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Secret Weapon

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As Director of Special Projects for a global security firm, Emmy Black is well acquainted with trouble, but she didn’t expect to run into a proverbial nightmare in small-town Oregon. The place is just hills and trees, right? But a quest to help an injured woman soon leaves Emmy fighting for not only her own survival but the lives of many others too.

When Nine came to Baldwin’s Shore, the former member of a Russian hit squad had two goals: to hide and to heal. But someone else has the same idea, and the consequences threaten to upend Nine’s carefully crafted existence. With the appearance of old friends and enemies as well as a madman intent on provoking a war and—most disturbingly—an unfamiliar feeling that might be love, Nine is left with one burning question: can an assassin ever truly retire?

Secret Weapon is a romantic suspense crossover between Blackwood Security and Baldwin's Shore.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2022

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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5 stars
174 (82%)
4 stars
29 (13%)
3 stars
6 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
893 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2022
Non stop romantic thriller

No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is reference to kidnap.
There is a massive amount of swearing, all in proportion to the story, and in various languages so at the very least it's educational.
There are a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
There are no grammatical or editorial errors.
The characterisation is absolutely perfect, and getting Alex's story is so good.
I didn't have the Bad Samaritan down for ***** (read the book) and it took me by surprise until I gave it a bit of thought and then it made perfect sense.
The plotline got a bit tangly and felt a bit forced at times but it all worked out and the book is more than engaging, I couldn't put it down.
I need Nico's story, I would dearly love James's story and of course I have to know more about Victor, and did Rad actually die?
Ms Noble can't write fast enough for me LOL!
If you are a fan of romantic thrillers I have no problem recommending the book but would advise reading from the beginning of the series to obtain the best reading experience.
For me, Blackwood and Baldwin's Shore are automatic buys.
Profile Image for April Kelley.
20 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2022
When two worlds collide....
I've long been a fan of Elise Noble's Blackwood Security series and her new series Baldwin Shores...and so I had been looking forward to Secret Weapon with a great deal of anticipation. And Elise did not disappoint! In Secret Weapon, the worlds of Blackwood Security and Baldwin Shores collide in an epic way. Emmy and company travel to Baldwin Shores and run headlong into trouble and the Bad Samaritan who turns out to be well known to Ana. This book was a roller coaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns and I highly recommend it. The reader will be on the edge of their seats the entire time: the book is full of intrigue, suspense, mystery, an unexpected romance, and snark (some of the dialog between Emmy & Bradley had me laughing out loud). Although the book can be read as a stand alone novel, the reader will enjoy it more after reading Ultra Violet and the three preceding books in the Baldwin Shores series.

I voluntarily read an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leisel.
541 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2022
You know that feeling you get when you've eaten well or had the best piece of (chocolate) dessert? As a non drinker, I couldn't really say best champagne but I think you understand my drift!
That feeling of true contentment and utter joy, well that is exactly how I feel everytime I pick up and read an Elise Noble story, minus the calories but nearly every ache and pain the characters have gone through and believe me there are some real dozzies through this story.
Personally I might just need to say this is my top pick of all of her books and I've only missed one title that seems to be hiding out in a missing TBR file of mine. If I could hire anyone of the Blackwood personnel to find it I'd be pretty ecstatic too.

The beauty of this story, Secret Weapon is one of pure reading joy for several reasons. Firstly, the complexity of the story at how we, the readers got to see cross overs with other storyline plots and characters, including the Baldwin Shore's series and a few other titles that have introduced other significant and interesting characters. It made me realise that this secret weapon really did require the expertise of so many wonderful characters to pull off such a monumental task because deep down it requires an expert team to provide the real experience of high energy that is part and parcel of any Elise Noble book. The other aspect that I always enjoy is that the stories and this one is no exception is about the strong and resilient female heroines that not neccessarily dominant the story but tend to be the ones that outshine throughout. There were quite a few scenarios of investigated work that really left me in tears of laughter and lets just say Tabby is one brilliant young lady I am so eager to see grow up. Yet four year olds can really be quite entertaining in their own right.

As usual I found a wonderful balance throughout of an interesting plot line, mysteries galore, fantastic characters, action with the usual kicks, punches and more. The colourfulness of Bradley and his underrated moments of success and the general good time feeling of good verses bad, plus a new romance or two.

