by Tess Diamond
Series: O’Connor & Kincaid #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Gifted, Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
In Tess Diamond’s gripping debut, when an elite negotiator and a security expert team up to solve a kidnapping, the only thing higher than the tension is the heat . . .
Maggie Kincaid left the FBI two years ago and didn’t look back . . . until now. A senator’s daughter has been abducted, and the nightmare set in motion isn’t just familiar to Maggie, it’s personal. She’ll need all the help she can get to bring Kayla Thebes home alive—even if that help comes from a hot-as-hell ex-soldier who plays by his own rules. . .
For Jake O’Connor, negotiation equals weakness. But he’s immediately drawn to the sexy former agent who epitomizes strength. It isn’t long before he and Maggie are working together 24/7, learning to read each other’s signals and wanting much more.
But for Maggie and Jake, letting their guard down—even around each other—may be dangerous. Now, as they close in on a kidnapper with nothing to lose, their first mistake could shatter a young girl’s last chance…
Avon Romance gifted me a copy of DANGEROUS GAMES by Tes Diamond, and as soon as I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. Diamond delivered a gripping FBI thriller with strong characters and a touch of heat. I devoured this novel in one sitting and cannot wait for more of the O’Connor & Kincaid series.
The story opens with Maggie Kincaid running for exercise. As her mind wanders we get a look into her troubled past and life as an FBI hostage negotiator. Maggie left the FBI, two years ago, after losing a young girl. Diamond very quickly connects the reader to Maggie and provides a suspense element when her former mentor asks her to assist on a high-profile abduction.
We meet Jake O’Conner a former Army Ranger who now works in security for Washington’s elite. He has been brought in to handle the security detail and advise the senator. Right away, I liked the banter between O’Conner and Kincaid. Reader’s will enjoy the delicious undercurrent of chemistry hidden behind posturing and snark. Immediately I looked forward to seeing it unfold.
The kidnapping case in DANGEROUS GAMES had all the making of an episode of the hit TV show 24. Twists, turns, coverups, corruption and more. I was enthralled as we pulled together clues and witnessed a partnership form between O’Conner and Kincaid. The story was well written, and each thread brought us one step closer. Diamond provided suspenseful moments while keeping an air of believability.
Diamond did an excellent job of peeling back the layers of Maggie in this novel. She is quite brilliant and driven to excel based on her traumatic background. There is an overall ARC to the O’Connor & Kincaid series that deals with answers Kincaid is seeking. While the kidnapping case wraps up, we are left with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the release of book two.
Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond was a gripping FBI thriller with a dash of heat. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lover Of Romance
oh I was very curious about this one, and I like that it has many similarities to 24 (one of my favorite TV shows). I definitely will up this one on my list…I love a good thriller romance.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it. I am looking forward to more 🙂
Leona
With a great production behind it and a great narrator this would be an awesome audiobook! I’m not a huge fan of 24 but I do love the storylines that it came up with, so you have definitely grabbed my attention with this review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes this would be good on audio. It is like,24 in its pacing and intensity. If that makes sense.
MarthaE
This does sound good. I like strong romantic suspense. And a book that resolves the current plot but leaves an open character question is an okay cliffhanger. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly. I liked that is has me excited to continue.
JoLee
I love cliffhangers. I know not many are fans of them. I will have to checkout good banter and romantic suspense I enjoy.
kimbacaffeinate
This was the perfect kind, the case wrapped up and we were left with a tidbit involving the overall story arc.
Genesis
Gahhh don’t tell me there’s a cliff hanger! I have this one for review so I was going to start it soon but a cliffie?! I really hope the sequel comes out soon then. I’m so glad it was a good novel since I haven’t really seen reviews for it. Lovely review!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
kimbacaffeinate
It is only in regard to the overall story arc and it was a good one that made me scream..lol
Uma
Romance and suspense together is so awesome! I little worried about the cliffhanger but the story intrigues me all the same! Great helpful review Kimberly! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was the good kind of cliffy Uma.
