ARC provided by the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't able to read this book in time to give a proper review.

Madeleine /Maddy was now an Alliance operative. Maddy was the first female to be accepted to the order of the Alliance. She shows no fear or hesitation when facing the dangers and fights for what is right. But also to keep the Alliance a secret society. Jack had been with the Alliance for years. Jack's team is in Mexico trying to find the USB stick. Jacob and his connections are still acting in the name of the Illuminati and Will; is still trying to get the higher up in the Illuminati to take the threat seriously. Both men are looking for the USB drive which has vital information on both groups. The Russian mob is involved. Jack is still a young man but seems battle weary and drained. Jack feels he is undeserving of love and happiness. Jack and Maddie had been in a passionate relationship in the past but then Jack broke it off and broke her heart. You can see the unresolved feelings between these two. Jack wants a second chance with Maddie but he is going to have to tell her why he ended things and hope she can forgive him and understand. There is a war going on between the Alliance and Illuminati. Also old enemies are after Jack.
This book just wasn’t for me. I thought this book would hold my interest but it didn’t I am sure there are a lot of people who will love this. There were a lot of assassins and action in this book even some romance It just wasn’t for me.

Concealed is the second book in the Dark Alliance series. We were introduced to Maddie and Jack in the first book, Alliance. The underlying chemistry between the two is hinted at in the first book, so I was very excited to see that the second book was about them. Kate SeRine does not disappoint. The chemistry is scalding, the action fast and furious, and the romance is a thing of legends.

Maddie Blake has resigned from the FBI and is now a member of the Dark Alliance. Will, her commanding officer, has placed her on Jack’s team. This normally would not be a problem only…Jack is her ex. The tension between these two is enough to heat up Hades. Will they chance love again or will Jack’s past finally catch up to him?

Maddie is one tough lady. Yes, lady- sure she can hang with the boys but at the end of the day this gal is classy. Classy with a gun, who is not afraid to use it. She is also fearless and a bit on the reckless side if a loved one is in danger. She tries very hard to keep her relationship on the ice. Being hurt in the past by him has taught her a thing or two.

Jack is all male. He wants to protect Maddie more form his past than anything else. Yet, he knows that her not knowing is what puts her in even greater danger than anything else. He knows he has a lot to atone for and he is relentless in his pursuit of Maddie’s forgiveness as well as her heart.

Concealed may be my favorite Kate SeRine book to date. Yes, I’ve read them all (she is a fabulous writer). There is something about this one. It doesn’t feel like the second book in the series at all. If you like suspense, action and romance this is the book for you.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote There’s only so much damage a relationship can take before it’s beyond repair.

Other People
Kozlou- from Jack’s past
Stone- bad guy
Claire- reporter
Will- bossman

Being the only female initiate of the elite undercover society, the Dark Alliance, former FBI agent Madeleine Blake feels she has a lot to prove especially to her former lover, Alliance operative Jack Grayson. Since joining Jack’s team, Maddie’s been keeping her distance, not wanting to relive every moment they shared during their brief affair. But when a mission goes bad Maddie is ready to walk away until Jack’s cover is blown putting his life in danger.

Before meeting Maddie, Jack Grayson thought happiness was impossible. . But now that they’re on the run for their lives and Jack has Maddie in his arms again, he realizes their love is the only thing in his life that’s real. And this time, there’s no way in hell he’s letting it slip away

Concealed

Dark Alliance Series - Book 2


By Kate SeRine

Zebra - April 2017

Romanctic Suspense



Concealed is the second book in Kate SeRine's Dark Alliance series and does contain spoilers.

Madeleine Blake's work had always been dangerous. She had been an FBI agent, and now she was the first female initiate of the Dark Alliance, a modern day Knight Templar. But that wasn't the riskiest part of her life. No, it was her relationship with Jack Grayson. A man she had been making a life with, then he had disappeared. The fact that she now knew he did it "for her protection" didn't make it easier to work with him.

Jack was a Dark Alliance agent, and he knew full well the difficulties of having a life outside his work. He had left Maddie, but she was still in his heart. He would always want to protect her, even though he knew she was a fully capable agent. But Jack had enemies from his past, enemies that were even now getting closer, and he had no intention of allowing Maddie, or anyone else he cared for, to get caught in the cross-fire.

