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Apex Tactical #1
The Brutal Strike: Codename: Ophis
It should have been an in-and-out job
Find the girl and bring her home.
But we’re not the only ones who came for her
And when our rescue mission goes horribly wrong,
We find ourselves stranded and alone in the unforgiving jungle.
With death stalking our heels
Every day becomes a battle for survival
A battle not all of us will win. They pulled me from the clutches of a madman
Risking their lives to keep me safe
Just a pretty girl with an odd name and strange eyes
They don’t know why I was captured or why I’m being hunted
They don’t know the things I done, the things I’ve seen
But it's safer this way because if they knew the truth
They’d become collateral damage
Or worse, they might just hunt me too.
Authors note : The Brutal Strike is a ménage romance intended for 18+ readers.
Trigger As with most of my books, The Brutal Strike contains some scenes that readers may find upsetting, so please proceed with caution.
Find the girl and bring her home.
But we’re not the only ones who came for her
And when our rescue mission goes horribly wrong,
We find ourselves stranded and alone in the unforgiving jungle.
With death stalking our heels
Every day becomes a battle for survival
A battle not all of us will win. They pulled me from the clutches of a madman
Risking their lives to keep me safe
Just a pretty girl with an odd name and strange eyes
They don’t know why I was captured or why I’m being hunted
They don’t know the things I done, the things I’ve seen
But it's safer this way because if they knew the truth
They’d become collateral damage
Or worse, they might just hunt me too.
Authors note : The Brutal Strike is a ménage romance intended for 18+ readers.
Trigger As with most of my books, The Brutal Strike contains some scenes that readers may find upsetting, so please proceed with caution.
376 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2023
686 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 10, 2023
Covert ops flirting with trafficking victims mid-rescue is cringe; DNF at 23%
Two twins mercenaries decide to take on a secretive government contract after the picture of the woman they're to rescue makes them horny.
The woman is being held hostage by the cartel. The ringleader wants her to marry him, and assaults/kills other women in front of her because he is too superstitious to actually do it to her for some reason.
When she's rescued by the twins, they spend all of five minutes around her before deciding it's appropriate to be flirty. She literally freezes in fear at the thought of showering while on a plane with them, but they don't take that as a sign to not be kissing on her forehead, stroking her arms, and have her sitting in their laps. In what universe would a trained operative start putting the moves on a kidnapping victim mid-rescue? I would think the first thing they learn in training is not to take liberties with sex crime victims, but what do I know? She convinces herself it's okay because they haven't hurt her.
Then they discover their plane has been tampered with. We find out the woman has mythical healing powers that don't work on herself, which is convenient because she's barely scratched up while both of the twins sustain life threatening injuries in the plane crash.
Directly after being healed, the twins decide to further press their luck and initiate a three person kiss with the woman. She's shocked by this, having not realized she's in a ménage book, and they have a moment of clarity where they're like "maybe this isn't the time". They apologize to her but she brushes it off and of course they are now back to flirt town.
It's just impossible to take serious. The characters seem to forget they're not in a rom-com and spend most of the time flirting and joking around. The action scenes and whole reason for their mission seem like an afterthought.
It's very odd to start the book with a forced sexual scene and then immediately place the victim woman in sexual situations with the male leads. In any other book, they would be the second set of bad guys who are the real villains because you find out they have been taking advantage of the women they rescue.
Two twins mercenaries decide to take on a secretive government contract after the picture of the woman they're to rescue makes them horny.
The woman is being held hostage by the cartel. The ringleader wants her to marry him, and assaults/kills other women in front of her because he is too superstitious to actually do it to her for some reason.
When she's rescued by the twins, they spend all of five minutes around her before deciding it's appropriate to be flirty. She literally freezes in fear at the thought of showering while on a plane with them, but they don't take that as a sign to not be kissing on her forehead, stroking her arms, and have her sitting in their laps. In what universe would a trained operative start putting the moves on a kidnapping victim mid-rescue? I would think the first thing they learn in training is not to take liberties with sex crime victims, but what do I know? She convinces herself it's okay because they haven't hurt her.
Then they discover their plane has been tampered with. We find out the woman has mythical healing powers that don't work on herself, which is convenient because she's barely scratched up while both of the twins sustain life threatening injuries in the plane crash.
Directly after being healed, the twins decide to further press their luck and initiate a three person kiss with the woman. She's shocked by this, having not realized she's in a ménage book, and they have a moment of clarity where they're like "maybe this isn't the time". They apologize to her but she brushes it off and of course they are now back to flirt town.
It's just impossible to take serious. The characters seem to forget they're not in a rom-com and spend most of the time flirting and joking around. The action scenes and whole reason for their mission seem like an afterthought.
It's very odd to start the book with a forced sexual scene and then immediately place the victim woman in sexual situations with the male leads. In any other book, they would be the second set of bad guys who are the real villains because you find out they have been taking advantage of the women they rescue.
May 21, 2023
This book is wonderful. I’ve been anxiously waiting for Oz and Zig’s story since we first them in Luna’s book. They are hot, big, deadly, dangerous twins that run a company that deals with extractions and other dangerous situations when or if the government won’t or can’t get involved. In this book they are off to save a woman from imprisonment by one of the cartels. They don’t really know why this woman is so special that the government wants her saved, but something pushes them to go save her. There’s so much that goes on in this story - surprises, twists, turns, and people not being who you think that they are. Zig, Oz, and Salem are lost and stranded in the jungle and have to survive….and have some fun. There are many triggers in this book and a particular scene made me cry. This book is fairly low on the smut, but I didn’t care all that much because there’s so much action, emotions, and development throughout. Warning - this book ends on a surprise and certain threads aren’t are all resolved. The overarching plot continues into the next book with a new set of characters.
June 8, 2023
Failed to grab me overall. There were moments I thought were great and exciting but I just expected to be more connected and I never was.
This is an action and adventure mfm menage and a spin off from her Underestimated series. I’ll admit I was never a huge fan of the twins in those books so right from the start my connection to the characters wasn’t super strong. Then the book starts and it starts with one of the dudes POVs, never a good sign for me, and it just jumps right in. I would have preferred a slow start so that I could really connect with the characters by the time the action and life and death situations are being thrown at us. It did have scenes that had that whole Swiss family Robison vibe that I was enjoying but overall the execution was a lot of showing verses telling and I was bored and unaffected.
The romance is way too insta for me. The dudes fall as soon as they see her picture and are already admitting they love her before 50%. 🙄 The chemistry was just not apparent. I would have preferred some tension and some angst. It’s all very sugary sweet.
The h is sweet and selfless. I liked her healing abilities. 🤷🏻♀️. Honestly her whole character felt not very authentic. Her character was just too wrapped up into the plot. I don’t know who she is outside of her role.
I may read the next one about the other characters. I liked the little teaser at the end.
This is an action and adventure mfm menage and a spin off from her Underestimated series. I’ll admit I was never a huge fan of the twins in those books so right from the start my connection to the characters wasn’t super strong. Then the book starts and it starts with one of the dudes POVs, never a good sign for me, and it just jumps right in. I would have preferred a slow start so that I could really connect with the characters by the time the action and life and death situations are being thrown at us. It did have scenes that had that whole Swiss family Robison vibe that I was enjoying but overall the execution was a lot of showing verses telling and I was bored and unaffected.
The romance is way too insta for me. The dudes fall as soon as they see her picture and are already admitting they love her before 50%. 🙄 The chemistry was just not apparent. I would have preferred some tension and some angst. It’s all very sugary sweet.
