So I kind of read this out of order. I read the first one is series Viable Threat, and since it was months ago I couldn't remember until I started reading this one and some of those characters were mentioned in this one so saying that I think that these can be read as standalones and I finished this one now I had to read the previous one. This was Joy and Gunnar story and how they had to deal with a e.coli breakout that they had to figure out who was doing it and why. Both Joy and Gunnar were two broken people who were dealing with losses of either loved ones or fellow friends so they were suffering from PTSD. They both felt like they couldn't seem to connect with others but they were attracted to each other and now it seemed forbidden since they were partners. As they were working they ended up giving in to their chemistry but they couldn't put that relationship to the forefront because they had this serious outbreak that was killing college kids. Grab a copy and Enjoy! And now we wait for the next one.

Whew, who knew the CDC was so full of action? (waggles eyebrows at double entendre) "Sleight of Hand" is an action-packed, fast-paced romantic suspense that follows two CDC agents as they investigate an outbreak from biological warfare. Gunner, formerly a doctors without borders worker in Syria where his wife died, and Joy, former military nurse, are teamed up following a series of unfortunate partnerships on Gunner's side (earning him all sorts of labels). Gunner is apprehensive for his new partner, who he also finds very attractive.

Together, they are thrust into a larger case as they investigate a stomach illness at a frathouse- which begins to kill some of the students. They soon learn that the beer was contaminated with two strains of E. Coli, making it extra potent- and not accidental. The terrorist group FAFO is quick to take the credit/blame, but only by following the clues can Joy and Gunner figure out who is behind this and how far it may have spread. As the death toll climes and they find themselves in constant danger (bombs, shootings, etc.), they are working against the clock to save lives.

Amidst the case they are following, there are also a lot of politics with other agencies as CDC takes point (and this ruffles feathers). There is also a budding romance between two people who can recognize the trauma in the other and work together as a result- as work partners and perhaps as romantic partners. The romance was well done and believable, particularly given the situations thrown at them. I liked both Gunner and Joy and cheered for them as a couple. There are only a couple of romantic scenes, but this makes sense given the overall suspense/thriller themes.

Regarding the overall case, it was really intriguing, and I liked following the way they sought out answers and conducted their investigation. The only thing was that there seemed to be a pretty big leap at the end, and I wasn't sure how much I bought it. That being said, I still really enjoyed it overall and am definitely interested in reading more of these big CDC cases- it was different from the usual investigations I have read in the past but had all the great elements of thrillers/mysteries that others would. I was completely engaged in the storyline, and I am curious to see how it will evolve.

While this is part of a series, this was my first read from it, and I had no problems following the plot or characters. I do want to know what will happen in the future (the overarching larger story), so I would definitely be interested in reading the rest of the series. I never knew I would be so interested in the CDC! This was a really fun romantic suspense, and I enjoyed the read.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent romance. Joy and Gunner are brought together by a deadly outbreak that endangers millions of people. Both come from a military background and both suffer from severe PTSD. Working together and finding common ground allows them to share the burden and lessen the pain. Sweet story.

I really love Julie Rowe's Outbreak Task Force series ( a spin off from Biological Response Team.) Sleight of Hand is the third book and is as thrilling as the rest of the books in the series. It gladdens my little nerdy heart that this series combines the kickass job of working for the CDC with suspense, action and romance that sizzles. I mean who can resist reading about characters that stop domestic bioterrorism from taking off while establishing a relationship both professional and personal. It puts a so different spin the work place romance trope!
Sleight of Hand can be read as a standalone but also some intersecting plot line from the other books in the series. Here Dr. Gunner Anderson finally gets a partner that he can't scare shitless with his grumpiness and not so stellar personality.. When he gets paired with former Army Nurse Joy Ashiro, she quickly establishes that she isn't easily scared of like his previous partners. It doesn't really hurt that he's been attracted to Joy eversince she joined their department.. But they both suffer from PTSD and they both have to deal with the fact that the attraction isn't going to go away, this while trying to solve a bio outbreak that has the earmarks of a potential terrorist act. Sleight of Hand will have you cheering for Joy and Gunner both in getting the bad guys and in getting their HEA and its definitely one fantastic roller coaster ride!

I’ve been an avid follower of Julie Rowe’s Outbreak Task Force series from the beginning, but then again, I do get the thrills from biological warfare-type romances even if some parts always stretch my ability to keep the suspension of disbelief going.

‘Sleight of Hand’ juggles interagency politics, disease and a head-on plunge into outbreak and Rowe quite capably writes a suspenseful and tense story that had me enthralled from the start: an e-coli from beer that has all the frat houses on their knees is something I devoured with glee along with a mystery to solve.

I did mostly like Gunner Anderson and Joy Oshiro as they proved to be a no-nonsense working pair that fitted oddly but well, though their attraction seemed almost like instant love, sidelined as it was because of the outbreak.

I was however, rather bewildered by the rushed climax that didn’t quite feel like one after a fantastic build-up and an even quicker resolution that made the story feel unfinished when the last few events went from showing to telling. The case didn’t feel like it was resolved at all, in fact, apart from the protagonists recovering and getting their act together by the time I turned the last page.

The bad guys remained nebulous while the fall guy conveniently cracked and killed himself as the secondary characters who flitted in and out of the picture themselves became loose ends who disappeared into the background. For a romance, I understood that the focus stayed mainly on Gunner/Joy who battled their own demons, their pull towards each other and the rapidly developing outbreak that couldn’t seem to be contained, yet I was left tapping my e-reader impatiently to check if I’d actually missed a chapter or two in the end.

Finding new authors with great series is special. Finding Julie Rowe has been more than that, she is a great writer and her series Outbreak Task Force proves it. Sleight of Hand is the story of a deadly e-coli outbreak found in beer kegs right before Spring Break. It is the task of the annoying Dr. Gunner Anderson and his partner, nurse Joy Oshiro to find the source and stop it before it kills any more students. What Gunner and Joy don’t expect to find is their attraction to each other. This is definitely a book you won’t put down.

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #SleightOfHand

As contemporary romance goes, this novel was spot on. The narrative itself was interesting and left the reader invested in the outcome. Rowe was able to create relatable characters with just enough internal and external conflict to support the plot. The added humor, the pressing danger, and that sexual tension lurking around, it all blended together to make this a great book. 4 stars.

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

I do not have enough words to describe how phenomenal this novel is! This action pack, suspenseful romance novel left me on the edge of my seat. Joy and Gunner chemistry, banter, and connection were off the charts. The relationship didn't seem force nor was it too face pace. The only thing that could've made this novel shine more are the sex scenes. Sure it was good but I've read better. The overall storyline, content, and characters made up for it. I honestly couldn't put this down once I read the first page. A must read!

This is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that I just loved. Joy is a former military trauma nurse that was assigned to be Gunner's partner at the CDC. Gunner is a former Doctors Without Borders physician who doesn't tolerate ignorant people and has earned a reputation as difficult to work with. Almost immediately, Joy and Gunner get along and seem to understand each other.

Joy and Gunner are tasked with investigating the cause of a major illness outbreak at a fraternity. Before long, they are frightened by what they find. A multi agency approach forces them to work with FBI and Homeland Security agents, some of whom are actively working against them. As they spar with their co-workers, they continue to investigate a case that seems to get dramatically worse every day.

I was hooked from the very first page and found myself turning pages just as quickly as possible and couldn't put it down until the very end. Fans of the genre will love this book. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel, however, it's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all. The author is on my must read authors' list.

Another edge of your seat story that blends suspense, deadly infectious diseases, and sizzlin romance. 

I love this authors writing style. She writes balls to wall, edge of your seat, page turning thrillers.. In every book the characters backgrounds are just as fascinating as the story. This time we have Joy Oshiro, a CDC nurse whose previous job was 8 years as a Army nurse/combat medic. She is tough as nails but all the death she saw while in the Army has left its mark. She has just been partnered with a man whose grouchy demeanor has chased away his last 2 partners. Dr. Gunner Anderson also suffered devastating heartbreak during his time Doctors Without Borders which has left him with PTSD and walking a fine line of sanity. He struggles to keep his grief at bay with sarcasm and anger. Joy is the first person he's met in 3 years that seems to calm his beast. There first case together is a deadly strain of E. coli that's running rampant through the colleges in Atlanta.

This is the third book in the series and the culprit of all the three different outbreaks is still at large. Sucks for all the victims but means there will for sure be more books in the series.. Can't wait for the next!!

I'll never look at another keg the same way again. Ms. Rowe has such a way with words. Very descriptive, so I had a movie of the book going on in my head as I read, Sleight Of Hand.