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Black Ops Inc. #1
Kimse Acınacak Kadar Masum Değildir
Ateş hattındaki bir kadın kendini ne kadar koruyabilir?
Gazeteci Jenna McMillan, kolay bulunmayacak bir fırsat yakalar ve önemli bir isimle röportaj yapmak üzere yola çıkar. Gittiği yerde ummadığı tehlikeler ve büyük bir sürpriz onu beklemektedir.
Bir erkek bir kadını kaç kere kurtarabilir?
Gabriel Jones, yaşadığı kirli hayat yüzünden sevdiği kadını kaybetmiş, yaşamını saran kurşun sesleri ve kan kokusu yüzünden masumiyetin ne olduğunu unutmuş, özel işler için çalışan bir ajandır.
Gabriel ve Jenna'yı buluşturan bir tesadüf, onları izleyen biri olduğunun farkına varmalarıyla başka bir boyut kazanır. Birlikte girecekleri bu yeni yolda masumiyete yer yoktur. Peki ya aşka?
Gazeteci Jenna McMillan, kolay bulunmayacak bir fırsat yakalar ve önemli bir isimle röportaj yapmak üzere yola çıkar. Gittiği yerde ummadığı tehlikeler ve büyük bir sürpriz onu beklemektedir.
Bir erkek bir kadını kaç kere kurtarabilir?
Gabriel Jones, yaşadığı kirli hayat yüzünden sevdiği kadını kaybetmiş, yaşamını saran kurşun sesleri ve kan kokusu yüzünden masumiyetin ne olduğunu unutmuş, özel işler için çalışan bir ajandır.
Gabriel ve Jenna'yı buluşturan bir tesadüf, onları izleyen biri olduğunun farkına varmalarıyla başka bir boyut kazanır. Birlikte girecekleri bu yeni yolda masumiyete yer yoktur. Peki ya aşka?
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2008
166 people are currently reading
8409 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 469 reviews
June 7, 2021
I really wanted to like this book. Since I bought the whole series on sale in paperback. Now I won't be reading the rest. Guess that money is down the drain. So much of this book didn't work for me. I love Romantic Suspense but the key word in that is Romantic....I felt no romance. Gabe was cold and showed no real interest in Jenna other than having sex with her, and honestly he didn't really seem super excited about that either. She pushed herself on him the whole book. The whole damn book. She initiated sex when he was asleep, he was even was like no and she just pushed herself on him. She pushed herself into his shower too. She kept touching and being sexual with him and again he seemed reluctant to have sexual relations with her. I'm sorry but that's not sexy at all.
It's not sexy for a heroine to rub all over a hero and him go no, to then only give in unenthusiastically when she keeps touching and pushing. The fact that the second the sex was done he shut himself off, shut her out and ran away to another room was a clue that he didn't really want her. Jenna threw herself at him over and over. It was just embarrassing and pathetic. He repeatedly told her he didn't want her. That he didn't want a relationship and to go home. Even at the 90% mark of the book he told her straight out that he didn't want her, didn't want to be with her and to leave now. Then he didn't come after her for 2 months. And all he had to say was I needed that time. Fuck you dude. And fuck her dumb ass for taking you right back. Then there was the fact that the action and plot of the book left me feeling like I was missing parts of it from another book. Even though this is book one in the series. It was like I was suppose to know bad guy stuff, and backstories from an ongoing plot that I didn't. The first half of the book was slow. I never really got into it. I never connected to the mcs. So I'll pass on the other books. Especially since I had a few friend that read the whole series tell me all the heroines CG writes throw themselves at the heroes in the same way Jenna did Gabe. On a side note I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a great job reading. His voice was the nicest thing about this book.
It's not sexy for a heroine to rub all over a hero and him go no, to then only give in unenthusiastically when she keeps touching and pushing. The fact that the second the sex was done he shut himself off, shut her out and ran away to another room was a clue that he didn't really want her. Jenna threw herself at him over and over. It was just embarrassing and pathetic. He repeatedly told her he didn't want her. That he didn't want a relationship and to go home. Even at the 90% mark of the book he told her straight out that he didn't want her, didn't want to be with her and to leave now. Then he didn't come after her for 2 months. And all he had to say was I needed that time. Fuck you dude. And fuck her dumb ass for taking you right back. Then there was the fact that the action and plot of the book left me feeling like I was missing parts of it from another book. Even though this is book one in the series. It was like I was suppose to know bad guy stuff, and backstories from an ongoing plot that I didn't. The first half of the book was slow. I never really got into it. I never connected to the mcs. So I'll pass on the other books. Especially since I had a few friend that read the whole series tell me all the heroines CG writes throw themselves at the heroes in the same way Jenna did Gabe. On a side note I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a great job reading. His voice was the nicest thing about this book.
February 23, 2017
It's been nine months since Jenna McMillan left Argentina after having helped Gabe Jones and the other members of the Black Ops, Inc. team bring down MC6 in Buenos Aires. It was a despicable group headed by Erich Alder and Jenna almost lost her life along with her edge. When she's presented an opportunity to return to that country for an interview with the head of a major company, Jenna sees it as a chance to get back into the game and face her fears...and the man she's not been able to get out of her head since she left.
I believe if you haven't read the last book in The Bodyguards series where these characters were introduced, you'll miss important story and character nuances even though the facts were well summarized here. Just my opinion.
I loved learning Gabe's rich and tragic backstory as it explained so well the man of the present. Where he annoyed me slightly in the last book, he was someone I admired and championed in this story. I liked Jenna's edginess and courage but especially appreciated her insight into Gabe once he revealed his past to her. Gerard doesn't pull punches or attempt to lighten the realities of the brutality in these situations. It was tough to take in but made the story feel authentic. The secondary relationship was an added treat.
This was a great start to the series and I liked how it was bridged to The Bodyguards. Gabe and Jenna are strong characters that stayed true to their respective natures as they found middle ground. Even though I saw the twist coming, the level of suspense and tension didn't suffer because the "how" was what made the story compelling. And, I feel like I know the rest of the team well enough to anticipate their stories. I'll definitely continue on.
I believe if you haven't read the last book in The Bodyguards series where these characters were introduced, you'll miss important story and character nuances even though the facts were well summarized here. Just my opinion.
I loved learning Gabe's rich and tragic backstory as it explained so well the man of the present. Where he annoyed me slightly in the last book, he was someone I admired and championed in this story. I liked Jenna's edginess and courage but especially appreciated her insight into Gabe once he revealed his past to her. Gerard doesn't pull punches or attempt to lighten the realities of the brutality in these situations. It was tough to take in but made the story feel authentic. The secondary relationship was an added treat.
This was a great start to the series and I liked how it was bridged to The Bodyguards. Gabe and Jenna are strong characters that stayed true to their respective natures as they found middle ground. Even though I saw the twist coming, the level of suspense and tension didn't suffer because the "how" was what made the story compelling. And, I feel like I know the rest of the team well enough to anticipate their stories. I'll definitely continue on.
July 17, 2011
Opening Line"Tracer rounds zipped across the murky darkness, lighting up the night sky in brilliant slashes of red, yellow and green."
WOW this one's a keeper. I absolutely loved this book it's got everything you could possibly want in a romantic suspense; uber alpha-male hero, exotic locations, suspense, drama, explosions, gunfights, hot sweaty jungles, passionate love scenes, psychotic villains, movie-worthy action scenes and some of the most touching dialogue I've read. (gotta love those tortured heroes) There's also a sweet secondary romance and best of all a whole team of Black Ops just waiting to have their stories told next.
Usually a book is somewhat entertaining or nice to read before bed, well SHOW NO MERCY gave me actual emotions. At times my heart was racing, I was tense, sad, angry, and found myself swearing with surprise. Then just when I thought everything was going to be all wrapped up nice and happily-ever-after Gerard twisted the ending, briefly left me hanging and created a lifelong fan. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and I've just ordered the rest of the Black-Ops series.
Only two things could take journalist Jenna McMillan back to Buenos Aires after being held captive by terrorists months before: a rare interview with reclusive billionaire Maxim and the memory of the tough and oh so sexy man who saved her before. Gabriel Jones is a warrior and after a lifetime in the military and profound personal loss he is scarred both inside and out. Missions and combat are his way of life now.
He and the other members of Black-Ops have just been hired to protect Maxim which is a happy coincidence because they're also watching him for presumed terrorist connections. So when a bomb explodes at Jenna's interview Gabe is right there to save her life although he's badly injured in the process. When it becomes apparent that Jenna not Maxim is the target she's forced to join Gabe and the mercenaries. However this is no coincidence and a ruthless enemy is now stalking them both.
