The characters truly made this story for me. With a hunky Hawaiian hero and sweet, nerdy science-geek heroine, Fatal Code surprised me in some highly entertaining ways! Readers met Kekoa Young, a former Navy cryptologist and current computer guru for the SNAP agency of Washington, D.C., in Lights Out, book one. This is his story and introduces readers to Elinor Mitchell, his neighbor and… current assignment.

I loved the chemistry between these two diverse, relatable characters and enjoyed this book for being what it is, a clean romance with a high-stakes plot. Kekoa’s Hawaiian heritage and culture were rich and brought a fresh, unique flare to him as a lead character. Elinor was a great heroine in a quiet way with her highly intelligent mind and cute science puns! Each of the main characters were multi-layered. They individually grieved the loss of loved ones and worked to overcome specific insecurities. Their growth both individually, and together, was raw and rewarding. This novel had emotional depth and plenty of heart.

The nuclear, scientific aspect and the code breaking intelligence portions of the novel were fascinating and something I haven’t read before. The information was presented well in an uncomplicated manner that was easy to follow.

Kekoa and Elinor’s romance was my favorite portion of the story as their chemistry was enjoyable and fun, building over time, thus keeping me very invested.

The suspense throughout this novel maintained at a great high/low pace with plenty of heart-pounding moments to keep me interested, while interspersed with character development and backstory construction. There were also some fantastic faith-based elements that were layered throughout the story and presented really well, including letting go of pain and trusting God, because He is always watching over us.

The ending was mildly surprising but did leave me somewhat bewildered with the many factors that came into play. I felt like I might have missed something and also felt as if the ends weren’t tied up as neatly as I would have hoped. However, because the rest of the story was so great, I purposely overlooked that personal preference in my rating.

SUMMARY:
Overall, I enjoyed this story and felt it had a really great balance between intrigue, romance, suspense and character development! Something Natalie Walters always does well in my opinion… Readers who enjoy books by Dani Pettrey, Lynn Blackburn or Lynette Eason will definitely enjoy this novel as well. I recommend Fatal Code!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

Elinor's work in science is pretty much all that is to her life right now. She has just suffered the death of her grandfather, whom she loved very much, and knows that only work will help keep her mind occupied. However, there are some who have much more notorious plans for Elinor, and she has no clue what is in store for her.

Kekoa Young is Elinor's neighbor and works for the SNAP Agency as a cryptographer. He is a pretty smart Hawaiian and the author's description was really giving off some major actor Mamoa vibes. Anyway, he has been tasked with keeping an eye on Elinor as she is the prime suspect in an international theft of business property secrets. But Kekoa doesn't think she is guilty though all the signs point to her. Kekoa may have his heart on the line as well, but he is determined to prove that she is innocent.

In the meantime, Elinor is just grateful her hunky neighbor is always around when she needs him the most. And especially when certain secrets come to life. This was a very good romantic suspense with just enough action to keep me turning the pages long into the night. With every page the tension mounted, along with the strong romantic heroic vibes that Kekoa, unintentionally, kept shooting out to Elinor. They had quite a ride and journey to travel and I enjoyed reading every minute of it.

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.

Elinor Mitchell’s grandfather was part of a group of nuclear scientists working with the US government on a nuclear project. They were disbanded and years later Elinor realizes she has some clues to the covert project left behind by her grandfather, and now she has a target on her back. Can she and Kekoa (tasked with monitoring her) outsmart the enemy and maybe find a little romance in the bargain? You’ll have to read it to find out. Recommended.

Such an intense and exciting suspense novel!

This is the second book in Ms. Walters’ “The Snap Agency” series, and it is just as exciting and intense as the first.
This is Kekoa’s story, and I really enjoyed reading and understanding him a bit more.
Watching him get to know Elinor (the heroine) was fun, and funny at times. They aren’t necessarily your typical heroes, but were a joy to read about.
Elinor is a nerdy scientist, and is trying to follow clues left behind for her by her beloved grandfather. Kekoa’s trying to figure out what Elinor is up to, and monitoring her movements, in case she is the spy that all the evidence is pointing towards.
Definitely intense, also...lots of action, suspense, and of course romance, this novel is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters – Suspense, Mystery and Intrigue

Since I love reading mystery and suspense novels, I was excited at the opportunity to read Fatal Code by Natalie Walters. This is the second book in the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) series. This author is new to me, and I haven’t read the first book in the series, Lights Out.

The book opens with Elinor Mitchell attending the funeral service for her beloved grandfather Arthur Conway. He was a brilliant man, a theoretical physicist, and had worked at the Los Alamos National Lab. More important than his career was the impact that he made on his granddaughter’s life. He took Elinor in and raised her while her parents were involved with conservationist causes all around the world. Elinor is also a scientist and is working on an important project at Lepley Dynamics.

Kekoa Young works for the SNAP Agency and is investigating a possible information leak at Lepley Dynamics. Concerns have been raised that information has been shared with competitors or foreign governments. Kekoa is a cyber security expert and was also assigned to keep an eye on his neighbor Elinor Mitchell. That task that is outside his comfort zone. Kekoa’s team at SNAP will also be part of the investigation. Garcia, Lyla, Jack, and Brynn will be investigating other Lepley employees.

I enjoyed the story more as it focused on Elinor and Kekoa and their growing relationship. Elinor was closed off and not open to friendship. Later on, as she opened up, I grew to like the character. Kekoa was my favorite character. He was kind, caring, fun, thoughtful, smart, and a diligent worker. Both Elinor and Kekoa are struggling with their own hurts. Will they work through those hurts or choose to remain insulated?

I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery and trying to figure out who the bad guys were and why they were involved in trying to steal sensitive information. Faith was a part of the storyline and it was impactful to Elinor and Kekoa’s lives. I would like to have seen the Christian faith and Gospel also included.

Toward the end of the book, one of the bad guys threatens a character by describing the torture she will endure. That seemed over the top especially coming from a Christian book publisher. It would have been beneficial to have a key or list of characters at the beginning of the book with a brief description. There are a lot of characters in the book and it’s hard to keep track of them.

I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue in Fatal Code. While some of the scientific information was over my head, I found cyber security and code-breaking interesting. I enjoyed the developing relationship with Elinor and Kekoa and the ties that Kekoa has with his family back in Hawaii. If you like mystery, suspense, and intrigue you may to read Fatal Code by Natalie Walters.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for an opportunity to read Fatal Code by Natalie Walters. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Leaping into a series at book two is always a little bit risky. There’s the worry about whether or not the characters and situations will make sense without the back story of the first book.

Well, readers who are leaping into the world of The Snap Agency with Natalie Walker’s second book in the series, Fatal Code, need not worry. All the necessary information comes out in this well-paced story that combines the suspense of the race for aerospace dominance with enough romance to keep things interesting and a really witty overall voice.

Not that this is a comedy. It’s not. But Natalie Walters wonderfully captures the gentle humor of every-day situations. An example of this is when the vibrant and dimensional lead character Kekoa Young muses that he’s just finished a deadly-dangerous assignment but is dreading speaking to his father on the phone.

His concern over the fact that he’s got to “babysit” his neighbor Elinor, whom he is attracted to is also very plausible. It’s this human factor that makes Fatal Code so enjoyable.

In fact, it’s the byplay between the characters that really grabbed me. The scenes where Kekoa and his colleagues are bantering about food choices while also going over mission notes is the perfect depiction of workplace relationships, and really sold me on the whole premise.

I’m a sucker for anything to do with aerospace, and I love character-driven stories. This novel checked both of those boxes. I also enjoyed the audiobook version, which I’ve been listening to all week (the narrator is great, and has a little bit of an Asian lilt in her voice that really sells the Kekoa’s Hawaiian origin.) because the story is just delightful.

Intriguing, entertaining, romantic, and suspenseful, Natalie Walters’ second The Snap Agency novel, Fatal Code has it all.

