They’re not good men. But, sometimes, good is not what the job requires.
Luke Dark hasn’t had a visitor in years, but suddenly, he gets two.
They make him that proverbial offer that he can’t refuse: a chance at freedom, if he survives five years in their employ. They know who he is—there’s no way they’d offer this if they thought he was likely to live that long.
Before he knows it, he’s in charge of a dangerous group of men whose capacity to trust is as rusty as his. There’s a woman with secrets of her own, who makes him long for things he has no right to even think about. And then things begin to spiral out of control.
He thought he’d come to terms with not having a future. He was wrong.
Note to readers: Dark Soul is the first book in a black ops romantic suspense series, where each book can be read as a standalone romance. Guaranteed HEA.
Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters in Alexia and Luke and weaves an intense story filled with action, drama and romance. She head me glued to the pages reading. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
They were all just trying to do the right thing... They were all wrongly punished... They are offered the chance of redemption, of reinstatement... eventually...... But they have to form a team and earn their future, can they live with paying the price of their freedom? Can they live with not paying that price? Dark may be leader of the motley team but he is not sure he deserves to lead another team, not sure he can trust or be trusted, not sure he would do anything different if he could go back- what sort of man does that make him? He knows he had no choice but to take the actions he did, but he will never forgive himself for taking that life, it is heartbreaking that he is still punishing himself all these years later. Chimera Force are a very rough and weary group that come together with major issues, grudges, insecurities and fears, but as they work through this first case the walls begin to fall and early misconceptions are corrected, trust is built and there are seeds of hope for the future.... A fantastic start to the series, book two is out on Thursday and I look forward to much more from this team. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Wonderful: What a great start to what looks like is going to be another amazing series. There were plenty of fresh and interesting characters, along with tons of mystery and action. I liked that whilst flawed, the heroes still had good, tender and protective sides. Dark and Alexia were a great couple. Their relationship was challenged by their inability to be honest with one other but they soon discovered that their feelings were very much real. I look forward to seeing how things continue to play out in future books and am beyond excited for book 2. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is a new to me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a brand new series about some dark heroes looking for redemption. I liked how the team comes together, although of course I want to know ALL the secrets RIGHT NOW. But of course this is a series, so the author is dropping hints here and there to tease and tantalize us. The part of the story I had a little trouble with was Alexis' and what she thought she was going to do to bring down her employer. This just didn't seem well thought out to me. Nevertheless, I liked the story a lot and I'm looking forward to more.
I read an ARC copy of this book and have decided to review it as follows
Couldn’t stop reading this one
So it’s got intrigue, mystery, romance and a fantastic storyline too
Luke Dark is a bad man, but is he? we first meet him when he’s in prison after killing someone whilst part of the Rangers, he is however given an option freedom after 5 years and a clean slate or the next 20 ish years where he is now but what is he agreeing too,
throughout the story we find out the background of this information and meet the other men who have also been offered the same deal that luke has
The romance comes in when luke meets as part of his first assignment Alexia who is doing her own investigating.
This story has left me intrigued to read the other team members who i’m sure are not at all what luke thinks and feels they are
Luke Dark closed his eyes and was back in his childhood home at their dining table pouring milk, his bare feet feeling the cold seeping from the floor...then he sees snow falling on his face and being so cold he couldn't remember when he had last been warm. One of his men said something that made him smile. They had a long way to go but as long as they stayed together...then he blinked again and was back in the box but knew this time it wasn't a memory.
He was in the isolation box. It was colder than his cell but also quiet and he enjoyed the peace. This time an inmate had tried to steal the one book they were allowed and he broke his hand and nose. He was four years into his twenty-year prison term in Leavenworth. He didn't even try to defend himself in court because he deserved the punishment.
He listens in confusion when he hears footsteps because the guards have already done their rounds and is even more confused when he is told that he has a visitor. They must be very important since visitor privileges are the first thing you lose when put in solitary confinement.
He was led to a private room and two men entered. He didn't know who they were, but he was determined to wait them out to see why they were there. They were offering his life back as if his crime had never happened...he only had to give them five years. As the leader of a team of mercenaries.
Alexia was looking out her bedroom window still not believing she was in Gstaad. A place someone who grew up in middle-class New York would never be able to afford. The net worth of the people here started with a 'b' and she was still amazed at the over-the-top luxury she sees around her.
