A fast-moving thriller
Having read the first book, I was looking forward to the second one. A bit different than the first one but it will glue you to the pages like before. You can read as a stand-alone, but I do think you benefit from reading them to get a better feeling for the character Alex. Headstrong, determined and not always the most careful person but she does manage to accomplish what she has intended to do. A relaxing cruise on a luxury yacht turns into a nightmare when attacked by well-prepared mercenaries. It is not clear who they are after. The high placed Interpol person? The Finnish Ambassador? Who is behind the attack?

(4.5) Wowza Grabbed me at the get go. Fast paced, twisty thriller! World wide happenings, multiple governments. Strong, ethical female protagonist (Alex) who used to be a medic, sniper, with the FBI and now with the CIA (contractual). Caleb, CIA employee, Alex's boss good looking with a goofy smile (Alex's words). So much happening, its actually a tad scary as to what could/would/or does actually transpire in real life. I have to say I absolutely loved the tough agents second guessing, doubting their self's when it comes to each other. You can almost see them mentality smack their foreheads. As I expand the genres I read, I have to admit some of this is a learning curve for me. One I am enjoying. Thank you for the early read. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #OutintheCold #SpecialAgentAlexandraMartel #SteveUrszenyi #St.MartinsPress #MinotaurBooks, NetGalley

Also left on Kobo, Facebook, Pinterest, Threads

Out in the Cold: the second book in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series. Alex is now a CIA contractor, a paramilitary operations officer on an elite team called Ground Branch. She's tough and feisty, loyal to her friends. When her former boss at Interpol is seriously injured in an attack, she's determined to find out who is responsible, even if she has to go 'out in the cold.'

An enjoyable thriller with timely topics, dipping into the tangled machinations of world politics. Good thing someone like Alex is out there ready and willing to save the world.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

OUT IN THE COLD by Steve Urszenyi

Twisty, wild, scary and utterly delightful adventures, and travel safely within a book. Loyal Alex doesn’t hesitate to do what’s needed to protect others, no matter the risk. She’s officially on her own, but can someone so wonderful ever really be “out in the cold”?
Enhanced with beautiful descriptions and turns of phrase, the plot is rich and complex. I took a few notes as I read, to keep track of conspirators and defenders and to remember, but might not have needed them, as the interweaving strands are clearly and logically woven, and the ending — just WOW!
I read this amidst personal and societal challenges, and found inspiring company, a role model for keeping on, and a new slogan for our times, “Mum raised a gentleman, not a brute.”

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"I'm concerned about the safety and security of our country...Our enemies are watching...with an interest in seeing these United States become...Unstable."

"I'm like a mushroom most days--always kept in the dark and fed a load of sh$t."

"One day you'll need friends, and going rogue will just leave you hanging out in the cold."

That's okay. Special Agent Alexandra Martel is used to being on her own. Knowing who she can count on when she needs a warm helping hand. The action fueled Out In The Cold by whip smart espionage spy political thriller author, Steve Urszenyi, showcases the talents of kick ass, former army sniper, combat medic, FBI Agent, now CIA contractor, Alex Martel.

Starting on a mega yacht seized by armed gunmen to bombings in Finland, chases in Monaco, and startling revelations on U.S. soil, Alex is trying to protect those who protect the world from Interpol to the President. But she's hindered by whoever is planning all these terrorist attacks being one step ahead of her. Lucky for her, and us, she has CIA operative, Caleb on her side.

Just as in Perfect Shot, book 1 of this series, voice actress Cynthia Farrell brings the fierceness, determination, bravery and vulnerability of Alex to life. This writer has created a series that showcases the loyalty and sacrifice of those who, "ensure that the checks and balances our Founders envisioned and the accountability those systems brought about work again."

In the middle of all the chaos is the banter and slow burn between Alex and Caleb. With this book 2, the twists and turns heat up the tension and enjoyment as Alex keeps our enemies out in the cold.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martins Publishing for the ARC of "Out In The Cold" in exchange for an honest review.
She's back.......and we can all sleep safer knowing that very Special Agent Alexandra Martel is ferreting out global villainy and sending terrorists of all varieties to their well deserve doom.
Author Steve Urszenyi has put together another breathless, action packed mission for Alex to unleash her skills as a fearless warrior and expert sniper. This time she's up against another hive of Machiavellian mischief designed to bring the world to the brink of Def-Con Bye Bye Bye.
Alex and her former Interpol chief (and mentor) barely survive an all out assault by unknown mercenaries and that's just the beginning. Somehow, Alex's tangle with these bad buys relates to more damaging attacks on Finland, newly initiated into NATO. Naturally, the one and only usual suspect is Russia......or is somebody else out to stir the pot of boiling world turmoil?
Now attached to a CIA unit, who better than Alex Martel to hunt down and battle the perpetrators, even if her rogue independence confounds and frustrates her CIA bosses....(not to mention her fellow CIA compadre Caleb, who's carrying a flaming torch for Alex.).
This book's a pure, adrenalin-pumped thrill ride, loaded with explosive violent action and populated with a full contingent of Washington D.C. power players, none of whom can possibly contain Alex when she's out to bring down whoever's up to no good. Author Urszenyi works in much of today's international anxieties into the story which only makes us hope that Alex never decides to retire.
A must for all thriller fans and everyone waiting for the next James Bond movie.....here's a 5 star world-saving agent whose adventures you can plunge into right now..

