Code Name: Dove

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.

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

What a fast-moving adventure! I couldn't put the book down. It's not the usual Harlequin or Silhouette romance. It's much more intense, full of suspense and intrigue: a plot to take over control of key world politicians through mind-altering drugs, eco-idealists, eco-terrorists who want to save planet at whatever cost to human life, incest, young women kidnaped to live out the torture that provide the theme for violent works of art by a mad sculptor. Just when you think you have it figured out, there's another twist to the story. The heroine, Nova Blair, is an independent woman, a linguist who can move easily on three continents. An extraordinary green-eyed beauty, fearless, ambitious, who also happens to be a top CIA agent. She has been able to use her charms on men as a spy for the CIA. But when she falls in love with the person she is supposed to be investigating she is torn between her duty and her new-found feelings. Feelings she was sure were never going to be hers because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather. But now that those long-buried feelings have been awakened, will her investigation prove that her lover is innocent, or is he the sadistic, insane eco-terrorist that the CIA is looking for? And will she find out the truth while there is still time? Before she will have to kill him to save her own life. Can't wait to see the movie.

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.

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