This is easily a book you could pick up and read before having read any other of Elise's works but I think to truly get the best experience it helps to get the 'historical' viewpoint overall.
For those that enjoy the genres of romance, comedy, action, mystery, whodunit and teamwork you would not be disappointed to read this book.

"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book".
Profile Image for Trish Goodgame.
434 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2022
Firstly, I will say that I have read all of Ms Noble's books and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I did hesitate to give this 4 stars instead of 5 stars - 4.5 would be more accurate, only because I was a bit bogged down with trying to keep track of all the characters, particularly all the Russian names. (It could also be because I am going through a bad period of chronic fatigue where my concentration isn't as good?)

While this book can be read on its own, I recommend reading the other Blackwood series and Baldwin's Shore series before reading this book. This will give you a better background understanding of the main characters (who I love). I'd also recommend not trying to read it if you are having difficulty concentrating - or perhaps have a pen and paper ready to note all the characters in the story for reference.

On the plus side, it is always good to read how the story flows, with drama, tension, humour and romance all rolled into one. The characters become so real, each with their own personality traits, that have become so endearing to me over the years of reading Ms Noble's books. I love the way I can immerse myself in the story and escape to another world. (Look out if anyone interrupts me while reading - it infuriates me no end!).

All in all, another great read from this author and I look forward to the next book being written! I highly recommend all books from this author.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. Thank you so much to Elise Noble.
Profile Image for SylviaV.
561 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2022
Secret Weapon by Elise Noble.

The one thing I can always count on when reading a book written by Elise Noble is that it will have a twist and this book is no different. For those of us who have been happy reading each new book in the Blackwood Security series, it was a nice surprise when Elise Noble presented us with a new series, The Baldwin's Shore. This new series did not disappoint and this reader was happy when several characters from the Blackwood Security world popped up in this new series. It is always fun to spend time in the Baldwin's Shore or Blackwood Security worlds; catching up with old friends and being introduced to new characters. There was, however, a mysterious character in Baldwin's Shore that remained anonymous for the past three books and Elise Noble teased the reader with a "Bonus Chapter" after each book.
This book reveals the identity of the Bad Samaritan and the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of intrigue, suspense, skullduggery, mayhem, snark, laugh out loud moments and a surprising romance. A great read.
Secret Weapon follows on from both Buried Secrets and Chimera, but it could be read as a stand-alone book. Be aware that Elise Noble writes for broadminded adults with her books dealing with adult themes and adult language, that may offend some readers. Happy reading.
276 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2022
O my goodness! What a fantastic adventure filled with twists, turns and breathtaking excitement. Once again Emmy finds herself in what she refers to as a proverbial nightmare after following the trail of the African Grey Parrot whose favorite saying is “Don’t shoot, Mike”. The mission ends in California and all seems normal. But she has somehow found herself in a small town in Oregon. Bradley is in shopper mode in a craft store. Alec is off running in a half marathon for charity. Emmy is thinking about relaxing with a massage at the 5 star hotel where they are staying. Ana is doing whatever Ana does. Blackwood Security has landed in Baldwin Shores…home of the bad Samaritan.
Elise Noble weaves a story of danger and intrigue using her unique brand of humor and suspense! Old acquaintances and nemesis are reunited in what turns out to be a memorable adventure.

