Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in this series, but we first discovered just how unusual life at Richter was in The First Wives Club series. Whilst you don't need to read them first (book #5 in particular), I would definitely recommend reading the first book in this series first. It is key to understanding why the team are so reluctant to reveal Olivia's past to her.

One of the skills which Bybee uses to great effect in her stories, is to give characters redemptive qualities. After all, The First Wives Club was made up of women who had married for money. It was with the knowledge and agreement of their husband, but all the same, in theory they should not be the people we are happy to see find love. And again here, Olivia, who has been an assassin for years, has been trying to make amends. In the course of this new way of life, she nearly loses her own, and does lose her memory. Her friends try and protect her from her truth, cautiously supporting her and watching out for her as she starts to remember.

FBI agent Leo wants to thank her for saving his life, and we soon realise how attracted they are to each other – both ignorant of the inappropriateness of their closeness given their careers, even if Olivia is retired. It is both lovely seeing Olivia get the happiness that her education and subsequent role denied her, but stressful, as we know that once she does remember, it will possibly go up in smoke. It is impossible not to keep turning the pages, and find out just how this can work out.

Reminders of just how severe the life at Richter was, and how unexpectedly, friends on the inside will help to bring clarity to the situation. Anyone who thought boarding school life was exciting would think again after reading about this place, that is for sure.

I was so happy at how things were resolved, and I highly recommend that you find yourself a quiet place to immerse yourself in all things Leo and Olivia – you will not be disappointed.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

In this book, we get to meet Olivia. She's fierce. She has done things in her past that she's trying to atone for, but at what cost? While on a job, Olivia is injured and suffers amnesia. Her friends, including FBI agent Leo, all try to give her a safe space to heal and remember, but will Olivia want to remember?

Olivia's true friends and team know that once she remembers her past, she'll disappear without a trace. They are trying to show her that there is a different life – different path. But with knowing what they know about her, none are too optimistic about her future. The bright light they all see is her relationship with FBI agent Leo. Can he convince her that there is a different way? A way where she can still keep everyone safe.

Leo isn't one to give up quickly. When his case seems to be hinging on the testimony of a traumatized witness, the FBI will stop at nothing to make sure she makes it to the stand. While on assignment, Leo happens to see Olivia, not truly knowing who she is. There's a pull that he can't ignore. When she ends up getting hurt, he knows that it's because of him that she wasn't able to protect herself.

Leo wants to spend his life with Olivia. Can he convince her that they are stronger together? Or will he have to face the reality that Olivia works alone?

This is an intriguing story of spy vs. assassin vs. the life they live vs. the life they want. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait for more.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This is book two in the series and an FBI agent meets a former gun for hire on the streets of Las Vegas. When Olivia gets shot jumping in front of Leo, he has to wonder was the bullet meant for him.

When Olivia wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened, her past, or even her name, she doesn't know who is after her or why.

The MacBain team now is trying to figure out who targeted Olivia and why as she is recovering in their safe house. As Olivia and Leo get closes, he still has to wonder who was shooting at him or her and why? Can they help her get her memory back or would it be best if she doesn't remember? What does the future hold for Olivia and Leo?

I am loving this series, it is filled with suspense, intrigue, action, and maybe a happily ever after if Olivia can find who is trying to kill her. If you are looking for a romantic suspense, then this series is for you. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

I've been a Catherine Bybee fan for quite a few years now and I've read everything she's published. And yet, she manages to surprise me with every single story she publishes.

And that was exactly the case with A Thin Disguise. It was an incredible story of rediscovering hope, life, friendship and love in the most unlikely places. It is kind of a forbidden love story between two people who under normal circumstances would never end up together: the assassin and the FBI agent. But faith is a tricky thing and Olivia and Leo end up in a situation that allows them to get to know each other away from the real world. And combined with Olivia's amnesia, it gives them the only chance they could have to find the love of a lifetime.

But of course, danger is never too far away and deceit, secrets and past mistakes force the lovers apart. Their path back to each other is not easy, especially with Olivia's reservations towards letting anyone in, but at the same time they are simply meant to be and nothing and no one can get in their away.

So yes, this is a love story but it is also so much more. The suspense, the danger are so masterfully woven into the story that I simply couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting and I would definitely recommend. For me, there was also and added bonus. Two of my favorite characters from the Weekday Brides series, Neil and Gwen (Neil is my all time favorite Catherine Bybee character ;) ), got a cameo. And a serious one at that. I got to see Neil as a father of a teenage girl (that was so much fun :D )

With all that said, you can probably guess that this was a great read for me. And in my opinion, no matter whether you are a Catherine fan or not yet, you should definitely read it :)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review

I am absolutely loving the Richter series. We got such a small snippet at the end of the First Wives Club series - and I was completely intrigued by this secret German school that trained their students for...everything.

