This is one of the best books I’ve read this year because of the complex and dramatic life and death storyline and the sizzling sexual chemistry that burns between tall, dark and deadly alpha male Smoke and competent, stubborn and fiercely independent Kini. While Smoke fears he’s a killing machine after his time in the special forces, his protective instincts toward the tough-as-nails CDC nurse quickly proves he’s one of the good guys. And how could you not be drawn to the feisty, kick-ass heroine who refuses to give up and admit defeat, no matter what obstacles stand in her way? As these two characters take on a rapidly spreading deadly disease and a town full of menacing madmen all they can rely on is their wits and each other. This story is a roller coaster ride that I devoured in one sitting and I can’t wait to read more books by this impressively skilled storyteller. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions in my voluntary review are completely my own.

CDC Nurse Kini Kerek has her work cut out for her, especially when she finds herself being targeted and rumors are flying around town about what she's really there for. Luckily though, she has former Special Forces soldier Lyle Smoke to help her out and protect her from any other threats that she may face while continuing her research into Hantavirus. However, as the danger closes in, will Lyle be able to keep Kini safe, or will they lose their chance at happy ever after?

This is the first book I've read by this author and I've got to say that I've been missing out on some fantastic and compelling reading if the rest of Ms. Rowe's books are as good as this one. Really, this book had everything I love in a romantic suspense including a perfect combination of suspense and romance; highly entertaining dialogue that drew me in from the very beginning and just kept getting better the further Kini and Smoke got into their investigation; and the fast-paced storyline had me intrigued and determined to discover how far the bad guys were willing to go to stop Kini from continuing her research. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me smiling because Kini definitely knows how to make a good first impression, especially when it puts her in the hero's personal space.

Both the main characters are relatable, likeable and I loved their back stories because the hero has been through so much as a special forces soldier and the harshness of people that believe he's the bad guy because of things that happened in his past that he feels such guilt about. Will he ever realize that what happened in this past wasn't his fault? Moreover, the hero is confident in his skills in protecting the heroine; doesn't speak more words than he has to, which is quite amusing; and I loved how the hero won the heroine over. While the heroine, she's resilient, courageous and I liked that she didn't scare easily, even though the incidents become more and more harrowing. I also liked how good the heroine was at her job and that she would do anything to try and help people in need, even though all hope seems lost.

Overall, Ms. Rowe has delivered a thrilling and well-written read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance delightful; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking how far the hero is willing to go to protect the heroine, even if it means breaking a promise that he made to Kini. Yet, in saying that, I liked how things worked out for this couple, as they're really good together and shouldn't let anything keep them apart. I would recommend Smoke and Mirrors by Julie Rowe, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Christina Elle, ST Young, Kaylea Cross and Katie Reus.

Having read the first one thought I would give this one a shot. Can not get enough of special ops and the like. In this one it is Smoke and Kini with her being the one who is in the CDC part of this. He is the different ex military who has his issues. He is also very closed until he meets her. When danger begins to trickle in you then start to settle down to hunker into a thriller. Some heat will fan their flames also with the combo being a recipe that keeps you into this from start to finish.

Kini is a CDC health care nurse and in Utah to gather blood samples for research in finding a vaccine for the Hantavirus. The people aren’t happy she is there and she starts receiving threats. Smoke is an ex- soldier who is in a lot of emotional pain. He is hired to keep Kini safe and he is surprised about his feelings for her. This is a fast-paced read with loads of suspense and drama. The story holds your interest throughout and the characters are great. A good read.

Lyle Smoke served 8 years in the Army and is returning to his hometown of Small Blind, Utah. Two years ago his son, Liam and Liam’s mother, Lacey were killed when she drove home drunk from a party with him in the car. This is his first time back since the funeral. He’s going home to figure out how to be a civilian again.

Kini Kerek is a Public Health nurse with the CDC, assigned to collect patient histories and blood samples from rural areas of Utah, especially Native American descendants to track the incidence of diabetes, heart disease and the incidence of hantavirus. She is well versed in self-defense moves. She is totally kickass. She refuses to take a back seat to her life, speaks her mind and stands up for herself.

Smoke arrives at his parent’s home after one in the morning. He quietly strips to his boxers and slips into his bed. He awakens with a mostly naked Kini draped over him. Some ninja warrior/spec ops he is not to have noticed she was already in the bed.

Smoke is a man of few words but seems to be able to communicate so much with so little. He is definitely alpha - dominant, over protective, stoic, take charge.