"I have voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
169 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2022
There's so much in this book! It starts with an explosive first chapter, then the rhythm never slows down, in a rollercoaster of characters, events, and scene changes that glues readers to the pages and entertain them immensely. I was captured and laughing out loud from the very beginning. Not satisfied with fitting most of the Blackwood team into the same book, Ms. Noble manages not only to introduce new characters but to hint at the possibility of unexplored ones. The result is an intense, gripping, very entertaining tale. An excellent book for new readers, Secret Weapon is a fascinating new episode for the series faithful readers. The personalities of the recurring characters evolve, revealing more intriguing sides and nuances. Overall, Secret Weapon is a fascinating, clever, and witty book that can provide excellent entertainment to its readers and will entice their curiosity for the previous and future episodes of the saga.
Profile Image for Suba.
152 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2022
Emmy was in a small town Baldwin shore in Oregon, her glittery assistant Bradley wants to shop on a craft store. The owner of that store is Nine. She was hiding from general and other 6 members of ten. Nine is the bad Samaritan,a vigilante who's making her neighbourhood safe.
When they help a girl from a assailant, they try to solve the case. Emmy was impressed by darla's skills, she's offering her a job.
Nine is reconciling with Alex, she truly want to escape her past and to have a family like ana.
James is asking Emmy for help in a American -russian political game. Blackwood security team is trying to solve the puzzle with the help of Darla. And then retrieves the marshmallow project weapon. When six of ten, illya escapes by taking Hallie as hostage, ana and Darla finishes him off.
After the case, Emmy offers Darla an opportunity to be in Virginia with Alex , and also in Baldwin shore.
My favourite sky is not in this book. I hope to see her in next.
Profile Image for Emma.
35 reviews
June 30, 2022
I need to advise first that I have read all of Elise Nobles books so can cheerfully say I'm a bit biased towards this author.
Secret Weapon is a crossover novel between the Baldwin's Shore and the Blackwood Security series. While you could read this as a standalone I do recommend reading both series in their entirety first. Secret Weapon answers a couple of ongoing questions from both series and opens up some new possibilities for additional stories as well.
While we meet a new character and see Nine's growth we still get to enjoy the ongoing development of known characters as well. If you already read Elise Nobles books I shouldn't need to tell you to go get this one :) If you are new to Elise Noble as stated above I would strongly recommend starting at the beginning so you can fully understand the depth of character that is a cornerstone to Elise's writing.
784 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2022
WOW! Excellent Segway!

Elise Noble, any book of Emmy's or somehow connected always goes by to quickly!
This novel made the transition between Baldwin Shores to Blackwood in an excellent way!
You truly had me convinced Darla was who she seemed. Not much. To discover who she really was totally blew me away.
Now add in the normal chaos that seems to find Emmy, et al, and of course Bradley, it's nonstop insanity.
I'm loved Black didn't find something else he absolutely had to do, as his norm where Emmy's insane situations often are concerned. But I truly loved Nine!
Ana on steroids!
The setting was awesome, the craziness constant causing nothing else being allowed to interrupt my need to read to the finish from the start!
And of course the ending...big bangs and definitely happiness
But, you deliberately led me into Nico's story, the questions?!
Next! Please!

Karen
49 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2022
Baldwin's Shores is quiet small town on the Oregon coast. Surrounded by forest and ocean its a peaceful place to get away and the perfect place to hide from your past. The Bad Samaritan, known as Nine in a past life calls it home.

Emmy Black, the Director of Special Projects for a global security firm, is faced with her worst nightmare. Her assistant Bradley in a well stocked craft store with an equally excited shop assistant. When she gets drawn into the forest by a women's scream her day goes from bad to worse.

A brilliant mix of characters from the Blackwood team and the locals of Baldwin's Shores. The action, adventure and laughs never stop. This story has unpredictable twists and turns, a romantic sub plot and some payback.

This is a stand alone story but your enjoyment and understanding would increase by reading Platinum and the Baldwin's Shores series beforehand.
69 reviews
July 3, 2022
What a roller coaster! Who would have thought that a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere would have so many secrets? This story brings together a whole host of characters from the Blackwood Security team - who are always fun to be around - and adds in a touch of Baldwin's Shore to create an adventure with unexpected surprises, twists and turns that keeps you reading for hours. This is another strong story from Elise Noble, who seems to have more and more fun crafting her larger-than-life characters and their antics. The Bad Samaritan is unveiled, a deadly weapon has to be recovered, and romance is in the air. Don't miss it! This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but is much more enjoyable if you have read the previous stories.
July 5, 2022
Elise never disappoints! This book has been a while in the making because it is a clever and elegant cross-over book with the traditional Blackwood gang (Blackwood Security) and our new friends from Baldwin's Shore. There are some surprises, some neatly tied up cliff hangers from other books, and as always, some emerging storylines. One of my favorite Elise Noble trademarks is her humorous writing style. Sure to be classics from this one - "Empathy of a landmine", "then my brain switched back on", and "acronyms are us".

The main characters share a romance, which is about taking a leap of faith for love - but the book is still mostly about making sure the bad guys get what's coming.

