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Medusa Project #1
The Medusa Project
She’s tasked with forming the first all-female Special Forces Team. He’s tasked with training them—and seeing to it they fail. She’s determined to prove women can keep up with the big boys, and he’s determined to break her—if she doesn’t break his heart first. As attraction explodes between Vanessa Blake and Jack Scatalone they have got to get this blazing heat between them under control. But, as events throw them together in a life-or-death race to find a missing team member, control is the last thing on their minds…
Cindy Dees is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 novels and creator/executive producer of an upcoming thriller television series. She draws upon her experience as a U. S. Air Force pilot to create intense suspense and love on the edge of danger.
Lovers of Dees’ high-stakes, fast-paced action will find exponentially increasing tension in each scene and pulse-pounding adventure that will keep readers enthralled. -- RT Book Club Reviews
Cindy Dees is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 novels and creator/executive producer of an upcoming thriller television series. She draws upon her experience as a U. S. Air Force pilot to create intense suspense and love on the edge of danger.
Lovers of Dees’ high-stakes, fast-paced action will find exponentially increasing tension in each scene and pulse-pounding adventure that will keep readers enthralled. -- RT Book Club Reviews
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2005
277 people are currently reading
741 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Dees
172 books1,953 followersCindy Dees started flying airplanes while sitting in her dad’s lap at the age of three and got a pilot’s license before she got a driver’s license. At age fifteen, she dropped out of high school and left the horse farm in Michigan where she grew up to attend the University of Michigan.
After earning a degree in Russian and East European studies, she joined the U.S. Air Force and became the youngest female pilot in the history of the Air Force. She flew supersonic jets, VIP airlift and the “C-5” Galaxy, the world’s largest airplane. She also worked part-time gathering intelligence. During her military career, she traveled to forty countries on five continents, was detained by the KGB and East German secret police, she got shot at, flew in the first Gulf War, met her husband and amassed a lifetime’s worth of war stories.
Her hobbies include professional Middle Eastern dancing, Japanese gardening and medieval reenacting. She started writing on a one-dollar bet with her mother and was thrilled to win that bet with the publication of her first book in 2001.
After earning a degree in Russian and East European studies, she joined the U.S. Air Force and became the youngest female pilot in the history of the Air Force. She flew supersonic jets, VIP airlift and the “C-5” Galaxy, the world’s largest airplane. She also worked part-time gathering intelligence. During her military career, she traveled to forty countries on five continents, was detained by the KGB and East German secret police, she got shot at, flew in the first Gulf War, met her husband and amassed a lifetime’s worth of war stories.
Her hobbies include professional Middle Eastern dancing, Japanese gardening and medieval reenacting. She started writing on a one-dollar bet with her mother and was thrilled to win that bet with the publication of her first book in 2001.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 20, 2023
Everyone should read this book, it was that amazing. It was definitely one of my favorites this year. I freaking loved this book. It was amazing and diferent than what I thought but in a very good way. Jack was so grumpy and he had attitudes that made me so mad sometimes, God men. Vanessa was such a freaking bad*ss, I loved her, she loved him and even though he hurt her, she still tried to make him understand that they loved each other and didn't have to live life alone. The war scenes were very detailed and I liked and her group is awesome
September 23, 2011
Six bad-ass babes go through Special Forces training. Basically GI Jane with romantic elements.
This was an entertaining military romance hampered by the shackles of category romance rules. This is my first Bombshell (the now defunct line of Silhouette) and if it's an example of the line, I can see why it failed.
The story is solid, the writing is engaging but I felt that the romance was misplaced. Clearly I could be wrong (it's rare but it happens - snort!) but the story felt like an editor marked it up with 'you need to add some romance earlier' or 'throw in a kiss here'. I have to say at least we weren't treated with the eye rolling sex while on the run from bad guys or on a mission (thank god!) but there is also a lack of depth in the connection between the heroine and the hero. The lack of a sex scene was also puzzling because there were places where it could have happened without being ridiculous.
The real shame is that this story had the potential of being a sexier version of Tom Clancy with a female protagonist. (I SO want to read a book like that!) The Medusa Project is well written and the military aspects are top notch but even at 300 odd pages it is too short and felt truncated in order to hit the minimum romantic rules of the category. In essence, this was a 'love story' (the hookup not necessary for the plot to happen) masquerading as a 'romance' (the plot wouldn't happen without the hookup).
I will definitely read the other Medusa series, but will keep in mind that due to category restrictions they are romances in a military environment instead of military love stories.
This was an entertaining military romance hampered by the shackles of category romance rules. This is my first Bombshell (the now defunct line of Silhouette) and if it's an example of the line, I can see why it failed.
