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The Takedown
An undercover CIA agent is sent home to investigate her sister's criminal fiancé but the last thing she expects is to fall in love with his bodyguard along the way in this sexy romantic comedy.
It’s been a long time since Sydney Swift has gone home. An unrelentingly successful CIA field officer, she has spent the last three years pretending to be someone — anyone — other than herself.
But this year, the festive season is coming with some added surprises. Sydney’s beloved little sister has just announced that she’s engaged to Johnny Jones, the heir of an organized crime dynasty. With her built-in cover and her best-in-class reputation, Sydney is approached by the FBI as their way to infiltrate the Jones family at last.
Sydney has until Christmas to gather enough evidence on Johnny to take him down before he pulls off his most dangerous heist yet, all without losing her sister forever. But she hasn’t counted on the challenge of pulling this off right under her family’s nose or the complications of a romantic entanglement with Johnny’s handsome friend and bodyguard, Nick. Sydney always gets her man — but this time love is a target she can’t afford to miss.
It’s been a long time since Sydney Swift has gone home. An unrelentingly successful CIA field officer, she has spent the last three years pretending to be someone — anyone — other than herself.
But this year, the festive season is coming with some added surprises. Sydney’s beloved little sister has just announced that she’s engaged to Johnny Jones, the heir of an organized crime dynasty. With her built-in cover and her best-in-class reputation, Sydney is approached by the FBI as their way to infiltrate the Jones family at last.
Sydney has until Christmas to gather enough evidence on Johnny to take him down before he pulls off his most dangerous heist yet, all without losing her sister forever. But she hasn’t counted on the challenge of pulling this off right under her family’s nose or the complications of a romantic entanglement with Johnny’s handsome friend and bodyguard, Nick. Sydney always gets her man — but this time love is a target she can’t afford to miss.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
October 26, 2023
**Many thanks to Catherine Barra at Berkley and Carlie Walker for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley! Now available as of 10.3!**
Do YOU celebrate Christmas wearing sweatpants?
Well...Sydney Swift's family always has, at least...to Sydney's recollection. She's missed many a celebration because she's been out working and traveling far from the comfort and joy of her childhood home. But nobody knows EXACTLY what Sydney's been up to...because the CIA usually prefers it that way. This year, Sydney is getting the chance to reconnect with the family after being presented with a mission by the FBI: her charge is to infiltrate and follow the crime ring led by Johnny Jones and bring their parade of endless heists to a halt.
Sydney's reputation precedes her and she feels ready and raring for the task and to charm and sneak her way into Johnny's inner circle. But when she arrives and finds out that sister Calla is not only romantically entangled with Johnny but is now ENGAGED to the purported crime boss, Sydney is desperate to not only find out the truth about Calla's potential involvement with the crimes, but to protect her baby sister at all costs. Sydney figures who better to charm than Johnny's bodyguard, Nick, who is also staying with the family for Christmas. After all, she's handled FAR worse in the field, and no man will make her lose her head and compromise her job.
But as she starts to launch her Charm Offensive...something happens.
Butterflies in her stomach. "Planned" kisses that get a little TOO steamy. And when Nick reveals some secret information of his own, Sydney is left reeling...and wondering if HE is the one pulling the proverbial wool over HER eyes. With a Christmas wedding looming, there isn't much time to find out...and Sydney has a hunch that the wedding could be a cover for the Grandest Heist of All. Can Sydney suss out the plan and stop the crime of the century AND protect Calla from a life as a sort of Mob Wife? Or will Nick's relentless charm cause her to take her eyes off the prize...and put EVERYONE in danger?
I'll be the first to admit, I knew next to NOTHING about this book and based on the cover and premise alone, was skeptical. I am so specific when it comes to romantic comedy, and I also had no idea this book was set at Christmastime...and I read it in October (something else I never normally do). I don't like stories that feel gimmicky or too OTT when it comes to plot UNLESS it's an OTT thriller (and even then, I need to be in the mood to fully enjoy it). So needless to say, I had my guard up entering this book and was very prepared to end up feeling like it was a middle of the road read: fun, but maybe not QUITE my jam.
WELL. When I say I was so, incredibly wrong...that's still probably an understatement. I can't remember the last time a book surprised me quite this much...and how flat-out THRILLING it was to be THAT wrong!
This book was nothing short of a delight: fun, quippy, action-packed, romantic, and set against a Christmas-y background that gave me a quick dose of the holiday fuzzies without feeling like it arrived too early (even though it ISN'T quite Halloween yet, and I'm still planning to hold fast until after Thanksgiving for Christmas movies and Peppermint Mochas! 🎄)
Sydney was a fabulous heroine: complex enough to feel real, but simple enough to keep the story light. There were plenty of emotional family moments, but nothing went into cheesy Hallmark territory...you simply felt how strong her desire was to reconnect with her family, to do right by her sister, and to make up for all the time she was away pretending to have another career (while actually working for the CIA), and I was rooting for her 1000%.
And Nick proved to be a perfect counterbalance: snarky enough to engage in banter, handsome (but not the OTT drop-dead, overly descriptive 'perfect' sort of handsome), sensitive in his own right, but mysterious and guarded enough to keep you guessing. These two engage in everything from downright goofy capers (including an impromptu Polar Plunge that still got a bit...steamy) to emotional, tender moments, and both types of scenarios felt sincere and real while still just being FUN to read.