THEN things really heat up and man there's a lot going on. With Gabe and Jenna fighting for their lives (and Gabe briefly turning into Rambo) their growing feelings take center stage and the sexual tension is almost as fantastic as the fast paced action. Jenna is strong yet vulnerable and Gabe is filled with so much guilt that he may never let her into his heart, turning his back on her just when he needs her most.
I will admit in the beginning my mind wandered as we got a very detailed back story and introduction to a huge cast of characters however things picked up rapidly and chapter 25 nearly put me over the edge...I'll be back for Take No Prisoners. Cheers!
WOW this one's a keeper. I absolutely loved this book it's got everything you could possibly want in a romantic suspense; uber alpha-male hero, exotic locations, suspense, drama, explosions, gunfights, hot sweaty jungles, passionate love scenes, psychotic villains, movie-worthy action scenes and some of the most touching dialogue I've read. (gotta love those tortured heroes) There's also a sweet secondary romance and best of all a whole team of Black Ops just waiting to have their stories told next.
Usually a book is somewhat entertaining or nice to read before bed, well SHOW NO MERCY gave me actual emotions. At times my heart was racing, I was tense, sad, angry, and found myself swearing with surprise. Then just when I thought everything was going to be all wrapped up nice and happily-ever-after Gerard twisted the ending, briefly left me hanging and created a lifelong fan. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and I've just ordered the rest of the Black-Ops series.
Only two things could take journalist Jenna McMillan back to Buenos Aires after being held captive by terrorists months before: a rare interview with reclusive billionaire Maxim and the memory of the tough and oh so sexy man who saved her before. Gabriel Jones is a warrior and after a lifetime in the military and profound personal loss he is scarred both inside and out. Missions and combat are his way of life now.
He and the other members of Black-Ops have just been hired to protect Maxim which is a happy coincidence because they're also watching him for presumed terrorist connections. So when a bomb explodes at Jenna's interview Gabe is right there to save her life although he's badly injured in the process. When it becomes apparent that Jenna not Maxim is the target she's forced to join Gabe and the mercenaries. However this is no coincidence and a ruthless enemy is now stalking them both.
THEN things really heat up and man there's a lot going on. With Gabe and Jenna fighting for their lives (and Gabe briefly turning into Rambo) their growing feelings take center stage and the sexual tension is almost as fantastic as the fast paced action. Jenna is strong yet vulnerable and Gabe is filled with so much guilt that he may never let her into his heart, turning his back on her just when he needs her most.
I will admit in the beginning my mind wandered as we got a very detailed back story and introduction to a huge cast of characters however things picked up rapidly and chapter 25 nearly put me over the edge...I'll be back for Take No Prisoners. Cheers!
September 27, 2008
Hmmnn...how to begin? How about "I loved it!" This was a taut, action-packed read, with a hero and heroine I really liked.
We first met the H/H in a previous book called "Into The Dark". Although this book is technically the start of a new series (Black Ops series), do yourself a favor and make sure you read "Into the Dark" first, you'll understand the characters a whole lot more. I had read "Into the Dark", but it's been about a year, and I've read a lot of books since, so my memories were a little hazy. But the author does a pretty good job with getting you up to speed with the characters' backstory, so I suppose this could be read as a stand alone if you'd like.
I won't get into the plot--the book synopsis does a pretty good job of spelling it out. But I will say that Gabe Jones (the hero) is one sexy uber-alpha male! This guy will just break your heart! Wow, he carries around a load of hurt and guilt. He had to do something in his past that would just destroy a lesser man--you'll just want to grab him and hold him and make it all better! And feisty, stubborn Jenna is just the woman to take him on. Loved these two and the chemistry they had--they did the old love/hate thing very well. They have some scenes...whew! They even made a scene where Jenna shaves Gabe scorchingly hot!
I will say the ending surprised me a little. Something happens to Gabe that I didn't think would happen, and I loved how the author had the characters handle this little turn of events.
Since this is a new series, the author spends some time setting up future stories by introducing a bunch of interesting characters, some who have also made appearances in "Into The Dark". There is a romance that develops between two '40-something' characters that was left open-ended. I hope to read more about this couple.
If you like hot alpha men, strong heroines, and enjoy romantic suspense by authors like Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockmann, or Marliss Melton, I'm sure you'll enjoy this exciting entry by the talented Cindy Gerard--4 1/2 stars!
We first met the H/H in a previous book called "Into The Dark". Although this book is technically the start of a new series (Black Ops series), do yourself a favor and make sure you read "Into the Dark" first, you'll understand the characters a whole lot more. I had read "Into the Dark", but it's been about a year, and I've read a lot of books since, so my memories were a little hazy. But the author does a pretty good job with getting you up to speed with the characters' backstory, so I suppose this could be read as a stand alone if you'd like.
I won't get into the plot--the book synopsis does a pretty good job of spelling it out. But I will say that Gabe Jones (the hero) is one sexy uber-alpha male! This guy will just break your heart! Wow, he carries around a load of hurt and guilt. He had to do something in his past that would just destroy a lesser man--you'll just want to grab him and hold him and make it all better! And feisty, stubborn Jenna is just the woman to take him on. Loved these two and the chemistry they had--they did the old love/hate thing very well. They have some scenes...whew! They even made a scene where Jenna shaves Gabe scorchingly hot!
I will say the ending surprised me a little. Something happens to Gabe that I didn't think would happen, and I loved how the author had the characters handle this little turn of events.
Since this is a new series, the author spends some time setting up future stories by introducing a bunch of interesting characters, some who have also made appearances in "Into The Dark". There is a romance that develops between two '40-something' characters that was left open-ended. I hope to read more about this couple.
If you like hot alpha men, strong heroines, and enjoy romantic suspense by authors like Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockmann, or Marliss Melton, I'm sure you'll enjoy this exciting entry by the talented Cindy Gerard--4 1/2 stars!
October 4, 2010
It's not you, Gerard. It's me. Kind of...
I'm just so used to my heroes being able fly/regenerate their health/drink blood/turn into a wolf/read minds/move at impossible speeds.
I just guess a super commando butch dude with no super powers or abilities couldn't keep up with those kind of expectations. And to be honest, who could?
But something did get at me about Show No Mercy though.
You see, my Babcia (Pronounced: Bub-shia) and dziedek (Pronounced Jad-eck) watch those Danielle Steele movies that come on cheap dvd with bad actors, soft lighting and really horrible late 80's-early 90's fashion.
Every time Babcia makes us watch one she says, "Is so beautiful! Like real life! Very sad! You watch! I make nallashniki" (Clarification: I don't know how to write the polish word for Nallashniki so I've written it as pronounced. Knowing Polish it's probably something like Nalaszcnizckizzzzyzyxyzyzyxywqw)
So then we inevitably end up watching some very tragic movie about some chick whose husband dumps her because she got pregnant and she meets some really nice, and handsome, divorcee who takes care of her until she has the baby and then her husband wants her back but her new boyfriend has cancer and then... well, I don't know because we end up falling asleep to protect our brains from the pain.
Well, those movies so reminded me of this book. She's a journalist (they always are, aren't they!) he's a mercinary fighting for good, evil is afoot. He's dangerous and sexy and she's fiery and stubborn.
It was just so very... predictable. He can't be tamed and she's so sexy that he can't help but try to protect her... blah blah blah.
It just isn't my thing.
Now some one point me in the direction of the vampires!
I'm just so used to my heroes being able fly/regenerate their health/drink blood/turn into a wolf/read minds/move at impossible speeds.
I just guess a super commando butch dude with no super powers or abilities couldn't keep up with those kind of expectations. And to be honest, who could?
But something did get at me about Show No Mercy though.
You see, my Babcia (Pronounced: Bub-shia) and dziedek (Pronounced Jad-eck) watch those Danielle Steele movies that come on cheap dvd with bad actors, soft lighting and really horrible late 80's-early 90's fashion.
Every time Babcia makes us watch one she says, "Is so beautiful! Like real life! Very sad! You watch! I make nallashniki" (Clarification: I don't know how to write the polish word for Nallashniki so I've written it as pronounced. Knowing Polish it's probably something like Nalaszcnizckizzzzyzyxyzyzyxywqw)
So then we inevitably end up watching some very tragic movie about some chick whose husband dumps her because she got pregnant and she meets some really nice, and handsome, divorcee who takes care of her until she has the baby and then her husband wants her back but her new boyfriend has cancer and then... well, I don't know because we end up falling asleep to protect our brains from the pain.
Well, those movies so reminded me of this book. She's a journalist (they always are, aren't they!) he's a mercinary fighting for good, evil is afoot. He's dangerous and sexy and she's fiery and stubborn.