The story is solid, the writing is engaging but I felt that the romance was misplaced. Clearly I could be wrong (it's rare but it happens - snort!) but the story felt like an editor marked it up with 'you need to add some romance earlier' or 'throw in a kiss here'. I have to say at least we weren't treated with the eye rolling sex while on the run from bad guys or on a mission (thank god!) but there is also a lack of depth in the connection between the heroine and the hero. The lack of a sex scene was also puzzling because there were places where it could have happened without being ridiculous.
The real shame is that this story had the potential of being a sexier version of Tom Clancy with a female protagonist. (I SO want to read a book like that!) The Medusa Project is well written and the military aspects are top notch but even at 300 odd pages it is too short and felt truncated in order to hit the minimum romantic rules of the category. In essence, this was a 'love story' (the hookup not necessary for the plot to happen) masquerading as a 'romance' (the plot wouldn't happen without the hookup).
I will definitely read the other Medusa series, but will keep in mind that due to category restrictions they are romances in a military environment instead of military love stories.
December 31, 2018
I wasn't sure about this book when I started it, but I really did get sucked in. The heroine, Air Force Major Vanessa Blake, has always dreamed of opening Special Forces to women and has persisted in trying to gain entry to the training program. Just as she's started to feel as though her career is stalling out, she is offered a chance. She is taken to the Pentagon, given thousands of files and told to pick her team of 6 women to train with her for what will be the first class of women training for Special Forces.
What Vanessa doesn't know is that top generals and political figures have basically set her up to fail. Initially, this includes Lt. Col. Jake Scatalone, the officer assigned to train them. The author, a former Air Force pilot, has packed this book with all kinds of details on the types of training that Vanessa and her team endure. However, the details are written in such a way that they are fascinating rather than dragging the story down. Not only does the reader get a sense of the hardships Vanessa experiences, but we get a clear sense of what drives her and her teammates.
While the romantic side of the plot in this book feels somewhat hurried, the dynamic between Vanessa and Jake makes for interesting reading. Watching Jake change as he lives and trains alongside Vanessa provides a good story arc, and the mixture of tough training and political wranglings throughout the story kept me turning pages.
As a reader, I think I'd classify this as an adventure story with romantic elements rather than a straight up romance. And either way, it's an entertaining read.
What Vanessa doesn't know is that top generals and political figures have basically set her up to fail. Initially, this includes Lt. Col. Jake Scatalone, the officer assigned to train them. The author, a former Air Force pilot, has packed this book with all kinds of details on the types of training that Vanessa and her team endure. However, the details are written in such a way that they are fascinating rather than dragging the story down. Not only does the reader get a sense of the hardships Vanessa experiences, but we get a clear sense of what drives her and her teammates.
While the romantic side of the plot in this book feels somewhat hurried, the dynamic between Vanessa and Jake makes for interesting reading. Watching Jake change as he lives and trains alongside Vanessa provides a good story arc, and the mixture of tough training and political wranglings throughout the story kept me turning pages.
As a reader, I think I'd classify this as an adventure story with romantic elements rather than a straight up romance. And either way, it's an entertaining read.
May 25, 2011
I absolutely love these books. I hate the marketing though...
I first discovered Cindy Dees when I did my RTR project.Ms. Dees had won a 2010 RITA for the book, The Soldier's Secret Daughter. As I was reading that book, I sensed that the author had first-hand experience in the military. When I looked up information about Cindy Dees, I realized my hunch was correct; I found out that not only was she the youngest female pilot in the history of the Air Force, but she also earned degrees in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Michigan. She wrote numerous books for the Silhouette line, the most popular being the Medusa books; the undiscovered bad-arse-female-butt-kicking-multicultural-Angelina Jolie-like-all-female Special Forces team. The books are hard to find now-a-days, but easily (and cheaply) available as ebooks. Start with the Medusa Project, and have fun with the rest.
I first discovered Cindy Dees when I did my RTR project.Ms. Dees had won a 2010 RITA for the book, The Soldier's Secret Daughter. As I was reading that book, I sensed that the author had first-hand experience in the military. When I looked up information about Cindy Dees, I realized my hunch was correct; I found out that not only was she the youngest female pilot in the history of the Air Force, but she also earned degrees in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Michigan. She wrote numerous books for the Silhouette line, the most popular being the Medusa books; the undiscovered bad-arse-female-butt-kicking-multicultural-Angelina Jolie-like-all-female Special Forces team. The books are hard to find now-a-days, but easily (and cheaply) available as ebooks. Start with the Medusa Project, and have fun with the rest.
