The final book in the Capital Intrigue books. I’m sad to see it end. I hope she brings some of the characters into a new series so that we get to follow up on their stories! As with the first two books, Rachel Dylan packed this one with lots of action and also a bit of romance. You won’t regret picking this book or the whole series up. Enjoy!

Rachel Dylan does it again! Power Play is packed with action, mystery, interesting characters, and a romance I was rooting for. Dylan knows how to keep a story moving with twists and surprises while also providing moments to let the story have room to breathe. I finished this story in one day because I couldn't put it down!

State Department lawyer Vivian Steele is tasked with working with Diplomatic Security Service agent Jacob Cruz on a joint task force to discover the cause of not one, but two deaths at a diplomatic dinner. As the pair work to investigate what happened to the Egyptian diplomat, Vivian's life is threatened several times. Jacob becomes Vivian's personal security and the pair continues to ferret out who is behind the attacks on Vivian and the diplomat.

While Vivian is a layer, this story carried less of a legal background than the other books in this series. The secrets kept by the government haunt Vivian and Jacob as race against the clock to keep Vivian safe. I appreciated Vivian's fight for what she believed in throughout this story. She was brave, but her fears were never just pushed to the side. I loved that she was so well developed as a character. I think Jacob could have been a little more well-rounded, and that the romance at the end could have been a little less rushed.

Overall, I found this to be a great ending to the Capital Intrigue series!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

“Power Play” by Rachel Dylan is a fantastic read! This is the third and final book in the Capital Intrigue series. This was a great read to end the series. Rachel Dylan continues to be one of my all-time favorite romantic suspense authors.

I loved this series! It follows three best friends who went to law school together. They have remained best friends. These characters were so well developed and likeable. They were characters that make you feel like you’re in their story and one of them!

This story follows Vivian Steele. She witnesses two ambassador’s collapse. Her, along with a Diplomatic Security Service agent, Jacob Cruz, try to figure out what really happened. This mystery brings up some past event that happened to Viv.

I highly recommend this book and all of Rachel Dylan’s books. You won’t be disappointed! Her books are always good, clean and keep you reading to see what happens next!

I received this book from the author through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

POWER PLAY is the third novel in the Capital Intrigue series by RACHEL DYLAN, and, although it can be read as a stand alone, it is great to come across characters from the first two books as we follow Vivian's story. It is a legal thriller and the suspense will grip you right to the end. There is also some romance and a good Christian message.
Vivian Steele is an attorney in the Office of the Legal Advisor at the State Department. Her best friend, Layla Karam McCoy, works for the CIA. She has other friends who work in various law enforcement agencies.
She meets former Navy SEAL, Jacob Cruz, at a diplomatic dinner in the Washington DC area where Ali Zidan, the Egyptian ambassador, falls down dead and Penelope King, the US ambassador to Belgium, has to be rushed to hospital.
The scene is set and I am not going to tell you anything more!
The book is well written, the characters are real and the plot is exciting and well worked out. I highly recommend Power Play to anyone who enjoys a really good thriller.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. the opinions in this review are completely my own.

With strong characterization and a fast-paced plot, this conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series is a definite must-read. State Department attorney Vivian Steele gets inadvertently caught up in government schemes when she witnesses the deaths of two ambassadors at a state dinner. The Egyptian ambassador’s death appears to be a plot against his government and somehow Viv is targeted afterwards because of her prior dealings with that government. Because she becomes a target, she is assigned security in the form of Jacob Cruz, a former SEAL who is determined that no one else will die on his watch. The American ambassador who died, Penelope King, has an entire backstory that is intriguing and adds to the story. Her death is being investigated by Delaney, an FBI agent extraordinarily well-suited for her position. Delaney is mentoring Weston and the two of them together make a formidable team. This second plot had a lot of twists and turns as Delaney follows the clues and finds the killer. Delaney’s investigation was a cerebral one for the most part. The first plot, involving Viv, had a lot more action in it, with bad guys targeting Vivian and some “bite your nails” moments as she narrowly escapes death herself. There is violence depicted in the book, but it is not graphically described, so the novel is a clean read. I was sorry to see the series end because I have befriended the well-developed characters. I did especially enjoy the epilogue that was like a curtain call for all of the characters from this book and the previous ones. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series because each book is a fascinating look at investigations and the inner workings of our national government. Fiction, of course!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The 3rd book in the Capital Intrigue series does not disappoint. Vivian Steele is a lawyer who gets caught up in a series of dangerous events that begin with the possible attack on 2 ambassadors at an elite event. Government agents, secrets, elaborate plots and complex characters make this a suspense book you do not want to miss. Dylan keeps you guessing up until the very end as to what is going to happen. I love "seeing" characters from the previous books but you do not have to read the previous books to enjoy this one. I received an advance copy from the author/publisher but all opinions are my own.

