Sleight of Hand is one heck of an adrenalin ride so buckle up and hang on to your Kindles. It's non-stop action as Gunner and Joy race against the clock to stop a bioterrorist with unknown motives from killing more innocent people.
I tend to forget after not reading one of Ms Rowe's books for a while (it's quite a few months between books!) what a ride her books are. Her protagonists race against a ticking time bomb of injured and dead with little to no sleep or food, and plenty of harm and injury to their person as they risk life and limb to save lives.
When I look at Gunner and Joy I see two very similar people. Both having seen too many horrific things in their life and their careers. Traumatised by past events yet doing their best to move past them and be functioning, productive contributors to society. They have a purpose. They care about what they do and how they contribute. They believe in their cause. In them, I do not see two damaged, broken individuals though many would call them that. I see who strong, determined adults who are the ultimate survivors. They have survived tragedy, trauma, and death. And they deserve all the joy, happiness, love, and sexy times they can bring each other.
I loved Gunner's grumpiness. I loved that he didn't tolerate fools and idiots. I loved that he had no patience for stupidity. All of that speaks to me on a very personal level since I have very little patience for it too. The only difference is I have to be patient and diplomatic in my job.
I also loved Joy's snark. Her directness and her resilience. She's insightful and decisive, and she will call bullshit when she sees it. Joy is a breath of fresh air. I loved that she could handle Gunner and found his grumpiness sexy.
Ms Rowe deals in fiction that hits a little too close to home. Her stories carry a hint of realism that makes the reader think: "this could actually happen". When I read about her characters, they are organic and real. When I read about the situations they find themselves in, they are thrilling but also chilling in the possibility that it's not that much of a stretch for those things to happen in real life. Sometimes the line between fact and fiction blur and scarily, I think, some of this could happen.
I love Ms Rowe's writing and her stories. I hope there will be more books from this series coming.

Joy and Gunner are so amazing... The first time they met each other you could almost feel the chemistry coming off the pages. The story and the interaction between all of the characters in this book made me have to sit and read it in one setting. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to write to others about this book. It is a must read.

This is the third book in Julie Rowe's Outbreak Task Force series and I think it's one of the best. This story takes us on a wild ride as CDC agents nurse Joy Oshiro and Dr. Gunner Anderson attempt to track down the source of the current deadly outbreak and bring down the responsible parties. Suspense is high with lots of action as these two race the clock while trying not to be the next targets. I definitely recommend this one.

Third volume in the Outbreak Task Force series which follows CDC teams in investigations about epidemic caused by terrorists.

Here we have an inversed pattern compared to the previous books, with the scientific hero and the heroine coming from the army. Both have seen horrors in war zones – the hero was part of Doctors without Borders – and suffer from post-traumatic syndrome. I must say I found this part of their character well written and realistic.

I liked lee the fact because of her PTSD the heroine blows hot and cold on the hero, one time she yields to their desire one time she rebuffs him because people she cared for tended to die. It’s understandable in the context but annoying all the same. They form a very nice couple and complete each other pleasurably.

On the investigation side once again we have brainwashed idiots who don’t understand the seriousness of what they have started, and members of other governmental organizations who voluntarily throw a wrench in the gears of the couple because of ego problems.

All in all Sleight of Hands is a pleasant book with which I had a good reading time. Too bad the ending of the investigation of a bit rushed.

Rating 4/5

Wooo! This bad boy was so powerful it had me gripping the pages in excitement that at times I was flying through them at the speed of light! Julia's writing is full of action and suspense and she takes you on such a wild ride you are sure to go back for more!

Gunnar is a superb doctor, he's just not much of a people person. He goes through assistants like a hot knife through butter! Most of his issues stem from the loss of his wife and the resultant PTSD.

Joy is a former Army nurse and has PTSD issues of her own. She handles prickly Gunnar like a pro. She outlasts his other assistants and they have an easy camaraderie. Joy saw combat but she doesn't know which is more dangerous - that or her attraction to Gunnar.

Great tense storyline about an outbreak killing college students centred around alcohol. Lots of HMOG moments, plot twists and you are left wondering who is the real threat.

A riveting story filled with lots of drama. Gunner and Joy make quite a team. They are both ferociously dedicated to their job. They are both fighting battle scars and demons from their pasts. The plot is fast paced. The dialogue is smart and witty. The characters are well defined and not superfluous.

As Joy and Gunner get to know each other and their relationship develops at work and personally, they protect each other’s back in all things. They have fireworks in and out of the bedroom. With all the dangers presented as the try to solve the case, they do manage to still find time to begin the healing of their hearts together.

Sleight of Hand by Julie Rowe is a fast paced, action packed story with enough emotion to keep this little, not so closet, romantic heart happy.

This is the first book I have read by this author, so I had no expectations beyond enjoying a good story. From the premise, I thought it would have action with a suspense theme, and of course, a love story. The author delivered on all counts!