It was just so very... predictable. He can't be tamed and she's so sexy that he can't help but try to protect her... blah blah blah.
It just isn't my thing.
Now some one point me in the direction of the vampires!
March 9, 2018
I’ve figured out my problem. I had a reading deficiency. A bad one
I needed an action hit. HARD! OMGosh...I don’t think y’all understand how bad I needed this. I’m so happy right now!
This was a buddy read with KarenH and we picked the book from her shelf. Nothing but love for you Karen
The beginning was a little slow and I think Cindy could have organized it a little better. Then there was a little confusion because it appears that this book is an extension of another series.
BUT I DON’T CARE!!!
Gabe and his band of Alpha brothers/colleagues were amazing! Jenna was great too. Strong, but with a realistic strength for someone who doesn’t live that life.
And the action! YES! It was all throughout the book, not just the end or the beginning, but THROUGHOUT! Stuff was blowing up. People were being shot. Throats were slit. Tear gas was thrown. Cars were driving into buildings. There were explosions...YEEEESSSSS!!!!!
My excitement made me a little lightheaded :o)
And the ending! No pretty pink bow here. Nope. Cindy gave us the harsh truth of what could happen when you sign your life away to that type of job.
You know...I need to go back and reread some of the books I recently rated 3 stars (especially the Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan). I really think it was me and not the book. Now that I received my fix, I might be able to enjoy it better.
I needed an action hit. HARD! OMGosh...I don’t think y’all understand how bad I needed this. I’m so happy right now!
This was a buddy read with KarenH and we picked the book from her shelf. Nothing but love for you Karen
The beginning was a little slow and I think Cindy could have organized it a little better. Then there was a little confusion because it appears that this book is an extension of another series.
BUT I DON’T CARE!!!
Gabe and his band of Alpha brothers/colleagues were amazing! Jenna was great too. Strong, but with a realistic strength for someone who doesn’t live that life.
And the action! YES! It was all throughout the book, not just the end or the beginning, but THROUGHOUT! Stuff was blowing up. People were being shot. Throats were slit. Tear gas was thrown. Cars were driving into buildings. There were explosions...YEEEESSSSS!!!!!
My excitement made me a little lightheaded :o)
And the ending! No pretty pink bow here. Nope. Cindy gave us the harsh truth of what could happen when you sign your life away to that type of job.
You know...I need to go back and reread some of the books I recently rated 3 stars (especially the Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan). I really think it was me and not the book. Now that I received my fix, I might be able to enjoy it better.
August 13, 2009
I'll start on a positive note because I was raised to have one of those "the glass is half-full" outlooks on life...
What I liked about this book:
1. The secondary romance. I can't give their names away because it doesn't start until half-way through the book and I don't want to mark this review as spoilery. I REALLY liked the secondary romance - it was believable between two warm, caring people. (I should note at this point that the secondary romance is the only reason this book received three stars.)
2. Johnny Reed. Dislike the name strongly, but love his character. Especially the fact that he hugs and offers support to Jenna (heroine) when Gabe (hero) is being a jerk (most of the book).
3. Consequences. I did like that the hero actually suffers the consequences for his actions. I can't say much without giving away a point at the end, but it was nice for a change to have a hero have to live with the results of his own carelessness.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. This is not a new series - don't be deceived! I assumed since it is listed as the start of a new series that it would be, you know, an actual new series, not a continuation of an existing series with a new series title. I was wrong. This book is actually a continuation of the author's other series, The Bodyguards. Some people might not be bothered by this, but Jenna and Gabe met in the last book in the Bodyguards series and I'm guessing had a history. What that history was is anyone's guess. That's right, the author never does a flashback or gives an actual explanation of what happened. Did they share a smooch? Baby-making action? Have a nice long talk to get to know one another?
2. Continuing in the same vein, Jenna realizes she loves Gabe fairly early on. Really? They don't even know each other in this book - again, maybe they talked and such in the previous book, BUT THE AUTHOR DOESN'T SAY - other than in the biblical sense. I didn't buy the early professions of love at all.
3. Gabe. Okay, he's alpha and macho and has a big you-know-what. So what? Other than his hero complex and the ginormous baggage he's carrying around (which I do admit was pretty damn sad and horrible - poor guy), he doesn't really seem to have a personality.
4. This is one book were I absolutely did not need to be privy to the bad guy's thoughts. What we learn while in El Diablo and Maxim's heads is something that is still bothering me today. Beyond just the torture and cutting up of bodies (that is not very graphic - it is mentioned and you get to fill in the blanks), there is the fact that these guys and possibly their group of mad men (?), like little boys. And not just watching. This was just too much information.
I'm fairly irritated with this book and after having forced myself to finish it, I became irritated with myself for finishing it. I should have put it down at the 122 page mark when I was seriously contemplating putting it in the "Donate to Library" bag.
There is a great review of this book here.
What I liked about this book:
1. The secondary romance. I can't give their names away because it doesn't start until half-way through the book and I don't want to mark this review as spoilery. I REALLY liked the secondary romance - it was believable between two warm, caring people. (I should note at this point that the secondary romance is the only reason this book received three stars.)
2. Johnny Reed. Dislike the name strongly, but love his character. Especially the fact that he hugs and offers support to Jenna (heroine) when Gabe (hero) is being a jerk (most of the book).
3. Consequences. I did like that the hero actually suffers the consequences for his actions. I can't say much without giving away a point at the end, but it was nice for a change to have a hero have to live with the results of his own carelessness.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. This is not a new series - don't be deceived! I assumed since it is listed as the start of a new series that it would be, you know, an actual new series, not a continuation of an existing series with a new series title. I was wrong. This book is actually a continuation of the author's other series, The Bodyguards. Some people might not be bothered by this, but Jenna and Gabe met in the last book in the Bodyguards series and I'm guessing had a history. What that history was is anyone's guess. That's right, the author never does a flashback or gives an actual explanation of what happened. Did they share a smooch? Baby-making action? Have a nice long talk to get to know one another?
2. Continuing in the same vein, Jenna realizes she loves Gabe fairly early on. Really? They don't even know each other in this book - again, maybe they talked and such in the previous book, BUT THE AUTHOR DOESN'T SAY - other than in the biblical sense. I didn't buy the early professions of love at all.
3. Gabe. Okay, he's alpha and macho and has a big you-know-what. So what? Other than his hero complex and the ginormous baggage he's carrying around (which I do admit was pretty damn sad and horrible - poor guy), he doesn't really seem to have a personality.
4. This is one book were I absolutely did not need to be privy to the bad guy's thoughts. What we learn while in El Diablo and Maxim's heads is something that is still bothering me today. Beyond just the torture and cutting up of bodies (that is not very graphic - it is mentioned and you get to fill in the blanks), there is the fact that these guys and possibly their group of mad men (?), like little boys. And not just watching. This was just too much information.
I'm fairly irritated with this book and after having forced myself to finish it, I became irritated with myself for finishing it. I should have put it down at the 122 page mark when I was seriously contemplating putting it in the "Donate to Library" bag.
There is a great review of this book here.
October 30, 2010
^^MERCY IS FOR PUSSIES!^^
So I am gonna do this a little differently, keeping it fresh and hot. So this is the first book in the Black Ops series, no its not about black operatives and yes the men are sexy. These guys infiltrate a situation and take out the bad guys and they do it in style. I am talking guns a blazing, knives a stabbing and smack talking. Yes! These guys got balls.
THE RUNDOWN- Its been a few months since Jenna McMillan was rescued from a nasty situation down in Argentina, this where the guns a blazing thing comes in. While working on a story, she gets caught up in something she should not know, was captured, tortured a little and almost died. Well her rescuer was none other than Gabriel Jones aka the Arch Angel. He was her knight in camouflage, but they didn’t exactly get along and they butted heads every chance they got. Eventually she had to leave but she never forgot him.
GABRIEL- He lives for the next mission, always ready and willing to blow some stuff up. He knows what its like to lose a loved one, his job lost him someone special and he has decided to never let anyone that close again. Until there was Jenna, the woman rubs him the wrong, and in his dreams she rubs him all the right ways too.
JENNA- A journalist running from her job, since the stint in Argentina her ego has been lacking in the confident department. Well she has been offered a new story and this one is BIG! Problem she has to head back to Argentina and Gabe is there. After thinking she would never see him again, it seems like she just might.
PLOT- Jenna and Gabe are caught up in the game of a madman. He wants revenge and he will not stop until they are both dead. More things gets blown up, and Jenna has to prove that she is the right woman for Gabe. That is a slow process but the sexy time sure is fun. Gabe sets the sheet on fire, and he didn’t need any C4.
