I recently was granted the opportunity to read Novel Threat by the author (Traci Hunter Abramson), her publishing company (Shadow Mountain) and the fine folks at NetGalley in return for an honest review.

The synopsis of the story is that two employees of the CIA are in the process of separating from the agency to fulfill their individual dreams of becoming book authors and because of recent interactions with a terrorist organization (The Labyrinth) are brought into working with a publishing house in New York.

Brandon Hale, a seasoned CIA case officer, contemplates walking away from the covert world of espionage behind to embark on a quieter path in publishing. But his plan takes an abrupt turn when a critical source within the Labyrinth terrorist organization is assassinated, leaving behind a cryptic message about a New York publishing house. Rather than submitting his resignation, Brandon finds himself going undercover at Monroe Publishing to stop the next terrorist strike against the US.

Kimber Seidel, a CIA finance officer with secret aspirations of becoming a novelist, enjoys a serendipitous encounter with a handsome book lover like herself on her way home from London. Though she cannot reveal her true employment to her new friend, Brandon Hale, she can’t deny the instant spark that ignites between them. When Kimber’s manuscript is unexpectedly shopped to Monroe Publishing as a pawn in the CIA’s counterterrorism plot, Kimber must navigate the intersection of her literary dreams and her covert life as well as her deepening connection with Brandon.

Spycraft meets the world of publishing in the latest romantic thriller from Abramson (Hometown Vendetta), the start of a new series. Brandon Hale wants to leave espionage behind but accepts an undercover mission inside a New York publishing house. Meanwhile, Kimber Seidel is working a desk job at the CIA but aspires to become a published writer and has several completed manuscripts but is afraid to take the next step toward putting her novels out in the world. Taking an undercover mission at a publisher believed to be working with a terrorist organization seems like the perfect way to try to make her dream come true while also stopping the bad guys. Brandon and Kimber cross paths and soon might jeopardize their mission by falling in love. Abramson’s background as a former CIA officer helps this romantic thriller provide real insight into covert operations; as a prolific novelist, she is also well-placed to explore the process of bringing a book to publication. If it only were as easy as this story conveys. Brandon and Kimber are the perfect couple, and readers will want to see them overcome all obstacles to end up together.

This was a book that I had judged by the cover and the title (thinking that it was an espionage book) but I quickly realized that it was a romantic story with some slight espionage undertones.

On my five star scale, i would unfortunately have to give this book a mere two and a half stars as it was not something that I would normally read.
If this is your type of book, then I feel that it would probably work for you. Sorry to say that it did not for me.

As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

“Novel Threat” by Traci Hunter Abramson is the 1st book of a brand new series by this talented author. It is suspenseful, contemporary and heartfelt with characters to whom you quickly attach and immediately become invested in their success.
The story revolves around two CIA agents, one an operative, the other a financial analyst who are sent to work undercover in a well known New York publishing house. The mission is to uncover how it is connected to an international terrorist organization and eliminate the threat.
The financial analyst has been writing books in her spare time and the CIA sets up her cover to be the next literary superstar, her dream come true! Her partner becomes the personal assistant to the editor in charge and together they need to penetrate the organization and smoke out the terrorists.
This thriller is a fast paced journey into the world of publishing with unexpected twists with just the right amount of romance.
This book was so much fun to read and I can’t wait for book number two.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a quick read, romantic suspense. I enjoyed the characters, and would make a great series. The story moved along at a brisk pace, and the twists, although not completely unexpected, added intrigue to an enjoyable read. Strongly reoommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an advanced reader copy.

This was an enjoyable and easy read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters and their dynamics were interesting, and the storyline had enough twists that held my attention. The pacing was fast, making it a perfect book for when you want something light but still intriguing.

I was hoping for more of the "thrill" that typically comes with a mystery/thriller. While the book had moments that kept me guessing "who", it didn't quite deliver the high stakes or suspense I was craving. It still managed to be a fun read that kept my interest. If you're looking for suspense with a bit of romance, this will satisfy, even if it didn't pack quite as much of a punch as I was expecting.

I love that the author is former CIA and now a writer. This is my first read from Traci, and I suspect this one probably really hit home for her.

Novel Threat is an exhilarating page-turner that has converted me into a fan of spy novels. The way it seamlessly merges espionage with the literary world adds a captivating and distinctive dimension to the story, making it an unforgettable experience.
What truly captivated me was the electrifying chemistry between the main characters. Their first encounter was bursting with a delightful, serendipitous energy that had me hooked from the start! As their bond deepened throughout the narrative, I couldn't help but be swept away by the emotional journey. And without giving too much away, the moment their true identities were revealed added an exhilarating twist that took this already mesmerizing story to the next level!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley.

The beginning of a new series from from Abramson. Brandon Hale is CIA and has been working the last few years in London as a case officer. There is a tip that a NYC publishing company is connected with an international terrorist group. With a literature degree form Brown the CIA is able to get Brandon hired on as a personal assistant to a top editor. Kimber Seidel, is a CIA finance officer and in her spare time has been writing books. The CIA decides to send her book to the publisher with some extra buzz to catch their attention. In a coincidence Brandon and Kimber shared a plane ride from London to the USA and sparks flew. Of course they are surprised later to meet at the publishing house.

This is fun and classic Abramson. There is just the right about of romance mixed with suspense thriller. Of course the pair need to figure out who is working with the terrorists. But in the mean time Kimber is learning that being an author is also about using social media, publicity and appearing at the right events. I like that the romance is part of the story early on and not an add on after the fact. I can easily see a future book with a romance for Kimber’s best friend and her sister.

Abramson books do contain shootings, bombs and physical violence, but are clean for language and don’t go beyond kissing. I’d like to believe that she drew on her own experience working for the CIA and her knowledge of the publishing world for this book.I enjoyed this adventure and look forward to the next book in the series.

While there were some cute moments throughout the book, the characters felt flat and the plot was not very engaging.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
Out April 1st, 2025

I always enjoy CIA books and this delivered as an edgy read full of twists and turns and suspense! It’s very fast paced and I blew through the book very quickly!

I recall hearing the expression, write what you know. The author did that nicely incorporating author life into a story of intrigue, suspense, danger and romance. The cast of characters is awesome from Kimber and Brandon to Kimber's sister and the operatives around them. My favorite character was Trudy who always seemed to have her finger on the pulse of the building and was always jumping into to make sure Kimber and Brandon were fed. From the very beginning, we get glimpses into the dark mind of the person heading Labyrinth and planning to use Kimber to finance his reign of destruction. The villain even got a bit of a tragic backstory making me wonder if he would have been evil had circumstances not dictated. Perhaps he started out as a victim of circumstance but quickly evolved into more because he liked the life he built out for the need for vengeance. Still those glimpses added to the feeling of doom hanging over the other characters if they failed.
The story blended scenes very nicely from mingling with the glitterati at the Met to an elevator fight scene to the real work associated with launching a new author. The romance started sweet, if not a bit magically with the meet cute. It was fun to watch it evolve even if a real romance was evolving on a CIA mission. It was also nice to see the author incorporate an authentic feeling of happiness one minute or uncertainty the next. That made romance more real and relatable
This book offered a very different take on the CIA from what TV shows us. I expected the characters, especially Brandon, to be like the CIA on Burn Notice and was happily surprised that was not the case. The book was a page turner as we watched the team grow closer and try to stop an attack
The book was a very enjoyable mix of romance and suspense, and I will be looking for more books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing | Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This book had me from the first page. It is action packed and kept me guessing. I loved Brandon and Kimber's chemistry and teamwork. I loved the side characters as well. Each character had a part to play and were necessary to the story, there weren't any fluff characters. I am thrilled that this will be the start of a new series. If you love fast paced thrillers with great characters and a bit of romance, this book is for you! I loved it.

This is an edgy, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages to the end. It is the story of two CIA employees, one an operative and the other a finance worker, unknown to each other but put together undercover working in and with a publishing firm in NYC to find someone in the firm working to help a terrorist in Wales. The terrorist is dangerous and hard to track but the FBI and CIA are working to find him. Brandon was transferred from London to work the job and Kimber was working at Langley, both likable and interesting characters. She has written a book and it is used to get her foot in the door and get it published while Brandon works as an assistant. Intrigue, danger, and the unknown person in plain sight make this book engaging with mystery and action. Romance rounds it out to add tension to the situation. This is a great read and I had trouble putting it down.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.

EXCELLENT! I'd give more than five starts if I could. Fast paced and great writing.

I particularly enjoyed the fast pace and fantastic balance of personal life and work life, as well as the insecurities and feelings that come along with each. I really enjoyed neighbor Trudy - she's a neighbor everyone would want!

Meet Brandon Hale and Kimber Seidel, both part of the CIA. After things go sideways for Brandon in the UK while he works to destroy a terror cell, he intends to resign. But before he can, he's assigned to move to New York and work undercover to infiltrate Monroe Publishing. During the flight back, he meets Kimber, who was visiting London to see her sister at a fashion event she was working. Fatefully, they're seated next to each other on the return flight, and strike up an eight hour conversation. What neither knows is that the other works for the same employer.

Kimber is an aspiring author, and has produced her work to the agency for review prior to considering pursuing publishing. As such, this highlights her for an undercover job, despite the fact she's really a financial analyst. Her assigned pen name is Kimber Frost, and she's bound to be the next big name author.

Of course, Kimber and Brandon end up working together to identify the next risks and diffuse them. Just the right amount of high action and dramatic intrigue - very much a page turner!

Thanks to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing and Traci Hunter Abramson for the eARC.

Pub Date Apr 01 2025
#NovelThreat #NetGalley

Great book!

This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be the last if this book is any indication. The story is an espionage mystery set in NYC, well-written and moves very fast. Is it completely accurate, I’m not an operative, so I don’t know, but neither do I care. I stayed engaged with the characters from start to end, and wanted them to succeed as well as have a good relationship.

I enjoyed Kimber and Brandon’s interactions, as well as the supporting characters. If you want a quick, interesting read set in the publishing industry, give this a try.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Novel Threat by Traci Hunter Abramson is a thrilling, fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As a fan of spy novels, I loved how Traci seamlessly blends espionage with the world of writing, creating a unique and exciting backdrop for the story.

One of my favorite aspects was the chemistry between the main characters. Their initial meeting had such a sweet, serendipitous vibe, and I loved how their connection deepened as the story unfolded. Without giving too much away, I can say that the twist of their true identities added such a fun layer of intrigue to an already captivating story.

Traci’s ability to weave suspense, romance, and action together is truly a talent, and this book is no exception. The pacing is perfect, and I was constantly curious to see what would happen next. If you’re a fan of spy thrillers that have heart, Novel Threat is a must-read!

I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see what Traci has in store next. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling, engaging read!

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

This is the 1st book that I have read by this author and it leaves me wanting to read more of her stories.

The story begins with Brandon returning to the YS after losing an asset. On the flight back he meets Kimber who has been visiting with her sister and is writing books on the side. Brandon leaves her in NYC while she catches a flight to D.C. Kimber learns later that she is being posted to NYC and she is to get a book published. As it so happened, Brandon was also performing an assignment in NYC as well. As fate would have it, they meet up once more. It seems like the mission for both of them was the same, to prevent a terrorist group. Intelligence had it that Munroe Publishing was a conduit for a terrorist group and they were to identify what party was their contact. Kimber's role was as a author to be published and Brandon'd was as a personal assistant to the managing editor.

Read along and discover what efforts the two of them along with members of the CIA,FBI and MI6 performed and their quest. Discover the Dangers that Brandon and Kimber faced in their effort to find the responsible party.

If you like a great deal of action and a story that keeps you involved, then this book is for you. Don't miss out.

Love this new series with new interesting characters, but still the same excitement, mystery and romance. Great writing that made me feel like I was in a Bond movie! For a book lover and avid reader, it was fun to have the book set in the publishing world. Highly recommend!

What a neat romantic suspense! I was really curious how this story was going to work with CIA agents trying to track down the bad guys at a book publisher. It was so interesting! I was definitely hooked from the beginning! It was fun seeing the publishing side of the book industry. I loved the Brandon was undercover at Monroe publishing and Kimber was undercover as a writer. But she also writes books and she is a bookworm too! Brandon and Kimber meet coincidentally a few times and don’t know the other is CIA and will be working together, but are attracted to one another. I thought that was fun. I loved that we got the villains pov along with Kimber and Brandon’s. I thought there were good moments of great suspense. And of course great romance between Brandon and Kimber, I loved them! Overall, I thought this a terrific story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: shootings/death/murder

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Brandon Hale, a seasoned CIA operative contemplates walking away from the covert world to a quieter world of publishing. It takes an abrupt turn when a critical source within the Labyrinth terrorist organization is assassinated.

Kimber Seidel, a CIA financial officer with secret aspirations to become an author meets Brandon Hale, a fellow and handsome book lover on her way home from London.

I loved this fast-paced world of publishing, finance, and stopping bombs and grenades! I loved all of the side characters and how one thing after another kept this going. This was so much fun to read about, and while I was disappointed to read the last installment of the Saint Squad series with a new one that is maybe even better, I can’t wait for the next one! And you can’t forget Trudy who knew her superpower wasn’t baking cookies!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.

An intriguing read to enjoy
Another Abramson book with twists, turns, danger, and surprises. Brandon is CiA and has decided he wants to leave and follow his true passion of publishing. But an unexpected event sends him to a publishing firm undercover to discover how that firm is involved with a terrorist organization. Little did he know that he would soon be working with the wonderful woman, Kimber, that he’d met on his flight back to the US. Kimber, also CIA, was interested in Brandon when they met but of course did not reveal her true occupation. When Kimber is approached by her boss with an assignment that includes submitting one of her manuscripts for publication, it is a dream come true. Now Kimber and Brandon must work together not only in publishing her work but stopping the terrorist organization. A very enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

NOVEL THREAT by TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON is a nail-biting romantic thriller thatb will keep you guessing right to the end.
The title is very appropriate, with terrorists financincing their illegal activities through Monroe Publishing, and CIA agent Kimber Siedel about to publish her first novel thtough those publishers. Brandon Hale, is also a CIA agent who is under cover at Monroe Publishing. They share a love of books, and have each longed to follow a literary career……..
I will not tell you any more for fear of spoiling your read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Shadow Mountain Publishing. The opinios in this review are completely my own.