I also normally fall into the trap of reading rom coms with humor that is very clearly SUPPOSED to be funny...but never makes me laugh. Walker on the other hand, is RIGHT up there with Emily Henry in terms of giggle-worthy lines. I actually laughed out loud MULTIPLE times reading this book...and there's nothing I adore more than smart, snappy, and witty banter and boy did these two keep me invested! I had no idea if they'd end up together OR what would happen in the end and I honestly could not wait to find out. It takes a certain level of finesse to make a story like this sing, and Walker accomplished it with ease: I had to keep reminding myself that this is only her debut! 😮
And as the tale came to an end and Christmas in the book drew near, I found myself reminded of the same cozy, wait-for-it-all-year feeling and how specific and magic that particular emotion can be...and how the minute its over, part of you is ALREADY excited to reclaim that certain brand of magic. As sad as I was for this debut to have to come to an end, there was a TINY part of me that couldn't help but hope...
Only 364 days till her next pub date! 😍
(at least...that's what will be on MY next Christmas list!) 😉
4.5 stars
Do YOU celebrate Christmas wearing sweatpants?
Well...Sydney Swift's family always has, at least...to Sydney's recollection. She's missed many a celebration because she's been out working and traveling far from the comfort and joy of her childhood home. But nobody knows EXACTLY what Sydney's been up to...because the CIA usually prefers it that way. This year, Sydney is getting the chance to reconnect with the family after being presented with a mission by the FBI: her charge is to infiltrate and follow the crime ring led by Johnny Jones and bring their parade of endless heists to a halt.
Sydney's reputation precedes her and she feels ready and raring for the task and to charm and sneak her way into Johnny's inner circle. But when she arrives and finds out that sister Calla is not only romantically entangled with Johnny but is now ENGAGED to the purported crime boss, Sydney is desperate to not only find out the truth about Calla's potential involvement with the crimes, but to protect her baby sister at all costs. Sydney figures who better to charm than Johnny's bodyguard, Nick, who is also staying with the family for Christmas. After all, she's handled FAR worse in the field, and no man will make her lose her head and compromise her job.
But as she starts to launch her Charm Offensive...something happens.
Butterflies in her stomach. "Planned" kisses that get a little TOO steamy. And when Nick reveals some secret information of his own, Sydney is left reeling...and wondering if HE is the one pulling the proverbial wool over HER eyes. With a Christmas wedding looming, there isn't much time to find out...and Sydney has a hunch that the wedding could be a cover for the Grandest Heist of All. Can Sydney suss out the plan and stop the crime of the century AND protect Calla from a life as a sort of Mob Wife? Or will Nick's relentless charm cause her to take her eyes off the prize...and put EVERYONE in danger?
I'll be the first to admit, I knew next to NOTHING about this book and based on the cover and premise alone, was skeptical. I am so specific when it comes to romantic comedy, and I also had no idea this book was set at Christmastime...and I read it in October (something else I never normally do). I don't like stories that feel gimmicky or too OTT when it comes to plot UNLESS it's an OTT thriller (and even then, I need to be in the mood to fully enjoy it). So needless to say, I had my guard up entering this book and was very prepared to end up feeling like it was a middle of the road read: fun, but maybe not QUITE my jam.
WELL. When I say I was so, incredibly wrong...that's still probably an understatement. I can't remember the last time a book surprised me quite this much...and how flat-out THRILLING it was to be THAT wrong!
This book was nothing short of a delight: fun, quippy, action-packed, romantic, and set against a Christmas-y background that gave me a quick dose of the holiday fuzzies without feeling like it arrived too early (even though it ISN'T quite Halloween yet, and I'm still planning to hold fast until after Thanksgiving for Christmas movies and Peppermint Mochas! 🎄)
Sydney was a fabulous heroine: complex enough to feel real, but simple enough to keep the story light. There were plenty of emotional family moments, but nothing went into cheesy Hallmark territory...you simply felt how strong her desire was to reconnect with her family, to do right by her sister, and to make up for all the time she was away pretending to have another career (while actually working for the CIA), and I was rooting for her 1000%.
And Nick proved to be a perfect counterbalance: snarky enough to engage in banter, handsome (but not the OTT drop-dead, overly descriptive 'perfect' sort of handsome), sensitive in his own right, but mysterious and guarded enough to keep you guessing. These two engage in everything from downright goofy capers (including an impromptu Polar Plunge that still got a bit...steamy) to emotional, tender moments, and both types of scenarios felt sincere and real while still just being FUN to read.
I also normally fall into the trap of reading rom coms with humor that is very clearly SUPPOSED to be funny...but never makes me laugh. Walker on the other hand, is RIGHT up there with Emily Henry in terms of giggle-worthy lines. I actually laughed out loud MULTIPLE times reading this book...and there's nothing I adore more than smart, snappy, and witty banter and boy did these two keep me invested! I had no idea if they'd end up together OR what would happen in the end and I honestly could not wait to find out. It takes a certain level of finesse to make a story like this sing, and Walker accomplished it with ease: I had to keep reminding myself that this is only her debut! 😮
And as the tale came to an end and Christmas in the book drew near, I found myself reminded of the same cozy, wait-for-it-all-year feeling and how specific and magic that particular emotion can be...and how the minute its over, part of you is ALREADY excited to reclaim that certain brand of magic. As sad as I was for this debut to have to come to an end, there was a TINY part of me that couldn't help but hope...
