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The Renegades #4
Tango Down
The Renegades #4 Romantic Suspense Enemies to Lovers Action MM
“This is it, baby. Run.”
The murder in Joel Hayward’s eyes wasn’t merely a reflection of the rage within. It was a promise to the men who had kidnapped his daughter. The one person—this amazing slip of a girl—who showed Joel every single day that there was good left in the world.
He was running on fumes. He was desperate. His closest companion was…Elliott. His ex-wife’s older brother. Okay, once upon a time, the man had been a lot more than that, but somehow they’d become mortal enemies instead. Frankly, Joel didn’t give a flying f— He didn’t care if Elliott made it back alive. Or so he kept telling himself, as the pain intensified with each day he couldn’t hold his little girl in his arms.
As they got closer and closer to their target, one lead at a time, the men prepared themselves to go to war.
“This is it, baby. Run.”
The murder in Joel Hayward’s eyes wasn’t merely a reflection of the rage within. It was a promise to the men who had kidnapped his daughter. The one person—this amazing slip of a girl—who showed Joel every single day that there was good left in the world.
He was running on fumes. He was desperate. His closest companion was…Elliott. His ex-wife’s older brother. Okay, once upon a time, the man had been a lot more than that, but somehow they’d become mortal enemies instead. Frankly, Joel didn’t give a flying f— He didn’t care if Elliott made it back alive. Or so he kept telling himself, as the pain intensified with each day he couldn’t hold his little girl in his arms.
As they got closer and closer to their target, one lead at a time, the men prepared themselves to go to war.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
79 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,095 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 14, 2023
This was the perfect ending to the series! Each book has been great. Super action packed, with new and old relationships being explored and some incredible banter.
The way I need so much more from Crew and Adrien and Joel and Elliott! Loved getting to know these guys. Crew is such a hoot. He says the funniest shit…
“I just survived signing four hundred thousand nondisclosure agreements,” Crew whispered. That punk—he dragged a laugh out of me, and my eyes burned with emotions. What would I do without him? Even in the darkest moments, he could light up my existence with a crappy joke or one of his smirks.
And then seeing Elliott and Joel coming back together! It was so satisfyingly sweet and steamy!
“You can’t do that,” he grumbled, wriggling against me. “Do what?” “Be all seductive.” What? “I’m cuddling with you.” “Well, your cuddling is pornographic.”
The series really took me on a journey from start to finish. It’s got globe-trotting action, drama, deceit, humor, and all around badassery, with a little bit of romance.
No, we couldn’t change the past, but we could rewrite our future.
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
The way I need so much more from Crew and Adrien and Joel and Elliott! Loved getting to know these guys. Crew is such a hoot. He says the funniest shit…
“I just survived signing four hundred thousand nondisclosure agreements,” Crew whispered. That punk—he dragged a laugh out of me, and my eyes burned with emotions. What would I do without him? Even in the darkest moments, he could light up my existence with a crappy joke or one of his smirks.
And then seeing Elliott and Joel coming back together! It was so satisfyingly sweet and steamy!
“You can’t do that,” he grumbled, wriggling against me. “Do what?” “Be all seductive.” What? “I’m cuddling with you.” “Well, your cuddling is pornographic.”
The series really took me on a journey from start to finish. It’s got globe-trotting action, drama, deceit, humor, and all around badassery, with a little bit of romance.
No, we couldn’t change the past, but we could rewrite our future.
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
September 19, 2023
Boring book, boring romances , boring couples, boring series and it wasn’t even on KU so I had to pay for it . At least it put me to sleep.
I won’t even rant but I’ll just say 2 things :
1. I want the Cara Dee from some years ago back.
2. Please choose a side - war/suspense/combat/action OR romance because both of them isn’t working at all.
I don’t even know why I rate it 3 stars. Probably for the writing and for the “name brand”.
I won’t even rant but I’ll just say 2 things :
1. I want the Cara Dee from some years ago back.
2. Please choose a side - war/suspense/combat/action OR romance because both of them isn’t working at all.
I don’t even know why I rate it 3 stars. Probably for the writing and for the “name brand”.
September 18, 2023
Writing this review as I read the book.
We finally get Joel’s pov. I’m NOT a fan of Piper. She pretty much ruined Elliot’s happiness. She deserves some comeuppance! It’s a VERY bad MFy plot point. Yuck and ugh 😩
Shay is rescued and now to find the other 2. Marissa and Blake. I’m not that invested in their story tbh. Harsh but true. Meh
Everyone is rescued. Plus, several other children and women. This book desperately needed TWs. I mean they had a kids fight club for Christ sakes. It’s Cara Dee’s biggest flaw. No TWs. Most MF writers do not believe in them. They’d rather traumatize their readers rather than have a spoiler TW. Ugh fuck that.
The epilogues almost save it BUT they never have the confrontation with Elliot’s sister like WTF. Ugh 😑 AND..Did they end up adopting those kids or what?
After 4 books you want to feel like things are somewhat resolved. 😵💫😵💫😵💫
We finally get Joel’s pov. I’m NOT a fan of Piper. She pretty much ruined Elliot’s happiness. She deserves some comeuppance! It’s a VERY bad MFy plot point. Yuck and ugh 😩
Shay is rescued and now to find the other 2. Marissa and Blake. I’m not that invested in their story tbh. Harsh but true. Meh
Everyone is rescued. Plus, several other children and women. This book desperately needed TWs. I mean they had a kids fight club for Christ sakes. It’s Cara Dee’s biggest flaw. No TWs. Most MF writers do not believe in them. They’d rather traumatize their readers rather than have a spoiler TW. Ugh fuck that.
The epilogues almost save it BUT they never have the confrontation with Elliot’s sister like WTF. Ugh 😑 AND..Did they end up adopting those kids or what?
After 4 books you want to feel like things are somewhat resolved. 😵💫😵💫😵💫
December 1, 2024
Loved this ending, but this series has much more action than romance development.
September 7, 2023
This is a review and rating for the series as a whole as - in my opinion anyway - it's really just four parts of the whole thing, not four individual narratives.
The Renegades is an epic ride from start to finish and Cara wraps up this romantic suspense in fine style with the kind of high action I've come to expect from her and this bunch of characters.
From the off we're right into the thick of things as the mission to rescue Shay and take down the cartel in Columbia kicks off in dramatic fashion. Cara writes action incredibly well, it's very easy to visualise what's going on and the chaos and the adrenaline-rush that goes along with it.
While this book is technically Joel and Elliott's second instalment, we also get time to catch up with Tenshay and also Crew and his FBI lover. There're multiple POVs but each is clearly labelled so you never struggle with knowing who's head you're in.
I really appreciated that there was no messing about with getting Joel and Elliott back on the same page. Elliott had a conversation with Reese which made him think about the circumstances in the past when he and Joel had ended up as enemies and it quickly became clear he needed to talk to the younger man.
One chat later and all the devious actions of Elliott's younger sister Piper were in the open and both men were able to realise they'd never stopped wanting the other.
While this series is in the main an action-adventure and suspense story, there's still enough of the romance side plot from each of the relationships from the other three books to satisfy.
Throw in some excellent cameos which don't affect people who might not have read the other books from Cara but act as great Easter Eggs for readers who are up-to-date with all things Camassia Cove and wider universe, and this really was a superb ending for a cracking series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
The Renegades is an epic ride from start to finish and Cara wraps up this romantic suspense in fine style with the kind of high action I've come to expect from her and this bunch of characters.
From the off we're right into the thick of things as the mission to rescue Shay and take down the cartel in Columbia kicks off in dramatic fashion. Cara writes action incredibly well, it's very easy to visualise what's going on and the chaos and the adrenaline-rush that goes along with it.
