So-so. Maybe it would be more interesting for those who have read the previous books in this series.

While this is the ninth book in the series , it was only the second one I read and I have to say I wasn’t lost
The books involved the very sexy Donovan Brothers , a mystery , a past and a present .
A great read by Carla Neggers in her true style !

It was good to return to the latest happenings for Sharpe and Donovan (now officially two Donovans's since their marriage at the end of Imposters Lure). While still reeling from her father's death, Emma returns to Herons Cove with her husband for the weekend. After a call to a yacht moored in town for food poisoning, a friendly MI5 agent is one of those guests affected and the mystery begins. Full of twists and turns, per her usual stories, but not one of my favorites. The end was still a surprise so the author 's story was a success.

I enjoyed the growing storyline of the friendship developing between Henrietta and Oliver with all the regulars: Fr Finian, Emma, and Colin. It also brings a clearer understanding of Jeremy, Oliver's MI5 handler, and a recurring character. All in all, 3.5 stars from me.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.

I haven't yet experienced the Donovan's and Sharpe's since this is my first read by this author but I have to admit I am intrigued. I did enjoy this author's style and her characters. It's a fast paced read with a lot of twist and turn that keep you on the edge of your seat and no lasting suspects. They thought they would have some peaceful sweet time together but they are out of luck. A simple food poisoning ends up being so much more. If you are a follower you know that MI5 and FBI and more are strung throughout these two clans and there always seems to be action surrounding them. It's a race to the finish and lives are on the line. With a surprising twist and lots of colorful characters it's a great read.

This is my first Carla Neggers book and the 9th in a detective series. I loved this book!!!!!! I have got to read them all now!!!!! The series stars Emma Sharpe and husband Colin Donovan. While on a vacation Colin gets pulled into a case where an Intelligent officer is involved in a suspected food poisoning case. At the same time a good friend of Emma's goes missing and the two cases are connected in ways that make it very personal. Follow along with the couple on their newest journey. Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for my honest review.

How have I missed this series? Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are whiz FBI agents- she's an art expert among other things- and this latest installment sees them working a case which involves not only espionage but also, obviously, art theft. Neggers gives enough background info up front, as well as tidbits about the characters (including Colin's brothers) to get you going right away. Here, Colin follows his brother to investigate a case of major food poisoning on a yacht and stumbles into a bigger issue. He spots Jeremy, a British intelligence agent, and then it turns out a painting is missing. I liked this because it was never completely implausible but walked right on the edge with a lot of excitement and good twists. No spoilers as to exactly what was happening on that yacht! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm definitely going to look for more from Neggers.

Rival's Break (Sharpe & Donovan #9)by Carla Neggers ...I love this series...Carla Neggers never disappoints...Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. I almost feel like part of the family.. Colin and Emma both FBI and never a dull moment. It is such fun to connect with old friends and family and find out what is happening in their lives. There is mystery, suspense, some evil, laughs, tears and sorrow and lots of love all take us to a very HEA. Can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Easy-to-read Great world building Romantic Informative Unpredictable Wonderful characters Happily Ever After Page-turner Witty Action-packed

I really enjoyed this book. The background of the story and the descriptions were perfect. Thanks Netgalley for the Arc.

Another fantastic Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan book. Another mystery and this one involving a MI 5 friend of Colin’s. All our favorites are on scene, Father Finian, Aoife, Sean, Kevin, Wendell, Lucas, Oliver and Henrietta. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I love to read all the scenery details of Ireland and Maine. I was really able to just immerse myself into this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rival's Break
(Sharpe & Donovan #9)
by Carla Neggers

Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by MIRA






Goodreads synopsis:
A deadly poisoning, a stolen painting and a criminal mastermind challenge the skills of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan as never before in their latest high-stakes case. New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers has crafted a gripping novel of international intrigue and suspense not to be missed.

Emma Sharpe is recovering from a shattering loss while her husband, Colin Donovan, is deep into his latest undercover mission. So they’re grateful to enjoy a peaceful autumn weekend together on the southern Maine coast to celebrate Colin’s brother Andy’s wedding. 

But the peace is short-lived when Kevin Donovan, a marine patrol officer, receives a call to check on suspected food poisoning at a party aboard a yacht. Colin decides to tag along. He is surprised to recognize one of the victims as an undercover British intelligence officer, and it quickly becomes evident they’re dealing with something very sinister. At the same time a valuable painting by Irish artist Aoife O’Byrne—a friend of Emma and Colin’s—is missing from the yacht, and the connections make the investigation international and extremely personal.

Emma and Colin discover they are up against a deadly foe who plans to strike again. With the help of HIT, their small, elite Boston-based FBI team, they must foil an attack that will have devastating effects. It’s a case that will alter their lives beyond anything they’ve ever imagined…


***

3.75 Stars

This is the ninth book in the Sharpe & Donovan series by Carla Neggers. Carla is a must buy for me but I have to say this wasn’t my favorite of the series. Above average, of course because it is Neggers, but not what I was expecting.

I really felt like there was almost too much backstory in the beginning. I felt lost amidst that and the actual poisoning/missing painting storyline. I didn’t know where to really focus at the start. I don’t think I caught my reading groove in this until I was over halfway though. Then it flew and the real point of the story started coming more to the surface. I was relieved.

Basic premise: A bunch of people get poisoned on a yacht owned by a rich dude. Donovan spies a known British intelligence agent and suspects that this poisoning is much more than it seems. To top it off, there is the theft of a painting to uncover as well. Then you add in all the espionage stuff and things get heated pretty quickly.

I think part of my problem with this is that I haven’t read a book in this series in a long time and my Sharpe and Donovan radar is a bit clouded and rusty. I should have read a book or two back and then picked this one up afterward. I think I needed more lead in instead of just being deluged with the backstory at the start which was more telling me stuff than showing me stuff. I get more invested when I can connect with the characters and that didn’t happen until later in the book.

Above average suspense, espionage thriller but I felt like it lacked something I can’t really put my finger on. But don’t take my word for it. Pick it up and judge for yourself.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

poisoned mushrooms
stolen painting
yacht filled with people sick

all adds to an interesting story, with a vicar whose past is haunted with tragedy and several donovans that are in security

loads of names to get your head around but once you get into the story and can follow who is who its not bad...

An excellent novel with a fascinating depiction of characters. I very much enjoyed this wonderful story and highly recommend it.

I loved this series, have read everyone of them.. Being fond Of Ireland. I particularly like when the characters are following up on a mystery there. Keep this series going!!!

This is an interesting story, with realistic characters and a great plot. I recommend it highly.. My only request is for the publisher to remove the spaces that appear every time an f is followed by an l.

I will leave review on Amazon on Aug 27, 2019

I received this ARC from NetGally and the Publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

I have read several books from this series but not all of them, having said that this book can definitely be read as a stand alone one. I love the Donovan brothers and enjoy them having recurring roles in the books. There is alot of espionage and intrigue in this book, never know what is going to happen next. As always Neggar's books are very well written, and draw you in. I would certainly recommend this book to others.

Rival's Break is the ninth book in a series by Carla Neggers, which I didn't realize before I started reading it. The story is a stand alone, but the author put so much information about the previous tales inside it actually made the plot difficult to follow. About a third of the way in it's mostly current doings. The mystery keeps the reader guessing to the end. I was given an early copy to review.

We meet back up with Sharpe and Donovan. They are now married.
As usual they get dragged into a case, with some of the other secondary characters fr previous books.
Enjoyable romantic suspense. I don't miss her books

I have read a lot of Carla Neggers's books in the past but I haven't read any in this series. This book does great as a stand alone as she tells you a little bit of the past to catch you up. I loved the characters and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Now I do want to go back and read the first 8 books in the series!!! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

Rival’s Break catches up with Emma and Colin and their current situation that is as captivating as the very first book in this series. Carla Neggers continues to deliver a cast of characters that will keep you guessing what will happen next.

Rich,warm story full of all the characters we have come to know. Always good to hear what's happening in their lives.. A complex mystery,mushrooms and romance.