She felt guilty every time she saw her employer because she was not who she claimed to be, but she had reasons for being in his employ that didn't include teaching his son. She pushed aside her guilt and focuses instead on her anger. She is determined that Arseny Kvyat pay for his crimes.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I love JR Pace and this series is totally different than her previous ones in which the heroes were part of law enforcement and a mountain rescue team. The men of Chimera Force are not good men...they have been hand-picked by their handler for their particular skill set as he builds a team to take down the criminals who think they are above the law.
They are given a chance to start with a clean slate and they have one day to pull together and bond as a team before being given their first assignment. Despite Dark's misgivings about his team and especially the crime of one of the members, they were able to mesh as a team as if they had worked together forever.
Dark and his team decided that the woman who was teaching Kvyak's son was the best way to get access to their target, but the more time he spends with her the more it isn't just about their mission. But, not only does he not have a life to offer her, but he is lying about why he is there.
This book is action-packed from word one. It is full of danger and suspense and smoking-hot. I can't wait to read more about this team of men...Dark, Rogue, Griffin, Slate and Ash and their secretive handler Thorne. Highly recommend.
Just what I was looking for in a dark ops romance book
Book 1 in the Chimera Force series, this is also my first book by this author. I have a soft spot for troubled military/ex-military characters, and Luke Dark (aka just Dark and the leader of the Chimera Force of the series name) filled the bill very nicely indeed. I also got a little bit of a Dirty Dozen vibe (for those old enough to have seen the classic movie); add in my love for a good redemption story and this was a book that caught my attention early and quickly pulled me in.
The author did a nice job with the story pacing, giving you enough information to get you engaged while still refraining from information overload, and holding enough back to build the mystery and suspense elements. I would note that while this story is complete on its own, the full background on the other members of the team (five men total on the team itself, plus one or two handlers) remains for their own stories; I’m very glad Ash is next because he definitely has me intrigued.
I really enjoyed the characters here, and thought the story was well-paced with some interesting twists to the plot. If I did find some parts of the storyline a tiny bit predictable, those were the things that are all but de rigueur for this type of story: undercover characters plagued with guilt for lying to other characters, the tortured hero who feels unworthy of his heroine, that type of thing. And the rest of the book made up for it, imo.
With mystery, suspense, action, humor, romance, and heat all adding up to just the kind of mix I was looking for when I picked this book up, I ended up converting my KU borrow to a purchase as I will be coming back to visit this story again. So that should tell you something about just how much I enjoyed it, lol. And until that next book in the series comes out, I’ll be busy exploring the author’s backlist. Four and a half stars rounded to five.
A great start to a new series that has former men, each with their own speciality from one type of military or enforcement, join an off the books group that will take down bad guys. Each man has their own dark secret that landed them in trouble but beneath their previous actions…you just know there is more to their story. First off is Luke Dark and his deal is getting out of prison and leading the black ops team and if he refuses, he goes back to jail to serve the rest of his sentence. Their first assignment is to get rid of a Russian oligarch who has plans that could destroy a lot of people. In the midst of all this is Alexia, the tutor to the Russian’s son, who has her own agenda against the man. The two meet and can’t but be attracted to each other which complicates the mission….with all the secrets and lies….can the two of them make it work….that is if they can survive when it all goes sideways. A great read with suspense, secrets, twists and turns, steam and great characters that I can’t wait to find out the behind the scenes story to each and everyone of them. I couldn’t put down this book and I didn’t want to, the story flowed, the characters clicked and I loved the little to no drama between Dark and Alexia. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
I enjoy these type of stories; a team of strong people come together to hopefully make things better, fun danger and action! This team is full of people seeking some sort of redemption; they are given an opportunity to improve their lives by hopefully improving other people’s lives. Liked the dynamics between this newly developed team; got some kinks to work out. Then add romance into that, and I’m into it. Luke has been in prison for 4 years out of a 20 year sentence, he is offered an opportunity to help others and himself by agreeing to do what some company says for 5 years. After the 5 years, he will be a free man. This offer is offered to 5 other men as well. The team is created! On his first mission, he meets Alexia, who has some problems of her own. Alexia has her own secrets going on; things are about to get out hand. Luke and his team see an opportunity to use Alexia to get to who they really want to take down. Trust is an issue between Luke and Alexia, but dangerous situations have a way of bringing people together. A bit of a common goal going on too, so that helps as well. Liked their chemistry! Love his protective nature! Love her determination! An entertaining story! Enjoy the writing style. Looking forward to getting more of the team’s stories!