February 18, 2015
I
LOVE
MILITARY
COUPLES
LOVE
MILITARY
COUPLES
January 17, 2021
Eight years before women were officially allowed in combat, and eleven years before women were allowed to take on any role in the U.S. military (even Special Forces), Cindy Dees and Silhouette published this novel, about the fictional first group of women in the Special Forces. They're smart, strong, determined -- qualities anyone (female or male) should aspire to.
Major Vanessa Blake is the squeaky wheel, the woman whose career suffered because she wouldn't stop trying to do jobs that were then male-only. I think the author does a good job of mixing her masculine and feminine traits, not making her too macho or masculine like in some tropes. I also like how their first mission shows off the unique things women can do on secret missions. Years later, I keep coming back and re-reading this book because it's great.
Major Vanessa Blake is the squeaky wheel, the woman whose career suffered because she wouldn't stop trying to do jobs that were then male-only. I think the author does a good job of mixing her masculine and feminine traits, not making her too macho or masculine like in some tropes. I also like how their first mission shows off the unique things women can do on secret missions. Years later, I keep coming back and re-reading this book because it's great.
November 23, 2017
Ebbe a romantikus szálat belekeverni teljesen értelmetlen volt. Sima akciónak jobb lett volna.
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February 12, 2023
Excellent
Vanessa has always wanted to be in the special forces but women aren't allowed. She is recruited to find five women who are strong enough to go through special forces training. The group is the Medusa Group and they are ready to kick butt. Jack is a Delta Force soldier and is taken off his team and sent to put the Medusas through the training. The government is expecting them to fail. Jack's team goes missing and he takes off to find them. Jack goes missing and the Medusa's go looking for him ( even though they were disbanded ).
I had never read anything by this author but I couldn't put this down. I did get aggravated over the misspellings and there were lots. Non stop action. This was one wild ride. A little sex.
Vanessa has always wanted to be in the special forces but women aren't allowed. She is recruited to find five women who are strong enough to go through special forces training. The group is the Medusa Group and they are ready to kick butt. Jack is a Delta Force soldier and is taken off his team and sent to put the Medusas through the training. The government is expecting them to fail. Jack's team goes missing and he takes off to find them. Jack goes missing and the Medusa's go looking for him ( even though they were disbanded ).
I had never read anything by this author but I couldn't put this down. I did get aggravated over the misspellings and there were lots. Non stop action. This was one wild ride. A little sex.
February 17, 2023
If you're looking for a story about kick-butt women, check out this book. Wow. What those women go through to get into Special Forces. Breaking into the all-male club means pushing themselves beyond anything they've ever done. I was so in awe of the obstacles they encountered.
Vanessa is the leader. She chooses five others to join her team. Those women learn how to work together to accomplish their goal. What they can't do physically they make up for intellectually. Jack wants/expects them to fail. As their trainer, he puts them through the same training other Special Forces teams go through. No holding back. No excuses. They either make it or wash out.
Fantastic plot, great characters. A little romance rounds out this story of courage and sheer grit.
Vanessa is the leader. She chooses five others to join her team. Those women learn how to work together to accomplish their goal. What they can't do physically they make up for intellectually. Jack wants/expects them to fail. As their trainer, he puts them through the same training other Special Forces teams go through. No holding back. No excuses. They either make it or wash out.
Fantastic plot, great characters. A little romance rounds out this story of courage and sheer grit.
February 13, 2023
I wish I could give it 20 stars
This was the first book I ever read by this author but I was so enthralled by it that I could not put it down until I completed the book. I felt like I was going through everything the Medusas went through. When they went to Fort Bragg and not only completed their training there, but also earned some respect from the male counterparts, my heart swelled. When the Medusas went to find Jack, and found Scott Worthington and Jack's missing ...well I don't want to give away too much. Just read this book. It honestly is one of the best books I have read in awhile. I am reading the rest in series. And added her as a new favorite author.
This was the first book I ever read by this author but I was so enthralled by it that I could not put it down until I completed the book. I felt like I was going through everything the Medusas went through. When they went to Fort Bragg and not only completed their training there, but also earned some respect from the male counterparts, my heart swelled. When the Medusas went to find Jack, and found Scott Worthington and Jack's missing ...well I don't want to give away too much. Just read this book. It honestly is one of the best books I have read in awhile. I am reading the rest in series. And added her as a new favorite author.
February 24, 2023
Reviewed by Beth-Take A Chance
Ok ... Simple This is a great story! I love the characters!
I'm not one of those who will write gobs about a book. I just keep it simple. I want you to read with hoping you'll enjoy it just as I have.
