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Black Ops Inc. #7
Last Man Standing
The final "powerfully intense" (Romantic Times) Black Ops, Inc. novel from New York Times bestseller Cindy Gerard, featuring a covert private security team and electrifying romantic suspense.
Black Ops, Inc. operative Joe Green is determined to bring to justice the man responsible for former team member Bryan Tompkins's death. He's convinced the ambush that killed Bryan was no coincidence, but a setup. Unsure of the consequences of the battle he's about to start, Joe distances himself from both his Black Ops, Inc. team members and the woman he loves, Bryan's sister, Stephanie Tompkins. But Stephanie knows there must be some reason Joe broke it off, and when she hears Joe's charged with a murder in Sierra Leone, she wastes no time in breaking him out of prison. Then they must unravel the mystery behind the ambush, and bring resolution to a long-ago betrayal.
Black Ops, Inc. operative Joe Green is determined to bring to justice the man responsible for former team member Bryan Tompkins's death. He's convinced the ambush that killed Bryan was no coincidence, but a setup. Unsure of the consequences of the battle he's about to start, Joe distances himself from both his Black Ops, Inc. team members and the woman he loves, Bryan's sister, Stephanie Tompkins. But Stephanie knows there must be some reason Joe broke it off, and when she hears Joe's charged with a murder in Sierra Leone, she wastes no time in breaking him out of prison. Then they must unravel the mystery behind the ambush, and bring resolution to a long-ago betrayal.
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
118 people are currently reading
2085 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Gerard
156 books1,622 followersThe only thing Cindy had in mind when she started writing her first book was finishing it. The issue of actually selling it came much later. Only after she made that life-altering first sale did she realize that one book would never be enough. Now, over 20 books and numerous awards later, Cindy laughingly admits that she can barely remember life before...well, was there life before writing?
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
February 7, 2012
This is the 7th and final book of what turned out to be one of the most consistently excellent RS series I think I've ever read. Not a bad book in the whole Black Ops series (and yes, you must read in order and you'd be wise to read at least the last book in the Bodyguards series first --Into the Dark--or you're going to be lost...). Anyhow, Cindy Gerard fills each story with just the right blend of adventure to exotic, dangerous locales, fingernail biting suspense, ruthless bad guys, snatched-from-the-headlines plots, hot romance, and perhaps most importantly---a cast of characters (both male and female) that you will absolutely fall in love with! Yes I will admit that no one has been able to top Johnny Duane Reed and Crystal Debrowski ( Whisper No Lies), but I love all the sexy, alpha BOIs and their women--no slouches in the whole lot.
This is "Mean Joe" Green and Stephanie Tompkins's story, and we've been waiting to see how this one played out for a while. Joe and Stephanie have had a relationship through a couple of books now (Joe is former CIA and knew Steph's older brother Bryan (as well as the other BOIs) when they worked together on the same op 15 years ago. They were ambushed on the op in Sierra Leone and Bryan ended up dying. Joe has always felt guilt over Bryan's death, wondering if somehow he could've prevented it. Recently Joe has had some suspicions about the nature of that ambush, and wonders if the whole team wasn't set up and all of them were targeted to be killed. But why? Had they gotten too close to someone or something that was to remain hidden? Joe vows to get to the bottom of it, thinks he knows who may have been behind it, and if it turns out to be what he thinks, he doesn't want Steph or her family to get caught in the crossfire. Of course he does what a typical alpha with a giant protective streak does-- Off to Sierra Leone he goes, digging around and asking questions...until someone gets wise to him and decides to stop him. Joe ends up in a Sierra Leone prison, condemned to die, with no one aware of what's happened to him. Until Stephanie decides she will not accept Joe's declaration that their relationship is over, and with a little help from her girlfriend Rhonda (a fellow cryptologist in NSA's Signals Intelligence Division) she finds out that Joe is being held in Sierra Leone, framed for a murder he didn't commit. Despite how he left their relationship, Stephanie vows that she will break the man she loves out of that hell-hole (with a more than a little help from a young teenage boy who owes Joe a 'debt'), some way, somehow.
I think I'll preview the rest in pictures...
Joe...a big tough alpha with a sensitive side, and suffering from survivor's guilt. Will he finally open up to Stephanie and share his burdens?...
Stephanie...she's a lot stronger than she (and Joe) thinks, and comes into her own in this story...
Joe ends up near death in a brutal Sierra Leone prison...
Stephanie gets aid from an unusual source...
A daring escape is made through the streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone...
Mike "Primetime" Brown and his evasive piloting skills are needed...
As they get close to nailing the ruthless bad guy, Joe and Steph race to save the lives of their loved ones, holed up in a remote cabin...
...in the middle of a snowstorm. Calling on Mike's skills as a pilot once again...
Guns will make too much noise...maybe we can use a compound bow (just like 'Rambo'!)...
Well, enough of the pics. You get the idea. There's more than a few suspenseful moments in this one, a couple of hot romantic scenes, and a lot of growth from the characters. Stephanie turns out to be a strong, resourceful woman, not content to be passive anymore in her relationship with Joe. Although it would pain her deeply, she's willing to walk away if she doesn't get what she needs from Joe. And once Joe deals with his demons, he's finally able to be the man that Steph deserves and needs. I liked and admired both these characters, and enjoyed the give and take in their relationship. Needless to say they were hot together, in a very sensual, loving way. Since they already loved each other, this was a different type of romance. You didn't see them falling in love, but rather working through their relationship, growing and sharing and and becoming true partners. I especially loved when Joe finally opened up to Stephanie and revealed a big secret from his past that had haunted him all his life...
Now the BOIs were largely absent in this one, but we do get a nice set-up for the next spin-off series featuring former Navy pilot Mike Brown. Mike is this drop-dead gorgeous, charismatic guy, and I'm wondering what kind of woman will be able to win his heart. He also has a younger brother (Ty) who we are introduced to, and already it looks like Ty might have made a connection with one of the minor characters in this story...? I like the easy camaraderie they had with Joe (and Steph). Seems like CG will be able to work them into their new series with ease.
And if you want an epilogue, Ms. Gerard wisely gives the reader a big fat, juicy one, and includes all the characters, and their spouses and kids. The BOIs get together and rag on each other, and one of the boys is in for a 'big' surprise (tell me you didn't see it coming). All of it is very satisfying, but made me kind of melancholy. I know we haven't seen the last of this group, but they will no longer be front and center. It was a wonderful ride through 7 exciting books, but I'm ready to move on and give Mike Brown his chance--this guy oozes charm, confidence, and sex appeal, but you know some woman is bound to bring him to his knees. For this final chapter? 4 1/2 stars
This is "Mean Joe" Green and Stephanie Tompkins's story, and we've been waiting to see how this one played out for a while. Joe and Stephanie have had a relationship through a couple of books now (Joe is former CIA and knew Steph's older brother Bryan (as well as the other BOIs) when they worked together on the same op 15 years ago. They were ambushed on the op in Sierra Leone and Bryan ended up dying. Joe has always felt guilt over Bryan's death, wondering if somehow he could've prevented it. Recently Joe has had some suspicions about the nature of that ambush, and wonders if the whole team wasn't set up and all of them were targeted to be killed. But why? Had they gotten too close to someone or something that was to remain hidden? Joe vows to get to the bottom of it, thinks he knows who may have been behind it, and if it turns out to be what he thinks, he doesn't want Steph or her family to get caught in the crossfire. Of course he does what a typical alpha with a giant protective streak does-- Off to Sierra Leone he goes, digging around and asking questions...until someone gets wise to him and decides to stop him. Joe ends up in a Sierra Leone prison, condemned to die, with no one aware of what's happened to him. Until Stephanie decides she will not accept Joe's declaration that their relationship is over, and with a little help from her girlfriend Rhonda (a fellow cryptologist in NSA's Signals Intelligence Division) she finds out that Joe is being held in Sierra Leone, framed for a murder he didn't commit. Despite how he left their relationship, Stephanie vows that she will break the man she loves out of that hell-hole (with a more than a little help from a young teenage boy who owes Joe a 'debt'), some way, somehow.
I think I'll preview the rest in pictures...
Joe...a big tough alpha with a sensitive side, and suffering from survivor's guilt. Will he finally open up to Stephanie and share his burdens?...
Stephanie...she's a lot stronger than she (and Joe) thinks, and comes into her own in this story...
Joe ends up near death in a brutal Sierra Leone prison...
Stephanie gets aid from an unusual source...
A daring escape is made through the streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone...
Mike "Primetime" Brown and his evasive piloting skills are needed...
As they get close to nailing the ruthless bad guy, Joe and Steph race to save the lives of their loved ones, holed up in a remote cabin...
...in the middle of a snowstorm. Calling on Mike's skills as a pilot once again...
Guns will make too much noise...maybe we can use a compound bow (just like 'Rambo'!)...
Well, enough of the pics. You get the idea. There's more than a few suspenseful moments in this one, a couple of hot romantic scenes, and a lot of growth from the characters. Stephanie turns out to be a strong, resourceful woman, not content to be passive anymore in her relationship with Joe. Although it would pain her deeply, she's willing to walk away if she doesn't get what she needs from Joe. And once Joe deals with his demons, he's finally able to be the man that Steph deserves and needs. I liked and admired both these characters, and enjoyed the give and take in their relationship. Needless to say they were hot together, in a very sensual, loving way. Since they already loved each other, this was a different type of romance. You didn't see them falling in love, but rather working through their relationship, growing and sharing and and becoming true partners. I especially loved when Joe finally opened up to Stephanie and revealed a big secret from his past that had haunted him all his life...
Now the BOIs were largely absent in this one, but we do get a nice set-up for the next spin-off series featuring former Navy pilot Mike Brown. Mike is this drop-dead gorgeous, charismatic guy, and I'm wondering what kind of woman will be able to win his heart. He also has a younger brother (Ty) who we are introduced to, and already it looks like Ty might have made a connection with one of the minor characters in this story...? I like the easy camaraderie they had with Joe (and Steph). Seems like CG will be able to work them into their new series with ease.