Goes well with: A hamburger with eggs and gravy.

Fatal Code is the second book in Natalie Walters’ SNAP Agency series. I really like that the author has created an ensemble cast of characters who work tirelessly to ensure the security of American interests, yet are not part of a governmental agency. Walters’ creativity is on full display as her books feature high tech and complex scenarios. In Fatal Code SNAP is brought into examine corporate espionage and nuclear weapons development. I felt challenged in a good way as I read about things way out of my pay grade. LOL! The characters are great, and I was very pleased that this novel features Kekoa, a charming, yet imposing cryptologist. Fatal Code explores just what makes him tick, including past regrets and guilt. His next-door neighbor, Elinor is the focus of his investigation, and the immediate attraction between the two causes tension between Kekoa’s personal and professional lives. I loved it! Elinor is also a great character. Her feelings of childhood abandonment shaped her as well. But a beloved grandfather’s love and faith provided an even stronger influence. The plot is twisting with bad guys popping up everywhere. This certainly kept the characters and the reader on their toes. The reader gets a good helping of suspense.

I read Fatal Code in record time — I just could not put it down! I can’t wait for another installment.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

Fatal Code is the second in Natalie Walters’ SNAP Agency series. I haven’t read the first, but after reading this one, you better believe I’m going to to grab it.
Buckle up, y’all! This book takes off right out of the gate and doesn’t slow down. Elinor, an aerospace engineer, is grieving the death of her grandfather who practically raised her, hanging onto the journals he left her. But when she discovers some secret codes in the journals, she knows they’re a puzzle she has to solve. Kekoa is part of the SNAP Agency, and they’ve been tasked with investigating leaks at the company where Elinor works. Everything seems to point to Elinor as the leak, and Kekoa is tagged to monitor her. As he gets to know Elinor, though, and finds himself rescuing her from hazardous situations, he can’t reconcile what he’s seeing with what the data is telling him.

I couldn’t even tell you which character I liked more. Elinor is my kind of girl. She’s incredibly intelligent, unabashedly nerdy, and a genuinely decent human being. And Kekoa? I want to hug him and hang out with his family and have some of those “ono grindz” they kept talking about. (I’m pretty sure that means tasty, tasty food. If only the book came with recipes….) He’s smart, and he doesn’t see himself as a protector, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep Elinor safe. They’re both delightfully three-dimensional, and they aren’t perfect. Elinor hesitates to let anyone get close to her. Kekoa is battling the guilt he feels over his younger brother’s death several years earlier. They’re all the more real and relatable by having to work through issues that their pasts have left them with.

And as I would expect in Christian fiction, both Elinor and Kekoa rely on their faith to help them in difficult times! Elinor often recalls “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” one of the hymns her grandfather would sing to her. I love having a good old-fashioned hymn woven into a story. Walters doesn’t just pay lip service to faith in Christ. Her characters are living it out. The language is clean, and the romance is, too, and I appreciate that.

But don’t think this is some precious, too sweet for words story. It is a butt-kickin’ thrill ride of a suspense read. There are two mystery storylines to try to sort out – one, what the codes in Elinor’s grandfather’s journals mean, and two, who is leaking information on the top secret project and trying to case Elinor as the source. Walters does a great job in laying down hints and clues that take you first one way, then another, and in keeping the tension almost constant. I didn’t peg the identity of the leak until she laid it out, and I do love books that keep me guessing until the end.

To sum up, if you love a clean slow burn romance, a good redemption story, and suspense that just never stops, get your hands on Fatal Code. Bonus that it let me learn about Hawaiian culture and nerdy tech stuff. It’s a five-star read for me, and Natalie Walters has added herself to my favorite authors list.

If you are looking for a story filled with scientific data that could change the world then grab a copy of this book. It has a great suspense element along with danger, secrets codes and fascinating characters. The author delivers a heart pounding adventure that has underlying ties to other countries. I couldn’t wait to start this book which is the second in the series.