This would make a killer movie!
It has everything (in my opinion) that makes a great story.
1. Action
2. Good Verses Bad
3. Alpha women character with equally Alpha men.
I'm really impressed with Cindy Dees writing style. I recommend you read her book/books.
with that being said I'm on to the next one in the series.
Ok ... Simple This is a great story! I love the characters!
I'm not one of those who will write gobs about a book. I just keep it simple. I want you to read with hoping you'll enjoy it just as I have.
This would make a killer movie!
It has everything (in my opinion) that makes a great story.
1. Action
2. Good Verses Bad
3. Alpha women character with equally Alpha men.
I'm really impressed with Cindy Dees writing style. I recommend you read her book/books.
with that being said I'm on to the next one in the series.
January 28, 2023
Great story line
Enjoyed the plot, the characters and the way it all flowed from start to finish.
It suffers from some poor editing. Many words left out of sentences. Some words appeared to be selected, but the wrong form was inserted; for example use of the word "intimate" when it should be "intimately" in the sentence. Sad to see a well developed plot be spoiled by so many grammatical potholes.
Regardless, I look forward to reading Book 2 of the series.
Enjoyed the plot, the characters and the way it all flowed from start to finish.
It suffers from some poor editing. Many words left out of sentences. Some words appeared to be selected, but the wrong form was inserted; for example use of the word "intimate" when it should be "intimately" in the sentence. Sad to see a well developed plot be spoiled by so many grammatical potholes.
Regardless, I look forward to reading Book 2 of the series.
May 7, 2023
Wow, I really enjoyed this book in the series. I usually don’t like back forth jumping between different scene/settings. but I actually enjoyed this one. It gave you different view points of a lot of players. But it still kept main focus on Vanessa & Jack the main characters. The story helped build each of the Medusa character but didn’t take away from Vanessa & Jacks love story. Can’t wait to read the next & rest of the books in this series.
Read
June 1, 2023Action
A good military book.
A couple stories going at once but they converged and it was a standalone book.
It set the stage for the medusa unit.
The writing was fine, few typos. Abbreviations were spelled out at least once, I hate when its assumed that I know what they stand for.
I would have liked more sexy times, or even more awareness or a the MCs attraction.
Ill probably continue this series.
A good military book.
A couple stories going at once but they converged and it was a standalone book.
It set the stage for the medusa unit.
The writing was fine, few typos. Abbreviations were spelled out at least once, I hate when its assumed that I know what they stand for.
I would have liked more sexy times, or even more awareness or a the MCs attraction.
Ill probably continue this series.
June 22, 2023
Good reading
This is not my preference of genres but I do like to explore every once in a while. This was a good read with its quick pace and list of interesting characters. I don’t know how true things are in a military capacity but I do know the author keeps the interest alive in the events and handles the romance beautifully. The ending shows a sense of reality, not perfection but a feeling these two will handle what fate hands them.
Good reading
This is not my preference of genres but I do like to explore every once in a while. This was a good read with its quick pace and list of interesting characters. I don’t know how true things are in a military capacity but I do know the author keeps the interest alive in the events and handles the romance beautifully. The ending shows a sense of reality, not perfection but a feeling these two will handle what fate hands them.
Good reading
October 31, 2024
"If I might offer you a word of advice, General," Vanessa said lightly.
"Next time you want to ambush and humiliate us, send a real team to do the job."
“After a quick radio call on their fully functional satellite radio relaying to Papa Bear that Mama Bear had found Baby Bear, the Medusas rested through the day with the women of the tribe, fielding constant questions from the bevy of Al'Mah women who made any excuse to talk to them.”
"Take it or leave it, buster."
He nodded slowly. "I'll take it. But just remember I can still kick your butt in a fair fight."
She snorted. "Since when do I fight fair?"
"Next time you want to ambush and humiliate us, send a real team to do the job."
“After a quick radio call on their fully functional satellite radio relaying to Papa Bear that Mama Bear had found Baby Bear, the Medusas rested through the day with the women of the tribe, fielding constant questions from the bevy of Al'Mah women who made any excuse to talk to them.”
"Take it or leave it, buster."
He nodded slowly. "I'll take it. But just remember I can still kick your butt in a fair fight."
She snorted. "Since when do I fight fair?"
June 19, 2023
Be prepared to lose sleep.
Cindy Dees clearly knows the military well, These characters, Jack and Vanessa, are totally believable and compelling, The story is so plausible I want to believe there are female teams of special ops. I could not put down this book until finished in the wee hours of the morning, Loved it.