And if you want an epilogue, Ms. Gerard wisely gives the reader a big fat, juicy one, and includes all the characters, and their spouses and kids. The BOIs get together and rag on each other, and one of the boys is in for a 'big' surprise (tell me you didn't see it coming). All of it is very satisfying, but made me kind of melancholy. I know we haven't seen the last of this group, but they will no longer be front and center. It was a wonderful ride through 7 exciting books, but I'm ready to move on and give Mike Brown his chance--this guy oozes charm, confidence, and sex appeal, but you know some woman is bound to bring him to his knees. For this final chapter? 4 1/2 stars
March 31, 2012
Opening Line: "Joe Green was as good as dead."
How freakin good was this? It was like I’d been on a diet and then with great anticipation sat down and ate the most satisfying, delicious, fulfilling meal I’d had in ages. Of course this meal also came with remorse because now it’s over and back to my diet of mediocre romantic suspense again. Not much in this genre comes close Cindy Gerard’s BOI’s for me, I have loved each and every book in the series and to then finish with Joe’s story… well he definitely is desert.
And anyone with a soft spot for the tortured hero had better sit down because Special Operative Joe Green will grab your heart and squeeze until the very last pages. Ah yes the vigilante hero, is there anything more heartbreaking then a man willing to risk everything?
Sadly this is the 7th and last book from Gerard’s fantastic Black Op’s Inc series. I’d have a tough time picking a favourite among them; Fast paced, super sexy and filled with action, adventure, exotic locations and top notch writing, you really can’t go wrong, I would recommend however you start at the beginning. (Show No Mercy) Speaking of which, I loved the fact that this book took us back to events started there, in affect creating a story arc and tying up all the loose ends.
I guess my only real disappointment would have to be that we didn’t get to see more (any/some) of our BOI’S within this story. LAST MAN STANDING is all about Joe and Stephanie, not that the plot suffers for it or anything but I missed the banter. With the introduction of Navy pilot Mike ”Primetime” Brown I did get some of what I was missing though and I’m sure looking forward to his book from Gerard’s as yet unnamed new series.
“Mean” Joe Green has gone vigilante, completely off the grid he’s cut himself off from everyone including long time love Stephanie Tompkins, breaking both of their heats (and mine) in the process. Joe is on a mission of vengeance, back in Sierra Leone he’s seeking out information on the man responsible for his team mates death in a supposed ambush years ago. He’d meant to protect Stephanie from this hell but when he’s falsely imprisoned for the death of a priest, and with his team on blackout status, she’s the only one left who has his back.
For a month Joe is beaten starved and tortured, he’s half way to dead by the time the last person on earth he wants to see shows up in in Freetown to rescue him. But with no military training how is sweet and gentle Stephanie ever going to break him out of of this hellhole?
I want to read this all over again just writing the summery. The opening chapters are so good. Stephanie turned out to be a real surprise, I mean she doesn’t suddenly turn into Rambo or anything but she did have me believing she was capable of just about anything and for quite a while wore the pants in this relationship. Men can be so dumb. The romance, sigh. I loved this couple. I loved that Joe and Stephanie were already together so this was a different sort of romance, not all butterflies and new love but a couple working through things and really seeing who the other is.
“She looked not like a woman who needed a man like Joe Green to complete her life, but like a woman who could damn well complete his.”
I can’t say enough good things about this series, it captured me from book 1 and has never let go. Each instalment is excellent; with hot alpha men falling hard for their lady loves. These BOI’s are funny, endearing, good in bed and manage to give us quite a few sigh worthy moments while still packing a big gun and kicking major ass. The storylines are always exciting, expertly written and with a nice balance between the action and romance. I never find myself going “yeah right” with this series it’s just always amazing. Cheers
How freakin good was this? It was like I’d been on a diet and then with great anticipation sat down and ate the most satisfying, delicious, fulfilling meal I’d had in ages. Of course this meal also came with remorse because now it’s over and back to my diet of mediocre romantic suspense again. Not much in this genre comes close Cindy Gerard’s BOI’s for me, I have loved each and every book in the series and to then finish with Joe’s story… well he definitely is desert.
And anyone with a soft spot for the tortured hero had better sit down because Special Operative Joe Green will grab your heart and squeeze until the very last pages. Ah yes the vigilante hero, is there anything more heartbreaking then a man willing to risk everything?
Sadly this is the 7th and last book from Gerard’s fantastic Black Op’s Inc series. I’d have a tough time picking a favourite among them; Fast paced, super sexy and filled with action, adventure, exotic locations and top notch writing, you really can’t go wrong, I would recommend however you start at the beginning. (Show No Mercy) Speaking of which, I loved the fact that this book took us back to events started there, in affect creating a story arc and tying up all the loose ends.
I guess my only real disappointment would have to be that we didn’t get to see more (any/some) of our BOI’S within this story. LAST MAN STANDING is all about Joe and Stephanie, not that the plot suffers for it or anything but I missed the banter. With the introduction of Navy pilot Mike ”Primetime” Brown I did get some of what I was missing though and I’m sure looking forward to his book from Gerard’s as yet unnamed new series.
“Mean” Joe Green has gone vigilante, completely off the grid he’s cut himself off from everyone including long time love Stephanie Tompkins, breaking both of their heats (and mine) in the process. Joe is on a mission of vengeance, back in Sierra Leone he’s seeking out information on the man responsible for his team mates death in a supposed ambush years ago. He’d meant to protect Stephanie from this hell but when he’s falsely imprisoned for the death of a priest, and with his team on blackout status, she’s the only one left who has his back.
For a month Joe is beaten starved and tortured, he’s half way to dead by the time the last person on earth he wants to see shows up in in Freetown to rescue him. But with no military training how is sweet and gentle Stephanie ever going to break him out of of this hellhole?
I want to read this all over again just writing the summery. The opening chapters are so good. Stephanie turned out to be a real surprise, I mean she doesn’t suddenly turn into Rambo or anything but she did have me believing she was capable of just about anything and for quite a while wore the pants in this relationship. Men can be so dumb. The romance, sigh. I loved this couple. I loved that Joe and Stephanie were already together so this was a different sort of romance, not all butterflies and new love but a couple working through things and really seeing who the other is.
“She looked not like a woman who needed a man like Joe Green to complete her life, but like a woman who could damn well complete his.”
I can’t say enough good things about this series, it captured me from book 1 and has never let go. Each instalment is excellent; with hot alpha men falling hard for their lady loves. These BOI’s are funny, endearing, good in bed and manage to give us quite a few sigh worthy moments while still packing a big gun and kicking major ass. The storylines are always exciting, expertly written and with a nice balance between the action and romance. I never find myself going “yeah right” with this series it’s just always amazing. Cheers
November 22, 2017
BOI operative Joe Green and NSA cryptologist Stephanie Tompkins have been in a committed relationship now for two years. However, for some time, Joe has been distancing himself from not only her but his BOI teammates. Now he’s disappeared into Sierra Leone, searching for evidence to confirm the identity of the person he believes responsible for the ambush on the Task Force Mercy team 15-years ago. Stephanie’s brother, Bryan, was killed in that skirmish so Joe has added incentive to avenge his death.
We saw this coming in the last story so I was prepared for a tough and exciting experience and that I got! It was emotionally draining on several fronts, including Joe’s stubbornness in trying to protect Stephanie, who quite frankly didn’t need it. One of the best aspects of this book was her emergence as a force to be reckoned with. She comes from strong stock but in this story, she comes into her own. Suffice it to say, Stephanie is the true hero here, using her head every step of the way. She was just great.
I know there is a really short novella that follows but this is the true ending for the series and it was the best way to conclude. Joe was the last man standing on the team who hadn’t found his center and he was given the perfect farewell. He deserves someone like Stephanie and she him. I didn’t understand their pairing initially but got how well suited they are. I loved this series and this was a great ending. However, it also set up the spin off series, One-Eyed Jacks nicely and we haven’t seen the last of this group.
We saw this coming in the last story so I was prepared for a tough and exciting experience and that I got! It was emotionally draining on several fronts, including Joe’s stubbornness in trying to protect Stephanie, who quite frankly didn’t need it. One of the best aspects of this book was her emergence as a force to be reckoned with. She comes from strong stock but in this story, she comes into her own. Suffice it to say, Stephanie is the true hero here, using her head every step of the way. She was just great.
I know there is a really short novella that follows but this is the true ending for the series and it was the best way to conclude. Joe was the last man standing on the team who hadn’t found his center and he was given the perfect farewell. He deserves someone like Stephanie and she him. I didn’t understand their pairing initially but got how well suited they are. I loved this series and this was a great ending. However, it also set up the spin off series, One-Eyed Jacks nicely and we haven’t seen the last of this group.
October 31, 2017
After years of believing that his teammate's death was a set-up, Joe Green has finally discovered who was behind it. Not wanting to drag his lover, Stephanie Tompkins, into danger, Joe heads to Sierra Leone to find evidence of the crime. But his hunt is cut short when he is thrown into prison for murder. Stephanie couldn't believe it when Joe told her he didn't love her. She knew he was lying, but didn't know why. When she discovers that Joe has been lingering in prison for weeks, she knows she has to help him out of the mess he is in.
This is the last full-sized book in Cindy Gerard's Black Ops, Inc. series. We've seen both Stephanie and Joe throughout the series. I figured their book would be the best of the bunch. Well, it was good but not great. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. I liked the new take-charge Stephanie. She's been hanging around the Black Ops guys for so long, she's starting to think like them. Joe was an all-around nice guy who needed smacked for dumping his girlfriend for her own good. Really? He couldn't just tell her the truth? I did enjoy the addition of a former RUF fighter who helps them out of a jam. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the last full-sized book in Cindy Gerard's Black Ops, Inc. series. We've seen both Stephanie and Joe throughout the series. I figured their book would be the best of the bunch. Well, it was good but not great. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. I liked the new take-charge Stephanie. She's been hanging around the Black Ops guys for so long, she's starting to think like them. Joe was an all-around nice guy who needed smacked for dumping his girlfriend for her own good. Really? He couldn't just tell her the truth? I did enjoy the addition of a former RUF fighter who helps them out of a jam. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 2, 2012
4.5 stars.
I'm going to miss these BOI, men who have grown on me throughout the series.
That being said it was a great ending to a fantastic series. It was not as action packed as the rest of the other books, but there was romance. "Mean Joe" Green and Stephanie, who I thought kicked some "major butt", are a great couple.
The only bad thing I could say about this book, is that I would have liked to have seen more of Primetime Mike. All in all, I enjoyed it. Great Epilogue too.