Conveniently, Smoke’s Army buddy, River, just happened to have offered him a job with the CDC on his way home. He accepts the job so he can be Kini’s constant companion to protect her (from the angry townspeople who think she brought the disease to town with her) as well as to be involved in the investigation. Smoke and Kini spend most of their time in the car (several different ones actually because they keep getting destroyed) trying to track down the rapidly spreading disease taking over the small town.

The story takes place over a few days. The insta-love needed more time to develop believably. The fast paced, action packed story draws you in quickly and holds your attention to the end.
I easily read this as a standalone and look forward to more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

This was such a great read, it was intense, action packed, full of suspense and mystery and I loved the setting and the secondary characters. Kini and Smoke were amazing together. The fact that Smoke is a man of such few words and still Kini was able to read him and understand him on an emotional level was the highlight of the book. These two spoke their own language and that instant connection was awesome. They had their own style of banter and flirting that was sweet and lent the story some humor in otherwise highly intense life and death situations.

I loved the last book by this author and I oved her style and her well written and adrenaline filled plots. The MCs are always memorable characters and I’m always blown away by the time the last page is read. Smoke and Mirrors was no different. Easily a five star book for me.

Favorite Line:
”When the hell did you have time to fall in love with her? You only met her three days ago.”

“About thirty seconds after I met her.” ~ Smoke


Would I recommend?
Highly recommend! It’s been a while since I’ve had so much fun reading a book that delivers in the suspense, action and romance department.

Talk about your smoldering, scarred, uber alpha, military leading man! Rowe writes a nail biting novel that is sure to pull the reader in hook, line and sinker.

I received this ARC copy of Smoke and Mirrors from Entangled Publishing, LLC. This is my honest and voluntary review. Smoke and Mirrors is set for publication Feb. 26, 2018.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by; Julie Rowe
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Publication Date: February 26, 2018
Sold by: Macmillan
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Mirrors-...
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Soldier Lyle Smoke is back home after finally leaving the Special Forces. He immediately notices Kini Kerek, CDC nurse who has been staying at his family home. She was nearly killed the day before in a deliberate car accident and now is being followed around by threats and violence. Smoke makes it his business to protect her and to try to help her get to the bottom of what’s happening.
I really enjoyed this 100 mile an hour story, so totally unpredictable and exciting. I loved the pull between Smoke and Kini and definitely would love to read more Outbreak Task Force stories. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.25⭐
Smoke & Mirrors is the first book I've read not only by this author, but set around biological weapons and the CDC. And even though I found it hard to get into and to connect with, particularly during the first half. I did come to really enjoy it.
As the second half really hooked me in, was full of action and a sweet romance between a scarred soldier and a CDC nurse. And altogether, it made it really hard to put down and great to read.
And I will definitely be checking out more from this series and author in the future.

Fantastic!

I loved the meet, the beautiful ending and the entire roller coaster ride in between! Two broken souls trying to heal the world and healed each other in the process.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

The second installment of Julie Rowe’s Outbreak Task Force series, SMOKE & MIRRORS, reinforces my opinion that science is sexy. Intelligence reigns in this thrilling race to find the source of a hantavirus outbreak in a rural corner of Utah. Only, the source of this outbreak isn’t of the typical rodent variety.

A week after Lyle Smoke is discharged from the Army, he heads home for a little R&R and family time. Arriving late and not wanting to wake up his parents, he stumbles into his childhood bedroom and crawls in the bed. He wakes up the next morning with a beautiful, naked woman plastered against him … with terrible black eyes and bruises on her face. Kini Kerek is a nurse with the CDC’s Outbreak Task Force and is in town, publicly, doing a health study of the local population. Privately, she’s “attempting to track the incidence of infection and the development of antibodies in the same population for the hantavirus.” She is an unwelcome entity in a part of the country where folks “didn’t like the government sticking its nose into their business.” Over the course of the story, her car is keyed and T-boned, death threats are issued, she’s beaten, kidnapped and shot. Someone is clearly trying to sabotage her.

Given all this, however, Kini is no shrinking violet. She’s a badass nurse with a spine of steel, a brilliantly sharp mind and courage out the wazoo. She’s also a dirty fighter. All things that call to Smoke, who hasn’t returned home since he buried his son, Liam, and Liam’s mother two years ago. The ghosts of his loved ones collude with the ghosts of his time in the service, creating a constant battle with Smoke and his yearning to move forward — both for himself and with this incredible woman.