Concealed begins in the middle of a critical operation, and the action and suspense never stops. However it is the emotion between these two individuals that is the heart of the story. There is no question that their love is still strong, despite years, lies and betrayal. It was truly enjoyable watching as they finally acknowledge that having a life together is not something they can just wish to have, but something that they can choose to fight for. There are a lot of fascinating operatives fighting the evil in the world, and I look forward to the next hero finding his heroine in the next Dark Alliance book.

I have chosen to DNF this title. While I appreciate the idea that a second chance romance means the characters have a past, the way this was written left me feeling like I was constantly missing some information that I should have. I was intrigued by the premise, but this was too difficult for me to engage with the emotion of the story and I have chosen not to finish the title.

Thank you,
Laura

This was not what I thought it would be. It's like the DaVinci Code meets Divergent (maybe?).

There's a love story, but also two groups vying for power or is one trying to gain control while the other is trying to preserve anonymity? I don't honestly know for sure. This lack of clarity made the story less enjoyable for me. Also, there were a fair amount of moving parts and characters to keep track of. It's worth noting that the author didn't hold back when it came to killing folks off. This Is all going on while the Illuminati and Alliance societies rush to find a piece of evidence that, in the wrong hands, could change their way of life forever.

In the end, I feel like this isn't a stand alone and there was a book 1 that I missed and because of that I didn't have a good understanding of the world the author built. If you're considering this read, take the free sample for a spin before buying.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Great mix of action, adventure, romance and conspiracy theory! I haven't read the previous books in this series but that wasn't a huge roadblock. Enough of the back-history was given that I wasn't lost.

Jack and his team after a USB which apparently contains a lot of sensitive and useful information.
With him his Maddie Blake, former lover and now first ever female initiate! There are plots, sub plots and sexual tension galore, all held together by very strong, identifiable and fully formed characters. I love the Templar/Illuminati backdrop and all the ruthless shenanigans that seem to be afoot. Great family banter between the team make this a very believable and "real feel" team.

I was a bit confused at first as I had not read book one. I recommend reading book one first. I found the book to be well written and I enjoyed the suspense and all the twists and turns.

Madison Blake is the first woman ever to be accepted into the Alliance. She comes from a privileged family in politics and is former FBI. She desperately wants to prove she is worthy of being there.

Jack Grayson has a long family history in the Templars. He has dedicated his life to them as well. He and Will Asher, the Commander of the Templars, have been best friends since they were kids.

Jack and Maddie have history as well. Former lovers, they need to decide how they are going to proceed. Each still harbors feelings for the other but neither wants to admit it. Jack is alpha, dominating and overprotective of Maddie. Maddie is kick ass in her own right.

So many great, well developed characters. Adam Watanabe has my interest piqued. I loved Finn’s surfer dude character. The whole Templar team is intense and likeable.

The Illuminati are the villains. Jacob Stone and his wife, Allison (she is truly creepy and evil) and their followers. The guns for hire brothers. You can just feel the evil and crazy pulsating off some of these characters.

I didn’t read the first book in this series and I wish I had. This is a book where you really have to pay attention to/keep track of who all the players are, what team they are on and who has history with whom all throughout the book. I was drawn into this book from the beginning. As I am not a history person, this surprised me. The whole story is intense, fast paced and action packed right from the beginning. I will be going back for the first book to fill in the gaps and watching for the next one to come out.

I voluntarily reviewed and ARC provided by NetGalley.