The h is sweet and selfless. I liked her healing abilities. 🤷🏻♀️. Honestly her whole character felt not very authentic. Her character was just too wrapped up into the plot. I don’t know who she is outside of her role.
I may read the next one about the other characters. I liked the little teaser at the end.
November 14, 2024
4.3 stars.
Oh. I was wondering what more could go on in a four book series about the same 3 people who’d already solidified their relationship…moving on to a different group makes much more sense with the pacing in this one.
Though I’m a little less interested now, to be honest.
Oh. I was wondering what more could go on in a four book series about the same 3 people who’d already solidified their relationship…moving on to a different group makes much more sense with the pacing in this one.
Though I’m a little less interested now, to be honest.
May 30, 2023
I have been longing for Zig & Oz's book since we were first introduced to them way back in Lunas' book, and let me tell you, the wait was well worth it! These hilarious, brave, hunky, and swoony twins are literal heroes (taking jobs the government deems to risky, for example. And ya know.. having Luna for a sister. *winks*) and as soon as they see a picture of a captured woman, they both have the sudden urge to save AND claim her, but they had no idea the dangers that would be heading their way because of it, nor did they expect to fall head over heels in love stranded in a jungle -- but goodness, what a ride it was!
So without giving too much away, Salem is someone who can do the unthinkable, and that's why she's been captured and held prisoner. She's wanted from almost everyone, but when these two twin mercenaries come to her rescue and she somehow feels safe and a connection to them both, she thinks that maybe her luck is turning around.. until their plane literally falls out from the sky. These three get a crash course (no pun intended) on each other pretty darn quickly, and it's easy to see just how they are all going to fall in love with one another, and the seamless relationships they have, even being surrounded by danger on all sides. Salem, Oz, and Zig all added humor, and some truly laugh out loud moments, as well as all the heat and swoon, and I just cannot wait for the next book in the series, especially with this overlapping storyline!
PLUS, we got cameos from Luna and her men! I have missed them so much, and it was amazing to see everyone together again. Plus the relationships Salem formed with Zig & Oz's team was just precious! Go one click now!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
So without giving too much away, Salem is someone who can do the unthinkable, and that's why she's been captured and held prisoner. She's wanted from almost everyone, but when these two twin mercenaries come to her rescue and she somehow feels safe and a connection to them both, she thinks that maybe her luck is turning around.. until their plane literally falls out from the sky. These three get a crash course (no pun intended) on each other pretty darn quickly, and it's easy to see just how they are all going to fall in love with one another, and the seamless relationships they have, even being surrounded by danger on all sides. Salem, Oz, and Zig all added humor, and some truly laugh out loud moments, as well as all the heat and swoon, and I just cannot wait for the next book in the series, especially with this overlapping storyline!
PLUS, we got cameos from Luna and her men! I have missed them so much, and it was amazing to see everyone together again. Plus the relationships Salem formed with Zig & Oz's team was just precious! Go one click now!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
June 8, 2023
Zig and Oz are twin brothers that belong to a special force of soldiers to hire. They do missions that the government cannot or will not take part od, officially and they are approached about a rescue mission of a woman called Salem but have no idea why and what makes her so special, and trust me, she is very special…
Salem is a hostage at the cartel compound for two years. She does what she has to in order to survive but knows the danger in giving in. to the wrong hands – she is a dangerous weapon
But when rescue comes, things seem a little too easy at first and then escalade really quickly
What how? Who knows they are there, who wants to kill them? Can they survive the jungle? Can they trust each other?
Each bring their special talent to the mission but they need to face both nature and an enemy they can not see. Who sabotaged their plane? Who wants them dead? Do the Apex have a mole within them?
The twins and Salem become one and they share EVERYTHING so be ready for some menage steamy moments
This book has closer and can be read as a standalone but the series arc continues and the next book is: IN THE HARSH BITE, in which other team members take the lead roles
Salem is a hostage at the cartel compound for two years. She does what she has to in order to survive but knows the danger in giving in. to the wrong hands – she is a dangerous weapon
But when rescue comes, things seem a little too easy at first and then escalade really quickly
What how? Who knows they are there, who wants to kill them? Can they survive the jungle? Can they trust each other?
Each bring their special talent to the mission but they need to face both nature and an enemy they can not see. Who sabotaged their plane? Who wants them dead? Do the Apex have a mole within them?
The twins and Salem become one and they share EVERYTHING so be ready for some menage steamy moments
This book has closer and can be read as a standalone but the series arc continues and the next book is: IN THE HARSH BITE, in which other team members take the lead roles
May 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
“Hi, my name is Ziggy, but if you ever want me to answer, you’ll just call me Zig. I’m not good with words, and I don’t always think things through before I act. I like you. I think you’re funny, sweet, and brave. If I promise not to maul you again anytime soon, do you think we could be friends?”
The Brutal Strike was a super-fun read. It is contemporary, romantic suspense with a little bit of fantasy in the mix. It reminded me of one of Candice’s earlier works, The Phoenix Project Duet, one of my favorite reads.
I loved the blend of danger, romance, and mystery. The twins, Zig and Oz, are the protective and possessive type that are easy to love, and the FMC, Salem, is a bit sheltered, a little damaged, yet still strong and refuses to give up. Their relationship, and how much they grew to care for one another while stranded in the jungle was a pleasure to read.
This is a plot-heavy read, with the recovery and protection of Salem taking the forefront. This doesn’t mean there is a lack of steam; it just needs to work its way around the MCs getting shot at and things blowing up. Orgasms are nice and all, but priorities!
The story ends at a bit of a cliffy but with Zig, Oz, and Salem at a HFN. The overarching storyline continues in the next book, with a new set of characters taking the lead.
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Tropes/Features: Older (>25yo) FMC, Mercenary twin MMCs, forced proximity, found family, possessive and protective MMCs, plane crash, cartel
Narrator: Multi 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MFM, med burn, steamy
Book Type/Ending: 1st in interconnected series with an overarching storyline, throuple’s story ends in HFN
“Hi, my name is Ziggy, but if you ever want me to answer, you’ll just call me Zig. I’m not good with words, and I don’t always think things through before I act. I like you. I think you’re funny, sweet, and brave. If I promise not to maul you again anytime soon, do you think we could be friends?”
The Brutal Strike was a super-fun read. It is contemporary, romantic suspense with a little bit of fantasy in the mix. It reminded me of one of Candice’s earlier works, The Phoenix Project Duet, one of my favorite reads.
I loved the blend of danger, romance, and mystery. The twins, Zig and Oz, are the protective and possessive type that are easy to love, and the FMC, Salem, is a bit sheltered, a little damaged, yet still strong and refuses to give up. Their relationship, and how much they grew to care for one another while stranded in the jungle was a pleasure to read.
This is a plot-heavy read, with the recovery and protection of Salem taking the forefront. This doesn’t mean there is a lack of steam; it just needs to work its way around the MCs getting shot at and things blowing up. Orgasms are nice and all, but priorities!
The story ends at a bit of a cliffy but with Zig, Oz, and Salem at a HFN. The overarching storyline continues in the next book, with a new set of characters taking the lead.
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Tropes/Features: Older (>25yo) FMC, Mercenary twin MMCs, forced proximity, found family, possessive and protective MMCs, plane crash, cartel
Narrator: Multi 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MFM, med burn, steamy
Book Type/Ending: 1st in interconnected series with an overarching storyline, throuple’s story ends in HFN
May 25, 2023
The Brutal Strike grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the final word. Meet Oz and Zig as they volunteer for a mission that has them rescuing the girl with mesmerizing eyes. This book has it all: danger, smexy times, survival training, lessons in trust and love. Twin brothers that are so hot they inspire sinful thoughts during the day and torrid dreams at night. Salem is one lucky girl caught between the two brothers who will stop at nothing to see her safely back home. Not for the faint of heart, this book will take you for one heck of a ride. From the jungles of South America back home to the States, join the trio as they discover what love means when faced with certain death.