Only 364 days till her next pub date! 😍
(at least...that's what will be on MY next Christmas list!) 😉
4.5 stars
November 6, 2023
Entertaining rom com/action novel.
Sydney is an undercover CIA operative, but she is contacted by the FBI to participate in a mission closer to home as the FBI contact believes they have a mole. The catch? The person they are trying to take down is Sydney's sister's fiancé. How can Sydney show her sister Calla that Johnny is bad news?
This is just such a fun book that really defies genre. There's humor, action, romance, a bit of suspense and a lot of thrills, all packaged together with family drama galore. It's super fast paced and has so much heart alongside the fun plot, but also a bit of spice with the romantic relationships.
This is a holiday tale that is sure to please, I rarely laugh at books that are supposed to be funny but I did laugh out loud quite a few times in the reading of this one. Carlie Walker has a winner with her debut novel and I'll be looking for more from her in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Sydney is an undercover CIA operative, but she is contacted by the FBI to participate in a mission closer to home as the FBI contact believes they have a mole. The catch? The person they are trying to take down is Sydney's sister's fiancé. How can Sydney show her sister Calla that Johnny is bad news?
This is just such a fun book that really defies genre. There's humor, action, romance, a bit of suspense and a lot of thrills, all packaged together with family drama galore. It's super fast paced and has so much heart alongside the fun plot, but also a bit of spice with the romantic relationships.
This is a holiday tale that is sure to please, I rarely laugh at books that are supposed to be funny but I did laugh out loud quite a few times in the reading of this one. Carlie Walker has a winner with her debut novel and I'll be looking for more from her in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5, Holiday Romance)
A badass FBI agent goes home for the holidays upon learning her sister is (unknowingly?) marrying a crime lord. ON CHRISTMAS. Her task: get intel and get close with his (very handsome and charming) right-hand man and bring the whole operation down. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT??
This was just plain fun to read. It is so totally different and refreshing yet still filled with lots of holiday cheer. This is an excellent option if you want a little romance but need a break from the Hallmark-style loooove stories. Lovable characters, set in a cute small town, and made sexy and fun with the FBI element. Do not go in with a critical eye! Just go with the flow and have fun! Not a B.R.A.D., but not a closed door, either. It is a quick & fun distraction from holiday stress. Who cares if the gifts are wrapped when there is an only one bed scene!
Best paired with a festive French 75! Swipe for the recipe!
A badass FBI agent goes home for the holidays upon learning her sister is (unknowingly?) marrying a crime lord. ON CHRISTMAS. Her task: get intel and get close with his (very handsome and charming) right-hand man and bring the whole operation down. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT??
This was just plain fun to read. It is so totally different and refreshing yet still filled with lots of holiday cheer. This is an excellent option if you want a little romance but need a break from the Hallmark-style loooove stories. Lovable characters, set in a cute small town, and made sexy and fun with the FBI element. Do not go in with a critical eye! Just go with the flow and have fun! Not a B.R.A.D., but not a closed door, either. It is a quick & fun distraction from holiday stress. Who cares if the gifts are wrapped when there is an only one bed scene!
Best paired with a festive French 75! Swipe for the recipe!
July 3, 2023
This is everything- humor, wit, excitement, suspense, romance, and flair!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m thrilled to share this review with you because it is such a unique story. Everyone has secrets but for many people, their job is a secret, and with that comes issues for family and loved ones.
The author gives us a huge twist in that a CIA officer is a female and her sister is marrying a suspected criminal. Trying to work through that debacle without alienating her family is going to be a big obstacle. Not to mention one hot bodyguard that is becoming a distraction.
Walker shares her wonderful imagination by intertwining different types of stereotypical tropes. Her plot is on point and the story is strife with family issues, delightful humor, a bit of suspense, and a budding romance with steamy heat. She blends everything beautifully into the plot. It doesn’t feel stagnant or unbalanced. The Takedown gives me everything I love in a story.
A fast-paced intriguing story with characters that are a dream. Plus, the romance is on point! This book is everything – humor, wit, excitement, suspense, romance, and flair! The female spy plot? Perfectly done!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-takedown...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m thrilled to share this review with you because it is such a unique story. Everyone has secrets but for many people, their job is a secret, and with that comes issues for family and loved ones.
The author gives us a huge twist in that a CIA officer is a female and her sister is marrying a suspected criminal. Trying to work through that debacle without alienating her family is going to be a big obstacle. Not to mention one hot bodyguard that is becoming a distraction.
Walker shares her wonderful imagination by intertwining different types of stereotypical tropes. Her plot is on point and the story is strife with family issues, delightful humor, a bit of suspense, and a budding romance with steamy heat. She blends everything beautifully into the plot. It doesn’t feel stagnant or unbalanced. The Takedown gives me everything I love in a story.