An explosive continues to the Dark Alliance series with constant action, breathtaking moments of fatal danger, and two lovers getting yet another chance to find a way to each other's lives and hearts.
The suspense and action of the story are based on the war between Alliance and Illuminati, and the old enemies hunting down Jack Grayson with revenge in mind, and death the ultimate goal. Collateral damage is not an issue to the ruthless killers, only achieving to dispose of their target in mind.
As many of the players from both sides in the tale get their chance to tell their point of view, the big picture of the war with its risks, manipulations, and lies even amongst their own troops comes to clear to the reader. I have read the book one of the series, yet it still took me some time to remember all the details and players in the dangerous games Alliance and Illuminati plays.
Jack Grayson and Madeleine Blake have been in love with each other since they first met. Yet the lives they have lived, the choices they have made has made them walk away from each other twice before and kept them apart until they are teamed to solve the latest crisis.
Madeleine Blake is making history, she is the first female accepted to the order of the Alliance. She is a truly kick-ass heroine, she is equal to the male counterparts, there's no fear, no hesitance as she faces the dangers and fights for what is right, and to keep the Alliance a secret society it needs to be to be able to accomplish their goals.
Jack Grayson was born to the order of Alliance. He is a young man, yet he sounds battle weary and drained. He believes the choices he has made during his service to Alliance has made him a person undeserving of love and happiness. His desire and adoration towards Madeleine are palpable, he barely manages to keep the distance between them, yet he has no intentions to put her in danger by claiming their feelings towards each other. The fragile relationship between them is tested in the most horrendous way. If they survive the torture and agony they might have a chance of a future happiness.
It is obvious as I read the story that the author has done her research. The story, with its details of Alliance and Illuminati, the nonstop power battle against each other and within the troops was fascinating, energetic, and brutal. Even with constantly changing points of view and scenes, the story had a seamless flow from one savage action scene and crisis to another. An entertaining and enchanting story with merciless action, relentless danger, a brotherhood that leaves no man behind, and tender loving and adoration that made me sigh.
~ Four Spoons

4.5 - "How did we manage to get ourselves in this position..?" Stars!

The second book in Kate SeRine’s Dark Alliance series, picks up where its predecessor left off, it’s very much full steam ahead for Will Asher’s Alliance operatives, and this time we get Jack Grayson and Maddie Blake’s’ story.

"I have never regretted anything that’s ever happened between us… My only regret is letting it all fall apart."

Jack and Maddie are both characters that appeared in the previous book, Maddie’s sister Sarah and her son were the main focus of that story, although approximately a year on from that adventure, Maddie is now an Alliance operative having left the FBI. Jack has been with the Alliance for years, being Will Asher’s best friend also means he is higher up the food chain than Maddie as well. This is a couple with a past, one they are trying to deal with as well as investigate the constant threat of an Illuminati uprising.

"I will try to be what you need me to be… if you give me the chance."

Jacob Stone, and his nefarious connections are still playing fast and loose in the name of the Illuminati as well, and although Will is still struggling to get the higher ups in the Alliance to take the threat seriously, both he and Jacob are on the hunt for a memory stick which provides vital information on both groups. The Russian Mob are involved, and more than a few body bags are used along the way, as well as a little tease of a woman that potentially may have more importance especially to Will in future books.

"There’s only so much damage a relationship can take before it’s beyond repair."

I really enjoyed this one, Jack was deliciously alpha and domineering, and although I liked Maddie more than her sister, she seemed to have a little of her impetuousness as well, although it was not as annoyingly disregarding as Sarah’s was at point’s. This is a couple trying to salvage a relationship whilst fighting for their lives, as well as the bigger story playing out and expanding around them.

"Don’t let me go…"

"…Never."

This series is definitely one that has got legs to run for a while, there are still a few operatives within the Alliance that we know little about who could feature as leads in future books. The threat from the Illuminati has just stepped up as well, so lots and lots of potential in my opinion. I cannot find any information about a next book or its release date but I hope its sooner rather than later.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.

Concealed by Kate SeRine have Jack and Maddie globetrotting over the world to fulfill their mission for the Temple Knights & Associates. This fast-paced action packed second novel in the Dark Alliance Series, gives us two capable individuals who have a romantic history. Thrown together again in their life and death work has a way of helping a person see what is important. Maybe it is because second chance stories are a favorite of mine but I found this to be a gem of a story.

Maddie and Jack are wonderfully tough, likable but flawed characters. It added to the substance of the story that they have a history instead of instant lust/love. Just as it added that the characters try their best but like real life, everything does not go as planned. At times the events are suspenseful and hair raising. Not a dull moment to be found anywhere.

I have read the first in the series so it is difficult to say that this is a completely stand-alone story. Having the background ahead of this story concerning the Alliance and the Illuminati made the story more enjoyable for me. I don’t think it is a requirement to have read the first book, Deceived, to fully enjoy Jack and Maddie’s story but there are a lot of supporting characters with plenty of bad guys.

