Power Play is a contemporary suspense novel written by Rachel Dylan. It is book three in the Capital Intrigue series, but it is not necessary to have read previous books in order to enjoy this one.

Summary: State Department attorney Vivian Steele’s mandated presence at the latest diplomatic dinner is the last thing she wants to do. But, it’s part of her job.

Just when she’s ready to call it a night, the unthinkable happens. Two ambassadors collapse causing pandemonium. One appears to have had a heart attack, while the other seems to be poisoned. Are the two cases related, or just a massive coincidence?

Tasks teams are developed to track down what might have happened to the ambassadors, but the further Vivian and her team dig, the deeper the hole gets. As more tragedies occur and Vivian’s life is put in danger, she begins to discover that one event from her past could be triggering current events.

Can VIvian discover the truth and stop the destruction before she loses those she cares about most?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one-it is just the type of book I enjoy reading. The characters are likable, and the story is well-written. There is a very good mystery, tons of twists and turns, and lots of suspense.

If you are looking for a good read with plenty of action and intrigue, this one is a good bet. I would definitely recommend it, and the entire series for that matter.

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

The third installment in the Capital Intrigue book is the best in the series with more action, danger, and romance at all the right swoon-worthy moments.

While at a diplomatic dinner, State Department attorney Vivian Steele watches as two ambassadors collapse, and it is soon speculated that poison is involved. She is quickly recruited into a joint FBI task force to investigate what really happened. Together with Diplomatic Security Service agent Jacob Cruz, they must figure out who is behind the attack, if anyone else is being targeted, and who can be trusted. Viv works with her sources and Jacob uses his skills as a former Navy SEAL to find the truth and stay alive as the danger comes closer and their working relationship becomes complicated by their growing feelings for one another.

I’m going to start with the only bad thing I have to say about this book, it is the last in the series and I don’t want this series to end! Each book has brought more drama, suspense, romance, tension, and characters that I have fallen in love with. This one really had a way of making me extra invested in the characters and what was going to happen. So much tension builds with each chapter that it kept me glued to my seat turning the pages as fast as possible. I love it when a novel gets me so engrossed, I forget about everything else going on around me. One thing I loved was the fact that Viv was a twin and Dylan really showed that relationship and how important it is. Each of the main characters from the previous books show up as secondary characters, so readers get a chance to see how their stories are continuing to progress which is nice. I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes romantic suspense with a great storyline that is fast paced and a good clean read.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This is the third book in the Capital Intrigue Series, and oh my! I think this one was the best of all! And I loved the previous two!
I love that this series is about three best friends: Bailey, Layla and Vivian. This is Viv’s story and wow! It was a total page turner. I couldn’t stop biting my nails until the last page! There was so much fast paced action, danger, intrigue, intel information to digest, and the characters -Vivian and Jacob- were so well developed, complex, so opposite to each other, but they complemented so well! They were made for each other even if they started clashing because of different views in how to approach the investigation.
State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses a crime when two ambassadors, from Egypt and Belgium, collapse -probably poisoned- 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. Special agent Jacob Cruz, a former Navy SEAL, the man in charge of the event’s security takes the attack personally and immediately takes charge of things, breaking more than one rule, which makes Vivian nervous. Worse, the ambassador from Belgium, Penelope, is Vivian’s friend from working together in the past, and she’s shocked when she waves to her at the dinner and then immediately collapse. Zidan, the Egyptian diplomat is declared dead arriving at the hospital, and Penelope’s condition is very serious, with little possibilities of survival. Viv is affected and vows to discover who attempted to murder them. Jacob suspected of Vivian at first, since he saw her near both of the ambassadors before collapsing. But then he is asked to join forces with her in the investigation. He’s not thrilled because Viv plays by the rule, and that will only slow things down. Jacob doesn’t hesitate to take risks when he deems it necessary, and that means not always playing by the book to surprise your enemy. Viv, who thought she was safer as an attorney than her friends who worked at the CIA and FBI, now finds that her life is on peril, as she suddenly becomes a target herself. Nobody knows why she’s being targeted, but Jacob wants her near to protect her.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and with danger right around the corner the whole time. You are always wondering who is behind all this, what their motivations are, and what terrorist and of what country might be after something powerful that evades them. Always looking for connections, I love that part of the story, trying to tie all the events, actions, past actions, with extreme attention to detail. A small thing overseen might be what uncovers the criminals and the persons or terrorist group behind them.
The character development was very well done. I think, both Viv and Jacob grew during this story, especially Jacob. Trying to live their faith and trust God under these uncertain circumstances is no joke. And I loved the way they navigated through it all with God being their ultimate strength and the One who will always have their backs. It was a very inspiring book. Even after all the suspense, the author managed to thread in the faith elements in a very natural and even attractive way.
I also loved seeing Bailey and Layla again. And I loved meeting Delaney, she was a brave woman and had an important part in the uncovering of the truth.
Viv and Jacob both had issues from the past that needed to be dealt with. I loved how they supported each other and even sought counseling from experts, because it was not a simple issue to overcome. But they had each other’s back in the process.
The romance, which was not the main focus of the story, was really sweet. I loved the way they changed from not quite enemies, but opposites, to being there for the other and their feelings gradually changing to attraction, admiration, and then love. Clean love.
I definitely recommend this book to Romantic Suspense lovers. I assure it will keep you at the edge of your seat since page one and probably until the last page! An amazing read!
The book can be read as a standalone, but I strongly suggest to read the series in order. You’ll love the group of friends, and how they have each other backs from the start.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Vivian Steele loves her work as a State Department attorney, but she has no stomach for the danger her friends, Bailey and Layla, who work as field agents for the FBI and CIA. But when she attends a political event and two ambassadors collapse and die, she gets dragged into an investigation that puts a target on her back.

