Backlash by Rachel Dylan {Book Review}

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own. 

 

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel that puts a target on her back. Though Layla never wanted to be a field agent, Langley had other ideas. After one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens up an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team's identity to the cartel. She must clear her name with the Agency and protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter--the man who broke her heart--and hope they both come out of it alive. 

For those who are content sensitive: this book contains non-graphic scenes and descriptions of physical and sexual assault.

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade, including being a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms. Her Atlanta Justice series has won the Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and the FHL Reader's Choice Award. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find her at www.racheldylan.com.

Backlash is the second book in Rachel Dylan's Capital Intrigue series. While there is enough background given that I believe you could probably read as a standalone, I would say it would best be enjoyed reading the series in order. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and I found even having read the first book, it took me some time to remember who was who and get it all straight in my mind. 

In this book, we focus on Layla's story. The story truly starts off with a bang, when the restaurant where Layla was meeting her friends is the center of a bomb attack. Could it be related to a case she was working on? In the midst of this, she discovers that she is in the center of an internal investigation... leaving her uncertain of who to trust. She turns to the least likely of sources in her ex, Hunter. Together they navigate the danger and work to discover who is behind these attacks from all sides. While there is definitely some romance there between the two, I have to say much like the first book, the action really takes priority in this story. It was enough to make someone like myself who enjoys the romance happy, without being too much for those looking for more suspense and less romance. Overall, I found their story intriguing and found myself waiting to find out what would happen next. 

I likewise enjoyed how the story bounced back and forth between these primary characters and other side perspectives as well. Actually, I must admit I found that I preferred the side characters myself even more. Still, it was an enjoyable read that fans of suspense are sure to enjoy.