The mission is simple: rescue the girl and bring her home. No one will tell them why Salem Harris is such a prized target. Oz and Zig have learned to be prepared for anything in all their years of training. They have honed their skills from their time in the military and then working for the family. Now they would need to put all that experience into rescuing one person. It was all hinky when everything went a little too smoothly. Locating their target, the men rescued her from a dungeon cell and raced to get their plane out of South America. Just when they thought they might have accomplished their mission, the plane crashes, and the twins learn just why Salem is a valuable asset to anyone. She helps Oz and Zig survive critical injuries that should have seen them die. Now it is up to them to see that she makes it out of the jungle in one piece. Unfortunately, they only have certain supplies they can salvage from the wreckage that will sustain them. They must forage for food and water. The men used all their training and slowly taught Salem what she needed to know to live. Time passes as they deal daily with jungle life and the dangers surrounding them, whether man or beast. You can't get too complacent in the wild. They will often face life-or-death experiences and come out by the skin of their teeth, but someone always pays the price. The two men find that Salem is their idea of the perfect woman - she isn't scared off by the thought of being intimate with both brothers at the same time. Their relationship grows from needing each other to survive to one of love. When the time to leave the jungle comes, will the men be able to protect Salem from outside forces, or will they forever be on the run?
I absolutely fell in love with Oz and Zig when I first met them in the Underestimated Series, and now that they have their own story, I love them even more. They are fierce in their love of Salem, protecting her to the point that she is more important than their own lives. She is the glue that holds the trio together. Salem brings out the tender side in the brothers, which offsets the harsh military training. Zig may be the more serious of the two, but his love is deep and unshakeable. Oz is the joker and more light-hearted, but when he needs to be serious, his faith in Salem is unending. These three make the perfect triad.
The mission is simple: rescue the girl and bring her home. No one will tell them why Salem Harris is such a prized target. Oz and Zig have learned to be prepared for anything in all their years of training. They have honed their skills from their time in the military and then working for the family. Now they would need to put all that experience into rescuing one person. It was all hinky when everything went a little too smoothly. Locating their target, the men rescued her from a dungeon cell and raced to get their plane out of South America. Just when they thought they might have accomplished their mission, the plane crashes, and the twins learn just why Salem is a valuable asset to anyone. She helps Oz and Zig survive critical injuries that should have seen them die. Now it is up to them to see that she makes it out of the jungle in one piece. Unfortunately, they only have certain supplies they can salvage from the wreckage that will sustain them. They must forage for food and water. The men used all their training and slowly taught Salem what she needed to know to live. Time passes as they deal daily with jungle life and the dangers surrounding them, whether man or beast. You can't get too complacent in the wild. They will often face life-or-death experiences and come out by the skin of their teeth, but someone always pays the price. The two men find that Salem is their idea of the perfect woman - she isn't scared off by the thought of being intimate with both brothers at the same time. Their relationship grows from needing each other to survive to one of love. When the time to leave the jungle comes, will the men be able to protect Salem from outside forces, or will they forever be on the run?
I absolutely fell in love with Oz and Zig when I first met them in the Underestimated Series, and now that they have their own story, I love them even more. They are fierce in their love of Salem, protecting her to the point that she is more important than their own lives. She is the glue that holds the trio together. Salem brings out the tender side in the brothers, which offsets the harsh military training. Zig may be the more serious of the two, but his love is deep and unshakeable. Oz is the joker and more light-hearted, but when he needs to be serious, his faith in Salem is unending. These three make the perfect triad.
May 22, 2023
*menage
*contemporary (with a twist)
*multi-pov
*secrets
*survival
*twins
*mercenaries
*mid burn 🔥
*standalone
*shared world
Oooooo ok well I wasn’t quite expecting the secrets and twists within this one 🙈
There’s lots at play here, you never quite know who is the real bad guy in this one, it’s constantly changing with little nuggets dropped all over the place to keep you guessing!!
Our FMC Salem is a brilliant mix between innocence and strength ☺️ she’s had a heck of a lot to endure especially with how she’s been treated, alongside the affects of her secrets 😮😮 Zip and Oz are a great mix of broody and cheeky, aswell as protective and alll alpha 😍
There’s insta-lust the minute they see their new job, but it soon turns to more when they’re forced into a game of survival in the jungle 😮😮 with the cartel, the alphabet agencies, some unknown boss and a possible betrayal there’s danger everywhere they turn!! 😬can Salem let her guard down enough to trust these men?! Or will they turn their backs like everyone else?!
A unique story with plenty to keep your turning the pages! 😃
*contemporary (with a twist)
*multi-pov
*secrets
*survival
*twins
*mercenaries
*mid burn 🔥
*standalone
*shared world
Oooooo ok well I wasn’t quite expecting the secrets and twists within this one 🙈
There’s lots at play here, you never quite know who is the real bad guy in this one, it’s constantly changing with little nuggets dropped all over the place to keep you guessing!!
Our FMC Salem is a brilliant mix between innocence and strength ☺️ she’s had a heck of a lot to endure especially with how she’s been treated, alongside the affects of her secrets 😮😮 Zip and Oz are a great mix of broody and cheeky, aswell as protective and alll alpha 😍
There’s insta-lust the minute they see their new job, but it soon turns to more when they’re forced into a game of survival in the jungle 😮😮 with the cartel, the alphabet agencies, some unknown boss and a possible betrayal there’s danger everywhere they turn!! 😬can Salem let her guard down enough to trust these men?! Or will they turn their backs like everyone else?!
A unique story with plenty to keep your turning the pages! 😃
August 14, 2023
special gifts
Zig and Oz twin brothers work at Apex Tactical when they take on a mission to recover/rescue Salem they have no information or know really what is going on. What they thought they knew turns out not true and what is true you would never expect.
I loved this book MFM, with twin brothers who would do anything for Salem. There is lots of suspense in the book along with the chemistry and spice between the three of them. Another great book by Candice!
I didn’t want to put this book down once I started caught and held my full attention from the beginning… who needs to adult anyway 😂.
Told in MPOV and ends on not quite a cliffhanger but open ended to lead into the next book.
Zig and Oz twin brothers work at Apex Tactical when they take on a mission to recover/rescue Salem they have no information or know really what is going on. What they thought they knew turns out not true and what is true you would never expect.
I loved this book MFM, with twin brothers who would do anything for Salem. There is lots of suspense in the book along with the chemistry and spice between the three of them. Another great book by Candice!
I didn’t want to put this book down once I started caught and held my full attention from the beginning… who needs to adult anyway 😂.
Told in MPOV and ends on not quite a cliffhanger but open ended to lead into the next book.
February 16, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Candice Wright, and I am a little disappointed that I didn't love this book. The synopsis was very interesting, but the book was just ok. After their plane crashed, it got so boring, and until close to the end. For being and MFM it wasn't as spicy as I expected it to be. I didn't really care about any of the main characters especially Salem because I found her annoying. I didn't know if I want to continue the series or not. I know the next book will be about Astrid, Slade and Jagger but I didn't really like what little I read about Slade and Jagger in this book. I don't really want to read another book with Salem in it even if she will be a side character.
July 8, 2023
this was magnificent
When I first found Candice Wright, it was her first Carnage book, “Queen of Carnage.”
In that book, we meet Ziggy and Oz, and I immediately fell in love with the twin side characters. I reached out to Candice, via instagram, to fan girl over her book and begged for a zig and oz story…SHE DID NOT FAIL.
The Brutal Strike was everything AND more. It took such a turn, one I was definitely not expecting.
Absolutely magnificent
When I first found Candice Wright, it was her first Carnage book, “Queen of Carnage.”
In that book, we meet Ziggy and Oz, and I immediately fell in love with the twin side characters. I reached out to Candice, via instagram, to fan girl over her book and begged for a zig and oz story…SHE DID NOT FAIL.
The Brutal Strike was everything AND more. It took such a turn, one I was definitely not expecting.
Absolutely magnificent
May 27, 2023
Stunning
Oz, Zig!!! Finally a story for Luna's brothers!! And what a story!! Salem is an extraordinary character that does extraordinary things!! This book was brilliantly written and I loved every minute of it. Can wait to read the next book in the series!!
Oz, Zig!!! Finally a story for Luna's brothers!! And what a story!! Salem is an extraordinary character that does extraordinary things!! This book was brilliantly written and I loved every minute of it. Can wait to read the next book in the series!!
June 6, 2023
Eh …
The plot execution was a bit lack luster but overall a good story was told. I’ll read the next one.
The plot execution was a bit lack luster but overall a good story was told. I’ll read the next one.
April 3, 2024
This was pretty slow for the first half but once the action kicked in around the halfway mark I could not out this down. I’m looking forward to see what happens to the Apex team next.
April 29, 2024
This was such an easy read. It's predominantly a contemporary romance but does have a hint of paranormal as in Salem's ability to heal. Salem is currently being held by the cartel at their compound and is starting to lose all hope of ever escaping her fate which for the moment is dire. Her extraordinary ability to heal has painted a target on her back and everyone wants her for what she can potentially do.
Oz and Zig identical twins both former military and bosses in Apex tactical now work as mercenaries taking the contacts others won't touch. When they are asked to rescue a government agent from a secure compound they are both drawn to the woman with the unusual eyes. Details are scarce and the contractor is cagey but they both agree they can't leave her there and accept the mission.
Being rescued by two hot Americans was not something Salem was expecting but she also knows that they have no idea of what she is or what she can do. So when the mission goes sideways and they find themselves crashing into the jungle they will all have to work together if they want to survive. But with unknown enemies closing in and the current precarious situation it's not looking hopeful.
This is a ménage romance it's a security task force-based contemporary. It's well written and the character chemistry and emerging romance between Salem Oz and Zig felt authentic and real. I loved their rapport together and this was a great experience. It's the first book in a series of interconnected romances with an ongoing story path. This does a great job of introducing you to Apex Tactical and investing you in discovering more. I will definitely pick up book two in the future.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 12, 2023
4.5 Stars - Ms Wright Delivered !!
Wow… Zig and Oz have been favorites of mine since I met them back in the Queen of Carnage so I jumped on the chance of reading their story. And what a story it was.
I had read the blurb a while back but tried to go in as blind as possible to enjoy it all more fully. And the result was above my expectations.
I enjoyed it all : from Salem’s bravery to Oz and Zig’s protectiveness with the thrill of the setting. I was so emotionally involved, I felt my blood pressure reach new heights for the last 40% of the book.
The only slight negative for me, and i’m aware I’m nitpicking and being greedy, is that I would have liked a bit more of Luna and the twins’ relationship with her. I know she has her own life but with how close they grew up, I missed it a little.
“With a face like this, the man upstairs knew I was going to be trouble, so he loaded the deck in my favor and made me funny and humble too.”
Funny banter, lots of action, a touch of magic, a twin sandwich, and so much more… the Brutal Strike was a wild ride in the jungle and I can’t wait for more from the Apex Tactical series.
Wow… Zig and Oz have been favorites of mine since I met them back in the Queen of Carnage so I jumped on the chance of reading their story. And what a story it was.
I had read the blurb a while back but tried to go in as blind as possible to enjoy it all more fully. And the result was above my expectations.
I enjoyed it all : from Salem’s bravery to Oz and Zig’s protectiveness with the thrill of the setting. I was so emotionally involved, I felt my blood pressure reach new heights for the last 40% of the book.
The only slight negative for me, and i’m aware I’m nitpicking and being greedy, is that I would have liked a bit more of Luna and the twins’ relationship with her. I know she has her own life but with how close they grew up, I missed it a little.
“With a face like this, the man upstairs knew I was going to be trouble, so he loaded the deck in my favor and made me funny and humble too.”
Funny banter, lots of action, a touch of magic, a twin sandwich, and so much more… the Brutal Strike was a wild ride in the jungle and I can’t wait for more from the Apex Tactical series.
January 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I love CW but lately she’s been hit or miss for me. This was a hit. A refreshing change of pace from the plots of her other books (mainly takes place in the jungle trying to survive - they are there for at least 7 months). My only issue was the pacing and how there was a 6 month time jump. I think a couple of weeks or so could’ve done the job and emphasized that they’ve acclimated and their relationships have become quite serious. But that just my be my personal opinion.
Also, can we talk about how this FMC has powers and she gets into a relationship with Luna’s (The Queen of Carnage, first in the Underestimated series) twin brothers, therefore magic exists in the Underestimated series?! Mind blown. It’s not quite like the magic in the Phoenix Project duet (which, fun fact, was my first “why choose” and I didn’t realize it until the first group sex scene and my eyes were opened and my world was changed lol), but still. Magic!
Anyways, loved this book and looking forward to book 2, another standalone featuring a woman with powers. 🩷
I love CW but lately she’s been hit or miss for me. This was a hit. A refreshing change of pace from the plots of her other books (mainly takes place in the jungle trying to survive - they are there for at least 7 months). My only issue was the pacing and how there was a 6 month time jump. I think a couple of weeks or so could’ve done the job and emphasized that they’ve acclimated and their relationships have become quite serious. But that just my be my personal opinion.
Also, can we talk about how this FMC has powers and she gets into a relationship with Luna’s (The Queen of Carnage, first in the Underestimated series) twin brothers, therefore magic exists in the Underestimated series?! Mind blown. It’s not quite like the magic in the Phoenix Project duet (which, fun fact, was my first “why choose” and I didn’t realize it until the first group sex scene and my eyes were opened and my world was changed lol), but still. Magic!
Anyways, loved this book and looking forward to book 2, another standalone featuring a woman with powers. 🩷
May 28, 2023
Twinning is Winning
LOVED Salem, Oz , & Zig!
The story flowed really well. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I really enjoyed that there wasn’t an over abundance of descriptors for certain parts of the story. I didn’t find myself wanting to skim. I didn’t want to miss out on anything that was written.
Ready to see what happens for the guys at Apex next!
LOVED Salem, Oz , & Zig!
The story flowed really well. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I really enjoyed that there wasn’t an over abundance of descriptors for certain parts of the story. I didn’t find myself wanting to skim. I didn’t want to miss out on anything that was written.
Ready to see what happens for the guys at Apex next!
May 26, 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
5/5⭐️
2/5🔥
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖:
MFM/multi POV/ménage/twins/virgin FMC/slow burn/forced prox/stranded in the jungle/found family/coached masturbation/tag team/touch of paranormal/HFN/plot cliffhanger
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is the first book in the Apex Tactical Series. Each book follows a different set of characters and can be read as a stand-alone HOWEVER, the plot will continue over the course of the series. To get the most of the story it is suggested to read the books in order. This book is set in the same world as Candice’s Underestimated series.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Zig and Oz are mercenaries and they have been tasked with rescuing Salem.. who has been missing for 3 months. They know who has her but they aren’t sure why, or why it’s such a high priority rescue. One look at Salem’s photo have Zig and Oz both feeling a deep protective pull to her. With minimal information, and only a location to go on, they set off on their rescue mission.