FEELINGS- Loved it, pure action movie to the face. Gabe is a dream he is all 100% man, with the scars to prove it. The ultimate alpha-male with a wicked sense of humour. Jenna holds her own, she handles Gable like a dream and in a tough situation she leaves the breaking down till its over. Together, hottness. I wanna play connect the dots, twister and operation with these two( a little book humour). An excellent read, with hot romance, I cant wait to get the other books in the series. Lets just say Gabe isn’t the only one hot enough to cause fires, his fellow Ops are downright sexy. I am gonna love this series.
So I am gonna do this a little differently, keeping it fresh and hot. So this is the first book in the Black Ops series, no its not about black operatives and yes the men are sexy. These guys infiltrate a situation and take out the bad guys and they do it in style. I am talking guns a blazing, knives a stabbing and smack talking. Yes! These guys got balls.
THE RUNDOWN- Its been a few months since Jenna McMillan was rescued from a nasty situation down in Argentina, this where the guns a blazing thing comes in. While working on a story, she gets caught up in something she should not know, was captured, tortured a little and almost died. Well her rescuer was none other than Gabriel Jones aka the Arch Angel. He was her knight in camouflage, but they didn’t exactly get along and they butted heads every chance they got. Eventually she had to leave but she never forgot him.
GABRIEL- He lives for the next mission, always ready and willing to blow some stuff up. He knows what its like to lose a loved one, his job lost him someone special and he has decided to never let anyone that close again. Until there was Jenna, the woman rubs him the wrong, and in his dreams she rubs him all the right ways too.
JENNA- A journalist running from her job, since the stint in Argentina her ego has been lacking in the confident department. Well she has been offered a new story and this one is BIG! Problem she has to head back to Argentina and Gabe is there. After thinking she would never see him again, it seems like she just might.
PLOT- Jenna and Gabe are caught up in the game of a madman. He wants revenge and he will not stop until they are both dead. More things gets blown up, and Jenna has to prove that she is the right woman for Gabe. That is a slow process but the sexy time sure is fun. Gabe sets the sheet on fire, and he didn’t need any C4.
FEELINGS- Loved it, pure action movie to the face. Gabe is a dream he is all 100% man, with the scars to prove it. The ultimate alpha-male with a wicked sense of humour. Jenna holds her own, she handles Gable like a dream and in a tough situation she leaves the breaking down till its over. Together, hottness. I wanna play connect the dots, twister and operation with these two( a little book humour). An excellent read, with hot romance, I cant wait to get the other books in the series. Lets just say Gabe isn’t the only one hot enough to cause fires, his fellow Ops are downright sexy. I am gonna love this series.
September 26, 2010
Not recommended for a variety of reasons.
STORY BRIEF:
Adler is a bad guy with an operation in the jungle of Argentina. Gabe works for a covert private security team. He is in love with Angelina who has been kidnapped by Adler. Jenna is a journalist doing a story about Adler. Their paths first cross while fighting Adler and destroying his compound. Unfortunately Angelina died during torture by
Adler. Nine months later, Jenna returns to Argentina to do a story on Maxim, a wealthy businessman. Gabe is part of the group hired to protect Maxim. Jenna and Gabe are both at the National Congress when a bomb goes off, injuring Gabe. Bad guys are after them.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I feel like I didn’t get to know Gabe and Jenna very well. I wanted to feel more for them. Gabe was the strong silent type and never admitted to himself or her that he liked Jenna. Jenna was frequently sarcastic. There was no emotional development. As far as Gabe was concerned, their relationship was physical only. There was also too much pondering and exaggerating within their minds.
The author referred to the Adler story happening 9 months earlier, a few different times. This was vaguely told and not shown. I would have preferred the author spend at least 10 or more pages and show that story in detail. It sounded like an exciting rescue/attack, but the reader never got the details. Since “Show No Mercy” is Book 1 in the Black Ops, Inc. series, this 9-month-earlier event was not in a previous book.
I was almost at the middle of the book when I thought when is something going to happen? I was getting all these side stories and back stories, but not sure where it was all going. The last half of the book did feel more like a story, and it was good. However, I did not like two events described in Spoilers below.
DATA:
Story length: 359 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 4. Length of sex scenes: 0.4, 1.6, 4 and 13 pages. Total number of sex scene pages: 19. Setting: current day West Africa, Wyoming, Argentina, Washington D.C. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic suspense.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF READING THE BOOK, THEN DO NOT READ BELOW. IT GIVES AWAY SOME OF THE STORY.
I did not like the event where Gabe went alone to the bad guy in the jungle. Gabe had a great group of special forces guys working with him. He got a phone call telling where the bad guy was, and he thought there was no time to get his buddies to go with him because they were 20 minutes away. Therefore, he goes to the airport alone and takes a 4-hour flight to get to the location. Then he has to fight the bad guys alone. Plus, Gabe was wounded and ill with a fever. His buddies had a chopper and other resources. I cannot buy that his buddies couldn’t get to the location with him.
I was also frustrated when Jenna was kidnapped from under the noses of the good guys. They were using her as bait and at a minimum should have placed a location transmitter on her body somewhere (or have her swallow it). Somehow it seemed too easy for the bad guys to get her. In some books, this type of scene works, but for some reason when I read it here, I was annoyed. I’m not sure why. Maybe it was because the special forces guys protecting her seemed so much smarter than this.
STORY BRIEF:
Adler is a bad guy with an operation in the jungle of Argentina. Gabe works for a covert private security team. He is in love with Angelina who has been kidnapped by Adler. Jenna is a journalist doing a story about Adler. Their paths first cross while fighting Adler and destroying his compound. Unfortunately Angelina died during torture by
Adler. Nine months later, Jenna returns to Argentina to do a story on Maxim, a wealthy businessman. Gabe is part of the group hired to protect Maxim. Jenna and Gabe are both at the National Congress when a bomb goes off, injuring Gabe. Bad guys are after them.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I feel like I didn’t get to know Gabe and Jenna very well. I wanted to feel more for them. Gabe was the strong silent type and never admitted to himself or her that he liked Jenna. Jenna was frequently sarcastic. There was no emotional development. As far as Gabe was concerned, their relationship was physical only. There was also too much pondering and exaggerating within their minds.
The author referred to the Adler story happening 9 months earlier, a few different times. This was vaguely told and not shown. I would have preferred the author spend at least 10 or more pages and show that story in detail. It sounded like an exciting rescue/attack, but the reader never got the details. Since “Show No Mercy” is Book 1 in the Black Ops, Inc. series, this 9-month-earlier event was not in a previous book.
I was almost at the middle of the book when I thought when is something going to happen? I was getting all these side stories and back stories, but not sure where it was all going. The last half of the book did feel more like a story, and it was good. However, I did not like two events described in Spoilers below.
DATA:
Story length: 359 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 4. Length of sex scenes: 0.4, 1.6, 4 and 13 pages. Total number of sex scene pages: 19. Setting: current day West Africa, Wyoming, Argentina, Washington D.C. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic suspense.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF READING THE BOOK, THEN DO NOT READ BELOW. IT GIVES AWAY SOME OF THE STORY.
I did not like the event where Gabe went alone to the bad guy in the jungle. Gabe had a great group of special forces guys working with him. He got a phone call telling where the bad guy was, and he thought there was no time to get his buddies to go with him because they were 20 minutes away. Therefore, he goes to the airport alone and takes a 4-hour flight to get to the location. Then he has to fight the bad guys alone. Plus, Gabe was wounded and ill with a fever. His buddies had a chopper and other resources. I cannot buy that his buddies couldn’t get to the location with him.
I was also frustrated when Jenna was kidnapped from under the noses of the good guys. They were using her as bait and at a minimum should have placed a location transmitter on her body somewhere (or have her swallow it). Somehow it seemed too easy for the bad guys to get her. In some books, this type of scene works, but for some reason when I read it here, I was annoyed. I’m not sure why. Maybe it was because the special forces guys protecting her seemed so much smarter than this.
November 16, 2012
I don't know what to say....except....I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!! OH MY GOD....
Action, suspense, good guys, bad guys, emotions, fear, bravery, honesty and hot steamy action and throw in a bunch of hot hot alpha men....
I loved Gabe.... I loved Jenna. I don't even know how to express how i feel...
I must think about this I think. I will say this, it is 11:15 pm, my alarm is going to go off at 4:30 am because i have to drive 4.5 hours to New York for an appointment and them back again in the same day. I should have gone to bed early, but I absolutely could not put this book down!
For me this book had it all, the action started in the beginning and grabbed me and never let go till the end. And the ending.... *tears*
Did i say I loved Gabe? Just want everyone to understand, I love that man! He goes right to the tippy tippy top of my all time favorite hunklicious hot alpha men.