While this book is technically Joel and Elliott's second instalment, we also get time to catch up with Tenshay and also Crew and his FBI lover. There're multiple POVs but each is clearly labelled so you never struggle with knowing who's head you're in.
I really appreciated that there was no messing about with getting Joel and Elliott back on the same page. Elliott had a conversation with Reese which made him think about the circumstances in the past when he and Joel had ended up as enemies and it quickly became clear he needed to talk to the younger man.
One chat later and all the devious actions of Elliott's younger sister Piper were in the open and both men were able to realise they'd never stopped wanting the other.
While this series is in the main an action-adventure and suspense story, there's still enough of the romance side plot from each of the relationships from the other three books to satisfy.
Throw in some excellent cameos which don't affect people who might not have read the other books from Cara but act as great Easter Eggs for readers who are up-to-date with all things Camassia Cove and wider universe, and this really was a superb ending for a cracking series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
September 17, 2023
* 5 stars *
Tango Down wraps up The Renegades series, and it was everything I was hoping for!
As promised, there's a conclusion for all the MCs, even though this focuses mainly on Joel and Elliott, with Joel being the primary narrator.
There are scenes from the POV of multiple other MCs, just like in the previous book, so we get a more rounded telling of the story.
I liked all the characters, but I was doubly invested in Joel and Elliott, maybe because they had so much history and pain between them. The true story of what had happened was something I had guessed as early as the first book, though on a much smaller scale. The double-faceness (is that a word? It fits here, so I'm going with it) of some people!! How can they act like that and then pretend everything is fine? I'll never understand that, and I'm glad that I won't.
Maybe my rant doesn't make any sense to those who haven't read the book, but that's by design, as I rarely include spoilers in my reviews. Just rest assured that I'm not talking about either Joel or Elliott.
The four epilogues were the perfect way to end this, and as they take place in different times in the future, all the characters get strong HEAs.
The author's note after everything was said and done made me smile and look forward to the next series in line.
Another winner by Cara Dee!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
Tango Down wraps up The Renegades series, and it was everything I was hoping for!
As promised, there's a conclusion for all the MCs, even though this focuses mainly on Joel and Elliott, with Joel being the primary narrator.
There are scenes from the POV of multiple other MCs, just like in the previous book, so we get a more rounded telling of the story.
I liked all the characters, but I was doubly invested in Joel and Elliott, maybe because they had so much history and pain between them. The true story of what had happened was something I had guessed as early as the first book, though on a much smaller scale. The double-faceness (is that a word? It fits here, so I'm going with it) of some people!! How can they act like that and then pretend everything is fine? I'll never understand that, and I'm glad that I won't.
Maybe my rant doesn't make any sense to those who haven't read the book, but that's by design, as I rarely include spoilers in my reviews. Just rest assured that I'm not talking about either Joel or Elliott.
The four epilogues were the perfect way to end this, and as they take place in different times in the future, all the characters get strong HEAs.
The author's note after everything was said and done made me smile and look forward to the next series in line.
Another winner by Cara Dee!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
September 16, 2023
3,5/5
"Tango down" clôture donc la saga "The Renegades" de Cara Dee, une saga intense séparée en quatre épisodes assez dynamiques !
Dans le dernier opus, nous nous concentrons de nouveau sur Joel et Elliott, même si toute la bande est bien sûr au complet. Nous approchons du dénouement final où tout le monde sera enfin réuni !
J'avais hâte de lire ce dernier tome, j'avais tellement envie de retrouver Joel et Elliott de manière plus intime, et surtout de savoir les événements qui les ont séparés il y a plusieurs années en arrière. Cara Dee nous offre de jolis moments entre ces deux-là, de belles discussions, mais si elles sont trop peu nombreuses à mon goût. Je sais que l'attention se porte sur l'action et qu'elle est plus qu'importante dans ce dernier opus, mais j'imaginais qu'on allait un peu plus développer leur relation. La révélation quant à ce qui s'est déroulé des années en arrière, et la raison de leur amertume, arrive... et, comment dire, j'ai été un peu déçue. Déçue car certes, comme beaucoup de choses, des incompréhensions, un manque de communication, un mensonge peut tout changer, mais déçue car on nous expédie ça et hop, c'est reparti... J'ai vraiment trouvé que ça manquait de développement...
J'ai été ravie de retrouver toute la bande bien sûr, même si j'aurais aimé une moindre multiplication des points de vue et plus de focalisation sur le couple formé par Joel et Elliott.
Tout s'accélère ici, et toute cette belle et grande famille soudée se retrouve au complet. D'autres personnages bien connus se joignent d'ailleurs à la partie et encore d'autres petits nouveaux vont s'y ajouter, ce qui donnera d'ailleurs des passages assez émouvants.
Ce format assez court est vraiment sympa, mais j'aurais aimé que certains points soient plus mis en avant concernant certains couples...
Après, j'ai aimé la façon dont Cara Dee avait construit son épilogue aussi, même si un sentiment de "punaise c'est trop rapide, je sens la fin arriver..." me montait et qu'il était bientôt temps de quitter tout cette famille...
Rien n'est jamais terminé avec Cara Dee, et je sais d'ors et déjà que je vais retrouver l'univers très prochainement ^^
"Tango down" clôture donc la saga "The Renegades" de Cara Dee, une saga intense séparée en quatre épisodes assez dynamiques !
Dans le dernier opus, nous nous concentrons de nouveau sur Joel et Elliott, même si toute la bande est bien sûr au complet. Nous approchons du dénouement final où tout le monde sera enfin réuni !
J'avais hâte de lire ce dernier tome, j'avais tellement envie de retrouver Joel et Elliott de manière plus intime, et surtout de savoir les événements qui les ont séparés il y a plusieurs années en arrière. Cara Dee nous offre de jolis moments entre ces deux-là, de belles discussions, mais si elles sont trop peu nombreuses à mon goût. Je sais que l'attention se porte sur l'action et qu'elle est plus qu'importante dans ce dernier opus, mais j'imaginais qu'on allait un peu plus développer leur relation. La révélation quant à ce qui s'est déroulé des années en arrière, et la raison de leur amertume, arrive... et, comment dire, j'ai été un peu déçue. Déçue car certes, comme beaucoup de choses, des incompréhensions, un manque de communication, un mensonge peut tout changer, mais déçue car on nous expédie ça et hop, c'est reparti... J'ai vraiment trouvé que ça manquait de développement...
J'ai été ravie de retrouver toute la bande bien sûr, même si j'aurais aimé une moindre multiplication des points de vue et plus de focalisation sur le couple formé par Joel et Elliott.
Tout s'accélère ici, et toute cette belle et grande famille soudée se retrouve au complet. D'autres personnages bien connus se joignent d'ailleurs à la partie et encore d'autres petits nouveaux vont s'y ajouter, ce qui donnera d'ailleurs des passages assez émouvants.
Ce format assez court est vraiment sympa, mais j'aurais aimé que certains points soient plus mis en avant concernant certains couples...
Après, j'ai aimé la façon dont Cara Dee avait construit son épilogue aussi, même si un sentiment de "punaise c'est trop rapide, je sens la fin arriver..." me montait et qu'il était bientôt temps de quitter tout cette famille...
Rien n'est jamais terminé avec Cara Dee, et je sais d'ors et déjà que je vais retrouver l'univers très prochainement ^^
February 28, 2024
4.5/5.