Even worse, she gets paired with the annoying security agent and former Navy SEAL, Jacob Cruz. Although handsome, he has trust issues. But as the net of danger closes around her, Vivian has to decide if she can trust Jacob with her life.

Jacob Cruz feels responsible when two people die at a diplomatic dinner where he headed up the security detail. He gets assigned to a multi-agency task force to unravel the mysteries and find the whereabouts of two escaped prisoners.

Thrown into the attractive Vivian Steele’s company, he quickly realizes he cares for her more than he lets on. But he has no desire to deal with his past—and without healing, he could never enter a lasting relationship. But Viv’s persistence, both in finding the truth in the case they're working and in helping him face his past, just might overcome his barriers.

Why I Loved This Book

Dylan packs her books with energy, intrigue, plot twists, and action. Readers who love Carrie Stuart Parks or Susan Sleeman will enjoy this book. It’s the third book in the Capitol Intrigue series, but readers can enjoy it as a standalone book. Unlike in the other books in the series, the subplots, while intriguing, didn’t seem connected much to the main character.

The characters struggle with questions of faith, but the book never seems heavy-handed or preachy. I'd share it with a non-believer.

Two ambassadors dead and a State Department attorney targeted by some very dangerous people makes for exciting reading. Dylan keeps the suspense and action rolling in her latest and final installment in the Capital Intrigue series. The story is well-paced with new information being well-placed within the plot. Power Play was an enjoyable read, and I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Power Play wraps up Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series with two murders at a diplomatic dinner and the investigations that ensue.

I appreciated where the investigations started and that we are introduced to the team right away because it made following the two investigations easier to keep track of throughout the book. Jacob and Vivien follow one trail while Delaney and Weston follow another.

Vivien is does not work for one of the government law enforcement acronyms (CIA, FBI, ATF, etc). Even though she’s been involved with some of those agency operations, she is a state attorney whose job is to make sure no laws are broken during said operations. So when she’s thrown into an op, readers get an outsider’s view of what’s involved.

While I figured out one question in the plot almost immediately, it did not hinder my enjoyment of the book as I wanted to know the motives behind it. And with the second investigation keeping me guessing throughout, the read was entirely satisfying (especially when some familiar faces from the previous books in the series made it onto the page).



Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

When I want romantic suspense, I go to Rachel Dylan. Her Capital Intrigue series has been one of the best in the genre. With the release of Power Play, the series comes to an end. I loved the book — engaging characters that are real and relatable, a twisting plot with lots of suspects, wonderful supporting characters, and non-stop action that kept the characters (and the reader 😉 ) on their toes. The book features not one, but two murders, and the task force made up of members from a variety of agencies are tasked with finding out the connections and whodunit. I have really enjoyed that aspect in this series. In this case we have State Department, FBI, and CIA personnel working the case. It was interesting to see how each went about their investigations. Main characters Vivian and Jacob don’t like each other at first, but the sparks begin to fly as they are assigned to work the case together. The romance in this book is a good counterpoint to all the nefarious goings on. The action increases with the danger, and I could not stop turning the pages. I devoured this book in record time. As always, Dylan interjects a faith element that is natural, not preachy. The ending to the book left me wanting more — more from secondary characters and more great books from Dylan. Not sure I will get my wish on the first, but from experience, I know that my second wish will be granted.

If you haven’t read the first two books in the Capital Intrigue series, let me encourage you to get all three. I guarantee once you have read the first, you won’t want to wait to on the second and third. Look at it this way, you are in for a great book-binge time! 😉

Recommended.

Audience: adults

Enjoyed the entire series! Capital Intrigue is about three college friends and their lives as attorneys in Washington DC. In the conclusion to the series, Power Play, Vivian is a front seat witness to what appears to be a deliberate attack on political leaders during a diplomatic dinner.

The relationship I loved the most was Delaney and her partner Weston. They had fun banter and Delaney did a nice job of giving Weston a hand up after he made a mistake on a prior mission.

It's interesting to see how the different government departments interact with each other. My suspense meter was high during one particular scene involving Vivian and a known terrorist.

Rachel Dylan is a relatively new to me author. I look forward to what she offers next.

This author seems to Neve disappoint and this book was very much that for me. I feel like the author has a way of making you feel like you are right there in the middle of the action. I really Liked Viv she has appeared in the other two books and so I was excited she got her story. I Like Jacob as well, in the beginning I felt like he was throwing his weight and being kind of mean, but he quickly grows on you and shows his true colors and he becomes easy to like. I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout there are some things that make you go hmmm and keeps you guessing but the book is so good. This book is really worth the read.

This was not the usual cloak and dagger kind of story but it was a good one.
Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time, that would be what is happening to Vivian Steele. Even though she is JUST a State Department lawyer, she's just been caught up into some pretty dangerous situations now. And at first Jacob Cruz isn't so sure that she is as innocent as she appears. And he's just the first of several that are convinced that she's more and that is what lands her in trouble. She's in over her head and she knows it but as time goes on she's drawn more and more into the mysteries. In this particular part of the story faith does play a part of the story without over taking the book.
This book does have two story-lines going on that keeps the tension up and the interest going. Delaney O'Sullivan and her assistant Special Agent Weston Lee, had their own FBI investigation going on.
Plenty of action and twists and turns in both cases really keep the tension going too. It had some really clever plots that come to some pretty dramatic endings. There is also an Epilogue which I always look for and enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dylan is a wonderful author of all things suspense. I always look forward to a new book from her being released and this book did not disappoint!
Vivian Steele is an attorney with the State Department. She doesn't spend time in courtrooms, her job is to make sure people are being treated appropriately among State affairs. When she witnesses not one, but two ambassadors collapse at a diplomatic dinner, she gets brought into the investigation.
Jacob Cruz, an ex-SEAL, was the security detail at the diplomatic dinner. He feels he must see the investigations through to the end and is assigned to work with Vivian. Their methods of working are exact opposites, but through it all, Viv knows that Jacob is the one person she can truly trust her life with.
There are multiple storylines within this book, so you’ll want to make sure you pay close attention to the different settings and characters mentioned. I did like the fact that we got a first hand view into the two different ambassador’s cases to see if they were related or just coincidental and how the attacks on Vivian related to them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions stated are my own.

I was captivated by this stunning, hard-hitting finale in the Capital Crimes series! I am really going to miss these close friends! Power Play can easily be read as a standalone as it includes sufficient information about the other characters. The author designed another intriguing plot taking place on US soil, rooted in international terrorism. I learned interesting things about the workings of some national agencies and have a better feel for the real people who support our country. Ultimately, it shows how vital faith in the Lord is for every aspect of our lives.

Vivian is a State Department attorney. Her best friends, Layla and Bailey, work for the CIA and the FBI respectively, and she has worked with many ambassadors. I was surprised to learn the role of attorneys in some government agencies since I see lawyers as courtroom crusaders. Viv and Layla are at a special dinner attended by diplomats from around the world when Ori Zidan, the Egyptian ambassador to the US collapsed and was taken to the hospital. He was a young man but had a heart problem. Later, Viv saw Penelope King, the US ambassador to Belgium and a friend from having worked together in the past. Penelope waved Viv over, began to look ill, and collapsed. Viv believes something is going on behind the scenes to have two diplomats fall physically ill at the same dinner. Later they learn that Zidan was pronounced DOA at the hospital. Penelope was barely holding on with only a small chance of survival.

Jacob, a former SEAL, is the State Department’s lead security man at the dinner. Vivian is one of his suspects as she was the first one to reach Penelope, and he had also seen her with Zidan after his collapse. The next day he is in a special joint task force with Viv and with directors and staff members of leading agencies. They will investigate what happened to the ambassadors the night before. He is unhappy to be paired with her as he is sure she will only slow him down. It is unknown why Viv becomes a target, even when an associate is murdered.

The protagonists are very personable, defined primarily by their conversations and actions. I enjoyed meeting Delaney, a senior FBI agent partnered with Weston, a young, new agent, as well as getting to know Vivian much better. She adapted to incredible challenges over the course of the investigation that most people would not choose to. While she wanted to know who killed Zidan and possibly succeed in causing her friend Penelope’s death, she took over-the-top risks. Jacob is a hard person to get acquainted with, but the closer he and Viv work, the more we learn about him.

At the heart of the novel is how Viv, her friends, and Jacob live out their faith, especially as they both deal with significant past events. I appreciated how they viewed their life and work, even as they fulfill difficult job functions. Viv and Jacob investigate the Egyptian diplomat’s death while the FBI team handles Penelope’s case. I could not imagine doing what Viv did, and so many others do every day! Seeing the courage and wisdom of our government representatives gave this reader an insider’s look at our many unsung heroes. The last few chapters showed a power play of epic proportions, more than Vivian could have foreseen. I highly recommend this thrilling adventure, and the rest of the series!

From a thankful heart: I received an electronic ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I love this series of books. I love each of these women that are the main characters. I really enjoy that Vivian is not a spy and she is just a normal lawyer who is vulnerable. She knows that she does need help from Jacob to get through this trying time in her career. This has a few twists and turns and I look forward to many more stories from this author. I love the romance and the suspense. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

When it appears two unrelated ambassadors were targeted at a diplomatic diner, Vivian Steele and Jacob Cruz are thrust into the middle of an investigation that might cost them their lives. The plot was absolutely breakneck, with new twists thrown in throughout that kept me off balance in the best possible way. With a romance that sparks off the page and a bit of espionage that will have your heart beating erratically, this is a must read!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This FBI/CIA romantic suspense novel is a little different in that the heroine, Vivian, is not an agent of one of those agencies. She is, in fact, an attorney at the State Department. She gets caught up in a dangerous operation, however, when she witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington DC. She becomes an essential person in the attempt to determine what happened and who is responsible.

There are two investigations going on by the combined task force. One deals with the death of the Egyptian ambassador and involves Vivian and her past work overseeing the transfer of prisoners, making sure the action was legal regarding international law. The other investigation deals with the death of the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. The two investigations are unrelated except the murders happening at the same dinner. The dual plots helped fill out the character roster and perhaps provided enough material for an entertaining novel when one plot would not have been sufficient.

There is suspense for Vivian as someone wants to either hurt her or kidnap her, related to her previous work in Egypt. There is some romance as she begins to have feelings for the hunk protecting her. One aspect of this plot I really liked was Vivian being asked to take part in a dangerous ploy to get information, something only a trained agent would normally do. That gave depth to Vivian's character and highlighted her bravery.

The other plot is a straightforward investigation and involves no suspense nor romance for the agents involved.

This is a good novel for readers who would appreciate a truly amateur individual being asked to participate in a high level ploy to gather information regarding international intrigue. It is the third book in the Capitol Intrigue series but since each book concentrates on a different character reads well on its own. There is a good representation of Christian faith included.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Capital Intrigue series wraps up with this action filled drama. Vivian is mistaken for a CIA operative when she attends a diplomatic dinner. Two guests unexpectedly die at the function anc Vivian joins in to find if the deaths are connected. Jacob, a former Navy Seal is assigned to protect Viv as the team searches for answers. Lots of action, intrigue and suspense with some romance. Enjoyable series. Recommended.

Fantastic suspense book.
A state attorney targeted by terrorists. It takes multiple agencies to keep her safe from "friends" who aren't who they appear to be.
Last book in the Capital Intrigue Series is definitely worth picking up and grab the first 2 also!

First, a bit of advice. Don't start this book before you go to bed because it's almost IMPOSSIBLE to put down. (and I had to go to work the next morning!) Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone; however, I would recommend reading the previous two books because you will get more out of this story. The book is about Vivian Steele, a State Department Attorney, who was introduced in a previous book, but now it's her turn to be in the spot light... and not in a good way. The book starts off with Viv attending a diplomatic dinner where two ambassadors were poisoned. Because she was there and because she knows how to handle diplomatic situations, she is recruited to be a part of a FBI task force who will investigate what happened. She is paired up with former Navy SEAL Jacob Cruz who can't stand attorneys and isn't thrilled to be working with her. It also doesn't help her situation, that it now appears that she has a target on her back. Not sure if the attacks against her are personal, because she is investigating the dinner or because of a previous CIA mission, both her and Jacob race against the clock to find answers before one of them ends up hurt... or worse.

I really enjoyed reading this book and the cover is AWESOME. This book is filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and I promise, it will be a thrilling adventure. The characters are relatable and by the end of the story you really feel like you've gotten to know them. I also found it very interesting to get a look at what a State Attorney might do, because it sounds like a boring job.. but this book was anything but boring! I also loved everything about Vivian's character and I thought the dynamic relationship between Jacob and Vivian was amazing! Overall, definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Romantic Suspense and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

I would like to thank Rachel Dylan, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book - all opinions are my own.

Power Play, / by Rachel Dylan (Capital Intrigue, 3)
Bethany House ISBN 9780764234323
Adult Rating: 4
Award-winning author Rachel Dylan concludes her action-packed inspirational romantic suspense series with this final novel.
In Power Play, two ambassadors collapse within minutes of one another at a diplomatic dinner. One dies immediately, while the other is hospitalized in critical condition. State Department attorney Vivian Steel knows them both and witnesses it. Are they connected?
Asked to participate in a Department of State/FBI task force assigned to look into the situation, Vivian works with Diplomatic Security Service Agent Jacob Cruz, a former Navy SEAL. While Vivian and Jacob investigate the US ambassador’s collapse, FBI agents are investigating the other ambassador’s collapse. Jacob and Vivian clash over their different working styles, but soon discover Vivian is in danger due to a past assignment. Can they work together on the task force and keep Vivian safe?
Dylan’s fans will be delighted with fast-paced action, believable characters, faith elements, and plot twists. Characters from her earlier book make an appearance. The reader’s attention is grabbed from the first chapter. The action continues on its roller coaster pace until the final page. International relations hang in the balance as readers discover the truth behind the attacks and the person(s) who masterminded them.
Although it could be read as a standalone, readers may find it beneficial to read Dylan’s End Game and Backlash first.
Recommended for adult collections in public libraries and fans of romantic suspense novels by Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, and legal thrillers by Cara Putman.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are written for books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, or authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and my review represents my honest opinion.

Power Play
by Rachel Dylan
Published June 1, 2021

This is the third book in this series and I have loved every one! Intriguing and interesting every page of the book.
I highly recommend this author and series.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

5 star