Member Reviews
I am so glad that is the first book in this series because I want more SNAP Agency and to see how Brynn and Jack are doing in the future. I love the name Brynn, I don't think I've come across it before. Brynn and Jack made a great couple and I liked how their story developed. I am anxious now to go back and read the prequel, Initium which I've already downloaded on my Kindle.
This is a fast paced novel that keeps you totally engaged. I loved the glimpses into the Cyber terrorism as I am sure so much goes on that I can't even imagine. Also, the glimpse into the White House was interesting.
All of the SNAP team members were great and I felt like the author really helped getting to know each one and their characters. They were almost like a family.
Natalie Walters is now one of my favorite go-to authors for my suspense because she keeps things fast paced but not too spine-chilling. And her knowledge of the military is great and shows throughout the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading suspense.
Thanks you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
There is evil in this world, no doubt about it. And it is good that there are those whose desire is to stop it. Jack knows this and so does his team at S.N.A.P. and their job is to help the government do just that.
Brynn Taylor is in the CIA and that job is pretty much all she has especially after the deaths of her parents. She has one friend who lives in New Mexico that she sees occasionally. Now, under her watch, a spy from Egypt has gone missing. Why? And not only that but Brynn's whole career is in jeopardy as she vetted him and it was under her organization he was working with. So in steps Jack and his team.
Things couldn't get any worse for Brynn as she and Jack once upon a time were romantically involved and that ended on a sour note. Jack still doesn't trust her, and she is still guarding her heart. However, things do get worse for Brynn and Jack is trying to save her not only from herself but also from the terrorists.
I really enjoyed this action filled spy novel and the team camaraderie that made them almost a family. We are introduced to them all and their personalities, special skills, and some loves are revealed. This one was Brynn and Jack's story, and Jack has a time trying to keep Brynn from killing herself. He already sees she has pretty much sacrificed her dreams and future at the noble but impossible mission she has given herself to stop terrorism.
Even though it has been eight years, the mutual attraction and genuine love is still there between them stirring up dormant feelings and sizzling looks. If only these two would stop being so stubborn and Kekoa would stop interrupting them. He is probably my favorite character and I so hope we get his story too.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This author whisks readers into a terrorist hunt that’s personal for Brynn. Her father was part of the first responders on 9/11 attack. Brynn’s personal mission was to never let this type of thing happen again. Lights Out is a fast-paced, tension filled thriller that can be ripped from today’s headlines.
I enjoyed this fun-loving cast of characters that made me laugh out loud with them as they try to make light, of a dangerous situation. Family and friends are important, they often take time to remember that there is life to be lived, outside their job. Newcomer Brynn is learning how to incorporate that into her life and mind set. One of the many, funny moments I enjoyed, is when Brynn is invited to Lyla’s birthday party. Lyla is a playful, bold, witty woman who does her best to befriend Brynn. Brynn has been a lone wolf for so long, she doesn’t know how to act at a party, especially when she discovers it’s a Princess Bride costume themed party. I love how the author has fun with that theme, and so do her characters.
This author pens a brilliant suspenseful novel, that brings in all the elements of real-life drama with national security threats. This team searches globally, trying to connect the dots, and uncover the real threat to America. I loved how the author has multiple situations going on; yet I was able to keep up. I was fascinated by all the latest and greatest high-tech toys they had at their disposal. Furthermore, I loved the comradery of the team and how they enjoyed working together. I got a kick out of Kekoa, who is Hawaiian and one of the smartest tech people on the team. Likewise, I enjoyed the fact that the author (who lives in Hawaii) brought elements of that culture into the story.
I also liked what the author’s bio states, “Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past.” This comes across throughout the novel. I liked the prayer the author shares in her acknowledgements. This explains so much about Natalie’s writing and how she pens a natural spiritual thread throughout the story. The author goes on to say, “It truly takes a tribe to support an author, and I have the very best.”
This is a suspenseful read with a splash of romance, dramatic moments, threats, and humor. This story is a great escape and one that would work great for your next book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. 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!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
This is the first book in this series, The SNAP Agency, and it is intriguing and makes a reader want to read the next book in the series ASAP. This book focuses on Brynn and Jack. Jack works for SNAP and I assume readers will see more of the characters that work for SNAP in the following books. This agency’s work is extremely interesting to read about. Brynn and Jack are working together to figure out what and why an Egyptian spy is missing. Even though they are forced to work together, they know each other from their past relationship. Even though they are having to work together, they also have to figure out if they can let go of the past so that they can work together cohesively. Each lead they have takes them on another chase to figure out what is really going on and what might be at stake if they don’t figure it out soon. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
Walters is a new author for me this year. But she knows how to write quality realistic suspense stories with a great attention to detail and plenty of romance tossed in.