Ok. I have had some sleep and I want to add something to my review. Before you read this book you should read Into the Dark that is where Gabe and Jenna first meet and the attraction begins. The bodyguard series is a good series, but to start this series you really need to start there. Again I am going to talk about Gabe, he is one of the best hero's i have read so far. And Jenna is one of the best heroines, she is smart, funny and tough, and the best match for Gabe. Did i mention i love Gabe! :o)
Action, suspense, good guys, bad guys, emotions, fear, bravery, honesty and hot steamy action and throw in a bunch of hot hot alpha men....
I loved Gabe.... I loved Jenna. I don't even know how to express how i feel...
I must think about this I think. I will say this, it is 11:15 pm, my alarm is going to go off at 4:30 am because i have to drive 4.5 hours to New York for an appointment and them back again in the same day. I should have gone to bed early, but I absolutely could not put this book down!
For me this book had it all, the action started in the beginning and grabbed me and never let go till the end. And the ending.... *tears*
Did i say I loved Gabe? Just want everyone to understand, I love that man! He goes right to the tippy tippy top of my all time favorite hunklicious hot alpha men.
Ok. I have had some sleep and I want to add something to my review. Before you read this book you should read Into the Dark that is where Gabe and Jenna first meet and the attraction begins. The bodyguard series is a good series, but to start this series you really need to start there. Again I am going to talk about Gabe, he is one of the best hero's i have read so far. And Jenna is one of the best heroines, she is smart, funny and tough, and the best match for Gabe. Did i mention i love Gabe! :o)
October 27, 2014
Rating rounded to 3 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️
To much intel and not enough romance, this one was a tough one to get into.
To much intel and not enough romance, this one was a tough one to get into.
February 12, 2017
When her boss tells her that she is needed for an interview in Buenos Aires, Jenna McMillian isn't sure she is ready to go back there. The last time she was in Argentina, she was held captive by terrorists. But this interview could be her big break. And, if she is lucky, she may once again run into Gabriel Jones, the man who rescued her. Gabe is stunned to see Jenna on the streets of Buenos Aires while he is providing protection for a multi-millionaire. But an attempted assassination leaves Gabe injured and Jenna with a target on her back. Now they must discover who is behind the hit and stop them from succeeding.
This is the first book in Cindy Gerard's Black Ops series. Both Gabe and Jenna were introduced in a previous series. They struck sparks off of each other. It was just a matter of time before they got their own story. There was a good balance of action and romance in this one. I would have liked to see more of the hero's point-of-view. It seemed like we were in the heroine's head most of the time, but didn't know what Gabe was thinking in many cases. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the first book in Cindy Gerard's Black Ops series. Both Gabe and Jenna were introduced in a previous series. They struck sparks off of each other. It was just a matter of time before they got their own story. There was a good balance of action and romance in this one. I would have liked to see more of the hero's point-of-view. It seemed like we were in the heroine's head most of the time, but didn't know what Gabe was thinking in many cases. My rating: 4 Stars.
January 2, 2017
*Spoiler free review*
I didn't plan to read this one back to back with the Bodyguard series, I just couldn't help it.
The Black Ops Inc. revolves around Nate Black and his boys. Gabe being one of them. They once were all part of the same US army black ops force (Task Force Mercy) but after a mission went sour and another one of their team got killed, Nate Black (their CO) called it quit and created the Black Ops Inc. (BOI). Little after that, Task Force Mercy was dismantled and the boys joined him. They basically do the same kind of missions as when they were in the army but on their own terms (i.e. without external fuck-ups) and with a helluva bigger pay.
Show No Mercy was another great, fast paced and action packed story with great heroes. We met Gabe (Gabriel Jones, aka Archangel) and Jenna in Into the Dark (the last book of the Bodyguard series), where they played a key role. As the plots are somehow related, I recommend to read Into the Dark before reading this one.
Even though the author had serious problems with her time line (see example below), I really liked both stories, the main and the secondary one with Juliana and Nate as well as the epilogue. The only thing I didn't like is
"Bahia Blanca, Villa Flores
Same night, 11:10 P.M.
Juliana was asleep. Then she was awake.
[...]
She glanced at the bedside clock. Almost two a.m. There was a lot of night ahead. Yet she knew she wouldn’t go back to sleep. She never did when she woke like this."
Then back to
"Bahia Blanca, Villa Flores
11:17 P.M."
???
I didn't plan to read this one back to back with the Bodyguard series, I just couldn't help it.
The Black Ops Inc. revolves around Nate Black and his boys. Gabe being one of them. They once were all part of the same US army black ops force (Task Force Mercy) but after a mission went sour and another one of their team got killed, Nate Black (their CO) called it quit and created the Black Ops Inc. (BOI). Little after that, Task Force Mercy was dismantled and the boys joined him. They basically do the same kind of missions as when they were in the army but on their own terms (i.e. without external fuck-ups) and with a helluva bigger pay.
Show No Mercy was another great, fast paced and action packed story with great heroes. We met Gabe (Gabriel Jones, aka Archangel) and Jenna in Into the Dark (the last book of the Bodyguard series), where they played a key role. As the plots are somehow related, I recommend to read Into the Dark before reading this one.
Even though the author had serious problems with her time line (see example below), I really liked both stories, the main and the secondary one with Juliana and Nate as well as the epilogue. The only thing I didn't like is
"Bahia Blanca, Villa Flores
Same night, 11:10 P.M.
Juliana was asleep. Then she was awake.
[...]
She glanced at the bedside clock. Almost two a.m. There was a lot of night ahead. Yet she knew she wouldn’t go back to sleep. She never did when she woke like this."
Then back to
"Bahia Blanca, Villa Flores
11:17 P.M."
???
September 11, 2017
I just started this series and thankfully I was able to get #1,2,and 3 at the same time. I do enjoy reads that include Black Ops or Bodyguards, etc. I started this with a thought that it may be a DNF for me. It was so slow going and losing my interest. A little more than halfway I got charged. The action picked up and so did the romance between the H&h. Although it doesn't bother me, the action can be very graphic. My only question was wth happened to Julianna and her lifesavor???? On to the book #2!
December 27, 2011
Cindy Gerard is yet to disappoint me and to be honest I don't think she ever will.
Her writing is flawless. Short, sharp, dramatic sentences that are hard hitting and continuously entertaining. And funny, not side splitting, wet your pants funny but the sarcastic one liners make me giggle internally. Her heroines are strong willed and inspirations. And the men? Well the men are even better. Always sexy. Always 100% alpha male. ALWAYS additions to my spank bank. They never, ever disappoint.
Show No Mercy was perfect. It followed on from the last book in the bodyguard series - and truth be told, I fell in love with Gabe in that book. He was gruff, but oh so dreamy.
This story is hard hitting and evoked quite a range of emotions in me. The scale was huge...the humour made me laugh but at times I was almost in tears at what Gabe had been through. Then there was the slow burning need the continued to grow between Jenna and Gabe. It made me want to grit my teeth and clench my legs. Ohh boy was Gabe such a spunk...but a damn hard nut to crack.
Anyway, if you haven't read Cindy Gerard before I would definitely start. Grab the first book in the Bodyguard series and work your way through. They get better and better with each book.
Favourite Quote
"No. No, I'm okay. What about you? Are you hurt?"
"Only if you count the fact that you damn near ripped off my plumbing groping around for my phone."
She made a sound of exasperation. "Now? You pick now to become a comedian?"
"It's all about timing," he whispered back.
Her writing is flawless. Short, sharp, dramatic sentences that are hard hitting and continuously entertaining. And funny, not side splitting, wet your pants funny but the sarcastic one liners make me giggle internally. Her heroines are strong willed and inspirations. And the men? Well the men are even better. Always sexy. Always 100% alpha male. ALWAYS additions to my spank bank. They never, ever disappoint.
Show No Mercy was perfect. It followed on from the last book in the bodyguard series - and truth be told, I fell in love with Gabe in that book. He was gruff, but oh so dreamy.
This story is hard hitting and evoked quite a range of emotions in me. The scale was huge...the humour made me laugh but at times I was almost in tears at what Gabe had been through. Then there was the slow burning need the continued to grow between Jenna and Gabe. It made me want to grit my teeth and clench my legs. Ohh boy was Gabe such a spunk...but a damn hard nut to crack.
Anyway, if you haven't read Cindy Gerard before I would definitely start. Grab the first book in the Bodyguard series and work your way through. They get better and better with each book.
Favourite Quote
"No. No, I'm okay. What about you? Are you hurt?"