Dark is surprised to suddenly get two visitors especially when they make him an offer he can't refuse ~ a chance of freedom. He's asked to lead a team of men who are equally as dangerous as he is. On their first mission, Dark meets Alexia, a woman who has her own secrets and who makes him want things he can't have. When things spiral out of control, Dark realizes that he wants a future after all.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review. I have come to love JR Pace as an author as her books are beyond excellent. Dark Soul is the first in a new series that promises to be fantastic. It was well-written with well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. I was hooked on this captivating and thrilling tale from page one and simply didn't want to put it down. Full of action, intrigue, romance and suspense, this story is a can't-miss. I'm very eager for the next book which just can't come soon enough, and I highly recommend this one.
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I have not read this author before and it is not my usual genre, but it was very good. 5 men dangerous men, most serving lengthy prison sentences are given the deal of a lifetime – maybe. Work for some clandestine international organization for 5 years doing their bidding and then they will be free to resume their pre-prison lives. 5 men who know nothing about each other, do not trust each other or their handler suddenly find themselves on their first mission. What the team leader, Luke Dark, did not expect to find, was a woman who called to him on the deepest level. He does not believe he deserves happiness, but cannot seem to walk away from Alexia. Trying to separate his mission from his attraction to Alexia, he soon finds that the two overlap and he has to find away to keep her safe and finish the mission. This is a face-paced, suspenseful action story with some hot and steamy romance thrown in. Very enjoyable. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
This new series by J.R. Pace is off to a great start. If you love stories about military men that have been given a chance to redeem themselves then you’re going to love it. Luke Dark has taken his punishment well. He might have done what he did for the right reason. However, still sees himself as a murderer. Given a chance to make good, and lead a new team well he’s all for it, unless it all proves to be false. Alexia is working for a Russian Oligarch, teaching his son English and math. It’s a ruse to find out more about the father and bring him to justice. She’s out of her depth, but determined to find a way. These two are primarily after the Russian’s take down. However when more information, and a third party emerges, they will have to be creative to come out safe. I really enjoyed this read. It has plenty of action, a good couple of twists, and keeps you reading to the end. Different to the last J.R. Pace series I read, and have to say I’m already liking this one better.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Hidden Gems ARC program introduced me to this author, and with the start of a new series, I was very interested and requested the ARC. The prior books I read have taken place in Switzerland, and this one is no different. The story opens with Luke Dark being approached from solitary confinement in Leavenworth prison and made an offer he really cannot refuse. He joins this shadowy group to end his prison time, if he actually survives the missions, they send him on. In Switzerland, he meets the rest of the team he is to lead. They all have similar backgrounds, each with their own specialty and seem to be in the same situation. Once the team is being setup in an amazing home base, Luke crosses paths with Alexia, who is in Gstaad for her own reasons, beyond being the tutor to a Russian oligarch’s kid. As the team gets closer to their plan, Luke and Alexia’s relationship grows even though both are keeping secrets. The action heats up and keeps the story moving. This helps to further introduce the other characters and how the next books might continue the team’s journey.
Ex-Ranger Luke Dark’s surprised when he’s unexpectedly offered an opportunity to regain his honor along with everything he’d lost. In exchange, Luke would lead a quartet of gray hat ex-servicemen put together by a shadowy entity. Before Dark can turn down the assignment, the remaining men arrive and the window for a two-day completion has begun.
Schoolteacher, Alexia Miller’s distraught over her younger brother’s death followed quickly by her parent’s death’s leaving her alone in the world. Tracking leads, Alexia learns entitled Russian billionaire Arseny Kyvat is guilty but isn’t being held accountable. Just as she’s about to give up, Alexia’s hired as tutor for Kyvat’s young son, Nicolai.
Dark’s ragtag team’s informed Kyvat’s their target, though they want more info, it isn’t forthcoming. Determining how best to do their bloody work, the team stumbles onto nefarious deal Kyat’s working and a glimpse of a slippery high value target while Dark makes best use of a chance meeting with Alexia, who he shares an instant attraction with. Rating: 4.25stars
Unputdownable Romantic Suspense His ticket to freedom is wrapped in danger… but could it also hold the promise of something more? Luke Dark is offered a deal he’d be crazy to trust—five years in the shadows, leading a team of men as deadly and damaged as he is. Survive that, and he walks free. They know what he’s capable of… and they clearly don’t expect him to make it to the end. Luke’s first assignment pulls him straight into Alexia’s orbit. She works for the man he’s hunting, so she should’ve been nothing more than a source of information. Instead, she becomes the one complication he never saw coming. Their secrets collide, their connection deepens, and soon the danger around them turns razor-sharp. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s fast, intense, and emotionally gripping in all the right ways. If you love action-packed romantic suspense with high stakes and real heat, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’m excited to dive into the rest of the series.
Right from the start, I knew this book was going to be good. First in a new series, this series has a great premise: An elite team is being assembled with rather unconventional members.
We first meet Luke (Dark) while he is incarcerated. He has two mysterious visitors that make him an offer he can't refuse. He will be leading an elite cleanup team for 5 years and then he will be free.. and can return to the military.
Alexia is the tutor of the son of a wealthy businessman with shady dealings. However,she has her own agenda.
Dark and Alexia meet (not quite by coincidence) while she and her charge are out sledding. He did not expect to fall for her and doesn't feel he has the right to happiness due to the contract he signed..
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this series.
This is the first book in a new series Chimera Force. This series is following a group of misfit men that get called into duty in exchange for their freedom from prison for various crimes. Think DC's Suicide Squad or Titans kind of vibes without being as over the top and no superpowers. So far all the men in this series seem likeable and am looking forward to each of their stories.
This book is Dark and Alexias story. Dark was a former Military Hero now in prison and seeking freedom and Alexia is a teacher turned tutor for a wealthy family hoping to exact revenge on her employer for past wrongs. The attraction and pull between these two is strong and fun to read.
If your looking for action, adventure with some steamy romance and a HEA check this book out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fast paced story that totally draws you in and has you hanging for the rest of the series
Luke Dark made the ultimate sacrifice he killed his commanding officer saving untold lives but as he knew he had done wrong he never defended himself in the court and was sentenced to time at Leavenworth Now he has been given an offer work for a clandestine operation for five years and if he survives he will get his freedom Now Luke is the leader of a five man team all damaged like him all released from prison and non of them trusting one another Can he form them into a working team Throw in the fact that he has fallen for the woman on their first mission and life is complicated Can he build a future with Alexia and can he build a strong team you will have to read to see
The men of Chimera Force are a team of soldiers that would die for their country, but were previously put in a position where they had to make a choice. That choice would be to think of themselves or do what they felt was right to protect others. Now they have been brought together as a team of misfits to eliminate threats to democracy without government backing. Luke Dark is tormented by what he had done, but is now tasked to bring these men together and lead them. Loved the premise and the author did a great job hinting at each man's regret that brought them to their situation. However, I thought the romance between Dark and Alexis took a back seat to the the suspense and build up to future books.
