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.

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.

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.

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.