim would answer the questions of their murderer? There is a reason that it benefits him to answer but for them to expect it seemed odd to me.
*The president, who had been fully cooperating with the cartel turns on them when they sell his oldest daughter. Strategically this sounds like a really dumb decision. They had a powerful puppet who was in charge of the country but decide to sell his daughter? There are millions of women in Mexico but they sell the one that turns their puppet against them thereby necessitating them having to heavily guard him and lose his easy cooperation?
*The guard outside the palace is wearing kevlar but the guards at the president's house aren't?
*There are a dozen guards outside and five inside but all of them leave the president unguarded when the main characters intentionally try to lure them away? I don't know how this cartel is in power with how dumb their members are.
There were more things with this scene that bugged me but those were the main ones.
Regardless of the critiques, I enjoyed the story overall and plan to read book 2 when it comes out
July 14, 2022
I was waffling between a 3 and a 4 on this one, but landed on a 4 especially because this is a debut novel. There are a few editing mistakes that I didn’t keep track of but should have sent to the author- like your face is ‘beet red’ not ‘beat red’, couple of little things really. Overall the story was good, but some parts felt a little underdeveloped especially when it came to operational details of their missions. This was a pretty ambitious subject for a new author to take on because there is just so much research required when you’re dealing with a subject matter that is based in reality but even in reality is so extremely secretive. It’s hard to develop realistic fictional scenarios for black ops type stories. I’ve read a lot of romance in this particular genre though (non-RH) and I think this author is well on their way.
I think the tension was pretty good throughout, and I enjoyed the relationship development. I found each character to have a pretty interesting backstory, although we’ve only scratched the surface on each. I think the author has a good opportunity to delve further in the future books as they get to know each other more. I think the relationship convo was decent without being overly drawn out or cringey. I liked that the characters handled things in a mature adult way. I usually feel like characters act younger and more immature than the author writes them to be in romance, but I felt the opposite were true in this one. I thought that Collins actually came off as closer to 26-28 rather than 22. She had some fun, but also took things seriously and behaved really maturely for the post part.
I also thought it was pretty obvious that Briggs would be presumed dead and turn out alive at the end- I predicted this part as soon as the whistle system was explained earlier in the book. It was a pretty clear foreshadowing. Not necessarily a negative thing to have, but just very obvious that was going to be a key element of the story at some point.
I think the tension was pretty good throughout, and I enjoyed the relationship development. I found each character to have a pretty interesting backstory, although we’ve only scratched the surface on each. I think the author has a good opportunity to delve further in the future books as they get to know each other more. I think the relationship convo was decent without being overly drawn out or cringey. I liked that the characters handled things in a mature adult way. I usually feel like characters act younger and more immature than the author writes them to be in romance, but I felt the opposite were true in this one. I thought that Collins actually came off as closer to 26-28 rather than 22. She had some fun, but also took things seriously and behaved really maturely for the post part.
I also thought it was pretty obvious that Briggs would be presumed dead and turn out alive at the end- I predicted this part as soon as the whistle system was explained earlier in the book. It was a pretty clear foreshadowing. Not necessarily a negative thing to have, but just very obvious that was going to be a key element of the story at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2024
This book was alright, although it did feel like it was going for more shock value drama than anything more intricate and mind bending. I did enjoy how all the men were immediately on board with wooing the FMC (instead of being pricks that she can't help but be attracted to like a lot of RH books), although I think some diversity between the guys would have helped at least initially (i.e. Elijah always needs to be in control and struggles to take the back seat on the mission, maybe one of the guys is too cocky and thinks she needs protecting because she's spoiled etc). There were definitely some scenes that I felt were trying to go for a raw, vulnerable vibe, but because it was all wrapped in a three day old insta lust/love package, it never felt very authentic to me. Despite not actually including any smut, the romance aspect of the plot moved so fast that within a week of knowing each other they were all reconsidering their morals around what their ideal relationship/partner would be like because they 'refused to give her up'. It was also quite CIA/action focussed which was nice, although a little boring to me and some of the 'big surprises' were glaringly obvious. I will admit, I'm usually more drawn to dark romances with mafia themes and lots of clashing dominant personalities, so the lack of blood and gore (and sex) was a little disappointing to me, especially as the FMC was this highly trained best in the CIA agent and like shot two bullets at the most?? The relationship with the father was nice, although I feel like the whole last few chapters were mainly for shock value and 'suspense'. Porter was also cute, but I wish in some ways he was either part of her harem or maybe not a current fwb because it made the romance storyline a little mucky, especially when Cami (is that really a coincidence??) became involved too. Overall, it was fun and easy to read, but despite the second one already being out, I'm not going to go through the effort of reading it. 5/10.