Olivia has mastered the art of deception. After leaving her post graduation job, she's remained completely off the grid. But the job she's done for Neil (and I can't even begin to tell you how fun it is to revisit the Weekday Brides characters!), has her in the thick of things - but she'll do anything in her power to keep the victim of a horrible trafficking ring safe. What she doesn't expect is to take a bullet on the streets of Las Vegas, that leads to amnesia.

McBain securities, and FBI Agent Leo Grant take Olivia into hiding, completely off the grid, and do everything in their power to keep Olivia safe, and to show her that it's okay to be part of a group again. I loved the development of the relationship between Leo and Olivia - and her teasing friendships with the crew stationed in the mountains with her. As pieces of her past life begin to click into place, the crew worries that she'll instantly go into hiding the moment her memories come back. Leo is convinced their connection will prevent that from happening.

A Thin Disguise is full of action and intrigue - with a sweet sexy romance thrown in. This can be a stand alone, but the background of the first book - and the two prior series - really bring the reader right in, with characters we've grown to love through the years making appearances. Definitely get started on this one right away! You won't want to miss out on a single moment.

This is the first book I've read by Catherine Bybee and I enjoyed it very much! I love romantic suspense and this is a really good one. A real page turner with the action starting almost from page one. Leo is an FBI agent in court following up on the case against a man accused of child trafficking when, outside the courthouse Olivia jumps in front of him just as a shot rings out. Olivia wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened or of who she was before she was shot. We are introduced to a group of people led by Neil and Sasha who know facts about Olivia that Leo doesn't. They gather around to protect her from unknown forces. Who IS Olivia? Leo and Olivia give into the attraction between them but when she gets her memory back she leaves to protect him and the others. The author skillfully brings everything to a very satisfying conclusion. I DO need to go back and read the first book!!!
The chemistry between Leo and Olivia is hot...but not rushed! I loved all the characters in this book they all have their own unique personalities and are fun to get to know. I'm assuming they will eventually all get their own stories...I'm looking forward to them.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mystery, suspense, and romance, what could be more perfect. This is the first book I have read by Catherine Bybee and it won't be my last. She has you hooked almost immediately. You will be intrigued and wanting to know all the things just as Leo is. Olivia and Leo without knowing are working on the same case but in different ways. An unexpected shooting leaves Olivia without her memory and that's where the fun and games begin. As Olivia's memory returns we begin to see the real her. She's not all sugar and spice that's for sure. The team of people Olivia works with are more than just side characters and add a great deal to the story. Olivia's journey to full recovery is a pretty bumpy one and I'm not prepared to spoil it for other readers but it's a romance so you can work it out. If you're looking for a read that's intriguing from start to finish this is it. Highly recommend.

FBI agent, Leo Grant, is in Las Vegas to make sure the case against a Russian mobster goes off without a hitch. I was all for that since this mobster was a special kind of dirt bag who specialized in child prostitution/trafficking! Little does Leo know that the star witness has her own guardian angel, Olivia, an ex-assassin trying to help good prevail. Their paths cross when a shooter takes aim at Olivia and Leo, and she’s shot.

Oliva wakes up injured in the hospital, with no memory of her past or how she got there. This is where Neil MacBain and his security team step in to help both Leo and Olivia get to the bottom of things while keeping everyone safe. They do this by whisking Olivia out of Las Vegas and holing up in a secluded Colorado vacation home. Leo insists on accompanying the team to help investigate the shooting and help keep Olivia safe.

I don’t know what it is, but I love amnesia stories and the mystery it provides as the memories come back. Here it was a way for Olivia to live like “normal” woman, unburdened by the memories of her prior dark, lonely life. From the minute Leo laid eyes on Olivia he was attracted but getting to know her as they’re away from danger allows that attraction to grow into more for both. Catherine Bybee knows how to write chemistry and the right amount of buildup, to lead into some hot scenes! Just the right amount to establish an irresistible, passionate connection between Leo and Olivia! But will that be enough when she regains her memories and real life trickles back in?

I’ve been a fan of Catherine Bybee since reading and loving her First Wives Club series, so I was thrilled to hear about this spinoff series! Leo and Olivia are characters from the previous book, Changing the Rules, but Olivia goes back even further as she was an important character in Say it Again, the last book in the First Wives Club series. I think it’s best to at least read the previous book in this Richter series, Changing the Rules, before A Thin Disguise, but in a pinch, you could read it as a standalone and still enjoy the story. Both Richter novels are on Kindle Unlimited, read and listen for free if you belong to that program.

