Perfect read. Well written with the perfect amount of character development.

Rereviewed as reviews aren't showing

Smoke & Mirrors is the second book in Julie Rowe’s Outbreak Task Force series. There are some characters that carry over from the first book, Viable Threat, but this can be read as a standalone. Just as with the first book, Smoke & Mirrors is about a viral outbreak that happens somewhere unexpected in the United States and the CDC gets involved.

Lyle Smoke has just been discharged from the Army after serving 8 years. He returns to his hometown of Small Blind, Utah with a whole lot of baggage. The sad part is that not all of that baggage comes from his time in the Middle East. While serving, his son and the mother of his son were killed in an auto accident. Lyle blames himself because he feels like he let his son down. Outside of that, Lyle is quiet but deadly. He shows up at his parents’ house unannounced, goes to bed, and wakes up with a woman laying on top of him. Her name is Kini Kerek and she is a nurse for the CDC doing a survey in town regarding the hantavirus. His parents had offered up his room while she was in town and he didn’t know about it. Coincidentally, Lyle had received a call from his former Army buddy offering him a job with the CDC handling protection for an investigation team. Lyle’s need to protect and an attraction to Kini makes it easy for him to accept the job and immediately start working with Kini to keep her safe.

Kini had been encountering a lot of unexpected animosity from the townspeople. This is mainly because people have been getting sick right around the same time she shows up asking them to provide blood samples for the CDC survey. This illness ends up being an outbreak with origins leading some to think that it may be terrorist related. As Lyle and Kini investigate, it becomes apparent that there is something sinister going on. There is a lot of action involved and Lyle’s superb training is very much showcased as he does whatever it takes to keep Kini safe while they fall for each other. Kini has her own baggage when it comes to military men so she has to reconcile those feelings with her attraction to Lyle. In addition, Kini is no weak woman so she gives Lyle a run for his money as he tries to play the white knight.

Smoke & Mirrors seems to be much more sexually charged than Viable Threat. Lyle and Kini really turn the heat up in the bedroom. They are truly meant to be together in every way. There is also some great messages about family as Lyle’s father and grandfather also take part in the action when the stakes get much higher than anticipated. All in all, I really enjoyed Smoke & Mirrors. It was very well balanced and draws you in from the beginning. I am looking forward to reading Sleight of Hand, the next book in the series.

Ms Rowe is a new to me author and I’m so glad I discovered her.
Kinni is a CDC nurse who has stumbled on to something strange. Smoke is a former soldier who thinks he just stopping by his parents for a few days. A fateful meeting and a call from an old friend set an adventure in motion that these two will never forget.
With likeable characters, both primary and secondary, and well as adventurous story line. Smoke and Mirrors was an excellent read.
I really did enjoy each piece of this book. Yes, the time line is short and we are dealing with an instant attraction/Bond, but the more we get to know Kinni and Smoke the more that makes sense. The suspense plot keeps you guessing with several different faints and misdirects - all of which make perfect sense!
This is part of a series, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything by starting with book 2 - if anything I now what to go read the authors back list!

Thought and Plot

Kini is trying to gather information for the CDC to help with a possible vaccine for the deadly Hantavirus when threats against her start to rise. Kini is thrown into a race against time as more and more people start arriving with the early symptoms of this highly contagious virus and the mortality rate starts to rise. It’s obvious that someone is behind the outbreak and is trying to use Kini (and therefore the CDC) as a scapegoat.
Enter ex-military man sergeant Smoke. Smoke has endured several tours and knows that he’s getting to old to play soldier. But he has been avoiding his hometown and the memories of his son. So in order to do that, he decides to grab some supplies and head out into the desert to attempt heal. But those plans go out the window almost instantly when he lays eyes on Kini. This is the ultimate ‘love at first sight,’ I think. In fact, the author even goes so far as to point it out, which gave me a chuckle and allowed me to forgive her a little bit because I’m not usually one for insta-love.

”When the hell did you have time to fall in love with her? You only met her three days ago.”

“About thirty seconds after I met her.”

Smoke is…the ultimate romance hero just about. He immediately decides to help Kini. He’s willing to shield her from everything negative that is directed at her. Keeping her safe and helping her figure out what is really going on is his prime mission. He doesn’t talk overly much, but Kini can read him like a book. Their connection is probably what made the book for me (and I love action). Plus their humor…yeah. They were what made the book.

