Leverage by E. J. Noyes

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The details…

  • Title: Leverage
  • Author: E. J. Noyes
  • Publisher: Bella Books
  • Publication date: November 16, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook 
  • File size: 4071 KB
  • Print length: 371 pages
  • Audiobook length: 10 hours and 11 minutes (Narrator: Abby Craden)
  • Genre: Romantic Action & Suspense 
  • Themes: spies, foreign terrorists, government corruption, undercover intelligence agencies, long distance love affairs, national security

The blurb from the publisher…

Last month, intelligence analyst Lexie Martin found out a secret that could ruin lives. After a week on the run from her own government with her maybe-almost girlfriend, Sophia Flores, Lexie was forced to turn herself in and accept her punishment. But that punishment never came….

Aside from Lexie’s confusion about the whys of her release, things seem to be okay—she’s free, back at work, and is officially dating Sophia, which is way better than just okay. But when you embarrass the most powerful man in the country, you risk incurring his petty wrath, and when Lexie is reassigned back into a field position in a hostile country, she’s sure it’s retaliation for knowing the truth and that the president is going to leverage what Lexie did to keep her in line.

Now Lexie has a new mission. Make it home to the woman she loves.

My thoughts…

Leverage is Noyes’s second book in the Halcyon Division Series, and it proves to be well worth the wait. I can’t speak too much about the plot without spoiling it for readers, but know this: This book is one high-speed ride of intensity. Minds will be blown.

Inarguably, Noyes is a gifted storyteller. This latest book is just one more example of why readers are excited each time she pens a new tale. Leverage’s story arc is neatly scripted and smoothly blended with well-developed character arcs, making this one smartly-executed novel. Few people can capture a reading audience like Noyes, so it should surprise no one that Leverage is hard to put down.

This is a fast-paced novel; Noyes keeps readers on their toes throughout. They are constantly surprised and never know what to expect. Even as they try to stay ahead of the plot guessing game, Noyes only gives them enough to raise more questions and spike their adrenaline. Nevertheless, readers are easily drawn to the actions and motivations of these characters, and it makes for some exciting, page-turning fun. It’s pure Noyes storytelling, and fans won’t want it to end!

Leverage basically picks up where book one left off. However, new players are introduced in this ‘who’s who’ spy thriller. Readers aren’t sure who to trust and are surprised by those that are trustworthy. It all adds up to some interesting twists and turns, ones that definitely have readers’ hearts beating for Lexie and Sophia’s well-being.

Lexie is still positioned as the narrator of this adrenaline-filled thriller; that hasn’t changed. Readers have come to know her as a kind and smart character with a cutting sense of humor; her winsome personality never fails to enamor them. Furthermore, her sharp and intelligent perspective continues to add color to the first-person narrative, providing readers with an intimate view of the story world. Noyes uses it to her advantage, and the readers’ experience is all the richer for it.

Once again, Sophia plays Lexie’s love interest. She’s an extremely likable character, and readers are no doubt glad to see her again. As always, she plays a pivotal and impactful role in the storytelling. However, it’s the addition of Lexie’s partner that’s most welcome. He gives appreciative depth to the narrative; his presence pushes it in the most surprising and endearing ways. Readers will want to see more of him in book three.

Final remarks…

If you read Integrity, then you won’t want to miss out on Leverage. Noyes changes things up a bit in book two, making some clever choices to heighten interest and keep readers flipping pages. This is a must-read for fans of suspense thrillers; it does not disappoint. My only caution—be prepared to immediately want book 3!

Strengths…

  • Well-paced and well-plottted
  • Captivating 
  • Fast-paced
  • Well-developed storyline
  • Engaging characters 
  • Leaves one wanting more

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

E. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand which may be one of the best things that’s happened to her. She lives with her wife and the best cat in the world.

She started writing because she was bored and had “ideas” and thought writing might free up some brain space. It didn’t. Now she’s addicted and spends much of her free time bashing out words while more new words jostle for attention.

In her scant free time, E. J. scream-swears at computer games, tries to sleep past dawn, coos at her cat and works the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into conversation.

E. J. loves to procrastinate, so feel free to get in contact so she can read that instead of doing work. Here’s her links:

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