Salem has lost track of the days, months…could it be years 🤔, that she’s been held captive in her prison cell. It didn’t always use be this way. Before at least her cage was gilded, but when she refused her captor the one thing he wanted most, everything changed. Now she’s left watching the people around her suffer and buying her time hoping she can escape. But are the men that rescue her honestly trying to protect her, or do they want her for the same reasons as everyone else?
I am so excited to be back in this world. This book took off running and never stopped. I loved what little bit of Zig and Oz we got in Luna’s book (The Queen of Carnage) but always wanted more of them... and well here they are! We knew Zig and Oz were not ones to be trifled with and I was totally ready to see them in action. I expected the rescue, it was everything after that had me holding on the the edge of my seat. I loved their twin dynamic, the ever stoic Zig and the fun and flirty Oz. They balances each other perfectly. Salem’s character really blew me away. I can honestly say I had absolutely no ideas as to what was going on with her. I could not stop flipping pages until I found out… and I wasn’t expecting what it was. This book will have you rolling through the emotions, happy, sad, fearful, surprise, betrayal, heartbreak and even some ‘wtf was that?!’ moments. It’s suspenseful with a sprinkle of spice and I am so so looking forward to the rest of this series and seeing more from Zig, Oz and Salem in the next book!
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
I mean, most people would check for their phone and keys, but not Oz. He’ll check for weapons and ammo.
If you touch a flame, you’ll get burned. Touching it ten times doesn’t make the flame any more dangerous because your burns are more extensive. It just makes you more of an idiot for expecting a different outcome.
“It’s just like riding a bike, pretty girl, only this time you get to ride a tandem bike.”
“You won’t hurt me. I might be a virgin, but I’m twenty-eight, not eighteen. I have a dildo collection to rival a sex shop’s. Or had one. Someone is going to come across those and feel really fucking awkward.”
“You can say go . You can say stop . You can say yes . You can say no . You can say any damn thing, and I’ll always give you what you want, except for one thing. If you let us inside you, then there is no turning back. I won’t accept anything less than everything. You’ll be ours—heart, body, and soul.”
“Unless you want my handprints all over your ass, I suggest you sit the fuck down.” I’m not sure if I should be pissed at his tone or not. The feminist in me must be a whore because she is bending over and waiting to be mounted.
5/5⭐️
2/5🔥
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖:
MFM/multi POV/ménage/twins/virgin FMC/slow burn/forced prox/stranded in the jungle/found family/coached masturbation/tag team/touch of paranormal/HFN/plot cliffhanger
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is the first book in the Apex Tactical Series. Each book follows a different set of characters and can be read as a stand-alone HOWEVER, the plot will continue over the course of the series. To get the most of the story it is suggested to read the books in order. This book is set in the same world as Candice’s Underestimated series.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Zig and Oz are mercenaries and they have been tasked with rescuing Salem.. who has been missing for 3 months. They know who has her but they aren’t sure why, or why it’s such a high priority rescue. One look at Salem’s photo have Zig and Oz both feeling a deep protective pull to her. With minimal information, and only a location to go on, they set off on their rescue mission.
Salem has lost track of the days, months…could it be years 🤔, that she’s been held captive in her prison cell. It didn’t always use be this way. Before at least her cage was gilded, but when she refused her captor the one thing he wanted most, everything changed. Now she’s left watching the people around her suffer and buying her time hoping she can escape. But are the men that rescue her honestly trying to protect her, or do they want her for the same reasons as everyone else?
I am so excited to be back in this world. This book took off running and never stopped. I loved what little bit of Zig and Oz we got in Luna’s book (The Queen of Carnage) but always wanted more of them... and well here they are! We knew Zig and Oz were not ones to be trifled with and I was totally ready to see them in action. I expected the rescue, it was everything after that had me holding on the the edge of my seat. I loved their twin dynamic, the ever stoic Zig and the fun and flirty Oz. They balances each other perfectly. Salem’s character really blew me away. I can honestly say I had absolutely no ideas as to what was going on with her. I could not stop flipping pages until I found out… and I wasn’t expecting what it was. This book will have you rolling through the emotions, happy, sad, fearful, surprise, betrayal, heartbreak and even some ‘wtf was that?!’ moments. It’s suspenseful with a sprinkle of spice and I am so so looking forward to the rest of this series and seeing more from Zig, Oz and Salem in the next book!
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
I mean, most people would check for their phone and keys, but not Oz. He’ll check for weapons and ammo.
If you touch a flame, you’ll get burned. Touching it ten times doesn’t make the flame any more dangerous because your burns are more extensive. It just makes you more of an idiot for expecting a different outcome.
“It’s just like riding a bike, pretty girl, only this time you get to ride a tandem bike.”
“You won’t hurt me. I might be a virgin, but I’m twenty-eight, not eighteen. I have a dildo collection to rival a sex shop’s. Or had one. Someone is going to come across those and feel really fucking awkward.”
“You can say go . You can say stop . You can say yes . You can say no . You can say any damn thing, and I’ll always give you what you want, except for one thing. If you let us inside you, then there is no turning back. I won’t accept anything less than everything. You’ll be ours—heart, body, and soul.”
“Unless you want my handprints all over your ass, I suggest you sit the fuck down.” I’m not sure if I should be pissed at his tone or not. The feminist in me must be a whore because she is bending over and waiting to be mounted.
May 20, 2023
𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤, 𝔸𝕕𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕛𝕦𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕖, 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕝 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒 𝕤𝕦𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕥 😻
This was action packed and explosive right from the start as right from the beginning this book grabbed me and just didn't let go.
The best thing was how unpredictable the ride was, I seriously didn't see coming twists that left me shocked and surprised as I loved the ride so so much.
Zig and Oz suspect there's something amiss when they are intimated about their new assignment.
As the leads of Apex, such assignments are nothing new to them but rescuing a girl with orders from the government and without any kind of concrete background about her seemed fishy.
Oh the other hand, I was shocked to find Salem in the circumstances she was and I was praying the twins would soon come to rescue her.
AHH.. Salem made me feel for her right from the start.
Such a pure soul yet life had been so unfair to her.
But the freaking twist.. OH MY GOODNESS LEFT ME LIKE 😱😱😳😳😳 as I so didn't know that something crucial and that twist just changed the whole story and everything made perfect sense then.
When unavoidable circumstances lands Zig, Oz and Salem at a place that forces them to fight for survival gives way to an adventure and sweet, Action-packed yet romantic ride in the jungle where the trio will have to not only fend for themselves but also come closer together in such a way that they never expected.
Did I say, the twins and the beauty together were so on fire together. Like panty melting, soaring temperatures and Spicy filled times together. AHH.. They were so 🔥🔥🔥 together. 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥
This one is a total must must read if you want an action-packed wild ride with equal twists and shocking turns that'll keep you guessing throughout the journey but also the bond between Zig, Oz and Salem will have you swooning equally and their hot times will have you melting too. I freaking enjoyed this adventurous swoony and Filthy ride oh so much. Loved freaking loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❣️🅵🅰🆅🅾🆁🅸🆃🅴🔥🌶️ 🆂🅲🅴🅽🅴 ❣️
𝙕𝙞𝙜 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚.
𝙄 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙝.
𝙃𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙊𝙯 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠.
