This is an enjoyable read. It took me a little while to get into the story, but then it started to pick up the pace. After that it was a quick read with all the events occurring. Likeable characters. Sometimes people aren't what they seem. If you can afford it ($15.00), this is a good read. Recommended.

Special Agent Alex Martel is back as a CIA contractor. While on a mega yacht with Secretary General of Interpol
Celeste Cliquot is attacked, Cliquot and Lehtonen, the wealthy owner of the yacht are safely removed from
the yacht while Alex and Lehtonen's security team handle the intruders. The question arises as to who is the real target?
Alex is recalled to the states and joins a taskforce investigating a series of incidents involving Finland. Tension escalates
between the US and Russia, seen as the perpetrator of the incidents. Will it escalate to war? As information
is uncovered, Alex and her teammates seek to discover who is behind the attacks and how to stop them.
A fast paced, page turning read. Alex is a highly skilled sniper who values loyalty and is willing to sacrifice her
career in order to do what she thinks is right.
#OutintheCold #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

Out in the Cold by Steve Urszenyi is the second book in the Alex Martel series. She is an accomplished soldier and sniper.
The book opens on a luxury yacht that is attacked by mercenaries. She makes sure her boss Celeste Clicquot, the yacht’s owner Lehtonen and the Finnish NATO Ambassador are all saved.
It turns out the attack is just the beginning to cause havoc for Finland.
Alex and CIA operative Caleb Copeland are sent out to find out who is behind it all.
The book is nonstop action – Someone is trying to start a war and pin it on someone else. It is up to Alex and Caleb to find out who and stop it.
I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. This one was better and kept me reading.

This is the second book i am reading in the alex martel series. I loved the first one and have enjoyed reading this one too.. Very nicely written and presented. The plot created is interesting and very much relevant in the current geopolitical situation. The fact that most of the players who were the criminals were outed in the second half, except for the leader of that group, did not give much scope for me to wonder who were the villains. But this is still better that overly complicated stories where the villain seems force fitted in retrospect.

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

When the luxury megayacht, Aurora, is attacked by Afghan mercenaries, Alexandra Martel uses her skill to make certain the secretary general of Interpol, Celeste Clicquot, the Aurora’s owner, Valtteri Lehtonen, and Finland’s NATO Ambassador, Mikko Selänne, all make it to shore safely.

Alex soon learns of a series of attacks against Finland. Designed to create turmoil, can Alex and CIA Agent Caleb Copeland, stop the villains before their actions cause a world war?

=========

In this, the second in the author’s Special Agent Alexandra Martel series [following “Perfect Shot”], readers will find there is sufficient backstory here for the book to work well as a standalone. With well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and plenty of unexpected revelations, readers will find it impossible to set this book aside before turning the final page.

Nonstop action, a twisty plot filled with unforeseen surprises, political chicanery, and international intrigue all work together to keep the reader involved in the unfolding narrative. Readers who enjoy political drama, spy stories, and tales of derring-do will find much to appreciate here as the unputdownable story races toward an extremely thought-provoking denouement.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#OutintheCold #NetGalley

I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin Press and Steve Urszenyi for a chance to read Out in the Cold. The first time for me reading a book by this author. I definitely would recommend this book. The main Character Alex Martel is person I would be honored to have on my side. I really found this character to be what made this story along with her supporting characters. If you want a book that definitely keeps you guessing then this is the one. I never expected the twists and the ending. It made me think about what could happen if this story was a real life event. I couldn't put down this book. It is one I would read over. I look forward to reading another book by this author.

A very action packed read that keeps you on a roll. Many spy agencies and action around the globe. Our heroine has much to figure out in order to stop a possible WWIII. You go girl!

What does Louise Penny, David Morrell and Simon Gervais have in common? Well apart from writing great thrillers, they are all from Canada. If you like these writers you now need to add Steve Urszenyi. He is about to release his second book about Alexandra Martel titled Out in the Cold. I am actually stumped how to describe this great follow up. It starts with some great action filled scenes off the coast of France, then we get a build up to the following events in the Netherlands, Finland and finally on US soil. You will not get much time to recuperate between scenes, maybe a quick snack and drink maybe inspired by the culinary elements in the book. I believe the author tried a lot of good stuff researching the book. I found the first book really good but this his second is beyond that. Mr. Urszenyi has for sure earned a place among my favorite authors. I must thank Netgalley , Macmillan and Minotaur Books for letting me read this advance copy.

