Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

A political intrigue that has FBI, NCIS, JAG, and the CIA all working together to solve the violent deaths of several Navy SEALS in the Washington area. In the beginning, it feels like the investigators have their suspect, but it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. There is action, romance, and some wholesome moments as well.

I felt the story was good, but it never really won me completely and suffered from introducing way too many characters and trying to squeeze all of their perspectives into one book. Not just in working the case, but their personal lives as well. I have to also admit that I kept confusing the JAG lawyer with the CIA woman because they both had names starting with "L." I don't know, is 38 too young to demand a character tree from each and every author?? 🤷‍♀️

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves Homeland, NCIS, Criminal Minds or even Scandal.

Goodreads review published 23/01/20
Publication Date 07/01/20

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. 

This is my kind of crime thriller. FBI, NCIS, and CIA agents are all involved in this story. I liked how there was overlapping of these governmental departments to try and figure out why there were so many murders occurring, and if these murders were all connected or not. 

This book is unique in that it focuses on all of the main agents and their stories, not just one character. While this doesn't always work for me, it did in this book because of how the characters were grouped. It was easy to follow the story because the same two people were featured at a time. While they all sometimes overlapped as a group, their personal stories were never shared in that group setting. I think the author did a great job at balancing the characters personal lives and the investigation that takes place in this book.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book wasn't nearly long enough. I blew through it in an afternoon. It was incredibly fast paced and I loved it. I happen to be a sucker for a good FBI novel, and this one did not disappoint. It was full of suspense and well written. I loved the characters. everything just felt very realistic.

I really hope to read more from this author. I loved this a lot! Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

With End Game, Rachel Dylan delivers a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that still finds room for romance.

The book’s back cover sums it up better than I can:

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

A novel like this could be gritty, violent, and scary. Instead, it’s gripping but non-traumatic to timid readers like me. What I most appreciated, though, was a secondary factor: Bailey and her two best friends, Viv and Layla, have a fantastic, strong friendship. They have one another’s backs professionally as well as emotionally, and it’s a fantastic example. Since End Game is book 1 in the Capital Intrigue series, I’m hoping we’ll see the other two women as main characters in books 2 and 3.

A surprising number of the key characters are Christians—perhaps more than one would find thrown together on a case like this in real life. Their struggles to process why bad things happen, past hurts, and fear of loss are one thread in the fabric of this story. Nothing’s preachy or glib, just honest wrestling such as many Christians do in real life.

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning, bestselling author of Christian suspense and legal thrillers. For more about the author and her work, visit racheldylan.com.

[I received a complimentary copy of this book via #NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

This story and its characters blew me away. This was not your typical cops, FBI, mystery story. It’s a complex, thought provoking novel with characters I enjoyed hanging out with. I enjoyed the natural spiritual element in the mix.

I liked that the reader learned about the mystery along with the agents as the story unfolded. This is an intricate mystery with complex characters I cared about with multiple suspects and hints to something bigger going on up the chain of command as the plot thickens. I loved the surprises, twists and turns.

I enjoyed the comrade and caring relationship these three law school friends had. They stayed close even though they went into different lines of work after graduation. Bailey Ryan is the focus of this book. She became an FBI Special Agent after school. She meets NCIS Special Agent Marco. during an investigation of an unusual murder case, He too is looking deeper into the facts of the case. It’s not as cut and dry as others would like to make it out to be. It’s tricky at first but the agencies learn how to work together.

