Series: SBG Series

Exchange of Fire : P. A Depaul

Exchange of Fire

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Nadene @ Totally Addicted to Reading in Reviews / 3 Comments

After reading Shadow of Doubt, book one in the SBG series, I immediately purchased a copy of Exchange of Fire. I went into expecting an exciting read, and it did not disappoint. The author delivered an intense, rich, descriptive and a well-plotted tale which kept me entertained from start to finish. Action, drama and suspense coupled with the fiery passion of the characters makes this a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

 

Exchange of Fire :  P. A DepaulTitle: Exchange of Fire: An SBG Novel
Author(s): P.A. DePaul
Series: SBG Series #1
Also in this series: Shadow of Doubt: An SBG Novel
Published by Northfair Publishing on May 30, 2023 2nd edition
Pages: 435
Source: Purchase
Format: eBook
Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne Flame

Between one blink and the next, Sandra Walsh's world turns from mission to horror.
As a lethal sniper for SweetBriar Group, a covert agency with assassins for hire, Sandra Walsh has no room for error. Accidentally killing a young girl she's supposed to save, Sandra knows she has to retire. Unable to leave without consequences, she fakes her death and establishes a new identity in North Carolina. Her vows to never pull another trigger or have contact with her former life again have been no problem…until her past threatens Casper Grady.
Grady has retired from the Marines. He's gone from protecting the nation to establishing a safe haven for local children and families. With his pained past, he has a debt to settle and his entertainment center is where he can find redemption. When Sandra Walsh applies for a position, his instincts say she's not what she seems. Drawn to the mysterious woman, he can't deny her qualifications and hires her for the position. As time goes by, he doesn't regret the decision, then her past brings trouble through his front doors. Determined to help Sandra, he refuses to back down even when her secrets become dark and dangerous.
The danger escalates and their attraction intensifies. Will their newfound love survive when they're forced to choose between each other and the people they've sworn to protect? They have to stay alive long enough to find out…

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This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

 

Exchange of Fire introduces Sandra, aka Wraith, and Casper Grady.  Sandra is grappling with the tragic events of her last mission as part of the Delta Squad.  She blames herself for the incident and feels that the only way to get through the ordeal is to start over somewhere else. So, without her teammate’s knowledge, she fakes her death and started life elsewhere. She applied for a job as the operations manager with an adventure company and was successful. This meant she would be working closely with the owner and former marine, Casper Grady.

All seem to be going well, until her previous life caught up with her, forcing her to make a run for it. However, Grady not knowing of her past made it his mission to help her. Little did he know this decision paved the way for danger to come knocking on his door as a kill on sight order was initiated against her.   

Fortunately for them, Sandra’s team became aware she was alive. They abandoned their current assignment to come to their assistance.  This action led to a kill on sight order also being initiated against the entire team. 

Grady runs a family friendly gaming centre.  His goal, fuelled by a past tragedy, is to protect children and teenagers from bullies. He’s honourable, sexy and protective of those in his circle.  Sandra is one badass heroine, a fact Grady will discover when she bested him. However, he didn’t make the fact that Sandra could best him affect his ego.  If anything, it made him want her more.  What, I didn’t like, was his behaviour towards her on learning the truth.

Because of the incident from her past, she struggled with PTSD.  Despite her strength, there were moments when her vulnerability reared its head.  She was quite an interesting character. It is such a pity no information was provided as to how she became a member of this black ops’ team.

The secondary characters helped to make the story interesting.  The members of the Delta Squad intrigue and I look forward to reading their stories.  The one I am most interested in his Talon, I am curious to know what makes that man tick.  

Overall, a great series starter, which left the reader wanting more of the characters and the world the author created.  If you love romantic suspense, where the romance is served on the side, will want to add this series to their reading list. 

Story Evaluation
Plot
4.5
Characters
4
World Building
4.5
Writing Style
5
Pacing
5
Cover
3
Enjoyment
4.5
Ending
4
Overall: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

About P.A. DePaul

P. A. DePaul is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling and award-winning author.Her books are full of action, suspense, and romance. As a hybrid author, she has books traditionally and independently published. Her traditional publishers include Berkley, a Penguin Random House imprint, and Harlequin Books. She loves connecting with readers! You can find her on these social media and book sites: Website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, GoodReads, Amazon, BookBub, YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

Nadene @ Totally Addicted to Reading

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