Rogue Alliance by Michelle Bellon

Title: Rogue Alliance
 
Author: Michelle Bellon

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published Date: November 9, 2012

Buy on Amazon: Paperback & Kindle

Author Website: http://www.michellebellon.com/

Synopsis:

Shyla Ericson escaped a horrific past to start a new life as a tough, sassy cop in the hustle and bustle of LA. She is chosen for the case of a lifetime that will throw her into a world of organized crime, deceit and betrayal. The only problem is; it will take her back to her hometown of Redding, and the bitter reminders of her childhood that haunt her. 

Shyla’s path is about to cross that of Brennan, an unwitting and troubled sidekick to the ringleader she’s intent on taking down; and she is forced to re-evaluate everything she believes about herself, her job, and what she knows about right and wrong. Can she face the demons of her upbringing and learn to trust again? Her life will depend on it.

My Thoughts:

I would like to happily announce that I have found my next reading OBSESSION.  Michelle Bellon's Rogue Alliance: Part One of the Shyla Ericson Series is a novel that caught me totally off guard.  Not knowing what to expect in this novel, I read that Rogue Alliance was described as a sexy chick lit/crime thriller.  This description definitely caught my attention as I'm a fan of romance (with sex) and chick lit.  I have to admit that crime thrillers aren't always my cup of tea, but every now and then I find one that I enjoy (especially if there is some romance mixed in.)  However, I have never read a piece of chick lit that was also a crime thriller, so this aspect intrigued me.  One afternoon when I found myself alone in the house I decided to crack open Rogue Alliance and see what awaited me.  All I can say is, "WOW!"

From the very first page Bellon grabbed my attention.  Rogue Alliance starts with the character of Brennan, an amnesiac man locked up in a secret government institute.  When a man he has never seen before shows up and offers him freedom in exchange for loyalty, Brennan sees no other choice.  Free from his cell and the awful experimentation that he was subjected to, Brennan decides that he owes his new friend all he can give, even if he is a man dealing in illegal activity.

Shyla is a detective in the Federal Agency of Narcotic Control who has a career that is quickly moving upwards.  When she is offered a promotion to go undercover to bring down one of the United States most dangerous drug lords, Shyla jumps at the opportunity.  However, when she finds out that she will have to move back to the hometown she has nightmares about Shyla begins to have doubts.  Having escaped her horrific childhood life after graduation, Shyla never wanted to step foot in Redding again.  Unfortunately, in order to take down Victor, Shyla packs her bags and flies back to the settings of her nightmares with a bottle of tequila glued to her hip.

Rogue Alliance has an extremely fast moving plot, witty dialogue, and unexpected yet much appreciated romance.  Shyla is extremely sarcastic and due to circumstances in her past is uncomfortable with any male attention that comes her way.  She definitely has to change her ways in order worm her way into Victor's good graces and bed.  What she doesn't expect is to feel a connection to Brennan, Victor's stoic and very secretive bodyguard.  As they both try to ignore the spark that is between them, they come to realize that is just might be impossible.  Shyla also finds herself struggling to remain undercover and to keep her head out out of the past in a town that knows her history.  

I really enjoyed Shyla's blossoming relationship with Carmen, a young teenager with a chip on her shoulder and bad home life.  After catching Carmen shoplifting and then rescuing her from a dangerous situation, Shyla finds it hard to ignore the young girl that reminds her so much of herself.  Carmen views Shyla as a true friend and the one person she can count on in a gray world.  Their relationship grows into something beautiful and comical at times.    

I highly recommend Rogue Alliance to all fans of fiction.  This was such a great novel, with many surprising twists and turns.  I can't wait to see what is next for Shyla, Brennan, and Carmen in Michelle Bellon's next novel.  I, for one, will be waiting until the next book in this series comes out!

  

Michelle Bellon

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book, Rogue Alliance, for the purpose of review.