A fast-paced intriguing story with characters that are a dream. Plus, the romance is on point! This book is everything – humor, wit, excitement, suspense, romance, and flair! The female spy plot? Perfectly done!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-takedown...
January 6, 2024
3.5 stars
Here's to my first book of this year! 😊
I'm so glad that I'm coming across more spy rom-coms, and it is set during the Holidays. I have a good feeling about this.
Here's to my first book of this year! 😊
I'm so glad that I'm coming across more spy rom-coms, and it is set during the Holidays. I have a good feeling about this.
November 29, 2023
It's published!! I wonder if this will come out as an audiobook too. I hope so!
This was so good! I got offered an advanced reader copy (ARC) and I thought, "enh, why not?"
So glad I took up with this book. Love the kickass heroine who's so self-protective but loves her family fiercely.
She's had some hurt and needs to grow. And the hero is the perfect man to help her in that. And help her take down the bad guy.
This is a fun story that has some suspense/mystery elements. It's a little madcap as there is some ridiculous drama surrounding the mystery, including a live reindeer at a wedding and the heroine tackling a guy while wearing a donkey costume.
But, underneath the comedy is a real beautiful story of a woman learning to be vulnerable in the best way. I cried. Absolutely adored this and will be watching the author for any future books. Would read this again.
Safety deets
- no OW/OM after they meet
- the heroine has been sexually active on the job and with prior boyfriends. We don't hear much about the hero's sexual history.
- BC used... tho the second condom is "still good from college". Uh. I didn't get the impression that college was last year so I'm thinking it's not.
- good consent. And they don't have sex until after all secrets are revealed.
This was so good! I got offered an advanced reader copy (ARC) and I thought, "enh, why not?"
So glad I took up with this book. Love the kickass heroine who's so self-protective but loves her family fiercely.
She's had some hurt and needs to grow. And the hero is the perfect man to help her in that. And help her take down the bad guy.
This is a fun story that has some suspense/mystery elements. It's a little madcap as there is some ridiculous drama surrounding the mystery, including a live reindeer at a wedding and the heroine tackling a guy while wearing a donkey costume.
But, underneath the comedy is a real beautiful story of a woman learning to be vulnerable in the best way. I cried. Absolutely adored this and will be watching the author for any future books. Would read this again.
Safety deets
- no OW/OM after they meet
- the heroine has been sexually active on the job and with prior boyfriends. We don't hear much about the hero's sexual history.
- BC used... tho the second condom is "still good from college". Uh. I didn't get the impression that college was last year so I'm thinking it's not.
- good consent. And they don't have sex until after all secrets are revealed.
October 2, 2023
I’m not sure how to categorize The Takedown but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! The publisher lists it as a romance, but I’d say it’s more of a mystery/thriller, with some romance along the way. There’s also a lot of humor mixed in with the tense moments. I stayed up late to finish this book!
Sydney is employed by the CIA and the book opens with her on an operation in Sweden. She is then contacted by someone from the FBI who wants her to help with a domestic case, one that has now involved her immediate family. Specifically, her sister Calla is engaged to Johnny Jones, who the FBI believes to be a crime boss. So Sydney flies home to Maine and the rest of the book centers on her family and her efforts to expose Johnny before he can marry her (hopefully innocent) sister.
All of this takes place in the days leading up to Christmas, so this would be a great book to read during the holiday season. There’s a ton of Christmas atmosphere, including a Christmas pageant, outdoor ice skating, and more.
Sydney finds it hard to resist the charms of Johnny’s bodyguard/security chief, Nick, even though she needs to treat him as a target. There are quite a lot of funny scenes involving the two of them, as well as (eventually) a pretty spicy one. In addition to the main plot of trying to expose Johnny, we get a good subplot about Sydney and Calla’s absentee dad and how his disappearance affected each of them in different ways. I absolutely loved Grandma Ruby! I want to be her at age 82.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Sydney is employed by the CIA and the book opens with her on an operation in Sweden. She is then contacted by someone from the FBI who wants her to help with a domestic case, one that has now involved her immediate family. Specifically, her sister Calla is engaged to Johnny Jones, who the FBI believes to be a crime boss. So Sydney flies home to Maine and the rest of the book centers on her family and her efforts to expose Johnny before he can marry her (hopefully innocent) sister.
All of this takes place in the days leading up to Christmas, so this would be a great book to read during the holiday season. There’s a ton of Christmas atmosphere, including a Christmas pageant, outdoor ice skating, and more.
Sydney finds it hard to resist the charms of Johnny’s bodyguard/security chief, Nick, even though she needs to treat him as a target. There are quite a lot of funny scenes involving the two of them, as well as (eventually) a pretty spicy one. In addition to the main plot of trying to expose Johnny, we get a good subplot about Sydney and Calla’s absentee dad and how his disappearance affected each of them in different ways. I absolutely loved Grandma Ruby! I want to be her at age 82.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2023
This was a fun holiday story that I would recommend. It has a little of everything: spies, family drama, humor, romance. Sydney Swift hasn’t been home for the holidays in years. She has used being in the CIA as a convenient excuse until someone from the FBI approaches her and tells her that her sister is about to marry a crime lord and they need her to use her spy skills to prove it by going home for Christmas. I really liked Sydney, Calla, Sweetie Pie, grandma and Nick, the characters were fun and the story was cute, I hadn’t expected the romance but I thought it really worked with the story. Definitely a great one to get you in the mood for the holidays.