Kekoa is hands down the star of this story. His intelligence is intimidating as well as his size. He doesn’t realize how commanding he is but to others he is someone you would want as your protector, I loved everything about him but mostly how honest and fair he is to everyone. Even though the company he works for suspects Elinor as passing information, he doesn’t. Now he has to prove her innocence and keep her safe.

Elinor is brilliant in her own right and has been on a secret project for at least two years. She is hoping that all the hard work she has put in will pay off. When her grandfather passes away it hits her hard and she tries to cope with her loss. A journal of his finds it’s way to her and inside is cryptic codes that she doesn’t understand. I won’t get into how Kekoa and Elinor get together so I’ll move on with what their plan is. Someone is after Elinor because they think she knows something or has something in her possession that is valuable.

I loved getting to know Kekoa better and understanding why he didn’t want to go home to see his family. The guilt he has carried has overwhelmed him. His father comes to see him in hopes of helping Kekoa see that what happened was not his fault. I loved this statement from the book; “Only in our weakness will we see God come through for us. It requires us to stake everything …..on our faith in God.” Elinor and Kekoa will both need to trust God as the danger gets closer to them.

The book is a very high voltage ride as Elinor becomes too close to figuring out the code. Her life is hanging by a thread as Kekoa races to save her. I was very surprised at who was behind everything which made the story more exciting for me. The author illustrates how we need to trust God in every situation. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.

Fatal Code by Natalie Waters was a fun and action packed romantic suspense. I was looking forward to Kekao’s story and it was even better than expected.
Kekao is such a good guy that he feels bad when he realizes he is supposed to be watching his neighbor who he kind of likes. They were so cute together. Elinor’s science T-shirt’s were fun.

I cannot wait for Lyla and Garcia’s story.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

This book was so good! I was drawn in from the first page and it kept me hooked until the end. I loved the characters, the plot, and how well it was written. Highly recommend.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. *

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.
This is second book in the SNAP Agency series. I recommend reading the first book before you read this book. It will help with following who's who in this book. Kekoa can crack any computer that is put in front of him. He is ask to spy on his neighbor Elinor as part of his job. The problem is he has started to have feelings for her. He also has struggles with guilt about his brothers death. He has a lot of issues he has to resolve. Does he put his feelings behind him and do what he is told and try to find evidence against Elinor. Elinor is trying to find clues that her grandfather left for her to find following his death. Who does she trust? She discovers things about her grandfather that she never knew. Then she finds out Kekoa has been spying on her. She's devastated. This book is their journey to trust.

I recommend this book to all who enjoy a good mystery. I'm looking forward to the next book in the SNAP series.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This latest release is the second release in this series. This book is suspense at its best! I love how detailed the author is in her books. She provides readers with additional information regarding whatever topic is occurring in her books. This book provides readers with information regarding cryptology which was really interesting. Readers were introduced to the SNAP agency in the first book of the series and their stories continue in this book. This book focuses on Kekoa and Elinor. The storyline is so compelling to read, because of the various, but infinite details throughout. I loved the story of forgiveness as well. I highly recommend this book (and the previous one in the series) 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.

I’ve been waiting for Kekoa’s story since reading book 1! Natalie Walters’ second book in the SNAP series, Fatal Code, builds on the momentum of her last book with more character development on existing characters and edge-of-the-couch great adventure! Of course, I read it during every free moment to finish it in a day. The wild ride was worth every minute of lost sleep! Readers will not be able to put the book down—unless there’s a crying toddler and someone wants to be fed.

How does Walters do it? We’re pulled into the story with a Jason Mamoa-type character with a heart of gold, and a brilliant heroine working on secret government projects. Then it really gets cool! Ciphers, terrorist, Los Alamos Five, oh my!

Truthfully, some of the science and algorithms sailed over my noggin, but it didn’t matter. There’s enough of a rapid current to keep us paddling through the story. Of course, the nerd jokes were awesome! I learned more about the periodic tables in this book than in high school chemistry.