This book would work wonderful for your next book club pick. There is so much in here to talk about. I look forward to getting to know each of these ladies as they leap into another adventure. This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

I picked up End Game mostly because of the NCIS angle. I’ve been a fan of the TV show NCIS since the beginning and was interested to see Rachel Dylan’s take on it. And I did enjoy reading End Game. The twists kept me turning pages and the characters were pretty well-crafted–I especially liked some of the secondary characters/plot lines, like steady Jay and newbie Izzy.
And, of course, it was nearly impossible not to picture Agent Marco Agostini being played by Michael Weatherly in my head. Some of the similarities between Marco and Tony DiNozzo were pretty clear to me. But it was the differences–the faith, especially–that made Marco great.
I did notice that, unlike some other novels, Dylan did a great job of unobtrusively explaining all of those crazy acronyms the government is so fond of. Her characters never had to monologue about them or interrupt with parenthetical butt-ins. I very much appreciated that. 🙂
The only downfalls for me were that sometimes the dialogue felt a bit canned, a bit too Hallmark card-ish, for me (especially in the faith or romance bits). And, the bad guys seemed to have the skills of Storm Troopers in battle. It felt like Bailey survived more attempts on her life than John McClane in all the Die Hard movies. Sure, she’s an FBI agent, so she’s got some skills. But even she admits to freezing up, so it was a teensy bit unrealistic in that sphere.
Otherwise, it was a good read, and I can see myself reading on in the Capital Intrigue series as it continues. I’d recommend this one for a weekend where you need a bit of suspense to keep you going. 😉
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the digital copy of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

As Bailey Ryan is loving her job as an FBI agent and hanging out with her best friends since law school, she’s unaware of how much her life is about to change. Her friends and her have busy lives and are trying to figure out if they should go to their class reunion when she is called into her most dangerous case yet. As the case heats up, she begins to learn how much she’s depended just on herself and friends. Now, she begins to realize what she’s been missing as her feelings for Marco grow. The questions is can they solve this case that seems to be spiraling out of control before someone else dies?

I really love how much this books starts with close friendships and how much they all learn to depend on each other and maybe even someone outside of their friend zone. I think how much they support each other through work and home life is amazing.

“That’s why it’s important to have people around you to support and encourage you. To pull you up when you fall, and for you to do the same thing for them when they need you.”

Also, I really loved Marco and his heart for justice and for Bailey’s protection, too. They both aren’t afraid to talk about their friendships, work and faith. I found that refreshing. I struggled a little with feeling what they felt, but it did read more like a television show, so that may be why. I did really like them as a couple. Bailey’s confidence was refreshing and her legal background really added to the book. I liked that Marco stayed by her side when he said he would.

“He’d known women of faith throughout his life, but Bailey’s faith was different because it was battle hardened.”

As the case opens wider and they realize the mystery and conspiracy around three men’s deaths, they questions who they can trust. I loved how each of them ended up working with other legal and crime fighting agencies or departments. It really added to the story and leant to this truth…

“One thing you’ll learn in this job is that we see some of the hard truths. The darker side of humanity. And there’s one fact we have to come to grips with. Even those we believe are heroes can sometimes be villains.”

I did struggle with the first part of the book as the author focuses on more of the legalities around the case. It also took me a bit to get into the characters. However, for those that love Law and Order type of shows, I think you’d love it. Then about a third of the way in, the story really picks up and I was totally caught. I love the ending and the overall them of sticking together, trusting one another and above all trusting God to see them through. As Marco said: “Stick with me. We’ll make it through this battle together.”

This is a great read for fans of NCIS and legal thriller fans. I liken her novels to Cara Putman.

I was provided an advanced reader copy by the publisher through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is my first Rachel Dylan book. I have been wanting to read her for awhile now, so I was excited to see that End Game is the beginning of a new series. I really wanted to love this story, but sadly, I had a lot of issues with it.

I never really felt immersed in this story. I felt more like a spectator. There is a lot of telling instead of showing- especially when it came to Marco and Bailey’s growing feelings for each other, which made it harder to be invested in their relationship. I also felt like some things that should’ve been obvious to those investigating the crimes weren’t. The secondary story about Izzy felt unneeded and was kind of distracting and the negative way she talked about Marco - her superior- made me dislike both of them. Finally, I felt like the ending a was bit anticlimactic. All that being said, I do seem to be in the minority about how people are liking this story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A new year brings a new series from Rachel Dylan, and phew, is there a lot happening in this one!

End Game is an intense read that moves quickly with multiple investigators, suspects, and government and military agencies. But don’t let that deter you because the plot of this book pulled me in from the get-go and kept me guessing until the final pages.

