About the Book:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author introduces CIA agent Alisa Flynn, who is willing to go rogue if it means catching the most heartless band of criminals she’s ever encountered.

When CIA agent Alisa Flynn flaunts the rules by breaking into a mansion in the middle of the night, she skillfully circumvents alarms and outwits guards only to find herself standing in billionaire Gabe Korgan’s study . . . busted by Korgan himself. This could cost her her job unless, in a split second, she can turn the tables and try to convince him to join her on the most important mission of her life.

In a ripped-from-the-headlines plot, schoolgirls in Africa have been kidnapped, and Alisa knows that Korgan has the courage, financial means, and high-tech weaponry to help rescue them. With so many innocent lives hanging in the balance, what she doesn’t reveal is that one of those schoolgirls is like a little sister to her. But when the truth gets out, the stakes grow even higher.

Calling in additional assistance from renowned horse whisperer Margaret Douglas, Alisa and Gabe lay their plans, only to see them descend into chaos as the line between right and wrong wavers before them like a mirage. Every path is strewn with pitfalls, each likely to get them — or the hostages — killed. But with the help of a brave team and a horse with the heart of a warrior, they might just get out of this alive.

Click on title below for direct Amazon buy link:                                                                                           Chaos

My Review:

CIA agent Alisa Flynn is about to risk her job and her future to rescue a group of kidnapped girls, since the political climate has made it too hot for her employer to become involved right now.  Alisa can’t wait since one of the girls is her fifteen year old ward, Sasha.  The kidnapper, a mercenary named Masenek, is a powerful, elusive man, protected by his own small army.  Alisa needs more information, and plans to obtain it by breaking into Gabe Korgan’s home.  Gabe is a billionaire and a genius inventor with his own top notch security.  Alisa makes it as far as his study before she’s confronted by the man himself.  Her research indicated that Gabe has an interest in bringing down Masenek, as well, and since she was caught in the act, Alisa does a quick song and dance to try to bring Gabe into her plan.

Gabe is encouraged by his own security to call the police or the CIA, but he finds himself intrigued by Alisa and her offer to hand him Masenek if he rescues the girls.  Gabe comes around to believing that the plan could work, and he has his own reasons for wanting Masenek, and especially, Reardon, the man who hired Masenek to carry out a deadly assassination, one that affected Gabe greatly.  Much to the dismay of his own team, Gabe agrees to work with Alisa, and they join forces to put the finishing touches on their plan.

Gabe and Alisa have a mutual admiration society as far as each other’s abilities and talents go, but Gabe begins to take a much more personal interest.  To his dismay, Alisa’s attitude toward sex and intimacy is to treat it as just another part of her training.  Her cold blooded offer of her body leaves Gabe not wanting any part of such a businesslike transaction.  Eventually Alisa feels a desire that’s completely new to her for Gabe, and as she can still see the desire in his eyes, she’s puzzled as to why he won’t take the next step.

CHAOS is an exciting thriller, along with more romance in the story than has been written in recent Iris Johansen’s books, which makes me happy, as she writes it very well. As Alisa and Gabe begin their mission, things go awry on several occasions, adding twists and turns to the story, making it even more compelling to read.  I love the developing romance between them, and how they are not infallible, but very human.  Here is a trigger warning if you don’t want to read about violence, because there is extreme brutality to young girls, including rape and torture.  You’ll also need to suspend disbelief as there are two animal whisperers, who carry on conversations with their friends.  This is something that occurs in this author’s previous books, but may be a surprise to a new reader.  There is also a horse named CHAOS, and he has more attitude and personality than all the humans in the book, believing himself to be a king.  And, perhaps he is.  I was riveted to this book from beginning to end, enjoying the romance, the action, the relationships, and the animals.  I recommend it for all Iris Johansen fans, as well as readers who love to read a thriller with romance and a touch of the supernatural thrown in.    ~Rose

Enter the Giveaway:

Leave a comment below to be entered to win a print hardcover copy of CHAOS, courtesy of the publisher.  Tell me what appeals to you about this book.  (Will ship only to the United States – Winner will be selected at random on September 28) Good luck!