April 13, 2024
DNF at 35%
i couldn’t get over how bland it was tbh. i was reading and the plot was going nowhere and then there would be random bits about how she is a badass master at what she does and she is the coolest bitch in the CIA, but that’s about it. and the insta-love in this book was so fast it gave me whiplash 😵💫 don’t get me wrong i love insta-love when it’s done right, but they took one look at her come out of the bathroom with her fwb and were like “i want that one.” 😥 whatt? i feel like the whole beginning we could’ve done without and it would’ve been better if porter wasn’t a character that had been introduced because they took his character and made him something the four guys were “jealous” of and she was all like “omg are the jealous because of my best friend that’s so hot!” like really? 🤔 and it is listed as why choose but it’s really choose elijah because she only really feels a connection with him and interacts with him the most and with the rest of the guys it’s purely sexual and her just saying she wants to fuck them. but i went into this thinking i’d like it because it is action and why choose and usually i eat these up, but i wasn’t really feeling it as much as i’d hoped too.
i couldn’t get over how bland it was tbh. i was reading and the plot was going nowhere and then there would be random bits about how she is a badass master at what she does and she is the coolest bitch in the CIA, but that’s about it. and the insta-love in this book was so fast it gave me whiplash 😵💫 don’t get me wrong i love insta-love when it’s done right, but they took one look at her come out of the bathroom with her fwb and were like “i want that one.” 😥 whatt? i feel like the whole beginning we could’ve done without and it would’ve been better if porter wasn’t a character that had been introduced because they took his character and made him something the four guys were “jealous” of and she was all like “omg are the jealous because of my best friend that’s so hot!” like really? 🤔 and it is listed as why choose but it’s really choose elijah because she only really feels a connection with him and interacts with him the most and with the rest of the guys it’s purely sexual and her just saying she wants to fuck them. but i went into this thinking i’d like it because it is action and why choose and usually i eat these up, but i wasn’t really feeling it as much as i’d hoped too.
March 27, 2023
One word: Awesome!!
CIA Specter is the first installment in the Specter Series and the debut novel of Wren White. Man, what is with the baby authors and their masterpieces?! I got hooked on to this just by reading the blurb and after finally finishing this in one sitting, I can proudly say that I enjoyed every second of it. Collins is badass in her own way along with the guys. The one thing that I loved her about is the fact that she knew when to take control and act according to situations. She listened to the guys' suggestions at times, without taking any offence. I loved her interactions with them and mostly with her adoptive dad.
Of course, the book ends in a cliffhanger and now I'm desperately in need of the second installment! There's nothing like a book filled with romance, reverse harem, action, CIA organisations and badass heroines all packed into one. Nonetheless to say, CIA Specter was like catnip to me.
CIA Specter is the first installment in the Specter Series and the debut novel of Wren White. Man, what is with the baby authors and their masterpieces?! I got hooked on to this just by reading the blurb and after finally finishing this in one sitting, I can proudly say that I enjoyed every second of it. Collins is badass in her own way along with the guys. The one thing that I loved her about is the fact that she knew when to take control and act according to situations. She listened to the guys' suggestions at times, without taking any offence. I loved her interactions with them and mostly with her adoptive dad.
Of course, the book ends in a cliffhanger and now I'm desperately in need of the second installment! There's nothing like a book filled with romance, reverse harem, action, CIA organisations and badass heroines all packed into one. Nonetheless to say, CIA Specter was like catnip to me.
July 21, 2023
Dnf 44% 135 pages.
So far absolutely nothing has happened. And I mean nothing! This book is all about the characters talking. There is no action there is no danger. You’d think 135 pages in, you’d have something but no. All they’ve done is walk around and scope out the place then come back to their house to talk about how they walked around and scoped out the place. Then call her dad and tell him how they walked around.
The character development is very superficial. His shirts off, instant love. She blushed, must be love.
Honestly the most interesting part of the book was the stalker at the very beginning, but this book isn’t even about that. She’s supposed to be some bad-A** but so far has showed nothing of the sort. Boring! It may get better but at almost halfway through, I’m giving up. Sorry.
So far absolutely nothing has happened. And I mean nothing! This book is all about the characters talking. There is no action there is no danger. You’d think 135 pages in, you’d have something but no. All they’ve done is walk around and scope out the place then come back to their house to talk about how they walked around and scoped out the place. Then call her dad and tell him how they walked around.
The character development is very superficial. His shirts off, instant love. She blushed, must be love.
Honestly the most interesting part of the book was the stalker at the very beginning, but this book isn’t even about that. She’s supposed to be some bad-A** but so far has showed nothing of the sort. Boring! It may get better but at almost halfway through, I’m giving up. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
2.5 stars. This book had the potential to be good, but it fell really flat. The characters had potential, but I just never felt drawn to any of them. The plot had potential, but the author clearly just focused on the romance aspect instead of making the plot in any way believable. The CIA’s best people? Yeah, ok… So then they just proceed to act as amateurs the entire book to the point that I was just rolling my eyes constantly by the time I finished it. Not to mention there was ZERO build up to the relationship. “Oh, we just met you and have never shared before, but you’re hot and talented so you’re going to just automatically agree to be in a relationship with all of us in just a week”. I try to stay away from writing negative reviews usually, but between the potential the book had and the bad editing and cringeworthy tense use, I was too annoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2022
Impressive for a debut novel. Lots of action and a mystery thrown in as Collins has to work with a team and becomes interested in the guys. Well written with good character development. As the group starts to navigate what a relationship might look like they’re actually approaching it likes adults with communication. My only negative is the ages of the characters. Collins is 22 and has been with her Dad since she was 10. Elijah knew her Dad as a SEAL and he’s on,y 35 to Collins’ 22. I have to assume the Dad was quite a bit older than Elijah for the timing to work and that Elijah stayed in after the Dad left. It’s really of zero importance to the plot but I just spent quite a bit of time in my head trying to reconcile all of the ages. Dumb but there you go,
November 5, 2022
I can’t believe this is Wren White’s first book! This story immediately drew me in and I was invested in all of the characters right away! I love the way Collins’ relationships seem to be developing with all of the guys and that for some of them sharing doesn’t come naturally or easily. I also really appreciate the way Wren focused on how important communication is in a polyamorous relationship and ensuring everyone is comfortable and on the same page. This really made the story feel more realistic to me. I would consider this to be more of a slow burn even though they each admit their feelings and desire for more pretty quickly. I will definitely be reading more from this author and can’t wait for book 2!
July 11, 2022
awesome book
Best book I’ve read in awhile and I read prolifically! The storyline pulls you right in, the characters are well thought out and the book keeps you invested and the action moving. I love the way the author wove in pieces of the characters past and blended them into the storyline. I love that this story has layers, keeps you guessing, and invested in wanting to read the next one! Whoever beta read this did a great job because I didn’t find any errors and I usually notice them all. All I can say is read this book- you’ll be glad you did! One small request of the author…write faster. I want book two like yesterday !!
Best book I’ve read in awhile and I read prolifically! The storyline pulls you right in, the characters are well thought out and the book keeps you invested and the action moving. I love the way the author wove in pieces of the characters past and blended them into the storyline. I love that this story has layers, keeps you guessing, and invested in wanting to read the next one! Whoever beta read this did a great job because I didn’t find any errors and I usually notice them all. All I can say is read this book- you’ll be glad you did! One small request of the author…write faster. I want book two like yesterday !!
July 12, 2022
So very good
I was surprised to get to the end and realize this is the author’s first book. The editing was amazing. The spy elements were perfect. It’s been a while since I have read such a well put together plot. I love all of the characters.
