Lights Out by Natalie Walters is the first book in a new series. It starts with a bang and it really never lets up. It is full of action, suspense and five amazing characters who make up the team called SNAP. Oh, and a romance as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the next book.

As if, with just a snap of her fingers, author Natalie Walters hypnotized me with her riveting, explosive new release, Lights Out!

From the intense, complex plot that reveals human trafficking and cyber-terrorism, to the brilliant cast of highly-skilled, dynamic characters, Lights Out’s fast-paced action and dramatic unfolding completely captivated me. This brand new release had it all!

As CIA Analyst, Brynn Taylor, finds out that an Egyptian spy is missing from her recently developed counter terrorism conference, her career suddenly comes under fire. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she is paired with her ex-boyfriend, Jack Hudson, and his team of highly skilled contractors to track down the missing spy. While tensions over an unresolved history between Jack and Brynn mounts, they focus on an intense, complex investigation that leads to discovering the country, and perhaps the world, is in dire peril.

Walters enraptured me with her deeply complex plot that kept the intensity high and the romance sizzling.

I particularly enjoyed the premise behind this story. It had an inter-agency-style appeal with that creatively and dramatically used the catalysts of spies, human trafficking, cyber-terrorism, and the Unites States military to pit good against evil. Walters’ military background is evident in her writing and I loved how she pulled so many different aspects together to create a strong team of people working together to thwart the evil at hand. She gives just enough insight into the villainous side of the story to keep it interesting, yet not give too much away as her plot thickens and secrets are revealed. The suspense kept me on edge and deeply engrossed in the story.

The SNAP Team is a diverse, intriguing group of characters that work together to neutralize threats, adding a sense of heroism to this story. In addition to the highly skilled cast of characters, Walters introduced a second-chance romance for Brynn and Jack. Their internal struggles and inner dialogue allows readers into their hearts and minds, making them relatable and enjoyable. As the characters surrender to personal growth, the romance deepens and blossoms. Walters’ characters were grounded in their faith offering a subtle but strong faith-based element to her fiction that I also enjoyed.

Overall, an exciting novel that I definitely recommend! Readers who enjoy books by Ronie Kendig, Lynette Eason and Susan May Warren will definitely enjoy this novel as well.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

SPECTACULAR!

Natalie Walters’ latest release, LIGHTS OUT (The SNAP Agency Book 1) bursts on the scene filled with a story that is all too believable and relevant in our day. Walters has carefully created a cast of complex characters and it is up to the reader to decide which of the many spies is truly on the side of good vs evil. CIA analyst Brynn Taylor has developed a new program to combat terrorism and invited a group of foreign intelligence agencies to America to bolster cooperation between the countries.

Jack Hudson has found where he can best use his skill set and that is working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP). One of Brynn’s spies is missing and Jack is taking lead in finding him. There is just one slight problem. He finds it difficult to trust Brynn when she has already betrayed him in the past.

Soon they realize they are dead center of an international plot. People who will use whatever means necessary to accomplish their tasks.Terrorists have developed a plan that is about to be unleashed on the United States with the goal of causing a digital blackout. This digital blackout will blind a strategic US military communications center, throwing the world into chaos. Will it be possible for Brynn and Jack to put their past behind them and get the job done to see that the terrorists are the ones that are terrorized?

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This book was absolutely amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the military mystery of it plus the budding Romance. The author did an immaculate job at creating multi dimensional characters and made me long to be back in DC again. I was super excited to see Kekoa make a reprise as a more dominant character, and especially look forward to his own novel in book 2.

This is a compelling book dealing with international intrigue and it has a fast-paced plot. The characters are believable and some are even lovable, in spite of this being a romantic suspense/spy thriller. The synopsis is that Brynn Taylor developed a computer program to combat terrorism and is responsible for inviting spies from foreign countries to come to the U.S. in order to form cooperation between the nations. Unfortunately, things don’t work out as planned because one of the spies, an Egyptian named Remon Riad, suddenly disappears. The SNAP agency, with Jack Hudson in charge of the team, is tasked with finding the missing spy and securing the U.S. from a terrorist plot. The action is non-stop and fast-paced and although it is slightly futuristic, it is not out of the realm of possibility. The themes of second chances and forgiveness make the romantic part of the book come to life and the whole spy scenario definitely added plenty of suspense. I enjoyed the pace, the characters and the whole idea that two people who don’t really trust each other had to work together to safeguard the nation. My favorite character was Kekoa, the giant Hawaiian who is a computer genius with a dry wit and a big heart. I am delighted that this is part of a new series because this book had me enthralled and waiting for the next shoe to drop and for the reactions of the heroes.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book on Netgalley from Revell Books as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