I had read Initium, the SNAP Agency prequel, and it set me up for the team that I was soon to become very familiar with. Interestingly, Initium features Director Tom Walsh as the focal point and how he goes about setting up SNAP. However, he has a very minor role in Lights Out which surprised me but didn't affect my view of this story.
This story moves fast and throws the reader into the action immediately which gets you turning pages which I love. Our two leads, Brynn Taylor and Jack Hudson, have a history and this creates an additional layer of intrigue and tension which adds to the reading experience. I liked the chemistry between them and also how Walters creates a positive encouraging vibe within the small SNAP team. They sound like a team that would function well and look after each other.
Walters is good with the detail too which I suspect has something to do with her military connections. This adds authenticity to Lights Out especially when it comes to cyber security and cyber terrorism. Tough concepts to write about but Walters does it well. In this story, what initially appears to be an isolated situation blows out into becoming a major domestic and global one that sure grabs the reader's notice.
The supporting cast are well crafted especially Kekoa, the Jason Momoa-esque Hawaiian giant who also happens to be a crazy computer nerd and a very fun guy to have around. Garcia was the quiet one and I hope we see more of him in a later story.
My only reservation was the conflict got resolved a little too quickly and I thought some of the detail of the resolution was missed which took a little away from the authenticity of the detail that had come before.
Thoroughly entertaining story and I'm excited for the next instalment.
I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Revell as part of their Readers Program via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Lights Out is the first book in the new The SNAP Agency Series... and what a great way to open a series!
Now, I must say I did find that for me this book seemed to start a little bit on the slow side... but my goodness, once it got going, it REALLY got going. It was a race against the clock to stop a terrorist attack and it kept me at the very edge of my seat wondering how it was all going to work out. The action was great, and I did enjoy the second chance at romance between the lead characters Brynn and Jack in this book... but I must say it was really getting a look at the SNAP team as a whole that really made this book all the more enjoyable for me. Brynn and Jack were good... but all these side characters were even better and really had me ready to read their stories all that much more too! This is certainly one series I will be (impatiently) waiting for! If you enjoy Christian suspense with high stakes, this is definitely one to check out!
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
The President is traveling to Egypt, terrorists are on the lose throughout America, and private defense contractor SNAP is stymied in it search for those out to destroy the country before the President walks into his own assassination.
Brynn Taylor, CIA Analyst, finds herself unexpectedly assigned to work with SNAP. She would prefer to work the case in Egypt, but Director Frank Peterson has made his decision - now she will need to work alongside her ex-boyfriend or not work the case at all. The story will take the reader from Washington DC to Houston to California to Guam to Egypt. This well-written faith-based thriller will keep the reader’s attention from beginning to end.
Only two concerns prevent me from giving this a five-star review. First is that though promoted as a faith-based book, it is only moderately so. This might make it more saleable to a secular book market, but not as appealing to a Christian audience. Secondly, the conclusion of the book seemed to sneak up on this reader - it was stumbled on rather than discovered through the usual deductive techniques one would expect in an international thriller. I am giving this book four-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Awesome Suspense!
This is an amazing start to this new series. I really enjoyed the characters from the SNAP team, and look forward to reading more stories about them. This book will definitely keep you guessing who can be trusted!
Natalie Walters is definitely an author to add to your favorites list. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I am new to the author and happily caught the start of a new series. If you like clean suspense, spy-thrillers complete with explosions, action, danger and a smidge of romance give the book a try. CIA agent Brynn Taylor is assigned to work with the SNAP Agency when an Egyptian intelligence officer goes missing in Washington DC. The head of the team happens to be her ex boyfriend Jack Hudson who she hasn't seen in eight years. She chose her career over him but is only now realizing how much her life is only her job. The SNAP team, which I assume will be in future books, include fun side characters. They obviously care about each other as a team and have good skills for their jobs.
