Mini-Review: The Takedown by Carlie Walker

 

The Takedown by Carlie Walker

Publication Date: October 3rd 2023 by Berkley Romance

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher & Library audiobook

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

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!

4.5 Stars

One thing I wasn't a big fan of was the cover. I like this one more:

Which is your favorite?

Book Description:

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.