"Only if you count the fact that you damn near ripped off my plumbing groping around for my phone."
She made a sound of exasperation. "Now? You pick now to become a comedian?"
"It's all about timing," he whispered back.
May 10, 2017
I noticed that this book is listed in listopia in "I Love a Man In Uniform" ... in a category of "military romance." I had no idea that this sub-division even existed, but this book indeed fits the bill. It is the perfect quick read filled with action, angst and romance. The chemistry between our two lead characters is sizzling - dark, stoic, wounded hero, Gabriel Jones clashes with bright, “sassy” (as she is described several times in the book), outspoken journalist heroine, Jenna McMillan. Cindy Gerard jumps into the action fairly quickly and the story rolls along at a fast pace. The story does not stretch the limits of the romance genre - he rescues her from an evil villain and she rescues him by helping him heal his wounded soul. But the protagonists are likeable and it is fun escapist fare.
October 20, 2015
Nice series ...cant believe it took me so long to discover these books.
I enjoyed all the action...and all the hot alpha men
I just wished the heroine would have made the hero grovel some more. Damn he was a douche on more than one occasion.
Hopefully the heroines in the next books have a little bit more pride...begging is not really my thing...which is kind of what the heroine in this book did.
I could also do with a little less technical terms...made it confusing at times
3 stars and I will be looking into the other books
I enjoyed all the action...and all the hot alpha men
I just wished the heroine would have made the hero grovel some more. Damn he was a douche on more than one occasion.
Hopefully the heroines in the next books have a little bit more pride...begging is not really my thing...which is kind of what the heroine in this book did.
I could also do with a little less technical terms...made it confusing at times
3 stars and I will be looking into the other books
September 7, 2020
LOVED IT! This is why I used to read books of this genre A LOT! Hot, overprotective alpha male. Stubborn heroine with a smartmouth. Sizzling sexual tension. Plus the right amount of action and suspense. Just the way I like it: PERFECT! :)
January 12, 2023
Quick and easy read, fast paced and engaging enough to keep my interest throughout.
I'd like to see more of Gabe's friends though. The friendship and bond shared by the guys was definitely worth being more present in the story.
I'd like to see more of Gabe's friends though. The friendship and bond shared by the guys was definitely worth being more present in the story.
April 12, 2021
Show No Mercy
4 Stars
In the aftermath of her ordeal at the hands of a malicious terrorist organization, journalist Jenna McMillan is wary of returning to Argentina. Nevertheless, an exclusive interview entices Jenna to Buenos Aires where she find herself caught up once again in a world of intrigue and danger. After a close call with a bomb, Jenna is reunited with enigmatic covert operative Gabriel Jones, the one man who both infuriates and entices her. But a ruthless enemy has both Gabe and Jenna in his sights and will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Series note: Black Ops Inc is a spin-off of Gerard'sThe Bodyguards in which Jenna and Gabe are secondary characters. While the details are sufficiently recapped in this book, it is worthwhile reading Into the Dark for Jenna and Gabe's initial meeting.
Gerard is skilled at writing exciting suspense scenes and engaging romances. Jenna and Gabe's love/hate relationship is very appealing with their snarky repartee and sensual connection. Nevertheless, there are moments that require a healthy suspension of disbelief.
To begin with, the camaraderie between Gabe and his fellow Black Ops crew is entertaining yet their actions are often non-sensical and even inept at times - .
Moreover, the climax and resolution of both the suspense plot and the romance feel rushed. There is no detail or explanation for .
Overall, an entertaining read despite the above-mentioned issues and I am eager to find out what happens with the rest of the Black Ops, especially Juliana and Nate's relationship.
4 Stars
In the aftermath of her ordeal at the hands of a malicious terrorist organization, journalist Jenna McMillan is wary of returning to Argentina. Nevertheless, an exclusive interview entices Jenna to Buenos Aires where she find herself caught up once again in a world of intrigue and danger. After a close call with a bomb, Jenna is reunited with enigmatic covert operative Gabriel Jones, the one man who both infuriates and entices her. But a ruthless enemy has both Gabe and Jenna in his sights and will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Series note: Black Ops Inc is a spin-off of Gerard'sThe Bodyguards in which Jenna and Gabe are secondary characters. While the details are sufficiently recapped in this book, it is worthwhile reading Into the Dark for Jenna and Gabe's initial meeting.
Gerard is skilled at writing exciting suspense scenes and engaging romances. Jenna and Gabe's love/hate relationship is very appealing with their snarky repartee and sensual connection. Nevertheless, there are moments that require a healthy suspension of disbelief.
To begin with, the camaraderie between Gabe and his fellow Black Ops crew is entertaining yet their actions are often non-sensical and even inept at times - .
Moreover, the climax and resolution of both the suspense plot and the romance feel rushed. There is no detail or explanation for .
Overall, an entertaining read despite the above-mentioned issues and I am eager to find out what happens with the rest of the Black Ops, especially Juliana and Nate's relationship.
October 4, 2008
Thought this took awhile to get going, but once it did it became fast paced and hard to put down. I enjoyed reading about the secondary relationship that developed and would liked to have read more of their story than was in this book. Maybe they will still get their own story...
I think it needs to be said: This is a spin off from this author's Bodyguard Series AND the plot of this one is directly from the last book in that series. But, in order to understand that last book you need to have read earlier books in THAT series. (geeze) Bottom line, this should be #7 of the Bodyguard series, not the beginning of a new series. I don't think a person picking this book up and reading it without having read the Bodyguard series would understand or enjoy it as much. The Epilogue in this one even mentions E.D.E.N. and the famous cutthroat croquet...
Also, I now see why the author had the book series as "Black's Ops" on her Site. The leader and owner of the private team is Nathan Black.
There were a few things in this book that I thought could have been tightened up. Some repetition of previous info and a few too many (and too long) discussions about "what ifs." It took too long to get the book going!
The main characters were neat as were the secondary characters and I can't wait for the next one in this series to come out (October 21, 2008).
I think it needs to be said: This is a spin off from this author's Bodyguard Series AND the plot of this one is directly from the last book in that series. But, in order to understand that last book you need to have read earlier books in THAT series. (geeze) Bottom line, this should be #7 of the Bodyguard series, not the beginning of a new series. I don't think a person picking this book up and reading it without having read the Bodyguard series would understand or enjoy it as much. The Epilogue in this one even mentions E.D.E.N. and the famous cutthroat croquet...
Also, I now see why the author had the book series as "Black's Ops" on her Site. The leader and owner of the private team is Nathan Black.
There were a few things in this book that I thought could have been tightened up. Some repetition of previous info and a few too many (and too long) discussions about "what ifs." It took too long to get the book going!
The main characters were neat as were the secondary characters and I can't wait for the next one in this series to come out (October 21, 2008).
May 19, 2021
Reread/listened to audiobook 5/19/21.
Original read/rating/review 2009.
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
Original read/rating/review 2009.
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
October 27, 2014
4 Have Mercy Stars!!
December 9, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
In the first book of Gerard’s Black Ops, Inc series, we see Gabe “Archangel” Jones and Jenna McMillan again. For those of you who follow Gerard’s Bodyguard series, you’ll be happy to note that this book starts off with a fantastic beginning that hooks you right until the end.
SHOW NO MERCY is a show-stopper, the kind of book where once you start, you won’t be able to stop. I made the mistake of trying to sneak a few pages in before bed and ended up staying up the entire night to reach the middle of the book. Despite feeling the fatigue the next day, it was still worth it and I finished this book in less than 24 hours from when it showed up on my doorstep.
Gabe Jones is a major reason for this. Our hero is a tortured one through and through. His experiences with Task Force Mercy and his later decision to follow Nathan Black’s steps into a private security team have made him a hardened man. But it’s his personal experiences that have shadowed his soul. His love, Angelina was brutally tortured and killed by Erich Adler, Gabe’s greatest enemy. Her death still haunts him like a clouded sky and when Jenna walks into his life again, Gabe doesn’t know how to get over this burden that follows him day by day.
Jenna returns to Gabe’s life and brings back this heat that Gabe attributed to the Buenos Aires climate. I respected Jenna a lot. Not only did she show her vulnerability in times when the adrenaline wore off and all was left was fear, but she was also a strong, courageous woman who could run with the big boys. Her sass made her memorable, made her banter with Gabe entertaining. But perhaps the best part of her character was the fact that she knew what she wanted. Gabe held her heart and she fought hard for him. She laid her heart out on the line.
Cindy Gerard will most likely be a new favourite author of mine. I adored her writing style! Her pacing was perfection, pushing the plot forward without having events happen one after the other. There was a lot of action, but there was also a lot of time spent digging into the characters and learning what made them tick. I haven’t read a book that delved deep into the character’s psyche as much as this one did in a long time.