I'm going to miss these BOI, men who have grown on me throughout the series.
That being said it was a great ending to a fantastic series. It was not as action packed as the rest of the other books, but there was romance. "Mean Joe" Green and Stephanie, who I thought kicked some "major butt", are a great couple.
The only bad thing I could say about this book, is that I would have liked to have seen more of Primetime Mike. All in all, I enjoyed it. Great Epilogue too.
March 28, 2012
4.5 stars
Above is exactly what I was like for the vast majority of this book - biting my fingernails, while rocking in the fetal position. Yes another suspense filled story of awesomeness from Cindy Gerard.
I'm really sad to see this series end. I'm not sure how Cindy would have held her emotions together while typing 'The End' on this one. The whole series has been truly fantastic. I found another author to stalk and fell in love with a large group of imaginary people - men and women.
Cindy has never disappointed me in her writing style. She is always smooth, clear and precise, making the read an extremely enjoyable and easy experience. 'Last Man Standing' was no exception.
Joe was tortured to the point where I wanted to cradle my book (still in the fetal position) and croon, saying 'everything will be alright baby. Just hang in there.' And Stephanie was a kick ass heroine. They were perfect together and finished this series off nicely.
I'm not going to complain because to be honest I have no right. I have definitely received my moneys worth in this series. For the few mere dollars to buy each book, they touched me and kept me entertained in a way I will never forget. The only thing I will say is that I missed the BOI's like hell in this book. I understand the reason for not having them play a part, but by God did I miss their sarcastic humor and alpha male goodness.
Now it is with great, heart clenching sadness that I say farewell to the BOI's (and girls). I can't say enough how much I love you guys. The epilogue had me in tears - and I'm definitely not one of those blubbering, girlie-girls that cries in books. Look after your women and stay safe. I will miss you.
Above is exactly what I was like for the vast majority of this book - biting my fingernails, while rocking in the fetal position. Yes another suspense filled story of awesomeness from Cindy Gerard.
I'm really sad to see this series end. I'm not sure how Cindy would have held her emotions together while typing 'The End' on this one. The whole series has been truly fantastic. I found another author to stalk and fell in love with a large group of imaginary people - men and women.
Cindy has never disappointed me in her writing style. She is always smooth, clear and precise, making the read an extremely enjoyable and easy experience. 'Last Man Standing' was no exception.
Joe was tortured to the point where I wanted to cradle my book (still in the fetal position) and croon, saying 'everything will be alright baby. Just hang in there.' And Stephanie was a kick ass heroine. They were perfect together and finished this series off nicely.
I'm not going to complain because to be honest I have no right. I have definitely received my moneys worth in this series. For the few mere dollars to buy each book, they touched me and kept me entertained in a way I will never forget. The only thing I will say is that I missed the BOI's like hell in this book. I understand the reason for not having them play a part, but by God did I miss their sarcastic humor and alpha male goodness.
Now it is with great, heart clenching sadness that I say farewell to the BOI's (and girls). I can't say enough how much I love you guys. The epilogue had me in tears - and I'm definitely not one of those blubbering, girlie-girls that cries in books. Look after your women and stay safe. I will miss you.
August 18, 2017
I LOVED IT.
I was a bit apprehensive reading about Joe as we hadn't really been given too much information about him over the series and I wondered if I was gonna like him. I have said in the previous comments that the impression I had of Joe was that he resembled the incredible hulk only not green :)I don't think that impression has changed much....maybe not quite so big ;)
It turned out that I loved Joe - his nickname was 'Mean Joe Green' but there was nothing mean about him at all - he was a gentle giant who had suffered a tradegy as a teenager and bought that pain into his adulthood but of course being in the military he did the traditional thing of sucking it up and dealing with it himself instead of talking and letting those emotions out.....I am glad that he found Stephanie and could finally trust her with that past and his pain.
It was a great ending to the series and I have to say that I am very sad about that as I will miss those boys and their ladies. I would have liked to see more of them and seen them all in action together in this last book but we only really had a glimpse of them in the epilogue.
Ms Gerard is currently working on a new series 'One Eyed Jacks' and I am very much looking forward to it.
I was a bit apprehensive reading about Joe as we hadn't really been given too much information about him over the series and I wondered if I was gonna like him. I have said in the previous comments that the impression I had of Joe was that he resembled the incredible hulk only not green :)I don't think that impression has changed much....maybe not quite so big ;)
It turned out that I loved Joe - his nickname was 'Mean Joe Green' but there was nothing mean about him at all - he was a gentle giant who had suffered a tradegy as a teenager and bought that pain into his adulthood but of course being in the military he did the traditional thing of sucking it up and dealing with it himself instead of talking and letting those emotions out.....I am glad that he found Stephanie and could finally trust her with that past and his pain.
It was a great ending to the series and I have to say that I am very sad about that as I will miss those boys and their ladies. I would have liked to see more of them and seen them all in action together in this last book but we only really had a glimpse of them in the epilogue.
Ms Gerard is currently working on a new series 'One Eyed Jacks' and I am very much looking forward to it.
March 8, 2012
What an end to the BOI series, I loved it. I loved Joe even his twisted sense of keeping Steph protected by leaving her & most of all I love Stephanie, she really became stronger and kick-ass over the course of the book.
I liked how she decided that she would no longer let things progress at Joe's time-table and instead demand that he open up to her. She not only saves him from prison instead she is resourceful enough to keep them hidden and get them out and then out the man who had a hand in getting her brother killed.
Bravo for strong heroine's. I also loved the glimpse of Mike's book.
I liked how she decided that she would no longer let things progress at Joe's time-table and instead demand that he open up to her. She not only saves him from prison instead she is resourceful enough to keep them hidden and get them out and then out the man who had a hand in getting her brother killed.
Bravo for strong heroine's. I also loved the glimpse of Mike's book.
January 2, 2017
*3,5 stars*
This is the book I liked the least in the series.
I loved the plot and how it brings us back to the very beginning of the BOI creation, as well as Stephanie who was a great heroine, but I couldn't really connect with Joe.
Also, the plot of the book started in With No Remorse and I didn't understand why there is a year gap in between.
Here again, the BOI guys were nothing but awesome and I can't wait to read Mike "Primetime" Brown's book. *le sigh*
This is the book I liked the least in the series.
I loved the plot and how it brings us back to the very beginning of the BOI creation, as well as Stephanie who was a great heroine, but I couldn't really connect with Joe.
Also, the plot of the book started in With No Remorse and I didn't understand why there is a year gap in between.
Here again, the BOI guys were nothing but awesome and I can't wait to read Mike "Primetime" Brown's book. *le sigh*
November 15, 2011
Received an ARC from the author.
As the final book in the series, this is a must-read! Also, this *is* an ARC, so I'm sure at least minor changes are coming to the finished product. But, either way, this has been a wonderful series, and this final book comes full circle and gives everyone closure.
For me, I really enjoyed the epilogue more than anything else. That was the only time all of the BOI group was together in this final book. The story itself was good, though it felt just a tiny bit...rushed or unfinished, somehow. The author did make note that there had been additional edits made to the final copy, and I would guess, and hope, this will resolve my slight issue with the story. All in all, though, it is a very nice end to a great series.
Mike "Primetime" Brown has been set up very well for what I anticipate is the next series from Cindy Gerard. He is *very* enjoyable in this story, and reminds me a bit of Johnny Duane Reed in his irreverence. I'm really looking forward to the next series, and, in particular, Mike's book!!
I do want to say that I was honored to be among those fortunate enough to win an ARC of this book from Cindy Gerard. I have been a loyal reader of her books for many years, and she always writes with great skill. I thank her for providing me the opportunity to get my hands on this story early!
4 stars, and very much recommended to all readers of the BOI series!!!
*Revised for content 11/15/11.
As the final book in the series, this is a must-read! Also, this *is* an ARC, so I'm sure at least minor changes are coming to the finished product. But, either way, this has been a wonderful series, and this final book comes full circle and gives everyone closure.
For me, I really enjoyed the epilogue more than anything else. That was the only time all of the BOI group was together in this final book. The story itself was good, though it felt just a tiny bit...rushed or unfinished, somehow. The author did make note that there had been additional edits made to the final copy, and I would guess, and hope, this will resolve my slight issue with the story. All in all, though, it is a very nice end to a great series.
Mike "Primetime" Brown has been set up very well for what I anticipate is the next series from Cindy Gerard. He is *very* enjoyable in this story, and reminds me a bit of Johnny Duane Reed in his irreverence. I'm really looking forward to the next series, and, in particular, Mike's book!!
I do want to say that I was honored to be among those fortunate enough to win an ARC of this book from Cindy Gerard. I have been a loyal reader of her books for many years, and she always writes with great skill. I thank her for providing me the opportunity to get my hands on this story early!
4 stars, and very much recommended to all readers of the BOI series!!!
*Revised for content 11/15/11.
January 30, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
4.5 STARS
LAST MAN STANDING is the last book in Cindy Gerard’s BOI series. While it’s been an amazing run with this series, I’m still sad to see it end. I devoured these books one after the other, reading a book per night. Once you pick these babies up, you simply can’t stop.
LAST MAN STANDING is no exception. “Mean” Joe Green and Stephanie Tompkins have been characters we’ve seen throughout this series. Their relationship started in FEEL THE HEAT but now in their own book, readers finally get the story that they have been eagerly waiting for.
If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, then you know that Stephanie’s brother, Bryan was killed in Sierra Leone in the first book, SHOW NO MERCY. Fifteen years later, Joe still feels that something wasn’t right about that night. So as he follows his gut and travels to Sierra Leone to find out what really happens, he breaks Stephanie’s heart in the process, leaving her without a good enough explanation as to why he can’t be with her.
However, when Stephanie finds out that Joe is accused of killing a priest in Sierra Leone and awaiting trial for it, she realizes that there is another reason as to why Joe simply walked out of her life.
The Stephanie we knew in the previous books isn’t so much in this one. She has grown as a character and has been toughened by her exposure to the BOIs and their daily routines. Threats to her life no longer scare her. Her only fear is losing Joe. And this is the reason why she buys a ticket to Sierra Leone to rescue him.
