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Counter Ops
After being sold in the Elite Auction, Ivy resides among the Elites in the Red Zone, where she's expected to marry a powerful member of the Enlightened Society and join the corrupt organization. As the wedding fast approaches, Ivy concludes that no one can save her but herself, and if she's going to escape, then she'll do her best to aid the resistance and bring down the Society. Desperate to gain her freedom back from her ruthless buyer, she devises a strategy to steal top-secret documents and flee with the hopes of being reunited with her brother . But not everything goes according to plan.
Meanwhile, Nixon, the resistance leader of the Green Zone, who narrowly escaped his execution, is facing his own struggles of rebuilding himself after captivity. He must keep his group intact and prove to everyone (and himself) that he's still capable of continuing to fight against the Enlightened Society. Between the crushing guilt of failing to keep Ivy safe and being plagued by his memories of the Red Zone, Nixon is breaking. But he refuses to let it consume him and is determined to save Ivy and fulfill his mission, even if it means defying the Commander.
Meanwhile, Nixon, the resistance leader of the Green Zone, who narrowly escaped his execution, is facing his own struggles of rebuilding himself after captivity. He must keep his group intact and prove to everyone (and himself) that he's still capable of continuing to fight against the Enlightened Society. Between the crushing guilt of failing to keep Ivy safe and being plagued by his memories of the Red Zone, Nixon is breaking. But he refuses to let it consume him and is determined to save Ivy and fulfill his mission, even if it means defying the Commander.
422 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2021
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Scurlock
2 books26 followersJessica Scurlock is a NorCal native currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and their two children. Her debut novel, Pretty Lies, is a project she began at the age of fifteen, abandoned for nearly six years, and picked up again at twenty-one-years old.
When she's not writing, Jessica enjoys immersing herself in the flow arts (hula hooping and contact staff), singing, critiquing other writers' manuscripts, moshing with her husband at metal concerts, and traveling.
IG: jess_scurlockauthor
When she's not writing, Jessica enjoys immersing herself in the flow arts (hula hooping and contact staff), singing, critiquing other writers' manuscripts, moshing with her husband at metal concerts, and traveling.
IG: jess_scurlockauthor
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 12, 2021
I had the happy honor of being a beta reader for this heartbreaking and gut wrenching continuation of Jessica Scurlock's Pretty Lies dystopian saga. To say that this story didn't have me gripped from beginning to end would be a lie. Nixon and Ivy's personal journeys take the reader down paths that tear at your heart strings as they try to find their way back to each other. It's a truly gripping experience to dive so deeply into the minds of two tortured souls trying to survive and make their way through a world that doesn't seem to want them. Each character is so unique and their perspectives so individual that the narrative is natural and perfect for each of them. You will feel for them, want to reach out to them, and have the desire to jump right into the pages themselves and help them both. I cannot WAIT to have this book on my shelf, and I most certainly can't wait for the third book to come out so I can continue the journey Jessica has laid out for us.
July 13, 2021
I fell in love with Jessica Scurlock’s writing whilst reading Pretty Lies. I always find it interesting picking up a new series because I always wonder if anything beyond the first novel can live up to the standards of its elder book sibling.
In this case however, I needn’t have worried.
If Pretty Lies was a gem, then Counter Ops is definitely a black diamond — the darker, more intense and action-packed sequel to an already stunning debut.
In Counter Ops, we meet a familiar duo, Ivy and Nixon, as they face the aftermath of the Elite Auction, and each endure its painful consequences. We follow their journey as they try to escape their fate and attempt to come to each other’s rescue — in more ways than one.
With this second opus, we find everything we loved with Pretty Lies. It’s impeccably written, beautifully paced and incredibly gripping. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat until the very last word and it’ll leave you begging for the third book to just be released already!
I loved the perfectly-balanced split POV, and personally enjoyed every single moment spent in Nixon’s company. I’m confident readers will come to adore some of the new additions to the cast who bring fresh voices to the story and spice things up deliciously.
