I repeatedly attempted to read Power Play by Rachel Dylan... And I found that it just isn't for me. While I enjoy suspense books, I've found that they are no longer one of my favorite genres.

That's just me though and you may find this book more to you liking. I have no content warnings as I did not finish the book.

This edge of your seat story was amazing. I rapidly flipped through the pages with my hear pounding. This unputdownable book is one that I highly recommend.

Rachel Dylan is always a go-to author in the romantic suspense genre. She finishes the Capital Intrigue series with Power Play. The suspense and intrigue of this story captured my attention from the beginning. I was kept guessing almost to the end. I liked that Dylan tied up the three storylines in this series with an epilogue at the end of the book as well.

Although this novel is the third in the series and characters from the first two books appear, it could be read as a stand-alone.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Power Play was a nice conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series. I've enjoyed this series and so I was glad to finally read this one.

I liked the characters and romance. Jacob was probably my favorite character. The plot was a little difficult to follow at times; but, as I continued reading, I was able to follow along.

All in all, Power Play was a nice read. Not my favorite of the series, but good.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

International intrigue abounds as attorney Vivian Steele and former Navy SEAL Jacob Cruz try to get to the bottom of an assassination of two foreign ambassadors.

First impressions aren't everything as Viv and Jacob find out as the web of intrigue grows smaller, though they don't initially see eye to eye they soon find that they are each other's best chance to get to the bottom of the case. Rachel finds herself in a tough spot, playing a dangerous game that she was never trained for.

I liked how this book switched back and forth between the two teams as work to reveal what really went down. And I liking the growing friendship between Delaney and Weston as she teaches him the ropes.

Overall this is a engaging read with a lot going on, it definitely keeps the gears spinning, as they unravel the plot behind the murders. I liked that Viv and Jacob bond over their shared faith, in this suspenseful romance.

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

Always a pleasure to read a book by this author. The story was suspenseful and intriguing, and completely held my attention; the characters drew me into the story. I always recommend this author’s books to those who loved Christian suspense fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Can they work together long enough to survive?

In many ways I have not been looking forward to this book. Not because I dislike the author or anything, but because I'm sorry to be saying goodbye to the characters of the Capital Intrigue series. As much as I love starting a new series from Rachel Dylan I also hate knowing that with each page I turn in the that final book I am that much closer to the end. Was Power Play a good read? Yep! Sure was! Am I sad that it's the conclusion to a great series? Definitely.

Once again, author Rachel Dylan brings her characters together on a task force that is bent on saving the world and finding the truth no matter the cost. Power Play takes on corruption and revenge on an international scale that can have lasting and very deadly repercussions. Multiple agencies are working together and against each other as Viv and Jacob try to survive navigate the lies, half truths, manipulation, and anger that surrounds them. Someone is definitely making a Power Play here...

This third Capital Intrigue novel really kept me guessing. There were so many threads of mystery that criss-crossed each other, and there may be a little double-crossing as well, that I was never quite sure who I thought was ultimately guilty. However, as always, Rachel Dylan expertly tied those threads together and I was left quite pleased to have been at least partially right.

If you like legal thrillers and romantic suspense, I would highly recommend Rachel Dylan's exciting Capital Intrigue series. Power Play and its predecessors bring criminal justice to life in a vivid and entertaining way and will keep you glued to the page whether it's print or digital. Don't miss any of them!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Rachel Dylan has done it once again with the second book in her Capitol Intrigue series, Backlash! I have the privilege of reading this suspense filled book and I was not disappointed.


In this second book, we get to know more about Layla Karam, a CIA analyst. After being recruited by the CIA out of law school - Layla’s desire was to be behind the scenes. She was content with her role in the background, analyzing data and supporting operatives in the field.

Her skills do not go unnoticed and she is tasked with an assignment in conjunction with the DEA in Honduras. Upon her return from the field operation in Honduras, things start to go terribly wrong. Layla and her team are being attacked and slowly eliminated. While Layla life is being threatened, she is also faced with questions regarding her integrity internally at the CIA.

Despite their complicated past and bad breakup, she must enlist her ex-fiance, Hunter, a private investigator with DEA ties to help her figure out what is going on and who is trying to kill her and their DEA team.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and loved how the characters were interwoven. The plot twists were not immediately obvious and I appreciate how Ms. Dylan was able to create flawed characters that were capable of redemption. And I was encouraged by how Layla portrayed her faith saying, “I didn’t say it was easy but it can be necessary. I find myself in a constant dialogue with God about things. I get frustrated and even angry, but at the end of the day, I know where I place my faith and that He will walk with me through it.” Like many of us when we face trials, we cry out to God and ask for wisdom and understanding but ultimately rest in knowing that He sovereignly ordains and will be faithful to uphold us.

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!

Power Play by Rachel Dylan is the third book in the Capitol Intrigue series, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Dylan created a plot that starts with the poisoning of two ambassadors at a state dinner. A special FBI task force asks fellow guest State Department attorney Vivian Steele to assist in solving this case. FBI agent Jacob Cruz, who had been head of security at the dinner, is the lead agent on the case, and his unorthodox and somewhat dangerous methods clash with Vivian's personality putting them both in danger. Can Jacob and Vivian find a way to work together and find out who is behind the poisonings before it is too late? Dylan has once again created a suspense-filled novel with well-developed characters.