Shortly after his discharge, an old Army buddy of Storm offered him a position with the Outbreak Task Force, which is made up of people with different backgrounds. As a soldier, his strength is in keeping the scientist he’s partnered with safe and able to do the job at hand. He mostly had a passing interest in it, until he realized Kini was part of the Task Force and needed the safety and protection only he could provide.

One phone call later, he’s on the team and officially watching her back. As Smoke and Kini race toward the unexpected source of the outbreak, fighting a cadre of forces with a seemingly endless supply of replacements and intricate consortium of bad guys, learning (and believing) they’re worthy of love is one of the hardest challenges they face. Because both have known love and loss.

I spent several years working in HIV prevention and education, and my team worked with the CDC. These people are not playing around when tracking down deadly pathogens and communicable diseases. I think the aspect that most draws me in with Smoke & Mirrors isn’t the exciting suspense or the believable, romantic romance, but the insider glimpse of following Rowe’s breadcrumbs that track the biology of the spread of disease. There are so many scary things out there in the world, and one of the scariest might be mice.

*Originally published with USA Today's Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2018/02/22/dolly-r-sickles-recommended-romantic-suspense-smoke-and-mirrors-julie-rowe/.

A solid, meticulously researched suspense plot. The romantic plot was insta-attraction and sex, understandable because of the extremely dangerous conditions the couple had to face. Having sex in said conditions and with the heroine’s weakened state seemed a bit unbelievable, though.
In spite of that, I liked the brooding hero and the part his family played in the book.
Now I’m waiting to read Henry Lee’s story. The ex-Special Forces soldier who is now a lab tech at the CDC would make a great wounded hero, I hope…

Holy hell what a book. Wow Wow Wow! This book was crazy, in the very best way. It's a must read.
Romantic suspense can be a tough one but this book packed a serious punch and kept me flipping those pages like a loon!

Lyle Smoke comes home to Utah after his stint in the Army in over. He's been gone a long time, he's different now, he knows that yet some things don't change. In the small town he calls home, obvious home to other Native Americans as well the story pulls a little of that it, it's inherent in Lyle along with his Special Forces training. Smoke is hella hot and when he meets Kini the sparks fly.

Kini Kerek is on assignment for the CDC in a small town in Utah, sent to take blood samples, ask a few simple medical questions and a swab, she's been t-boned in her car, had her car keyed, beaten, had her car blown up and it's endless. There's an outbreak on Hanta virus in the town and people are dropping like flies. The people of the town are convinced that Kini is to blame when she's simply there to ask questions. Smoke has a friend at CDC and he calls him, River we met in book one. Smoke signs on with the CDC and swears to protect Kini. Kini has been staying at Smokes parents home since she came to town, they're good to her and protective as is Smoke. Getting Grandad involved too now we have the three Smoke men, an overcrowded, taxed hospital with no relief in sight, people are dying and when the chief of staff refuses to call in the CDC their hands are tied. Fortunately he dies and the next day the town's retired Dr says yes and even though help is on it's way there is something much more sinister going on here.
That's all you get from me. This book is a must read. The twists and turns how many times I said,
Didn't see that coming " I lost count. You think you know the bad guys, some are pretty obvious, some are not so much and there's a whole nut load of crazy going on here too. I loved when Smoke fell back on his childhood upbringing relying on his senses and knowing the canyons and where to hide. Smoke was a great character, Kini I adored.
Julie Rowe you knocked me out with this one and I loved it!! It's an absolutely fantastic read. I look forward to the next book!

*advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for an honest review. My review contains my own opinions and thoughts.**

This story reads like a great disaster movie, lots of thrills, easy romance, kisses at the wrong times, and non-stop action. The characters, Kini and Smoke are wonderful to look at and have a tragic background that we never really dig into. Picture a disaster movie where there is a lull in the action and the characters share some character-revealing stories around the campfire, only to grab their weapons and take off to fight. That is similar to the character depth we have in this story. But - who cares? This book is such fun to read! I loved it. The biological terrorism is believable, the action is constant, and the characters are likable.
Spend your afternoon reading this and have fun!

Full review available at www.ReadingObsession.com

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really got into this book in the beginning. There was lots of stuff going on, then I lost it for about a chapter or two, then I got my interest back. Overall it was a stimulating read, a little predictable in the villain department, but really good. I really loved Smoke and his way of communicating lol. He was endearing and so was his grandfather.