𝙄 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙕𝙞𝙜’𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙣𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙄 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙.
𝙃𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝙄 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚. 𝙃𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚.
𝙄 𝙥𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙕𝙞𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙊𝙯, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣. “𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣?”𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙.
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙊𝙯 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩. 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝙊𝙯 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨. “𝙋𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙩 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙮 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝. 𝙃𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡, 𝙄 𝙩𝙞𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨, 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠-𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝.
This was action packed and explosive right from the start as right from the beginning this book grabbed me and just didn't let go.
The best thing was how unpredictable the ride was, I seriously didn't see coming twists that left me shocked and surprised as I loved the ride so so much.
Zig and Oz suspect there's something amiss when they are intimated about their new assignment.
As the leads of Apex, such assignments are nothing new to them but rescuing a girl with orders from the government and without any kind of concrete background about her seemed fishy.
Oh the other hand, I was shocked to find Salem in the circumstances she was and I was praying the twins would soon come to rescue her.
AHH.. Salem made me feel for her right from the start.
Such a pure soul yet life had been so unfair to her.
But the freaking twist.. OH MY GOODNESS LEFT ME LIKE 😱😱😳😳😳 as I so didn't know that something crucial and that twist just changed the whole story and everything made perfect sense then.
When unavoidable circumstances lands Zig, Oz and Salem at a place that forces them to fight for survival gives way to an adventure and sweet, Action-packed yet romantic ride in the jungle where the trio will have to not only fend for themselves but also come closer together in such a way that they never expected.
Did I say, the twins and the beauty together were so on fire together. Like panty melting, soaring temperatures and Spicy filled times together. AHH.. They were so 🔥🔥🔥 together. 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥
This one is a total must must read if you want an action-packed wild ride with equal twists and shocking turns that'll keep you guessing throughout the journey but also the bond between Zig, Oz and Salem will have you swooning equally and their hot times will have you melting too. I freaking enjoyed this adventurous swoony and Filthy ride oh so much. Loved freaking loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❣️🅵🅰🆅🅾🆁🅸🆃🅴🔥🌶️ 🆂🅲🅴🅽🅴 ❣️
𝙕𝙞𝙜 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚.
𝙄 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙝.
𝙃𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙊𝙯 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠.
𝙄 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙕𝙞𝙜’𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙣𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙄 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙.
𝙃𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝙄 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚. 𝙃𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚.
𝙄 𝙥𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙕𝙞𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙊𝙯, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣. “𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣?”𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙.
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙊𝙯 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩. 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝙊𝙯 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨. “𝙋𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙩 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙮 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝. 𝙃𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡, 𝙄 𝙩𝙞𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨, 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠-𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝.
September 1, 2024
I was a little thrown off by this book after reading a couple other books by this author. I expected a lot more spice, a lot more action, and outrageous, possessive, dominating characters. It was very lite RH/menege -- meaning there were two men and one woman, but don't expect much in the smexy scenes, as they never pushed any limits, never together as a threesome, and most was left up to the readers imagination. As for military, the men were specical force solders working for Apex Tactical, on a mission of rescue and retriveal. The story definitely fell into the paranormal category with some "special" gifts. It is also a spinoff of the Underestimated Series, which I hadn't realized before I started reading the book. You can go into this as a standalone series, but I think you would get more if you have read the other series first, as there were a lot, and I mean a lot of references to that series throughout the book.
Oz and Zig are twins, ex-military mercenaries, and normally work as a team on missions. Apex Tactical is contacted to rescue a woman taken by a cartel, who supposedly works for the govenment, but from the beginning there is little information on who she is and what capacity she works in.
We meet Salem when she is forced to watch as Alexandro, her captor, as he once again threatens her unless she marries him, . This was probably the most graphic scene in the book.
In comes Oz and Zig to her rescue, finding everyone dead but her in the prison dungeon she is kept in, and the rescue going too easy until midflight when they have to crash land in the middle of the jungle because the plane is losing fuel. For months they survive in the jungle together, until they are forced to start figuring out a way to get out, running out of survival supplies.
I did enjoy the story. However, it was a bit too insta-love for me with both Zag and Oz flirting with Salem within hours of her rescue, and in love with her by 20% of the book. I also liked Salem, she's sweet, innocent, and has some good verbal banter with the guys. But she too was all google eyes at the guys in what was a seriously extreme survival environment.
I am giving this book 3 starts just for the fun of reading. I will probably keep reading the series now that I know what to expect - contemporary, paranormal, slightly RH, with some good banter.
Oz and Zig are twins, ex-military mercenaries, and normally work as a team on missions. Apex Tactical is contacted to rescue a woman taken by a cartel, who supposedly works for the govenment, but from the beginning there is little information on who she is and what capacity she works in.
We meet Salem when she is forced to watch as Alexandro, her captor, as he once again threatens her unless she marries him, . This was probably the most graphic scene in the book.
In comes Oz and Zig to her rescue, finding everyone dead but her in the prison dungeon she is kept in, and the rescue going too easy until midflight when they have to crash land in the middle of the jungle because the plane is losing fuel. For months they survive in the jungle together, until they are forced to start figuring out a way to get out, running out of survival supplies.
I did enjoy the story. However, it was a bit too insta-love for me with both Zag and Oz flirting with Salem within hours of her rescue, and in love with her by 20% of the book. I also liked Salem, she's sweet, innocent, and has some good verbal banter with the guys. But she too was all google eyes at the guys in what was a seriously extreme survival environment.
I am giving this book 3 starts just for the fun of reading. I will probably keep reading the series now that I know what to expect - contemporary, paranormal, slightly RH, with some good banter.
May 20, 2023
ARC Review of The Brutal Strike by Candice Wright
* * * * *
A MFM romance that is action packed, explosive in all ways and full of back stabbing surprises! Another series that will hve you hooked on this author.
Salem was in a little bit of trouble. Currently held prisoner in the hands of a psychopath with deadly intentions and connections, she is on the edge of a knife. She cannot see a way out, and she is worried that her time is running out after already being stuck in a cell for three months, watching people be abused, violated and murdered.
That is until two unexpected heroes come out of the shadows.
Zig and Oz work for a brotherhood. An organisation that works in...special services.
The blonde haired beauty with the stunning eyes is their new job, and they couldn't be more happy to help her out. However, it appears that there is a little hitch to the job.
After rescuing Salem, they weren't meant to...stick around.
Now stuck and lost and trying to uncover who is wanting them dead, Oz and Zig soon discover why Salem is more important they were first led to believe.
Men have literally killed to have her in their control.
Yet, these two men are going to do everything possible to protect her, even from their own.
I am wanting the next book asap please! Left with wanting more and given a taste for what is up next, I am sucked into this series that I did not expect and was worried about liking. However, I am indeed loving it.
Zig and Oz, brothers in arms and in blood, are wonderfully polar opposite in casual humour and formality, yet bonded very closely. Zig is your man who comes off a little cooler than his brother who is very charming and sassy. Salem loves them both for it, and even after such a traumatic experience, she feels settled with them.
We are given steaminess. We are given dark sadistic psychopaths. We are given massive back-stabbing betrayals. We are given sweet family moments.
We have been served by Candice, and it was phenominal.
* * * * *
A MFM romance that is action packed, explosive in all ways and full of back stabbing surprises! Another series that will hve you hooked on this author.
Salem was in a little bit of trouble. Currently held prisoner in the hands of a psychopath with deadly intentions and connections, she is on the edge of a knife. She cannot see a way out, and she is worried that her time is running out after already being stuck in a cell for three months, watching people be abused, violated and murdered.
That is until two unexpected heroes come out of the shadows.