Another notable point is the “guy speak” in this book. I haven’t smiled at idle banter like this since the Black Dagger Brotherhood. These men in the Black Ops are loyal to the bone, honor in every fibre of their being. And you really get the feeling that they’d do everything in their power to protect one another. I loved it!
Favourite Quote:
Sam stared at Gabe and frowned.
“What?” Gabe asked.
“You been accessorizing at Toys R Us?”
Gabe followed Sam’s glance down to his waist. He actually looked embarrassed as he tugged something out from under his belt and tossed it toward Jenna as if it were a hot potato.
She caught it. Knew from the feel of it what it was before she even looked down, disbelieving and unreasonably happy that he’d rescued Nugget.
When she met his eyes he shrugged a shoulder, tough-guy code for “No big deal, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You seemed attached to it,” he said, sounding grumpy.
In the first book of Gerard’s Black Ops, Inc series, we see Gabe “Archangel” Jones and Jenna McMillan again. For those of you who follow Gerard’s Bodyguard series, you’ll be happy to note that this book starts off with a fantastic beginning that hooks you right until the end.
SHOW NO MERCY is a show-stopper, the kind of book where once you start, you won’t be able to stop. I made the mistake of trying to sneak a few pages in before bed and ended up staying up the entire night to reach the middle of the book. Despite feeling the fatigue the next day, it was still worth it and I finished this book in less than 24 hours from when it showed up on my doorstep.
Gabe Jones is a major reason for this. Our hero is a tortured one through and through. His experiences with Task Force Mercy and his later decision to follow Nathan Black’s steps into a private security team have made him a hardened man. But it’s his personal experiences that have shadowed his soul. His love, Angelina was brutally tortured and killed by Erich Adler, Gabe’s greatest enemy. Her death still haunts him like a clouded sky and when Jenna walks into his life again, Gabe doesn’t know how to get over this burden that follows him day by day.
Jenna returns to Gabe’s life and brings back this heat that Gabe attributed to the Buenos Aires climate. I respected Jenna a lot. Not only did she show her vulnerability in times when the adrenaline wore off and all was left was fear, but she was also a strong, courageous woman who could run with the big boys. Her sass made her memorable, made her banter with Gabe entertaining. But perhaps the best part of her character was the fact that she knew what she wanted. Gabe held her heart and she fought hard for him. She laid her heart out on the line.
Cindy Gerard will most likely be a new favourite author of mine. I adored her writing style! Her pacing was perfection, pushing the plot forward without having events happen one after the other. There was a lot of action, but there was also a lot of time spent digging into the characters and learning what made them tick. I haven’t read a book that delved deep into the character’s psyche as much as this one did in a long time.
Another notable point is the “guy speak” in this book. I haven’t smiled at idle banter like this since the Black Dagger Brotherhood. These men in the Black Ops are loyal to the bone, honor in every fibre of their being. And you really get the feeling that they’d do everything in their power to protect one another. I loved it!
Favourite Quote:
Sam stared at Gabe and frowned.
“What?” Gabe asked.
“You been accessorizing at Toys R Us?”
Gabe followed Sam’s glance down to his waist. He actually looked embarrassed as he tugged something out from under his belt and tossed it toward Jenna as if it were a hot potato.
She caught it. Knew from the feel of it what it was before she even looked down, disbelieving and unreasonably happy that he’d rescued Nugget.
When she met his eyes he shrugged a shoulder, tough-guy code for “No big deal, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You seemed attached to it,” he said, sounding grumpy.
April 13, 2010
Another solid edition to this continuing series. Okay, technically this is the first of the Black Ops series, but it's connected to Gerard's Bodyguards series. I'm glad Gerard decided to continue on with this group of characters and write a story for Jenna and Gabe since they had me so curious in the last book.
Series Note:
I'm gonna say that you really probably should read the previous series before read this one. The previous book especially relates to this one. So I'd really recommend reading the Bodyguards series first.
Summary:
Jenna McMillan hasn't been the same since being held hostage in Argentina months ago. She's been hiding out on her family's ranch, trying to find the desire to go back to investigative reporting. And maybe to return to Argentina and find the mysterious and sexy Gabe Jones who helped rescue her last time around. It takes a little soul searching but finally she goes back to Argentina to interview a reclusive millionaire...and hopefully run into Gabe.
Which is just what happens...only not the way she's planned it. With bullets flying and bombs going off, Jenna finds herself face to face with Gabe once again. And just like last time, they set each other on edge. They'll have to stick together like glue if they hope to find out who wants them dead...and why they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Review:
After reading Into the Dark I was super curious about Jenna and Gabe. There was some solid chemistry between those two characters and I was hoping Gerard decided to write a book for them...and she did, the first in her connecting "Black Ops" series.
Poor Gabe...yet another one of those tragic heroes types that you just want to give a big hug to. The man has a lot of weight riding on his soul. And I think Jenna's the perfect woman to bring some fun and happiness into his life. She's kinda quirky and offbeat, and definitely a strong woman who will keep him on his toes. They had some hot chemistry together.
Of course, first they have to survive the plot of the book, LOL. Which was a pretty interesting storyline. I thought Gerard worked out a certain detail pretty well about how the bad guy could be who it was. Make perfect sense. I did think at times the plot dragged just a little, but for the most part the book kept me reading.
I loved the peeks we're getting at the other characters...Lang, Reed, Holliday. And I'm especially curious about this Nate/Juilanna thing. I hope Gerard revisits these two and gives them an HEA, even as just a sidestory to another book.
All in all, a good romantic suspense read. I didn't have any major quibbles and look forward to reading the next in the series.
Series Note:
I'm gonna say that you really probably should read the previous series before read this one. The previous book especially relates to this one. So I'd really recommend reading the Bodyguards series first.
Summary:
Jenna McMillan hasn't been the same since being held hostage in Argentina months ago. She's been hiding out on her family's ranch, trying to find the desire to go back to investigative reporting. And maybe to return to Argentina and find the mysterious and sexy Gabe Jones who helped rescue her last time around. It takes a little soul searching but finally she goes back to Argentina to interview a reclusive millionaire...and hopefully run into Gabe.
Which is just what happens...only not the way she's planned it. With bullets flying and bombs going off, Jenna finds herself face to face with Gabe once again. And just like last time, they set each other on edge. They'll have to stick together like glue if they hope to find out who wants them dead...and why they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Review:
After reading Into the Dark I was super curious about Jenna and Gabe. There was some solid chemistry between those two characters and I was hoping Gerard decided to write a book for them...and she did, the first in her connecting "Black Ops" series.
Poor Gabe...yet another one of those tragic heroes types that you just want to give a big hug to. The man has a lot of weight riding on his soul. And I think Jenna's the perfect woman to bring some fun and happiness into his life. She's kinda quirky and offbeat, and definitely a strong woman who will keep him on his toes. They had some hot chemistry together.
Of course, first they have to survive the plot of the book, LOL. Which was a pretty interesting storyline. I thought Gerard worked out a certain detail pretty well about how the bad guy could be who it was. Make perfect sense. I did think at times the plot dragged just a little, but for the most part the book kept me reading.
I loved the peeks we're getting at the other characters...Lang, Reed, Holliday. And I'm especially curious about this Nate/Juilanna thing. I hope Gerard revisits these two and gives them an HEA, even as just a sidestory to another book.
All in all, a good romantic suspense read. I didn't have any major quibbles and look forward to reading the next in the series.
February 13, 2012
The Man Who Showed No Mercy Learns to Feel Grace
Thank you to Buggy for recommending Show No Mercy, the first book in the Black Ops series. I definitely plan to read the next six novels based on this excellent beginning.
After leaving the military, Gabe Jones and his "brothers" become part of Nathan Black's private security-mercenary-kickass firm "Black's Operations, Inc" (a cute twist on Black Ops. They're also known as Black's Obnoxious Idiots). Gabe is reeling from losing his buddy Bryan in war and his love Angelina in a skirmish with terrorists. Losing so much has left him cold and hard, with no faith or hope.
Enter Jenna McMillan, hotshot journalist with a sassy mouth and spunky spirit. She had been covering said terrorist skirmish in Argentina when she'd met Gabe nine months ago. Despite his rough demeanor, she'd fallen for Gabe, only to have him shove her on a transport plane and force her to return to the states without a hint of returning her affection. The rejection had burned her, and she'd come home to the family farm to cool off. However, her editor begs her to return to Argentina to cover a hot story.
Will she return to the land and the man that smote her? Will she run into Archangel Gabe Jones?
