Backlash by Rachel Dylan

Backlash by Rachel Dylan ISBN-13: 9780764234316 Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: October 6th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
CIA analyst Layla Karam has finished a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel. 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.


My Review:
Backlash is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the second in a series, but it works as a stand alone. The story follows several characters, including two other members of Layla's team and one of her friends. They're all suspected of some level of crime and have to defend themselves legally. The DEA team (including Layla) also needs to survive attempts by the cartel to kill them. Perhaps because there were so many investigations going on, it felt like things got wrapped up very quickly at the end. The reader isn't clued into which people are behind the different events, but it also wasn't a surprise to me when the bad guys were uncovered at the end (since the subtle clues were pointing that way).

The three main couples all had relationships based on friendship and sacrificial love. They built each other up and supported each other. I loved that Hunter and Layla took turns saving each other and that Hunter was secure enough that he could thank and admire Layla for her skills. The main characters were engaging, interesting people that reacted realistically to events. Hunter's relationship with God was strengthened through the events and from talking with Layla about how her faith withstood some of the things she's been through. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.