Member Reviews

This was a super wild and twisty ride and I could not love that more! This was my 1st book by J.D. Rhoades but it will not be my last, I am adding all of his books to my TBR! I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!

#BreakingCover
#NetGalley

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"Breaking Cover" is an exhilarating romp through a world reminiscent of classic 1950s and 60s detective tales, infused with a contemporary flair that makes it feel fresh and relevant. The story is undeniably action-packed, delivering a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

While the narrative didn't quite resonate with my personal tastes, I can easily see how it would captivate a broad audience. The clever plotting and dynamic characters are sure to engage fans of the genre, drawing them into a world filled with twists and turns. The author's ability to blend nostalgia with modern elements offers a unique reading experience that many will find irresistible.

In conclusion, while this book may not have been the perfect fit for me, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fast-paced detective stories brimming with excitement. It's a thrilling read that promises to keep many readers glued to the page.

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Tony Wolf vanished when he went undercover but when he discovers the boys who were kidnapped he is thrust into the spotlight. He is now being hunted by not only the FBI but also the local officers and the MC gang who he was undercover with. This was fast moving and thrilling right to the end.

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Breaking Cover (Tony Wolf/Tim Buckthorn #1) by J.D. Rhoades
Narrated by George Newbern
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Published: September 27, 2024

Breaking Cover is the 1st book in the Tony Wolf/Tim Buckthorn series by J.D. Rhoades. I think this is a re-release from an earlier edition.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it had a very unique premise. The story was fast paced and I was captivated! I loved the characters. This was so intense!!!

I enjoyed the narration by George Newbern. I like how he brought this book to life.

I look forward to reading book 2 and any future books that may be released.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I have mixed feelings about Breaking Cover. Its a little bit of an older book that is now being adapted as an audiobook. The narrator did a really good job differentiating characters with different voices, accents, mannerisms and tone of voice. I liked the narrator. That being said, the narrator can only do so much with what is written, and that's where I struggled a bit. I found the characters really flat, there was no real character growth or development. This was just an action/thriller book that is really geared more towards men who like action-packed "hero" books with no depth to the characters. I think i was maybe the wrong audience and I feel like this is more a book men would enjoy than women. I do normally enjoy action and thriller books, but this one fell flat for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. While the main character's motives are admirable, I just kept zoning out, which made me lose track of what was happening in this book. Thankfully it wasn't super long and I was able to finish it in a reasonable time. The dialogue was also bland, and I think that also failed to suck me in. Except for the back story, which was important, you could almost get away with cutting all the character discussions out and still have the same level of plot understanding from just the narrative. I also found that the fluctuations between 1st and 3rd person view to be distracting and confusing.

2.5 stars rounded up.

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Breaking Cover by J.D. Rhoades is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Tony Wolf, an undercover FBI agent who resurfaces after being presumed dead, only to find himself caught in a dangerous game of betrayal and survival. The twists and turns in the plot kept me on edge, and I loved the dynamic between Wolf and the other characters, especially the tension with the biker gang and the traitor within the FBI.
George Newbern’s narration was excellent—his pacing and emotional delivery perfectly captured the intensity of the story. His ability to give distinct voices to the characters made the audiobook even more immersive. The blend of suspense, action, and intrigue made this a thrilling listen. If you love crime thrillers with complex characters and high stakes, this audiobook is definitely worth checking out!
Very grateful to @dreamscapemedia for my alc

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

J.D. Rhoades’ Breaking Cover is a high-octane thriller that plunges listeners into the dangerous world of undercover operations and betrayal within the FBI. The audiobook, narrated by the talented George Newbern, brings this gripping story to life with a performance that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.

The novel follows Tony Wolf, an esteemed undercover FBI agent who has mysteriously vanished only to resurface during the dramatic rescue of two kidnapped children. This act of heroism thrusts him back into the spotlight, making him a target in a massive federal manhunt. As Wolf navigates the treacherous waters of his past and present, he must contend with a traitorous agent within the Bureau and a ruthless biker gang he has crossed paths with before. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Wolf sets out on a mission to uncover the truth and protect those he cares about.

George Newbern’s narration is a stellar aspect of this audiobook. His ability to convey the intensity and urgency of the plot keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Newbern’s distinct character voices and emotional depth add layers to the storytelling, making each character memorable and the narrative more immersive. His pacing is impeccable, maintaining the suspense and ensuring that the listener is fully engaged from start to finish.

Rhoades’ writing is sharp and fast-paced, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The action sequences are vividly described, and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. The author’s experience in crafting crime thrillers is evident in the intricate plotting and the well-developed characters. Tony Wolf is a compelling protagonist, his complexity and moral ambiguity adding depth to the story. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic traitor and the menacing biker gang, are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the overall tension and intrigue.