This is book three in the Capital Intrigue series, even though it is a stand alone book, you do miss some history of some of the characters by just jumping into this one, plus you miss some good reads. This book is full of mystery, Suspense and some romance. If you enjoy FBI, NCIS, CIA type stories you will love this one. I loved reconnecting with characters we met in the first two books but also getting to know some new ones.
In book three we focus on State Department attorney Vivian Steele and the former SEAL and current Diplomatic Security Service agent, Jacob Cruz.. Viv and Jacob must work together to try to solve a crime all while also trying to stay safe. There are many twist and turns in this novel and I love the sparks between Viv and Jacob.
I was given a copy of this novel for my honest opinion.

I have loved every Rachel Dylan book I've read so far but this one just didn't hold my attention. I think it might just have been the wrong time though, as I've been in the mood for historical only lately. The dialogue and interactions in this one felt more theatrical than genuine so it was harder for me to get into it. I will probably try again later but for now it's back on my shelf (I have a paperback copy I was reading)

Power Play
by Rachel Dylan
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Pub Date 01 Jun 2021
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance


I am reviewing a copy of Power Play through Bethany House publishers and Netgalley:



After State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But it isn’t long before she finds her by the book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event's security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations.





While Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Fearful, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob's reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?



If you are looking for a clean, romantic suspense novel, then I highly recommend Power Play.


Five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

This is the last book of the Capital Intrigue series and it's a perfect conclusion to this exciting series. Power Play allows us to witness a work partnership between attorney Vivian Steele and special agent Jacob Cruz that promises to turn into so much more, and it offers us a chance to catch up with the characters from books one and two. Author Rachel Dylan is also a lawyer, and I was fascinated with the legal aspects that she shares in this engaging plot. I was also completely immersed in the efforts to find who has killed two ambassadors, and why Vivian is now a target.

Dylan has become one of my must-read authors and this book certainly didn't disappoint. Power Play has intrigue, suspense, nail-biting adventure, and characters that I would like to know. I loved the very realistic romance between two people who choose to take it slow, and I appreciated the faith message that is powerful and inspiring, but never overwhelming. This is the perfect summer read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.

Power Play is the third book in Rachel Dylan's Capital Intrigue series. While you might see some familiar characters, this can certainly be read as a standalone as well with no issues.

This story started off with action right from the start, which usually is a good way to grab my attention and keep it right from the start with a suspense story... but I must admit, this one took me a little bit longer to get into than usual. Having read and enjoyed other books in the series, and again generally liking books that start off in the way that this one did, I actually cannot help but feel that this had more to do with my frame of mind when I began reading than anything to do with the book itself. Once I got into, I found it intriguing and enjoyed the action packed story, so again... I definitely think this was just one of those timing things! I enjoyed the fast paced story and thought the characters were well written... while I may have enjoyed other books in this series a bit more, this was still a good addition to it. If you enjoy Christian suspense, this is certainly one worth checking out!

**I received a complimentary of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I loved how down to earth this book was. It is a suspense book but it had a really good soft and intimate side to it especially the relationships between the characters.
The action, intrigue and mystery was thrilling and captivating. The characters amazing.

I loved the chemistry between Viv and Jacob. They brought a lot of spice to the book. I loved how their faith, love and loyalty was important to them. It was admirable how they relied on prayers and their faith when things were going out of hand.

I loved how the story ended.

Lovers of suspense, and romantic thriller would love this book.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Power Play by Rachel Dylan concludes her Capital Intrigue series with an adrenalin-packed plot full of diplomatic conundrums, deadly attacks, and eerie threats. From the first page of Power Play , I was drawn in by the intrigue as State Department attorney Vivian Steele watched two ambassadors suspiciously collapse at a diplomatic dinner. Vivian is horrified to see two of her colleagues apparently poisoned, and is concerned about her own safety, not to mention the international and diplomatic repercussions. Vivian is quickly pulled into a FBI task force investigating the suspicious circumstances of the dinner and runs straight into Jacob Cruz.
Special Agent Jacob Cruz was in charge of the security of the event, as a member of the Diplomatic Security Service, and takes the attacks very personally. From the first time they meet, Jacob and Vivian don't trust each other and often butt heads. As Jacob and Vivian are paired together in their investigation, they are forced to get over their personal issues and focus on the danger at hand. Jacob is a former Navy Seal and is used to difficult tasks, but soon realizes that the untangling of this giant web of deception may be more than he can handle. He is irritated to have to deal with the more political aspects of investigations instead of his former tactical involvement. Jacob has endured a difficult past, which has left him aloof and extremely hesitant to trust anyone. When Jacob and Vivian's lives are placed in danger, Jacob's protectiveness and warrior mentality lead him to personally ensuring Vivian's safety....i.e. becoming her bodyguard.Can Jacob and Vivian discover what is truly going on and why they are being targeted? Will Vivian's past as a State Department lawyer come into the spotlight? Will Vivian ever be able to go back to a "normal" life? Can Jacob handle Vivian's headstrong willingness to put her own safety at risk in order to take down the enemy? Will Jacob and Vivian be able to survive these threats and attacks? Who is really behind the attacks? I thoroughly enjoyed Power Play by Rachel Dylan and would highly recommend it. The characters were very unique, yet easy to relate to as a reader. I enjoyed the comedic, yet realistic antagonism between Jacob and Vivian as they first were paired together on the investigational team. I also appreciated how Ms. Dylan incorporated great intrigue and surprise into her storyline. The villain was an unknown for a long while, but there were many suspicious characters. I enjoy a good wholesome romance story and I appreciated Ms. Dylan's skillful tying in of a sweet romance in the midst of a action-packed plot full of suspense and danger. Overall, I enjoyed Power Play by Rachel Dylan and hope you have the opportunity to read and enjoy it as well! Happy reading!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Power Play by Rachel Dylan – Filled with Suspense and Intrigue, But Story Dragged