An assassin and an FBI agent. Two should never meet and be attracted to each other, yet when they do their story sizzles. Olivia knows she can’t move ahead with Leo, but Leo can’t help but try and follow her, knowing he could lose his job and maybe his life. With the help of Neil’s team, they close in on not only Olivia, the man who shot her.
When I finished Changing the Rules, the first book in the Richter series, I was already ready for this second book. A Thin Disguise did not disappoint! One of the things I love about Catherine Bybee's writing is that you always get a full story, but you also get very strong heroines and I think that is amazing! While these women featured in the Richter series are fighters, they also have their vulnerable sides and it makes the stories so rich.

Olivia doesn't have friends or family and thinks she doesn't want them. But sometimes those that feel like they are your friends are better than family ever was and they come to your rescue even when you have amnesia and don't know who they are.
Olivia didn't have a typical education and didn't end up in a typical career.
Leo, an FBI agent sees Olivia and falls for her immediately.
She has amnesia, he doesn't know exactly who she is or what she does for a living. All he knows is he is in love.
But the bullet that made Olivia hit the ground and gave her the amnesia; who was that really meant for. Olivia or Leo.
Leo knows Olivia's friends (Neil and crew) aren't telling him the whole truth, but when Olivia remembers who she is and runs Leo needs answers.
While Olivia it off to find the assassin that she knows was out for her; Leo and Neil and crew are searching for Olivia and the assassin.
The danger and excitement and romance is one to definitely enjoy!
Again Catherine Bybee didn't disappoint.
I love the Richter Books!
I received an ARC for an honest review.

Book 2 in the Richter series and it does not disappoint!! I could not put it down. Catherine Bybee nails suspenseful romance. Olivia and Leo's story was so fun to read. I can't wait for book 3,

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

4 Perfect Bybee Stars
* * * *
If you want to have a suspense romance there are a few things you need.
You need characters that can stand on their own. People that make an impression when they are on the page.
You need a story with twists and turns, intriguing details, and a way to lure the reader into that trance where they do not want to put the book down.

A Thin Disguise has all of the above because it was created by Catherine Bybee.

Olivia has a past that she regrets, and she has decided to use the skills she learnt while training at Richter to help people rather than to hurt them. She is determined to protect a witness in an upcoming trial which brings Leo into her life when she saves him from becoming the victim of a targeted hit.

Leo is an FBI agent who happens to have connections to the same case Olivia does even if either is aware of that fact. Not only was Olivia physically injured but she has amnesia as well and Leo is not about to walk away from the woman who saved his life. As they spend time together trying to uncover the truth the chemistry between them ignites but will they get the answers they need not only before the culprit tries to strike again but before Olivia’s memory returns and she disappears from his life?

The characters are compelling, the story complex and the suspense will keep you on edge as Leo and Olivia take us on quite the adventure.

Confession time: It has been a couple of years since I've read a book from Catherine Bybee. And I am kicking myself because, as evidenced in A Thin Disguise, she has this uncanny ability to weave romance and mystery and danger with such a balance that I am left hanging on every word.

I loved that Olivia was a strong, independent woman. Granted that life was lonely but it was necessary to keep herself and others safe. But when an assignment brings her face to face with one Mr. FBI Man, Leo Grant, things get a lot messy.

I really liked Leo. He was just a good guy. Dedicated to his job and doing the right thing for the right reasons. But when he saw Olivia, there was just something about her that called to him. That made him want to take a risk and skirt the line of what was right and what was fair. My favorite thing about him is how he didn't give up on Olivia. He was protective but also knew there were things she had to do on her own, no matter how much he didn't like it.

From Las Vegas to Budapest and a few places in between, Leo and Olivia's quasi opposites attract romance was a whirlwind of secrets, half truths and danger. Talk about intense reading. I can not wait to see what is in store for this brave group next.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "A THIN DISGUISE" Catherine Bybee my first read by you as an author absolutely loved this book full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, lost memories, steamy scense, danger, action, twists that made this one addicting book.
Olivia Naught was a trained assassin went to military school in Germany she's one scary lady looking for redemption from her past.
FBI Agent Leo Grant was chatting Olivia up on the streets of Vegas when she steps in front of him taking a bullet Neil McBane & his team step in to take her away & protect her they have a connection.
Neil takes Olivia & Leo to Colorado to put them in hiding til they figure who was the target she still doesn't have her memories back since the shooting.
Leo & Olivia become closer as they spend time together what will happen when her memories return will they get a HEA will she go after the shooter on her own.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written book so well worth the read it won't disappoint I thoroughly enjoyed I can't wait for next book in this series "UNEXPECTED ATTRACTION"

Wow! I am so glad I read this story. I love reading books with strong alpha males, and usually their female loves have a backbone. But when the females are on the same level (or more) of badness as the guys - that's priceless. At least I'm assuming all the main female leads will be at this level as this is the first book I've read by this author.