**I received a copy of Smoke and Mirrors from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

I've read all but one of Ms. Rowe's Biological Response Task Force and now two of the Outbreak series and I have only 3 words for this addition: Oh.My.God. this was a fantastic book!! Plus with the epilogue the author brings back one of my favorite characters DS is back (Plus Rivers and Henry Lee) and hopefully he'll eventually get his own story.

Lyle Smoke is home in Small Blind, Utah for the first time since the death of his girlfriend and son and has the nightmares that comes from being in the Special Forces. But there is something going on in small town people are falling ill with a mysterious kind of pneumonia that kills within 24-30 hours. Since its early morning he crawls into bed but wakes up a few hours later with a naked woman draped over him. Little doesn't he know that his parents have given his room to Kini Kenek who's in town a visiting nurse for the CDC. Since Smoke is well know for saying everything that needs to be said in two words a sassy nurse from the CDC shouldn't be a probably especially one who's being harassed and goes through rental cars like candy. When River offers him a job with the newly created Outbreak Task Force he accepts to make sure that Kini stays safe and out of trouble.

Kini Kenek is a snarky nurse who has been sent by the CDC to talk to the residents of Small Blind to track incidents of Diabetes and heart disease but since the residents don't trust anyone from the government she's been run off by dogs, shot at, her car keyed, t-boned and blown up perhaps she does need Smoke to guard her. But Kini has her own demons to fight because of her late father who tried to fight his own but ended up taking his rage out on his wife and daughter. Somehow both Smoke and Kini manage to take on the gossip mongers of the Post Office, the surly doctor in the local hospital ER (who doesn't want to admit there's a Hantavirus outbreak), and crooked lawmen who are cooking up something awful outside of town. Whether they win or lose will come down to Smoke, Kini, his father Jim and grandfather who both use two word sentences. Can they and the CDC save the town from something that could make a terrorist a very happy person?

It seems that trouble follows the CDC. Smoke and Mirrors is an amazing read. I love the roller coaster ride that this one takes you on. Kini and Smoke are another amazing team formed in the Outbreak Task Force series. Kini is just trying to do her research when trouble seems to find her. As a new member of the Task Force Smoke is an amazing addition with his military back ground. I love this series so far and we are only two books in. The chemistry between Kini and Smoke is smoking hot. I can't wait for more.

I received a copy of Smoke & Mirrors by Julie Rowe from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the summary and really wanted to like this novel, but the storyline could have been pulled together better and the characters developed more (less flat). It was a struggle to continue reading several times.

Unfortunately, this book just missed the mark for me.

Poor guy. No one should outlive their child.

At least she didn't purposely get into bed with him. That would be a special kind of stalker.

Serves you right, boy.

Ohh, Smoke is a good guy to know around here.

Nice innuendo.

Geez, does everyone in town believe gossip like it's gospel?

Ugh, just what they needed, crazy people with bombs.

Oh, crud. I thought his girlfriend cheated with Blackwater, but this is so much worse.

Isn't it a bit too too late for them to bother with masks? They've already been exposed.

This is scary stuff. But at least they can make jokes. I want that incentives package, Smoke.

Ew, Blackwater.

So casual about a gunshot wound.

This book is funny.

Endorphins help pain. Your magic penis is curing her, Smoke. Haha.

Well I wasn't expecting a romance with biological weapons to keep me so interested. Yes I saw the cover ( fanning myself !) and thought it would be a typical contemporary story with alpha former military guy who jumps in to save the heroine and ironically I think she kind of saves him . Ok I'm getting ahead of myself here but I really liked this story with its Native American hero who isn't afraid to tap into his heritage.
Smoke isn't exactly chatty but Kini doesn't seem to have much trouble understanding him although trouble is most definitely following her around ! People are getting sick and its Kini who is getting blamed for it and in a small town rumours spread pretty fast. The real danger is played down though as the author unravels her story with absolutely jaw dropping revelations!
As much as this is a romance it's the mystery and suspense that elevates this book . Honestly there's a plethora of books with brooding heroes and heroines who stand up and kick ass or in Kinis case more sensitive places ! Plus as much as I liked them both their passionate encounters always felt weird as in I'm not sure it was always believable when injured or just in peculiar situations. I suppose Smoke does sizzle ( couldn't resist that pun ) and this taciturn guy really goes the extra mile with his awesome family backing him up. Kini is independent and brave and the chemistry she shares with Smoke is instant and incendiary . I just felt something was missing, maybe I wanted more of an emotional connection but of one thing I'm sure and that's the fact that I've found a new author to look for and if you enjoy romantic suspense then this series is well worth checking out.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair