Opal

GEM, Book 1

By: Freya Barker

Narrated by: Maria McCann, James Cassidy

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

GEM agent, Opal’s strengths are adaptation and infiltration. Assigned to go undercover at a youth center when several teenagers disappear, she’s shocked to recognize a ghost of her own traumatic past at the helm. However, her worry for the missing kids is greater than her concern being recognized and she risks her own safety to discover the truth.

To complicate matters, an FBI agent with the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team she’s worked alongside before, shows up conducting his own investigation and almost blows her cover. It takes some convincing, and cooperation is reluctant at first, but the common goal sways them to join forces.

Working together to uncover an organized group of child molesters, they find themselves falling—for each other.
____

GEM: a privately-funded organization operating independently in the search for—and the rescue and recovery of—missing and exploited children. Although at times working in conjunction with law enforcement, GEM aims to ensure the victims receive justice…by whatever means necessary.

©2023 Freya Barker (P)2024 Audion Media

Couldn't Stop Listening!

This series dives right into the dark and dirty world of trafficking with Opal knowing and making it her life’s work to stop as much evil as she can. I loved that Opal was actually seen by the FBI agent but that does put her job in jeopardy because she’s supposed to blend in. When (by the law) FBI agent Mitch meets (living in the gray area operative whose job is to take out bad guys) Opal they fall in love but are investigating the same people it’s going to be an attention grabber for sure. I was totally enthralled in this book and I can’t wait to for the rest to be released to audiobooks. I may have to stop and make time to actually go read the rest of the series.

So good!!!

What a great way to kick off a new series. I absolutely loved this story.
I loved all the different layers to Opal’s character. She was so driven and totally bad ass.
And what can I say about Mitch… Totally hot, FBI agent, from the minute these two meet, you knew you were going to be in for a wild ride.
I absolutely loved the GEM team and this story kept me on the edge of my seat. The mystery and suspense in this one was a home run. I don’t know how Freya does it, everything she writes is better than the last.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Definitely a five star read for me.

Newest Series = Kicka$$ Women Fight for Kids

Freya does it again in the first book of her new series, GEM. Caveat: I’ve already read all three books but I won’t leave spoilers.
Opal, Pearl, and Onxy…. The code names of three women who work outside the law to stop evildoers from praying on innocent kids. They don’t care what influence, money, or position the bad guys hold, they’re going down!!!
And they’ll do what the law won’t.

We meet a new set of sexy FBI agents, single dad, hidden heroes, and the sexiest journalist in this series.

What I love about Freya’s books is that they are definitely ‘page-turners’ though I’m not sure what the term is when it’s audio. LOL. Her characters are real, have real wounds and flaws, but they know right from wrong and will stop at nothing to protect those in need.

Two things I would like to see: I would have liked more details about what Mitch looked like. I struggled to picture him so I ended up picturing a guy from one of her other series. The other would be that her books are tending to go to fade to black. I prefer the heat that the Cedar Creek Series had. Though a good book will overcome these things and Freya’s do.

Those things said, she’s still a one-click for me.
She’s still a “I’m in a book slump; it’s time to read Freya again” author.
Her books stand the test of time and age well.
Her books will take you on an adventure into high stake situations and always deliver the HEA you’re looking for.

PS James Cassidy is dreamy as Mitch. Freya, please use him more often. Loved him!

Charlie's Angels + romance

A new series of strong bada$$ heroine operators fighting for children. Think Charlie's Angels plus a FBI hero plus romance. I did not want to put it down. Opal (aka Kate) and Mitch (single father of a teenage girl) were great characters separately and together. Both characters were older (40s) - which this author does very well. The suspense storyline was incredibly interesting, and I can't wait for the next book.

Both narrators were great but I really loved James Cassidy - he made a great Mitch.

This book got me hook, line, and sinker

This book got me hook, line, and sinker from the start. I only wish life had been more conducive to finishing because it killed me to keep having to set it aside. Freya's new series takes us to the nitty gritty underworld of trafficking and the evils, with characters with depth and intimate knowledge of the darkness. This story grabs your attention and keeps it as two organizations work tirelessly to uncover the truth and take down the bad guys. Edge of your seat suspense, action, danger, and some twists kept me engaged as the puzzle pieces were slotted together. Opal has an awesome background in her careers and is a fierce, independent, strong, and protective woman of missing children, always willing to fight for them. Mitch has seen more than his fair share of the evils also, and is equally protective, making these two perfect for each other. Sparks fly quickly between them, growing unto much more as they fall for each other while hunting for answers. I can't wait for the next in the series! Narration was great, the only minor deal for me was the difference in speed between male and female...I listen to most audios 1.5-2.5x speed these days but James Cassidy talked so much faster than Maria McCann that I had to slow it down after his chapters started...but no big deal!

Great start to a series

This one was a great listen. It was fast paced, great characters and an excellent story. The narrators were superb. Looking forward to the next one to be on audio.

Intriguing and engaging

I'm a huge fan of Freya Barker's work. I don't think I've ever read something of hers I didn't like. However, I think I might have a new favorite! Opal is bad ass, as are her coworkers. Love a strong FMC! Mitch is a great match to her personality. Can't wait for the rest of the series!!

Content warning: this series is about a group (GEM) dedicated to taking down SA offenders, particularly those who prey on children. Nothing is graphic but it is mentioned multiple times.

Steamy action packed thriller!

Audiobook: Narrators - Maria McCann, James Cassidy

Wow! What a steamy, action packed thriller! This narrating duo really brought this couple to life as well as those around them. I was completely captivated by their performance as they pulled me into the story and made me feel a part of it.

I absolutely LOVED Opal and Mitch. They were explosive together as a couple and dangerously lethal to those they hunted. They each had pasts that led them into their line of work and while my heart ached for them, it helped them when confronted with the issues at hand.

This is an intense story and covers crimes of a darker nature. The chemistry between Opal and Mitch sizzles throughout their story. Mixed together, this book was utterly riveting as it captured my attention and refused to let go.

Excellent New Series

Ms Barker has brought us a new series with her signature strong heroines and intricate suspense to keep the pages turning. A subject matter that is all too real in the world today that can be difficult to comprehend and understand. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and couldn't stop listening. The narration was spot on. Definitely recommend!

Wow! I was not expecting this.

I've always enjoyed Freya's brand of romantic suspense but this was something different. It was a cross between SVU and Charlie's Angels with a story that is parallel to current news. Add to it, two new to me fantastic narrators.....this story kept me intrigued from beginning to end.