Zig and Oz work for a brotherhood. An organisation that works in...special services.
The blonde haired beauty with the stunning eyes is their new job, and they couldn't be more happy to help her out. However, it appears that there is a little hitch to the job.
After rescuing Salem, they weren't meant to...stick around.
Now stuck and lost and trying to uncover who is wanting them dead, Oz and Zig soon discover why Salem is more important they were first led to believe.
Men have literally killed to have her in their control.
Yet, these two men are going to do everything possible to protect her, even from their own.
I am wanting the next book asap please! Left with wanting more and given a taste for what is up next, I am sucked into this series that I did not expect and was worried about liking. However, I am indeed loving it.
Zig and Oz, brothers in arms and in blood, are wonderfully polar opposite in casual humour and formality, yet bonded very closely. Zig is your man who comes off a little cooler than his brother who is very charming and sassy. Salem loves them both for it, and even after such a traumatic experience, she feels settled with them.
We are given steaminess. We are given dark sadistic psychopaths. We are given massive back-stabbing betrayals. We are given sweet family moments.
We have been served by Candice, and it was phenominal.
January 3, 2025
2.5 stars, I think. I’m not entirely sure because this started out really strong, and I was intrigued by the characters and the plot. When they were stranded in the jungle, trying to survive, I was totally into it—hunting for food, finding water, bathing in a lake, picking mangos, and all that. But then… they just kept doing those same things over and over for, like, 50% of the book. Hunt, find water, bathe, pick mangos, have sex, repeat. Over and over. It got so repetitive and boring.
And then, out of nowhere, there’s a seven-month time jump right after they have sex for the first time. What was the point of that? The pacing of the book felt completely off. The first few chapters cover just a few days or weeks after they meet and crash, which I actually liked because we got to see a lot of development between the characters. Salem has trust issues, and Oz and Zig put in the effort to show her she could trust them. That part really worked for me. But then—bam—they have sex, and immediately there’s a one-month time jump, followed by a six-month time jump in the very next chapter. Suddenly, they’re saying “I love you” to each other. Where’s the buildup? Where are the chapters showing them together, figuring out how a romantic relationship between all three of them would actually work? Instead, we’re just told they’re having sex every day and doing absolutely nothing to get out of the jungle.
And don’t even get me started on the absolute disappointment that was the first sex scene. “Please keep your arms inside the vehicle while the ride is in motion.” If a man said that to me while I was on top, I would walk out and never come back.
That said, I’ll still continue the series because I like the vibe of the Apex Tactical Group and the found-family element. Hopefully the next book will be better.
And then, out of nowhere, there’s a seven-month time jump right after they have sex for the first time. What was the point of that? The pacing of the book felt completely off. The first few chapters cover just a few days or weeks after they meet and crash, which I actually liked because we got to see a lot of development between the characters. Salem has trust issues, and Oz and Zig put in the effort to show her she could trust them. That part really worked for me. But then—bam—they have sex, and immediately there’s a one-month time jump, followed by a six-month time jump in the very next chapter. Suddenly, they’re saying “I love you” to each other. Where’s the buildup? Where are the chapters showing them together, figuring out how a romantic relationship between all three of them would actually work? Instead, we’re just told they’re having sex every day and doing absolutely nothing to get out of the jungle.
And don’t even get me started on the absolute disappointment that was the first sex scene. “Please keep your arms inside the vehicle while the ride is in motion.” If a man said that to me while I was on top, I would walk out and never come back.
That said, I’ll still continue the series because I like the vibe of the Apex Tactical Group and the found-family element. Hopefully the next book will be better.
November 30, 2023
Premise was so good!
I really enjoyed the plot, where they go to save the girl, a girl that saves them 10 times over with a mysterious power. This doesn’t feel like a paranormal book, just a special few ppl in the world with powers they can explain.
They crash in the jungle, hang out there before being relocated to a medical clinic. Where they finally bust out before going home. Lots of small stuff happened in the jungle, nothing that the girl couldn’t handle. There’s some betrayal, pain, falling in love, loyalty and a whole lot of getting to know each other. I rated it 3 stars because I felt the story stalled after the plane crash. Nothing moved forward till about 70% of the book. It got boring before picking up again. I didn’t realize that the series isn’t the same main characters in each of the 3 books that are out. Which kinda sucks. I try to only read series about the same main characters. I’m invested in the characters now and I want to read more about them. Just not from someone else’s point of view. I also didn’t like how they all assumed the amount of “good” she could do for the world without even thinking about the sacrifices she would have to make. That those in power would take it to far and wouldn’t even look at her like a human being. They shouldn’t have even come to that thought without thinking of the repercussions of what would happen to her. I felt defensive for the female main character. There was so much crap thrown at her and she just breathed hard a few times before doing what she thought was best. She deserved so much more, I don’t think it was balanced well, positive things happening vs negative ones.
I really enjoyed the plot, where they go to save the girl, a girl that saves them 10 times over with a mysterious power. This doesn’t feel like a paranormal book, just a special few ppl in the world with powers they can explain.
They crash in the jungle, hang out there before being relocated to a medical clinic. Where they finally bust out before going home. Lots of small stuff happened in the jungle, nothing that the girl couldn’t handle. There’s some betrayal, pain, falling in love, loyalty and a whole lot of getting to know each other. I rated it 3 stars because I felt the story stalled after the plane crash. Nothing moved forward till about 70% of the book. It got boring before picking up again. I didn’t realize that the series isn’t the same main characters in each of the 3 books that are out. Which kinda sucks. I try to only read series about the same main characters. I’m invested in the characters now and I want to read more about them. Just not from someone else’s point of view. I also didn’t like how they all assumed the amount of “good” she could do for the world without even thinking about the sacrifices she would have to make. That those in power would take it to far and wouldn’t even look at her like a human being. They shouldn’t have even come to that thought without thinking of the repercussions of what would happen to her. I felt defensive for the female main character. There was so much crap thrown at her and she just breathed hard a few times before doing what she thought was best. She deserved so much more, I don’t think it was balanced well, positive things happening vs negative ones.
May 25, 2023
Having read this author's work a couple of times before I've been wanting to get into more of her books! As soon as this one was announced it caught my eye. I got right into the Apex Tactical world. I so enjoyed this first book!
Salem, Oz, and Zig's journey captured my attention from the get go and pulled me right in! Oz and Zig are part of Apex Tactical. When they find out that a woman named Salem has been taken they are set on saving her. Can these three make it out of the jungle, together?
I really liked how the ball got rolling from the get go and how I got right into Salem and her mens story. I didn't know what all to expect and it definitely kept me on my toes. I enjoyed how determined Zig and Oz were when it came to Salem and how they were all about her. I so felt for Salem and everything she'd dealt with. I didn't know how these three would tackle the situation they were in and that got me even more into their story.
The chemistry between Salem and her men was so good! I loved the uniqueness of the Apex Tactical and this story! I so enjoyed getting into this world for the first time.
With The Brutal Strike, Ms.Wright has created such a good and dark read that kept me turning the pages! I am so looking forward to diving back into this world with the second installment, The Harsh Bite!
Be sure to read the authors trigger warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
Salem, Oz, and Zig's journey captured my attention from the get go and pulled me right in! Oz and Zig are part of Apex Tactical. When they find out that a woman named Salem has been taken they are set on saving her. Can these three make it out of the jungle, together?
I really liked how the ball got rolling from the get go and how I got right into Salem and her mens story. I didn't know what all to expect and it definitely kept me on my toes. I enjoyed how determined Zig and Oz were when it came to Salem and how they were all about her. I so felt for Salem and everything she'd dealt with. I didn't know how these three would tackle the situation they were in and that got me even more into their story.