From its intriguing first page all the way to the end, you’ll be thoroughly entertained by Natalie Walters’ latest novel. From the start, you’ll know there are some very bad people trying to do harm to America, but you aren’t sure what they have planned until near the end of the book. There are plenty of twists and turns where the bad guys are just a few steps ahead of the good guys, but it all seems believable – nothing contrived. The characters are strong and have great dynamics. Jack Hudson, a member of the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP), is strong, smart, handsome, and has a tender heart. What a great combination. Brynn Taylor, a CIA analyst, is tough, smart, and plenty capable of taking care of herself. Jack and Brynn have a not so pretty past that adds just enough tension to provide for some interesting moments. The secondary characters are unique and I look forward to hearing more of their stories in the next installments. There’s action, romance, and an understated faith element. All in all, Lights Out is solid and will keep your interest until the very end. I've purchased a copy for my personal library.

I loved everything about this book. Natalie Walters knocked it out of the water with starting the story with intrigue, making me invested with the characters, and keeping me guessing as to the motive of the conflict. Not only that but the secondary characters are awesome and I literally canNOT wait for book 2 because I must have the next story. Again, I loved everything about this book.
Next please!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Brynn joined the CIA to prevent families from feeling the same kind of pain she felt when her father, a fireman, was severely hurt on 9/11. Assigned to work with a private investigation/protection firm, she is forced to work with Jack, an old flame. Sparks fly as the two try to put aside their hurt to investigate a number of suspicious events and people. Brynn finally manages to put all the pieces together, realizes the potential harm for the U.S. and that there is a race against time.

There are a number of issues explored in this novel. One deals with subversive agents, perhaps living in the states for years. Another is the homegrown extremist, the man who looks like your neighbor. What makes him become a terrorist? Another issue is the potential vulnerability of our entire computer grid to an attack. An interesting issue is the use of a private contractor to do things the government could not do legally.

Prominent in the novel are relationship issues. Jack and Brynn have a painful history yet love still simmers. They have some really exciting arguments, only to be near kissing a few moments later. That part of the novel seemed a bit repetitive. An issue with Brynn was her devotion to her CIA work. Was she obsessed, working diligently even if it was to her own harm? And then there are the relationships between the people working with Jack. They are a quirky bunch and their caustic interchanges were not easy to read.

This is a novel for readers who like romantic suspense with lots of character interaction and discussion interspersed with periodic investigative actions and suspense. You'll learn about cutting edge counter terrorism techniques too. I'll be watching for the next in the series.

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

I enjoyed Natalie Walters' first series, Harbored Secrets, but early on in this book I realised she upped her level of writing.

If you have read and loved this author's first series, you will not be disappointed. This book also includes emotionally broken characters who are steady in their faith, in search of answers, which I've come to love from the first series.

“There's going to be chaos and bad stuff happening in the world, and I believe we're called to take a stand against it. But when our trust lies in the control we think we have, we're saying we don't trust the One who is completely in control and completely good.”

But on top of that, the suspense and action was intense and kept me guessing. And if you are like me, who enjoy the focus on the suspense side more than the romance, this book will be to your liking.

All the members of the SNAP agency grabbed my attention, all for their unique qualities, and I liked Jack and Brynn, but Kekoa stole my heart. He is such a different and interesting characters and some of his antics and interruption tendencies had me laughing. I can't wait for his story in book 2.

“I'm living with Captain Turkey Burger, remember? His refrigerator is like that weird aisle at Whole Foods.”

The plot had it's own ending, so if you are not like me (OCD-Series needs to be read in order), you can read as a stand alone, but since this is book 1 of the series, I would jump in straight away to get to know the team and be ready for Kekoa's book coming in 2022.

If you are a fan of Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock and Susan May Warren, be sure to pick up a copy of this book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Lights Out is a great start of a new series set in Washington, DC. I am excited to read the next story and have purchased the novella that is an overview. Brynn Taylor has wanted to stop terrorism since her firefighter father of House 11 of FDNY was badly injured in 9/11. She is an agent of the CIA and head of a special project that brings people in from around the world to work towards fighting terrorism. Things go bad when a participant from Egypt disappears and the intelligence community goes on high alert. She is sent to work with SNAP, a private company in the business to help find him but has to work with ex-boyfriend Jack Hudson, who she went through the CIA Farm training with. That didn't end well. This is a rollercoaster of action, danger, suspense, and the terrorists always one step ahead. I enjoyed the setting, fun group of characters working to stop what appears to be one bad group of troublemakers along with the hope of a second chance at romance and sprinkled with faith. Better get started with this new series if you enjoy intense suspense and second chances filled with tension and sparks.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I have to admit, this book started out much slower and was packed with more details than what I had expected out of a suspense novel. However, once I got past a certain mark, the pace really picked up and I couldn't put it down!

It was a frighteningly realistic scenario and I needed to see how it ended!! I also really enjoyed watching Brynn's character evolve through the testing of her faith & courage. Great job, Natalie Walters!

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 💜

Lights Out by Natalie Walters is a must-read for suspense fans. Brynn Taylor is a CIA analyst who is tracking a missing person with ties to terrorism, but things heat up when she’s forced to work with the SNAP (Strategic Neutralization and Protection) Agency. Her ex-boyfriend, Jack Hudson, happens to be on the SNAP team. They pair up, dodge danger, and try to piece dangerous clues together to figure out how to keep America safe.

I love this introduction to the SNAP team! I always enjoy quirky characters and this rag-tag team of analysts and spies brings the story to life. We get to meet Kekoa, the Hawaiian hacker who adds lots of humor to the team, and Lyla, the sassy analyst with plenty to say. The relationship between Jack and Brynn creates explosive tension as they are thrown together and have to deal with their past to keep moving forward in the investigation.

While all the action and suspense make this a fast-paced novel, the author finds time for readers to get to know the characters. My favorite scene is Lyla’s birthday party. Readers will fall in love with the characters while getting a thrilling story.

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 Revell and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I have read by Natalie Walters and I am completely wowed. How have I not read her books sooner? Combining international intrigue and unforgettable characters with valuable faith lessons and second chance romance, this book is the perfect autumn evening read that will grab you from the first page. The complex and intricately woven plot will have you on a journey of a lifetime as you become a part of the SNAP Agency with Brynn to stop a terrorist plot.

I loved getting to know Brynn and Jack. Their history is complicated but that made it more satisfying when Brynn allowed herself to break out of her independent self-reliance and Jack allowed himself to trust again despite his past pain. There is never a dull moment in this fast-paced plot and each detail plays into the overarching plot like pieces of a puzzle. The other members of the SNAP team - Garcia, Lyla, Kekoa - are just as delightful and I cannot wait to read the next book to learn more about them.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, this book has to be on your must read list. I received the book from publisher via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

I'm a huge fan of Natalie Walters' stories and so I was super excited to read Lights Out. It was amazing! This story takes place on a national stage which is quite the leap from her other series which was set in a small town. Higher stakes. Larger threats. And unspeakable consequences should Brynn Taylor and Jack Hudson fail their mission. So to say this story was gripping would be an understatement.

The cast of characters was cleverly varied enough that I could easily tell them apart. That said, on many occasions Kekoa stole the show! (I can't wait for his story) The romance was sweet and clean. I enjoyed the snappy banter between Brynn and Jack. The plot was fast-paced and intriguing.

Walters penned another fabulous story that I highly recommend!

*I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Oh wow! What a story. I have been reading Natalie Walters books since she started writing and I can tell you that this is the best one yet. What an intriguing story and the suspense will keep you turning pages because you just simply can’t put it down. A story of home grown terrorists and the threat of attacks using cyber warfare. I loved the setting of Washington DC for the story and the characters of Jack and Brynn. The SNAP Agency itself is swoon worthy with the big Hawaiian, Kekoa, and the others that I am sure will have their own stories in upcoming books. The simmering feelings between Jack and Brynn is just the right touch of romance with the action of the threats to our country being in the forefront of the story. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own. #LightsOut #NetGalley

I know I say this every time I read a Natalie Walters' book, but it really is true: she just keeps getting better. I've been anxiously awaiting her new series since I heard it was coming out and was thrilled to get the chance to join her launch team for Lights Out. Lights Out is the first book in the SNAP Agency series, and it definitely lived up to my expectations.

