Backlash

Dylan continues her Capital Intrigue series (after End Game) with this inspiring tale of a second-chance romance. CIA agent Layla Karam has just returned home to Virginia after partnering with the DEA in Honduras to take down the local Mejia cartel when she is alerted by fellow agent Cass Ruiz that the Mejias are out for revenge. When Layla’s boss sidelines her and she becomes the subject of an inspector general investigation, she realizes that the cartel are not the only ones after her. Hunter McCoy, a private investigator and Layla’s former boyfriend, gets pulled in by the DEA to investigate the team that went on the Honduras operation, to suss out a possible mole and to look into some missing money. Layla is hesitant to work with Hunter, but investigating and fighting to stay alive, the two become close once again, and Layla’s strong faith in God allows Hunter to work through his own doubts about who and how to trust. While the plotting often strains credulity, the neat ending will satisfy inspirational readers. Those who enjoy Dee Henderson’s faith-based thrillers should take a look. (Oct.)