On her journey she bands with Suah, a fifteen year old teen who has seen the worst of the war in Sierra Leone. Though she senses that this could end up more deadly than she first anticipated, Stephanie has no choice but to trust the kid. They work together to free Joe before he is transported to a maximum-security prison and get him out of there.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to know that I finished this book in one night. Again. Gerard simply writes the best romantic suspense stories out there. It’s hard not to get sucked in with her easy-to-read writing style and ability to get into her hero’s head.
While this isn’t the most action-packed book of the series, there is still a fair amount of heart-pumping action to get you reading into the wee hours of the night. I just love the fact that Gerard weaves the events from the first book to set up the premise for this one. It showcases her impeccable planning and she really does a fantastic job of closing out the series.
But fear not, Gerard is starting up a new series called One Eyed Jacks. We get a great glimpse of the new hero of the first book, Mike “Primetime” Brown. He’s called Primetime because his face is the kind you’d see on TV – penetrating eyes, killer smile. Yup, the stuff we ladies lust for. I’m sure this new series will have me hooked like the BOIs series have had me. I’m exciting for more all-night reading. Bring it on, Gerard. Bring it on!
*ARC provided by publisher
4.5 STARS
LAST MAN STANDING is the last book in Cindy Gerard’s BOI series. While it’s been an amazing run with this series, I’m still sad to see it end. I devoured these books one after the other, reading a book per night. Once you pick these babies up, you simply can’t stop.
LAST MAN STANDING is no exception. “Mean” Joe Green and Stephanie Tompkins have been characters we’ve seen throughout this series. Their relationship started in FEEL THE HEAT but now in their own book, readers finally get the story that they have been eagerly waiting for.
If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, then you know that Stephanie’s brother, Bryan was killed in Sierra Leone in the first book, SHOW NO MERCY. Fifteen years later, Joe still feels that something wasn’t right about that night. So as he follows his gut and travels to Sierra Leone to find out what really happens, he breaks Stephanie’s heart in the process, leaving her without a good enough explanation as to why he can’t be with her.
However, when Stephanie finds out that Joe is accused of killing a priest in Sierra Leone and awaiting trial for it, she realizes that there is another reason as to why Joe simply walked out of her life.
The Stephanie we knew in the previous books isn’t so much in this one. She has grown as a character and has been toughened by her exposure to the BOIs and their daily routines. Threats to her life no longer scare her. Her only fear is losing Joe. And this is the reason why she buys a ticket to Sierra Leone to rescue him.
On her journey she bands with Suah, a fifteen year old teen who has seen the worst of the war in Sierra Leone. Though she senses that this could end up more deadly than she first anticipated, Stephanie has no choice but to trust the kid. They work together to free Joe before he is transported to a maximum-security prison and get him out of there.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to know that I finished this book in one night. Again. Gerard simply writes the best romantic suspense stories out there. It’s hard not to get sucked in with her easy-to-read writing style and ability to get into her hero’s head.
While this isn’t the most action-packed book of the series, there is still a fair amount of heart-pumping action to get you reading into the wee hours of the night. I just love the fact that Gerard weaves the events from the first book to set up the premise for this one. It showcases her impeccable planning and she really does a fantastic job of closing out the series.
But fear not, Gerard is starting up a new series called One Eyed Jacks. We get a great glimpse of the new hero of the first book, Mike “Primetime” Brown. He’s called Primetime because his face is the kind you’d see on TV – penetrating eyes, killer smile. Yup, the stuff we ladies lust for. I’m sure this new series will have me hooked like the BOIs series have had me. I’m exciting for more all-night reading. Bring it on, Gerard. Bring it on!
*ARC provided by publisher
June 26, 2012
*Sigh* Emotional, Adventurous, Perfection
Stephanie Tompkins
Joe Green
Last Man Standing is like great coffee and an amazing dessert after the six course meal - six course that includes: Jenna/Gabe, Sam/Abby, Crystal/Johnny, BJ/Raphael, Wyatt/Sophie, and Luke/Valentina.
Last Man Standing is the finale in the Black Ops, Inc. series and Cindy Gerard finishes it perfectly. It is the story of Joe Green and Stephanie Tompkins. Their relationship is introduced in Feel the Heat, Book 4. In retrospect, the books I like best were the ones in which the heroine is as kick-ass as the hero -- Crystal Dubrowski in Whisper No Lies, BJ Chase in Feel the Heat and now the transformed, Stephanie Tompkins.
Stephanie works the desk end of the intelligence gathering field. She is the daughter of a former White House Advisor and a senior Deputy Attorney General. The death of her brother in the line of duty establishes the B.O.I. Joe Greene is a former CIA, former member of Task Force Mercy, and perceived most stoic member of B.O.I. It is the death of Bryan Tompkins that haunts him and takes him to Sierra Leon where he tries to discover proof that Bryan was murdered as a part of a larger consipiracy. He promptly get jailed and tortured by corrupt government officials. Stephanie discovers that Joe is being held prisoner, but the rest of the B.O.I.s are deep undercover and unreachable, thus forces Stephanie to go rescue Joe herself.
This book is emotional. I couldn't help but cheer Stephanie on as she tackles one obstacle after another in her quest. She uses her intuition, intelligence, resourcefulness, and moxy to get Joe.
Joe, deeply injured during his incarceration and torture, must relinquish some of his alpha tendancies and let Stephanie take the lead in this operation. He is humbled by her strength, determination and courage. He has to see her as an equal, a partner, and take her off that pedestal he placed her on as his girlfriend. Now they are partners.
Ms. Gerard gives us a balanced voice in this story. We see the "sweeter" side of "Mean" Joe Green and the warrior side of demure Stephanie. The plot is complex and, as a reader, I am brought back to the story that started the series. It goes full circle. I have a sense of deep satisfaction and leave the series with a wonderful, full, sweet taste in my mouth. Thank you, Cindy Gerard for a wonderful meal.
Stephanie Tompkins
Joe Green
Last Man Standing is like great coffee and an amazing dessert after the six course meal - six course that includes: Jenna/Gabe, Sam/Abby, Crystal/Johnny, BJ/Raphael, Wyatt/Sophie, and Luke/Valentina.
Last Man Standing is the finale in the Black Ops, Inc. series and Cindy Gerard finishes it perfectly. It is the story of Joe Green and Stephanie Tompkins. Their relationship is introduced in Feel the Heat, Book 4. In retrospect, the books I like best were the ones in which the heroine is as kick-ass as the hero -- Crystal Dubrowski in Whisper No Lies, BJ Chase in Feel the Heat and now the transformed, Stephanie Tompkins.
Stephanie works the desk end of the intelligence gathering field. She is the daughter of a former White House Advisor and a senior Deputy Attorney General. The death of her brother in the line of duty establishes the B.O.I. Joe Greene is a former CIA, former member of Task Force Mercy, and perceived most stoic member of B.O.I. It is the death of Bryan Tompkins that haunts him and takes him to Sierra Leon where he tries to discover proof that Bryan was murdered as a part of a larger consipiracy. He promptly get jailed and tortured by corrupt government officials. Stephanie discovers that Joe is being held prisoner, but the rest of the B.O.I.s are deep undercover and unreachable, thus forces Stephanie to go rescue Joe herself.
This book is emotional. I couldn't help but cheer Stephanie on as she tackles one obstacle after another in her quest. She uses her intuition, intelligence, resourcefulness, and moxy to get Joe.
Joe, deeply injured during his incarceration and torture, must relinquish some of his alpha tendancies and let Stephanie take the lead in this operation. He is humbled by her strength, determination and courage. He has to see her as an equal, a partner, and take her off that pedestal he placed her on as his girlfriend. Now they are partners.
Ms. Gerard gives us a balanced voice in this story. We see the "sweeter" side of "Mean" Joe Green and the warrior side of demure Stephanie. The plot is complex and, as a reader, I am brought back to the story that started the series. It goes full circle. I have a sense of deep satisfaction and leave the series with a wonderful, full, sweet taste in my mouth. Thank you, Cindy Gerard for a wonderful meal.
November 7, 2017
This is one of those books where prior knowledge of the main characters is not a good thing. Joe and Stephanie have been supporting characters throughout the series and you get to know them, but only on a superficial level. Their attraction caught fire in "Feel the Heat" but we never got "their" story. Well, here it is and I'm very disappointed that this is the best Cindy Gerard could do for these two wonderful characters. The character development was lacking, but I will say, the action was off the charts intense. So much so that is probably the reason I don't feel I know Joe and Stephanie any better that before this book.
A year ago during a BOI op in Sierra Leone, something happened to Joe Green. When he returned he was distant and unreachable, both to the BOI team and Stephanie Tompkins. Then he just disappeared after telling Steph that he didn't love her enough. Trying to get over losing the man she deeply loved was tough. When a co-worker approaches her with information about Joe, Steph is devastated to find him being held prisoner and no one can help, so Steph makes a minimum of a plan and leaves for Sierra Leone. Really gutsy (or foolish) for an analyst who rides a desk and has no field contacts or experience. Not to mention that Sierra Leone is where Joe's friend and her brother, Bryan, died.
Joe is running on wild speculation and gut instinct trying to piece together why an op 15 years ago went sideways and resulted in the death of Bryan Tompkins and the disbandment of Task Force Mercy. 15 years is a long time to know in your gut that something was really wrong and not what the "official" report found. Joe finally has most of the pieces, but the proof to tie them all together is elusive. He must be close, otherwise why is he rotting in this hell hole of a jail in Freetown, Sierra Leone being beaten daily and starved to death. When Stephanie rescues him, that is just the beginning of this adventure. 3 1/2 Stars
A year ago during a BOI op in Sierra Leone, something happened to Joe Green. When he returned he was distant and unreachable, both to the BOI team and Stephanie Tompkins. Then he just disappeared after telling Steph that he didn't love her enough. Trying to get over losing the man she deeply loved was tough. When a co-worker approaches her with information about Joe, Steph is devastated to find him being held prisoner and no one can help, so Steph makes a minimum of a plan and leaves for Sierra Leone. Really gutsy (or foolish) for an analyst who rides a desk and has no field contacts or experience. Not to mention that Sierra Leone is where Joe's friend and her brother, Bryan, died.
Joe is running on wild speculation and gut instinct trying to piece together why an op 15 years ago went sideways and resulted in the death of Bryan Tompkins and the disbandment of Task Force Mercy. 15 years is a long time to know in your gut that something was really wrong and not what the "official" report found. Joe finally has most of the pieces, but the proof to tie them all together is elusive. He must be close, otherwise why is he rotting in this hell hole of a jail in Freetown, Sierra Leone being beaten daily and starved to death. When Stephanie rescues him, that is just the beginning of this adventure. 3 1/2 Stars
April 13, 2013
**4 1/2 stars**
Another exciting addition to the Black Ops series!! Each and every book starts with the action and suspense from the get go and has you on the edge of your seat until the very last page..throw in some really great romance, some great comedic bantering between the guys and top notch storytelling and you have the making of a fabulous book!!
Last Man Standing was a fantastic ending to a fantastic series!! The storyline, and what was happening to Joe, was scarey and intense and the romance between he and Stephanie was sweet and HOT, as usual! The epilogue i loved!...it gave awesome closure for ALL the guys and their women, it was so great! Seriously, if you are a lover a military romantic suspense do NOT hesitate on starting this series! It doesn't get much better than Cindy Gerard!
October 27, 2017
So at last I have come to the end of this fantastic series. CG did wrap everything up very nicely and all my questions were answered. This has become one of my favorite series by far. My only question is" Where can I find that sexy gorgeous guy on this cover"? Joe Green where are youuuuuuu????? :)
February 3, 2012
Super conclusion to the BOIs series. Couldn't ask for a better suspense-filled book starring characters I've grown to adore. As others have mentioned, I wish we could have seen more of the "brothers" and their significant others. Hate to see this exceptional series end but I'm already excited and eager for the arrival of "Primetime's" story in Gerard's new "One-Eyed Jacks" series.
June 2, 2021
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
January 30, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 4.5/5
In the last book in the Black Ops, Inc. series, Joe takes center stage, in a big way. He pulls away from his teammates, the woman he loves, from anyone who means anything to him as he tracks down the killer of his former teammate and Stephanie’s brother. He knows he’s looking into something that could and probably would ultimately end him, but the guilt of Bryan’s death eats at him and he wants justice for his close friend and man he thought of as a brother.
Stephanie and Joe’s relationship started back in FEEL THE HEAT and for me, it was one of the highlights of the book. Taking nothing away from the main storyline and leads of that book, I just fell for “Mean” Joe Green, all muscle and little talk, but he turns into a protective, sweet man around Stephanie. Steph knows that her brother’s death weighs heavily on Joe and she’s not happy when his obsession with finding out the truth continues as everyone believes that it was an accident; there’s no proof that it could have been anything else. Joe breaks up with Stephanie and while on leave from his team, he heads to Sierra Leone to get the facts. Once there, he’s accused of murder and tossed into prison. For one month, he’s beaten, starved and literally half the man he used to be in size and strength and he’s losing the battle to stay alive.
Stephanie gets intel that gives her Joe’s location and with the Black Ops team on a deep cover mission, there’s no way to communicate with them and Rafe, her only contact on the team, is recovering from an illness himself and is home with a very pregnant wife. Steph has no idea what to do, but her plan is this: get to the prison and see Joe. Beyond that…she doesn’t know what to do to get Joe home.
With a little help from a young man, Suah, who befriended Joe, even though he’d never admit it, Steph gets Joe out and into hiding so he can recover. From here, they race to get out of Sierra Leone and get all their information lined up to make the guilty party pay for their part in Bryan’s death. Mike “Primetime” Brown shows up with his brother Ty, to fly them back home. It’s not easy going, as people want them dead so secrets can stay buried, but Mike’s a dare devil and can literally fly in any situation, and for Mike, the crazier the better (his book starts off the next series, right?!)
Joe and Steph start uncovering all the facts surrounding Bryan’s death and before it’s all said and done, their lives and Steph’s parents will all be in danger. The series, and especially in the case of Joe, has been building to the truth of what really happened on the mission that killed Bryan Tompkins. He was a best friend and brother to all the BOI teammates and his death hit Joe especially hard, reminding him of another painful death in his past. Joe struggles to let himself go with anyone, but can’t keep it all in from Stephanie for long. She risks her life for him, after he broke her heart and she knows the kind of man Joe is, even if he isn’t able to see it yet. For not being trained in the field or having ever gone on any kind of mission, Steph maybe did a little too well in rescuing Joe, but she had a lot of help from Suah and his friends and they’re the real reason Joe gets out of prison.
“No more sedation,” he restated in a hard tone, and immediately regretted the bruised look he’d put in her eyes. “It’s okay, you did what you thought was best. But I can’t be sedated, Stephanie.” Not and get back on his game.
“Fine. No more,” she said, looking wounded.
He looked away, overcome by emotions that ran the gamut from guilt to humility to gratitude to absolute astonishment, before ending with a frustrated sense of failure. He was the protector. He was the caretaker. Right now he couldn’t take care of a paperclip.
Joe is a guy who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and his only soft place in the world is with Steph. He’s just too stubborn to believe it can actually last and Stephanie doesn’t let him get away with that kind of thinking for long. She changed a lot during the short time it took to rescue Joe. She seemed to realize that she was a lot tougher than either she or Joe gave her credit for and she takes care of Joe when he needs her most, much to his alpha-brain horror of not being able to help himself during his recovery. They’re a great couple to follow, they had instant chemistry when they first got together in FEEL THE HEAT and seeing them grow and become stronger together made this story.
His hands covered hers. “Steph –”
“Shh.” She brushed his hands away, and with gentle care slid the shorts off his legs. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”
She loved the strangled sound he made. The almost laugh. The inevitable smile of surrender. She leaned down and, careful of his poor split lip, kissed him. Nothing but soft, supple mouths remembering how love tasted, how love felt, how simple love could be when only the moment mattered.
Fans of the series may be a little disappointed that the other men and women of the BOI team don’t come on page until the epilogue. This really fits with Joe though. He’s the quiet strength of the group, and having the story told fully around him and Steph with very little interaction from the BOI team, fits Joe’s character perfectly. The overall action in this one was on the milder side, but this is strictly Joe and Steph’s show and with the exception of a few phone calls from Rafe, everyone else is MIA until the wonderful epilogue that ends every book. I look forward to each epilogue and this one had a little extra kick to it, being the series ender. But even without our past favorite heroes and heroines showing up during the story, we get plenty of Mike Brown and his smart ass ways – which I loved. I’m excited for Cindy’s new series, and especially getting to know Mike better and maybe even his brother Ty.
This is a very satisfying end to one of my favorite series. I’m glad we got to have Joe’s story told and I’m going to miss all our BOI heroes (especially you, Johnny Reed). But Mike Brown made me laugh out loud more than once and while I’m sad to see this series end, I’m looking forward to seeing where Cindy Gerard takes us next and who the next batch of heroes are that we’ll all no doubt fall in love with.
Blog rating: 4.5/5
In the last book in the Black Ops, Inc. series, Joe takes center stage, in a big way. He pulls away from his teammates, the woman he loves, from anyone who means anything to him as he tracks down the killer of his former teammate and Stephanie’s brother. He knows he’s looking into something that could and probably would ultimately end him, but the guilt of Bryan’s death eats at him and he wants justice for his close friend and man he thought of as a brother.
Stephanie and Joe’s relationship started back in FEEL THE HEAT and for me, it was one of the highlights of the book. Taking nothing away from the main storyline and leads of that book, I just fell for “Mean” Joe Green, all muscle and little talk, but he turns into a protective, sweet man around Stephanie. Steph knows that her brother’s death weighs heavily on Joe and she’s not happy when his obsession with finding out the truth continues as everyone believes that it was an accident; there’s no proof that it could have been anything else. Joe breaks up with Stephanie and while on leave from his team, he heads to Sierra Leone to get the facts. Once there, he’s accused of murder and tossed into prison. For one month, he’s beaten, starved and literally half the man he used to be in size and strength and he’s losing the battle to stay alive.
Stephanie gets intel that gives her Joe’s location and with the Black Ops team on a deep cover mission, there’s no way to communicate with them and Rafe, her only contact on the team, is recovering from an illness himself and is home with a very pregnant wife. Steph has no idea what to do, but her plan is this: get to the prison and see Joe. Beyond that…she doesn’t know what to do to get Joe home.
With a little help from a young man, Suah, who befriended Joe, even though he’d never admit it, Steph gets Joe out and into hiding so he can recover. From here, they race to get out of Sierra Leone and get all their information lined up to make the guilty party pay for their part in Bryan’s death. Mike “Primetime” Brown shows up with his brother Ty, to fly them back home. It’s not easy going, as people want them dead so secrets can stay buried, but Mike’s a dare devil and can literally fly in any situation, and for Mike, the crazier the better (his book starts off the next series, right?!)
Joe and Steph start uncovering all the facts surrounding Bryan’s death and before it’s all said and done, their lives and Steph’s parents will all be in danger. The series, and especially in the case of Joe, has been building to the truth of what really happened on the mission that killed Bryan Tompkins. He was a best friend and brother to all the BOI teammates and his death hit Joe especially hard, reminding him of another painful death in his past. Joe struggles to let himself go with anyone, but can’t keep it all in from Stephanie for long. She risks her life for him, after he broke her heart and she knows the kind of man Joe is, even if he isn’t able to see it yet. For not being trained in the field or having ever gone on any kind of mission, Steph maybe did a little too well in rescuing Joe, but she had a lot of help from Suah and his friends and they’re the real reason Joe gets out of prison.
“No more sedation,” he restated in a hard tone, and immediately regretted the bruised look he’d put in her eyes. “It’s okay, you did what you thought was best. But I can’t be sedated, Stephanie.” Not and get back on his game.
“Fine. No more,” she said, looking wounded.
He looked away, overcome by emotions that ran the gamut from guilt to humility to gratitude to absolute astonishment, before ending with a frustrated sense of failure. He was the protector. He was the caretaker. Right now he couldn’t take care of a paperclip.
Joe is a guy who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and his only soft place in the world is with Steph. He’s just too stubborn to believe it can actually last and Stephanie doesn’t let him get away with that kind of thinking for long. She changed a lot during the short time it took to rescue Joe. She seemed to realize that she was a lot tougher than either she or Joe gave her credit for and she takes care of Joe when he needs her most, much to his alpha-brain horror of not being able to help himself during his recovery. They’re a great couple to follow, they had instant chemistry when they first got together in FEEL THE HEAT and seeing them grow and become stronger together made this story.