I wouldn’t even mind seeing Mateo and his group get their own story and even see how Porter turns out with his life.
The only thing I probably won’t like is the polyamory aspect . I am not a fan of harems where they have an individual relationship with the FMC instead of the regular group harem. This will not deter me from the story because, yes, it is that good. Plus cliffhanger!
I was surprised to get to the end and realize this is the author’s first book. The editing was amazing. The spy elements were perfect. It’s been a while since I have read such a well put together plot. I love all of the characters.
I wouldn’t even mind seeing Mateo and his group get their own story and even see how Porter turns out with his life.
The only thing I probably won’t like is the polyamory aspect . I am not a fan of harems where they have an individual relationship with the FMC instead of the regular group harem. This will not deter me from the story because, yes, it is that good. Plus cliffhanger!
April 22, 2023
This is a great first book to a hopefully impressive series. Collins is a badass and reminds me of jj or Emily on criminal minds. The entire book was action packed and really happened over only a few weeks so I can't wait to see how Collins relationship with the guys develops. I would like to get to know the guys a little more too, I feel like we got a brief overview of each one but no real depth yet. I also love that Collin's Was able to be the boss and show off her skills and still not be annoying and not take suggestions. I haven't read this author before but I definetly will be reading her from now on. This book makes you laugh, gasp with shock, and ugly cry I highly recommend.
June 14, 2025
I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I rolled my eyes ✨
This book was exactly what I wanted and needed. A FMC strong mentally and physically, that doesn’t need to be saved by her harem but could use their support instead. And MMCs that let her thrive as a badass, not controlling. They were definitely green flags in my opinion ! 🥰
And the way the harem isn’t an obvious choice for them at first and how they have to talk about it instead of it just being normal which we sadly know isn’t really how it goes in real life 😂
This was an awesome read, this book is so underrated for sure !
Now of to book 2 I go ! 😍
This book was exactly what I wanted and needed. A FMC strong mentally and physically, that doesn’t need to be saved by her harem but could use their support instead. And MMCs that let her thrive as a badass, not controlling. They were definitely green flags in my opinion ! 🥰
And the way the harem isn’t an obvious choice for them at first and how they have to talk about it instead of it just being normal which we sadly know isn’t really how it goes in real life 😂
This was an awesome read, this book is so underrated for sure !
Now of to book 2 I go ! 😍
July 16, 2022
Not so alone
This is a great debut novel for this author....way to come out strong.
The story line followed a bad a** lone wolf CIA agent after she is forced to work with a team. I liked the overall mission but idk I guess I expected more action. The author did do a good job of balancing relationship building with the CASE storyline. Loved the ending.... definitely will have you waiting for the next book
This is a great debut novel for this author....way to come out strong.
The story line followed a bad a** lone wolf CIA agent after she is forced to work with a team. I liked the overall mission but idk I guess I expected more action. The author did do a good job of balancing relationship building with the CASE storyline. Loved the ending.... definitely will have you waiting for the next book
July 19, 2022
Not a bad debut novel and start to a series.
I liked the concept, just needs more refining in some areas and others fleshed out more, particularly with the love interest, who I’m sure we’ll get to know more of in the next books.
Some things you can see coming, some threads are left open, and it does end on a cliffhanger. Minimal errors that I could see, which is not always common for a debut novel, and none too bad that pulled me out of the story.
I liked the concept, just needs more refining in some areas and others fleshed out more, particularly with the love interest, who I’m sure we’ll get to know more of in the next books.
Some things you can see coming, some threads are left open, and it does end on a cliffhanger. Minimal errors that I could see, which is not always common for a debut novel, and none too bad that pulled me out of the story.
July 31, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and the entire plot line. Im suspicious of everyone! Lol I cannot believe this is Wren White’s debut novel! I’m excited to get to know more about each of the guys and what Collins is truly capable of. There were a few minor things that need editing (words like break instead of brake), but they were so minor it didn’t detract from the story and you could easily figure it out. I’m wicked excited to see more from this author!