RO
I’m a sucker for FBI or Secret Agent suspense novels, so this is definitely one I plan to check out. Your review is right on point, as always! Happy Saturday, Kim. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me too and this was a good one Ro.
Jeann
All the twists and turns and the relationship between the two definitely make for an exciting read! Lovely review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jeann, hope your having a good day!
The Bibliophile Babe
Sounds like riveting read!
kimbacaffeinate
It was I am looking forward to book two.
Mary Kirkland
Oh I love the premise for this one. Sounds like a good read.
kimbacaffeinate
It really was. Have a wonderful weekend Mary.
Angela Adams
Lots of good romantic suspense reads on the market lately. Thanks for the post, and have a great weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
One of my favorite genres Angela.
Angie
Great blurb. I do love a good romantic suspense, especially with a heroine who feels she has something to prove.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
She is a tough cookie.
ShootingStarsMag
I do love a good mystery. Thanks for sharing – I hadn’t heard of this one, but it sounds really really good.
-Lauren
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Lauren. I hope you get to try it.
Lampshade Reader
I have this one on my bookshelf waiting for me. Boo on the cliffhanger but yay on it reading like 24! ~Aleen
kimbacaffeinate
The Cliffy has to do with an overall arc question so not too bad, but oh boy it made me want the next book stat.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
Great review! I read this when she independently published this as three separate books and was über impressed by her storytelling. There wasn’t a cliffhanger that I remember but it’s been awhile. I’m thrilled she found a publisher and there’s more to come.
kimbacaffeinate
Very cool, The cliffy has to do with answers the heroine is seeking about the past. If that refreshes your memory.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I love good romantic suspense, and this one sounds like it fills the bill. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too and yes this was well done.
Debbie Haupt
Wow as soon as I saw 4 cups and debut I added this to my wish list then I read your review and it went right on my pile. Thanks to my local book pusher 🙂
But I’m tempted to wait for book two because, cliffhanger, so much waiting 🙂 great review Kim
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..you would enjoy this Debbie. The cliffy hanger is for the overall story arc and made you want the next book but not dying, if ya know what I mean.
Tyler H. Jolley
I love a strong but troubled protagonist. I think this would be a great fit for me.
kimbacaffeinate
I do as well Tyler and love the mix of mystery, suspense and romance
Cyn
I’m always up for some romance suspense! This sounds like great fast-pace read to keep you on your toes! I’ll definitely keep this in mind. Awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get a chance to read it
kindlemom1
Other than the cliffhanger, this does sound like my kind of read. 😉
Have a great weekend Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
The cliffy which left me dying for the next book, has to do with answers the heroine is seeking and I am sure will be an overall story arc.
Sophia Rose
Oh yeah, hostage negotiator and a security expert working a case sounds fab.
kimbacaffeinate
Right! Thanks Sophia.
cindy
This is the book for me! I am always looking for a new author. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you grab it and would love to hear your thoughts.
Silvia
You know I enjoy romantic suspense, and this sounds like a pretty good debut novel! Thanks for reviewing it, I hope it won’t be long before you get to read the next instalment 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Silvia.
blodeuedd
Like I always say, I need to read more suspense
kimbacaffeinate
Yes. I enjoy this genre.
Melliane
Oh that’s nice, it looks like a good new series there! I would be curious to see what you think of the sequel
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melliane, I am looking forward to reading it 🙂
Maureen Beatrice
This sounds like a great read Kimberly. I’m definitely going to add this one to my TBR. It really sounds like this book has it all.. Suspense, romance, action. Awesome!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet. I would love to hear your thoughts if you read it.
Geybie's Book Blog
I love kickass heroines. I think I’m gonna love Maggie but I’m not so sure with the cliffhanger, though.
Awesome review, as always, Kim. Thanks for sharing. I’m gonna wait until the series is complete. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
The cliffhanger has to do with a question the heroine has, so not too bad but oh man did it leave me wanting the next book.
Vanessa
I love suspense especially if there’s romance added to it and this sounds great Kim. Awesome review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, this is one of my favorite genres.