Dylan also left me with an itch to find out more about Bailey’s friends who play significant roles in End Game.

Disclosure statement:
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The first book in the Capital Intrigue series, End Game starts it off well. There is a ton of action going on in this book. Multiple federal agencies along with several military agencies lends itself to be full of suspense and intrigue. I enjoyed learning a bit more of that world and their terminology. The story is fast-paced and well thought out. I was pulled along, anxious to know what was going to happen. I also enjoyed the relationship between the hero and heroine. They have instant chemistry, but because they work together they're slow to allow anything to actual begin. I hope there's more to their story in the next book. All in all, I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Diving in to the first chapter of this book I was intrigued by how the plot was being set up. A dead body, a possible serial or spree killer, and an investigation! Sign me up! Then I got to chapter two and for me things seemed to unravel a bit, and my interest started to deplete. I was not able to connect with either of the main characters and I felt like there were several places where info was just being fed to me on a spoon. I had a hard time understanding why Marco and Bailey seemed to approach the investigation treating the victim, a Navy Seal, almost like a criminal. It was an odd approach. I didn’t think that the main characters had any chemistry. There seemed to be more competition than romance. The pacing of this book was slow, and while there were a few dangerous or action packed scenes, they didn’t really make up for the slow lags in between incidents. I wasn’t super satisfied with the conclusion. It was kind a bit confusing and felt a little far reaching for the type of suspense novel that this was. This definitely wasn’t my favorite read from Rachel Dylan.

Nice start to an intriguing series set in the nation’s capital! The author had me guessing throughout the entire book regarding who was behind the murders and what appeared to be a cover up conspiracy.

I enjoyed meeting new characters and watching as the team worked to uncover clues in their investigation. There was a light romantic thread between the main characters, Bailey and Marco, plus a couple of the side characters had potential relationships that added interest to the overall story. I enjoyed learning about Izzy’s background especially.

I really enjoyed reading End Game and look forward to the next book in the series.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Rachel Dylan is quickly becoming another of my go-to authors when I want to read a good action-packed suspense novel. End Game affirmed my choice with its nonstop action and lots of twists and surprises along the way.

I loved how Dylan portrayed the members of various agencies and how well they all worked together – both men and women with no one-upping between the agencies. These agents were shown to be dedicated to their jobs, with integrity and determination to solve the murders as quickly as possible. This riveting suspense had me second guessing the characters and on the edge of my seat at times. I appreciated the subtle Christian message that flowed throughout the narrative as well as the fact that the romantic relationship between Bailey and Marco did not overshadow the plot.

End Game was a fun and intriguing tale that left me sorry to reach its end. I look forward to the author’s next offering.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.

Another great book by Ms. Dylan. I had to force myself to go to bed instead of read. The suspense just kept going. Bailey and Marco join forces to catch the person responsible for the murders of a Seal, Ranger, and a seemingly unrelated person. Then someone starts trying to kill Bailey. Only she doesn't know what information she has worth killing for.

I recommend this book to those who like suspense. Be warned, you won't want to put it down either. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Filled with fast-paced action that kept me riveted from start to finish, I found this debut book in Dylan's Capital Intrigue series fascinating. Set in Washington DC and vicinity, this book brings you into the heart of both military and civilian justice and spy agencies. Bailey Ryan is an FBI agent; and when a series of murders take place that appear to have a connection and two of the murder victims are specially trained military personnel, she finds herself working with Marco Agostini from the NCIS.

The connection between Bailey and her 2 law school friends as well as the budding friendship with Izzy from NCIS was wonderful. Their support for one another was always foremost in their minds. The developing romances between some of the characters and others as they worked together was nice. Yet Dylan continually kept the suspense front and center, and it was never overpowered by the touches of romance. Dylan also did an excellent job of winding the faith thread throughout while making it appropriate to its placement in the story line. I also appreciated Dylan's research into the various agencies that became involved in this intrigue.