His hands covered hers. “Steph –”
“Shh.” She brushed his hands away, and with gentle care slid the shorts off his legs. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”
She loved the strangled sound he made. The almost laugh. The inevitable smile of surrender. She leaned down and, careful of his poor split lip, kissed him. Nothing but soft, supple mouths remembering how love tasted, how love felt, how simple love could be when only the moment mattered.
Fans of the series may be a little disappointed that the other men and women of the BOI team don’t come on page until the epilogue. This really fits with Joe though. He’s the quiet strength of the group, and having the story told fully around him and Steph with very little interaction from the BOI team, fits Joe’s character perfectly. The overall action in this one was on the milder side, but this is strictly Joe and Steph’s show and with the exception of a few phone calls from Rafe, everyone else is MIA until the wonderful epilogue that ends every book. I look forward to each epilogue and this one had a little extra kick to it, being the series ender. But even without our past favorite heroes and heroines showing up during the story, we get plenty of Mike Brown and his smart ass ways – which I loved. I’m excited for Cindy’s new series, and especially getting to know Mike better and maybe even his brother Ty.
This is a very satisfying end to one of my favorite series. I’m glad we got to have Joe’s story told and I’m going to miss all our BOI heroes (especially you, Johnny Reed). But Mike Brown made me laugh out loud more than once and while I’m sad to see this series end, I’m looking forward to seeing where Cindy Gerard takes us next and who the next batch of heroes are that we’ll all no doubt fall in love with.
March 3, 2013
Save the Best for Last
Is the Black Ops, Inc. series really over? *cries*
Thank you to Buggy for recommending romantic suspense author Cindy Gerard. Though this series is over, I have more of her wonderful books still left to savor.
In Last Man Standing, we finally get some resolution to fallen brother Bryan Tompkins' story. Back when the BOI men were involved in the US military and government, Bryan died on an op gone wrong. And "Mean" Joe Greene has never forgotten his brother in arms.
Joe protected Bryan's beautiful sister Stephanie in a prior novel, and they developed strong feelings for each other yet Joe could not commit. When Joe gets a clue about who was behind Bryan's death and secretly heads to Sierra Leone to expose the killer, he gets himself imprisoned, falsely accused of murder. It's up to Stephanie to try to protect Joe this time. Can the gentle intelligence operative "man up" to save the one she loves?
Prison scenes fascinate me, and Joe is in the worst stifling squalor imaginable. He's starved, beaten, and bereft, knowing when he dies that Bryan's killer will go scot-free. He even had to kill a viper slithering its way into his cell!
I love Stephanie's character development in this story. She hardly seems like a badass who can break a man out of prison. But she knows who to ask for help -- a local boy named Suah who feels loyalty to Joe for saving his life. Here Stephanie is with a very weakened Joe in a safe house:
He looked away, overcome by emotions that ran the gamut from guilt to humility to gratitude to absolute astonishment, before ending with a frustrated sense of failure. HE was the protector. HE was the caretaker. Right now he couldn't take care of a paper clip.
"Joe. Look at me."
The softness in her eyes told him she'd read his mind. "You don't always get to be the hero. Some of us lesser beings need to get a shot at it every now and then, okay?
Cindy Gerard knows how to make me cry with Suah's storyline. He's an orphaned boy who was forced to fight for terrorists, who puts on a tough front but underneath is only a boy. Stephanie sees right through him:
She joined him at the door, placed both hands on his slim, bony shoulders, and turned him around to face her. "There may be no time for this tomorrow, so I want to say it now. You're a good man. A very good man."
Clearly uncomfortable with the praise and affection in her voice, Suah nodded stiffly and made to leave. This time she stopped him by wrapping her arms around him and hugging him. She kept on hugging him, even though he stiffened like a thin tree trunk in her embrace.
When she pulled back and gently brushed her fingers across his cheek, she saw that he was anything but rigid on the inside. For a brief, heartbreaking moment, those huge brown eyes spoke to her of longing and loss and a sorrow that cut straight to her soul.
Perhaps Joe and Stephanie won't see the last of Suah in Sierra Leone?
This was a tremendous series and I highly recommend you read it! Cindy Gerard is a crack researcher who has taught me a lot about exotic locales and the strong men and women who protect our country.
Is the Black Ops, Inc. series really over? *cries*
Thank you to Buggy for recommending romantic suspense author Cindy Gerard. Though this series is over, I have more of her wonderful books still left to savor.
In Last Man Standing, we finally get some resolution to fallen brother Bryan Tompkins' story. Back when the BOI men were involved in the US military and government, Bryan died on an op gone wrong. And "Mean" Joe Greene has never forgotten his brother in arms.
Joe protected Bryan's beautiful sister Stephanie in a prior novel, and they developed strong feelings for each other yet Joe could not commit. When Joe gets a clue about who was behind Bryan's death and secretly heads to Sierra Leone to expose the killer, he gets himself imprisoned, falsely accused of murder. It's up to Stephanie to try to protect Joe this time. Can the gentle intelligence operative "man up" to save the one she loves?
Prison scenes fascinate me, and Joe is in the worst stifling squalor imaginable. He's starved, beaten, and bereft, knowing when he dies that Bryan's killer will go scot-free. He even had to kill a viper slithering its way into his cell!
I love Stephanie's character development in this story. She hardly seems like a badass who can break a man out of prison. But she knows who to ask for help -- a local boy named Suah who feels loyalty to Joe for saving his life. Here Stephanie is with a very weakened Joe in a safe house:
He looked away, overcome by emotions that ran the gamut from guilt to humility to gratitude to absolute astonishment, before ending with a frustrated sense of failure. HE was the protector. HE was the caretaker. Right now he couldn't take care of a paper clip.
"Joe. Look at me."
The softness in her eyes told him she'd read his mind. "You don't always get to be the hero. Some of us lesser beings need to get a shot at it every now and then, okay?
Cindy Gerard knows how to make me cry with Suah's storyline. He's an orphaned boy who was forced to fight for terrorists, who puts on a tough front but underneath is only a boy. Stephanie sees right through him:
She joined him at the door, placed both hands on his slim, bony shoulders, and turned him around to face her. "There may be no time for this tomorrow, so I want to say it now. You're a good man. A very good man."
Clearly uncomfortable with the praise and affection in her voice, Suah nodded stiffly and made to leave. This time she stopped him by wrapping her arms around him and hugging him. She kept on hugging him, even though he stiffened like a thin tree trunk in her embrace.
When she pulled back and gently brushed her fingers across his cheek, she saw that he was anything but rigid on the inside. For a brief, heartbreaking moment, those huge brown eyes spoke to her of longing and loss and a sorrow that cut straight to her soul.
Perhaps Joe and Stephanie won't see the last of Suah in Sierra Leone?
This was a tremendous series and I highly recommend you read it! Cindy Gerard is a crack researcher who has taught me a lot about exotic locales and the strong men and women who protect our country.
March 3, 2016
Joe has lived with Bryan's death for way to long and the time was at hand to finally bring the man responsible for his death to justice. Only one problem, Joe feels he has to cut all ties from the ones that he cares about and that includes Stephanie. At least it seemed a good idea at the time. So he heads out to Freetown to mete out justice. Now six weeks into his Sierra Leone incarceration after being accused of murder, maybe he might have been a bit too hasty. Right now though it is her love that he holds on to or run the risk of losing his sanity.
Stephanie for her part has now come to the realization that too many things got swept to the side or never addressed. Now she may lose the only man she ever loved. So does she have the guts and courage to actually pull off a daring rescue? Her BOI pals are no help this time, as someone else has pulled dirty strings to get them off the grid. So it is all up to Stephanie and a brave band of young freedom fighters to pull off a miracle.
Joe and Stephanie had always had chemistry and this book was no exception. It was an incredible ending to an awesome series. The epilogue was perfect and was everything a romance reader could want, tied up in a pretty red, white and blue ribbon. I will have to read it all over again, because it was just so good.
I am also thrilled to hear about the One-Eyed Jack series coming with the sexy pilot Mike Brown first up.
Stephanie for her part has now come to the realization that too many things got swept to the side or never addressed. Now she may lose the only man she ever loved. So does she have the guts and courage to actually pull off a daring rescue? Her BOI pals are no help this time, as someone else has pulled dirty strings to get them off the grid. So it is all up to Stephanie and a brave band of young freedom fighters to pull off a miracle.
Joe and Stephanie had always had chemistry and this book was no exception. It was an incredible ending to an awesome series. The epilogue was perfect and was everything a romance reader could want, tied up in a pretty red, white and blue ribbon. I will have to read it all over again, because it was just so good.
I am also thrilled to hear about the One-Eyed Jack series coming with the sexy pilot Mike Brown first up.
January 29, 2012
I was so excited when I found Last Man Standing, by Cindy Gerard, at my local grocery store on Jan. 28th!! I had pre-ordered it, and quickly canceled the order and started reading. This story was a perfect ending to the adventures of BOI. Joe and Stephanie's story. He has always, to me, taken Bryan's death the hardest. Never letting it go. Stephanie, Bryan's sister, has been in love with Joe, it seems like forever. I am trying very hard to not give spoilers, so bear with me. The story travels from the HOT, dusty, dry land of Sierra Leone, to the frigid cold of Minnesota. Joe decides to protect Stephanie by removing himself from her life, going rogue, and finding Bryan's killer. Stephanie realizes, through her loss, and pain, that she has always shown Joe her sweet,affable side. Waiting for him to come to her, giving him time, hoping for more. Her inner warrior broke out, and off they go. One of my favorite parts of these exciting novels, was always the epilogue at the Tompkins home. The love and friendship of these hard, "cold hearted" warriors, was such fun after there perilous adventures. Each one has found their soul mate, and after each novel more and more babies!!! I truly have loved each of these novels, and will not part with them so I can read each story again. Sad they are finished, but so happy with the ending. Plus, Ms Gerard has hinted we will be catching up with the BOI's in her upcoming stories YAY~~! For me, a solid five stars!
November 26, 2012
This is the final book in this series and I am so sad it's over, but I truly loved this book!
