Breaking All the Rules

The DARK Files #4

by Susan Vaughan

"This operation just got a whole lot more dangerous."

How would he ever survive? Undercover in the Caribbean, maverick federal agent Simon Byrne reluctantly found himself partnered with the one woman he couldn't bear to be near. He had to keep his distance, remain professional--even if that meant ignoring the tropical heat smoldering between them. Because Janna Harris wasn't just another agent. She was a part of his past, the widow of a traitor...and the only woman who could tear down his defenses with a glance. Simon couldn't afford to be distracted by the woman he'd once failed...or the secret she was hiding.

Genres: Romance

256 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

I wanted to write as soon as I learned to read. I dabbled with stories and poems for years, but didn't start writing seriously until many years later. My favorite books have always been mysteries and romances, so the mix in romantic suspense was a natural. I love writing romantic suspense because it throws the hero and heroine together under extraordinary circumstances and pits them against a clever villain.
My books have been both a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Nominee and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Reviewers have called my books fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed, sizzling, and highly emotional.
I have also published two children's picture storybooks, Sleigh Magic and Stowaways: a Maine Pirate Tale.
I am a West Virginia native but I have lived for many years on the coast of Maine.
For more information about my books, please visit me at www.susanvaughan.com or as Susan Vaughan, Author on FaceBook.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

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[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: In this book, agent Simon Byrne goes undercover to stop an arms dealer on a lush Caribbean Island. Unfortunately, he is teamed up with Janna – the one woman he lost. Simon is a bit of a rebel—he’s an excellent agent but tends to do things his own way. Janna is a nerd, not used to field work. I loved how Simon referred to her as “Q”. Both characters had issues, but especially Janna. She’s the widow of a “hero” who everyone admired, but behind closed doors, he was an abusive thug. When Simon and Janna are teamed up for this mission, they work together well even when things go south.

I loved the interplay between Simon and Janna and there are enough twists and turns in the story to keep you reading. The ending is satisfying with a “happy for now” that makes you think it will turn into a “happily ever after” for the two of them.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel and a geek

I love the story. The characters found healing from each other. I love the suspense. It is very much intriguing.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action-packed thriller of a romantic suspense story, Dark Rules (The DARK Files 3) sure delivers. An international arms dealer selling uranium in a Caribbean setting with two dedicated DARK officers working together but also with secret agendas, Susan Vaughan has crafted a compelling read. The bad guys are smart and despicable while the good guys are smarter and admirable. Also, Simon and Jenna are fighting a major attraction to each other. They have a big job to do and a lot will be lost if they fail. This is all within in a tightly structured plot making it attention holding up to the very end.

Dark Rules (The DARK Files 3) is the first book I have read by Susan Vaughan. It most certainly will not be the last. I found the first book available for free and have also purchased the second book. That should be a recommendation for this book and the series.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book through Choosy Bookworm Promotions.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK RULES by Sarah Vaughan book 3 in the Dark Files series. Another great thriller with a love interest from the past. We have a uranium mission that Simon and Janna are working on before it is sold to the wrong people, causing world conflicts. She is looking for answers to husband death, was he reckless or guilty of selling information. If a treason investigation came about Jenna's secrets would also. Simon job was to see if she was guilty, and he felt guilty having to do it. The tension of the past, secrets, not the friendliness they had before. With only the two of them working on this mission. Gripping story to keep you to the end, good for all to read and enjoy. Given ARC for my voluntary and my honest opinion.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janna working for the DARK agency, is now questioned if she was also in the gun trading that her late husband had been into. They send Simon a friend and also work for the agency to check her out. Seeing footage of her husband meeting with an arm dealer, was a shock and also why was he wearing a wig, and clothing to be in a disguised person. What follows, is an adventure on a remote island of trying to leer the main guy off the island to get him for being the top guy in the gun trading, could it be done. A fast moving plot, and can be read separate from the series.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it

Good story, interesting twists, and well written characters. It kept me interested. It didn't gloss over the tech aspects, but also kept them simply for those who aren't super techy

[Abbey]

It was okay. I didn't finish it because I started not to like it.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like 3.5. I really enjoyed Jana and Simon, their trust especially was nice to see in a contemporary romance. The actual case and some repetitive phrases bogged things down some though.

[starla mcmanigal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review

This was a well written series full of action and adventure. There's all the components of a good fast literary ride.