Here are my thoughts:
Elliot & Joel:
Damn. What a shitty situation they were in. No wonder they hated each other so much — even if it was only because of a mild form of miscommunication and other things which I won’t elaborate because of spoilers. But I honestly loved how they ended up finding each other again after what happened.
The plot:
A nice ending for a kidnapping story. I liked it. I liked the overly long happy ending a lot more than the rescue mission though because the mission itself was a bit underwhelming. I didn’t mind that much in the end because I really just wanted the joy from the reunion and some nice fluffy end scenes for all of them.
River & Reese & Shay:
I’m only saying this; I am very happy I got more moments between these three after their reunion. I missed that in book three. But I got my fix now so I won’t complain.
Crew & Adrien:
I still think these two weren’t as developed as the rest of the characters. Which is a shame in my opinion but alas. Them only meeting in book two and not having previous history just didn’t really work with this kind of plot. The connection wasn’t really developed but to be fair, their romantic relationship made much more sense in this part of the series.
The epilogues:
I am so glad there were epilogues for everyone. I think, after a plot like this, a detailed happy ending was absolutely needed. The sunshine and rainbows were perfect in my opinion and I’m really glad for this very long happily ever after for all of them. It was refreshing to have a chance to see the aftermath in such detail.
Here are my thoughts:
Elliot & Joel:
Damn. What a shitty situation they were in. No wonder they hated each other so much — even if it was only because of a mild form of miscommunication and other things which I won’t elaborate because of spoilers. But I honestly loved how they ended up finding each other again after what happened.
The plot:
A nice ending for a kidnapping story. I liked it. I liked the overly long happy ending a lot more than the rescue mission though because the mission itself was a bit underwhelming. I didn’t mind that much in the end because I really just wanted the joy from the reunion and some nice fluffy end scenes for all of them.
River & Reese & Shay:
I’m only saying this; I am very happy I got more moments between these three after their reunion. I missed that in book three. But I got my fix now so I won’t complain.
Crew & Adrien:
I still think these two weren’t as developed as the rest of the characters. Which is a shame in my opinion but alas. Them only meeting in book two and not having previous history just didn’t really work with this kind of plot. The connection wasn’t really developed but to be fair, their romantic relationship made much more sense in this part of the series.
The epilogues:
I am so glad there were epilogues for everyone. I think, after a plot like this, a detailed happy ending was absolutely needed. The sunshine and rainbows were perfect in my opinion and I’m really glad for this very long happily ever after for all of them. It was refreshing to have a chance to see the aftermath in such detail.
September 13, 2023
Honestly, the suspense in this one is masterfully done, and also excruciating, as befitting the wrap up to this action series. It compelled me to keep reading waaaayyy past my bedtime last night till I got to a point I could put it down and not wonder all night what was happening! (That was 65% or so if you were wondering)
It was beautifully written, as always with Cara’s books. The POV is mainly Joel’s (in first person, which I prefer) but does move to a few other characters, also in first person, in a way that flows naturally and moves the story along nicely. I loved that the voice for each character is very distinct, as it makes for an easy, confusion free read. I didn’t have to flip back a few pages because I forgot who’s head we were in.
The action is absolutely gripping, and very suspenseful. There’s a perfect bit of angst with Joel and Elliot, and a little romance blended in there too, with some very satisfying resolutions overall.
Ah, how I love a happy ending or three.
Four stars; I definitely recommend this entire series, especially if you appreciate more action/suspense with your romance.
It was beautifully written, as always with Cara’s books. The POV is mainly Joel’s (in first person, which I prefer) but does move to a few other characters, also in first person, in a way that flows naturally and moves the story along nicely. I loved that the voice for each character is very distinct, as it makes for an easy, confusion free read. I didn’t have to flip back a few pages because I forgot who’s head we were in.
The action is absolutely gripping, and very suspenseful. There’s a perfect bit of angst with Joel and Elliot, and a little romance blended in there too, with some very satisfying resolutions overall.
Ah, how I love a happy ending or three.
Four stars; I definitely recommend this entire series, especially if you appreciate more action/suspense with your romance.
September 21, 2023
Boom! This was an excellent and very exciting conclusion to this series.
The entire series was fast paced and full of action but here, at the conclusion, we got so much more.
Picking up right where On the Double left off, it's a race to find Blake and Marisa.
And believe me, they found them in the nick of time. Finding them was very emotional. They were in serious trouble and it was difficult to read. It added an even more frightening element to what already had me on the edge of my seat.
From there, the guys all got to head home.
I loved getting a bit from everyone and seeing their HEA.
Well, that is partly true. I am very unhappy with Elliott and Joel's part of this. The villain didn't pay and honestly, the entire setup there just didn't work for me. The before Joel married Elliott's sister but the marrying Elliott's sister and then all the years from there on. No. I didn't like it and even more, I think the villain in this needed words or more.
But all the rest was a great adventure and even though I was a little lost due to not reading the ten million connected books that came before, I'm glad I read this series and maybe, maybe, I'll try some of the earlier connections. I like these guys and I bet their stories are good ones.
**ARC provided by the author via Eliza Rae Services in exchange for an honest review.**
The entire series was fast paced and full of action but here, at the conclusion, we got so much more.
Picking up right where On the Double left off, it's a race to find Blake and Marisa.
And believe me, they found them in the nick of time. Finding them was very emotional. They were in serious trouble and it was difficult to read. It added an even more frightening element to what already had me on the edge of my seat.
From there, the guys all got to head home.
I loved getting a bit from everyone and seeing their HEA.
Well, that is partly true. I am very unhappy with Elliott and Joel's part of this. The villain didn't pay and honestly, the entire setup there just didn't work for me. The before Joel married Elliott's sister but the marrying Elliott's sister and then all the years from there on. No. I didn't like it and even more, I think the villain in this needed words or more.
But all the rest was a great adventure and even though I was a little lost due to not reading the ten million connected books that came before, I'm glad I read this series and maybe, maybe, I'll try some of the earlier connections. I like these guys and I bet their stories are good ones.
**ARC provided by the author via Eliza Rae Services in exchange for an honest review.**
September 11, 2023
What an ending!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Renegades this summer and I'm already excited for the next spin-off series we got hints of towards the end.
This was an excellent and well-deserved ending for Elliot and Joel (as well as the rest of the renegade crew). My only complaint throughout this series is that I wish we got more time with each of these characters! I loved the way we both started and ended the series with Joel and Elliot. And that long multi-part happy epilogue is exactly what we needed to come down after the drama and action of this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Renegades this summer and I'm already excited for the next spin-off series we got hints of towards the end.
This was an excellent and well-deserved ending for Elliot and Joel (as well as the rest of the renegade crew). My only complaint throughout this series is that I wish we got more time with each of these characters! I loved the way we both started and ended the series with Joel and Elliot. And that long multi-part happy epilogue is exactly what we needed to come down after the drama and action of this series.
September 18, 2023
Creo que tenía las expectativas muy altas con este libro, porque he seguido la serie de The Renegades religiosamente, y amé los 3 libros anteriores. Yo estaba segurísima que Tango Down sería mi libro top del año, y sería una lectura a la que regresaría siempre. Gran error. Ni siquiera me veo releyendo este libro una vez más.
Amé muchísimo a Joel y Elliot porque de alguna forma me recordaron a Ty & Zane (de la saga Cut&Run), y su reconciliación me pareció muy emotiva. Sin embargo, ya para el 60% del libro, la trama se empieza a tornar aburrida y pesada con tanta adición de nombres y personajes que el lector no ubica fácilmente.
