***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

This title was, well, exactly what I was expecting. there was nothing great about it, and nothing meh about it. The problem is, it's the first in a series and I was supposed to care enough about them as a couple for me to want to know what happens next...and I definitely didn't.

It was a quick and simple read, but not one that I find myself able to recommend to others.

Quint and Ree are playing married couple while on a investigation into a weapon ring at a bar. So while Ree is working as a new waitress gathering information on the sly while Quint plants the bugs and looks more from a side view of the investigation. The longer they work together the more complicated their work relationship becomes but there are pasts and other factors that make things complicate for the two.

This was a interesting suspense book. I mean there was plenty enough going on to keep on the suspense and there where moments where things were looking down there it was a question if they were going to be caught. Then there was the clear attraction between the two and wondering if they were eventually going to get together but with Quints past you can get why theres a bit of issue and understand why if you read it. Oh and if you are wondering if there is any steamy scene no there isn't which I appreciate. I liked getting to see more of the case as the book went on and though it was interesting seeing how everything turn out in the end even if I feel like it was a bit too rushed in the end. Overall pretty good book I enjoyed it.

Good start to the new series. Quint and Ree are ATF agents assigned to work together on an undercover investigation. Quint is infamous for being intimidating, and Ree is a little nervous about working with him. I loved her call to her brother for advice on appearing married. The suggestions were good, and the conversation gave some excellent insight into Ree and her abilities. Her background of having four older brothers comes in handy when dealing with Quint.

I loved the first meeting between Ree and Quint. She comes out swinging, setting up a position of strength before Quint can even open his mouth. He isn't happy about working with a partner, especially a woman. He recently lost his partner and best friend, and his guilty feelings over the event pop up at inconvenient times. He and Ree only have a few minutes during the initial conversation, and their tension is palpable. Quint's response to her "rules" leaves them both reeling.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Quint and Ree develop. The sparks between them are real and make their cover as a pair of newlyweds more authentic. However, the attraction is also a complication because they know doing anything about it is a bad idea. I liked seeing them get to know each other as they carried out their mission. Despite his intimidating appearance, Quint has a surprisingly soft side that he keeps well hidden. It was sweet to see how he cared for her after her shifts and the protectiveness he couldn't deny. There's an emotional scene where Quint shares what happened to his partner, and Ree's reaction sets him on the road toward healing. They got quite close after only a few days, but with the quick end to the case, their "marriage" is over, and they go back to their everyday lives.

Because this is only the first of four books starring Quint and Ree, the development of their relationship leans on the slow-burn side. At thirty-six, Ree's relationships tend to be short-lived flings rather than genuine relationships. Her time with Quint makes her re-examine her attitude. Quint is forty-two and also sticks to short-term affairs. Their reluctance to part ways is evident at the end of this book, but the door is open for future contact.

The suspense of the story was good and kept me turning the pages. The lead on the weapons trafficking came out of the case that resulted in the loss of Quint's partner, and Quint is determined to shut it down. In an unusual twist from most of these stories, Ree has the most direct action, while Quint mostly does surveillance. I got a kick out of the beginning when Ree deals with Quint's doubts about her undercover skills in a straightforward manner. There were a few worrisome moments when Ree's impatience for results tempted her to push faster than she should, but Quint and her common sense kept her to the plan. Quint's attention to detail helped narrow down the suspects. An unexpected twist precipitates a dangerous confrontation that had me glued to the pages until it was all over. And while this investigation was successfully concluded, there are still some loose ends from the original case. I can't wait for the next book to see where it leads.

Undercover Couple is what you expect from HQ series expect without the HEA at the end. Instead, the author is giving readers a slow burn as the characters get to know each other as well the readers. The story is what you expect from two people who work ATF pretending to be a marry couple while trying to solve a crime. Playing the part has Ree struggling which her insecurities in the relationship department.

The question will they or won't they I am sure will come as the series moves forward.

Thank you to Netgalley and the HQ for advance copy of Barb Han Undercover Couple.

This is about ATF agent's Quint and Ree, they have to go undercover and pretend to be a newlywed couple. They have never met until this assignment.

Ree isn't sure of how she feels about this assignment because she will be working with veteran ATF agent Quint, he is very well known and she is a bit nervous. She also doesn't know anything about pretending to be a newlywed or how to make sure things are clear up front that this is just an assignment. She is also not real good with relationships of any kind.

Quint is still trying to get over the death of his partner and best friend who was killed in the line of duty. She was a femal agent so he is a little hesitant of having another female partner. When Ree comes in all let me lay the ground rules Quint does something that was kind of funny and made for an intereting first meet, but also stirs feelings in both of them but they are trying to make sure that this just stay an assignment.

They are in a town where the local hot spot cafe could be a front for gun running, so Ree will get a job as a waitress and Quint will pretend to be injured and starting online classes in computers in hopes of maybe getting a look at their computers. They will live right next to the cafe so it gives them easy access to the place, they just need to make sure they don't blunder things with their feelings.

I really enjoyed this book up till the very end then I got so frustrated! I guess I should have did more research about this being a series because well it didn't exactly end and I was left a bit unsatisfied for a romance book! I still really enjoyed it and really like Quint and Ree I just don't know why I need 4 books for them to decide they want to be together. :( Intrigues are still one of my favorite Harlequin lines but I haven't read any brand new ones in a while so maybe this is a new thing. (I mostly read the older ones).

Overall, it's good and cute, but just know there is no actual HEA at the end because they will be figuring these things out in three more books.

Undercover Couple by Barb Han is a romantic suspense that had me hooked within the first few pages. We they meet each other for the first time and he reacts to her strong personality. 😊 I cannot be more thrilled that this is a series. I adored this couple.

Ree Sheppard is not sure what to think of working undercover as a newlywed with Quint. Quint is a legend in the department. Quint is dealing with losing his best friend and former partner. I loved Ree’s relationship with her brothers and how she called one of them for advice.

The chemistry between Quint and Ree helped their assignment as a married couple appear real. Ree is working as a waitress at a bar to pick up info on weapons trafficking. You will get a happy for now ending. I am sure we will see their relationship continue to develop in Newlywed Assignment comes out in May. I am anxiously awaiting the next adventures for Quint an Ree.

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.

Undercover Couple begins the A Ree and Quint Novel series with a slow burn in both romantic and story delivery terms. That is not a bad thing, by any means. Now, in my opinion, this must be said… Ree and Quint will not get a complete HEA in this first story. As I took a look at the next books coming in this series it’s obvious that we are taking a journey with one couple over several books as they deal with a nasty criminal ring, and accept, even relish the physical, emotional reactions they have for each other. It’s not a serial in the strictest sense, there is an HFN ending that wraps up the current case yet holds the door open for more for this couple. Quint and Ree will walk away into the sunset with their happily ever after ending… eventually, but just like life, it’s going to be a journey to get there. I have never hidden the fact that I do not like cliffhangers – so, I would not have enjoyed this story so much if the current situation they find themselves in hadn’t been wrapped up in this book… their romance, the overarching nemesis continues to grow but Undercover Couple is complete in itself.

Now, onto the basics of the Undercover Couple story. Quint is considered by some to be a legendary ATF agent, he’s a man who is dealing with intense pain and guilt over the recent death of his best friend and partner on a case that this new assignment may have ties to. His first choice of covers wouldn’t have been a newlywed couple but then no one asked him, and if it gets the job done and the criminals behind bars, well, it was worth it. Ree is a newer agent with an impressive track record, she’s also the only sister among several brothers so while she battles their overprotectiveness, she also understands their meddling… to a point, which, of course, will be crossed. She’ll step into this case determined to make her rules quite clear only to be sidetracked by her new partner’s reaction to those rules… quite unexpectedly sending off messages to brains and bodies that neither will accept right now. (I loved Quint’s move here.)

I found Undercover Couple to be intriguing and even educational as we get a realistic look at building a case, the tiny things that could potentially spell disaster in being found out who they are, the emotions that have to be pushed down but can’t always be, and the slow-building of evidence to ensure that the bust goes down, if not smoothly, then at least successfully by stopping the bad guys in their tracks.

The secondary characters came to life, again slowly, as we learn more about them and the reasons for their actions. There are definitely bad guys you can spot immediately, but also questions about others, what side are they on, how do they fit into this situation, are they innocent or just good actors. I enjoyed putting the puzzle pieces together, making my guesses as to who was bad or who was just clueless. And, of course, watching Quint and Ree break down walls between them, opening up secrets, and beginning the dance of attraction, maybe even more.

Going slowly is not always a bad thing – Law & Order does not exist in the real world of wrapping up a case within sixty minutes. I was hooked on this couple, their reactions to each other, the way they worked together to take down the criminals and still held the door open for more future possibilities for them personally. I loved this world, want to know more, and look forward to catching up with Quint and Ree in Newlywed Assignment which is due out in May 2022. There are four books in the series, each out a month apart… not that long to wait for the next glimpse into a growing love story and the taking down of the ultimate bad guys.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

Published on April 26, 2022

I enjoyed this one more that I thought I would. I love suspense and I'm also a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope

Undercover Couple by Barb Han is the first book in the new Ree and Quint series. The chemistry between these two are exactly what you're looking for in a romance novel. On April 26th make the easy decision and grab yourself a copy of Undercover Couple. Thank you to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance for this advanced copy.

Undercover Couple is the start of a new Intrigue series that left me wanting more. Usually, the couple's romance is wrapped up in the first book, but not with Undercover Couple. The chemistry and tension are everything you're looking for in a romance, but you will not get an instant HEA, so be prepared for that.

Ree and Quint are new partners paired as newlyweds to track down gun smugglers at a local restaurant in Cricket Creek, Texas. Ree is working as a waitress at the restaurant while Quint supports her from their cottage next to the business. Infiltrating the business wasn't easy, but Ree was there for it, including the twelve-hour shifts on her feet to figure out who was the mastermind behind the smuggling and how they were doing it.

Playing newlyweds wasn't hard for Ree and Quint as the attraction and tension sparked between them every time they kissed. In fact, those kisses were starting to feel more real than fake to both of them before their time in Cricket Creek was over. The problem was, Quint was only six months out from losing his partner and best friend in a case tied to the one they are working on.

If you love an undercover mystery that requires finding the right thread to pull to unravel the main players, fun, flirty dates between the two mains and a promise of more books to come, you'll want to start Undercover Couple and meet Ree and Quint!