As the only female initiate of the elite undercover society, the Dark Alliance, former FBI agent Madeleine Blake has a lot to prove—especially to her former lover, Alliance operative Jack Grayson. Ever since joining Jack’s team, Maddie’s been keeping her distance, trying not to relive every moment they shared during their brief but passionate affair. Yet when a mission ends in tragedy, Maddie’s ready to walk away from the Alliance—and Jack—forever. That is, until Jack’s cover is blown, putting his life in danger and making it impossible for Maddie to deny her true feelings…

Before he met Maddie, Jack Grayson thought happiness was impossible for a man like him. After all, he has a price on his head that requires him to live in the shadows, concealed from everyone and everything he cares about. But now that they’re on the run for their lives and Jack has Maddie in his arms again, he realizes their love is the only thing in his life that’s real. And this time, there’s no way in hell he’s letting it slip away…




Review:





Like the first book in the series, there was lots of excitement and intrigue from page one. The world building for the series is kind of done in regards to Knights Templar, so if you are just picking up this series, it is not necessary but I would highly recommend reading book one first to get a sense and understanding of the premise of the series and plus the first book was just dang good. This book starts right up with the action and sexual tension and goes at full speed for the rest of the book. I liked finding out more about Jack and Maddie, there is definitely more than meets the eye. The romance between Jack and Maddie has been going on for years though, things happened to keep them apart and at odds with each other. The secrets, misunderstanding and tension between the two make them so much more interesting. Both Maddie and Jack are likable characters, they are strong, loyal and both can kick butt. The action and tension when Jack is taken is one of my favorite parts of the story aside from the romance. It was thrilling and had me on the edge of my seat.




I am not sure what is up next, but I cannot wait to find out!!







4.5Stars




*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

I didn't read the first in the series and I wish I had because I will admit I was a little lost at first. Thankful I am a nerd about the Templar's and Illuminati so I wasn't completely lost and I had a good idea who everyone was and general idea what they are after. Make sure you pick up book one or you will be scratching your head many times.
This story has suspense,romance, lots of assassins, world traveling, romance and great history. from what I can tell Kate SeRine did her research.
I enjoyed this book from page one to the end and can't wait to read the next in the series.

Thank you Netgalley, Kate SeRine and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this exciting fun read..

Concealed by Kate SeRine
A Dark Alliance Novel #2

In this second novel in the Dark Alliance series the Temple Knights & Associates do all they can to retrieve a thumb drive with significant information related to their enemies, the Illuminati. Jack and Maddie have romantic history that will rear its head as they work together and then try to find a way forward as teammates at work and perhaps at home.

As for the story…from South America to the Midwest to the East Coast and with mention of London, Russia and other world locations this was a global story that included murder, mayhem, bombs, cartel, mafia, torture…as well as camaraderie, friendship, teamwork AND some rather steamy moments between Jack and Maddie.

As the series continues I believe that Ash and Claire should get a story of their own and I am curious about Adam and Finn and whether or not they will have books with romances of their own. Most of all, I wonder what will happen in the next novel now that the Templars must face the facts revealed on the thumb drive and begin to deal with the Illuminati.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp – Zebra Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.

5 Stars

CONCEALED by Kate SeRine is the second book in her romantic suspense series, Dark Alliance. SeRine delivered a second chance romance between two operatives within the Alliance all while taking us on an action packed mission to obtain a USB drive that will prove the Illuminate have reformed and are seeking power. Fans of Karen Rose will love the depth, and non-stop action SeRine delivers in CONCEALED.

Jack Grayson an Alliance operative whom we met in DECEIVED, the first book in the Dark Alliance series and his team are in Mexico to retrieve a USB drive. With them is former FBI agent Madeleine Blake the first female to join the ranks of the Alliance. Jack and Madeleine share a history. A very passionate history until he left breaking her heart. The sexual tension and unresolved feelings between these two sizzles whenever they are in sight of each other. I found myself anxious to hear their story.

CONCEALED delivers an intense, high body count, hold you breath suspense thread that carries through the entire Dark Alliance series. Each book contains a couple and a case that brings them closer to answers questions presented in book one and stopping the Illuminate. I love this modern day spin on Templar and Illuminate. SeRine delivers it all from secret societies, missions and buried treasure. We get different perspectives, including those of a power-hungry member of the Illuminate and enemies from Jack’s past.