In Conclusion
While this book did have the dreaded insta-love within it, I mostly forgave the author because a) she pointed it out in a humorous way, b) it worked. This book is pretty action packed and the two love birds were adorable. I would definitely recommend this book and read more like it!

Outbreak Task Force #2, Another great book. In this one the romance plays a more prodomainte part. The outbreak isn't in full force yet and the characters have sometime to build up their relationship before all hell breaks loose. Sergeant Lyle Smoke was just discharged from the Army, his buddy and fellow former Special Forces soldier offer him a job with the joint task force between Homeland Security and the CDC, the Outbreak Task Force, but before Smoke makes any decisions he needs to go home first. When he gets home he doesn't find a peaceful rest he finds a CDC nurse in need of help.

Kini Kerek was just supposed to do some field research for the CDC before they decide what to do, if the natural antibodies of the Hantavirus are capable of containing itself or if the CDC needs to step in a create a cure. But Kini is met with open hostility and rumors spreading that she's conducting experiments, death threats keyed into her car and physical attacks have her bosses send someone to help luckily he already calls the place home and with Smoke's knowledge of the area and the people it should make things easier. Until the Hantavirus starts affecting more and more people the next thing they know it's a full blown outbreak and the rest of the Task force is called in. But it's a little too convenient that this outbreak happened right when Kini showed up and now Kini and Smoke need to find out why before it's too late.

Overall, a great read. Fantastic writing and and ending I wasn't expecting. A little more descriptive setting than the last book and it really helped paint a nice picture when they were in the desert. The romance between Smoke and Kini was really nice, I loved that it was practically instantaneous Smoke had some emotional baggage but Kini was able to help him work through it and it was a real nice HEA

Kini Kerek is in Small Blind, Utah to collect patient histories and blood samples for local residents, most especially those of Native American Descent. Kini is a CDC nurse and member of the Outbreak Task Force and she has been tasked to track the incidence of infection and the development of antibodies for the Hantavirus. There is some weird pneumonia going around town and people are showing up at the hospital sick. Rumors start to escalate and Kini finds herself in a dangerous situation when the townspeople think she is the cause of it.

Lyle Smoke, known as Smoke to everyone that knows him is back home in Small Blind, Utah after spending eight years in the army. He was once a soldier that could track ghosts and capture boogeymen, but now he is no one. He just wants to get away from it all and have a quiet week in the desert, but after meeting Kini he vows to keep her safe from harm. He garners a job with the Outbreak Task Force and together Kini and Smoke to to piece together what is exactly going on with people coming to the hospital in droves with symptoms like the Hantavirus. But, someone will stop at nothing to make sure that Kini is silenced forever. Will Smoke be able to keep Kini alive long enough to stop the outbreak from decimating the town?

Wow! Where have I been hiding that I have not read anything from Julie Rowe before? Smoke and Mirrors is absolutely amazing and everything that I look for in a Romantic Suspense book - tortured brooding hero and kick ass heroine blended into an action packed, edge of your seat storyline that had me completely hooked right from the beginning. The romance and suspense were meshed so well together and I never felt like one tried to outdo the other. I quickly found myself thrust right into the action and was non stop right from the start. It almost felt like I was watching an action movie.

Lyle Smoke is the ultimate Alpha hero. He is a man of few words and uses his talents he learned in the army to keep Kini safe. Smoke has a tragic past that still haunts him to this day and does not feel as if he is deserving of a woman’s love because he is broken. He learns a lot about himself with help from Kini and although, he feels an attraction to her he knows their relationship can not last as something permanent. He is not built for forever and his past keeps him from getting to close emotionally. I absolutely LOVE Smoke and he is my new boyfriend so hands off ladies he's all MINE!

Kini is a strong and capable heroine who has a few tricks up her sleeve and can hold her own against men bigger and stronger than her. She too has a tragic past that keeps her from getting involved with men like Smoke. But, she comes to quickly learn that Smoke is not like other men and she soon finds herself wanting forever when she knows forever may not be possible. Kini moves around a lot for her job and even though she would like to settle down and have a family, her career does not afford her those kinds of opportunities, but is there hope for Kini and Smoke when she finds herself warming up to the big strong man?