The beauty of this book, in my opinion, is Scurlock’s master handling of incredibly complex topics such as abuse and PTSD. She gives a colourful, convincing and oh-so realistic account of how people deal with hardship and recover from trauma. It’s not embellished. It’s not romanticized. It’s real, and raw, and incredibly poignant. The accuracy of it makes the hair on your body stand on end.
I’m so honoured to have been able to beta read Counter Ops ahead of its release and I, for one, cannot wait to see what else Scurlock has in store.
In this case however, I needn’t have worried.
If Pretty Lies was a gem, then Counter Ops is definitely a black diamond — the darker, more intense and action-packed sequel to an already stunning debut.
In Counter Ops, we meet a familiar duo, Ivy and Nixon, as they face the aftermath of the Elite Auction, and each endure its painful consequences. We follow their journey as they try to escape their fate and attempt to come to each other’s rescue — in more ways than one.
With this second opus, we find everything we loved with Pretty Lies. It’s impeccably written, beautifully paced and incredibly gripping. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat until the very last word and it’ll leave you begging for the third book to just be released already!
I loved the perfectly-balanced split POV, and personally enjoyed every single moment spent in Nixon’s company. I’m confident readers will come to adore some of the new additions to the cast who bring fresh voices to the story and spice things up deliciously.
The beauty of this book, in my opinion, is Scurlock’s master handling of incredibly complex topics such as abuse and PTSD. She gives a colourful, convincing and oh-so realistic account of how people deal with hardship and recover from trauma. It’s not embellished. It’s not romanticized. It’s real, and raw, and incredibly poignant. The accuracy of it makes the hair on your body stand on end.
I’m so honoured to have been able to beta read Counter Ops ahead of its release and I, for one, cannot wait to see what else Scurlock has in store.
June 22, 2021
Raw, gut-wrenching, and compelling, COUNTER OPS drags you into the darkest depths of the Enlightened Society and chills you to your core. A gripping tale of an all-too-real world from a talented author!
First, the writing. Well done! As an author myself, I feel like I'm more critical of writing than I've ever been. Scurlock knocked it out of the park.
Next, the characters. We got to spend more time with Liam (Ivy's brother & a personal fav from Book 1) and I loved that! Ivy had to go through some sh*t in this book, but she grew a lot and I enjoyed her journey. Nixon, while I still love him, was a bit of butt, and many times throughout the book I was like, "dude, chill out..." But I also recognize he went through some pretty rough sh*t as well. I still ship Ivy and Nixon so hard! *squeals in love*
Next, the pacing. I never felt bored. It kept me turning the page! I devoured the first half of the book in a day (and I'd definitely consider myself to be a slow reader.) The story arc was well-planned and the beats hit just right.
And the END (no spoilers, but WHHHAATTTT!?!?!?) I need book 3. ASAP!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy to read in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
First, the writing. Well done! As an author myself, I feel like I'm more critical of writing than I've ever been. Scurlock knocked it out of the park.
Next, the characters. We got to spend more time with Liam (Ivy's brother & a personal fav from Book 1) and I loved that! Ivy had to go through some sh*t in this book, but she grew a lot and I enjoyed her journey. Nixon, while I still love him, was a bit of butt, and many times throughout the book I was like, "dude, chill out..." But I also recognize he went through some pretty rough sh*t as well. I still ship Ivy and Nixon so hard! *squeals in love*
Next, the pacing. I never felt bored. It kept me turning the page! I devoured the first half of the book in a day (and I'd definitely consider myself to be a slow reader.) The story arc was well-planned and the beats hit just right.
And the END (no spoilers, but WHHHAATTTT!?!?!?) I need book 3. ASAP!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy to read in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
November 4, 2021
A video version of this review is available here: https://youtu.be/XrQjL-BtIQw
Counter Ops is the second novel by Jessica Scurlock and a direct sequel to her stunning debut Pretty Lies.
Full disclosure, Jessica and I have exchanged our work a few times. We have grown a friendship over a mutual respect for each other's work. There is a bit of tough love in this review but that is because I want her third book to blow my mind even more!
So, how would I describe this book?
Grittier. The action is grittier. The characters are grittier. During the fights, Counter Ops will have you feeling like you are there with your back up against the wall and your life on the line. Then, the intense dialogue will have you wanting to throw punches along with Ivy and Nixon. Grittier.