The main story is an action/suspense theme with a ‘how are we going to save the day’ type of plot; but the characters ensure that it’s not merely a superficial ‘James Bond’ type of tale, instead, it has emotional depth with the traumatic pasts of both main leads, and many of the secondary characters, and a constant sense of unease as it is hinted that not all of the ‘good guys’ are necessarily good. The idea that not all individuals working on this threat have good intentions is not resolved in this book, I get the feeling that it will carry over to at least the following book. I can’t wait to see if my suspicions are correct!

This book is definitely a romance, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. The main focus is the biological threat, and who, where and why it is happening. The romance gives the story depth and, through changes of points of view of the two main leads, gives you a look into the traumatic history of the characters and insight into how, and why, they interact with each other, and the group at large. Although it is not central to the story, the romance is definitely there, and the emotion, and heat, between the two main leads, is palpable, and oh, so good!
This book can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read any of the earlier books and it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this one. Looking at the premises for the other books, they would give backstory to a couple of the characters that appear in the book, and to be honest, it may just give that extra element. But it isn’t necessary to read them first and still completely enjoy this book.

That said though, I will be going back and starting the series from the beginning. I really enjoyed the world that Julie Rowe has created, and I’m curious to go back and read about the other characters. I’d highly recommend Sleight of Hand by Julie Rowe.

Terrific characters and a compelling plot. A breathtaking fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. There is loads of action, suspense, mystery with twists and turns for you to enjoy. A real page turner that will have you reading long into the night as you just can’t stop reading this story. Julie Rowe has outdone herself with this book and totally deserves more than the 5 stars I can give. She becoming my go to author for thrilling romance stories that captures your attention and doesn’t let go. Absolutely recommend

This is the first of the Outbreak Task for books series I have read and I found I couldn't put the book down. The Author has the ability to mix science, medical information weaved into romance, suspense and heartbreaking story lines that will have readers needing more.

This story can be read as a stand a lone book. Julie Rowe has a wonderful ability to create characters who are likable, real and emotional. The characters comes across to many as broken but instead they have seen the worst in life.

Julie Rowe is able to create fun dialogue that will have readers smiling as the story transforms from informational to mystery to romance. The story has lots of sex but it doesn't over take the story even when it is graphic it in the background instead of overtaking the story.

From beginning to end readers will know where to story is head but the banter, humor and heart breaking moments make this a story worth curling up for a blanket.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Entangled Publishing LLC (Amara) for the advance copy of Julie Rowe Sleight of Hand

4.5⭐

Sleight of Hand was an excellent read. That grabbed me from the start and kept me hooked throughout. Thanks to terrific characters, who are both battered and bruised from their previous jobs and a storyline that has plenty of action and suspense. Not to mention deadly infectious disease and a plot that starts simple, but develops into a crazy, edge of your seat read. That I honestly couldn't get enough of. Which is why I would happily recommend it to others.

This book was awesome! Great story plot. The author kept me hooked! Finished it in one setting! My favorite part of the book was this:
“The way she talked about him,” Gunner said, meeting her gaze without hesitation. “It’s how I feel about you.”
Can't wait for more from you!

I have zero comments on the science (which I'm assuming is inaccurate) but this was a delightfully fun, the terrorists are entitled frat bros MRA dudes military suspense book & those are pretty rare finds.

Dr. Gunner Anderson has managed to lose his third partner due to his grumpiness and general scary persona, he knows he needs to get on with the next one or he might lose his job with the CDC. Fortunately the next candidate is nurse Joy Oshiro who seems to be able to handle him. They are plunged into a crisis when they are called to a frat party that has seriously gone wrong, they suspect foul play and find themselves chasing the perpetrators against a ticking clock. Fast paced and gritty, you can really feel their motivation and what they are fighting against both externally and internally. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Absolutely fantastic book! Books like this is why I read & keep on reading. I read it in 1 sitting because once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. It was that good. Action, suspense coupled with the human emotional aspect kept me glued to the pages.

Both the characters of Gunner and Joy are capable, driven people who are good at their work, live for their work and neither take nor give any BS. Both have their demons, and suffer from PSTD. Joy is a former army nurse and combat medic while Gunner volunteered with Doctors Without Borders and both had seen the worst of humanity and unspeakable pain and suffering.

Paired together when Gunner terrifies away yet another (his 2nd) partner, they rub along well. Nicknamed Mr Grumpy for his attitude, Gunner is totally adorable in all honesty. He can’t abide idiots, politicians and incompetence and doesn’t sugar coat his manner. There is the little issue about needing coffee 1st thing in the morning in order to be human. I love they way they watched each other’s backs and instinctively knew when the other was starting to unravel. And the humour! Wonderful, dry wit that had me grinning and even laughing out loud.

Highly recommended.

This is the first book I've read by this author. One book in and I’m a fast fan. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The hero and heroine are the biggest reasons why. They’re not all glossy. Scarred and bruised by previous experiences, they’re not gussied up and I love it. They are also some really valuable scientist/medical professionals who, like the real life CDC folks, are probably under-appreciated until there’s an outbreak of Zika, SARS, Ebola or something else that scrambles your brain or shuts down your organs. In this read you get mystery, danger, intimacy and scandal. It’s very engrossing. I am now going to find the previous books in the series (and anything else I can get my hands on from this author) and devour it. Happy reading folks!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Julie Rowe rocked this right into orbit. Holy hell what a fantastic read this is and her writing is from the beyond. Read Julie and you get it all, the suspense, steaming chemistry and a story that doesn't let you put it down.
Gunnar Anderson doesn't play well with others. It's so bad he'd down to his last assistant who is willing to take him on. Gunnar is lead on the task force, served with Doctors Without Borders and has some serious PTSD along with his own personal losses and his disposition. Joy Ashiro is a former Army nurse who now works for the task force. Joy's also seen combat and has her own issues with PT and losses. Throw these two together and watch the sparks fly. Yowza. The head of task force Carmen Rodrigues isn't taking any nonsense from Gunnar and he's under orders to play nice with Joy.
The two are sent out to investigate something insidious which is slowly killing college students. The offending bug seems to be coming from a microbrewery, but the story is much larger than that.
Honestly this one kept me hanging by my fingers and through the twists and turns and the floor dropping out, you just don't see things coming. Are there really any good guys?
Treat yourself to the first two books in this series! They are stellar reads then jump right into this book for a nice white knuckle ride with Julie Rowe.

arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review

I have loved each book in this series. The author's pacing and suspense are thrilling and the main couples are the icing on the cake!

Joy Oshiro is a CDC nurse. She investigates suspicious outbreaks of illness across the country. She was an Army nurse for 8 years, and has seen war zones, and any number of other horrible things. She is definitely rocking some PTSD, but she tries to make the best of life, and she enjoys her job, even with her new, cranky, sullen partner, Gunner.

Dr. Gunner Anderson is rocking his own hardcore PTSD after 3 years in Syria with Doctors Without Borders. He's lost friends, and loved ones, and has no time for any BS. He loves his job, but he's not looking forward to breaking in another new partner. He keeps losing his partners, due to his bad attitude and general grumpiness. But Joy, he actually wants to keep around. Way more than he should. Their partnership functions perfectly after a small get-to-know you period, and I loved watching them settle into their groove, just in time for the case of their career so far to hit. And so close to home for them, too.

Gunner and Joy worked so well together, and I enjoyed the way they always had each other's back, especially with other law enforcement officials trying to keep them from doing their job. The suspense plot here was fast moving, exciting, and scary, and they handled themselves so well. Their chemistry was constantly sizzling under the surface, and I loved their slow descent into each other. They both had major issues, but having another person with similar issues really helped them to see and address their own problems in a different way.

The story takes place in Atlanta, which makes it extra scary for me, as I live there. Even though some of the colleges and things were named differently, it still sent a little tremor through me every time I thought about it. This author's suspense plots are always smart, exciting, and fast paced, and I have enjoyed each book in this series so much. I truly hope there will be more!

Sleight of Hand by Julie Rowe a four-star read you will want to play. This is book three in the Outbreak Task Force series, but they can al be read as stand-alone, this was my first novel in the series and it really was stand-alone. The drama and romance where great and the twists will have you guessing, this read gave me such a great story that I have just gone and bought the rest of the series to go back and catch up on. Joy and Gunner just had a great chemistry and biology to them.

Wow. I am so glad I am not a beer drinker!!

Dr. Gunner Anderson spent 3 years with Doctors Without Borders. He is left with depression and PTSD from his experiences. He currently works for the CDC’s Outbreak Task Force. He has gone through 3 partners in 6 months because he is impatient, undiplomatic and doesn’t suffer fools at all. He needs organization and the intense, long hours of his job to keep it together.

Joy Ashiro is a former military nurse with combat medic experience and PTSD issues of her own. She is a bit more diplomatic but doesn’t take crap from anyone. She is organized, efficient and very good about thinking on her feet and seeing the big picture.

These two are good together. They recognize the pain the other is carrying around, triggers and how to work each other down from the ledge. Both are organized, intense, focused personalities.

An e-coli outbreak at several frat houses leads to several deaths and a huge number of very sick people. Gunner and Joy are sent to investigate. E-coli is discovered on the beer kegs.

When the culprit is found, things start to go awry for me. The ending is rushed and felt incomplete and a bit jumbled. I was left with a WTH feeling. The author does a good job keeping you invested, eagerly reading, looking for the culmination of the story and when I got there, I felt let down and a bit confused. Threads were left hanging. I liked the previous book and I liked this one up to the end. I’m hoping this means the story continues in the next book and not just a rush to a not really finished finish line.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.