The pacing of this book felt very rushed and confusing, I think given the plot points that wanted to be hit, the book should have either been longer or split into multiple books. The instant attractive between the characters felt forced and again very rushed.
There were a number of smaller details that were incorrect in terms of how the medical education system works in the US. Sometimes, Dr. Perry's degree is referred to as a doctorate (references to a PhD dissertation), but she is mostly referred to as a medical doctor for which the education system seems to be mischaracterized (referring to double specialities instead of double board certified).

Lethal Game is the second book in the Biological Rapid Response Team series beginning where book one left off. This action-packed and sizzling romance written by Julie Rowe has personal health and worldwide health at risk. Doctor Sophia Perry continues to fight her own health issues while trying to stop an unknown breakout from moving to a larger population. Communications Sergeant Connor Button has his own struggles having lived through an explosion when his team did not.

Together they face the unknown and the danger together. Of course, there is some learning to get along, ignoring the attraction and embracing the moment because any moment could be their last. So real it is scary at times to think this could happen with biological warfare but rooting for the hero and heroine to make it out alive, find the cure, and find love together. Fast pace romantic suspense novel.

Second in the Biological Rapid Response Team series and back in the Middle East following on from book one where a rogue ex-informant to the USA has developed a deadly anthrax virus and is on the run. Dr Sophia Perry is a virologist and haematologist and top of her game, contracted to the USA to help identify and hopefully treat any new threats the rogue informant produces.

Sophia has her own problems though, she is suffering from the after effects of childhood leukemia and the toll that is taking on her body. If she tells her boss Maximillion he'll pull her from mission and shes knows she's the best for the job. Max knows he has to organise protection for Sophia but she's rejected everyone so far.

Communications Sergeant Connor Button is recovering from IED explosion that severely injured him and killed his platoon. He's biting at the bit to get back into active duty and serve justice for his teammates, no matter the cost. So he doesn't treat Sophia with kid gloves just because of how she looks and lack of military rank like all the other protection options before him.

Sophia and Connor go onto a deployment in Syria for a mysterious outbreak and find more than just sick civilians.

My only critique is the use of the word "pansy" twice in this book by the MMC to describe other men. No need for homosexual slurs in this day and age, ruins the mood instantly. Hopefully this is a one off as the previous book didn't include this.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review of Lethal Game. Thank you very much; I appreciate it!

Lethal game was everything that I was looking for in a military romance. There was a strong female MC, and I don't mean physically strong, though I think she had terrific physical strength, but I'm talking mentally strong. Dr. Sophia Perry knew what she wanted, went for what she wanted, and never compromised on what or who she wanted. When her expectations weren't met, she wasn't afraid to make it known. She is the pinnacle of a strong woman I think every woman should aspire to be. Connor was the dream man. He was strong, caring, compassionate, and protective, yet he knew when to step away and let Sophia handle it herself.

The story was unique and gripping. The way the plot was executed kept me in suspense and was intriguing. I have never read a book following an army team of doctors combatting a disease terrorist attack caused by a mad chemist trying to get revenge against the American army.

Connor's backstory was what pushed me to read this book, as he struggles with survivor guilt and is suicidal. I think his story was wasted potential because, as you would expect, he should have PTSD, which he didn't exactly struggle with. He went to a psychologist even if you try to rationalise by saying the incident was months ago. He lied to the psychologist and didn't work on survivor guilt and suicide ideation. I hate that the fix to his mental issues was his love for Sophia and that he was magically fixed. That just isn't how it works and shouldn't be portrayed as such in the book. He should have worked on himself and shown some character development, which I don't think he displayed.

Julie Rowe, is at it again with another "on the edge of my seat" kind of suspense romance novel. I really appreciate how quickly book two was released after book one. The story and characters were still fresh in my mind from reading book one. I suppose that you could read it as a stand alone but it is extremely better when read as a whole series.

This was a good book; the FMC and MMC had great chemistry, and the storyline was interesting. My only complaints are that, at parts, it seemed to drag a bit in the middle and that the FMC felt a bit immature at times; I understand she's "young," but she's supposed to be this brilliant doctor, and at times, she came off very juvenile. Otherwise, it's a good book!

Captain Sophia Perry is part of the Biological Rapid Response Team and the youngest virologist and hematologist. She is sick because she had leukemia when she was a child. Sophia is sent to Syria to check out an outbreak at a refugee camp. Sophia has had several “bodyguards “ but they haven’t lasted. Communications Sergeant Connor Button was just released after being the only survivor in an IED explosion. He wants revenge until he’s assigned to Sophia to protect her. Sophia is keeping a secret from everyone and Connor will protect her with his life. Sophia’s health is deteriorating but she is determined not to let it stop her. When a crazed terrorist takes the camp hostage, it’s up to them to save everyone.
Edge of your seat suspense.
Steamy.
Action.
A killer virus.
Sort of enemies to lovers. I thought it is a great story and can’t wait to see what happens next.

* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *

This book had me hooked with the first chapter. It has everything from action, romance, and military suspense. I could not put this book down. You can’t help but root for Con to come back to his normal self and for Sophia to finally live her own life. These two make a great team and are determined to end the next outbreak before it happens. Will they be blue to do that and stay alive? I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Even though I didn’t read the first book, I never felt lost. The story does a great job of pulling you in with its intense medical drama, thrilling action, and the undeniable chemistry between Sophia and Connor. Sophia’s resilience and Connor’s quiet strength made them such a compelling duo, and I was completely invested in their journey.

Now, my only gripe? The repetition of certain facts—Sophia’s illness and Connor’s self-destructive tendencies were mentioned a lot. I get that these are huge parts of their characters, but after a while, it felt like déjà vu in every chapter. That being said, the emotional weight of their struggles was still powerful, and I loved watching them lean on each other despite everything.

Overall, this was a gripping, heartfelt read, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!