I really enjoy characters with scientific, brainiac type jobs. I especially love when women are in those jobs because I am always trying to convince my high school students not to sell themselves short. In Viable Threat, Dr. Ava Lloyd is a microbiologist working for the CDC, investigating an unknown outbreak. Special Forces soldier Walter Rivers is sent to be her back up/body guard. The action unfolds a bit like the tv show "24". The time/date is stamped at the beginning of each chapter because time is of the essence in an outbreak situation. More than just an outbreak, this quickly appears to be a terrorist attack at multiple locations. Right away, you are thrust into action that doesn't quite let up. If you are a fan of fast paced romantic suspense, Viable Threat is going to snag your attention right away!
Rivers is your typical military badass guy: short on words, big on action. Ava is young and fresh faced, and this job is her first really BIG assignment. These two have insta-lust for sure, but it seems even more inappropriate given their surroundings and the violent deaths people are dying from this unknown pathogen. But, its not like they jump each others bones in the middle of the outbreak site, so I was willing to overlook it! In fact, there isn't any sexual interaction at all until about the 50% point and then its only 2nd base.
There are so many threats, red herrings, and alternate agendas going on in the plot its impossible to figure out what is going on. There are simply so many people who seem suspicious!! Written in 3rd person limited, you don't get to see inside everyone's brain, so you are trying to examine actions for ulterior motives. The plot is thick and resembles an actual terror attack in the way the story progresses-multiple attack sites, booby traps, and more. I loved the science aspect right away (because #ScienceNerd), but the terror plot was fascinating! Rowe certainly knows her science and political science! I am looking forward to more in this series for sure.
Biological threats, domestic terror, a female doctor, and an Army ranger all combine to make Viable Threat a perfect read for fans of realistic suspense!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: mortal peril, terrorism
- Triggers: terrorist attacks are the theme of the book; biological pathogens are used to kill multiple people
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: no
- HEA: yes
The Omega Sector series by Janie Crouch, After the Dark by Cynthia Eden, The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert...then you will probably like Viable Threat!
See full review on The Book Disciple