The Samms Agenda

Smithson Group #1.2

by Alison Kent

From his piercing blue eyes to his commanding presence, everything about Julian Samms says all-business and no bull. He expects a lot from his team - some say too much. But that's how you keep people alive, by running things smooth, clean and quick. Under Julian's watch, that's how it plays. Except today. The mission was straightforward: Extract Katrina Flurry, ex-girlfriend of deposed Spectra frontman Peter Deacon from her Miami condo before a hit man can silence her for good. But things didn't go according to plan, and Julian's suddenly on the run with a woman who gives new meaning to high maintenance. Stuck in a cheap motel with a force of nature who seems determined to get them killed, Julian can't believe his luck. Katrina is infuriating, unpredictable, adorable, and possibly the most exciting, sexy woman he's ever met. A woman who makes Julian want to forget his playbook and go wild, spending hours in bed. And on the off-chance that they don't get out alive, Julian's new live-for-today motto is starting right now ...
NOTE: THE SAMMS AGENDA and THE SHAUGHNESSEY ACCORD, both novella-length, were reissued together in July 2008 as IN DANGER (a Wal-Mart exclusive). (Click URL below to view the cover.)

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

150 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

I often read of or hear about authors who knew they were meant to tell stories from the time they left the crib. Me? I didn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was thirty years old - and then sold my first book at thirty-four. Still, it was obvious that I always knew I was going places.

Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.

I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)

Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.

Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!

I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.

Reviews

[Bonnie G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, sexy, really well-written. My only issue is that it is super short. I got it as a library used book sale in a $6 bag, but I might have been a little miffed if I had spent $7.99 on a couple hours of reading material.

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julian Samms, operative for The Smithson Group, is MR COOL. No operation goes unplanned, no plan goes unexecuted, and that's how this agent rolls. Until he's assigned the protection/extraction gig from hell. He's supposed to rescue Ms. Katrina Flurry, lifestyle blogger to the rich and famous - and the girlfriend of the late Spectra IT crime boss. Spectra IT may want her dead, but a girl has standards, so the flight for her life will include back-seat driving, unscheduled stops at milady's insistence, etc. Julian's plans are scrambled eggs, and his libido is in full motorized meltdown long before before this crazy run for cover is over. It's a short book, and the plot zips along, carried by the witty and snarky dialogue writer Alison Kent does so well. The undercurrent of sexual tension just adds to the fun and the complexity. The action is roller-coaster crazy, and just as fast. By the end I was feeling a bit breathless, but holy moly, I loved the ride.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this is a fast read, but I feel there are pieces missing. I get Smithson Group is trying to bring down Spectra IT. The Group has assignments I just don't get how everything fits together. I like Katrina she is strong and not what you would think and she ask intelligent questions. Julian is to judgmental for my taste, yet when the chips were down he came through with a little help, from somebody very unexpected. This is an instant love story which is not my favorite. In my opinion this is not for everybody, the series is to choppy. There is more action in this one and there is a little suspense.

[Aleta · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first 2 books in this series, I had hoped to see more that just another sexy book with a plot line thrown in as an afterthought. Instead, there was no character development, no relationship development(other than via sex), and no development of plot information about Spectra that would move the series along. As in the first 2 books, the ending was awkward and unfulfilling.

I am probably done with this series even though I think there are several more.

[Larisa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow

Who knew a story that covers only a couple days could warm a heart so much. Beautiful story full of action, adventure and characters so real and believable. Your pulled into the story, just like watching a big box office movie, almost a part of it, watching while everything takes place.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome storytelling!

This book is the best roller coaster ride I have been on in a long time. Flying bullets, a bikini clad woman and a warrior in a Hugo Boss suit are on the run with tires squealing and more flying bullets. And that's just the first 5 minutes. Julian and Katrina have chemistry that's so hot it's explosive. Awesome storytelling.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I like the characters, the story, the suspense, and the happily ever after. I enjoy Alison Kent's stories and her writing. An enjoyable and fast read.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line. Quick and easy read.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun ride!! This was a great rollercoaster of a read...not too long, just right for an afternoon by the pool.

[Ballerina60 · Rating 4 out of 5]

what motel? she tells the bad guy she left her wallet in the motel; he seems to know about "the motel" which is also mentioned in the blurb on the back of the book. apparently the motel was edited out of the book except for the conversation with the bad guy and the blurb on the back. wow, editors, do your job. the hero could have fooled the hateful queen and shot a bag of dirt and buried it-- just sayin'. also, after use of the first condom, that word seems to have been edited-out also! otherwise, i really enjoyed the story. but maybe we could get an explanation of why the hero speaks chinese??

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun romp in the sheets, of paper ;) Quick and entertaining read. Sexy, good fun. Great beach reading! Don't want to add too much since the book is short and I wouldn't want to spoil anything. It's like reading a fantasy that many women have daydreamed about and someone put it in book form. Strong women and super hot men in dangerous situations, crazy passion, and even love. Don't expect to come away from this book enlightened or anything. Expect to have a big smile on your face :) I'd check out the others in the series.

[Carisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short reading. Loved the action and H/h. Part of as series but can be read as stand alone.
HERO is a Warrior, a very sexy, dominant, elite paramilitary operative who falls in love with he woman he's protecting.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/steamy
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/action
PAGES: 112 pages

[Karen Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

5