I think for me I would have enjoyed a little more time on the romance. The focus of the story is a terrorist threat so romance takes a back seat. But they do have time for lunch and attending a party. A few more conversations with Jack and Brynn reconnecting and a bit more kissing would have boosted my rating. The book is also promoted as Christian and includes some references to God and faith. It is clean for language, intimacy and while there is violence nothing is graphic. I will have to check out the authors other series while waiting for this one to continue. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie Walters has put together a phenomenal new team for the SNAP series! The characters are all fantastically written and I look forward to reading more stories with them. It’s scary to think that the scenario that plays out in this book could happen in real life, but throughout the story, we’re presented with the hope that only God can provide when faced with such evil. Her personal experience with the locations and the agencies involved shines through and brings a realistic experience from start to finish! Fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, etc will want to grab this series for sure!
Lights Out is truly a page-turner as CIA agent Brynn Taylor is assigned to work with the SNAP team to locate a missing spy from her new program designed to combat terrorism. Neither she nor ex-boyfriend Jack Hudson are thrilled to find themselves working closely together on the assignment but both are professionals and the future of the U.S. is at stake.
The exciting plot seemed to move along at warp speed with greater danger around every corner. Each clue took the team deeper into a sinister plot against the country through its power grid that could possibly lead to world-wide disaster. Spies, murders, kidnappings, poison, and explosions are just a taste of what Natalie Walters has in store for her readers. The story is so realistic that it left me wondering how close our nation could be to such a scenario and if there is a dedicated team similar to SNAP that will work night and day to stop it.
Lights Out is an exciting suspense filled tale that should delight readers who enjoy intense suspense novels. Natalie Walters is an expert when it comes to writing them.
Lights Out begins an exciting new series by Natalie Walters, called The SNAP Agency. I thought this was a fabulous beginning. It has a lot I enjoy in a book, including, mystery, suspense, action, danger, and romance. I had to find out what was going to happen next. I loved the duo of Brynn and Jack. I found they made quite the team. Their story is not one that was easy to predict. I never knew what events would follow. I did not want to put it down.
I giving Lights Out four and a half stars. I believe many readers who enjoy reading clean romantic suspense will not want to miss this one. I will be looking for the release of the next installment from The SNAP Agency series.
I received a paperback copy of Lights Out from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
This was an amazing book. Natalie Walters wrote a fast paced, adrenaline filled story with twists and turns that drew me in and kept me reading. As one who had not yet read any of Natalie Walter’s books, I was not sure what to expect. However, the moment I started reading, I could not put the book down. I enjoyed every moment of the book and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the characters.
Brynn Taylor is a CIA Analyst that’s developed a unique program to combat terrorism on a global scale. Initially it seems to be a success, until one of the international operatives in her program suddenly disappears.
As Brynn scrambles to determine what has happened, the powers that be pull in the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) to take the lead on locating the missing operative. Brynn is surprised to learn that Jack Hudson leads SNAP. Formerly colleagues and trainees for the CIA, Jack and Brynn share a complicated history marred by broken trust. Despite their rocky past, they must work together to find the foreign operative that’s gone missing.
Natalie has done an excellent job with Lights Out! As I shared, I was drawn in immediately and enjoyed every plot twist. I appreciated the rich character development and the layers of history each player in the storyline had. I especially enjoyed the supporting characters introduced as the SNAP agency team.
I would definitely recommend this book! Lights Out kept the action going and kept me wanting to read more.
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Brynn no life outside the CIA for 10 years, as a intelligent officer
teaching counter terrorism conference of foreign students
Now one is missing, from Egypt with ties to an organization
Human trafficking, and cyber terrorism, new team SNAP
Brynn assigned to the team, and headed by ex boyfriend
A good tense flowing plot, time is critical as is to trust again
Given ARC by NG and Revell for my voluntary review
and my honest opinion
I thought this series got off to a great start. I love books that have a team that relies on each other and becomes family for each other. Brynn doesn't have that. She is utterly alone but doesn't feel that until she sees Jack surrounded by his team. It made me sad for her.
When an Egyptian spy goes missing, Brynn is sent to work with Jack, whom she betrayed many years ago. I enjoyed all the members of Jack's team. Kekoa seemed particularly interesting while not a lot was said about Garcia. Lyla seems like she must have a very colorful past. I look for ward to encountering them all again in subsequent books.
I loved the suspense and the fight against a terrorism. It's amazing how warfare has changed and crazy to know the possible devastation a cyber attack could bring. It was a great read. I'd highly recommend it.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A new hit that romantic suspense fans will not want to miss! Natalie Walters is quickly making a name for herself in this genre!
