I felt this was a bit slow going to start with. However it picked up about a third of the way in and became a quite interesting story. I do generally like this author’s books and this one has maintained her standard. The ending as far as Alex and Sophie were concerned was fine but the outcome for the reason behind Alex going on the run was left hanging. Although this probably makes it more realistic!

This was such an excellent read - the action was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Lexie was a very likeable character and had a sense of humour even in the toughest of situations, but still wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and accept her growing feelings for Sophia. It was a good balance between a romance and a spy thriller. The ending felt a little far fetched and left quite a few loose ends untied but I guess the second book in the series will deal with those. I look forward to reading that.

Dating by app is new to Lexie Martin, however on her first swipe she finds the beautiful, interesting and intelligent Sophia Flores. One day shy of their third date, Lexie, an intelligence analyst, is sent evidence of a chemical weapons attack on civilians overseas. Diligence and integrity are the mainstays of Lexie’s personality which drives her to analyze the intelligence no matter the horror she has to witness. Unable to suss out many facts, Lexie passes her information and report on to her boss. In the wee hours of the next morning Lexie’s home is infiltrated by a stranger ordering her to forget what she saw in the intelligence briefing or else. Lexie isn’t easily intimidated and wants to expose the truth once she can figure out what it is. Inviting Sophia, under the guise of a working vacation, they head to Florida so that Lexie can hook up with a computer hacker.

Integrity is book one in Noyes’ Halcyon Division series and has me wrapped around its every word. The story starts off in a sprint establishing the main characters and the circumstances that place Lexie on the run with Sophia as her innocent companion. It then slows to a walk to hold space for the romance to bloom and develop between the two. The action accelerates in the final stages to give us an exciting big blockbuster finish.

The novel is written from Lexie’s point of view. Her analytical mind is on full display and gives the narrative a distinctive tone and cadence. The plot is so realistic that it had me looking back through last year’s news stories to see if it had really happened.

I both love and hate reading a series in real time. I appreciate them for the extra time spent with characters I love but hate waiting for the next book to come out. And I really cannot wait to see where Noyes takes Lexie and Sophia next.

I received a free advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a story about intelligence analyst Lexie Martin. Lexie is contacted by an old source that she has worked with back when she was a field agent. This source sends a video showing a recent chemical warfare attack that implicates a US Army officer as the person responsible for the attack. Lexie goes on a mission to find this officer and uncover who’s ultimately responsible. To do this research she must leave her office and go rogue to have the safety and security from prying eyes.

Lexie has had a few coffee dates with Sophia Flores and decides bring her with her as a decoy to cover her secret investigation. Sophia is told that Lexie is on a training exercise. And since she wants more time to get to know Lexie she agrees to take this road trip with her. Soon enough the bad guys come looking and the action picks up speed.

I lied both characters, especially Lexie. I think Sophie’s character needed more development. Their relationship was quick to develop and perhaps unrealistic, but in an intense and threatening environment it could be possible. Both characters acknowledged that their relationship developed fast but since both were in their 40s I think they were mature enough to recognize their feelings for each other were real.

The book started out great but then drug in the middle for quite some length. However the ending was great and made up for the slow parts Overall it was an enjoyable read and Noyes fans will enjoy it. Since this is part 1 of a new series I expect the next book(s) to have deeper feelings/meanings and more angst.

ARC revived from Bella Books through NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.

I was so excited to see that EJ Noyes was writing an action romance, but unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations. Maybe I set the bar high, which is certainly possible since her books are exceptional. I enjoyed the read, but the plot fizzled out in the end without a clear understanding of outcomes. The romance was sweet, but the connection between the characters felt a bit weak. All in all, it was good, It just felt unfinished.

I really enjoyed the action, intrigue and romance in this spy/not spy book. This is my first time.reading a book by E.J. Noyes but definitely not my last. I loved the pace of the relationship between Lexie and Sophia as well as the twists and turns of the operation. It all played out like I was watching an action movie in my head but even BETTER because it was with women!

I have only good words to say. I even like the cover!

But first, I need to lay my love on Sophia! I adored her from the beginning. She's warm, caring, protective, and has good humor, and so much more you need to find out yourself! She's the goofy version of Rebecca from the Ask, Tell series to me. 

I admit I was a little hesitant when I first read the blurb. It gives me too much of a "one person against the government" and "conspiracy-ish" vibe. And mixed with romance? I just wasn't sure. My concern vanished as I reached chapter 2 or 3. E. J. Noyes balances those elements very well. I'm invested in the story even without realizing it. The book is an emotional rollercoaster, but just when I feel like I will explode with all the emotions, stress, and paranoia from Lexie. E.J. will casually feed you sweet treats from Lexie and Sophia; and slide humor banter here and there that I miss counting how much I want to laugh out loud.

Lexie and Sophia are one of my favorite couples in sapphic fic now. I don't think no one would not love these two. A few dangerous lines about the manipulation that I feared would be crossed and end like Alone. But this time, there's communication, lots of communication. And the reason is understandable, so it didn't bother me. There are a few questions I need an answer to; secret I want to dig in, and truth I want to explore. But this is going to be a series, so I'm satisfied for now. I can't wait for Book 2 to be released!

<i>I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!!

I am a slut for E.J. Noyes books, I can admit that and this book lived up to it! The writing is absolutely fantastic and I loved that this book was different from what I have read by Noyes before. This book follows an intelligence analyst that goes on the lamb. I love that this follows not a "spy" but basically a spy considering she's very intelligent and can do what I imagine a spy could do. This is the first book within a new series called Halcyon series and I can't wait for the second one!!

Highly recommend reading this!