I can hardly wait for the next installments in any of the series.
784 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2022
Secret Weapon is an absolutely fantastic book. It is a Blackwood Security and Baldwin’s Shore crossover so some knowledge of both series could be advantageous but it is not necessary. Emmy just wants to get her and her associates home but as always things don’t exactly go to plan. The characters are simply brilliant as always. The Bad Samaritan is revealed and I am pleased to say I could not have been more wrong! At times the storyline does get a little confusing, especially when trying to keep all the names straight, but it does not detract from the story. Bradley is an absolute joy! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. Elise Noble is an incredible talent and her books are not to be missed.
21 reviews
July 1, 2022
Ohmy goodness!! Im pretty sure this has been my favorite elise noble book! Complete twist i absolutely did NOT see coming from the very beginning!! I love the new characters and also getting to dig into a character that we havent seen much from yet...i mean...we have but we havent.. i love how soo many came together through out the entire book. I didnt want to put it down! And the ending was fabulous! You can tell that you will see these characters again and i can not wait to see where things will go from here! I can only imagine!!

Oh and i got this as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review and i could not be happier about this book!
Profile Image for Siti.
Author 3 books17 followers
July 3, 2022
I LOVE THIS CROSSOVER BOOK!

It has been truly entertaining reading Emmy facing her match with the Bad Samaritan. Equally fun time reading characters from Elise’s other books appearing here. Armand Taylor, NOW you know LOL 😈

The reveal of who the Bad Samaritan is *chef’s kiss*. It’s been a while since I last got caught off-guard by a reveal. Mainly because the Bad Samaritan was never pictured or even hinted anywhere in the previous books as capable of such things! Wow.

(Is the above paragraph a spoiler? No, right? 🤭😂)

As usual, cannot wait to see what else does Elise have in store for us! Keep it up!
42 reviews
July 7, 2022
What an adventure! Secret Weapon was exciting, adventurous, and thrilling. Did I forget to mention hilarious.

Secret Weapon is a crossover story between our favorite gang from Blackwood security and our new favorite team from Baldwin’s Shore. We have been waiting patiently for this story and I am so glad to say it does not disappoint.

Not only did we learn who our Bad Samaritan is but we met some interesting new characters along the way. The reveal was mind blowing!!

Love, love, loved Secret Weapon. I recommend both series if you haven’t met any of the gang. What an amazing ride. I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Tracie Langley.
14 reviews
July 7, 2022
This book is a wow and nail biter from the start! Fantastic character, both new and old. Love the crossover from both Blackwood Security and Baldwin's Shore. It was great to see characters evolve and learn more about a few that have been in the background. Secret Weapon has all the things that make you want to keep coming back for more of Elise's stories; suspense, intrigue, witty and well written dialogue, romance and story lines converge and are wrapped up nicely at the end. So, grab your favorite beverage and snack. Find a comfy spot and enjoy this book. Once you start you aren't going to want to put it down!
Profile Image for QueenBeeQT.
138 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2022
Another Amazing Blackwood Security Book

This series keeps getting better and better! I am totally wrapped up in these characters as if they were my friends. The plot twists are fantastic and take me by surprise. A sprinkle of romance, a dash of sex, and some language make this book feel like it could actually happen in real life.

Most of Elise Noble’s books can be read as a standalone and Secret Weapon is no different; however, this book does have some major spoilers for other books. I highly recommend that you read this series in order, but if you don’t want spoilers make sure you read Ultraviolet & The Baldwin Shores Series first. You will thank me later!
Profile Image for Noel.
12 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2022
Russian intrigue abounds in this new book by Elise Noble. It ties into other series of hers but can still be understood without reading the others first. It’s a complex action thriller with a touch of romance and a few laughs. Elise plummets us into her world with every new book. Her books should really be a Tv series. I feel like if they could stay true to the books it might never end. There are so many characters in the novels that tie together, that I feel I could go back and read them again and again and still not remember them all. I love it!
9 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2022
Wow!! What a ride!! Twist I never could have imagined revealed right off the bat!! This was a gripping, exciting and of course hilarious at moments book! Elise does an amazing job blending the two series together as well as the characters!! Just adding to the family of characters we love!! I would pay good money to see a particular scene acted out on screen!! I spit my drink laughing while reading it! If you want great action, drama, laughter, love and some steam this is a great book and series to follow!
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2022
Secret Weapon by Elise Noble

This is the crossover you’ve been waiting for and definitely need.
An absolutely captivating storyline with a plot twist I didn’t see coming.
The characters were enigmatic and exceptionally intriguing and the story was gripping, action packed and entertaining as always.
You’ll join the Blackwood Security team on a enthralling journey led by the phenomenal Emmy and Black duo. Dive in feet first and you will not be disappointed.