A big change this time is that we have two POVs. Where Ivy carried almost the entire first novel, Nixon presents us half the story in Counter Ops. The early swapping of POVs makes the first third of the book much better than if it had only been Ivy. My only complaint on the new POV is most of the major story twists and turns still belong to Ivy, and I was hoping for a Nixon bombshell in the back half that would rattle us like the grenades that go off in the Ivy story. There is the third book coming so the bombshell could be waiting for us, and that could give everything we know about Nixon another layer.
I also have one other nitpick. I wanted more from the Ivy and Wyatt section. I don’t give spoilers, but that part is very well done and I wish we had another 5,000 words of these two characters interacting. Their dynamic was intense and could have supported at least 2 more chapters before they diverged paths.
Even with those criticisms, I am still giving this 4 stars. Counter Ops has multiple amazing moments. Too good to talk about even. You have to read Pretty Lies and get to the moments in Counter Ops to earn them. Me spoiling them here would do the twists and turns such a disservice.
The other thing I want to highlight is that Jessica Scurlock has amazing writing around two tough-to-handle subjects–PTSD and abuse. Some moments in these stories are very dark, but Jessica is never going for straight shock value. Instead, what she is doing is setting the reader up so she can paint her pages later with believable thoughts and characters that show the reader what it actually is like to process a horrific moment.
Human trafficking is an issue Jessica takes very seriously and she is an official ambassador for Free for Life International. After reading Pretty Lies last year I watched DAMNED TO HEAVEN, a documentary based on a Jon Krakauer novel. If you don’t know what human trafficking looks like, watch that documentary and pick up Jessica Scurlock’s books.
Keep writing Jessica! So proud of this sequel. I have been reading ARCs from publishers the last few months and this story is not far behind in terms of characters, pacing, and polish.
Counter Ops is the second novel by Jessica Scurlock and a direct sequel to her stunning debut Pretty Lies.
Full disclosure, Jessica and I have exchanged our work a few times. We have grown a friendship over a mutual respect for each other's work. There is a bit of tough love in this review but that is because I want her third book to blow my mind even more!
So, how would I describe this book?
Grittier. The action is grittier. The characters are grittier. During the fights, Counter Ops will have you feeling like you are there with your back up against the wall and your life on the line. Then, the intense dialogue will have you wanting to throw punches along with Ivy and Nixon. Grittier.
A big change this time is that we have two POVs. Where Ivy carried almost the entire first novel, Nixon presents us half the story in Counter Ops. The early swapping of POVs makes the first third of the book much better than if it had only been Ivy. My only complaint on the new POV is most of the major story twists and turns still belong to Ivy, and I was hoping for a Nixon bombshell in the back half that would rattle us like the grenades that go off in the Ivy story. There is the third book coming so the bombshell could be waiting for us, and that could give everything we know about Nixon another layer.
I also have one other nitpick. I wanted more from the Ivy and Wyatt section. I don’t give spoilers, but that part is very well done and I wish we had another 5,000 words of these two characters interacting. Their dynamic was intense and could have supported at least 2 more chapters before they diverged paths.
Even with those criticisms, I am still giving this 4 stars. Counter Ops has multiple amazing moments. Too good to talk about even. You have to read Pretty Lies and get to the moments in Counter Ops to earn them. Me spoiling them here would do the twists and turns such a disservice.
The other thing I want to highlight is that Jessica Scurlock has amazing writing around two tough-to-handle subjects–PTSD and abuse. Some moments in these stories are very dark, but Jessica is never going for straight shock value. Instead, what she is doing is setting the reader up so she can paint her pages later with believable thoughts and characters that show the reader what it actually is like to process a horrific moment.
Human trafficking is an issue Jessica takes very seriously and she is an official ambassador for Free for Life International. After reading Pretty Lies last year I watched DAMNED TO HEAVEN, a documentary based on a Jon Krakauer novel. If you don’t know what human trafficking looks like, watch that documentary and pick up Jessica Scurlock’s books.
