Three and a half stars.

It sucks to not be able to give this the glowing review I was expecting to, but for me, Leverage is giving second book slump. The stakes seem to be raised, which is inevitable given the new setting for much of this book, not to mention the nature of and motive behind Lexie's reassignment. But Leverage isn't packing much tension to back it up, which made for less engaged reading sessions. Until finally, it seems like we're getting somewhere with the unexpected yet unsurprising blast from Lexie's past... then the story slips down a path of somewhat heavy-handed set-up for the final book. Lexie's gradual acceptance of Sophia's decision is entirely rational and realistic, and yet it seemed out of character for her. She can feel something's off, but her investigation doesn't feel all that thorough, even if she is under heavy monitoring. The interweaving of thriller and romance is threadbare, which is understandable, given that the relationship turns LDR for a second. Lexie's friendship with Jeffrey is beautiful, but it doesn't play particularly well with the pacing. Lennon becomes a broken record, repeatedly swinging for my suspension of disbelief by alluding to the answers this book was never going to give us. All in all, Leverage manages to feel more meandering than Integrity, despite hitting more plot points (probably. I haven't counted). I suspect it has to do with Lexie's effectiveness as a protagonist being held back by the big-picture plot: my only gripe with Integrity was that the ending happened to Lexie rather than as a result of her action, and I felt that playing out a lot more here.

With all that said, am I sticking around for whatever is left to come? You bet. I'm impatient for Lexie to pick up the pieces in the next book. Even if I'm rolling my eyes a little, I do want to know the answers, to see the next part of the series go bigger and bolder than ever. In the end, my lack of unadulterated enthusiasm for this middle book will be forgotten, because I still love and root for the characters. Leverage is no exception to the fact that E. J. Noyes is a consistent hitter when it comes to strong, distinctive voices. Of all the issues to have with a book, I'm glad that mine are almost entirely about plot, because that leaves me free to have full confidence that book three of the series will land just as well as book one.

E.J. Noyes’ novels are always in demand at our house, and with good reason. She is right up there in my list of favorite authors. I’ve read all of her books so far, over and over. Then I’ve gotten the audiobook versions and listened to them, many times.
Noyes is Just. That. Good.

I’ve recently finished reading Leverage, the second book in ‘The Halcyon Division Series’. The first novel in this series is Integrity, and you need to read both books in order to understand what is going on in this second story. Leverage, just like the first novel, is filled with heart-stopping action and adventure. You will find intrigue, thrills, betrayal, love, and loss as Lexie Martin is forced to leave her girlfriend Sophia Flores and spend six months working undercover in a country she hoped never to see again.

The characters play a major part in making this a wonderful narrative. Ms. Noyes has created a cast of unforgettable people, from the crooked politicians, the secretive intelligence agents, to Lexie and Sophia. These two women make a wonderful couple. I really fell in love with Lexie, and I know you will too.

Leverage has my highest recommendation. Just remember to keep a box of tissues close by for the really emotional parts.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for allowing me to read and honestly review this book.

I actually spent a week reading Leverage. There is so much going on, and the story is so dense, that I read and savored every word. There are no paragraphs to skim over. Every. Word. Matters. What makes EJ Noyes one of the best in the business is that her writing style makes me feel like she is sitting on my sofa telling me this story. Not to mean that there's anything simple about her writing, but she can make a story so incredibly believable.

In the past when I have read trilogies, I always felt the first and third installments were the best and the second was sort of just filler. Not in this case. It's quite the coincidence that Integrity takes place in the Middle East, with all the conflict there today in real life. The setting was so vividly described that I could actually see it. And the storylines seemed to played out across my forehead like I was watching a movie. Some of the scenes were just heart-wrenching.

The ice-breaking scenes between Lexie and Jeffrey were a joy to read. EJ Noyes did a stellar job in turning him from a villain into one of my favorite peripheral characters ever.

Do not - repeat, do not - read Leverage without first reading Integrity. I'm not alone in that I cannot wait for the third installment, hopefully in May 2024 in time for my birthday.

I finished this book in one day. Yes, I had other things to do, but when E.J. Noyes has a new book out, everything else takes a backseat. I have read everything she has released and loved every single one. It is rare to say that about an author who has released as many books as Noyes has, but she just never misses. Each book is unique and each one is captivating.
The second book in the Halycon Division series, Leverage, picks up where book one left off. From the very first page, I was riveted by Lexie Martin and the precarious situations she seems to find herself in. No spoilers here, suffice it to say, this is a rollercoaster you won't want to get off of, even if your stomach lurches a few times from sheer nervousness.
When I think of the memorable characters Noyes has created, Rebecca Keane, will always have be number one, but Lexie Martin, has quickly become one of my favorite characters. Her never-ending quest for justice and her integrity are inspiring. Now, how am I going to wait so long for book three, when this one left me with such a cliffhanger?

An ARC was received from Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

The story is really heating up. After spending time together in part one of the story getting to know each other, as Lexie works to solve a "puzzle", a wrench is thrown in. The second part gets complicated for personal and professional reasons with Lexie being sent on a six month assignment out of the country that will take her away from Sophia and safety. Various characters are introduced which adds complexity to an already challenging situation.

What a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read the third book in the series, Loyalty.

This series should be read in order. So if you haven’t already, begin by reading Integrity (May 2023). This story begins immediately after the ending of Integrity. Lexie Martin is an analyst for a US intelligence organization. The reuniting of Lexie and her girlfriend Sophia Flores is delightful. They are passionate and funny. Lexie is at her most vulnerable sharing what she can of herself with Sophia. And Sophia is the perfect counterbalance to her secretive life.

But the government has other plans for Lexie and she finds herself being put in the field for a six month assignment. That it is in a place where Lexie almost died once is not lost on her. Now she has a new relationship to figure out. Jeff is assigned to work with her and becomes her work husband. Lexie has to decide if she can trust him and the people who sent her on assignment. The main characters are well developed and you feel their emotions. Paranoia and tension builds and the story is thought provoking, sweet, and exciting. And then Noyes leaves it at a cliffhanger. It leaves me praying that book 3 is already written and I won’t have to wait too long to be back with Lexie again. And I’m hoping it answers all my questions.

I generally like EJ Noyes books but was a bit disappointed in this one. I felt it was a bit flat. Although the storyline was thrilling I didn't feel it.

The thriller continues
First off: I recommend to read part one of this series where Lexie discovers the SECRET she should never have known and meets her girlfriend Sophia. „Leverage“ is may be even better as the first book in the series (Integrity). After Lexie miraculously escapes punishment for knowing too much, Noyes lulls us at the start of Leverage into a faux security where everything seems to be normal until it‘s not.
I loved how Noyes very, very skillfully lets as reader travel with Lexie into a hostile country on assignment - it is total immersion for us readers into her feelings, perceptions, the foreign setting and her relations. It reminded me a lot of her brilliant novel „Alone“. Very well done and very different from Integrity!
In the middle the story slows a bit down and in my opinion there was a tad too much about the vengeful orange man - but the end is again a finale furioso with a huge cliffhanger. I hope Noyes is already typing away on the third installment!!

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

When I tell you I spent my entire day at work thinking about this book and how I couldn’t wait to get home to finish it, I’m 100% serious. And then once I did, the final quote summed it up perfectly for both me and Lexie. The cliffhangers on cliffhangers. E.J. Noyes’s creativity never ceases to amaze me. Can’t say much without giving a lot away so I’ll leave it at if you haven’t read Integrity, go now, and then on 11/16 pick this up. No idea how I’m going to wait until May for Loyalty, but wish me luck.

This second part of the Halcyon Division series leaves the story on a huge cliffhanger, so first and foremost, I would like to ask for the third episode as soon as possible, please, thank you.

Regarding the story that began in chapter one with the road trip in which Lexie was trying to solve some issues while she and Sophia were getting to know each other better. In this second part things get complicated since they are going to have to separate due to the new mission that is entrusted to Lexie and that she is going to transfer abroad. So in this part there is much less interaction between Lexie and Sophia, with the latter remaining a bit in the background. And new important characters appear in the plot, some sinister and others surprising. But always adding meaning to the story

The plot becomes more complicated compared to what it did in the first book and from what is sensed at the end, the continuation will not be less, there are several key aspects that remain in suspense. So please, when can we have the third one?

This is the second in this series following Lexie Martin. Leverage picks up where Integrity left off with Lexie in the pink cloud but the surprises start shortly after. I really liked this second installment, there was a brief period around 60% where it fell a bit but the story really picks back up and quickly. The romance in this one, like the first, takes a back seat to the secret spy storyline that is Lexie's life and I really enjoyed the ride. We have some new characters but the plot really centers around Lexie and there are some mysteries here that aren't quite resolved leaving us hanging on for the next book in this series. It's hard to elaborate beyond that without really giving some surprises away so I'll leave it at that and say that I can't wait for the next one here. This second book really amped up this series and I very much enjoyed it all. I highly recommend Leverage but it is part of a series that must be read in order.

Leverage is a thrilling and captivating addition to the world of Halycon Division romance and espionage. The story follows intelligence analyst Lexie, her now girlfriend, Sophia, but her surrender to the authorities doesn't lead to the expected punishment. This is where it gets crazy.

Noyes weaves an intricate plot, filled with suspense and political intrigue. The chemistry between Lexie and Sophia is electric, adding emotion to the story. The author skillfully explores the complexities of their relationship amidst the dangerous world of intelligence operations and separation but is not the focal point of the story.

The narrative is fast-paced, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Lexie's reassignment to a field position in a hostile country raises questions about the president's motivations, and as readers, we are drawn into a web of suspense and uncertainty.

One of the strengths of "Leverage" is Noyes' ability to create well-developed characters with genuine emotions. Lexie's determination to make it back to the woman she loves adds a touching and relatable dimension to the story. E.J Noyes has delivered a gripping story set against a backdrop of political intrigue and espionage. "Leverage" is a must-read for those who enjoy a thrilling narrative with strong, well-rounded characters and a love story that keeps you invested until the very end.

I honestly cannot wait for the next book because the cliffhanger at the end left me with so many emotions and questions.

Leverage is Book 2 in the Halycon Division Series and the second of three anticipated books does not disappoint. This was a must-read for me following Book 1 and Leverage continues the spy (not a spy) thriller theme along with Lexie's relationship with Sophia Flores. Without giving too much away about the story, Lexie is reassigned, as noted on the book cover, to a country that is in political strife and an environment generally unwelcoming for women. Lexie is reassigned due to a vendetta by the vindictive president. Lexie and her new relationship with Sophia must survive a six-month separation.

The storytelling by Noyes was spectacular and had me on the edge of my seat while reading several parts of the book. The writing also played on my emotions with Lexie's impeding departure to her reassigned job and leaving Sophia for a long period of time, amongst other happenings between the two. I also enjoyed Lexie's relationship with Jeffery Burton, her partner during the reassignment. It started off very tentative, dating back to Book 1, but eventually they came to respect each other as work colleagues. I absolutely cannot wait for Book 3 with Noyes hinting at some happenings in the Book 2 Acknowledgements as well as the ending.

I am continually surprised at the breadth of Noyes book offerings and diverse storytelling ability. She has grown to be one of my favorite authors. 5 stars

I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not a follower of action, spy thriller types of books, and haven’t even read the first in this series, Integrity, but you can be sure that as soon as I finish this review I’m downloading the audiobook of Integrity!
EJ Noyes knows how to write, how to capture a reader and how to keep attention with a mixture of her humor and a nice dose of sexy romance. In other words, this book was very entertaining, and well-written.
Lexie Martin, an intelligence analyst, was always so busy trying to save the world that she continuously forgot to save herself. She was punished by a “tiny-dick, whiny-man”for her role in exposing and having the vice president arrested for his crimes, became a target, herself, and was sent on a horrible six month mission to a dangerous location. Her partner and roommate in the mission was Jeff Burton. There was a lot of bantering between the two as they had to negotiate the living arrangements.
The timing of the mission was also unfortunate, breaking both Lexie’s heart and Sophia’s, the love of her life. Their new relationship survive would have many challenges with the long separation and Sophia not even knowing where Lexie really was or how safe she would be.
There were heartaches and dangerous moments that Lexie had to deal with, but not wanting to spoil anything, I’ll close by saying that I’ve enjoyed many books by EJ Noyes, and this one leaves me so happy that I read it, but sad that I must wait until May for the final in the series.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I feel like this is a step up from book 1 (Integrity) in this series. Integrity is a must-read before starting Leverage.

Leverage basically picks up Lexie’s story where Integrity left off. We experience more of her and Sophia’s relationship and even more political intrigue. I feel like I shouldn’t say anything about this story because it will definitely ruin either book in this series. I think Noyes has found her groove and Lexie’s voice in this book, more so than in book 1. Here it also works better to be just in her POV.

I definitely need that third book asap!

Many thanks to the Author, Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review 'Leverage' by E J Noyes.
Well this is simply outstanding! It's a very different book from all of the author's previous books, and I should know... I've read them all, enjoyed them all, but the writing here outdoes any previous work. It's so damned clever.
This is the second in the latest series, following on from 'Integrity'. Same characters, more disclosures, and much more depth in the storyline. It is very tricky reviewing this without giving away any spoilers, but once again we see Lexie Martin and Sophia Flores.
The narrative is littered with subtle and not so subtle hints. I found myself re-reading parts as I went along, to make sure I could see the intent as well as trying to understand it from the author's plot and character intention as the scenes unfolded. As stories go, the threads are there, but seeing how they will fit together as in a tapestry, is something else. I guess publication of the third book in the series will bring more answers!
Great read! 5*

I’ve been waiting for this book since I finished the first one and I wasn’t disappointed. But then again, am I ever disappointed by EJ Noyes? No, no I’m not.
This is a less spicy book than I expected but it doesn’t even matter the suspense all but makes up for it.
The only downfall is that I have to wait SO long for book 3!
Excellent read, highly recommend. 5/5 stars

I’ve been waiting for this ever since I finished Integrity and it did not disappoint. Ok, the romance kind of takes a back seat and then some but I like that the TBC is such a cliffhanger. This is edge of the seat stuff, so so good. It is such an exciting read , I absolutely loved it! This is a must read and can’t wait for the grand finale.
Free ARC via NetGalley