Luke Dark get a visit from two men that he doesn't know and they make him an offer at a chance for freedom from serving a 20 year sentence in prison. He'll lead a team of men that are as dangerous as he is. Alexia is a school teacher who has secrets of her own. She is tutoring a Russian Oligarchs son. When Dark meets Alexia he ends up making contact with her. They both are attracted to each other and they want to get her to give them information about the Oligarch. I enjoyed the story very much and the characters were fantastic. It's a fast paced story with action, danger, suspense, intrigue and romance. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luke Dark doesn't know if he is making a deal with the devil but the chance at freedom and to have something close to what he use to makes him take a chance. I love how each of the guys in Dark's new team have secrets, you get hints as to why they are now in this team where every man is given a second chance and then seeing them to start to come together as a team has you excited especially as at times in irks Thorne. The push/pull between Alexia and Luke after they accidentally meet and the tension of what might happen with the situation she is in adds another layer and has you wanting the team to succeed in their directive as well as Alexia and Luke to work out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Awesome! I am loving the start of this new series. I am a big fan of JR Pace books and this series is shaping up to be a good one! I love that the hero’s have a sorted past that make them vulnerable and a little dangerous. Dark was living the life he always wanted when his circumstances changed for him. Given a second chance may be exactly what he needs. Add in the strong and loyal Alexia and Dark’s life is forever changed. The chemistry is on fire between the two and they really find a special comfort in each other. The twists and thrills were fast paced and fun. I can’t wait to read more of the Chimera Force and hopefully see some more from Dark and Alexia! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
This is the first book in the Chimera Force series. Steamy, fast paced with a plot that keeps you turning the pages. Chimera Force is a team of misfits, men who have marks on their past and their souls. Darks story is up first, he was serving time in Leavenworth for killing one of teammates while on a mission. Thorne wants him to lead this new team earning him a chance at redemption and his freedom. When Alexia meets Dark she is tutoring a Russian oligarch’s son but she also has an ulterior motive, she wants revenge for her brothers death. They develop feelings for each other but can they find a way to make it work. Can't wait for book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I totally loved this first book in this new series. Without trying to give anything away, I really think all the men found themselves in crappy situations and paid the price dearly. They all seem like a bunch of decent men in my opinion..including Ash. I don’t feel that justice was served in their case at all. From the back stories we learn about, they deserved a medal! I so loved Luke who happens to be their team leader. This book is filled with action, suspense and the perfect amount of steam. Luke meets Alexia on his first assignment and the story takes off from there. I would highly recommend! I received an ARC copy.
(4.5) My heart and mind were at war with meeting Luke. I held my breath wondering where we were going. I started second guessing the "handler" and I fell in love with the whole flipping team. When we learn the complete story of Luke (at the very end) my heart hurt. What a great start to a new series. One that has mystery, intrigue, suspense, steam and HEA. Alexis had an inner strength, but not so sure of here smarts in thinking things through, but she steps up for the HEA. I have read all of JR Pace Mount Blanc series and was so thrilled when I was able to grab this arc! Many thanks! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #darksoul #chimeraforce #jrpace #booksprout #hiddengems
This is the first in another great series, Luke is in prison and has years left on his sentence for killing his commanding officer, however the number of lives that he saved is unknown. When is he told he has visitors has not sure what think. Then the offer to leave and be free after 5 years of service is presented to him. He realizes that he has nothing to lose or live for he accepts the offer. What happens when he finds out what is supposed to do and who with. That opens up a whole new set of questions. Can not wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a fantastic start to a new series! Luke Dark has been offered a get out of jail free card if he agrees to do as we say. But what does that mean exactly. Well they are putting together a team to fight evil. Interesting, huh? You'll want to meet these characters. Dark. Ash. Slate. Rogue. Griffin. And their handler, Thorne.
This book is the Luke Dark and Alexia story. Full of action and steam. Luke killed his commanding officer and was 5 years into his 20 year sentence. But you have to hear his story. You'll fall in love, too.
Bring on the next book. Soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
Book 1 of Chimera Force series and what a great start. Luke Dark is imprisoned for murder and gets an opportunity of freedom after 5 years of leading a team of mercenaries for them. His team are interesting characters and we get a teaser of what these dark heroes have done so I can't wait for their stories to be told. Alexia is putting herself in danger trying to find answers and gets caught in the team's mission. The chemistry between them is undeniable and Alexia's softness is a contrasts to Dark. A fab first book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have enjoyed reading this start to a new series, I thought the characters were developed, interesting and complex; things are not always as they seem and there is always more than one side to a story. I liked seeing the different relationships develop and the emotions that were shown as well as the connections and chemistry. I thought this story mixed well romance, danger, suspense and light and dark, I am invested in these characters and want to know more about them, to see them grow and find a balance in their life that they so desperately need. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
Dark Soul is a intense action packed collection of likeable alpha males each with their own reasons for accepting this chance for redemption Dark and Alexia have a easy flow between them as the are both working toward the same goal the destruction of evil and the hope for a better future in all ways. This is a very entertaining first book in a new series and leaves you wanting more. This is my first book by J.R. Pace I found it to be quite interesting and refreshing looking forward to future books.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.