This novel opened with a bang and did not let up until the final pages. I was immediately sucked into the world of Special Agent Alex Martel. I did not read the first book in this series, but this novel can be read as a standalone without any problem. I really liked the character of Alex -she's a badass in the best sense of the word. This is a well-plotted and paced novel. Very fun and exciting read.

"While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel―whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.

Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming back up with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.

As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust―and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war."

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

I didn’t read the first book in the series but was able to follow the story in this one with no difficulty.

Alex is very capable and extremely independent. Various world powers are impressed with her skills but a little irritated with her tendency to do what she wants, regardless of orders. Then all is well when doing what she wants saves the world.

The story was engaging and moved quickly. The secondary characters were interesting and added to the story. I am interested to find out what Alex is up to next.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Steve Urszenyi for the eARC.

Finland's new status as a member of NATO seems to give the Russians an opportunity to take them on, but agent Alex Martel leads the charge to find out who is really behind it. I thought that the novel started out well, but faltered as it continued. In my mind, too many details, especially on weapons, and a somewhat weak lead character.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

Steve Urszenyi entertains again with another captivating thriller. Once Alex senses trouble she is relentless. Even if she burns a lot of bridges she will continue her pursuit - even alone and out in the cold.

This second in the series is as exciting as the first. Alex and Caleb are special operators with the CIA. They along with a brilliant cast of characters brings the author’s words to life. The story moves quickly as the plot unfolds. It is an action packed story with lots of intrigue. Politics and the shadow world collide as they try to root out an enemy. Readers will have no problem being mesmerized by the characters and their actions. This is an excellent book and worth buying.

Another wild ride with Alex. She is once again thrown into situations that she has to think quickly and react quickly. Everyone is in awe of what she can do, but there are those who are exasperated by her. As she goes rogue yet again, she ends up stumbling on the very information that is needed. The fate of the world is in her hands, and she has to stop those who want to start a world war. Will she be a lone wolf, or will she come back to the team?

Wow. What an amazing sequel. More action packed scenes with my new favorite character Alex. More character development throughout. Fast paced page turned that will leave everyone wanting for more. What comes next for Alex and Caleb?!

The second of the Alexandra Martel series is loaded with international intrigue. The setting begins with Alex on a stunning megayacht when explosives rock the wealthy passengers. Alex is a strong protagonist, confident, intelligent and dedicated as a CIA contractor. She’s working with CIA agent Caleb. The action doesn’t take a breath in this plot, it’s nonstop lives in jeopardy. Innocent people who will lose their lives and Alex strengths will be tested. I sped through the plot, really like the series and will definitely read more by the author.
Thanks to Minotaur Books for providing an Advance Reader Copy (via NetGalley) of “Out In the Cold”, Special Agent Alexandra Martel Book #2, author Steve Urszenyi, publication expected 11/12/2024. These are my honest, personal thoughts and opinions given freely without compensation.

Great follow up novel in the Alex Martel series! Plenty of action and very likable characters. Recommend this one for fans of Thor, Child, and Greaney. Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

Out in the Cold (Special Agent Alexandra Martel #2)
by Steve Urszenyi, narrated by Cynthia Farrell

Special Agent Alexandra Martel is back although she was never really gone. Don't ask me which agency she is with at the moment because it gets confusing. They all seem to want her but also want to distance themselves from her when it comes to her latest rogue fixing of whatever situation needed fixing. It seems even higher ups get confused about who she belongs to and she'll try to correct them.

If you have a big international something or other going down, or potentially going down, you'll want Alex on your side. This book starts out with Alex relaxing on a luxury megayacht with some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players. There is Alex, in her fancy dress but barefooted, when the megayacht comes under heavy attack and Alex instantly turns on her Rambo/James Bond afterburners, accomplishing impossible feats that I had no time to think about. When it's all over and I had time to go over what happened, her accomplishment are even crazier and wilder than I thought they were when they were happening. For sure, you want Alex on your side when things get tough.

This attack and other things going on are all part of an effort to start WWIII. It's going to take some deep diving to figure out who is behind what has happened to the megayacht and what has been happening over the last year. More than one someone wants war and has the resources to make it happen. Before Alex and the agencies she works with/for can stop this potential war, they need to find out who is behind incidents that are going to make it impossible to prevent. Trust no one, Alex, but also know that you might have friends in people you never would have expected.

Even though it's hard for me to keep up with some of the action because I'm not well versed on terms of the equipment, machines, politics, and history of everything mentioned here, I still enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed the first book. You can jump in here without reading the first book since Alex updates us on the past but I'm glad I read the first book before this one. Now that I know Alex, I know to expect anything and I'm better able to just let her do her job, knowing that's just Alex doing the impossible. She's got a big fan club behind her, even those who might want to distance themselves from her in public want her help in private. Plus, Alex is funny, snarky, and is proud of being a loner. Try to tell her what to do and she'll tell you to get lost and possibly make a fool of you as she does so. I was able to both listen to the audiobook and read the ebook at the same time. The ebook was handy for all the military/weapon/equipment terms that are mentioned and the audiobook has Cynthia Farrell putting the snark in Alex once again.

Thank you to RBmedia, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Steve Urszenyi gives readers another powerful start in Out in the Cold, the second book in the Special Agent Alexandra (Alex) Martel series. It’s a combination of a political thriller and an espionage thriller. Alex, a decorated Army sniper, combat medic, and ex-FBI special agent, is now a contractor with the CIA. Aboard a yacht with the secretary general of Interpol and a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, the ship is soon under siege by unknown assailants. This follows several attacks and disruptions in Finland. As the USA is pulled deeper into the conflict, it seems war is likely. But who is really behind the attacks? With scenes from the Mediterranean Sea to the coast of France to Washington D.C., Virginia, and Helsinki, this novel is action-filled. Teaming up with CIA agent Caleb Copeland, can they stop the perpetrators before the situation escalates into a devastating car?

Alex loves action, is a problem solver, trustworthy, intelligent, and courageous. She’s a strong warrior protagonist who believes in justice, duty, and honor, and she feels satisfied when she halts a threat. She’s also a formidable investigator. While she can be charming, she’s not subtle, and doesn’t always follow orders well. Caleb has a calm and casual façade, but he is confident, effective, and lethal. While he is also cleaver and charming, he has a temper. I enjoyed their banter and want to know where it will go in the future.

Exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises kept me captivated from beginning to end. The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, protecting political careers, compromise, cooperation, and more. There are some extensive discussions of weaponry and scenery, but that didn’t detract me from the main action and story line.

This book felt like it could happen all too easily despite some over-the-top action scenes. Real-world issues were incorporated into the story that added an extra layer of suspense. Do we have an Alex ready to save the world?

Overall, this intense and exciting thriller keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster, quickly turning pages with the hope that the world will be safe. This was an excellent addition to what I hope will be a long high-octane and dynamic series. I can’t wait to read the next book featuring Alex and Caleb. Don’t miss out on this series.

St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Steve Urszenyi provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 12, 2024.

Interestingly I really enjoyed this one. When I downloaded it, I wasn't sure about it, as the synopsis didn't lead me to believe I would enjoy it. I don't typically go for espionage type thrillers, but maybe I should start? This was great, and though I haven't read book one, it was easy to jump in with this book and not feel totally lost.

My bad. I was not a fan of the first Alex Martel thriller but I thought I would give this a try. I know that others will enjoy this fast paced totally implausible tale of a strong female protagonist who takes on and defeats globetrotting weaponry and bad guys but golly it's over the top. It's heavy on the action and light on character. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Over to those who like this sort of thing.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Alex on a pleasure cruise after her last mission. The cruise does not go as planned because the ship is attacked and Alex, Caleb and the crew begin to fight them off. The attackers are held off, so it is time for the owner and Interpol Secretary-General to escape. Unfortunately, their escape is discovered and the 4 boats begin to chase them. Alex then takes matters into her own hands and jumps on a Ski-DO to stop the attack. She is successful and they all make it back to shore.

The next day Alex and Caleb travel to the U.S, where Alex is to start her new job. Shortly Alex learns that her mentor, the Interpol Secretary-General had been attacked and was in the ICU in France. Alex made a decision that she was going to go to the hospital even if her new bosses didn't like it. Alex made it to France and went to the hoospital to see Celeste, the Secretary-General,. Later after returning to her hotel, she met an individual from Finland and a who;e new mission now began. It seemed like Finland might be attacked by Russia and the Prime Minister of Finland wanted to talk to Alex.

Alex learned from the Prime Minister that there was another party responsible and not the Russians. She wanted Alex to discover who that party was. As she began, she was attacked and managed to escape. As a result of this attack, she was able to obtain information related to the unknown party. The unknown party wanted there to be a war between Russia and America.

To discover who the unknown party was, what event was held where POTUS and the Prime Minister met and what situation happened that put Russia and America on a dangerous path and how it all worked out in the end, then you must read this book.

The ending will sum it up nicely.