I’ve officially finished reading through my first Rachel Dylan series: the Capital Intrigue series! It wasn’t personally my favorite, but I did enjoy it! I really enjoyed the aspects of law that Rachel was able to include through her own experience as an attorney, and I feel like I learned a lot through reading this series!

As for this book itself, I think I liked it secondmost out of the other books in this series: my ranking for this series is 1) Backlash, 2) Power Play, and 3) End Game. Overall I did enjoy this story, but there were several aspects that could have been done better, in my opinion.

As is the case with the rest of Dylan’s books, there were a TON of characters that were not given enough screen time to really be distinguishable, at least for me. I tend to do poorly in stories where there are many characters, and I have always struggled to read her books in this regard. I was also a little confused because the characters from this story didn’t really connect with the ones from the previous two books (I don’t remember if I felt the same way between books 1 & 2?) so it felt like I had to learn an entire new cast of characters.

I didn’t really connect with either of the protagonists: both of them seemed pretty invincible, and while it was known that Jacob had some secrets from his past, it was well over 2/3 of the way of the book had elapsed before they were divulged. Viv appeared perfect in every regard, and no flaws of hers were ever really demonstrated. On top of that, it was kind of an insta-hate to insta-love kind of situation? Basically, they saw each other and decided they hated each other, and then when Viv gets attacked, it immediately turns into insta-love?? Which I . . . did not get whatsoever: I didn’t understand the motive behind why the protagonists acted the way they did, so in that regard, the story was hard to follow. (Thy were also basically making out frequently while simultaneously saying that they shouldn’t date, so that was Weird).

Like the last book in the series, I enjoyed the B-plot of this book much more than I did the main plot, although the B-plot seemed to not have as much happen as in the other books (at least according to my recollection).

In terms of the actual story, I thought it was pretty well executed. I don’t really know enough about politics to talk about the realism of this book: as far as I can tell, the people who worked together seemed feasible enough, but it very well could have been super unrealistic and I just don’t know. It wasn’t /super/ exciting, but there was plenty of action and the resolution was satisfactory. It wasn’t the most interesting, but it was fine. The ending felt a bit rushed, but everything tied up satisfactorily, so I didn’t hate it.

Overall, I don’t have any strong feelings about this book: it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but it wasn’t the worst either. The book kept my interest throughout, and while it wasn’t a page turner either, I did enjoy the process of reading it.

Splendidly written story. Great investigative procedures, suspense and some romance. A story that will keep you enthralled and turning the pages. Fantastic.

This is the third book in the Capital Intrigue Series and what a story this is. Dylan has formed such powerful and dynamic characters. This is a “buckle your seatbelt” Read. The entire series is about three best friends: Bailey, Layla and Vivian. This is Viv’s story and what a story it is. Vivian Steele is an attorney that witnesses a crime when two ambassadors, from Egypt and Belgium, collapse at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC. After this, she is recruited along with Jacob Cruz to join the FBI task force assigned to investigate the case. From that moment on, there is so much danger and intrigue and running for her life and being put in different safe houses. A whirlwind of action plus fireworks between her and her partner. He is determined to keep her safe and also from getting personally involved with her. A battle he is quickly losing. In fact this book actually seems to be the telling two stories of different people with their investigations. Each of them tying in together the investigations. One of the Egyptian Ambassador and the other the US Ambassador to Belgium. I highly recommend this thrilling adventure……I received a digital copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This is the third and final book in the series and unlike its predecessors, I just didn't connect with it. Perhaps because my world shifted with COVID-19 or perhaps because I worked out who was behind it all the minute the character was introduced, something just didn't resonate for me in the storyline. The international terrorist angle takes the book up a notch and beyond the reach of the other books and so felt heavier than the others. The events run a little too close to reality for me, I've read a number of other books by Rachel Dylan and I'm sure will again in the future. It’s a 3 out of 5 on the enJOYment scale.

This is the third book in the author’s Capital Intrigue series.

Attorney Vivian Steele may be best friends with FBI and CIA Agents, but she is a State Department employee who ensures things stay on the up and up - and that is the way she likes it. When a strange and shocking series of events catapult her into a role she never imagined, she quickly finds that some things are worth taking a risk for.

Jacob Cruz is working in Diplomatic Security when he is paired on a joint FBI task force with Vivian. Initially assuming she is out of place and even possibly a suspect, he soon begins to fear for her safety – and perhaps something more.

This series was especially interesting in that the leads are strong females in pretty high level roles. The stories were compelling and worth a read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this book. It kept my interest all the way through. Vivian Steele took some deadly risks she did not have to take.

Wonderful:
I loved this 3rd book in the Capital Intrigue series and whilst it could technically be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading them in order as there are some elements of the plot that carry over from the previous books. The plot was well paced with plenty of action and enough twists to keep things interesting but also some nice down times too. It became quite intense near the end and had me on the edge of my seat.
There was a sweet, slow burn romance between Viv and Jacob and I enjoyed seeing these two find love and healing together. I enjoyed the fact that they both had issues to work through and things weren't just glossed over. There was also a light Christian message but I think this book would appeal to readers regardless of their beliefs.
All in all a fabulous series that I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

What a great suspense by Rachel Dylan! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. I had no idea who was behind everything until almost the end. I liked how we saw characters from the previous books and how they did what they could to help Vivian. I thought this story was very well written and I enjoyed the romance element that was there but I liked that it didn’t detract from the suspense in the story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Ok. I loved Viv's story in Power Play!! I enjoyed how unique each storyline was, but for some reason, I liked Vivian's the best. Maybe I'm just saying that because I just read it, but I don't think so. Viv wasn't a special ops person or have skills other than being an attorney. Unfortunately, that doesn't keep her behind the scenes like she would like. Two deaths at a dinner put her in danger and things spiral out of control from there.

And then, hello, there's Jacob. Brooding and intense former SEAL... he is at the diplomatic dinner for one reason only - security. I liked that neither was keen on each other from the start and he didn't have a favorable opinion of attorneys. hahaha

There were multiple storylines going on and each of them was intense. I liked that they veered off with each of the deaths and that we followed the trail with Delaney/Weston and Jacob/Viv. Oh, did I mention Viv and Jacob end up having to pair up to find answer to the deaths?

While there was a LOT going on, it was incredibly easy to keep up and I never lost sight of what was happening. I know it's easy to get lost in multiple storylines, but because they converge from the same dinner and as a full team, it's simple to keep the dots connected. There was one piece of the story that was easy to guess, but another that had me wondering until the very end. It's funny how you get pulled into what the characters thoughts and reactions are.

I appreciated that the main characters have a shared faith as well as the supporting characters from the previous book. While it's not in your face, it's there and talked about. I think it also plays a part in how Vivian reacts to Jacob as their story progresses.

There was a lot of action and there were twists I totally didn't expect. I actually woke up in the middle of the night thinking about how the story ended and could I have done the things Viv did. lol Yes, it got me thinking. These kinds of books always do. How would I handle these intense situations?

While I'm sad the series is over, I can't wait to get my hands on whatever Rachel Dylan writes next.

An exciting story, with plenty of romance. This is the third book in a series, so you may want to read books one and two first. I didn't, but could still understand what was going on. Very likeable characters!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy! The opinions are all my own.

Power Play by Rachel Dylan gives readers a thrilling ride from the very first page. Vivian Steele is an attorney who stumbles into the middle of a national security investigation. Someone wants her dead and Jacob Cruz with Diplomatic Security Services is charged with her protection detail.

The world needs more thriller/action stories like this. I love Viv’s spunk as she grapples with her decision to join the investigation at the risk of her own safety. Lots of danger and suspense kept me flipping pages. The romance worked for me in this story and didn’t take away from the plot. It wasn’t overdone and felt more natural than a lot of stories where the danger just seems to fling two people together. These characters really belonged together! Jacob is a great character, and I loved his protective instincts when it came to Viv.

You don’t have to read the others in the series to enjoy Power Play, but the other two books are fantastic as well, although this one might be my favorite of the three!

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When two sudden and shocking deaths take place at the same diplomatic dinner, a task force is created to help solve the mystery. Vivian, and state department lawyer, and Jacob, a diplomatic security agent, are paired together in hopes they can unravel the mystery. There were multiple threads running through this story, which I think made it extremely interesting and even more fast paced. Buckle up, because this book has shocks and twists at every turn of the page. Each new fact kept me guessing until the end!

I am a hard core Dylan fan, and this was another great read from her. This entire series has been stellar, and the plot and characters in this final installment did not disappoint. I did feel like the romance was a little forced/rushed in some areas, but that is my only complaint! Run out and grab this entire series if you haven't already. Dylan changes the game in Christian Suspense, and gives us real legal thrillers! Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book digitally via NetGalley. I also ordered a copy from Baker Book House. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

This thriller combines danger and intrigue and longing for love and family. The story contains so many layers and threads with remarkable characters that bring the exciting tale to life you just want to keep reading to see what could possibly happen next. Readers get a look at the inner workings behind the scenes as the State Department, FBI, and CIA join forces to try to solve the deaths of two ambassadors and stop whatever plot is hatching. The author, as usual, does a great job with fast-paced action and realistic characters who make you care. I have enjoyed this series of clean legal mysteries. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

This book will keep you turning the pages. The intense game of cat and mouse between the good guys and the bad guys is fun to read. There’s a small romance budding between the two main characters and a mystery unfolding on the pages.
This book is appropriate for teenage readers and I was given a copy for free in exchange for this review.

I enjoyed Power Play which wrapped up the 3 book Capital Intrigue series. As with the others, it is a stand alone but the end brings in all the characters from the other books.

I am not a fan of several plots in one book with various characters because I feel it short changes the characters and the plot and I did feel this way in this book. It was a little disjointed for me. The main plot was about the character Viv but I really enjoyed Delany and Westons plot more.

You did find out who done it early on in the book as the character continued to appear out of no where but it took a while to find out the why's behind it.

Another solid read from Rachel Dylan. I will continue to read her books.

Rachel Dylan is a go to author for me because she writes such fabulous romantic suspense and legal intrigue.

I am very sad to see this series come to a close. This book is packed with action, suspense, swoony heroes and legal intrigue that keeps you turning pages faster and faster.

As a Navy brat I loved that she had a Navy Seal as one of the characters. Vivian has been one of my favorite characters of the three friends so I was happy to see her get her own story.

Ms. Dylan wove the faith element throughout the story beautifully; without being overbearing or preaching.

This is one of my favorite quotes from the book.

“That’s where our faith has to come in. It’s one of the only things that has gotten me through the dark times – knowing that our God is greater than all of these dark things we’re dealing with. It’s a source of comfort and strength for me.”

I highly recommend this book! You could read this as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order to understand the characters and general story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Power Play is a fantastic addition to the Capital Intrigue series. Well developed plot and characters. Rachel Dylan has another winner. Romantic suspense fans will enjoy this book.

Power Play was my favorite of the Capital Intrigue series! I loved the variety of the characters - I don’t think I’ve read any other books featuring a DSS agent. I also enjoyed the way the event at the beginning of the book branched off into two separate investigations, both international and domestic, and let us get to know more characters. One branch of the investigation featured plenty of action as Viv’s life was in danger multiple times, and the other was a bit slower paced but just as interesting. Viv and Jacob were a great couple - Viv needed someone to keep her safe, and Jacob needed someone not to give up on him. Their story was a perfect complement to the suspenseful moments. I highly recommend Power Play and the rest of the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Power Play concludes Rachel Dylan's Capitol Intrigue series, and once again, she brings readers into the inner-workings of a criminal investigation with enough action to keep hearts pumping as you read.

When two ambassadors collapse at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, D.C., State Department attorney Vivian Steele is called on to join a task force to investigate. Working with Jacob Cruz from the Diplomatic Security Service, she soon realizes that she may be the next target on a killer's agenda. Can Jacob step in to protect her when the enemy is unknown but everywhere?

I love how Rachel Dylan takes her readers through an investigation, showing both the action, and the legalities. As a lawyer herself, she brings her knowledge to bear in her stories, which makes them completely believable. When I finish one of her books, I almost expect to hear the story on the evening news, or read it in the paper.

Readers who enjoy suspense with a little romance and lots of political intrigue, will enjoy Power Play. There's also enough action to keep people who love action/adventure type books enthralled. While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the first two books make appearances, but you don't need to know their back stories to enjoy Power Play. I definitely recommend!

Power Play is an exciting conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series. And these books truly are packed with intrigue! Power Play can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, too, in case you haven’t read the other books in the series.

The way the team was divided up to try and work on different aspects of the case felt very realistic to me. There were two ambassadors dead and so many possibilities of who was behind the acts.

I liked the way the relationship grew and changed throughout the story between Jacob and Viv. I enjoyed watching the way they worked together. There was also a fun potential relationship that looked to be developing between two side characters, as well. This book definitely kept me guessing!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.