I look forward to reading the next books in this series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

End Game
Rachel Dylan

Beginning of a new series and it has started with a bang!
Bailey and Marco are strong characters who are thrown together to solve a crime. This brings FBI and NCIS together. Who can they trust? Will they be able to solve who is responsible before others are killed?
A gripping story that draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the end.

With danger around every corner, every clue brings more trouble! End Game is a non-stop suspense ride that readers will have trouble putting down to do anything else!

FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan finds herself partnered with NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini when several members of elite military members are murdered on the streets of Washington DC. Even though their evidence leads them to a Navy SEAL sniper, Bailey has doubts he is the one behind the murders. Each new clue that brings them closer to the truth also brings them closer to danger. Bailey has several attempts made on her life as she gets closer to uncovering the truth and Marco realizes his feelings for her go far beyond that of a fellow agent. Whoever is behind this is willing to kill anyone that gets in their way and Bailey and Marco must do whatever they can to stop them before anyone else gets hurt.

End Game is the first in the new Capital Intrigue series by Rachel Dylan and she has started this new series off with a bang. I loved the main characters. Actually, I loved all of the characters. Bailey and Marco have a great chemistry from the start. They are from different agencies and are a little hesitant of each other at the beginning but quickly learn that in order to solve the case they are going to have to trust each other. The way that Bailey became a target as Marco’s feelings intensified made my connection with both characters that much more involved and kept me with a vested interest in what was going to happen next. The only downfall for me was the fact that the romance aspect outweighed the suspense at times. Being in an intense situation can make feelings run high but some of the dialogue seemed a little out of place at times. Fans of romantic suspense will surely want to add this to their list. If you have never read anything by Rachel Dylan this is the perfect time to get started with this intriguing new series.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Rachel Dylan’s newest book is the first in her Capital Intrigue series. And intrigue is what you get in End Game. This book was a puzzler from the start and had everything a fan of romantic suspense could want. It is definitely a recommended read!

Main characters Bailey Ryan and Marco Angostini become the lead investigators when a civilian and a Navy SEAL are murdered within days of each other. The striking similarities in their deaths bring together the FBI and NCIS agents to use all of their deductive skills and the assets of their respective agencies. I loved the collaborative nature of the case — many people, including those from JAG, the army, and even the local DA office, participate. End Game was a glimpse into how law enforcement personnel cooperate. The case involves three separate murders, and the team must pursue all leads. There’s danger around every corner! The novel’s Washington, D. C. setting adds an extra layer as contractors, foreign agents, and government officials are all under the microscope. End Game has great romance — there are definite sparks between Bailey and Marco — and it develops in a satisfying, yet natural manner. Dylan also interjects an inspirational message, and I loved how she had characters at all stages in their faith journey.

While the investigators closed the twisting case in End Game, I can see some more great reading ahead. I can’t wait to see what Dylan has in store in the next books.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Three dead—a civilian, a Navy Seal, and an Army Ranger—and it’s another Navy Seal who is accused of their murder. This tightly written thriller will have you chasing leads alongside FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini, as the deadly trail stretches all the way to the highest levels of government. As the first in a new series, End Game suffers slightly from an abundance of characters, which can be distracting. But overall, it’s a chilling ride that makes me eager for the series to continue.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This new Capitol Intrigue series, featuring agents from several government and military investigative agencies, is off to a good start. As a romantic suspense, there is a good balance of character development and plot movement. The plot is not full of suspense. There are suspenseful scenes but the majority of the plot is the methodical investigation of murders. The novel follows several of the investigators and the point of view shifts many times. While not confusing in this book, that technique is not my preferred way to develop a story.

I appreciate the romance slowly developing. Marco and Bailey are from different agencies so there was nothing wrong with a romance developing between them. I also appreciated the faith aspect to the novel. While not prominent in the early part of the novel, it is clearly evident towards the suspenseful end.

Interestingly enough, I found two secondary characters more engaging than the primary ones. Izzy and Lexi have a part in helping solve the murders and their actions and enthusiasm for their work made them more alive to me than Marco and Bailey.

I look forward to reading the next in the series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.