I loved how intense the threads got, from plots to take out Jack, to half starved rats used as a torture technique. Eek! Information is power, and both sides are playing for a piece. A fantastic game of cat and mouse, good vs. evil and SeRine had me completely enthralled. While this will work as a standalone, I would personally recommend you read them in order. Not only is there an overall thread throughout them, but the friendships, players, and bonds all affect your sense of involvement.

Secondary characters consisting of the members of the Alliance, characters from their past and those of the Illuminati added humor, built up the suspense and shared the comradery between these brothers in arms. I love the techie on the team and so hope SeRine gives us his story.

I love a good second chance romance and the chemistry between Jack and Madeleine was HOT. Jack wants a second chance, but he is going to have come clean about why he ending things and trust that Maddy can handle it. These two made a great team in the field and in the bedroom. SeRine delivered plenty of heat and tender moments while keeping the suspense thread of this tale in the forefront.

CONCEALED provided a thrilling, action-packed suspense while bringing heat and heart to the table with its characters and romance.

concealed is the second book in kate serine's dark alliance series, and even though i eventually figured things out, it's one of those books that should be read after book one in the series. this is like an episode of alias, with the dark alliance serving as the secret government agency, in this case they are connected to the knights templar and are a global organization, and the illuminati are the sd-6 like bad guys.

this story also picks up a lot of threads covered in the first book, so it was definitely harder to follow or in some cases care too deeply about certain plot points. that being said, as a romantic suspense, this book did a good job of both ramping up the action and the sexual tension. jack and maddie's love story spans years, and there are reasons and secrets that make things difficult for them.

working closely and keeping their hands off each other doesn't really work. but in order for things to work between them, jack needs to fill maddie in on his past, especially since it seems to be catching up to him in a spectacular fashion. but by letting her in, letting maddie get to know him, it's possible that jack will finally be able to lay some of the ghosts from his past to rest. and then he and maddie have an amazing future to look forward to.

someone who should be taking a lesson from jack and maddie's story is will asher, their commander. a woman from his past, claire davenport, has reappeared and has been digging into the dark alliance and their missions. she has diagrammed out a whole chart full of information on the dark alliance and the illuminati in her quest to learn more about will. it might get her killed, and will wants to keep her safe. and i suspect the next book in this series will be about the impossibility of keeping her safe and in the dark.

Very enjoyable read, I love strong heroines who can take care of themselves, and of course the hero who is secure enough in his own masculinity to let her is great too. This story had plenty of action so it really held my attention and I finished it in one sitting.

**I received a copy of Concealed from Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

Concealed by Kate SeRine is the second book in her Dark Alliance series. I haven't read the first book and I'd recommend reading it prior to this book so that you aren't puzzled on the the two major groups in the book. Having said that I also have to say that I'm very glad that I watched all of the shows on the History channel about the Templar's and Illuminati because it helped so much knowing the back story to these two historical groups.

Maddie Blake is not only is the first female member of the Alliance but she feels that she has to prove herself to the leader, Jack Grayson. She has the background and with her family's lineage this should be a piece of cake, right? Nope because not only are they trying to stop an assassin but Jacob Stone who wants nothing more than to be the supreme leader to 'Faithful" even if he has to kill a few folks to get there. But its Maddie and Jack who need to figure out how to keep their hands off of each other when their boss, Will Asher, sends them out on another op together. Will they be able to keep their feelings in a box or will they just give in?

Jack Grayson also has the family ties to be the leader of his team in the Alliance but when the op against the Cartel and Jacob Stone's assassins leads to the death of not one but two people he questions how he is going to get the team out to be extracted without any more problems. He has no doubt that Maddie can make it with the team but now he had to worry about her also. When they are sent on another op by Will Asher will Jack be able to keep his other dark secret away from Maddie? Can they stop Jacob Stone from his lofty plans to be a supreme leader?

There is suspense, history lessons, romance, greed and plenty of assassins throughout the entire book. I'd give the book a solid 4.3 stars and I thank goodness that I saw the Da Vinci Code it was very helpful during those head scratching moments. Ms. SeRine you did your research very well for this book and it truly shows in this book.