Highly recommend for readers of adventure, romance, mystery, and good wholesome values.

I received a complimentary eBook from the Revell through #NetGalley for my honest review.

While scientist-type stuff is not usually my jam, I really enjoyed Fatal Code, the second book in the SNAP Agency series by Natalie Walters. You will want to read the first book before diving into this one.

Kekoa is an interesting character. He is from Hawaii, and at times I got a little lost in the Hawaiian dialect. It was fascinating learning his back story and what made him tick. I enjoyed the many facets of him that we see in this book that we did not see in the first one (that is all I will say about that because NO spoilers!).

I like Elinor as well. She was smart, nerdy, and her punny T-shirts made me laugh. I also like how she and Kekoa worked together and the friendship they built. My favorite scene with them was when it was raining (you'll have to read it to see what I mean).

There were several plot twists and plenty of action to keep the story moving. There was a great balance between dialogue and descriptions. I can't wait until the third book comes out. I am dying to read Lyla and Garcia's story! Anyone else?!

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I very much enjoyed this book. It was well written with well crafted characters. It was not formulaic and held my attention through till the end.

So much fun learning more about Kekoa and his role at the SNAP Agency! The characters are great; the plot is fast-paced, suspenseful, and a bit emotional, and the writing is excellent. Throw in some codes and I'm hooked!

Fatal Code is a fabulous book for anyone who loves non-gorey, contemporary suspense novels. You won't want to miss out on Elinor's adventure!!!

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for giving me a complimentary e-copy in exchange for my honest review!

Fatal Code
by Natalie Walters
Pub Date 03 May 2022
Revell
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of Fatal Code through Revell and Netgalley:





The Granddaughter of one of the group of scientists known as the Los Alamos five who in 1964 came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded, finds herself carrying a secret from her Grandfather that leaves a target on her back. Elinor Mitchell discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession, information people are willing to kill for.









Kekoa Young is a Snap Agent and former Navy cryptologist who was tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because he likes her.







When Elinor starts following the clues her Grandfather left behind, clues to a top secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.






In this book Natalie Walters sucks you into a story into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.




I give Fatal Code five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Oh Kekoa, how I have been waiting for your story. In true Natalie Walters fashion, I could not bring myself to put the book down. Her writing is amazing - you get pulled in from the beginning, and you're with the characters right until the ending. And plot twists? Yeah....they take you for a wild ride, but they are oh so worth it.

The thing about Fatal Code, aside form the hunky hero and loveable heroine, is the cool things that Walters brings to the table. The plot for example - not something I would ever think of in my wildest dreams, and yet she makes it so real to me. How she brings things to the reader and makes us feel as if we've known about the topics for awhile, and can easily follow along what's happening. I know nothing about nuclear stuff, and yet not one moment of reading this did I feel that way. Instead I felt like I was part of the team. How? Walters hides these little snippets of research and information in all these scenes and honestly you don't even realize you're reading them. They're just a natural part of the story. I love that about her!

But let's get to the action (plenty of it), and the hunky hero (um yes please!). Kekoa just has my heart, like many other readers I am sure. His protective instincts are so intense (you'll know why when you read). He is loyal to a fault. Basically everything you want in your leading man. But he has his issues as well, and Walters does a great job of growing him throughout the story. And Elinor? I'd like to think her and I could be friends. She's warm, caring, smart, and a bit nerdy, and that's why I love her.

Readers, if you like fast paced adventure, action, mystery, and swoon worthy moments, you need to read this book. I highly recommend reading the first book in the series first. You don't necessarily need to in order to enjoy this one, but it will introduce you to Kekoa, and you're going to love it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had heard so many great things about this book, and being a fan of suspense, I jumped at the chance to read it. Add in the cover and the title? Bonus!

There was plenty of suspense in this book, but not a lot of action. This reminded me of those movies where you hear a lot of the strategies that get the job done. If you like those, I think you'd love this book.

I enjoyed the Hawaiian banter, but I personally like more action.

*this ebook was given to me by NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own*