Cindy Dees clearly knows the military well, These characters, Jack and Vanessa, are totally believable and compelling, The story is so plausible I want to believe there are female teams of special ops. I could not put down this book until finished in the wee hours of the morning, Loved it.
February 22, 2024
What a delightful read and in my favorite genre too! A fresh look at a trope that can become the same as so many others about Navy Seals. I totally enjoyed this book and will definitely read the other books in the series. Definitely a recommended read if you are into military romance like I am. I loved every minute.
July 1, 2024
The Medusa Project
Really loved this book. It was hard to put it down. Great writing and excitement throughout the entire book. I just can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this Book. Thanks to Cindy Dee’s. I will for sure read other books by Ms. Dee’s. Thank you!
Really loved this book. It was hard to put it down. Great writing and excitement throughout the entire book. I just can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this Book. Thanks to Cindy Dee’s. I will for sure read other books by Ms. Dee’s. Thank you!
April 17, 2025
Something Else
Romance novels are my thing, but this book may have just titled me toward another romance genre.
The detail was on point. The fast moving senarios kept me on my toes. And the intimacy in the romance was enough to to blossom in my imagination but not enough to ruin a good story.
We done author. I’ll definitely be reading the next story in the series. 😊
Romance novels are my thing, but this book may have just titled me toward another romance genre.
The detail was on point. The fast moving senarios kept me on my toes. And the intimacy in the romance was enough to to blossom in my imagination but not enough to ruin a good story.
We done author. I’ll definitely be reading the next story in the series. 😊
February 23, 2023
This story took me by surprise
I really loved this . don't want to spoil it but 6of the toughest women I've ever read about. They are a secret group training to be special forces, and the big shots want them go fail.it has a lot of action
I really loved this . don't want to spoil it but 6of the toughest women I've ever read about. They are a secret group training to be special forces, and the big shots want them go fail.it has a lot of action
April 27, 2023
Gripping
This is the best so far of the books I've read by this author. It holds the right mix of gripping action and down-time to relax before the next crisis. Scene-setting is simple but entirely believable and character development equally direct and satisfying. The romance is underplayed but convincing and entirely satisfying. Loved this book!
This is the best so far of the books I've read by this author. It holds the right mix of gripping action and down-time to relax before the next crisis. Scene-setting is simple but entirely believable and character development equally direct and satisfying. The romance is underplayed but convincing and entirely satisfying. Loved this book!
June 6, 2023
WOW!! Medusa Project
This was fantastic! I stayed up way too late because I couldn't put it down. The plot was superb. I'm not sure if it's true but it's riveting reading. Highly recommend.
This was fantastic! I stayed up way too late because I couldn't put it down. The plot was superb. I'm not sure if it's true but it's riveting reading. Highly recommend.
June 12, 2023
Wow, that was a fantastic, fast-paced & roller coaster ride of a read!!!:)
First time reading Cindy Dees & I was absolutely enthralled with this book!!:)
I will definitely be continuing this series of 'The Medusas'!!:)
First time reading Cindy Dees & I was absolutely enthralled with this book!!:)
I will definitely be continuing this series of 'The Medusas'!!:)
June 12, 2023
Two sides of a coin
An insight into the training of Delta Force personnel, male and I’m sure female soldiers. Well written story I could understand and a love story in the mix without page’s of sexual charged descriptions.
An insight into the training of Delta Force personnel, male and I’m sure female soldiers. Well written story I could understand and a love story in the mix without page’s of sexual charged descriptions.
June 14, 2023
This was a really fun read, action-packed and well written, with interesting characters. My only minor quibble is that the editor seemed to take the day off for last 100 pages - lots of missing words and some misspelling. Regardless, loved it!
June 15, 2023
technical but interesting
This writing details the training and work required to become special forces personnel. While there is a lot of explanation it is interesting and moves quickly.
This writing details the training and work required to become special forces personnel. While there is a lot of explanation it is interesting and moves quickly.
September 24, 2023
I wish I had 6 stars
This book is AWESOME! It is tense, thrilling and very well written. It has amazing strong female characters who are kicking * and taking names. Cute romance, but wonderful action
This book is AWESOME! It is tense, thrilling and very well written. It has amazing strong female characters who are kicking * and taking names. Cute romance, but wonderful action
May 23, 2024
really enjoyable story
This was a different type of story with love, bickering, and tough military decisions all thrown in that combined to make a very enjoyable story. There were twists in it that were unexpected and the sun total had me reading until I finished the book!
This was a different type of story with love, bickering, and tough military decisions all thrown in that combined to make a very enjoyable story. There were twists in it that were unexpected and the sun total had me reading until I finished the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews