This fake marriage could make

“till death do us part” a reality.

Legendary ATF agent Quint Casey isn’t thrilled to pose as Ree Sheppard’s husband for a covert investigation into a weapons ring that could be tied to his past.

Feeling guilty over a tragic event, Quint’s determined to do whatever it takes to make things right.

But when his impetuous “wife” proves her commitment to the job, Quint feels a spark just as alarming as the dangerous killers he’s sworn to unmask.

Titles in the A Ree and Quint Novel series include — Undercover Couple – Newlywed Assignment – Eyewitness Man and Wife – Mission Honeymoon –

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

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Title:  Undercover Couple
Series:  A Ree and Quint Novel #1
Author:  Barb Han
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Published:  April 26, 2022
Publisher:  Harlequin Intrigue
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Undercover Couple begins the A Ree and Quint Novel series with a slow burn in both romantic and story delivery terms.  That is not a bad thing, by any means.  Now, in my opinion, this must be said… Ree and Quint will not get a complete HEA in this first story.  As I took a look at the next books coming in this series it’s obvious that we are taking a journey with one couple over several books as they deal with a nasty criminal ring, and accept, even relish the physical, emotional reactions they have for each other.  It’s not a serial in the strictest sense, there is an HFN ending that wraps up the current case yet holds the door open for more for this couple.  Quint and Ree will walk away into the sunset with their happily ever after ending… eventually, but just like life, it’s going to be a journey to get there.  I have never hidden the fact that I do not like cliffhangers – so, I would not have enjoyed this story so much if the current situation they find themselves in hadn’t been wrapped up in this book… their romance, the overarching nemesis continues to grow but Undercover Couple is complete in itself.

Now, onto the basics of the Undercover Couple story.  Quint is considered by some to be a legendary ATF agent, he’s a man who is dealing with intense pain and guilt over the recent death of his best friend and partner on a case that this new assignment may have ties to.  His first choice of covers wouldn’t have been a newlywed couple but then no one asked him, and if it gets the job done and the criminals behind bars, well, it was worth it.  Ree is a newer agent with an impressive track record, she’s also the only sister among several brothers so while she battles their overprotectiveness, she also understands their meddling… to a point, which, of course, will be crossed.  She’ll step into this case determined to make her rules quite clear only to be sidetracked by her new partner’s reaction to those rules… quite unexpectedly sending off messages to brains and bodies that neither will accept right now.  (I loved Quint’s move here.)

I found Undercover Couple to be intriguing and even educational as we get a realistic look at building a case, the tiny things that could potentially spell disaster in being found out who they are, the emotions that have to be pushed down but can’t always be, and the slow-building of evidence to ensure that the bust goes down, if not smoothly, then at least successfully by stopping the bad guys in their tracks.

The secondary characters came to life, again slowly, as we learn more about them and the reasons for their actions.  There are definitely bad guys you can spot immediately, but also questions about others, what side are they on, how do they fit into this situation, are they innocent or just good actors.  I enjoyed putting the puzzle pieces together, making my guesses as to who was bad or who was just clueless.  And, of course, watching Quint and Ree break down walls between them, opening up secrets, and beginning the dance of attraction, maybe even more.

Going slowly is not always a bad thing – Law & Order does not exist in the real world of wrapping up a case within sixty minutes.  I was hooked on this couple, their reactions to each other, the way they worked together to take down the criminals and still held the door open for more future possibilities for them personally.  I loved this world, want to know more, and look forward to catching up with Quint and Ree in Newlywed Assignment which is due out in May 2022.  There are four books in the series, each out a month apart… not that long to wait for the next glimpse into a growing love story and the taking down of the ultimate bad guys.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

Published on April 26, 2022

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