Brynn Taylor has always felt like she had to prove herself, especially when it comes to her job as a CIA analyst. The daughter of a firefighter who was injured during 9/11, she has spent the last several years developing a program to combat terrorism. Her program has been successful so far, but now an Egyptian agent, one of the international agents she has invited to the US, is missing, and her job--and possibly her life--is on the line. Jack Hudson has been a member of the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (aka SNAP) from its inception. SNAP has been asked to take over the investigation to find the missing spy, Remon Riad, and Jack's boss has asked him to take the lead, but he has some major reservations when the Brynn arrives to help with the search. After all, can he really trust the woman who left his heart in pieces? Despite their mutual distrust, Jack and Brynn will have to join forces to uncover a sinister plot and find the terrorists bent on causing an international blackout. The mission will be more dangerous than they've ever encountered before and it might even cost them their lives, but failure is not an option.

I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of Brynn at the beginning, but I enjoyed seeing her character grow as the story progressed. I'd already "met" Jack in the prequel novella, Initium, and liked him from the very start. As usual, Natalie's characters are real and raw, and the plot is strong and well-developed. She always makes sure her characters are living their faith and trusting in God no matter what, and I enjoyed seeing that come out again in Lights Out. I loved trying to (unsuccessfully) figure out who was behind the terrorists' plot, and the fast-paced action had me hooked from the first page. I also liked that this novel didn't just centre on Jack and Brynn, but we also got to meet the other members of the SNAP team, and even got to take a peek at the terrorists' perspective. Kekoa was definitely my favourite, and I can't wait to read his story when it releases next year. I'm sure it will be just as fantastic as Lights Out!

I highly recommend Lights Out to anyone who enjoys faith-based romantic suspense.

*I received a complimentary copy of Lights Out through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I started a little late to the game with Natalie Walters debut series, but I absolutely devoured them once I discovered her. Since that series was so good, I have been anticipating the release of her new series for what seems like forever! It is finally here and well worth the wait! Lights Out is the first in her new SNAP agency series complete with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. It is full of action-packed, page-turning suspense with plenty of fabulous characters who I look forward to getting to know even more about in future books. Oh and we can't forget just the right amount of romance. I really liked that Jack and Brynn, the main characters in this story, have a history. That always makes a relationship in a suspense book that is so fast-paced seem so much more believable.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the team aspect. Some of my favorite suspense series center around a team working together to solve a case and this is right up there with those in my opinion. In addition to Jack and Brynn, having the other team members added more personalities as well as more opportunities for witty banter and fabulous dialogue. Kekoa was one of my most favorite characters in this story so I am so pumped to see that his story is next and is releasing next year!!

Readers who enjoy Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, Ronie Kendig, and Lynn Blackburn will definitely want to give this series a try.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced enough to hold my interest and I mostly followed what was going on. Interesting characters, particularly Kekoa,the Hawaiian computer genius! A nice romance and just enough of a faith element so as to not overwhelm readers who might not be looking for Christian fiction.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Lights Out is book 1 in the new SNAP Agency series by Natalie Walters. If this story is any indication, I think we are in for a fun ride! I love the SNAP team! Their camaraderie and humorous banter really lighten up the serious subject of terrorism.

I’m not gonna lie, Brynn was hard for me to like. She cared about one thing and one thing only, her job, and because of that, she had a tendency to challenge Jack too much. She did grow throughout the story, so by the end, I was happy with her character. On the other hand, I loved Jack from the second he appeared on the page! That being said, Kekoa was hands down my favorite character! He was so funny and basically stole every scene he was in! I am so looking forward to reading his book!

The pacing and action in this story are well done and I was guessing how things were gonna turn out till the very end! Lights Out is a great start to this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I also purchased this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.

Natalie Walters is a new author to me, but I can see she has already made a name for herself with romantic thrillers. She certainly didn’t disappoint with this novel, Lights Out (Book 1 in the S.N.A.P. series).

With plot pivots and shake-ups, I was drawn into the story quickly. Yes, there was plenty of action and tension—some from finding terrorists, others between two characters with a past—it was a (scary) believable, page-turning read.

Brynn Taylor is an analyst for the CIA, who has developed an international symposium for nations to cooperate with each other to fight terrorism. The story begins when one of the attendees, from Egypt, goes missing.

Forced by her boss to work with a civilian agency, Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (S.N.A.P.) to find the man, she discovers she must join forces with the only man she ever loved—Jack Hudson—who believes she betrayed him eight years ago.

I love ensemble stories, where the characters are strong and fallible and relatable. Walters has created such an interesting collection of characters, that I’m looking forward to her developing their stories in future books. She certainly understands the political thriller genre, but integrating great characters smoothly takes a savvy she clearly has acquired.

If you’re looking for an exciting, suspenseful, romantic, clean read, Lights Out is for you. I highly recommend.

I received an advanced reader’s e-copy of this book through the publisher, Revell and #NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review.