Power Play by Rachel Dylan is the third and final book in her Capital Intrigue series. I enjoyed the first two books and was excited to read her newest novel.

Vivian Steel is an attorney with the State Department and attending a diplomatic dinner in Washington DC. As dinner starts, chaos ensues when the Egyptian ambassador drops dead. Jacob Cruz, with diplomatic security, instructs guests to return to their seats as they handle the situation. A couple of hours later, Vivian heads over to see the US ambassador Penelope King only to see her collapse to the ground. Two diplomats on the same night, one dead and the other near death. What is going on, and who is behind this?

That’s how Power Play starts, and the suspense and intrigue continue to build throughout the novel. This story is a more behind-the-scenes investigation with less action than the other books in the series. Vivian is paired with Jacob Cruz as one part of the investigation team to determine what happened to the Egyptian ambassador. Was it murder, or was it natural causes, and does it related to what happened to the US ambassador? When Vivian is attacked on the streets of DC, it adds another layer to the investigation. Was this random or part of a coordinated attack?

I appreciated that Vivian’s friends, Layla and Bailey, featured in earlier books make an appearance in this story. That’s one of the elements that I appreciated, their ongoing friendships and support of one another. I liked the relationships between the FBI investigative team with Delaney and Weston. The character’s Christian faith was a small part of the book. I would have like to have seen it more developed.

The story was very convoluted and had too many twists and turns, and the story started dragging. After Vivian is attacked, especially in light of what happened to the ambassadors, one would think that security would be on high alert and take no risks. I found Vivian’s actions not logical or believable. The romance between Jacob and Vivian, in the middle of an intense investigation, seemed contrived. I think the priority would be the protection of Vivian and the ongoing investigation. Let the relationship develop afterward.

I like Rachel Dylan’s writing and look forward to reading more of her books. The story in Power Play was good, but not the strongest of the Capital Intrigue series. If you like Rachel’s writing and have read the first two books in this series, you may want to read Power Play.

I would like to thank Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Power Play by Rachel Dylan. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Book Title: Power Play by Rachel Dylan
Book Reviewer: Donna Feyen
Power Play by Rachel Dylan is the final instalment in the Capital series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and was hoping Delaney would get her own book too 😊

This was Vivian’s story. She is an attorney for the state department. While at an event two diplomats die and she is asked to help with the task force since she was with one of them.

Jacob is a former SEAL and currently in charge of the security for the event. He is teamed with Viv to help investigate. They get off to a rocky start but I liked how Viv could hold her own with him. Great chemistry between them.

I thoroughly enjoyed the side story with Delaney and would love for her to have her own book/story.

Vivian Steele is a Legal Advisor at the state department. When she observes two ambassadors collapse at a diplomatic dinner, she is soon partnered with Special Agent Jacob Cruz a member of the Diplomatic Security Service to determine who poisoned the two ambassadors. But Vivian discovers that a previous assignment has pulled her into risky business.

This was an edge-of-your-seat, fast moving suspense novel that was a roller coaster ride from start to finish as Vivian and Jacob put their heads together with a full scale team to determine exactly what happened and who was behind this poisoning. Even though they both had different styles in approaching the solution, Vivian and Jacob complimented one another as they worked together.

Top speed, enjoyable suspense.

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

Power Play was my favorite of the series. It was full of suspense, swoony heroes (times two actually), a few twists, and a great chance meeting! Plus it was basically like reading two mysteries in one as you not only follow Vivan and Jacob (swoon - he can be my bodyguard any day), but also Delaney and Weston (who is a pretty decent guy himself!). I loved having the two different, yet connected storylines.

I also really loved the direction of Delaney's love life. I don't want to put spoilers, but I kind of assumed she would end up with guy X, but guy X actually surprised me, which made me like him even more, and she ended up going in a different direction. I preferred this actually to what I was expecting, so kuddos to the author on that.

I really enjoyed every moment of this story. Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.