The chemistry between Salem and her men was so good! I loved the uniqueness of the Apex Tactical and this story! I so enjoyed getting into this world for the first time.
With The Brutal Strike, Ms.Wright has created such a good and dark read that kept me turning the pages! I am so looking forward to diving back into this world with the second installment, The Harsh Bite!
Be sure to read the authors trigger warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
January 7, 2024
4/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
.
Military, gifted, reverse harem
.
Well, this was a nifty little surprise. Picked up this book because I liked the cover, and the author is attending a book signing event near me soon so thought I’d give it a try. At first glance, I felt hired it be a standard military romance, bad guys, damsel in distress and hunky military guys to the rescue… but it was oh so much more. It pulled the rug from under me by adding a bit of X men to the mix.
So our heroin is the prisoner of the cartel, for unknown reasons. The US goverment send in an off the books independent military group. The two leading men come to the rescue.. they also just do happen to be twins who like to share 🥵 they rescue the FMC only to discover things aren’t quite what they seem. Especially the beautiful woman they rescued. 6 months of hiding out in the jungle gives them ample opportunity to get to know eachother intimately better, until of course the good guts show up. But of course they then discover a betrayal and they don’t know who to trust.
.
This is a well written story that doesn’t disappoint. It drip feeds you action and intrigue instead of dropping it all on you, so you never get bored. The smut whilst steamy, isn’t the main focus but the bonus that compliments the story. And the ending is a cliff hanger that rather than go for the easy ‘I can see that coming’ it takes the opportunity to introduce a new mystery and an old character.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
.
Military, gifted, reverse harem
.
Well, this was a nifty little surprise. Picked up this book because I liked the cover, and the author is attending a book signing event near me soon so thought I’d give it a try. At first glance, I felt hired it be a standard military romance, bad guys, damsel in distress and hunky military guys to the rescue… but it was oh so much more. It pulled the rug from under me by adding a bit of X men to the mix.
So our heroin is the prisoner of the cartel, for unknown reasons. The US goverment send in an off the books independent military group. The two leading men come to the rescue.. they also just do happen to be twins who like to share 🥵 they rescue the FMC only to discover things aren’t quite what they seem. Especially the beautiful woman they rescued. 6 months of hiding out in the jungle gives them ample opportunity to get to know eachother intimately better, until of course the good guts show up. But of course they then discover a betrayal and they don’t know who to trust.
.
This is a well written story that doesn’t disappoint. It drip feeds you action and intrigue instead of dropping it all on you, so you never get bored. The smut whilst steamy, isn’t the main focus but the bonus that compliments the story. And the ending is a cliff hanger that rather than go for the easy ‘I can see that coming’ it takes the opportunity to introduce a new mystery and an old character.
May 25, 2023
ARC review for Brutal strike.
********************************
First I have to say I have been so excited for this book ever since we first met Oz and Zig in the underestimated series!
An MFM romance - We start off with Oz and Zig at their ranch and get a quick introduction to the rest of their team of mercenaries. Here they set their eyes on Salem - their next mission.
The action gets going from the start and we are thrown right into it. Currently being held prisoner, Salem is in desperate need of rescuing. However when things seem to work out a little too well for the Brothers mission everything is questioned - just who was it that wanted Salem recovered?
Even though the setting isn't what we are used to with this world, it only adds to the story and gives greater insight into the characters.
I really love Salem and her ability to push through when needed! She can be brave and badass when it's called for, as well as being able to laugh and lighten the mood. But I especially love that we can see her vulnerable side once she feels safe around the guys.
Oz and Zig are as awesome and hilarious as I thought they would be! Being able to see into their own world and get to know their hidden sides was great.
The story also had an element I wasn't expecting, but really enjoyed the extra intrigue and stakes that it raised, not to mention the other avenues it opens for future books!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and how it fits perfectly into the world Candice has created. It had my heart racing, and me laughing out loud. Can't wait for the next!
********************************
First I have to say I have been so excited for this book ever since we first met Oz and Zig in the underestimated series!
An MFM romance - We start off with Oz and Zig at their ranch and get a quick introduction to the rest of their team of mercenaries. Here they set their eyes on Salem - their next mission.
The action gets going from the start and we are thrown right into it. Currently being held prisoner, Salem is in desperate need of rescuing. However when things seem to work out a little too well for the Brothers mission everything is questioned - just who was it that wanted Salem recovered?
Even though the setting isn't what we are used to with this world, it only adds to the story and gives greater insight into the characters.
I really love Salem and her ability to push through when needed! She can be brave and badass when it's called for, as well as being able to laugh and lighten the mood. But I especially love that we can see her vulnerable side once she feels safe around the guys.
Oz and Zig are as awesome and hilarious as I thought they would be! Being able to see into their own world and get to know their hidden sides was great.
The story also had an element I wasn't expecting, but really enjoyed the extra intrigue and stakes that it raised, not to mention the other avenues it opens for future books!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and how it fits perfectly into the world Candice has created. It had my heart racing, and me laughing out loud. Can't wait for the next!
May 24, 2023
We finally have Oz and Zig’s story. They are the alpha brothers of Luna from Queen of Carnage. In my opinion this is totally different than Candice’s other works in her Underestimated series and Candy Shoppe, but in true Candice fashion she hooks you from page 1. I was mesmerized with the story line and just when I didn’t think the story could get any better, she drops another shoe and then not to be out done another and another!! Candice is on fire and this series is sure to be a best seller just like everything she writes. I loved getting to see Oz and Zig’s survival skills in the jungle all while handling a woman who had seen more than her fair share of heartache and torment. Salem had a secret but once it’s divulged the men who love her fight even harder to make sure she’s taken care of. One storm after another threatens to tear her away from them but together can they withstand the storm and continue the fight? Damn right! Oz and Zig survive what most wouldn’t and still come out swinging for their woman. This is a story you don’t want to miss and I can’t wait for The Harsh Bite - book 2 in the Apex Tactical Series! I wish I could give more than 5 stars because Candice deserves this and more so all I can do is hope you pick it up and read it!
June 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This book is a little on the dark side. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book as it might contain triggers for some readers. This is also a menage romance too.
This is the story of Oz, Zig, and Salem. Oz and Zig are twins who run a company that deals with extractions along with other dangerous situations when the government won't or can't get involved in them. Salem is a woman who has been taken by the cartel that the government must have rescued. They don't know a thing about why this woman has been taken by the cartel or why the government wants her back so bad. However they aren't the only ones going after her to take her from the cartel and this mission goes terribly wrong. Now they are being stalked in a jungle and it is a matter of survive or die. There is a lot that goes on in this book. It will have you hooked from the very beginning and you won't want to lay it down. There is a lot that happens, nonstop edge of your seat moments and emotions flying all over the place.
This book is a little on the dark side. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book as it might contain triggers for some readers. This is also a menage romance too.
This is the story of Oz, Zig, and Salem. Oz and Zig are twins who run a company that deals with extractions along with other dangerous situations when the government won't or can't get involved in them. Salem is a woman who has been taken by the cartel that the government must have rescued. They don't know a thing about why this woman has been taken by the cartel or why the government wants her back so bad. However they aren't the only ones going after her to take her from the cartel and this mission goes terribly wrong. Now they are being stalked in a jungle and it is a matter of survive or die. There is a lot that goes on in this book. It will have you hooked from the very beginning and you won't want to lay it down. There is a lot that happens, nonstop edge of your seat moments and emotions flying all over the place.
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