Keep writing Jessica! So proud of this sequel. I have been reading ARCs from publishers the last few months and this story is not far behind in terms of characters, pacing, and polish.
September 20, 2021
Jessica Scurlock delivers again in this dark and gripping follow-up to Pretty Lies.
*Note: If you haven't read Pretty Lies yet, this review contains spoilers!
Set in a dystopian future where a select group of families--or Elites--have complete control over the rest of the population, Ivy Clearson is kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder. Torn from her friends and family and forced into an arranged marriage, Ivy must learn survive her abusive fiancé, Wyatt, while simultaneously gathering as much information as she can for the resistance . . . which may or may not even be looking for her.
Meanwhile, Nixon--a resistance leader--deals with the aftermath of his own imprisonment while trying to convince his comrades to locate Ivy and rescue her from the Elites before it's too late.
Overall, I found Counter Ops to be a great read. The dialogue is well-written and believable; the setting is thoughtfully described; and aside from a few issues with tense shifts, the grammar and mechanics flow well.
Ultimately, the reason I'm giving Counter Ops four stars instead of five boils down to characterization, believability, and off-screen events.
The story is told from the P.O.V.s of both Ivy and Nixon, but without reading the chapter titles, it's very difficult to tell them apart as narrators. Honestly, the story could have been limited to Ivy with very little information being lost. Additionally, the Nixon that we see in Ivy's chapters doesn't always line up with the Nixon that we see in Nixon's chapters. (In other words, Nixon is a stronger, more distinct character when we see him through Ivy's eyes, but when we're inside his head, he's almost indistinguishable from Ivy.) Still, I totally ship them. :P
As for believability, I could get behind almost everything that happened, serendipity et al . . . except the injuries. Mostly, this comment is aimed at the Nixon chapters. With the injuries he sustained immediately before the opening of Counter Ops, the likelihood of him being able to haul ass around the Northern Unity and beyond is very slim. Even with love on the line, training, fighting, and running with multiple broken ribs, severe lacerations, and broken fingers would be a lot more difficult than even the character, himself, seems to notice. Do I think it could be done? Yes. Willpower is an incredible thing, especially where adrenaline is involved. Do I think it could be done for 3-4 days straight with the character forgetting he's even injured 75% of the time? No, probably not.
Finally, in the first few chapters of the book, there was definitely a gap that led to quite a bit of showing instead of telling. Instead of hearing about Ivy's first few weeks with Wyatt secondhand, this book would have been even better if we had gotten to experience the terror of those initial days alongside her. Dropping in after she's already survived a few weeks makes us, as readers, doubt if she's ever really in mortal danger. Meeting Wyatt and getting to know him as Ivy does is a crucial step in developing him as a villain--in making us fear him--and without it, he's left a bit one-dimensional, which does a disservice to Ivy and the traumas she endures.
Ultimately, these critiques were certainly not enough to deter me, and I would absolutely recommend this series to lovers of dark and gritty dystopian fiction. The plot is compelling, the characters are interesting, and at the end of each book, I'm always itching to find out what will happen next!
Can't wait to meet up with Ivy and Nixon in Book 3!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
*Note: If you haven't read Pretty Lies yet, this review contains spoilers!
Set in a dystopian future where a select group of families--or Elites--have complete control over the rest of the population, Ivy Clearson is kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder. Torn from her friends and family and forced into an arranged marriage, Ivy must learn survive her abusive fiancé, Wyatt, while simultaneously gathering as much information as she can for the resistance . . . which may or may not even be looking for her.
Meanwhile, Nixon--a resistance leader--deals with the aftermath of his own imprisonment while trying to convince his comrades to locate Ivy and rescue her from the Elites before it's too late.
Overall, I found Counter Ops to be a great read. The dialogue is well-written and believable; the setting is thoughtfully described; and aside from a few issues with tense shifts, the grammar and mechanics flow well.
Ultimately, the reason I'm giving Counter Ops four stars instead of five boils down to characterization, believability, and off-screen events.