OF COURSE she will! And their reunion is awesome. When circumstances force them together, we are all in for a fun and rocky ride. A thin layer of hatred barely covers the unresolved sexual tension simmering underneath. Gabe is downright rude but Jenna dishes it right back.
"Your side." He nodded to the left side of the bed before he hobbled around to the right and sat on the edge of the mattress with his back to her. "My side. Any questions?"
"Well, it's pretty complex, but I think I got it."
Ha ha!
One of my favorite parts of the story is the little stuffed dog Jenna carries around with her, "Nugget". What a beautiful symbol of her vulnerability---softness you'd never know by looking at Jenna. But Gabe knows. And he's the only one who can peel off the layers to get to who she really is.
She does the exact same for him.
Her smile was as brilliant and as vital as the future she'd given him. Then she swore like a drill sergeant when Holliday laid down a full house that beat her flush.
God save me from this woman, he thought, and at that instant he realized that he and God had finally taken steps toward a tentative sort of peace.
Lovely!
The villain is appropriately evil and totally reminded me of the emperor from Star Wars. A side romance involving Juliana surprised and pleased me. I didn't find this first novel quite as emotionally compelling as Pamela Clare's I-Team series, but I'm eager to dive into the rest of the novels to drink in this romantic suspense goodness.
Thank you to Buggy for recommending Show No Mercy, the first book in the Black Ops series. I definitely plan to read the next six novels based on this excellent beginning.
After leaving the military, Gabe Jones and his "brothers" become part of Nathan Black's private security-mercenary-kickass firm "Black's Operations, Inc" (a cute twist on Black Ops. They're also known as Black's Obnoxious Idiots). Gabe is reeling from losing his buddy Bryan in war and his love Angelina in a skirmish with terrorists. Losing so much has left him cold and hard, with no faith or hope.
Enter Jenna McMillan, hotshot journalist with a sassy mouth and spunky spirit. She had been covering said terrorist skirmish in Argentina when she'd met Gabe nine months ago. Despite his rough demeanor, she'd fallen for Gabe, only to have him shove her on a transport plane and force her to return to the states without a hint of returning her affection. The rejection had burned her, and she'd come home to the family farm to cool off. However, her editor begs her to return to Argentina to cover a hot story.
Will she return to the land and the man that smote her? Will she run into Archangel Gabe Jones?
OF COURSE she will! And their reunion is awesome. When circumstances force them together, we are all in for a fun and rocky ride. A thin layer of hatred barely covers the unresolved sexual tension simmering underneath. Gabe is downright rude but Jenna dishes it right back.
"Your side." He nodded to the left side of the bed before he hobbled around to the right and sat on the edge of the mattress with his back to her. "My side. Any questions?"
"Well, it's pretty complex, but I think I got it."
Ha ha!
One of my favorite parts of the story is the little stuffed dog Jenna carries around with her, "Nugget". What a beautiful symbol of her vulnerability---softness you'd never know by looking at Jenna. But Gabe knows. And he's the only one who can peel off the layers to get to who she really is.
She does the exact same for him.
Her smile was as brilliant and as vital as the future she'd given him. Then she swore like a drill sergeant when Holliday laid down a full house that beat her flush.
God save me from this woman, he thought, and at that instant he realized that he and God had finally taken steps toward a tentative sort of peace.
Lovely!
The villain is appropriately evil and totally reminded me of the emperor from Star Wars. A side romance involving Juliana surprised and pleased me. I didn't find this first novel quite as emotionally compelling as Pamela Clare's I-Team series, but I'm eager to dive into the rest of the novels to drink in this romantic suspense goodness.
August 18, 2017
I loved it!
I had read CG's Bodyguard series and everyone encouraged me to go on and read this one and I don't know why it has taken me so long to pick them up. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish - it was well worth forgoing my beauty sleep ☺
We first met Gabe in the last of the Bodyguards series Into the Darkand I was looking forward to reading more about him and I wasn't disappointed. We also met Jenna in the same previous book and I wasn't sure about her but I loved her too and thought they suited each other really well.
Because of the content it obviously wasn't meant to be a comedy or funny in any way but the witty one liners delivered by both Gabe & Jenna were brilliant and gave me a chuckle here and there. It also had plenty of action scenes that were well written and fast paced. I have enjoyed every CG book that I have picked up and she has fast become a favourite and automatic buy for me.
I had read CG's Bodyguard series and everyone encouraged me to go on and read this one and I don't know why it has taken me so long to pick them up. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish - it was well worth forgoing my beauty sleep ☺
We first met Gabe in the last of the Bodyguards series Into the Darkand I was looking forward to reading more about him and I wasn't disappointed. We also met Jenna in the same previous book and I wasn't sure about her but I loved her too and thought they suited each other really well.
Because of the content it obviously wasn't meant to be a comedy or funny in any way but the witty one liners delivered by both Gabe & Jenna were brilliant and gave me a chuckle here and there. It also had plenty of action scenes that were well written and fast paced. I have enjoyed every CG book that I have picked up and she has fast become a favourite and automatic buy for me.
July 24, 2012
Exciting storyline with lots of action and suspense, awesome romantic tension between the lead couple and some great steamy scenes to boot! Loved Gabe and Jenna, who we first met in Into the Dark, a book i would highly recommend reading before starting this series.
Thoroughly enjoyed all the secondary characters, definitely looking forward to getting all their stories and i also really enjoyed the side story featuring Nate Black and Juliana Flores, although there was never any completion or closure to that story...we were kind of just left hanging. I don't think they get their own book so i'm hoping that we'll get more of those two in future books!
I love romantic suspense and this has been a series that i've been wanting to read for some time. Cindy Gerard did not disappoint, it was as fantastic as i was expecting it to be, Show No Mercy was a great start to the Black Ops series!
Thoroughly enjoyed all the secondary characters, definitely looking forward to getting all their stories and i also really enjoyed the side story featuring Nate Black and Juliana Flores, although there was never any completion or closure to that story...we were kind of just left hanging. I don't think they get their own book so i'm hoping that we'll get more of those two in future books!
I love romantic suspense and this has been a series that i've been wanting to read for some time. Cindy Gerard did not disappoint, it was as fantastic as i was expecting it to be, Show No Mercy was a great start to the Black Ops series!
October 15, 2010
WOW- This was one great read! I loved it! I loved everything about it! (well somethings I didn't love)
This smokin' hot read just moved on up to one of my all time re-readable novels. I loved Gabe (be still my beating heart) & Jenna (amazing spitfire) they are perfectly flawed and perfect for each other!
One thing I loved about Gabe (and it's certainly not the most important) Is when he came to the realization that he loved Jenna and he didn't think, OMG what? I love Jenna! He already knew it and didn't try to squirm away from realizing it. So thank you Cindy for that!
Okay I'll stop blabbing now. I just got done reading it and my brain is spinning like a super fast paced roller coaster of things I want to say, but can't form into words!
Oh and I can't wait for Johnny's book...
5 humongous stars!
This smokin' hot read just moved on up to one of my all time re-readable novels. I loved Gabe (be still my beating heart) & Jenna (amazing spitfire) they are perfectly flawed and perfect for each other!
One thing I loved about Gabe (and it's certainly not the most important) Is when he came to the realization that he loved Jenna and he didn't think, OMG what? I love Jenna! He already knew it and didn't try to squirm away from realizing it. So thank you Cindy for that!
Okay I'll stop blabbing now. I just got done reading it and my brain is spinning like a super fast paced roller coaster of things I want to say, but can't form into words!
Oh and I can't wait for Johnny's book...
5 humongous stars!
April 20, 2013
3/5; 3 stars; B-
This book was a basic romantic suspense, written in the cookie cutter style of the new millennium romantic suspense. That is: very hot military men who are part of a secret force and very hot women who get stuck in a situation that the very hot military men have to rescue them from. Lots of tight t-shirts over ripped abs. It was entertaining and fairly well written so I can safely say its a 3 star book for me. However, it didn't have the things that would have pushed it up to four stars such a hero and heroine that I could find believable as a couple and a main plot line that made more sense. I don't know if I'll be reading the rest of this series because nothing really hooked me in this book.
This book was a basic romantic suspense, written in the cookie cutter style of the new millennium romantic suspense. That is: very hot military men who are part of a secret force and very hot women who get stuck in a situation that the very hot military men have to rescue them from. Lots of tight t-shirts over ripped abs. It was entertaining and fairly well written so I can safely say its a 3 star book for me. However, it didn't have the things that would have pushed it up to four stars such a hero and heroine that I could find believable as a couple and a main plot line that made more sense. I don't know if I'll be reading the rest of this series because nothing really hooked me in this book.
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