En mi caso muy particular, esperaba ansiosamente el rescate de Shay, su reencuentro emotivo con Reese y River, y el proceso de sanación que conlleva el haber sobrevivido a un secuestro. Sin embargo, On The Double (el tercer libro) precisamente termina cuando encuentran a Shay, y este libro lejos de ahondar en esa escena final, inicia con el punto de vista de Joel y simplemente el lector 'escucha' el reencuentro (que ya nos habían contado en el libro pasado) de los Tenley. De pronto el libro arroja a lo largo de sus capítulos escenas emotivas entre TenShay pero eso es todo. Personalmente, me quedé con la sensación de haber leído una historia inconclusa en específico de este trío.
La tercera pareja fue Crew y Adrien los cuales AMÉ DEMASIADO en Enemy Combatant, y que aquí siguen siendo igual de adorables. Sin embargo, habría amado igual que con TenShay, nos mostraran escenas más domésticas y emotivas entre ellos.
Considero que el punto más débil de Tango Down fue su longitud. Pues estamos hablando de un libro de menos de 300 páginas para concluir la historia de 2 parejas y 1 trío. Yo me esperaba una conclusión de al menos 500 páginas para hacerle justicia a cada unidad, pero Cara Dee suele dejarme siempre con esta sensación de vacío, pues mide muchísimo la cantidad de escenas domésticas entre sus parejas/tríos.
En fin, por mi parte sólo espero que el libro #13 de la serie The Game sea de los Tenley recuperando su vida, y el proceso de recuperación y sanación de mi queridísimo Shay. Porque Tango Down me debió MUCHÍSIMAS ESCENAS de mi trío favorito.
Me duele en el alma darle 3 estrellas a mi libro más esperado del año, pero bueno, peores decepciones literarias me he llevado.
Amé muchísimo a Joel y Elliot porque de alguna forma me recordaron a Ty & Zane (de la saga Cut&Run), y su reconciliación me pareció muy emotiva. Sin embargo, ya para el 60% del libro, la trama se empieza a tornar aburrida y pesada con tanta adición de nombres y personajes que el lector no ubica fácilmente.
En mi caso muy particular, esperaba ansiosamente el rescate de Shay, su reencuentro emotivo con Reese y River, y el proceso de sanación que conlleva el haber sobrevivido a un secuestro. Sin embargo, On The Double (el tercer libro) precisamente termina cuando encuentran a Shay, y este libro lejos de ahondar en esa escena final, inicia con el punto de vista de Joel y simplemente el lector 'escucha' el reencuentro (que ya nos habían contado en el libro pasado) de los Tenley. De pronto el libro arroja a lo largo de sus capítulos escenas emotivas entre TenShay pero eso es todo. Personalmente, me quedé con la sensación de haber leído una historia inconclusa en específico de este trío.
La tercera pareja fue Crew y Adrien los cuales AMÉ DEMASIADO en Enemy Combatant, y que aquí siguen siendo igual de adorables. Sin embargo, habría amado igual que con TenShay, nos mostraran escenas más domésticas y emotivas entre ellos.
Considero que el punto más débil de Tango Down fue su longitud. Pues estamos hablando de un libro de menos de 300 páginas para concluir la historia de 2 parejas y 1 trío. Yo me esperaba una conclusión de al menos 500 páginas para hacerle justicia a cada unidad, pero Cara Dee suele dejarme siempre con esta sensación de vacío, pues mide muchísimo la cantidad de escenas domésticas entre sus parejas/tríos.
En fin, por mi parte sólo espero que el libro #13 de la serie The Game sea de los Tenley recuperando su vida, y el proceso de recuperación y sanación de mi queridísimo Shay. Porque Tango Down me debió MUCHÍSIMAS ESCENAS de mi trío favorito.
Me duele en el alma darle 3 estrellas a mi libro más esperado del año, pero bueno, peores decepciones literarias me he llevado.
September 12, 2023
Fourth in a four part series (The Renegades), must be read in order. Action suspense. Second chance. Close proximity. Found family. Multiple POV. Joel and Elliott are closing in on the kidnappers traveling internationally to Colombia and then Spain, wreaking violence and finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in rescuing their loved ones. Finally, misunderstandings are discussed and honest communication about feelings between Elliott and Joel allow them to come together as a couple. Some other POV’s from the other main characters in the series, and a lot of found family interactions which makes the reader even more invested in this group of people that work together but also care for each other. Honestly, the epilogues could have kept going and I would have been there for it, it was nice to see all the near futures for the men and the interactions of all the assorted kids. I liked this finale the best out of the series, perhaps because all the HEA’s were super swoony. 4.5 rounded up
September 8, 2023
Thos was a little bit of an emotional read for me. Especially when the finally rescued Blake and Marisa. Just hearing how they were being kept and how they used Blake against Marisa for torture was really hard. Then reading about the reunion between Blake and Joel was incredible. I loved this whole series and this was a really great ending to it (even if I didn't want it to end). I loved Joel and Elliott finally finding out what Piper did and that they just jumped right in after they found out. I Reese, River & Shay have always been one of my favorites of all the books so I was excited to get to read some more of them. The epilogues were so awesome. I especially enjoyed the one where the younger ones went through the testing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
RTC - what a rip-off
September 15, 2023
What an amazing end to an epic series! I am just so in love with this group of men. First up, Joel and Elliott. The little sister’s best friend to lovers to enemies to lovers again. These two had to go through some stuff to get where they ended. Their road was long and their journey hard, but that HEA? Man, totally worth it. I loved that they agreed that they wouldn’t change their past but they could rewrite their future. These two were able to figure out what happened in the past and somehow I just had known the issue. And these two men just showed how they could solve so many problems with communication. They are stubborn, fierce and so loyal. Oh and sexy, let us not forget sexy. And their epilogues, just wow! I love them so much and hate to see them go.
Now, onto the next two guys. Crew and Adrien. They definitely started out as enemies to lovers in their book, Enemy Combatant. Crew is just such a big hearted, goofball of a guy. When we first meet him in this series he has some confidence issues but meeting and falling for Adrien has definitely given him a boost. And getting the approval from his boss and team on making a good strategic choice in the field, really boosted this guy. He is silly, sweet, and such a big heart. Adrien on the other hand, he is stoic like so many of our guys in this series but he has a good heart too. He is perfect for Crew. Watching these two in this final book continue to blossom and then reading their epilogue was just everything!
Now, onto the Tenley trio. I absolutely love these three guys. I first met them back in The Game series book 3 (and 3.5 on smashwords), and later saw them briefly in the Auctioned series (which seriously, great freaking series, go read them if you haven’t!). My heart was won over long before their featured book in this series On the Double. Reese and River are so similar yet so absolutely different. Reese is loud and boisterous, sociable. While River is quiet and stoic. He is sociable in his own way, with his group. They are both sexy as can be. And they love their boy, little one, pup. I adore their nicknames for Shay. And that brings me to the third Tenley, Shay. He is a wonderful young guy who suffers a lot of trauma in this series. These three are perfect together and watching them come together again and get their HEA (HFN I guess since we will definitely see them more in other series, especially the game), was wonderful. Their epilogue was amazing, a great way to wrap it up for these guys in this series.
Okay, now that I’ve talked about the guys, let’s talk about the book and series. I cried, laughed, smiled like a loon, felt so much rage and anger…really the whole dang spectrum of emotion. Cara Dee is amazing at pulling those emotions out of the reader. You feel the characters pain, joy, love and every other emotion right along with them. This has quickly become one of my favorite suspenseful series ever. This journey starts at a family and friends BBQ at Elliott’s new ranch and takes us on such a wild ride full of so many ups and downs. I was on the edge of my seat. There’s not a lot of spice in these books (though there is some), but that didn’t take away from the story at all. There is so much intimacy between each of the couples and triad. Simple little things that mean so much, like a hand squeeze went a long way to show their love and support. And the covers, just beautiful and sexy and masculine. Cara Dee did a fantastic job with this series and Tango Down was the perfect conclusion to this epic adventure. I absolutely devoured this book.
Now, onto the next two guys. Crew and Adrien. They definitely started out as enemies to lovers in their book, Enemy Combatant. Crew is just such a big hearted, goofball of a guy. When we first meet him in this series he has some confidence issues but meeting and falling for Adrien has definitely given him a boost. And getting the approval from his boss and team on making a good strategic choice in the field, really boosted this guy. He is silly, sweet, and such a big heart. Adrien on the other hand, he is stoic like so many of our guys in this series but he has a good heart too. He is perfect for Crew. Watching these two in this final book continue to blossom and then reading their epilogue was just everything!
Now, onto the Tenley trio. I absolutely love these three guys. I first met them back in The Game series book 3 (and 3.5 on smashwords), and later saw them briefly in the Auctioned series (which seriously, great freaking series, go read them if you haven’t!). My heart was won over long before their featured book in this series On the Double. Reese and River are so similar yet so absolutely different. Reese is loud and boisterous, sociable. While River is quiet and stoic. He is sociable in his own way, with his group. They are both sexy as can be. And they love their boy, little one, pup. I adore their nicknames for Shay. And that brings me to the third Tenley, Shay. He is a wonderful young guy who suffers a lot of trauma in this series. These three are perfect together and watching them come together again and get their HEA (HFN I guess since we will definitely see them more in other series, especially the game), was wonderful. Their epilogue was amazing, a great way to wrap it up for these guys in this series.
Okay, now that I’ve talked about the guys, let’s talk about the book and series. I cried, laughed, smiled like a loon, felt so much rage and anger…really the whole dang spectrum of emotion. Cara Dee is amazing at pulling those emotions out of the reader. You feel the characters pain, joy, love and every other emotion right along with them. This has quickly become one of my favorite suspenseful series ever. This journey starts at a family and friends BBQ at Elliott’s new ranch and takes us on such a wild ride full of so many ups and downs. I was on the edge of my seat. There’s not a lot of spice in these books (though there is some), but that didn’t take away from the story at all. There is so much intimacy between each of the couples and triad. Simple little things that mean so much, like a hand squeeze went a long way to show their love and support. And the covers, just beautiful and sexy and masculine. Cara Dee did a fantastic job with this series and Tango Down was the perfect conclusion to this epic adventure. I absolutely devoured this book.
Read
October 28, 2024***no rating***
Just skimmed through it, wasn’t interested in the suspense plot. Only went in for Joe’s and Elliot’s second part love story and all of the guys’ HEA.
***********
The Renegades Series
Book 1 - Rogue Launch - read
Book 2 - Enemy Combatant
Book 3 - On the Double
Book 4 - Tango Down - read
Just skimmed through it, wasn’t interested in the suspense plot. Only went in for Joe’s and Elliot’s second part love story and all of the guys’ HEA.
***********
The Renegades Series
Book 1 - Rogue Launch - read
Book 2 - Enemy Combatant
Book 3 - On the Double
Book 4 - Tango Down - read
September 25, 2023
This was the perfect ending to a super fast paced series (Must be read in order)! While mainly told from Joel's POV, we get to see portions from all of our previous MCs. I loved how Cara allowed Joel and Elliot to reconnect, and was so mad at what happened to break them apart in the first place! We see each couple deal with the fallout at the end of the mission, and I adored the epilogues.
December 27, 2025
amazing series, sad that it's over
September 7, 2023
So this book took me by surprise with how easily it was my favorite in the series. I thought 100% it would be Tenshay's book....because Tenshay lmao....but i absolutely LOVED all the different POVs in this one and getting to spend time with EVERY couple from this series! I absolutely, wholeheartedly LOVE every single couple in The Renegades. I'm beyond happy that Cara is notorious for giving us cameos of established couples in future books because I need more. I could read 600 more pages of Crew keeping Adrian on his toes by just being himself LOL. Elliot and Joel slapped me right in the feels and had me squealing nonstop (my husband said I sounded more like a pterodactyl but whatever). Tenshay, you slay me my babies.
ALSO. THE CAMEOS IN THIS. I WONT SAY WHO. BUT IF YOU KNOW ME YOU PROBABLY CAN GUESS WHY IM SCREAMING.
ALSO. THE CAMEOS IN THIS. I WONT SAY WHO. BUT IF YOU KNOW ME YOU PROBABLY CAN GUESS WHY IM SCREAMING.
January 19, 2025
Rating: 5
Steam: 2
PoV: multiple, 1st person
Genre: romantic suspense, MM
Tropes / tags: hate to love, second chance, found family
I had a lot of faith in Cara Dee, and she truly managed to wrap things up perfectly in Tango Down!
This story pretty much starts where On the Double ended, right in the middle of the action, and I love how this series has managed to keep me on my toes. I’ve grown so fond of these characters, and I really needed for them all to get back home alive.
I honestly wasn’t sure how things would turn out for Joel and Elliott as any chance for a relationship between them seemed like a totally lost cause in Rogue Launch, but I loved the way things worked out for them. Their love and affection for each other made me smile so much, and it made my heart feel all melty and happy.
Even if the relationship between Joel and Elliott was the focus here, there were plenty of scenes with the other couples as well. There were a lot of different POVs, but it never got confusing and I really liked the layers and insights they added. While I’d love to see more of every single character from this series, I still feel like I was offered satisfying closures for the different couples and the plot overall.
The Renegades series have been such a wild ride, full of suspense and action, and I’m really going to miss these characters and their banter. I’ve cried and laughed with them, followed them all over the world, as well as shared their hope, fear, anger and frustration. All four stories have been immensely engaging and captivating - this really is a series made for binge reading!
-
Thanks to Eliza Rae for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: multiple, 1st person
Genre: romantic suspense, MM
Tropes / tags: hate to love, second chance, found family
I had a lot of faith in Cara Dee, and she truly managed to wrap things up perfectly in Tango Down!
This story pretty much starts where On the Double ended, right in the middle of the action, and I love how this series has managed to keep me on my toes. I’ve grown so fond of these characters, and I really needed for them all to get back home alive.
I honestly wasn’t sure how things would turn out for Joel and Elliott as any chance for a relationship between them seemed like a totally lost cause in Rogue Launch, but I loved the way things worked out for them. Their love and affection for each other made me smile so much, and it made my heart feel all melty and happy.
Even if the relationship between Joel and Elliott was the focus here, there were plenty of scenes with the other couples as well. There were a lot of different POVs, but it never got confusing and I really liked the layers and insights they added. While I’d love to see more of every single character from this series, I still feel like I was offered satisfying closures for the different couples and the plot overall.
The Renegades series have been such a wild ride, full of suspense and action, and I’m really going to miss these characters and their banter. I’ve cried and laughed with them, followed them all over the world, as well as shared their hope, fear, anger and frustration. All four stories have been immensely engaging and captivating - this really is a series made for binge reading!
-
Thanks to Eliza Rae for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 4, 2024
ART
Couldn’t be happier with this series. Amazing really. Absolutely loved it. The way it was formatee. The different POVs, epilogues. Gah! Perfection! Even more obsessed with this universe now.
Couldn’t be happier with this series. Amazing really. Absolutely loved it. The way it was formatee. The different POVs, epilogues. Gah! Perfection! Even more obsessed with this universe now.
September 16, 2023
Tango down vient clore d'une belle manière cette série de Cara Dee débordante d'action et d'émotions. Il est temps pour l'équipe de choc de mettre un point final à sa mission et de nous promet un happy end bien mérité après tout ce périple si plein de dangers !
Si cet opus est centré sur Joel, il nous offre de multiples points de vue puisque la plupart des personnages principaux fera aussi entendre ses pensées. Et je trouve vraiment que cela colle parfaitement à l'esprit de la série car Elliott, Joel, Reese, River, Shay, Crew, Adrien et les autres ont fait front commun pour atteindre leur objectif, c'était donc essentiel de leur donner une place de choix dans le récit.
Les passages qui font monter la pression alternent avec des moments plus calmes qui permettent de se focaliser sur l'intimité des protagonistes. Evidemment, j'étais impatiente d'en savoir plus sur la raison qui a détruit la relation de Elliott et Joel dans le passé mais aussi de les voir crever ce foutu abscès ! Le soulagement a été au rendez-vous même si j'ai été un peu déçue, tout ça pour ça... cela laisse quand même un petit goût amer. Mais cette sensation a vite disparu sous l'effet du swoon ressenti quand enfin tout est bien qui finit bien pour eux !
Mon petit Crew est une vraie vedette, il est toujours aussi téméraire, fougueux et drôle. J'aime beaucoup le couple qu'il forme avec Adrien, et je n'ai pas vraiment été rassasiée les concernant, une centaine de pages de plus centrée sur leur relation ne m'auraient pas déplu ! Bon j'avoue qu'un point me turlupine quant à Adrien et son besoin de vengeance à l'égard du cartel mais les pinceaux se sont peut-être emmêlés, il faudrait que je relise le second tome.
Cara Dee aborde aussi un thème qui lui est cher et qui fait partie de mes favoris, celui de la famille, tant celle du sang mais aussi celle que l'on choisit, que l'on trouve au bout du chemin. La solidarité et la camaraderie qui unit toute la troupe est remarquable, ils sont plus soudés que jamais...Et puis, encore une fois, d'une tragédie naîtra un joli cadeau (plusieurs mêmes) donnant lui à des passages absolument trop attendrissants. Je n'en dis pas plus mais à chaque fois, je fonds comme neige au soleil à leur lecture.
Si c'est avec tristesse que j'ai terminé The Renegades, je me console en me disant que je croiserai bientôt tous les personnages dans d'autres romans de l'autrice 😍
Si cet opus est centré sur Joel, il nous offre de multiples points de vue puisque la plupart des personnages principaux fera aussi entendre ses pensées. Et je trouve vraiment que cela colle parfaitement à l'esprit de la série car Elliott, Joel, Reese, River, Shay, Crew, Adrien et les autres ont fait front commun pour atteindre leur objectif, c'était donc essentiel de leur donner une place de choix dans le récit.
Les passages qui font monter la pression alternent avec des moments plus calmes qui permettent de se focaliser sur l'intimité des protagonistes. Evidemment, j'étais impatiente d'en savoir plus sur la raison qui a détruit la relation de Elliott et Joel dans le passé mais aussi de les voir crever ce foutu abscès ! Le soulagement a été au rendez-vous même si j'ai été un peu déçue, tout ça pour ça... cela laisse quand même un petit goût amer. Mais cette sensation a vite disparu sous l'effet du swoon ressenti quand enfin tout est bien qui finit bien pour eux !
Mon petit Crew est une vraie vedette, il est toujours aussi téméraire, fougueux et drôle. J'aime beaucoup le couple qu'il forme avec Adrien, et je n'ai pas vraiment été rassasiée les concernant, une centaine de pages de plus centrée sur leur relation ne m'auraient pas déplu ! Bon j'avoue qu'un point me turlupine quant à Adrien et son besoin de vengeance à l'égard du cartel mais les pinceaux se sont peut-être emmêlés, il faudrait que je relise le second tome.
Cara Dee aborde aussi un thème qui lui est cher et qui fait partie de mes favoris, celui de la famille, tant celle du sang mais aussi celle que l'on choisit, que l'on trouve au bout du chemin. La solidarité et la camaraderie qui unit toute la troupe est remarquable, ils sont plus soudés que jamais...Et puis, encore une fois, d'une tragédie naîtra un joli cadeau (plusieurs mêmes) donnant lui à des passages absolument trop attendrissants. Je n'en dis pas plus mais à chaque fois, je fonds comme neige au soleil à leur lecture.
Si c'est avec tristesse que j'ai terminé The Renegades, je me console en me disant que je croiserai bientôt tous les personnages dans d'autres romans de l'autrice 😍
September 8, 2023
Book 4 of The Renegades Series and the last book in this series. This is the long expected ending of a very high-paced, action filled series with a dose of MM romance along the way.
The books starts a little bit before where the 3th book ended and trust me, you will be lost if you haven't read the books before this one. So, straight into the action and next part of the rescue mission.
Although this is mostly Joe's book, we get lots of pieces told from other POV's: we got Greer, Elliot, Crew, Reese, Shay, River, Gray and Adrien. Already a lot of names and these are just the main characters. There are plenty of other people to keep track of, not just bad people, but children, friends and family. It made me glad I already have read a lot of Cara's back list and recognize a lot of names from other books, although this series is written so you can read it as a stand alone. Just start with the first book ;)
This book definitely had the most emotions for me. Some very funny moments as well, to break up the heavy atmosphere. We finally get a bit more romance, as Joel and Elliot finally get back together. I wish we would have read some more about this, but Cara did resolve their tension beautifully. She is also a master of heartbreak and makes you feel like you are really there along her characters, feeling their every emotion. Her writing is so realistically, it sometimes scares me to think this stuff could happen in real life.
After a whirlwind of action and the conclusion of this story, we get a couple of epilogues to give us a bit of a soft landing. Each couple in this series gets one epilogue to show us their happy ending, along with the mental/physical scars of their adventure. This makes me love Cara's characters even more: they are real. They all have their own flaws and passions. They are human.
All in all, a very satisfactory ending of this series. I just wish I could keep on reading because I love the characters so much, but Cara might just write another series with a lot of cross-overs, so who knows!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The books starts a little bit before where the 3th book ended and trust me, you will be lost if you haven't read the books before this one. So, straight into the action and next part of the rescue mission.
Although this is mostly Joe's book, we get lots of pieces told from other POV's: we got Greer, Elliot, Crew, Reese, Shay, River, Gray and Adrien. Already a lot of names and these are just the main characters. There are plenty of other people to keep track of, not just bad people, but children, friends and family. It made me glad I already have read a lot of Cara's back list and recognize a lot of names from other books, although this series is written so you can read it as a stand alone. Just start with the first book ;)
This book definitely had the most emotions for me. Some very funny moments as well, to break up the heavy atmosphere. We finally get a bit more romance, as Joel and Elliot finally get back together. I wish we would have read some more about this, but Cara did resolve their tension beautifully. She is also a master of heartbreak and makes you feel like you are really there along her characters, feeling their every emotion. Her writing is so realistically, it sometimes scares me to think this stuff could happen in real life.
After a whirlwind of action and the conclusion of this story, we get a couple of epilogues to give us a bit of a soft landing. Each couple in this series gets one epilogue to show us their happy ending, along with the mental/physical scars of their adventure. This makes me love Cara's characters even more: they are real. They all have their own flaws and passions. They are human.
All in all, a very satisfactory ending of this series. I just wish I could keep on reading because I love the characters so much, but Cara might just write another series with a lot of cross-overs, so who knows!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2023
The fourth and last book in the Renegades series does not disappoint!