Vivian a lawyer with the State Department for six years. Her boss wanted her to attend the annual dinner for the swanky DC power players. Making small talk at the dinner table when screams were heard. The Egyptian ambassador Ali, she knew, now laid on the floor. Meeting Jacob Cruz the supervisor Special Agent for the diplomatic service, for this event.
Ambassador from Belgium waved her over, and within minutes she fell to the floor. Again seeing Jacob and his icy stare, you again.
To be called in the next morning as a lawyer for what had happened, finding she was working with Jacob, Correction he soon let her know he worked alone, to him lawyer are chasing trouble. Vivian loved a challenge and would be relentless in her investigation. First was for him to learn political protocol you don’t show up unannounced.
Definitely a five star series. This third book also draws you in, you know the characters, the intrigue. Now to find out why they were targets, and two opposites working together to figure out.
Given ARC from Net Galley, Bethany Publisher and the author for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

Rachel Dylan does it again. She pulled me in from page 1 and kept me engaged until the very last word.
State Department Attorney, Vivian Steele, is brushing elbows with world diplomats when two, including one she considers a friend, collapse.
Former Navy Seal, new to Diplomatic Security, Jacob Cruz, cannot believe things are going so horribly during one of his first security assignments. And why is his luck so bad that he's now stuck working alongside an ATTORNEY on the task force??
Will Viv set aside her expectations for Jacob to be able to do his job the best way he knows how? Will Jacob relent and realize not every attorney is the same? Are the threats on Viv's life tied to the case or her past? Thank God for heroes, warriors, and good Samaritans being in the right place at the right time.
I enjoyed this story. There were several threads to pull and follow. There was more than one love angle. And of course the friends that are always there when they need each other.
Dylan did a great job with this series finale. I cannot wait for you to read it!
Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed this Capital Intrigue series by Rachel Dylan. I was anxiously awaiting book three, so now I am a bit sad that the trilogy is finished. These three books focused on three law school friends and their various Washington DC jobs. Although these were the main heroines, each book also had a side story going on. By the end, the group of friends was larger than when it started. This added additional depth to the story as we all live in communities that are expanding and growing.

The events of this book start when two people are poisoned at a state dinner. Viv is associated with both victims, but as one of many state department lawyers, she does not think that matters. The rest of the story is about unrivaling how everything is connected.

Vivian deliberately avoided going into subterfuge careers like the ones her friends pursued. But soon she has to be a part of a situation she did not bargain for. There were several on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments. Parts of the book I predicted, but there were definitely many parts that surprised me as well.

Jacob is transformed throughout the book. Yet he is definitely a work in progress. He was definitely a hero to contend with.

Delaney is also an enjoyable minor character. I liked her part in uncovering part of the truth. And I like the fact that her own "happily ever after" is alluded to be coming.

Sometimes in romantic suspense books, one of main characters tries to save the other, both physically and sometimes emotionally. While there was some of that, there was also an emphasis on seeking outside support and counseling. The promise was to be there as the person walked through the process of finding healing rather than providing instant solutions. That seemed much healthier to me. We will all find ourselves recovering from situations that put us in over our heads. I appreciated the fact that this book emphasized taking steps in the right direction with trained people along to guide. PTSD and childhood trauma are not easy to get over.

Faith is an understated part of this book. I thought that fit with the characters' personalities. Descriptions of violence were very limited. This is a clean book that I would definitely recommend.

I did get an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I wanted to write a review. All opinions are my own.

This is a great conclusion to Dylan's Capital Intrigue series.

Dylan is a master at legal thrillers. While this is part of a series, it cold be read as a standalone novel. Reading them in order will help the reader have a better appreciation for the characters, as they do carry over from prior books. I love the strong female leads in the series.

I enjoyed sleuthing things out with the characters. There are romantic and faith elements to the story, but neither is overpowering. The relationship did seem to come together a bit too quickly and seemed a bit unnatural, but it wasn't such to take away from the story overall. I appreciated the diverse, well-drawn cast of characters and the fact that there was enough action to keep me actively engaged.

One of my favorite quotes:
“That’s where our faith has to come in. It’s one of the only things that has gotten me through the dark times – knowing that our God is greater than all of these dark things we’re dealing with. It’s a source of comfort and strength for me.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review

“Love could make you do crazy things. Even become a traitor to your country.”

Power Play, the third installment in author Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series, is a captivating tale of deception, friendship, and romance. Rachel Dylan is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors because of her wonderful characters who feel like old friends, her intense action-filled storylines, and the perfect balance of romance and suspense in her novels. She continues to incorporate well-written diverse characters into her storylines, such as Power Play’s Latino hero Jacob Cruz, who the readers will easily fall in love with.

In Power Play, State Department Attorney Vivian Steele is suddenly thrust into a world of danger and subterfuge after two ambassadors appear to have been targeted at a diplomatic dinner she is attending. Being partnered with Supervisory Special Agent Jacob Cruz on a task force to investigate places her life on the line in a fascinating and thrilling conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series.

The romance in this novel develops realistically at a slower pace as Jacob dislikes Vivian from the beginning, mainly due to her job as an attorney. However, once they realize their feelings for each other, get ready for sparks to fly between the two!

Rachel Dylan intricately weaves beautiful messages of faith into the storyline. This novel can be read as a standalone, but fans of the Capital Intrigue series will enjoy cameo appearances from characters featured in books one and two. There are also new supporting characters introduced in this book as part of the special joint task force, but it is done in such a way that there is no confusion over these additional characters.

Power Play is highly recommended for readers of romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Lynn H. Blackburn, Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason. Power Play will definitely be one of my top reads of 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“For the first time in a long time, she had hope that love wasn’t just something out of fairy tales, but something she could have with Jacob.”

“That’s where our faith has to come in. It’s one of the only things that has gotten me through the dark times – knowing that our God is greater than all of these dark things we’re dealing with. It’s a source of comfort and strength for me.”

Power Play by Rachel Dylan
Power Play takes you into the world of Ambassadors, the F.B.I., the C.I.A. and the State Department. This fast moving suspense novel is worth the read. This is the third book in the Capital Intrigue series by Dylan. They can be read alone or as the series. I have enjoyed all of them. They provide a window into the different lives and world of Washington D.C. The books have mystery, suspense, intrigue, romance and politics, of course. This book kept me on edge and guessing what would happen next. I would recommend this book (and series) to readers of Inspirational suspense, mysteries, clean romance, political intrigue and inspirational fiction. This book was provided by the author and publisher for my review. The opinions expressed are my own. #PowerPlay. #NetGalley

Rachel Dylan is a go-to author for her romantic suspense novels and legal thrillers. This series follows 3 best friends who went to law school together and ended up working in various government agencies. This was a great conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series! This series has had a really full cast of characters, but each one is well developed and I never had trouble keeping the characters straight, which is really difficult with so many wonderful characters! While helpful to have some history, it's not necessary to read End Game or Backlash before Power Play. This book follows Vivian Steele, who is an attorney for the State department. When 2 diplomats end up dead at a dinner where she is attending, she finds herself on the task force to figure out what happened, along with Jacob Cruz, who had been head security at the dinner and had determined then and there that he did NOT like Vivian Steele. When they find themselves stuck together, feelings start to change. In addition to great characters, this book had intense suspense, a mystery I couldn't unravel, twists and turns and a solid faith thread. While the "enemies to lovers" is always a fun trope in romantic suspense, the reason I rated this one 4 stars instead of 5 is because that transition didn't seem quite natural to me in this book as the change in feelings seemed to happen pretty abruptly from my viewpoint. Outside of that, though, this was an excellent read and one I'd still strongly recommend to fans of inspirational romantic suspense. Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

this is a riveting story to the end, viv is a lawyer at the state department, but she is friends with others that are cia for fbi or other departments now two people are dead and it is not natural, but who would do it then someone is after her , jacob is a former seal and is assigned to guard her if you have read the other books or not you will want to read this story if you like suspense and Interreg and the darkness that assassins' and political people have this is a must read story do not want to give anything away, so i will stop , i was given a copy of the story but this is an honest review.

Viv and Jacob are the primary leads in this one, and this story starts out fast and doesn’t let up. Viv and Layla are at a high profile dinner event, and Jacob is one of the security details assigned. Foul play is afoot and 2 people wind up harmed. Viv, Jacob, Delaney, Weston, Cody and Layla along with a couple others are called into a task force to figure out what happened and if foul play was involved. Viv and Jacob dealing with the person from Egypt and Jacob and Delaney doing the majority of the footwork on the Ambassador to Belgium, with Cody running what he can from the info they need looked into. We also meet Jeff, Mark, Willow, Sergei and a few others, along with mentions of the gang from the earlier books, but they generally aren’t part of the story, aside from Layla. Page turning story that keeps you guessing until the end.
A complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.