This book is one of my favorite recent reads! It was full of action and I seriously could not put it down. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a CIA suspense read. It was so well done. The story line was just perfectly paced. I think this is now my new favorite book by Traci Abramson and I cannot wait for another book in this series!!

I have read many books from this author and enjoyed them. I thought the story had a charming beginning, two people randomly meeting on an airplane, not knowing how their lives would connect together. I was intrigued with the idea of mixing espionage with the publishing world, and I enjoyed the storyline. The characters were well defined, and the chemistry between them was sweet. About midway through I thought it began to drag a little bit. I was still not quite sure who the connection in the publishing company was, so I was curious to continue on. I was a little surprised in the ending, but not shocked like I hoped to be. My opinion of the overall book is entertaining intriguing, sweet romance, but not one of my favorites. We can’t always hit a home run. I certainly enjoy the author enough to continue reading her books. This one fell just a tad bit short. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“You hacked into secure financial systems in less than an hour, but you don’t know how to connect your laptop to a printer?”

Things I loved:
Trudy & her treats
All Kimber and Brandon's Meet Cutes
The Author/Writer experience
Book Lovers
Library
Fake Dating
Suspense
Central Park
Mark and Tessa
Microdots & ARCs
Elevators

He stared down at her, and his heartbeat quickened, not from fear and stress, but anticipation. “Maybe I need to replace the bad memories with a good one.”

Brandon and Kimber both work for the CIA. They don’t know each other, but their paths are destined to intertwine…a lot, especially when they go undercover. Kimber as an author and Brandon an assistant to a publisher. What happens when their worlds intertwine and they have to race against time to find the bad guys?

“Kimber gripped her steering wheel a little tighter. She’d already told him she worked in finance, so did she lie to him about who she was interviewing with?”

One of my favorite things was the peek into the publishing and author world. It was fun to read it along with their CIA world. Traci’s perspective was fun, suspenseful and fascinating. This book will keep you on your toes…even if you guess the bad guys early on. If I could, I would spend my life listening to spy stories… but I definitely don’t have clearance. 😉

‘You don’t have to walk me home.” Brandon shrugged. “It’s what the men in the romance novels would do.”

Danger, suspense, CIA agents, swoony romance, & books! Traci Hunter Abramson pulls out all the stops in this exciting start to a new romantic suspense series! Novel Threat’s impossible to put down & I found myself reading it in one sitting. I had to know what happened next!

Two CIA agents meet serendipitously on a plane home from London. Brandon Hale witnessed the unthinkable & is hoping to retire & embark on a publishing career. Kimber Seidel’s a CIA financial officer & an aspiring writer about to have her dreams come true. Neither knows the other is an agent, but their paths cross again when unbeknownst to them, they’re both assigned to go undercover at the Monroe Publishing Agency to stop a terrorist attack.

From intense elevator scenes (Seriously, I think I’ll take the stairs from now on.), a fascinating insiders look at a New York publishing agency, terrorist plots, delightful humor, & a lovely romance, this book had it all! I loved Brandon & Kimber. I enjoyed how their instant attraction grew as they face one dangerous moment after another.

Unraveling the terrorist plot was intense, especially with having the villain’s POV too. There are several suspects who kept me guessing until the end. The non-stop threats & clever ways they use the publishing agency as a front for their despicable plans had me on the edge of my seat.

I also loved the side characters in this story. Friends at the CIA, Kimber’s sister, their darling treat baking neighbor Trudy who has a secret all her own, & even some celebrities add to the enjoyment of this intense read. I loved finding little Easter eggs representing the author herself hidden in the story.

This is definitely a must read & a new favorite! Highest of recommendations. Can’t wait for the next book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

Traci Hunter Abramson is one of my favorite authors and I could not recommend her books more. Novel Threat is the first book in her new series, Pen and Dagger. This book had me on the edge of my seat and I did not want to put it down. I just loved everything about it.
I loved both Kimber and Brandon. They were so relatable, they were both CIA agents but they still had to figure out what their undercover experience would look like. They felt real and I was cheering for them as they sought to protect others while staying true to themselves.
It was cool to read about them connecting but also learning to talk with each other. They had met briefly but their undercover positions brought them closer together. Although the romance wasn’t necessarily the main part of the book, it was still really cute and sweet. They understood each other especially as they worked together.
The writer and publishing stuff were really cool to read about. I loved getting to see a little more of that side of things through this book. The side characters were a lot of fun and I hope that they eventually get their own happy endings.
I am so excited for this new series and I could not recommend Novel Threat more. The characters drew me in the and the plot held me captive. I just loved this book! Novel Threat is a clean romantic suspense novel.