We pick up right where we left off on On the Double, so you can imagine that Cara doesn't give a break to our poor hearts (and I'm not complaining, I love how she makes me suffer).
Even though we get multiple points of view in this one, the main ones are from Joel and Elliot and we have the most satisfying ending to their story.
I love the balance between action, romance and suspense we have on this whole series. It's so on point. Nothing feels rushed, everything feels super realistic, and even if we might have minor heart attacks along the story, rest assured they are all worth it and you'll be left with a massive book hangover!
Elliot's and Joel's love story is treated with such care through everything they're going through, it's beautiful to see (even if we want to smash their heads together sometimes and scream JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER).
The action doesn't take away from their romance just as the romance doesn't take anything from the action.
As I always say, Cara's characters seem so real that you think they might jump off the page at any moment, and it's not different with the ones in this series. They are so easy to relate to and that's why you'll get invested in their stories in no time. And it always amazes me how different they all are, with such unique and defined personalities, it's amazing writing.
I also absolutely loved to see Greer, one of my faves, (a character from Cara's The Game series) with this bunch on this one! I need more of this!
Finally, even though we get all the answers we've been waiting for and a very satisfying ending on this one, Cara always leaves wanting more. I got so attached to the new characters that I'm already dying to see them again, even if just a glimpse in future books (yes Crew, I'm looking at you!)
To end with some of my favourite quotes:
'Because suppressing hurt didn't mean erasing it'
'We had chosen each other, after all.'
'I guess we're the Renegades'
We pick up right where we left off on On the Double, so you can imagine that Cara doesn't give a break to our poor hearts (and I'm not complaining, I love how she makes me suffer).
Even though we get multiple points of view in this one, the main ones are from Joel and Elliot and we have the most satisfying ending to their story.
I love the balance between action, romance and suspense we have on this whole series. It's so on point. Nothing feels rushed, everything feels super realistic, and even if we might have minor heart attacks along the story, rest assured they are all worth it and you'll be left with a massive book hangover!
Elliot's and Joel's love story is treated with such care through everything they're going through, it's beautiful to see (even if we want to smash their heads together sometimes and scream JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER).
The action doesn't take away from their romance just as the romance doesn't take anything from the action.
As I always say, Cara's characters seem so real that you think they might jump off the page at any moment, and it's not different with the ones in this series. They are so easy to relate to and that's why you'll get invested in their stories in no time. And it always amazes me how different they all are, with such unique and defined personalities, it's amazing writing.
I also absolutely loved to see Greer, one of my faves, (a character from Cara's The Game series) with this bunch on this one! I need more of this!
Finally, even though we get all the answers we've been waiting for and a very satisfying ending on this one, Cara always leaves wanting more. I got so attached to the new characters that I'm already dying to see them again, even if just a glimpse in future books (yes Crew, I'm looking at you!)
To end with some of my favourite quotes:
'Because suppressing hurt didn't mean erasing it'
'We had chosen each other, after all.'
'I guess we're the Renegades'
September 15, 2023
A great superhero (or villain, depending on your perspective) once said "make the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to go off the rails, throw away the plan" and I feel like that is a hilariously accurate synopsis of some of the parts of the adventure the gang goes on both in the last book to rescue Shay and then in this book to rescue Joel's daughter, Blake, and Marissa, the other person who was kidnapped at the beginning of this whole saga. Things go right, things go wrong, chaos and yet more globe-trotting ensue, but ultimately our gang of merry heroes prevails, with a few surprises along the way of course. The sense of urgency from Joel in particular to get his little girl back definitely had me wanting to read this as fast as I could. Having Emerson, Danny, and Greer along for the ride made things more entertaining for sure, and I am 100% on board for whatever shenanigans Shay inevitably gets up to now that he's even more entangled in the PMC world that the Tenleys thought they left behind.
Joel and Elliot were breaking my heart with their anger and grief in Rogue Launch, especially when it became clear that neither of them really knew the full truth of why they had ended up apart instead of together, and I was prepared for that angst to carry further into this book than it did, which I have zero complaints about. I feel like plenty of people probably have an educated guess about why they aren't together and we do find out the answer to that mystery in Tango Down, thankfully with minimal drama or angst. I could have used more of Joel and Elliot together just in general because they are a gorgeous couple and I wanted more of their one-on-one chemistry and connection, but I have no doubt we will see them again in the future. Additionally, it felt like it was more necessary in this book for us to get plenty of scenes of the family they build together once they get home, and that was a beautiful thing indeed.
Joel and Elliot were breaking my heart with their anger and grief in Rogue Launch, especially when it became clear that neither of them really knew the full truth of why they had ended up apart instead of together, and I was prepared for that angst to carry further into this book than it did, which I have zero complaints about. I feel like plenty of people probably have an educated guess about why they aren't together and we do find out the answer to that mystery in Tango Down, thankfully with minimal drama or angst. I could have used more of Joel and Elliot together just in general because they are a gorgeous couple and I wanted more of their one-on-one chemistry and connection, but I have no doubt we will see them again in the future. Additionally, it felt like it was more necessary in this book for us to get plenty of scenes of the family they build together once they get home, and that was a beautiful thing indeed.
September 19, 2023
4.5 Stars!
What a fantastic ending to an action-packed series! You need to read this series in order; this book picks up almost exactly where the last one left off. I loved how well the group worked together to rescue their targets as well as help Adrien with his mission. While this installment is mostly told from Joel's viewpoint, the action and storyline give us some insight into the others on the team as things heat up and they reach their goals. There were many times that things looked dire, but I was happy to see how everyone adjusted and compensated for the changes.
I loved that Reese managed to get Elliott to really think about his situation with Joel. I was so happy when Elliott and Joel finally talked about the things they should have dealt with long before now. I loved that they finally cleared the air and were both all in once they realized what had happened. I was worried that it might take more than an honest conversation in the lead up, but I was glad that it worked out as well as it did. There's a small part of me that wonders what Elliott's parents thought of the changes in Joel and Elliott's lives after things settle down, but I'm glad that Joel and Elliott are happy and have their family.
I loved all the insight into everyone else's lives after the op was over. I loved that Shay found a way to use his knowledge to help in a way the Tenley twins could live with. I loved seeing everyone again and all their shenanigans. It was great to see Crew and Adrien as a couple outside of the op and how they moved forward. The training that some of them went through was cool to see as well. All in all, I loved every moment and didn't want the book to end. I highly recommend this series.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.**
What a fantastic ending to an action-packed series! You need to read this series in order; this book picks up almost exactly where the last one left off. I loved how well the group worked together to rescue their targets as well as help Adrien with his mission. While this installment is mostly told from Joel's viewpoint, the action and storyline give us some insight into the others on the team as things heat up and they reach their goals. There were many times that things looked dire, but I was happy to see how everyone adjusted and compensated for the changes.
I loved that Reese managed to get Elliott to really think about his situation with Joel. I was so happy when Elliott and Joel finally talked about the things they should have dealt with long before now. I loved that they finally cleared the air and were both all in once they realized what had happened. I was worried that it might take more than an honest conversation in the lead up, but I was glad that it worked out as well as it did. There's a small part of me that wonders what Elliott's parents thought of the changes in Joel and Elliott's lives after things settle down, but I'm glad that Joel and Elliott are happy and have their family.
I loved all the insight into everyone else's lives after the op was over. I loved that Shay found a way to use his knowledge to help in a way the Tenley twins could live with. I loved seeing everyone again and all their shenanigans. It was great to see Crew and Adrien as a couple outside of the op and how they moved forward. The training that some of them went through was cool to see as well. All in all, I loved every moment and didn't want the book to end. I highly recommend this series.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.**
September 13, 2023
This is my first time leaving a review so it took me a minute to figure out what to say other than I loved it and am a huge fan of Cara's work! Here we go:
4.5 stars
What a finish to this series. The action and suspense in this final installment was very well done. I devoured this book from start to finish and then went back again to read my favourite parts again. The book was the perfect mix of action and suspense with some angst, romance and humour blended in as well.
I love how Cara writes her characters. They are real and flawed. I feel every emotion and get very invested. I was rooting for these men, especially Joel and Elliott. After the snippets of their past we read in the first book I was wondering how it all went wrong. I was happy their past issues were resolved relatively quickly and with a little prodding from Reese, Elliott and Joel had the much needed open & honest conversation to figure out what happened.
My only complaint (if you can call it that), is that I wish we got more time with each of the characters. I didn't want it to be over. I would have liked to read about Tenshay's recovery and how Joel & Elliott dealt with the reason for their rift. It was mentioned in passing, but it didn't feel resolved to me. I think I was expecting more.
All in all, it was a great ending to the series. I didn't want it to be over, I wanted to continue reading about each character and their everyday lives. I have a feeling we will not hear the last of them and hope they will pop up in another series or two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars
What a finish to this series. The action and suspense in this final installment was very well done. I devoured this book from start to finish and then went back again to read my favourite parts again. The book was the perfect mix of action and suspense with some angst, romance and humour blended in as well.
I love how Cara writes her characters. They are real and flawed. I feel every emotion and get very invested. I was rooting for these men, especially Joel and Elliott. After the snippets of their past we read in the first book I was wondering how it all went wrong. I was happy their past issues were resolved relatively quickly and with a little prodding from Reese, Elliott and Joel had the much needed open & honest conversation to figure out what happened.
My only complaint (if you can call it that), is that I wish we got more time with each of the characters. I didn't want it to be over. I would have liked to read about Tenshay's recovery and how Joel & Elliott dealt with the reason for their rift. It was mentioned in passing, but it didn't feel resolved to me. I think I was expecting more.
All in all, it was a great ending to the series. I didn't want it to be over, I wanted to continue reading about each character and their everyday lives. I have a feeling we will not hear the last of them and hope they will pop up in another series or two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
I’ll read anything Cara Dee writes and 99.9% of the time I love it!! This book, and series, was no exception.
I downloaded and devoured this final book in one day!!
I loved the action, I loved the familiar faces throughout the whole series, I loved the romance storylines, I loved the kids, I loved Darius’s worry that the kids future careers are almost predictable in following their own, haha..
In regards to Elliott and Joel, oh boy was I cranky at Piper, I loved the way this was handled, so often betrayals in fiction are a quick forgive and forget.. that’s not real life, and neither was this, Joel and Elliott squeezed my heart, then them bringing three(four) kids into their lives.. omg.. love, love, love!!
I love seeing how strong Gray is, how he’s evolved over so many stories now. I loved that he took Shay under his wing, that made me go ‘awww’. Shay is certainly tough in his own right, but he’s stronger for this experience now. And I adore him with River and Reese. Throuple goals right there!!
And Crew and Adrien… I loved Crew!! He was a total firecracker!! Adrien will be kept on his toes, though I think he’ll love that!! I think, if Crew is anything to go by, the next generation of PMC’s and Hillcroft contractors will be superstars!
This was more-so an action adventure than a romance series. There were a few sex scenes, and I get that the timing wasn’t always fitting in the storylines, but I did miss that aspect when comparing this to The Game series for example.
That said, I have no regrets and, as I always seem to say when I finish a Cara Dee book, I’m now anxiously awaiting the next one!!
I downloaded and devoured this final book in one day!!
I loved the action, I loved the familiar faces throughout the whole series, I loved the romance storylines, I loved the kids, I loved Darius’s worry that the kids future careers are almost predictable in following their own, haha..
In regards to Elliott and Joel, oh boy was I cranky at Piper, I loved the way this was handled, so often betrayals in fiction are a quick forgive and forget.. that’s not real life, and neither was this, Joel and Elliott squeezed my heart, then them bringing three(four) kids into their lives.. omg.. love, love, love!!
I love seeing how strong Gray is, how he’s evolved over so many stories now. I loved that he took Shay under his wing, that made me go ‘awww’. Shay is certainly tough in his own right, but he’s stronger for this experience now. And I adore him with River and Reese. Throuple goals right there!!
And Crew and Adrien… I loved Crew!! He was a total firecracker!! Adrien will be kept on his toes, though I think he’ll love that!! I think, if Crew is anything to go by, the next generation of PMC’s and Hillcroft contractors will be superstars!
This was more-so an action adventure than a romance series. There were a few sex scenes, and I get that the timing wasn’t always fitting in the storylines, but I did miss that aspect when comparing this to The Game series for example.
That said, I have no regrets and, as I always seem to say when I finish a Cara Dee book, I’m now anxiously awaiting the next one!!
March 1, 2025
This wasn’t my brand of romance at all. What the fuck?
If you are looking for an action packed novel with dizzying intrigue and complicated maneuvers and covert ops and killing bad guys, this bud may be for you. The way Cara Dee ran in circles trying to explain away all the cartels' motives and backstabbing and power grabs and evil plots was so convulted that I forgot my original questions were never answered. Mostly, if a character said, "That makes sense," I rolled my eyes and said to myself, "sure. What the feck ever, let's roll with it."
If you're looking for the falling in love part, you're going to get it fast and sudden in a not quite believable way, because everyone is on a tight timeline, running on too little sleep and chasing the bad guys literally all over the world. Like, you're going to have to sell me a bit on this Stockholm syndrome trope or enemies to third chance lovers despite years of outside manipulation/misunderstanding trope.
I liked all the characters that came together. I'd read maybe a quarter of their stories (DQ +GQ, the Tenleys, Ryan) to feel enough in the know, but felt I was missing out on some other back stories. I didn't like that it switched so much between points of views, because frankly their voices (particularly the grumps') sounded the same and I had to constantly remind myself who was narrating.
What I did love and wanted to see more of was the coming together of new families and the healing post trauma. I liked Elliot/Joel's relationships with the boys they rescued. I would have preferred cutting the middle two books, focusing on Joel and Elliot with a longer post rescue mission view on life.
If you are looking for an action packed novel with dizzying intrigue and complicated maneuvers and covert ops and killing bad guys, this bud may be for you. The way Cara Dee ran in circles trying to explain away all the cartels' motives and backstabbing and power grabs and evil plots was so convulted that I forgot my original questions were never answered. Mostly, if a character said, "That makes sense," I rolled my eyes and said to myself, "sure. What the feck ever, let's roll with it."
If you're looking for the falling in love part, you're going to get it fast and sudden in a not quite believable way, because everyone is on a tight timeline, running on too little sleep and chasing the bad guys literally all over the world. Like, you're going to have to sell me a bit on this Stockholm syndrome trope or enemies to third chance lovers despite years of outside manipulation/misunderstanding trope.
I liked all the characters that came together. I'd read maybe a quarter of their stories (DQ +GQ, the Tenleys, Ryan) to feel enough in the know, but felt I was missing out on some other back stories. I didn't like that it switched so much between points of views, because frankly their voices (particularly the grumps') sounded the same and I had to constantly remind myself who was narrating.
What I did love and wanted to see more of was the coming together of new families and the healing post trauma. I liked Elliot/Joel's relationships with the boys they rescued. I would have preferred cutting the middle two books, focusing on Joel and Elliot with a longer post rescue mission view on life.
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