Smoke and Mirrors is an intense, action packed story filled with wonderfully drawn characters, a sexy steamy romance, and a mystery that will keep you guessing all the way till the end. This is definitely a book that you do not want to miss. Trust me!

Kini is having a hard time. She only wants to take blood samples to help develop a theory for the CDC vaccine. But the locals are against her from the start, she has been associated with a number of deaths that occurred after she arrived. Her car has been vandalised and she has had some other "bad luck". So the CDC send out Smoke to protect her.

It should be an easy job. Smoke is returning to his ancestral lands, he knows the people and is a grade A bada$$! But Smoke hasn't been home since his son passed away and he has guilt weighing him down. But Kini, well she is enough to make any man wish for a HEA!

Intense, fast paced, chock full of action and suspense...oh and a bit of sexy time thrown in! Kini can read Smoke like a book, which is handy cos he's not the most communicative of fellas! What Smoke lacks in verbals he makes up for in smarts and skills. The banter was off the charts. You can't help falling for a guy who says he fell in love with someone 30secs after meeting her!

“Smoke & Mirrors” is full of action, suspense and romance. It has sexy, swoon-worthy characters and amazing storyline - a must read. Julie Rowe is a master at sexy, thrilling romance. Absolutely recommend

We have some crazy situations out there and I have to say that when I thought of the CDC I used to think about them in the small situations like figuring out some diseases not the outbreaks like this, I know that was small minded of me and has opened my eyes, has given me some fear to because a lot of things could happen with some pretty crazy radical folks out there. So in this segment we meet Kini Kerek and she is nurse who is working for the CDC. She is searching for antibody to assist with a Vaccine. But unfortunately she is met with rumors and suspicion making her job harder and threats of violence are not helping. She needs help and that comes in the form of Lyle Smoke an Army vet who has been recently discharged and his friend River asks him for help or offers him a job. Him and Kini are attracted but again time is not really on their side since they have to stay ahead of trouble and get the info they need and keeping them alive is the at the foremost...Enjoy!

CDC nurse Kimi Kerek has gone to Utah simply to research Hanatavirus so why do the people of Small Blind want her gone, especially now that there is an epidemic going on? Not giving up, she now has the help of Lyle Smoke who is living up to his name. Smoke vows not to let anything happen to Kini. As things heat up with both Kini and they find themselves both in danger, they will need both Smoke’s survival skills and lots of luck.
A great book in by Julie Rowe in her series, Outbreak Task Force.

I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Julie Rowe's "Sleight of Hand" novel and loving every single part of it, I just had to go back and read the first two parts of this phenomenal series. Once again, this novel was an instant hit for me. The action pack, suspenseful romance blew me away with not just the story line and characters but the consistency throughout all three novels. The only flaw, which I mentioned in my "Sleight of Hand" review, is the sex scenes were lacking and didn't entirely melt me off my seat but the everything else: characters, content and story line definitely made up for it. Would highly recommend this novel and it's other counterparts.

Great romantic suspense that kept me awake and almost late at work in the morning. The story and characters are well built with a nice depth. I just enjoyed reading it and had me sitting on the edge, no I lie I was laying in my bed but kept me interested all the way to the end. Beautifully written with enough suspense, hotness, mystery and action...I almost forgot to say that I really love to read about people in uniform, I can't help it, it is stronger than me. Can't wait to read the next book by Julie Rowe.

Smoke and Mirrors by Julie Rowe is Book 2 of the Outbreak Task Force series. While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Smokin’....

Ms. Rowe knocked it out of the park with this sensational read. Smoke and Mirrors is an intense romantic intrigue that takes readers on one heck of a ride. I love the smoothness, the defined world and characters that just bring this story to life. Ms. Rowe is a new-to-me author that is now on my fav list...cannot wait to see what comes next!

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

This is the best blend of romance and suspense. The characters' jobs are so interesting and different than many other romance books.
The cover draws my attention and I like that it focuses on the romance aspect of the book, rather than the medical mystery. If it had an image than invoked more of the biological warfare aspect, I wouldn't have chosen to read it.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.

GREAT book! Full of suspense but also romance.

This is the first book in this series I've read and I believe it can be read as a stand alone.

First off Lyle's story is absolutely heart breaking. What he went through and continues to struggle with will just break your heart. He tries to protect his own heart from getting torn out again, but somehow Kini manages to break through his walls even if that wasn't her intent.

Kini is only trying to do her job, but people in the town aren't happy about her being there and make it well known. Initially they just make her job difficult, but when her life ends up in danger Lyle has had enough.

Smoke and Mirrors definitely had all the theings I liked in a romantic suspense novel, a female charactert that was no wilting wallflower, a hot hero and action filled plot that would keep a reader guessing how everything is connected and would they both get out unscathed. Smoke definitely is your guy when you want to get rescued but Kini is more than capable of defending herself. And they don’t always win or get away from the bad guys. In fact the bad guys remain elusive but they ger hurt a lot too. I love Julie Rowe’s series cause the biological warfare aspect is scary stuff and she really incorporates hard facts with the fiction aspect of the plot marvelously! And yes the sex is always hot, the characters are all depth filled and multilayered and you cannot get enough!

I received an arc from Netgalley. There is just something about the strong silent type and the woman who can break through the walls he has built. This book has Kini doing that exact same thing.

Smoke is the strong silent army man with a heartbreaking past who has built walls around his heart. Kini is the kind nurse working for the CDC who runs into some issues in smokes home town. Together they work together to bring the bad guys down and fall in Love in the process.

Great read and will keep you on the edge of your seat and feel all the emotions on this roller coaster ride.

Smoke and Mirrors is book 2 of the outbreak task force; however, its not related at all to the events in book 1, so you can read them in any order. An ex special forces soldier is home but he is far from okay. Chased by the demons of what he had to do in the military and the death of his son while he was deployed have turned him into a shell of a man. When he finds a nurse from the CDC sleeping in his bed, he realizes he isn't quite as dead as he thought.

Kini is interviewing local Native Americans in the small town Lyle Smoke grew up in to research and collect information for the CDC. However, the townspeople are NOT happy to see her and she begins to experience vandalism and violence at their hands. Smoke, being ex special forces, steps up and takes a job with the Outbreak Task Force and effectively becomes Kini's bodyguard.

The story is full of action! Initially, people are getting sick and they blame Kini. She realizes pretty quickly that it sounds like they have a hantavirus outbreak, but the local doctor won't call in the CDC. But, there is more unsettling behavior happening. Kini and Smoke have to figure out what the hell is going on before more people die. Where did the virus come from? What is going on at the old, abandoned farm? Why are people targeting Kini? The conflict occurs throughout the story and you are left wondering who is good, who is bad, and who is just caught in the small town gossip mill. While Smoke wasn't my favorite hero (he does the 'I'm not a good man so I am gonna push you away' bit that makes me crazy), the suspense of the book makes for a very compelling read that you won't want to put down!
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WOW! I recommend you grab yourself a copy of this book to read if you enjoy well written, hot, romantic suspense. There is a touch of humour, too - I mean, fancy waking up in your own bed only to discover a beautiful stranger is sharing it with you! This is an enthralling story dealing with many different issues involved, from misinformation, prejudice, biological warfare, racial tension, PSTS and so much more!

It is a story to keep you on the edge of your seat as CDC nurse Kini Kerek tries to carry out research into Hantavirus and inadvertently steps into the middle of a conspiracy that will put her own life and that of others in danger. Rumours suggesting Kini is infecting residents rather than just taking blood samples have made most of the locals wary of helping her, so much so that she’s received death threats. Ex-special services soldier, Lyle Smoke, is a local who is determined to help protect this young lady, even though it will take all his army and native survival skills to help do so as a widespread infection fuels the locals’ fears and proves fatal for so many of them.

The story is part of a series of standalone stories, so you don’t need to read the earlier story, Viable Threat, to enjoy this one. I liked the way the hero uses knowledge gleaned from his Native American family, his local knowledge and his determination to help thwart the threat to both his community and, especially, to Kini. It is a fast paced story, taking on the gossips, the attackers, an uncooperative doctor who is determined not to admit to needing help and uncovering a deadly danger whilst also developing a hot romance.

I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

This seemed to jump all over the place making you piece together the most basic information. It didn't help that nothing was making any sense to me. I think the writing style and the pace just weren't my cup of tea and I ended up DNFing this.