Book Highlights:
Writer FMC
Editorish MMC
CIA
Supsense
Falling in Love
Fish out of water vibes

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

After a meeting with a contact goes tragically wrong, CIA operative Brandon Hale goes undercover at Monroe Publishing to find a traitor funneling money to a terrorist organization.

Kimber, a CIA finance officer who dreams of being published, is shocked when the CIA shops her novel to a publisher and asks her to use her cover as a new author to investigate behind the scenes. While on assignment, she reconnects with Brandon, a man she met briefly on her last trip overseas but as the attraction between them grows, she finds it difficult to hide the truth from him.

Brandon and Kimber's search to uncover the traitor and the terrorist's plans grows desperate as they realize that innocent lives are at stake and the clock is about to run out.

I really enjoyed this book. The twist was very enjoyable and I loved the two main characters. It had my attention quickly after chapter 1 I was hooked.

Tracy Hunter Abramson masterfully blends espionage and publishing intrigue in Novel Threat, a fast-paced thriller where the written word becomes a deadly weapon. With a clever premise and well-drawn characters, the novel keeps readers on edge as CIA operatives Brandon Hale and Kimber Seidel infiltrate Monroe Publishing to unravel a terrorist plot hidden in the pages of a book.

Brandon, a seasoned CIA officer contemplating retirement, is pulled back into the field when a critical intelligence source is assassinated, leaving behind a clue pointing to a New York publishing house. Meanwhile, Kimber, a CIA finance officer with a secret passion for writing, unexpectedly finds herself at the center of the mission when her manuscript becomes a key piece in the agency’s strategy. As the two navigate their dangerous assignment, their professional and personal lives collide, sparking an undeniable chemistry that adds an emotional depth to the high-stakes action.

Abramson’s storytelling shines in its ability to balance suspense, romance, and intricate plotting. The coded messages, covert operations, and unexpected twists keep the tension high, while the literary setting adds a unique and compelling layer to the espionage narrative. Readers will be drawn to Brandon and Kimber’s dynamic—both as operatives and as two people struggling to reconcile duty with personal aspirations.

With sharp dialogue, well-researched intelligence work, and a gripping pace, Novel Threat is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Fans of both spy fiction and romantic suspense will find themselves hooked by this clever and exhilarating read.

Wow! This book is exciting from page one! It takes you on an action adventure that will make you hold your breath! Traci is a wonderful, immersive author, who puts you right in the midst of the action. There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. There are people getting shot and killed. Dual POV. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have to admit to be intrigued by the clever play on word in the title, and then once I read the book’s blurb I was doubly intrigued. Two book-loving CIA agents conducting an investigation via a publishing house? This one sucked me in from the opening. The writing is very cinematic, can easily see it being translated into a movie/series. Our heroes are likable, decent chemistry, and the plot is wonderfully twisting. This is the first book in the Pen and Dagger series, and I’d say it is off to an excellent start. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next installment. Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me access to an ARC of Novel Threat.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

With a clever title and its description, I was excited to read this story. As an avid reader, entering into the world of publishing with CIA operatives was fascinating and a lot of fun. I could see myself right there on book signing tours and going to parties with famous people. Kimber Seidel has secretly always wanted to be a published author, and she gets the opportunity to do just that in order to investigate what involvement the executives have with the terrorist organization, Labyrinth. Working alongside of her is Brandon Hale who is posing as an administrative assistant for one very demanding boss. Together, they make a great team of bringing down the people who mean to kill a great number of people.

You’re sure to love this book for its action, suspense, the clues that are uncovered, and the romantic element between Brandon and Kimber. This is the first book in the Pen and Dagger series and one I am eagerly waiting to read the next book.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and a positive review was not required.

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!