Breaking Cover explores loyalty and betrayal. Rhoades delves into the psychological toll of living a double life and the impact of trust—or the lack thereof—on personal and professional relationships. This adds a layer of psychological depth to the narrative, making it more than just a straightforward thriller.

Breaking Cover is a thrilling and well-crafted audiobook that will keep listeners hooked from the first chapter to the last. George Newbern’s exceptional narration enhances the experience, bringing J.D. Rhoades’ gripping story to life in a way that is thrilling and emotionally engaging.

For fans of crime fiction and audiobooks, Breaking Cover is a must-read /must-listen.

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Audio book review - expectations can be easily shattered in the first few paragraphs when it comes to audio books, this one was awesome! The diction, the pace and the descriptions hit the right notes. Genuinely excited and intrigued by the presentation and the manner in which the anti-hero comes to life is wonderful. Definitely worth listening to!
The book itself is clever, twisted and fast paced - enjoy!

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In the book Breaking Cover, author J.D. Rhoades follows Tony Wolf, who is one of the FBI’s best undercover agents but mysteriously vanished during an undercover assignment. Presumed dead, Wolf suddenly reappears when he rescues two kidnapped boys. Now the FBI is trying to find their agent and the biker gang that Wolf had infiltrated during his last assignment is after him. But is their a mole in the FBI feeding information to the biker gang? This was a great story with lots of twists and turns. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I listened to the audiobook, George Newbern is one of my favorites and he did a wonderful job as always! The book was very fast paced with several different storylines that all nicely tied up while still leaving an opening for a (hopefully) sequel. Highly recommend this one, especially in audiobook!

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Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

An incredible undercover story and how it’s turning out 4 years later. I’m hoping to read the next book in the future. The characters were all entertaining and i love the way it was written, perfect for the plot where it changes between characters POVS flawlessly during scenes with no confusion at all. I was thoroughly entertained and I recommend this !

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 5th October and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of November.

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This was a great book and I'd definetly continue the series. I enjoyed the plot entertaining and always been fascinated by undercover and law enforcement books. The narrator did an excellent job, he had me hooked from the beginning.

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The audiobook of Breaking Cover by J.D. Rhoades is well-suited for the fast-paced, action-packed events of the plot. The narrator’s pacing is spot-on for the intensity of the story, and the fast-moving events are well-matched by the steady, energetic delivery. The narrator’s accent also plays a key role in enhancing the overall feel of the setting, adding authenticity and helping to pull the listener into the world.

As for the plot itself, while it wasn’t necessarily bad, it just didn’t sit right with me. The story leans heavily on violence, and even before reaching chapter seven, I found the frequent violence directed toward women troubling. This aspect might benefit from a content warning for potential listeners, as it could be difficult for some. Additionally, women often seemed to serve more as plot devices than fully realized characters, frequently portrayed as lesser than or as inconveniences to the male leads, which detracted from my overall experience.

That said, I can see how Breaking Cover might be someone else’s cup of tea. The story is certainly packed with action and suspense, and for those who enjoy intense, fast-moving thrillers with a well-delivered narration, it could be a great listen. It just wasn’t quite for me.

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It’s always hard for me to find an action book to get into. Action movies are my favorite and I love them all, but books I just always have a hard time with. Breaking Cover didn’t fully end that struggle for me but it really shined for most of the story.

The story follows Tony Wolf who is deep undercover and seemingly vanished without a trace. Wolf goes up against a biker gang from his past that is out for revenge and Wolf is out for justice.

The story started out great with action that was easy to follow and some good shootouts. I was into both the action and the story. Unfortunately, it lost some steam and became a little hard for me to follow in the middle. Towards the end, the action ramped back up and I was hooked again. I loved how the action scenes were described. It was so easy to picture it like I was watching an action movie.

If you’re on the lookout for books with great action then look no further than Breaking Cover.

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Tony Wolf is lying low and has been for four years. Ever since his undercover assignment blew up due to a dirty agent. He hasn't known who to trust, so he's holed up and waited. Until he has to rescue a couple of local kids who were kidnapped. His cover is blown and now he has two groups after him- the FBI, who thought he was dead, and the biker gang he betrayed.

This is fast paced and full of action. Never a meandering dull moment. All of the characters were likeable. The dynamic between Tony and Tim is interesting to watch evolve and I'm curious how the rest of the series unfolds.

George Newbern narrates the audiobook and I enjoyed his narration.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

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A former FBI agent, thought dead by the Bureau and his wife, frees two boys being held captive by a pedophile. In doing so, he once again crosses paths with the gang from whom he has been in hiding. This is the start of a gang war and a new series focused on Tony Wolf with his strong moral compass and disdain for poorly trained police forces.
I will listen to future books in this series and hope the author will do a better job with female characters moving forward. 3.5 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook. Publication date is Sept 27, 2024.

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