Code Name: Dove

Rating:
Summary: Code Name: Dove Sparks with Mature Themes
Review: After my initial experience with the awful GET BLONDIE Bombshell book, I was understandably reluctant to pick up Code Name: Dove by Judith Leon (aka Judith Hand). The back text indicated another undercover mission, this time featuring heroine Nova Blair. The name stuck in the back of my throat, and the prologue seemed out of place. I understood it was there to establish the daring nature of our heroine, a CIA operative, but it didn't follow-through in the rest of the story. I almost stopped there, then again after the first chapter, but I pushed onward.

The result was a pleasant, engaging surprise. This wasn't a romance, per se. It was 98% action and intrigue as Nova and her partner, Joe Cardone, go undercover to stop a radical environmentalist, known as The Founder, from killing thousands of people in a quest to save the planet. Nova, it seems, needs to seduce a rising German politician, suspected as the mastermind, and in the process, she finds herself growing attached -- and confused about her role. Her background of childhood sexual and physical abuse is deftly woven throughout the narrative, featuring brief flashes of torment without overwhelming or sickening the reader. Various plot twists ensue, with several tense situations and mature themes of manipulation, deceit, and depravity... and an open-ended conclusion that left me wanting for more.

As many other reviewers have noted, there is no romance in this book, but there is sex -- the intimacy between Nova and her focus becomes necessary to the covert operation, which makes the complexity of her situation and feelings all the more attractive to me as a reader. While the affair could be distracting, even unappealing, if one has different morals, what's important is that Nova is established as a capable, complex heroine. I have good feelings that future outings with Nova and Joe will reveal an increasingly sophisticated relationship with a satisfying ending for the couple.

Rating:
Summary: CODE NAME: DOVE AND JUDITH LEON ARE A HIT
Review: As a tried and true romance reader, I must say when Harlequin announced this new Bombshell Line I thought, not for me.

But after reading Judith Leon's CODE NAME: DOVE, well, I am now a true believer. What a wonderful surprise.

Nova Blair is the kind of heroine every woman dreams of becoming. Stong, confident and definitely in control. It's not often that we see women saving the day.

You cannot help but get caught up in the story, along with these complex intriguing characters.

If you are looking for something with a little edge to it, I highly recommend CODE NAME: DOVE.



Mary




Rating:
Summary: Breaks all the rules.
Review: I know that some people hated this book, really truely hated this book. It breaks all of the Romance rules and if a person isn't expecting that, I can see how the plot, as it develops, would be a big sucker-punch about three quarters of the way through. Yet, if a Romance is defined by the theme "love conquers all" then this *is* a Romance... or at least if the reader is willing to accept "love takes the first step" as an acceptable variation.

I thought it was a great story. (I gave it four stars because if I give all the books I really like a five, what do I give the one that blows me away?) I liked Nova and I liked her new partner. The development of their professional relationship was a realistic progression from the unknown to trust. The "spy" elements worked. The bad guys were evil (if you are squeamish, take note). I particularly liked that Nova worked within the structure of an organization... she had bosses, there was an invisible support network that she could draw upon. This is a biggie for me. I really hate it when authors stick their superspy out to hang. I mean... even James Bond has Felix show up, inexplicably, with information or a sea plane when needed. (Felix, right? The more I look at that, the more I'm convinced I'm wrong.) I particularly liked that Nova was a professional and not a "loose gun."

If you're looking for formula romance, pass on by. If you're looking for something that's *not* formula romance, well then, you've found it.

This one is a good one.

Rating:
Summary: Cheers for Bombshell Line
Review: I love reading fast-paced action adventures with strong female leads. Great that Silhouette has this new Bombshell line. I look forward to more adventures with Nova and hopefully her sexy partner Joe next time around.

Rating:
Summary: Action Adventure Spy Novel with Romance Elements
Review: I loved this book! Judith Leon created edgy, complex characters with a mission and impact that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Nova Blair achieved her goal with Jean Paul, but he also effected her in a way that will resonate through future adventures with her partner Joe.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly good!
Review: I was pleasantly surprised by this book after having read DAUGHTER OF DESTINY (2 stars for didn't like) and GET BLONDIE (3 stars for mediocre). I was beginning to believe that the Bombshell series was going to "bomb." But this one is a different matter. By now I guess readers have figured out that these are not typical romance novels. They are more like thrillers. DOVE has a complex plot and interesting characters--a lot more depth than I was expecting. I would read more books with Nova and Joe.

Rating:
Summary: A gritty, fast-paced thriller!
Review: I've been anticipating the arrival of Silhouette's new Bombshell line, and CODE NAME: DOVE is all I expected from this new single title line for a publisher usually synonymous with romance.

Let me warn romance readers that CODE NAME: DOVE is not a romance. It's a story about a stong woman who saves the day. And the heroine, Nova Blair, is a perfect example of the Bombshell heroine.

The strength of Ms. Leon's writing lies in the creations of very complex main characters and a fast-paced plot that is gritty and engrossing. I look forward to more stories with Nova and her partner, Joe.

A romance reader for years, I've been looking for something exciting and different. CODE NAME: DOVE is just that!

Traditional romance readers may find this story to be a bit edgy for their taste, but for the readers looking for a thrilling read, CODE NAME: DOVE is perfect for you!


Rating:
Summary: Fantastic start for the new Bombshell line
Review: If you love female action/adventure (Buffy/Alias/Etc) with a touch of romance, this is a great read. Be forewarned: it is not a traditional romance. It is action/adventure with a fascinating, strong and memorable heroine. And it's edgy. So get ready for a great ride with this compelling page-turner.

I hope we see more of Nova and Joe in the future. I'm also looking forward to the rest of this new line.



Rating:
Summary: engaging espionage romance
Review: The eco-terrorists strike in Alaska and elsewhere. Afterward their leader The Founder tries to blackmail four western governments into "cleaning up" their act or else face further consequences including death in the air, at sea, or on land.

CIA Deputy Director of Operations Price assigns veteran special agent Nova Blair and her partner newcomer, Joe Cardone, to lead the inquiries into who the Founder is. Circumstantial evidence points towards German eco-politician Jean-Paul Konig, head of the Homeland Party and former member of the Greens. As Nova infiltrates Jean-Paul's operation, they begin to fall in love. However, the proof keeps piling on that her beloved is an internationally blackmailing killer and besides even if somehow he is not he would never trust her again once he learns she is CIA to the core.

This engaging espionage romance works on two levels. Besides the obvious spy-counter spy subplot, the conflict between the lead couple adds tension to a taut story line. Nova is a wonderful heroine who in spite of competency and experience has to keep reminding people that she is "more than meets the eye" as she is the lead and her male partner the tyro. Jean-Paul is an enigmatic protagonist who will keep readers guessing whether he is the Founder or the romantic lead.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Not a romance!
Review: Very disappointing book -- no romance to speak of (although there is sex) -- after reading it, I cared little about the characters. Author threw in some disgusting torture scenes - all in all a very bad start to a new series. Not a romance - not a suspense thriller -