This novel begins with a lavish party aboard a 485 foot luxury yacht which is subsequently attacked leading to an exciting sea battle among small boats and a jet ski. Although there are parallels to John McClain in the Die Hard films, the “hero” here is an intrepid female. There is a plethora of action involving a U.S. conspiracy by government officials, purported attacks on Finland by Russia, interplay between the CIA, KGB and Interpol, attempts at romance, etc. I found the dream sequences to be superfluous but did feel the scene in the hospital to be very poignant. Once started, this is a book that must be finished and I thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Book review of Out In The Cold by Steve Urszenyi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this early release.

I loved this book because it's a thriller, with the espionage theme, but mostly because @steveurszenyi has a badass woman in it.

This is out 11/12/2024, so make sure you grab it.

Alex Martel is our heroine and we find her on a yacht in the Mediterranean with her old boss, secretary general of Interpol and her boyfriend as well as a special guest, a diplomat from Finland. When an explosion happens and the yacht is attacked by masked gunmen, Alex uses everything she's got to get them to shore safely. After this, another attempt on her old boss's life and an attempt on Alex's life, while trying to figure out what is happening with her old boss! With the US blaming Russia for escalating issues against Finland, Alex and CIA agent Caleb Copeland are a race to get to the bottom of it all before World War 3 breaks out!
This one is fast paced and keeps you guessing.
#crazybooknerd
#bookstagram
#netgalley
#OutInTheCold
#steveurzenyi
#stmartinspress

"Out in the Cold" by Steve Urszenyi features Alexandra Martel in her second appearance. The first book in the series was "Perfect Shot" and was it exciting! I was pleasantly surprised to find that "Out in the Cold" is even more exciting.

Alex has skills-- shooting, hand-to-hand combat, you name it. The other characters seem in awe of her. As they should! Even the secret alphabet-soup organizations of the world admire her abilities-- even the one that fired her for committing some petty (to her) infraction.

In this book, someone is trying to start a war and have it blamed on someone else. Alex and her co-worker/secret crush Caleb get into all kinds of life-threatening situations, as do their friends. Who will live to tell the tale? And, also important, will they learn who's putting the world at risk and put a stop to it?

I thought I recognized some of the American political figures in this book. Even if I'm wrong, the characters had some recognizable behaviors that gave me a good laugh in between the periods where I was holding my breath in fear.

I could not put this book down. It sped by as I told myself, "Just one more chapter!" I hope the next Alex Martel installment will appear soon.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest review.

Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller! Good book! This book had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, action packed, a good who done it and a decent storyline! I would recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Wow! This book is not short on action by any means. This was my first Alexandra Martel novel and I was blown away by this woman who faced down each threat that came her way. I love books about strong capable women and this book certainly fits that mold. Great story with twists, turns, and amazing outfits. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

What a political thriller! It was as if I were reading headlines from the New York Post…worrying about the outcome until the end. Alex Martel is the real deal, and I cannot wait for more stories about her exploits. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is scary book as this could be happing here and Now! The powerful men who we think care about us really are POWER hungry! Not always are things as they seem.

I liked this book overall. It had action and a good storyline. The only things I didn’t like is making it seem as if Caleb is less competent than Alex just to support the writers theme that women are always discriminated against even though they are just as capable, which I believe they are. However, it keeps being beaten over the head with that narrative all through the story, and it gets old. I reiterate though that I did like this book overall.

Wow! Another great book from Steve Urszenyi.

I enjoyed Perfect Shot and wasn't sure this could compare. Boy was I wrong.

I've now recommended this author to my book club!

If you want an alphabet of American Agencies, who have people with loads more letters in front of their names, plus in depth descriptions of military tools then this is the book for you! Character depth was sadly lacking though.

Alex Martel is on a yacht with her friend and mentor Celeste Cliquot, also on board is Valtteri Lehtonen a FInnish businessman and Celeste's lover. Alex also catches a glimpse of the Finnish Ambassador to NATO. They are attacked by Afghan mercenaries, in an action packed chapter, all hell breaks out!

I found the writing a little stilted, and just strange! In one paragraph it mentions Alex is going for some grub and she is wearing a Rolex Submariner watch?? It read very awkwardly in parts.

Not many characters you actually liked/sympathised with.

Story was OK but nothing special

The author has created an excellent action thriller that makes up for the lack of depth in the characters by providing a plot that keeps the reader engaged.

While Steve Urszenyi's new thriller "Out in the Cold" isn't short on action, what it does lack is exposition. While each military grade device and weapon is given a thorough description, the main character doesn't get any such description until several chapters in, where only her outfit is described. This book may speak more to those with a military background or extensive knowledge of military-grade weapons, but as an ordinary reader I found my eyes glazing over unable to get involved with the characters or the plot.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.