November 13, 2023
4 stars.
This was an extremely enjoyable book. I bought the audiobook, and don’t regret it, because I know I will want to go back and listen again. This book is told from the heroine’s POV exclusively, but I never felt like there was anything lacking. The storyline was very captivating and I regretted my need for sleep late last night because I *needed* to know what would happen next.
The heroine is a CIA agent who is asked to work with the FBI to catch a family of criminals before they are able to harm more people. She’s asked to help with this case because the heroine’s sister had recently become engaged to the leader of this crime family. The hero works for the crime boss, and so the MCS definitely start out as adversaries. However, soon secrets are revealed and they begin to work together.
I was sure that this book was going to get 5 stars from me… up until the final 25% or so. That’s when I started to notice a lot of plot holes in this story. Considering how well this book is written, I am somewhat surprised by the magnitude of those plot holes. What kind of CIA/FBI agent doesn’t carry a gun or other weapon? She may have been undercover, but it makes no sense to run after a suspect without any way of apprehending them. Ofc the suspect has a weapon, so it’s not like a deliberate choice by the author to omit guns entirely. Then the final drama all felt very contrived. I’m not trying to leave major spoilers, but I just couldn’t believe that part of the storyline, no matter how hard I tried to suspend my disbelief.
I’ll definitely be rereading this in the future, and totally recommend this book if you don’t mind plot holes too much.
Safe
No virgins
Hero not a manwhore
No OM/OW drama or scenes
No cheating
This was an extremely enjoyable book. I bought the audiobook, and don’t regret it, because I know I will want to go back and listen again. This book is told from the heroine’s POV exclusively, but I never felt like there was anything lacking. The storyline was very captivating and I regretted my need for sleep late last night because I *needed* to know what would happen next.
The heroine is a CIA agent who is asked to work with the FBI to catch a family of criminals before they are able to harm more people. She’s asked to help with this case because the heroine’s sister had recently become engaged to the leader of this crime family. The hero works for the crime boss, and so the MCS definitely start out as adversaries. However, soon secrets are revealed and they begin to work together.
I was sure that this book was going to get 5 stars from me… up until the final 25% or so. That’s when I started to notice a lot of plot holes in this story. Considering how well this book is written, I am somewhat surprised by the magnitude of those plot holes. What kind of CIA/FBI agent doesn’t carry a gun or other weapon? She may have been undercover, but it makes no sense to run after a suspect without any way of apprehending them. Ofc the suspect has a weapon, so it’s not like a deliberate choice by the author to omit guns entirely. Then the final drama all felt very contrived. I’m not trying to leave major spoilers, but I just couldn’t believe that part of the storyline, no matter how hard I tried to suspend my disbelief.
I’ll definitely be rereading this in the future, and totally recommend this book if you don’t mind plot holes too much.
Safe
No virgins
Hero not a manwhore
No OM/OW drama or scenes
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2023
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed The Takedown! I had put it aside after starting a while back, realizing I wasn’t in the mood for the story, but it hit me just right this time around!
CIA Agent, Sydney is back home to catch a crime lord with the perfect cover since her sister is about to marry him! Johnny, the sister’s fiancé seems like a good guy on the surface, but quickly reveals his smarmy side. Nick, Johnny’s best man and bodyguard is nothing more than a way to get closer to her target. Or is he?
I loved seeing Sydney reconnect with her sister and grandmother after holding herself back from any relationships. Past grief and abandonment had made home a painful place. Nick was a sweetheart, and their romance was a wonderful slow-burn, built by sharing pieces of each other, and getting close. Just the right amount of tasteful sexy times without overwhelming the plot. A cute rescue dog named Sweetie Pie, holiday fun, a bit of action/danger round out the story to make it a winning read! Loved the winter wonderland setting of Maine, too!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed The Takedown! I had put it aside after starting a while back, realizing I wasn’t in the mood for the story, but it hit me just right this time around!
CIA Agent, Sydney is back home to catch a crime lord with the perfect cover since her sister is about to marry him! Johnny, the sister’s fiancé seems like a good guy on the surface, but quickly reveals his smarmy side. Nick, Johnny’s best man and bodyguard is nothing more than a way to get closer to her target. Or is he?
I loved seeing Sydney reconnect with her sister and grandmother after holding herself back from any relationships. Past grief and abandonment had made home a painful place. Nick was a sweetheart, and their romance was a wonderful slow-burn, built by sharing pieces of each other, and getting close. Just the right amount of tasteful sexy times without overwhelming the plot. A cute rescue dog named Sweetie Pie, holiday fun, a bit of action/danger round out the story to make it a winning read! Loved the winter wonderland setting of Maine, too!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2023
I quite liked this one! A fun Christmas romance with a mystery spin.
September 27, 2023
Sydney, a CIA agent, goes undercover for the holidays. Returning home, struggling to reconnect with her younger sister, Sydney desperately tries to uncover the truth about her mob connected fiancé.
The complexity of family relationships along with recovering from abandonment from a remaining parent dig deep in this plot. Comedy relief provides the lighthearted feel to this tough topic.
I enjoyed the relationship between Nick and Sydney - entertaining, sexy and romantic.
The complexity of family relationships along with recovering from abandonment from a remaining parent dig deep in this plot. Comedy relief provides the lighthearted feel to this tough topic.
I enjoyed the relationship between Nick and Sydney - entertaining, sexy and romantic.
September 30, 2023
3.5 stars
This was super duper cute and I actually adored it?! Nick and Sydney had such good chemistry (and he was hooooot, give me a bodyguard/spy romance any day), and I really enjoyed Sydney's whole coming to terms with who she is and how she's been bottling things up journey (even if it hit a little close to home, I'm going to need my fave books to stop calling me out like this). Plus the whole spy concept really leant itself well to a bunch of forced proximity type situations, and I love me some of those.
It did feel like it lent itself a little more to women's fiction with a major romance plotline rather than solely a romance book, as the spy/non-romance aspect was a pretty big focus of the book. Normally that's not something I'd enjoy as much, but I was actually super invested in the plot and it kept me guessing - I thought there were a few ways it could go and wasn't entirely sure how it would turn out until right at the end!
I hope Calla gets a book because she's so sweet and just wanting to be loved and deserves soooooo much better, and honestly a kindergarten teacher x spy romance would slap, if they want to continue down the spy route for a series (bonus points if it's like with a single dad in her class who's just gotten custody of a kid he didn't know existed or his neice/nephew or something - let's just throw all my fave tropes in there pls xx). Also this would go so hard as a movie, think like Miss Congeniality type vibes?!
Definitely recommend this one and looking forward to more from Carlie Walker!!
This was super duper cute and I actually adored it?! Nick and Sydney had such good chemistry (and he was hooooot, give me a bodyguard/spy romance any day), and I really enjoyed Sydney's whole coming to terms with who she is and how she's been bottling things up journey (even if it hit a little close to home, I'm going to need my fave books to stop calling me out like this). Plus the whole spy concept really leant itself well to a bunch of forced proximity type situations, and I love me some of those.
It did feel like it lent itself a little more to women's fiction with a major romance plotline rather than solely a romance book, as the spy/non-romance aspect was a pretty big focus of the book. Normally that's not something I'd enjoy as much, but I was actually super invested in the plot and it kept me guessing - I thought there were a few ways it could go and wasn't entirely sure how it would turn out until right at the end!
I hope Calla gets a book because she's so sweet and just wanting to be loved and deserves soooooo much better, and honestly a kindergarten teacher x spy romance would slap, if they want to continue down the spy route for a series (bonus points if it's like with a single dad in her class who's just gotten custody of a kid he didn't know existed or his neice/nephew or something - let's just throw all my fave tropes in there pls xx). Also this would go so hard as a movie, think like Miss Congeniality type vibes?!
Definitely recommend this one and looking forward to more from Carlie Walker!!
September 13, 2023
I didn't realize this was a holiday read but it was such a FUN and unusual romantic suspense adult romcom debut that takes place over the holidays as an undercover CIA agent goes home to try to break up her sister's impending wedding to a secret criminal mastermind.
Full of heat, humor, great side characters and tons of action. I absolutely loved this slow burn, forced proximity romance!!! Great on audio and perfect for fans of humorous action packed love stories like To have and to heist by Sara Desai.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. I am super excited to read whatever this author comes up with next!!!
Steam level: mild details, mostly fade to black
Full of heat, humor, great side characters and tons of action. I absolutely loved this slow burn, forced proximity romance!!! Great on audio and perfect for fans of humorous action packed love stories like To have and to heist by Sara Desai.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. I am super excited to read whatever this author comes up with next!!!
Steam level: mild details, mostly fade to black
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645808644i/7494844._UX200_CR0,6,200,200_.jpg)
May 15, 2024
Sydney Swift keeps everyone at a distance—it's part of the job being a spy for the CIA. But when she gets the message that her sister is getting married to a notorious crime lord, she's pulled into an off-the-books FBI operation that is going to test all of her subterfuge skills.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this!
There's some commentary on how Sydney joined the CIA to make the world a better place, and has been slowly realizing that the things she's doing just aren't good. Although she doesn't want to be complicit in them anymore, she can't see an out. The CIA is all she knows, and she's very good at her job.
Of course that all changes when she heads home to Maine in what's essentially a made for Hallmark special—and the book is very aware of this and leans hard into the TV Christmas setting. HARD.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this!
There's some commentary on how Sydney joined the CIA to make the world a better place, and has been slowly realizing that the things she's doing just aren't good. Although she doesn't want to be complicit in them anymore, she can't see an out. The CIA is all she knows, and she's very good at her job.
Of course that all changes when she heads home to Maine in what's essentially a made for Hallmark special—and the book is very aware of this and leans hard into the TV Christmas setting. HARD.
October 8, 2023
all i'm saying is if this would have been a romcom in 2007 with miss congeniality herself sandra bullock and one of the ryans it would have been a hit!!!!!
September 27, 2023
This was super cute! Romance, mystery, humor, Christmas (without being too Christmasy).
October 6, 2023
This is a debut? WOW!
The Takedown is a fresh romance, with one tough female MC who works for the CIA, moonlighting for the FBI. What a boss!
Sydney finally goes home after much time away to take down her sister's soon to be husband, unbeknownst to her sister. Surely that won't cause any problems.
Unfortunately, her sister's fiance has a sexy smoldering bodyguard who distracts Sydney. Their attraction is intense, but is it real?
This is actually a perfect romance for those on the fence about romance. It's action packed, intense, addictive and entertaining with a nice sprinkling of romance.
It's great on audio as well!
The Takedown is a fresh romance, with one tough female MC who works for the CIA, moonlighting for the FBI. What a boss!
Sydney finally goes home after much time away to take down her sister's soon to be husband, unbeknownst to her sister. Surely that won't cause any problems.
Unfortunately, her sister's fiance has a sexy smoldering bodyguard who distracts Sydney. Their attraction is intense, but is it real?
This is actually a perfect romance for those on the fence about romance. It's action packed, intense, addictive and entertaining with a nice sprinkling of romance.
It's great on audio as well!
October 3, 2023
The Takedown
By Carlie Walker
Pub Date: 03 Oct 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Spice:🌶🌶
Rating: 5/5
Carlie Walker's The Takedown is an absolute roller coaster, combining humor with a captivating plot and strong female characters. All together it makes for an unforgettable adventure that will leave readers surprised and entertained. It's an experience that will stay with them for a long time. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an exciting and lighthearted holiday read.
Sydney Swift, an undercover CIA agent, is sent home for the holidays to investigate her little sister's fiance Johnny's criminal activities. Sydney soon finds out that Johnny is not who he pretends to be and must act fast to reveal his true motives. As the clock ticks, she races against time to solve the mystery and save her younger sister Calla. However, as Sydney uncovers Johnny's secrets, she meets Nick, Johnny's dreamy bodyguard. This unexpected love story challenges Sydney's mission and heart - can she reconcile them?
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review The Takedown. It was thoroughly enjoyable for me. From the characters' witty banter to the unexpected antics, this story provides hours of amusement and fun. No doubt, Carlie Walker is a brilliant comedian with a remarkable sense of humor.
#The Takedown #CarlieWalker #BerkleyPublishingGroup #BerkleyRomance #Netgalley #NetGalleyreviews #Netgalleyreviewers #books #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra
By Carlie Walker
Pub Date: 03 Oct 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Spice:🌶🌶
Rating: 5/5
Carlie Walker's The Takedown is an absolute roller coaster, combining humor with a captivating plot and strong female characters. All together it makes for an unforgettable adventure that will leave readers surprised and entertained. It's an experience that will stay with them for a long time. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an exciting and lighthearted holiday read.
Sydney Swift, an undercover CIA agent, is sent home for the holidays to investigate her little sister's fiance Johnny's criminal activities. Sydney soon finds out that Johnny is not who he pretends to be and must act fast to reveal his true motives. As the clock ticks, she races against time to solve the mystery and save her younger sister Calla. However, as Sydney uncovers Johnny's secrets, she meets Nick, Johnny's dreamy bodyguard. This unexpected love story challenges Sydney's mission and heart - can she reconcile them?
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review The Takedown. It was thoroughly enjoyable for me. From the characters' witty banter to the unexpected antics, this story provides hours of amusement and fun. No doubt, Carlie Walker is a brilliant comedian with a remarkable sense of humor.
#The Takedown #CarlieWalker #BerkleyPublishingGroup #BerkleyRomance #Netgalley #NetGalleyreviews #Netgalleyreviewers #books #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra
January 22, 2024
we aren’t here for realism! we are here for boning in a hotel room because you’re an undercover secret agent!
December 12, 2023
rating: 4/5
synopsis: Sydney is a CIA agent who suddenly gets recruited by the FBI to take down a crime lord and his entire family. which sounds like just another day at work...except for the fact that (unbeknownst to sydney) her sister has recently gotten engaged to the heir of this empire. sydney makes it her mission to help the FBI take down this crime lord, stop her sister from marrying into their family, all while dealing with and the sexy bodyguard she wasn't expecting.
the vibes:
- set over the span of a week
- takes places during the christmas season
- single POV
- first person
- forced proximity
- strong chemistry
- takes places in a small town in main
- strong sister vibes
- a funny grandmother as a side character
- a cute elderly family dog
this was a really cute, fun, fast read. there was a perfect sprinkle of romance, humor, christmasy vibes, and family dynamics.
synopsis: Sydney is a CIA agent who suddenly gets recruited by the FBI to take down a crime lord and his entire family. which sounds like just another day at work...except for the fact that (unbeknownst to sydney) her sister has recently gotten engaged to the heir of this empire. sydney makes it her mission to help the FBI take down this crime lord, stop her sister from marrying into their family, all while dealing with and the sexy bodyguard she wasn't expecting.
the vibes:
- set over the span of a week
- takes places during the christmas season
- single POV
- first person
- forced proximity
- strong chemistry
- takes places in a small town in main
- strong sister vibes
- a funny grandmother as a side character
- a cute elderly family dog
this was a really cute, fun, fast read. there was a perfect sprinkle of romance, humor, christmasy vibes, and family dynamics.
December 18, 2023
4.75 stars
April 1, 2024
Dnf at 37%
This had so much potential. I love the premise and was so excited. But if Sydney is any indication of what government spies are like, we are in trouble as a country. I don’t think the author did any research for this book and it showed. Boring beyond belief.
This had so much potential. I love the premise and was so excited. But if Sydney is any indication of what government spies are like, we are in trouble as a country. I don’t think the author did any research for this book and it showed. Boring beyond belief.
October 11, 2023
A fun debut about a CIA Operative spending Christmas undercover with her family
Part romance, part holiday fun and part suspense, The Takedown was a fun debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Sydney is an undercover CIA agent recruited to spy on her sister's fiancé, Johnny Jones, heir to an organized crime dynasty, over Christmas with her family. You just know there is no way this can go down well when family is involved. Add in sizzling chemistry with the fiance's hot bodyguard, Nick, and now you have a recipe for a fun holiday romance!
I enjoyed the family dynamic, the drama, the action, the suspense and of course the chemistry between Sydney and Nick. This wasn't a typical holiday read, which is what I absolutely loved about it. It's the holiday romance for lovers of Die Hard as a holiday movie. You have spies, bodyguards, heists being planned, bachelorette parties being infiltrated by agents, the family's home being bugged, etc. Through it all you have this angsty, chemistry ridden but dubious budding relationship between Sydney and Nick that I couldn't get enough of. I was also smitten with Sydney's family. Her sister, grandma and the family dog were all such great side characters that added to the story in a meaningful way.
Read if you enjoy books set during Christmas, suspenseful romance with strong chemistry and complicated family dynamics.
Part romance, part holiday fun and part suspense, The Takedown was a fun debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Sydney is an undercover CIA agent recruited to spy on her sister's fiancé, Johnny Jones, heir to an organized crime dynasty, over Christmas with her family. You just know there is no way this can go down well when family is involved. Add in sizzling chemistry with the fiance's hot bodyguard, Nick, and now you have a recipe for a fun holiday romance!
I enjoyed the family dynamic, the drama, the action, the suspense and of course the chemistry between Sydney and Nick. This wasn't a typical holiday read, which is what I absolutely loved about it. It's the holiday romance for lovers of Die Hard as a holiday movie. You have spies, bodyguards, heists being planned, bachelorette parties being infiltrated by agents, the family's home being bugged, etc. Through it all you have this angsty, chemistry ridden but dubious budding relationship between Sydney and Nick that I couldn't get enough of. I was also smitten with Sydney's family. Her sister, grandma and the family dog were all such great side characters that added to the story in a meaningful way.
Read if you enjoy books set during Christmas, suspenseful romance with strong chemistry and complicated family dynamics.
February 6, 2024
An undercover CIA agent is sent home to investigate her sister's criminal fiancé but the last thing she expects is to fall in love with his bodyguard along the way in this sexy romantic comedy.
I really enjoyed reading The Takedown by Carlie Walker as it has a little bit of everything: humor, action, romance, and drama. And I am here for it all. Sydney Swift, CIA agent, has not been home for the holidays in quite some time. But now she is heading home for Christmas as her job is to help take down a crime boss (Johnny) who just so happens to be marrying Sydney's sister! Add a hunky bodyguard to the mix who is becoming a distraction to Syndey. Will she expose Johnny? No spoilers here! Fun book to read!
I really enjoyed reading The Takedown by Carlie Walker as it has a little bit of everything: humor, action, romance, and drama. And I am here for it all. Sydney Swift, CIA agent, has not been home for the holidays in quite some time. But now she is heading home for Christmas as her job is to help take down a crime boss (Johnny) who just so happens to be marrying Sydney's sister! Add a hunky bodyguard to the mix who is becoming a distraction to Syndey. Will she expose Johnny? No spoilers here! Fun book to read!
December 31, 2023
WHAT A GREAT BOOK TO END 2023 WITH?! IT EVEN ENDS ON NYE? Goooorlllll
This one had me giggling like you would not believe. The banter? Amazing. Spice isn't really there but this was equal parts fun and intriguing. I loved our characters. I felt like this book read the most like how the inside of my brain sounds? Which is such a specific thing to say in a review but whatever leave me alone.
Anyways, obsessed. I loved the idea of a CIA agent/bodyguard romance but the way we peel this story back just makes it so much better.
WAY TO GO CARLIE. GIVE ME MORE PLS
This one had me giggling like you would not believe. The banter? Amazing. Spice isn't really there but this was equal parts fun and intriguing. I loved our characters. I felt like this book read the most like how the inside of my brain sounds? Which is such a specific thing to say in a review but whatever leave me alone.
Anyways, obsessed. I loved the idea of a CIA agent/bodyguard romance but the way we peel this story back just makes it so much better.
WAY TO GO CARLIE. GIVE ME MORE PLS
October 11, 2023
3.75 stars
January 2, 2024
3.5 stars. Entertaining weekend read
March 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
November 17, 2023
Super fun but not really Christmasy. Liked the mystery aspect and slow burn romance.
*language and one sex scene.
*language and one sex scene.
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