August 2, 2022
This book was so good! I loved all of the characters in this book. They just blend together so well. I love how confident Collins is and she doesn't doubt herself for a minute. They guys in this book all have their own strengths and all are fighting to get away from their pasts and Collins is able to help them with that. I love this series and I need the next book ASAP because that cliffhanger was just too much.
August 13, 2022
Couldn’t put it down!
Omg, fantastic, hot, steamy, strong female who doesn’t need her guys but wants them! Love the way the author is able to portray her strength yet meshes the group together seamlessly! I’m dying, I NEED the next book!! I don’t usually start a series unless it’s completed but this one sucked me in, not sure I can function in life hanging on the cliff! I’m desperate for the next book!!
Omg, fantastic, hot, steamy, strong female who doesn’t need her guys but wants them! Love the way the author is able to portray her strength yet meshes the group together seamlessly! I’m dying, I NEED the next book!! I don’t usually start a series unless it’s completed but this one sucked me in, not sure I can function in life hanging on the cliff! I’m desperate for the next book!!
August 29, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. I normally adore books like these. Full of action. This book was irritating because so many things didn't make sense. Why use an untraceable drug for an assassination when you use a full frontal assault basically to get into the mansion. You might as well have used a sniper or a gun.
She was training since she was 10 and 12? Seriously? COME ON. Its one thing to go to a shooting range here and there but the author implied that her 'father' would give her 'missions' since she was little. That made me a bit uncomfortable.
The insta-love was irritating to read. Knowing one another for less than 2 days and thinking about being with them forever is usually a red flag warning sign for a creeper in real life so I don't know why a lot of books think its cute. Its irritating.
The fmc was a bit irritating. She was constantly coming across as full of herself and internally talking about how great she was at things. It made me just not like her. Being humble I suppose is not one of her qualities.
She was training since she was 10 and 12? Seriously? COME ON. Its one thing to go to a shooting range here and there but the author implied that her 'father' would give her 'missions' since she was little. That made me a bit uncomfortable.
The insta-love was irritating to read. Knowing one another for less than 2 days and thinking about being with them forever is usually a red flag warning sign for a creeper in real life so I don't know why a lot of books think its cute. Its irritating.
The fmc was a bit irritating. She was constantly coming across as full of herself and internally talking about how great she was at things. It made me just not like her. Being humble I suppose is not one of her qualities.
August 29, 2022
I love that everyone is so chill in this book. It's a little insta-love-ish, but it's also refreshing to see emotionally mature adults acting as such and just just like assholes.
SPOILER
I also question why they planned to take someone out using an untraceable drug so it wouldn't be seen as an assassination when they then used guns and bombs as distractions to get in. That's announcing that the heart attack wasn't natural, and they might as well have just used the sniper.
SPOILER
I also question why they planned to take someone out using an untraceable drug so it wouldn't be seen as an assassination when they then used guns and bombs as distractions to get in. That's announcing that the heart attack wasn't natural, and they might as well have just used the sniper.
November 18, 2022
Dnf around 70%.
Read the room. I love stories about assassins, especially female ones, but I was really not okay with this one. The US government is known for being shady and assassinating foreign rulers, so this book endorsing those actions via our heroine was seriously not cool. I love morally grey characters, but our heroine was just a drone following orders. Her only personality trait that wasn't YAY AMERICA I LOVE THE CIA was that she wanted to fuck five guys. Major republican vibes.
Read the room. I love stories about assassins, especially female ones, but I was really not okay with this one. The US government is known for being shady and assassinating foreign rulers, so this book endorsing those actions via our heroine was seriously not cool. I love morally grey characters, but our heroine was just a drone following orders. Her only personality trait that wasn't YAY AMERICA I LOVE THE CIA was that she wanted to fuck five guys. Major republican vibes.
February 1, 2023
CIA Specter, the first book of the Specter series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Collins is a wonderful, well-balanced protagonist: strong, confident, competent, skilled, and straight-forward. I was also pleasantly surprised the writer made her adaptable to team input instead of a person who only looks at things from one angle. The story ended on a major cliffhanger, and I must admit, it's going to be difficult to wait for the next installment in this series.
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