This is Mean Joe Green and Stephanie story, their relationship started a few books ago. Joe found out some information about the circumstances surrounding her brother Bryan's death and goes all rouge on everyone (including Stephanie) and decides to find out all by himself to nail the bad guy. So he ends his relationship with Stephanie (broke my heart the ass) and goes it alone..
Well he ends up in jail in accused of murder he didn't commit (well of course one of the BOI's would never) and no one knows he is there. He is beaten and starved (everyday for 30 days) and he knows he is going to die there (oh my god no). Well Stephanie finds out and heads down there to save him, hooks up with a local boy and away they go.
I loved this story, the action and the romance. I really loved how Stephanie finds her own strength and take charge attitude and kicks ass!!! Then towards the back end of the story the shower scene with Joe and Stephanie (oh my god I started crying). And I loved the Epilogue where the whole group gets together and one couple gets some exciting news (oh happy dance).
loved loved loved this series!!!
This is Mean Joe Green and Stephanie story, their relationship started a few books ago. Joe found out some information about the circumstances surrounding her brother Bryan's death and goes all rouge on everyone (including Stephanie) and decides to find out all by himself to nail the bad guy. So he ends his relationship with Stephanie (broke my heart the ass) and goes it alone..
Well he ends up in jail in accused of murder he didn't commit (well of course one of the BOI's would never) and no one knows he is there. He is beaten and starved (everyday for 30 days) and he knows he is going to die there (oh my god no). Well Stephanie finds out and heads down there to save him, hooks up with a local boy and away they go.
I loved this story, the action and the romance. I really loved how Stephanie finds her own strength and take charge attitude and kicks ass!!! Then towards the back end of the story the shower scene with Joe and Stephanie (oh my god I started crying). And I loved the Epilogue where the whole group gets together and one couple gets some exciting news (oh happy dance).
loved loved loved this series!!!
February 12, 2012
Excellent continuation to this series! Enjoyed reading as Stephanie did what she had to do to solve a problem. Joe was hard to read, at first. He did things he "thought" were right, but were wrong, wrong, wrong. He needed to learn to lean on someone...
Started in the U.S., then the bulk of the book was st in Sierra Leone, Africa. A lot of action and covert operations, then back to the states and a few plane rides here and there....
ALMOST non-stop action.
Really enjoyed Mike Brown's humor! "That's because I didn't know 'snowstorm' mean 'epic fu#$%$^ blizzard." "...ugly dude sitting like a stain on your pretty sofa..." Looking forward to his book!
Hard to put this one down! Nicely written and very entertaining.
Started in the U.S., then the bulk of the book was st in Sierra Leone, Africa. A lot of action and covert operations, then back to the states and a few plane rides here and there....
ALMOST non-stop action.
Really enjoyed Mike Brown's humor! "That's because I didn't know 'snowstorm' mean 'epic fu#$%$^ blizzard." "...ugly dude sitting like a stain on your pretty sofa..." Looking forward to his book!
Hard to put this one down! Nicely written and very entertaining.
October 22, 2017
Joe Green bernasib nahas dipenjara di Sierra Leone. Kali ini Stephanie Tompkins, sang pacar hrs membebaskan kekasihnya seorang diri, dan melepaskan dari semua jebakan yg menghadangnya.
Sbg novel penutup seri BOI, novel ini lumayan memikat. Namun sayangnya tidak ada hal spesial dibandingkan novel-novel sebelumnya. Penjahatnya juga terlalu mudah matinya, sama spt penjahat-penjahat di novel sblmnya.
Sbg novel penutup seri BOI, novel ini lumayan memikat. Namun sayangnya tidak ada hal spesial dibandingkan novel-novel sebelumnya. Penjahatnya juga terlalu mudah matinya, sama spt penjahat-penjahat di novel sblmnya.
January 11, 2013
Seventh and last in the Black Ops, Inc. romantic suspense series. The couple focus is on Mean Joe Green and Stephanie Tompkins.
My Take
With the new characters who have been joining BOI, and Gerard bringing them all back to be based in the States, I had hoped that Gerard was planning to continue the series. Now, I'll have to hope that she's planning a spin-off. I don't wanna lose them!
I've so enjoyed the contrasts of these men who are tough and hard when necessary and soft and gentle when it's not. They've had their individual stories and back histories, but the common thread of loyalty and honor has remained the same. Which is what confuses me as to why Joe doesn't think he can even mention his discoveries to the rest. They've always had each other's backs, and this last story kind of irks me for Joe ignoring that. I suppose in some ways that Joe believes he's doing the right thing because the others are married, some with children. But if that's true then shouldn't he be trying to talk them out of being active at all?
Ooh boy, that last bit out the door was just cruel. Although, Joe does pay it back one thousand times over in the Freetown jail. Don't think that Gerard is dramatizing this either. I lived in Sierra Leone for two years. She ain't kidding when she says they don't hold life dear.
Well, I do have to agree with Bangura on one thing: men who will destroy their own side for gain have no business looking down on others who do the same. Nor should the country who sends men like that pretend to be superior.
That Suah...he is ready for anything and between him and Stephanie, they are armed for bear, er, monkey. And it just blows Joe's mind. I do adore Suah. He's so reluctant about the whole thing and so dismissive of anything and everything. Then there's that almost last page...you'll cry and laugh. All at the same time.
The Story
Joe is determined to break it off with Steph. He's not likely to be coming back and he doesn't want her mourning him. Now he needs to find the proof that it wasn't faulty intel. What Joe doesn't realize is that Bryan wasn't the last of the innocents targeted.
It's a satellite image of an unidentified man, arrested in Sierra Leone, that spurs Stephanie into action. And only Stephanie. The BOIs can't help on this one.
On a seemingly separate note, the secretary of state will be stepping down, and the president has a short list of people he's considering to replace him. Ann Tompkins is one of those names as is Joe's target.
Meanwhile, Steph knows there's no future with this man. But she owes him.
The Characters
Stephanie Tompkins works for the NSA and she's been in love with Joe since Feel the Heat 4 . Bryan Tompkins, her brother, was killed in an operation in Sierra Leone. The last one before their multi-branch unit, Task Force Mercy, was officially pulled out. Just before Captain Nate Black quit the military and formed Black Ops, Inc. Robert and Ann Tompkins, Bry's parents, took the BOIs into their hearts and they have been family since Bryan's funeral.
Mean Joe Green is the last unmarried BOI (from the original cast) and former CIA. Bobby is the name of his baggage. His baby brother.
Bry, Gabe Jones (married to Jenna and they just had little Ali Lynn two months ago; Show No Mercy ), and Sam Lang (married to a pregnant-again Abbie; Take No Prisoners ) were Delta; Rafe Mendoza had been a Ranger (married to B.J., who goes into labor with Selena Rossella Janine; ( Feel the Heat ); Luke Colter was a Navy Seal (married to the now-pregnant Valentina; With No Remorse ); Johnny Reed was a Force Recon Marine (married to the newly-pregnant Crystal; Whisper No Lies); Nate was a U.S. Marine (married to Dr. Juliana Flores); and, Wyatt Savage (married to Sophie; Risk No Secrets ) had been CIA along with Joe.
Rhonda Burns is a co-worker and friend of Steph's. Mike "Primetime" Brown has recently joined up with the BOIs as a pilot. Ty is the little brother he taps to help him with the flight to Sierra Leone and Minnesota. Jess runs a convenience store in Minnesota.
Retired general, current Arizona state representative, and the liaison between the U.S. and the United West African Nations Greer Dalmage is an ambitious man heading out to Sierra Leone. A local resource with power for Stephanie.
A very stiff and proud Suah Korama is fifteen now, one of the former boy soldiers stolen from their homes to serve in Augustine Sesay's army. He feels a debt to Joe Green for saving him in With No Remorse , and he is determined to pay that debt off. Dr. Bala Sankoh helps start the healing process on Joe. Bekah is a friend of Suah's; another boy soldier.
The brutal Lieutenant Saidu Bangura is in charge of the the prisoner. A very handy position for bribes. Carl Wilson, Simpson, Duvall, Janikowski, and Benson are the troubleshooters who go after anyone who gets in the way.
Black Ops, Inc. is a private paramilitary organization based in Buenos Aires that works exclusively for Uncle Sam.
The Cover
The cover has a cold feel to it with the bruised looking sky and Mean Joe Green in camo pants, facing away from us, shirtless with his ribbon tattoo snaking up his spine. Even though he's half-naked and armed only with a gun, there's a sense of armed lethality about him. The text for the title and the author's name is in gold with her last name flipped so that the letters are surrounded by gold.
The title could refer to Joe being the last one of the original crew who's unmarried, or it could refer to his belief that he's the Last Man Standing who can handle the truth he has discovered.
My Take
With the new characters who have been joining BOI, and Gerard bringing them all back to be based in the States, I had hoped that Gerard was planning to continue the series. Now, I'll have to hope that she's planning a spin-off. I don't wanna lose them!
I've so enjoyed the contrasts of these men who are tough and hard when necessary and soft and gentle when it's not. They've had their individual stories and back histories, but the common thread of loyalty and honor has remained the same. Which is what confuses me as to why Joe doesn't think he can even mention his discoveries to the rest. They've always had each other's backs, and this last story kind of irks me for Joe ignoring that. I suppose in some ways that Joe believes he's doing the right thing because the others are married, some with children. But if that's true then shouldn't he be trying to talk them out of being active at all?
Ooh boy, that last bit out the door was just cruel. Although, Joe does pay it back one thousand times over in the Freetown jail. Don't think that Gerard is dramatizing this either. I lived in Sierra Leone for two years. She ain't kidding when she says they don't hold life dear.
Well, I do have to agree with Bangura on one thing: men who will destroy their own side for gain have no business looking down on others who do the same. Nor should the country who sends men like that pretend to be superior.
That Suah...he is ready for anything and between him and Stephanie, they are armed for bear, er, monkey. And it just blows Joe's mind. I do adore Suah. He's so reluctant about the whole thing and so dismissive of anything and everything. Then there's that almost last page...you'll cry and laugh. All at the same time.
The Story
Joe is determined to break it off with Steph. He's not likely to be coming back and he doesn't want her mourning him. Now he needs to find the proof that it wasn't faulty intel. What Joe doesn't realize is that Bryan wasn't the last of the innocents targeted.
It's a satellite image of an unidentified man, arrested in Sierra Leone, that spurs Stephanie into action. And only Stephanie. The BOIs can't help on this one.
On a seemingly separate note, the secretary of state will be stepping down, and the president has a short list of people he's considering to replace him. Ann Tompkins is one of those names as is Joe's target.
Meanwhile, Steph knows there's no future with this man. But she owes him.
The Characters
Stephanie Tompkins works for the NSA and she's been in love with Joe since Feel the Heat 4 . Bryan Tompkins, her brother, was killed in an operation in Sierra Leone. The last one before their multi-branch unit, Task Force Mercy, was officially pulled out. Just before Captain Nate Black quit the military and formed Black Ops, Inc. Robert and Ann Tompkins, Bry's parents, took the BOIs into their hearts and they have been family since Bryan's funeral.
Mean Joe Green is the last unmarried BOI (from the original cast) and former CIA. Bobby is the name of his baggage. His baby brother.
Bry, Gabe Jones (married to Jenna and they just had little Ali Lynn two months ago; Show No Mercy ), and Sam Lang (married to a pregnant-again Abbie; Take No Prisoners ) were Delta; Rafe Mendoza had been a Ranger (married to B.J., who goes into labor with Selena Rossella Janine; ( Feel the Heat ); Luke Colter was a Navy Seal (married to the now-pregnant Valentina; With No Remorse ); Johnny Reed was a Force Recon Marine (married to the newly-pregnant Crystal; Whisper No Lies); Nate was a U.S. Marine (married to Dr. Juliana Flores); and, Wyatt Savage (married to Sophie; Risk No Secrets ) had been CIA along with Joe.
Rhonda Burns is a co-worker and friend of Steph's. Mike "Primetime" Brown has recently joined up with the BOIs as a pilot. Ty is the little brother he taps to help him with the flight to Sierra Leone and Minnesota. Jess runs a convenience store in Minnesota.
Retired general, current Arizona state representative, and the liaison between the U.S. and the United West African Nations Greer Dalmage is an ambitious man heading out to Sierra Leone. A local resource with power for Stephanie.
A very stiff and proud Suah Korama is fifteen now, one of the former boy soldiers stolen from their homes to serve in Augustine Sesay's army. He feels a debt to Joe Green for saving him in With No Remorse , and he is determined to pay that debt off. Dr. Bala Sankoh helps start the healing process on Joe. Bekah is a friend of Suah's; another boy soldier.
The brutal Lieutenant Saidu Bangura is in charge of the the prisoner. A very handy position for bribes. Carl Wilson, Simpson, Duvall, Janikowski, and Benson are the troubleshooters who go after anyone who gets in the way.
Black Ops, Inc. is a private paramilitary organization based in Buenos Aires that works exclusively for Uncle Sam.
The Cover
The cover has a cold feel to it with the bruised looking sky and Mean Joe Green in camo pants, facing away from us, shirtless with his ribbon tattoo snaking up his spine. Even though he's half-naked and armed only with a gun, there's a sense of armed lethality about him. The text for the title and the author's name is in gold with her last name flipped so that the letters are surrounded by gold.
The title could refer to Joe being the last one of the original crew who's unmarried, or it could refer to his belief that he's the Last Man Standing who can handle the truth he has discovered.
December 2, 2014
I picked this up by mistake thinking it was something else. Swore for a minute and decided to read it so I could get it off my bookshelf. It will never leave my bookshelf, I loved this so much I can't stand it.
Operative Joe Green breaks up with Stephanie Tompkins, his on again/off again other half, before going on a personal mission to Sierra Leone to find the killer of his friend and Stephanie's brother Brian. The Op goes bad, and alone Joe is arrested and imprisoned in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Joe is there about a month before Stephanie, who works for NSA, discovers his arrest. The rest of Joe's team is out of pocket or unavailable so Stephanie head to Freetown herself to do what she can to free him despite how they ended last time they met.
Stephanie and Joe. Can I love two characters more? Stephanie is a desk jockey. She doesn't have super ninja skills, billions of dollars, or million dollar contacts. She just does what she can to confirm Joe's location then joins forces with 15 year old Suah, a boy who had been freed by Joe years before and had been working with him on the mission that got him arrested. Part of the underground, Suah arranges everything and Stephanie supplies the funds and the direction when needed. Joe is rescued and is a mess. 30 days of starvation, dehydration, and beatings are not good on a body. And Joe suffers for it. No miraculous recovery, no alpha jerk bossiness. One of my favorite scenes is where Joe wakes up to find Stephanie scheming with Suah over a map. She tells him to shower now that he has the strength to do so before turning to dismiss him completely and get back to planning. Joe is first shocked by the dismissal then grateful as he goes to shower and leaves "the grownups behind to do the heavy thinking."
When Joe is weak, he lets Stephanie and Suah lead with out fuss. He interjects when he needs to but wisely saves his energy to heal. When the mission goes State side Stephanie still takes over the search as she has the skills and NSA contacts. Joe has his moment and in deep snow with guns blazing takes on the bad guys...though I'm happy to say it's Stephanie that saves the day there too.
The two of them works so well together as a team, in and out of bed. No arguing, no fighting, no whining, no blaming. They play to their strengths and let the other take over when necessary.
I'm always on the look for books like this without doormat heroines and jerk heroes. Loved it.
Operative Joe Green breaks up with Stephanie Tompkins, his on again/off again other half, before going on a personal mission to Sierra Leone to find the killer of his friend and Stephanie's brother Brian. The Op goes bad, and alone Joe is arrested and imprisoned in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Joe is there about a month before Stephanie, who works for NSA, discovers his arrest. The rest of Joe's team is out of pocket or unavailable so Stephanie head to Freetown herself to do what she can to free him despite how they ended last time they met.
Stephanie and Joe. Can I love two characters more? Stephanie is a desk jockey. She doesn't have super ninja skills, billions of dollars, or million dollar contacts. She just does what she can to confirm Joe's location then joins forces with 15 year old Suah, a boy who had been freed by Joe years before and had been working with him on the mission that got him arrested. Part of the underground, Suah arranges everything and Stephanie supplies the funds and the direction when needed. Joe is rescued and is a mess. 30 days of starvation, dehydration, and beatings are not good on a body. And Joe suffers for it. No miraculous recovery, no alpha jerk bossiness. One of my favorite scenes is where Joe wakes up to find Stephanie scheming with Suah over a map. She tells him to shower now that he has the strength to do so before turning to dismiss him completely and get back to planning. Joe is first shocked by the dismissal then grateful as he goes to shower and leaves "the grownups behind to do the heavy thinking."
When Joe is weak, he lets Stephanie and Suah lead with out fuss. He interjects when he needs to but wisely saves his energy to heal. When the mission goes State side Stephanie still takes over the search as she has the skills and NSA contacts. Joe has his moment and in deep snow with guns blazing takes on the bad guys...though I'm happy to say it's Stephanie that saves the day there too.
The two of them works so well together as a team, in and out of bed. No arguing, no fighting, no whining, no blaming. They play to their strengths and let the other take over when necessary.
I'm always on the look for books like this without doormat heroines and jerk heroes. Loved it.
July 25, 2012
I gotta say, I was a bit disappointed with this book. After seeing all the four- and five-star reviews I was expecting an epic conclusion to the BOI series.
While the book was pretty great, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of action that this book had. Especially when Steph and Joe were back in the U.S. -- I have nothing bad to say about the Sierra Leone part of the book.
The fighting scenes in the mountains just seemed to be resolved a bit too easy for my liking.
What I was really disenchanted with is the way things ended with Steph and Joe.
I gotta admit though, I am looking forward to Ty and Mike's stories. I know we only got a sneak peek into Mike's story, but I really wanna know what happens with Ty and his widow.
While the book was pretty great, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of action that this book had. Especially when Steph and Joe were back in the U.S. -- I have nothing bad to say about the Sierra Leone part of the book.
The fighting scenes in the mountains just seemed to be resolved a bit too easy for my liking.
What I was really disenchanted with is the way things ended with Steph and Joe.
I gotta admit though, I am looking forward to Ty and Mike's stories. I know we only got a sneak peek into Mike's story, but I really wanna know what happens with Ty and his widow.
May 14, 2012
Ok lets try this again, since it didn't save the first time. I loved it. I am sad that series is over. Maybe CG will do a spin off because I really want Prime Time Mike to have his own book. This book was a little different from the other because none of the guys were there to help Joe. There were brief moments with Rafe and that was about it until the Epi. Now the ending I adored. Everyone was back together and had a lot of celebrating to do. New additions to the family and announcements . Lots of laughter and love. Johnny of course was cracking me but I was so glad that Bryan was finally laid to rest and the mystery of what really happened was solved.
Here are my guys that I wish to claim ..
1. Gabe Archangel :)
2. Doc Holiday*
3. Johnny Reed ")
4. Mean Joe Green *
Here are my guys that I wish to claim ..
1. Gabe Archangel :)
2. Doc Holiday*
3. Johnny Reed ")
4. Mean Joe Green *
February 5, 2012
I loved this final book to the BOI series. Bryan's death is avenged, and his sister Stephanie and the last remaining single BOI member finally get their moment. It gets pretty intense, and sweet Stephanie gets to man up and be tough. Joe has always been the strong, silent type, and he's really no different here. We have watched their romance blossom very slowly since Gabe and Jenna's book when they first meet. And now they get to decide whether they are meant to be together.
This is a typical Cindy Gerard book, in which there is barely a break in the action. Every moment leads somewhere new, somewhere more dangerous than the last. It's gripping and romantic, and a fabulous wrap up to the series.
This is a typical Cindy Gerard book, in which there is barely a break in the action. Every moment leads somewhere new, somewhere more dangerous than the last. It's gripping and romantic, and a fabulous wrap up to the series.
July 5, 2012
4.5 stars! Perfect ending to an amazing, heartbreaking, breathtaking, action packed, and super sexy series! Absolutely loved the epilogue! Johnny and Crystal will forever be my favorite couple in this series, but the growth of Stephanie's character and how she breaks through Mean Joe Green's walls was perfect! I particularly liked that this story was a lot more focused on the emotional and psychological growth of the characters versus getting them out trouble time after time. The action was just enough to keep me on edge, and the romance was just enough to give me butterflies. Amazing book! I'm sad it's over.
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