Olivia is an ex-assassin who is used to working on her own and having no attachment to other people. Leo is an FBI agent so not really who you would expect an ex-assassin to have as a love interest. I loved how this story progressed and we were introduced to the different members of MacBain Security and Solutions.

We are given hints from the beginning that there is much more to Olivia's story. We are alongside Leo for the journey to find out what has brought her to the current situation. A lot of times I'm able to figure out the ending but I got so lost in the story that I found I wasn't even trying to second guess what was going to happen next. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

This story is a romantic thriller that follows Olivia (a trained assassin) and Leo (an FBI agent). Both are working on the same case when they become involved in a drive by shooting. Was the one shot the intended target? Who is the shooter? Who hired the hit?
As this story unravels secrets are revealed. Giving us an exciting and captivating suspenseful read. There is a hint of romance to this story, but it isn’t the focal point of the story. I enjoyed seeing the team in action and how they worked together to solve the mysteries. And I always love a badass female lead and that Leo (A swoon worthy hottie working alongside his gal) didn’t try to stifle that part of her!! The team of characters were fun and added depth to the story. I think everyone needs a Neil in their life! Someone who always has the answers and has your back!
I didn’t read book one in the series and wished I had. Even though I was able to enjoy the story on it’s own, reading book one will ensure full comprehension throughout the story. Overall, an entertaining read.

A great addition to the series! Pulls you in from beginning. Great characters. Great storyline. Looking forward to book 3.

Side note - I don’t buy a book based on its cover, but I do have to say this is one my least favorite covers.

Thank you #netgalley and #montlake for the eARC.

Olivia and Leo were thrilling to read! One the quintessential lawman and the other a midnight assassin. But when things go bad, Olivia has to learn to lean and count on someone. Something she vowed never to do again.

This story has it all. The secrecy, the chemistry, the danger. And all of our favorite characters again.
Olivia is a lot like Sasha. Quite and to herself. A loner. Never needing anyone or anything. But with her memory gone and no way to know what she is, she has to rely on people for the first time. And Leo blames himself for her injuries. But while recovery is moving along so is their attraction. And it could get one or both of them killed.

Olivia doesn’t want to want or need or love Leo. He’s a distraction. Something her enemies can hold over her. But he has shown her what it means to be loved, be part of a team and she doesn’t know if she can belong. But as the danger mounts they must all work together and bring this to an end if they ever want a chance at happiness.

Olivia, a former assassin, finds love with Mr. FBI in this second installment of the Richter series. It begins almost a year after Changing the Rules and is written in third person. In addition to Olivia and Leo’s POV, there are times when the reader is also given Neil’s POV as he is the one who has an idea of who Olivia really was before her memory loss.
Olivia has been through a lot. Though I met her in other books, I really enjoyed getting to know her and her history in this one. The author did an excellent job making the character one that I could feel sympathetic toward despite the things she has done in the past. Leo is a good guy and I loved seeing him fall hard for Olivia. His shock as he learned about her abilities at the same time she did was priceless. Because of her amnesia, they are given a chance to fall in love. If Leo or Olivia had realized who she really was in the beginning, they never would have gotten that chance. Their intimate moments are hot and steamy, while connecting them on an emotional level that is all new, especially for Olivia. I adore the relationship the team forms with Olivia, especially the bond between her and Sasha considering their history. Neil is always the most awesome guy, and he is in this book too. I love how they are wary of her while she does not know who she is because they have all been up against her skills in the past, and yet they want to give her the best chance at survival and a shot at a different life.
The story is fast paced, action packed, and intense with sprinkles of humor woven in. I had a ridiculously hard time when I had to put it down to do real life things. I love the way this author writes the operative and suspense elements mixed with romance. I cannot wait for the next book.

I love Catherine Bybee. I have read all of her series except for Time Travel. A Thin Disguise is a 2nd book in the series.

Catherine's style of writing and character development are 2nd to none.

In a Thin Disguise, the main characters are Oliva and Leo. She is an enigma. Leo is an FBI agent. The story has lots of excitement and intrique, drama and danger, It will keep you guessing. But there is also humor. You will not be disappointed.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

This was an awesome read. The story was unique and kept me reading late into the night. I had to know more about everyone. I did not read the first book in the series and did not feel lost. I highly recommend this book.