Brynn Taylor is a CIA analyst who has developed a program to take down terrorists before they get a chance to attack. When one of the members of a foreign intelligence agency she invited to work on the program goes missing, she must work with Jack Hudson and the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency. Jack and Brynn have a history and working together is no easy task. Every clue they uncover puts them in more danger and deeper into the international plot they have uncovered. They must work together in order to stop a terrorist trying to cause a digital blackout in order to blind the US military. If Brynn and Jack can’t get over the hurt in their past, they may not be able to solve the case that leaves lives and their hearts hanging by a thread.
Lights Out was a really great book. I probably could have read this in one sitting if I hadn’t been sick and had to put it down for two weeks. This is the first book in Walters new series and it starts with a bang. There are so many secondary characters that I can’t wait to see how they develop in the upcoming books in the series. Brynn was a great lead character that kept me engaged and I easily connected with her hoping to see her succeed in both life and love. The dynamic between her and Jack kept the tension tight all the way through, along with the playful banter with Lyla and the other members of the SNAP team. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds as the story continues with the next in the series. The story flows at a good pace and the ending was very satisfactory unlike some romantic suspense that tie things up too quickly. I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense and fans of Walters writing will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
This book was fantastic. The only problem I had with it was trying to put it down.
I was hooked from the beginning and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through.
I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Lights Out by Natalie Walters is the first book in a new series. It starts with a bang and it really never lets up. It is full of action, suspense and five amazing characters who make up the team called SNAP. Oh, and a romance as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the next book.
As if, with just a snap of her fingers, author Natalie Walters hypnotized me with her riveting, explosive new release, Lights Out!
From the intense, complex plot that reveals human trafficking and cyber-terrorism, to the brilliant cast of highly-skilled, dynamic characters, Lights Out’s fast-paced action and dramatic unfolding completely captivated me. This brand new release had it all!
As CIA Analyst, Brynn Taylor, finds out that an Egyptian spy is missing from her recently developed counter terrorism conference, her career suddenly comes under fire. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she is paired with her ex-boyfriend, Jack Hudson, and his team of highly skilled contractors to track down the missing spy. While tensions over an unresolved history between Jack and Brynn mounts, they focus on an intense, complex investigation that leads to discovering the country, and perhaps the world, is in dire peril.
Walters enraptured me with her deeply complex plot that kept the intensity high and the romance sizzling.
I particularly enjoyed the premise behind this story. It had an inter-agency-style appeal with that creatively and dramatically used the catalysts of spies, human trafficking, cyber-terrorism, and the Unites States military to pit good against evil. Walters’ military background is evident in her writing and I loved how she pulled so many different aspects together to create a strong team of people working together to thwart the evil at hand. She gives just enough insight into the villainous side of the story to keep it interesting, yet not give too much away as her plot thickens and secrets are revealed. The suspense kept me on edge and deeply engrossed in the story.
The SNAP Team is a diverse, intriguing group of characters that work together to neutralize threats, adding a sense of heroism to this story. In addition to the highly skilled cast of characters, Walters introduced a second-chance romance for Brynn and Jack. Their internal struggles and inner dialogue allows readers into their hearts and minds, making them relatable and enjoyable. As the characters surrender to personal growth, the romance deepens and blossoms. Walters’ characters were grounded in their faith offering a subtle but strong faith-based element to her fiction that I also enjoyed.
Overall, an exciting novel that I definitely recommend! Readers who enjoy books by Ronie Kendig, Lynette Eason and Susan May Warren will definitely enjoy this novel as well.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
SPECTACULAR!
Natalie Walters’ latest release, LIGHTS OUT (The SNAP Agency Book 1) bursts on the scene filled with a story that is all too believable and relevant in our day. Walters has carefully created a cast of complex characters and it is up to the reader to decide which of the many spies is truly on the side of good vs evil. CIA analyst Brynn Taylor has developed a new program to combat terrorism and invited a group of foreign intelligence agencies to America to bolster cooperation between the countries.
Jack Hudson has found where he can best use his skill set and that is working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP). One of Brynn’s spies is missing and Jack is taking lead in finding him. There is just one slight problem. He finds it difficult to trust Brynn when she has already betrayed him in the past.
Soon they realize they are dead center of an international plot. People who will use whatever means necessary to accomplish their tasks.Terrorists have developed a plan that is about to be unleashed on the United States with the goal of causing a digital blackout. This digital blackout will blind a strategic US military communications center, throwing the world into chaos. Will it be possible for Brynn and Jack to put their past behind them and get the job done to see that the terrorists are the ones that are terrorized?
I was provided a copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.