The story is told from the P.O.V.s of both Ivy and Nixon, but without reading the chapter titles, it's very difficult to tell them apart as narrators. Honestly, the story could have been limited to Ivy with very little information being lost. Additionally, the Nixon that we see in Ivy's chapters doesn't always line up with the Nixon that we see in Nixon's chapters. (In other words, Nixon is a stronger, more distinct character when we see him through Ivy's eyes, but when we're inside his head, he's almost indistinguishable from Ivy.) Still, I totally ship them. :P
As for believability, I could get behind almost everything that happened, serendipity et al . . . except the injuries. Mostly, this comment is aimed at the Nixon chapters. With the injuries he sustained immediately before the opening of Counter Ops, the likelihood of him being able to haul ass around the Northern Unity and beyond is very slim. Even with love on the line, training, fighting, and running with multiple broken ribs, severe lacerations, and broken fingers would be a lot more difficult than even the character, himself, seems to notice. Do I think it could be done? Yes. Willpower is an incredible thing, especially where adrenaline is involved. Do I think it could be done for 3-4 days straight with the character forgetting he's even injured 75% of the time? No, probably not.
Finally, in the first few chapters of the book, there was definitely a gap that led to quite a bit of showing instead of telling. Instead of hearing about Ivy's first few weeks with Wyatt secondhand, this book would have been even better if we had gotten to experience the terror of those initial days alongside her. Dropping in after she's already survived a few weeks makes us, as readers, doubt if she's ever really in mortal danger. Meeting Wyatt and getting to know him as Ivy does is a crucial step in developing him as a villain--in making us fear him--and without it, he's left a bit one-dimensional, which does a disservice to Ivy and the traumas she endures.
Ultimately, these critiques were certainly not enough to deter me, and I would absolutely recommend this series to lovers of dark and gritty dystopian fiction. The plot is compelling, the characters are interesting, and at the end of each book, I'm always itching to find out what will happen next!
Can't wait to meet up with Ivy and Nixon in Book 3!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2021
I was given a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
Counter Ops is the sequel to Pretty Lies, and what an exciting sequel it was. Scurlock not only showed clear and sensible changes within some of the characters in this book as they navigated their own personal traumas, she also took the plot itself to another level. The stakes are higher, the messages more thought-provoking and the connection and worry I felt for the characters was greater. It was so good to be back in Ivy and Nixon’s world! In fact, I loved every minute of it. This book offers a closer glimpse into the world of human trafficking, making this second book in the series a more gritty and eye-opening adventure. Huge praise to Scurlock for creating such a strategically written sequel. I’m very excited for the next book in the series!
Counter Ops is the sequel to Pretty Lies, and what an exciting sequel it was. Scurlock not only showed clear and sensible changes within some of the characters in this book as they navigated their own personal traumas, she also took the plot itself to another level. The stakes are higher, the messages more thought-provoking and the connection and worry I felt for the characters was greater. It was so good to be back in Ivy and Nixon’s world! In fact, I loved every minute of it. This book offers a closer glimpse into the world of human trafficking, making this second book in the series a more gritty and eye-opening adventure. Huge praise to Scurlock for creating such a strategically written sequel. I’m very excited for the next book in the series!
September 20, 2021
Massive thank you too Jessica Scurlock for letting me be one of her ARC readers for Counter Ops the second book in her Pretty Lies Series. Also thank you for sending me the first one so I could get a better view on the world since I wasn’t an ARC for the first one.
With this you can expect my voluntarily and honest opinion about this book.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect since it was one of the first dystopian books I ever read. I loved every second of it. If I had enough time in my day I would have finished it in one day.
In this second book we have the viewpoint of Ivy as well as Nixon, which I love. You get a chance to know both characters better and see how they each individually handle abuse/trauma/PTSD. Often topics like these get romanticized in books, which I find a real problem. The way it’s written in accurate and realistic.
The pacing is perfect, like literally when I told myself ‘after this chapter I’m gonna go to sleep’ I probably read like 5 more chapters. I just kept turning the pages.
And what do I say, I hate that I love endings like these. I can’t wait for the third book!
Counter Ops - 2nd part of the Pretty Lies series - will be out November 5th.
With this you can expect my voluntarily and honest opinion about this book.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect since it was one of the first dystopian books I ever read. I loved every second of it. If I had enough time in my day I would have finished it in one day.