This is a continuation of Baldwin’s Shore series and Blackwood Security series so I recommend reading these first.
22 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
I always love Elise’s books, and this one did not disappoint! I was ecstatic to read this crossover book that incorporates some of my favorites of Blackwood and my new friends in Baldwin Shores! I would
Have never guessed in a million years who the “bad Samaritan” was, but now it all makes sense! As always I love the twist and turns and action but overall I’m a sucker for a love story and this did not disappoint! Always love learning more about the background of our friends in Blackwood, can’t wait to see where this new friendships lead!
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for Sandra.
388 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
I'm familiar with both the Blackwood and the Baldwin's Shore series so learning more about Darla sure was fun and absolutely unexpected. Emmy visits Baldwin's Shore and Bradley drags her into Darla's craft shop when they hear a scream and a bloody dog runs into the shop. Emmy and Ana follow the scream into the woods and discover a massively surprise as well as a hurt redhead who's mystery brings on a new case. We also learn who the Bad Samaritan is - but no spoilers from me.

This is my honest review for the advanced copy of this ebook I got from the author for free. Thanks Elise 😊
Profile Image for Kenisha Lewis.
42 reviews
June 28, 2022
This book is one of the main reasons I loooooove Elise Noble!!!!!! She has brought Baldwin Shores Chimera and Ultra Violet bits and pieces into this one book and it all made soooooo much sense. If you want answers and an oohmygosh!!! moment than this is the book to read questions answered and you still wont believe your own eyes. A most read if you wanna learn a little more about a few characters in all the books mentioned above.
40 reviews
July 7, 2022
Just as awesome as expected - the crossover book between Baldwin’s Shore and Blackwood is absolutely fantastic!
So many hilarious moments, dialogue and comments that I continually found my self laughing out loud while reading (including in the doctors waiting room which earned me some sceptical glances..)
Every time I thought I found my favourite part, another genius description/dialogue/comment/action/plot twist came along and now by the end of it - I just do not know what to choose - I just love it all too much!

It’s got all the usual awesomeness from Elise’s mind - great plot, amazing characters, plenty of suspense and plot twist, spiced with a little bit of unexpected love.

I’ve read the book twice before writing this review and another thing I must point out is Elise Nobles attention to detail - something you might not notice the first time you read a book (when you’re busy devouring the story) but on the subsequent reads it becomes apparent that nothing is incidental! 

Writing this review without accidentally giving a spoiler is tricky as it is definitely a “spoiler” book - if you haven’t read the first 4 books in Baldwin’s Shore or Ultraviolet- then do so for your own sake before reading this one! But of course it can be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Whitney.
719 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2022
I was so excited to find out who the "bad Samaritan" was and boy did it deliver! This is technically a stand alone book but to get the best reading experience you should read ultraviolet, Trouble in paradise, and the Baldwin shores series. Trust me they are all so good you won't regret it. As usual this book is another great by Elise Noble. I don't want to spill too much about the book because it is chalk full of twists, turns, and brain blowing moments. Plus a little smut mixed it lol. Enjoy!
*I was given an ARC by the author for my honest review.*
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
401 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2022
Excellent story!

This book blew me away! I absolutely loved it! It was great to get some long awaited answers and gain insight on other characters we have been reading about for a while. This is one of those stories where it is difficult to express just how fantastic the story was without giving spoilers, so I will just say this is a must read. You should read the Baldwin Shore series before this book as well as Chimera for full enjoyment of this book.
2,284 reviews13 followers
June 30, 2022
I love when two worlds collide. In this case Blackwood and Baldwins shore. As always with Ms Noble you’re never quite sure what to expect, this book was no different. We’re introduced to Nine and as with a lot of her books this author keeps you guessing right the way thro the story. The intrigue the drama and the suspense were expertly done. I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last. I won’t give more details as it will spoil others enjoyment of a truly awesome story.
Profile Image for Missy .
67 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2022
Not at all what I was thinking would happen. This was a normal suspenseful and entertaining read, with a twist and pulled in Baldwin Shore as well!
I am not sure how Elise is able to tie everything together so eloquently but glad I was able to read!

I received an advanced copy in exchanged for my review.
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