In this second book we have the viewpoint of Ivy as well as Nixon, which I love. You get a chance to know both characters better and see how they each individually handle abuse/trauma/PTSD. Often topics like these get romanticized in books, which I find a real problem. The way it’s written in accurate and realistic.
The pacing is perfect, like literally when I told myself ‘after this chapter I’m gonna go to sleep’ I probably read like 5 more chapters. I just kept turning the pages.
And what do I say, I hate that I love endings like these. I can’t wait for the third book!
Counter Ops - 2nd part of the Pretty Lies series - will be out November 5th.
January 13, 2022
Just like I didn't have the words to describe the first book ("Pretty Lies") I don't have the words to describe this one either.
I love that we get into Nixon's head in the second installment. I love Ivy's will in the second book. I just love everything about this story.
Scurlock tackles tough topics in her book and at the end this book will leave you setting back going "What did I just read?"
It's such an amazing read laced with troublesome truths we could all stand to pay attention too.
And that ending! I need the third book now! (Takes a deep breath and hurries up and waits for fall.)
I said it on the first book and I'll stay it again. Please, just read these books. You won't be sorry you did.
I love that we get into Nixon's head in the second installment. I love Ivy's will in the second book. I just love everything about this story.
Scurlock tackles tough topics in her book and at the end this book will leave you setting back going "What did I just read?"
It's such an amazing read laced with troublesome truths we could all stand to pay attention too.
And that ending! I need the third book now! (Takes a deep breath and hurries up and waits for fall.)
I said it on the first book and I'll stay it again. Please, just read these books. You won't be sorry you did.
July 21, 2022
Scurlock has done it again! The Pretty Lies series has ripped my heart to pieces for a second time and I am already ready for more! With "Counter Ops" we dive even deeper into this messed up society and seeing each of its victims just plunges the knife in my heart even deeper. Again Scurlock has given one of the best examples of 1st POV I've ever read and it makes these scenes and high stakes so real. At times I found myself really disliking a few characters, and that is in no way a criticism it is actually a really high praise. The tension shown in the switching POVs really put me in the character's shoes and if they didn't like someone I was right along with them. As the tension begins to ease up I feel it too and my feelings change. The hints sprinkled throughout the story had me anticipating a certain plot twist but even when I was expecting it, it still slapped me in the face! New characters are introduced that I absolutely adore, Seb is the best, and it was nice to see more of Liam. I'm excited (and honestly downright terrified) to see what is next for these characters! Scurlock is an author I will always buy because her stories stand for something big and that means the world to me.
June 14, 2022
I had the absolute honor of being a beta reader for this amazing book.
Counter Ops is the sequel to Pretty Lies and it does not disappoint. Picks up right where Pretty Lies ended and takes you on an adrenaline filled adventure full of "whoo-hoo's" and "oh no's!". Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you will yourself to read faster!
This is book is in multi POV, but I feel the author does a fantastic job with the transitions from one POV to another. As well as she did a great job with each character development, showcasing the difference in personalities flawlessly which helps the reader to keep up with each character along with the switch of POVs.
Just like in Pretty Lies, I feel the author does a phenomenal job with painting the story in the readers head. Her skill in descriptive imagery is incredible and sure to make you feel like you're watching a movie as you read the words, soaking them all in.
I highly recommend this book and I absolutely can not wait until the next installment of the series!!
Counter Ops is the sequel to Pretty Lies and it does not disappoint. Picks up right where Pretty Lies ended and takes you on an adrenaline filled adventure full of "whoo-hoo's" and "oh no's!". Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you will yourself to read faster!
This is book is in multi POV, but I feel the author does a fantastic job with the transitions from one POV to another. As well as she did a great job with each character development, showcasing the difference in personalities flawlessly which helps the reader to keep up with each character along with the switch of POVs.
Just like in Pretty Lies, I feel the author does a phenomenal job with painting the story in the readers head. Her skill in descriptive imagery is incredible and sure to make you feel like you're watching a movie as you read the words, soaking them all in.
I highly recommend this book and I absolutely can not wait until the next installment of the series!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews