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A Warrior's Challenge #1
Code Name: Ghost
Winner of the 2014 "Reward of Novel Excellence" award best suspense.
Kayla is intent on leaving her past north of the border. Hired as a Canadian liaison by the US Navy, she finds the Coronado SEALs tough but amiable. Their Commander is another matter. With eyes like blue steel and a body carved from it, Kayla resists the hungry attraction between them for good reason.
Navy SEAL Commander Thane Austen (Ghost) treats his women like his missions: in, out and gone. Returning from deployment to find Kayla is his new tactical specialist poses a challenge, one he’s never faced. When the defiant beauty with haunted eyes becomes a serial killer’s target, the Commander has the excuse he needs to close ranks around her. Fear is a word unknown to the legendary SEAL until he realizes love can be as dangerous to a warrior as combat. Convincing Kayla to surrender to him and catching a killer is a mission he won’t fail.
A Warriors Challenge series
Book One - Code Name: Ghost
Book Two - Code Name: Kayla's Fire
Book Three - Code Name: Nina's Choice
Book Four - Code Name: Luminous (Winner of the 2015 "Reward of Novel Excellence" award best suspense)
Natasza's newsletter http://nataszawaters.com/subscribe-to...
Kayla is intent on leaving her past north of the border. Hired as a Canadian liaison by the US Navy, she finds the Coronado SEALs tough but amiable. Their Commander is another matter. With eyes like blue steel and a body carved from it, Kayla resists the hungry attraction between them for good reason.
Navy SEAL Commander Thane Austen (Ghost) treats his women like his missions: in, out and gone. Returning from deployment to find Kayla is his new tactical specialist poses a challenge, one he’s never faced. When the defiant beauty with haunted eyes becomes a serial killer’s target, the Commander has the excuse he needs to close ranks around her. Fear is a word unknown to the legendary SEAL until he realizes love can be as dangerous to a warrior as combat. Convincing Kayla to surrender to him and catching a killer is a mission he won’t fail.
A Warriors Challenge series
Book One - Code Name: Ghost
Book Two - Code Name: Kayla's Fire
Book Three - Code Name: Nina's Choice
Book Four - Code Name: Luminous (Winner of the 2015 "Reward of Novel Excellence" award best suspense)
Natasza's newsletter http://nataszawaters.com/subscribe-to...
356 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2013
131 people are currently reading
1796 people want to read
About the author
Natasza Waters
22 books251 followersWriting books with a cup of romance and a twist of steam.
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Email Nataszawaters@gmail.com
If you're interested in becoming an ARC reader shoot me an email.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
July 22, 2014
On July 11th 2014 Code Name: Ghost won the 2014 Reward of Novel Excellence Award for Suspense/Thriller.
My thanks to everyone for taking this journey with Alpha Squad. As I promised before, no more cliff hangars after book two. LOL.
Book One Code Name: Ghost
Book Two Code Name: Kayla's Fire
Book Three Code Name: Nina's Choice
Book Four soon to be released Sept/Oct 2014 Code Name: Luminous
Love, Hope and Faith
Natasza Waters
My thanks to everyone for taking this journey with Alpha Squad. As I promised before, no more cliff hangars after book two. LOL.
Book One Code Name: Ghost
Book Two Code Name: Kayla's Fire
Book Three Code Name: Nina's Choice
Book Four soon to be released Sept/Oct 2014 Code Name: Luminous
Love, Hope and Faith
Natasza Waters
July 21, 2013
Code Name Ghost is the first book in the new Warrior’s Challenge series by Natasza Waters. One of the most promising new authors I have ever had the privileged to work with.
Ms. Waters gives us an indepth, behind the scenes look at the lives of SEAL team One. Brave, honorable men who make the choice to serve and protect their country, sometimes at the price of their lives, and often their souls. In one of my favorite scenes Commander Thane Austin, Ghost, explains why he and others like him fight:
“The Commander rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
“Don’t give up on me, Snow White. I believe in you, every beautiful, brave, honorable bit of you.” He kissed her sweetly, his lips sweeping the tears from her cheeks. “It’s not fear of losing our lives that keeps a SEAL breathing. The compass that points towards home gives him a reason and a direction. You’re mine. There is no way in this world I will leave you in the darkness.” He kissed her again. “No matter how dark it gets, Kayla, I will always find you.’”
Code Name Ghost provides everything I look for in romantic suspense: Wall to wall action. Multiple plot lines, full of twists and turns. A wonderful cast of characters, that draw you into their hearts and lives. And an epic love story, between two people who both think they are undeserving of a lifetime love.
Keep your eye on Natasza Waters and the Warrior’s Challenge Series,
because she is a rising star, and I will get to say “I knew her when…”
Coronado Naval Base houses hot Navy SEALs, Canadian nationals working in the Ops Center and... a serial killer on the loose! Terrorism, intrigue, secrets and desire surround the men and women of SEAL team One. An edge of your seat thrill ride that leaves you hungry for more!
Ms. Waters gives us an indepth, behind the scenes look at the lives of SEAL team One. Brave, honorable men who make the choice to serve and protect their country, sometimes at the price of their lives, and often their souls. In one of my favorite scenes Commander Thane Austin, Ghost, explains why he and others like him fight:
“The Commander rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
“Don’t give up on me, Snow White. I believe in you, every beautiful, brave, honorable bit of you.” He kissed her sweetly, his lips sweeping the tears from her cheeks. “It’s not fear of losing our lives that keeps a SEAL breathing. The compass that points towards home gives him a reason and a direction. You’re mine. There is no way in this world I will leave you in the darkness.” He kissed her again. “No matter how dark it gets, Kayla, I will always find you.’”
Code Name Ghost provides everything I look for in romantic suspense: Wall to wall action. Multiple plot lines, full of twists and turns. A wonderful cast of characters, that draw you into their hearts and lives. And an epic love story, between two people who both think they are undeserving of a lifetime love.
Keep your eye on Natasza Waters and the Warrior’s Challenge Series,
because she is a rising star, and I will get to say “I knew her when…”
Coronado Naval Base houses hot Navy SEALs, Canadian nationals working in the Ops Center and... a serial killer on the loose! Terrorism, intrigue, secrets and desire surround the men and women of SEAL team One. An edge of your seat thrill ride that leaves you hungry for more!
February 8, 2018
Wow this book was flaming brilliant. The sexual tension was unbelievable. The male characters in this story were fantastic. Hot alpha males.... Oh they certainly made me drool:)
What can I say about the female character.. Kayla. Well this is certainly a strong with a lot of shit thrown at her in the past.
If your looking for a boy meets girl & a lot of sex book then skip this! If your looking for an angsty, hot , emotional yet gripping story then read this now.
I started this book this morning & I've been glued to it until I could finish it.
Be warned if you read this you will like me be messaging the author shouting for the next part of this story.
Received from author in return for an honest review.
What can I say about the female character.. Kayla. Well this is certainly a strong with a lot of shit thrown at her in the past.
If your looking for a boy meets girl & a lot of sex book then skip this! If your looking for an angsty, hot , emotional yet gripping story then read this now.
I started this book this morning & I've been glued to it until I could finish it.
Be warned if you read this you will like me be messaging the author shouting for the next part of this story.
Received from author in return for an honest review.
Want to read
January 15, 2014Holy moly. COVER LUST. Yep, shallow me. *shrug*
August 15, 2014
4 stars
OMG, when's the next book coming out???? There are cliffhangers, then there's being dropped out of a flying plane without a parachute. Shoot!
Okay let's back up a little. I quite liked this book! Honestly, I was surprised at how much. It's very...different. Even though the synopsis might hint at a clear cut mystery/suspense, it wasn't really. Yes, there is a serial killer, BUT this book isn't about investigating and tracking him down. Similarly, there are Alpha men/SEALs (a lot of them) but, "Code Name: Ghost" isn't about fighting terrorists. The best way I could describe it is it's about Thane (aka Commander aka Ghost) and Kayla (aka Snow White) and their road to friendship and love. The suspense and the mystery, even the SEAL team, provide a backdrop for that, while they resolve their issues.
Let's go with the things I loved first.
1) Thane and Kayla. I adore them. They're both strong and independent and broken in different ways. It's clear we're still missing pieces of their pasts, but getting to know them.... Fun!
2) The pace. Something was constantly happening, between them, on base...
3) The level of detail about the Navy, the SEALs and everything related to that.
4) The team. There's a lot of them, though, and sometimes I got them a little mixed up. I would've preferred there was either less of them, or more ABOUT them so we get to know them better.
5)The level of emotion. It's constantly amped up. It's either fear, anger., love, lust, jealousy... "Mild" is not the word to describe any aspect of this book (especially Thane, mhmm)
6) I couldn't STOP reading. It's addicting!
Things that didn't quite work for me:
1) The ending is really abrupt. It feels like one book was just randomly cut in half, or something. I was warned, and the next book is coming soon, but it's more than a cliffhanger, it just feels unfinished.
2) Repetition. There was some, especially in the first half of the book. References to Thane's body (which, ahem, wasn't that big of a problem), hints about Kayla's past, Thane's conquests Thane's quicksilver changes of mood. Yes he's the "No relationships" guy, but after a few instances of coming nearer and then pulling away, you have to wonder: how long, dude?
That's it, mostly. My overall impression is a great one, and I can't wait for the next book!
Disclaimer - I feel like I should mention the author is a really good friend and an incredible woman I couldn't admire more. However, this review is the true to my impressions while reading "Code Name: Ghost".
OMG, when's the next book coming out???? There are cliffhangers, then there's being dropped out of a flying plane without a parachute. Shoot!
Okay let's back up a little. I quite liked this book! Honestly, I was surprised at how much. It's very...different. Even though the synopsis might hint at a clear cut mystery/suspense, it wasn't really. Yes, there is a serial killer, BUT this book isn't about investigating and tracking him down. Similarly, there are Alpha men/SEALs (a lot of them) but, "Code Name: Ghost" isn't about fighting terrorists. The best way I could describe it is it's about Thane (aka Commander aka Ghost) and Kayla (aka Snow White) and their road to friendship and love. The suspense and the mystery, even the SEAL team, provide a backdrop for that, while they resolve their issues.
Let's go with the things I loved first.
1) Thane and Kayla. I adore them. They're both strong and independent and broken in different ways. It's clear we're still missing pieces of their pasts, but getting to know them.... Fun!
2) The pace. Something was constantly happening, between them, on base...
3) The level of detail about the Navy, the SEALs and everything related to that.
4) The team. There's a lot of them, though, and sometimes I got them a little mixed up. I would've preferred there was either less of them, or more ABOUT them so we get to know them better.
5)The level of emotion. It's constantly amped up. It's either fear, anger., love, lust, jealousy... "Mild" is not the word to describe any aspect of this book (especially Thane, mhmm)
6) I couldn't STOP reading. It's addicting!
Things that didn't quite work for me:
1) The ending is really abrupt. It feels like one book was just randomly cut in half, or something. I was warned, and the next book is coming soon, but it's more than a cliffhanger, it just feels unfinished.
2) Repetition. There was some, especially in the first half of the book. References to Thane's body (which, ahem, wasn't that big of a problem), hints about Kayla's past, Thane's conquests Thane's quicksilver changes of mood. Yes he's the "No relationships" guy, but after a few instances of coming nearer and then pulling away, you have to wonder: how long, dude?
That's it, mostly. My overall impression is a great one, and I can't wait for the next book!
Disclaimer - I feel like I should mention the author is a really good friend and an incredible woman I couldn't admire more. However, this review is the true to my impressions while reading "Code Name: Ghost".
July 25, 2013
This is one exciting adventure filled, Sensually HOT book to read! If you are a fan of romance, with mystery, in a very fast past contemporary. That is over flowing with some of the HOTTEST GUYS YOU COULD IMAGINE! This book is for you! Let your imagination take you away on the deep blue sea, so the waves will Carry you into the arms of the SEAL team that can make you hot even in ice cold water.
August 23, 2013
What a super read! I absolutely loved it! There are so many delectable alpha males in this book to keep your tongue a waggin'! I will definitely be reading more from Ms. Waters and really look forward to the continuation of this series.
IMO it's must read for everyone!
IMO it's must read for everyone!
July 26, 2013
Let me preface this by saying it is a military book and I tend to digress into military language. In other words, I swear like the sailor I am!
This book is fucking amazing. Tamara asked if I’d read it and said that I’d enjoy it. Bullseye! I read it, put it down only to drag my tail to work and picked it up to finish it as soon as I got home.
My bitch? It’s a god damned cliffhanger! But Natasza is already hard at work on the next one and I figure she better move her ass pretty damn quick to finish it!
Now, the hero (and boy would I love to have him in my sights and bed!) Commander Thane Austen is hot, hard and dangerous. He goes through women like paper towels and then he meets Kayla. It’s not only his body that’s hard, so is his head. He has sworn he will never commit to a woman. Regardless of the turmoil and the unknown and unwanted feelings churning inside him, he refuses to change his mind. When the Shark sets his sights on Kayla, hell when any man sets his sights on Kayla, Thane turns caveman. (sigh)
Kayla has had a hard life. She has given up hope of finding trust, let alone love and doesn’t even want to look for it. Betrayed by those that should have protected her, the feelings that the Commander, her boss, bring out in her are totally unwelcome. Getting to know the men on the SEAL teams, especially the Commander’s team, SEAL Team One, Kayla begins again to care. They show her how to have fun and begin to bring her feelings back to life. It makes her wonder when the other shoe will drop. When she becomes the next target in the serial killers sights, Kayla knows, hopes she will die. This is what her life is really like. Dead inside from the pain she has endured, she knows the Shark will succeed in killing her. She just wants her death to mean something, to catch him.
But a match to tinder has less chance of creating fire than these two do whenever they get together. Her calm acceptance of what she considers her fate drives Thane to the brink of insanity. There is nothing, NOTHING he won’t do to protect her no matter what she wants.
This isn’t just a must read. This is a don’t even think of passing it up read! Code Name: Ghost is engrossing and catches you from the first paragraph and doesn’t let you go. Kayla and Thane are wonderfully hardheaded and there is no telling who will come out on top. Code Name: Ghost is sensual and playful in turns, balancing the hard edge of life as a Navy SEAL. Wonderfully descriptive, Code Name: Ghost did an excellent job of describing life in the Navy, making the characters, all the characters come alive.
This book is fucking amazing. Tamara asked if I’d read it and said that I’d enjoy it. Bullseye! I read it, put it down only to drag my tail to work and picked it up to finish it as soon as I got home.
My bitch? It’s a god damned cliffhanger! But Natasza is already hard at work on the next one and I figure she better move her ass pretty damn quick to finish it!
Now, the hero (and boy would I love to have him in my sights and bed!) Commander Thane Austen is hot, hard and dangerous. He goes through women like paper towels and then he meets Kayla. It’s not only his body that’s hard, so is his head. He has sworn he will never commit to a woman. Regardless of the turmoil and the unknown and unwanted feelings churning inside him, he refuses to change his mind. When the Shark sets his sights on Kayla, hell when any man sets his sights on Kayla, Thane turns caveman. (sigh)
Kayla has had a hard life. She has given up hope of finding trust, let alone love and doesn’t even want to look for it. Betrayed by those that should have protected her, the feelings that the Commander, her boss, bring out in her are totally unwelcome. Getting to know the men on the SEAL teams, especially the Commander’s team, SEAL Team One, Kayla begins again to care. They show her how to have fun and begin to bring her feelings back to life. It makes her wonder when the other shoe will drop. When she becomes the next target in the serial killers sights, Kayla knows, hopes she will die. This is what her life is really like. Dead inside from the pain she has endured, she knows the Shark will succeed in killing her. She just wants her death to mean something, to catch him.
But a match to tinder has less chance of creating fire than these two do whenever they get together. Her calm acceptance of what she considers her fate drives Thane to the brink of insanity. There is nothing, NOTHING he won’t do to protect her no matter what she wants.
This isn’t just a must read. This is a don’t even think of passing it up read! Code Name: Ghost is engrossing and catches you from the first paragraph and doesn’t let you go. Kayla and Thane are wonderfully hardheaded and there is no telling who will come out on top. Code Name: Ghost is sensual and playful in turns, balancing the hard edge of life as a Navy SEAL. Wonderfully descriptive, Code Name: Ghost did an excellent job of describing life in the Navy, making the characters, all the characters come alive.
October 2, 2013
This is one of the best books I have read this year! I absolutely loved it, and eagerly await the next book in the series.
I was absolutely freaking amazed with this book. The characters....oh man, I became so invested in them. I NEED for them to have a happily ever after.
If I was magic, I'd snap my fingers and have the second book in my hands right this second--and a hot fudge sunday, lol.
I was absolutely freaking amazed with this book. The characters....oh man, I became so invested in them. I NEED for them to have a happily ever after.
If I was magic, I'd snap my fingers and have the second book in my hands right this second--and a hot fudge sunday, lol.
September 4, 2013
5 Stars!
A fantastic read! This novel satisfied everything I want in a great novel: a good plot, sweet romance, strong leading lady, sexy leading man, some steamy sex, and a long read. It took me longer than it normally does to finish a book of this length with other responsibilities popping up, but I managed to get through the story and I couldn't be happier.
Just a quick recap of the synopsis: 35 year old Canadian Kayla joins the US Navy, specifically working with the Coronado SEALs, to escape her past. On her first day she turns the heads of many single soldiers there, but none are as captivated her as 37 year old Commander Thane Austen (Ghost) is (though he's in denial as no-strings-attached men usually are in the beginning). While both try to fight and deny their attraction, the two unknowingly grow closer as months pass as they spend time together both on and off duty. With both of them getting closer and closer, dark secrets are revealed and feelings are put to the test as a serial killer (the Blood Shark) comes closer and closer to making Kayla his next target.
My thoughts on the characters: loved. them. There have been times where I've been frustrated with Kayla & Thane and wanted to smack them on the head, but overall I loved them. Kayla, though extremely stubborn at times, is a likable character. She's strong, independent, funny, and caring. She's the opposite of a damsel in distress which she proves time and time again throughout the book, but she does have her weaknesses...specifically psychologically/emotionally. I won't say much since it's a secret that's to be completely revealed near the end/approaching the end, but while she's strong for surviving the past, it does come back to haunt her which one can't help but sympathize once the sordid details are revealed. Despite being hindered by her past, Kayla still proves to be tough as nails by living day by day and not letting her past completely take over her life.
Thane is also a lovable guy. He's one of the stupid ones you want to smack on the head and shout, "WHY DON'T YOU REALIZE YOUR FEELINGS FOR HER ALREADY!?", but what stupidity he has he makes up for in occasional romantic gestures and his love/protectiveness for her. Oh, and the fact that he's a tall, dirty blonde blue eyed commander with abs? Yum. There are many more characters I can list my love for, but I'd rather not take up too much to discussing it so take my word for it when the other SEAL members are a breath of fresh air.
The romance was also lovely. They didn't fall in love with each other in a day (THANK GOODNESS NO STUPID ROMANCE), but they did have that lustful attraction which was more realistic. I did feel the two slowly falling harder and harder for each other which is fantastic since occasionally my feelings are never convinced that the 2 love interests have actually fallen truly in love with each other in most romance novels. The two take time to fall for each other and you can actually list legit reasons why one would love the other. As for some steamy scenes here and there, they weren't the most graphic stuff I've ever read, but they're certainly not conservative either which was fine with me. No too smutty and not too prude, my favorite. ;)
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I highly recommend this to those who love romance novels involving the military, a strong female lead, sexy male love interest, and a dual POV narration (with 1 or 2 short POVs from minor characters a few times). You'll be on an emotional roller coaster ride where you'll laugh at the lighthearted scenes, be paranoid in scenes relating to the Blood Shark killer, be wrapped up in Kayla and Thane's budding romance, and frustrated with their denial of their budding romance. Basically, READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO READ AGOOD FREAKIN AMAZING BOOK! That being said, I absolutely can't wait for the next book to see what happens next! The cliffhanger wasn't the worse suspenseful one ever, but it does leave me curious as to what will occur in the next book!
A fantastic read! This novel satisfied everything I want in a great novel: a good plot, sweet romance, strong leading lady, sexy leading man, some steamy sex, and a long read. It took me longer than it normally does to finish a book of this length with other responsibilities popping up, but I managed to get through the story and I couldn't be happier.
Just a quick recap of the synopsis: 35 year old Canadian Kayla joins the US Navy, specifically working with the Coronado SEALs, to escape her past. On her first day she turns the heads of many single soldiers there, but none are as captivated her as 37 year old Commander Thane Austen (Ghost) is (though he's in denial as no-strings-attached men usually are in the beginning). While both try to fight and deny their attraction, the two unknowingly grow closer as months pass as they spend time together both on and off duty. With both of them getting closer and closer, dark secrets are revealed and feelings are put to the test as a serial killer (the Blood Shark) comes closer and closer to making Kayla his next target.
My thoughts on the characters: loved. them. There have been times where I've been frustrated with Kayla & Thane and wanted to smack them on the head, but overall I loved them. Kayla, though extremely stubborn at times, is a likable character. She's strong, independent, funny, and caring. She's the opposite of a damsel in distress which she proves time and time again throughout the book, but she does have her weaknesses...specifically psychologically/emotionally. I won't say much since it's a secret that's to be completely revealed near the end/approaching the end, but while she's strong for surviving the past, it does come back to haunt her which one can't help but sympathize once the sordid details are revealed. Despite being hindered by her past, Kayla still proves to be tough as nails by living day by day and not letting her past completely take over her life.
Thane is also a lovable guy. He's one of the stupid ones you want to smack on the head and shout, "WHY DON'T YOU REALIZE YOUR FEELINGS FOR HER ALREADY!?", but what stupidity he has he makes up for in occasional romantic gestures and his love/protectiveness for her. Oh, and the fact that he's a tall, dirty blonde blue eyed commander with abs? Yum. There are many more characters I can list my love for, but I'd rather not take up too much to discussing it so take my word for it when the other SEAL members are a breath of fresh air.
The romance was also lovely. They didn't fall in love with each other in a day (THANK GOODNESS NO STUPID ROMANCE), but they did have that lustful attraction which was more realistic. I did feel the two slowly falling harder and harder for each other which is fantastic since occasionally my feelings are never convinced that the 2 love interests have actually fallen truly in love with each other in most romance novels. The two take time to fall for each other and you can actually list legit reasons why one would love the other. As for some steamy scenes here and there, they weren't the most graphic stuff I've ever read, but they're certainly not conservative either which was fine with me. No too smutty and not too prude, my favorite. ;)
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I highly recommend this to those who love romance novels involving the military, a strong female lead, sexy male love interest, and a dual POV narration (with 1 or 2 short POVs from minor characters a few times). You'll be on an emotional roller coaster ride where you'll laugh at the lighthearted scenes, be paranoid in scenes relating to the Blood Shark killer, be wrapped up in Kayla and Thane's budding romance, and frustrated with their denial of their budding romance. Basically, READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO READ A
August 3, 2013
I'd Give it a 10: Code Name: Ghost by Ms Natasza Waters
It’s rare that I get to read a romance novel that packs a punch: literally and figuratively. Code Name: Ghost by Ms Natasza Waters is one such book. From the first line up until the last line of the book, I went through a gamut of emotions: giggles at the verbal and sexual banter, laughter at the biting and sometimes ribald humour of Alpha Squad, anxiety at suspenseful scenes, a feeling of gratitude and warmth for all of the men and their families, not only in the book, but for servicemen everywhere; and, excitement and heartbreak for both Thane and Kayla.
Ms Waters has successfully built up the characters of Code Name: Ghost, delving into their respective psyches and showing several layers of their personalities for readers to understand what makes these characters tick. Thane is a soldier, first and foremost. His external and internal conflict perhaps epitomizes what other servicemen may be going through. He knows the pros and cons of being a SEAL and he lives for that.
Until Kayla comes into his life and his priorities fly out the window.
Thane’s codename fits him to a T. He’s a ghost in so many levels. A ghost who kills his target even before the latter has a chance to acknowledge the Grim Reaper. Women who want to be the one by his side can’t snag him. And with Kayla? She refuses to acknowledge or accept what Thane truly feels and is offering her. The tables have been turned, eh, Thane?
Now Kayla. Gosh, my heart went out to her. Without resorting to melodrama, Ms Waters has successfully given the reader a glimpse of why Kayla is the way she is. And she is beautiful despite the fact that she is so broken. Everyone seems to have given up on her except for Thane….and Mace.
I don’t want to spoil the story for you. You absolutely have got to read it!
As with any book I’ve had the good fortune to read, I always look for a lesson. For me, a book without a lesson is not a book at all.
Take the Thesaurus, for example.
The irony isn’t lost when Ms Waters used Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as part of the sub-plot. The world has had to experience war for the higher ups to accept that PTSD has been a part and parcel of what service personnel go through after they’ve left the theatre of operations. And the fact of the matter is, it also affects women. Women whose pasts are so dark that only sheer willpower coupled with a deep well of strength becomes her lifeline, and the fortitude, resilience, love and patience of the man who loves her becomes her anchor.
From the sweaty streets of Mexico, to the arid plains of Afghanistan; from the heights of ecstatic bliss to the low rungs of despair, and the danger that each and every character of the novel experience, Code Name: Ghost, will make you laugh, cry, root not only for Alpha Squad.
But for Thane and Kayla as well.
Definitely a must read.
It’s rare that I get to read a romance novel that packs a punch: literally and figuratively. Code Name: Ghost by Ms Natasza Waters is one such book. From the first line up until the last line of the book, I went through a gamut of emotions: giggles at the verbal and sexual banter, laughter at the biting and sometimes ribald humour of Alpha Squad, anxiety at suspenseful scenes, a feeling of gratitude and warmth for all of the men and their families, not only in the book, but for servicemen everywhere; and, excitement and heartbreak for both Thane and Kayla.
Ms Waters has successfully built up the characters of Code Name: Ghost, delving into their respective psyches and showing several layers of their personalities for readers to understand what makes these characters tick. Thane is a soldier, first and foremost. His external and internal conflict perhaps epitomizes what other servicemen may be going through. He knows the pros and cons of being a SEAL and he lives for that.
Until Kayla comes into his life and his priorities fly out the window.
Thane’s codename fits him to a T. He’s a ghost in so many levels. A ghost who kills his target even before the latter has a chance to acknowledge the Grim Reaper. Women who want to be the one by his side can’t snag him. And with Kayla? She refuses to acknowledge or accept what Thane truly feels and is offering her. The tables have been turned, eh, Thane?
Now Kayla. Gosh, my heart went out to her. Without resorting to melodrama, Ms Waters has successfully given the reader a glimpse of why Kayla is the way she is. And she is beautiful despite the fact that she is so broken. Everyone seems to have given up on her except for Thane….and Mace.
I don’t want to spoil the story for you. You absolutely have got to read it!
As with any book I’ve had the good fortune to read, I always look for a lesson. For me, a book without a lesson is not a book at all.
Take the Thesaurus, for example.
The irony isn’t lost when Ms Waters used Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as part of the sub-plot. The world has had to experience war for the higher ups to accept that PTSD has been a part and parcel of what service personnel go through after they’ve left the theatre of operations. And the fact of the matter is, it also affects women. Women whose pasts are so dark that only sheer willpower coupled with a deep well of strength becomes her lifeline, and the fortitude, resilience, love and patience of the man who loves her becomes her anchor.
From the sweaty streets of Mexico, to the arid plains of Afghanistan; from the heights of ecstatic bliss to the low rungs of despair, and the danger that each and every character of the novel experience, Code Name: Ghost, will make you laugh, cry, root not only for Alpha Squad.
But for Thane and Kayla as well.
Definitely a must read.
August 27, 2013
This book was really quite fabulous!
I will start off by saying that I don't read a lot of military romance. I, actually, haven't really considered reading many books involving the military at all. And at this moment I could not tell you why.
Ms. Waters has opened up a new world to me and I enjoyed it so much! I love that it's a series. I want to read about all the men on Ghost's team! I don't mind the cliff-hanger at all, either. It gives me a few months to ruminate in my own imaginings before seeing where the story leads Ms. Waters.
I really enjoyed, really, everything about this book. Each character is so complete and their back-stories call to me, needing to be told. Thane, "Ghost", and Kayla, "Snow White", are a fabulously explosive couple with quite a few issues to overcome and I have faith in them. I cannot wait to see where their story leads, but I know it will be exciting and wonderful!
I will start off by saying that I don't read a lot of military romance. I, actually, haven't really considered reading many books involving the military at all. And at this moment I could not tell you why.
Ms. Waters has opened up a new world to me and I enjoyed it so much! I love that it's a series. I want to read about all the men on Ghost's team! I don't mind the cliff-hanger at all, either. It gives me a few months to ruminate in my own imaginings before seeing where the story leads Ms. Waters.
I really enjoyed, really, everything about this book. Each character is so complete and their back-stories call to me, needing to be told. Thane, "Ghost", and Kayla, "Snow White", are a fabulously explosive couple with quite a few issues to overcome and I have faith in them. I cannot wait to see where their story leads, but I know it will be exciting and wonderful!
August 15, 2013
OMG WOW! This as got to be one of the best if not the best book i have ever read! I totally loved kayla and Thane.
Kayla is so strong and brilliant she cares about everyone around her and is inspirational
Thane at the start i didn't quiet understand him and i normally hate some of the stuff he did but they is something about him that just keeps you there liking him giving him a pass.
Mace he is so adorable cant wait to find out more about him.
This story brought up a lot of emotional issues and how they survive them it was a roller coaster of emotions i felt them all and was literally crying by the time i got to THE END. i just didn't want the story to end once i started it i couldn't stop and its one i will be re reading over and over again praying that the book 2 isn't that far away!
If there is one book you need to read this year its this one! not to be missed!
Kayla is so strong and brilliant she cares about everyone around her and is inspirational
Thane at the start i didn't quiet understand him and i normally hate some of the stuff he did but they is something about him that just keeps you there liking him giving him a pass.
Mace he is so adorable cant wait to find out more about him.
This story brought up a lot of emotional issues and how they survive them it was a roller coaster of emotions i felt them all and was literally crying by the time i got to THE END. i just didn't want the story to end once i started it i couldn't stop and its one i will be re reading over and over again praying that the book 2 isn't that far away!
If there is one book you need to read this year its this one! not to be missed!
August 28, 2013
As much as I wanted to like this book, I found the plot lacking and just not enough grit, to keep me hanging on. But then I'm very particular when it comes to my romantic suspense. Even the two character leads in Commander Thane Austen and Kayla; with the constant indecisions; I just felt their connection lacking that spark. That being said, there are enough alpha males in here to keep you interested, so that’s a bonus. To sum it up, I wish I could say I loved it, but I guess you can’t win them all.
July 26, 2013
What a page turner!!! The suspense is gripping. The action is totally mind blowing. The romance is HOT and intense. I love how Thane feels so protective of Kayla that he would go to the ends of the earth and back just to keep her safe. I cannot wait for the next one. The suspense is killing me. This is another well written book by Natasza Waters and I definitely recommend it!!!
August 29, 2013
This book was totally not my typical read but a friend with good taste in books recommended it so I gave it a try and I was up until 6:30 am reading it! I have one hell of a book hangover but I could not put it down!! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so anxious for the next book!! Definitely a good read with lots of twists and turns.
September 6, 2013
4.5/5.0
AWESOME book, horribly frustrating ending. It is the first in the series, though, so if you don't mind being kicked off a cliff, then picking yourself back up in the next book - this one is highly recommended!
AWESOME book, horribly frustrating ending. It is the first in the series, though, so if you don't mind being kicked off a cliff, then picking yourself back up in the next book - this one is highly recommended!
February 25, 2019
2019 cover-to-cover reread.
OMGOODNESS 2.0
I love rereading a book because I get so much more out of the story. I pick up on smaller details I may have missed or not realized were actually huge the first time. Code Name Ghost fed something different to my heart this time - giving me exactly what I needed my heart and head to hear at this time in my life. Love how rereads can give that to you, too.
Needless to say, I'm still head over heels in love with Thane and Kayla's story... and I'm antsy to get to Kayla's Fire next.
If you want a story that will give you action along with heart, beauty along with pain, don't hesitate picking up Code Name Ghost and diving in. You won't regret it.
*****
2013 review
OH MY GOODNESS.
Two weeks later and I'm still lost in this story and am planning on my next re-read right before book 2 comes out in November!! (and am keeping my eye out for those bridge chapter(s)!) So glad when this book caught my eye in the Kindle Recommended reads - because this has got to be one of the best stories I've read.... ever!
Once I started this book, I couldn't look away! Kayla captured my heart and Thane, well... I want Thane (sorry, Kayla! You're gonna have to share!). So much of this story touches my heart. I have the biggest soft spot for military men/women and their families - I know life in/around the military is a huge struggle, and that there's something so much deeper than all the glam and frosting people tend to get caught up in. CNG brings so much of that reality out! While I sometimes want to holler at Thane and Kayla and tell them to just give in already, I can *totally* understand why they're acting the way they are!! The story is so much deeper than just the romance and fluff that so many military romance novels contain - and I greatly appreciate that! I absolutely love how their relationship grew slowly, even though the sparks flew from day one!
I felt just about every emotion along with them - I was crying, laughing, stressing, groaning (in frustration... oh, that still don't sound right! haha!), freaking out (I finished the book during a severe night thunderstorm, and was just a tad bit jumpy at the noises outside!).
I enjoyed building up friendships with the other members of Team One and look forward to their stories as well!
And I had to giggle - with as much complains about the ending (cliff hanger) I did go in with my eyes open - so maybe that's why it didn't bother me so much. Then again, sometimes I rather enjoy cliffys, and this one wasn't as bad as what I was thinking it was going to be!
OMGOODNESS 2.0
I love rereading a book because I get so much more out of the story. I pick up on smaller details I may have missed or not realized were actually huge the first time. Code Name Ghost fed something different to my heart this time - giving me exactly what I needed my heart and head to hear at this time in my life. Love how rereads can give that to you, too.
Needless to say, I'm still head over heels in love with Thane and Kayla's story... and I'm antsy to get to Kayla's Fire next.
If you want a story that will give you action along with heart, beauty along with pain, don't hesitate picking up Code Name Ghost and diving in. You won't regret it.
*****
2013 review
OH MY GOODNESS.
Two weeks later and I'm still lost in this story and am planning on my next re-read right before book 2 comes out in November!! (and am keeping my eye out for those bridge chapter(s)!) So glad when this book caught my eye in the Kindle Recommended reads - because this has got to be one of the best stories I've read.... ever!
Once I started this book, I couldn't look away! Kayla captured my heart and Thane, well... I want Thane (sorry, Kayla! You're gonna have to share!). So much of this story touches my heart. I have the biggest soft spot for military men/women and their families - I know life in/around the military is a huge struggle, and that there's something so much deeper than all the glam and frosting people tend to get caught up in. CNG brings so much of that reality out! While I sometimes want to holler at Thane and Kayla and tell them to just give in already, I can *totally* understand why they're acting the way they are!! The story is so much deeper than just the romance and fluff that so many military romance novels contain - and I greatly appreciate that! I absolutely love how their relationship grew slowly, even though the sparks flew from day one!
I felt just about every emotion along with them - I was crying, laughing, stressing, groaning (in frustration... oh, that still don't sound right! haha!), freaking out (I finished the book during a severe night thunderstorm, and was just a tad bit jumpy at the noises outside!).
I enjoyed building up friendships with the other members of Team One and look forward to their stories as well!
And I had to giggle - with as much complains about the ending (cliff hanger) I did go in with my eyes open - so maybe that's why it didn't bother me so much. Then again, sometimes I rather enjoy cliffys, and this one wasn't as bad as what I was thinking it was going to be!
August 15, 2013
I am having a tough time rating this one. It is not a typical Romantic Suspense book in that there is no Happy Ending. In fact there really isn't an ending to this book which is FRUSTRATING! I want to know who the bad guy is. I want to know if Snow White and Ghost get to live happily ever after or not. I want the story to at least have a freaking ending! Honestly, not having an ending is not, in my humble opinion, fair to the readers. We buy a book with an expectation that there will be an end. It's a contract of sorts. We buy the book and invest our time to read it and trust that in return the writer will take us on a journey, and like all journeys it is supposed to end!!! I don't have a problem if the author wants to weave smaller journeys (individual books) through a bigger journey (a series of books), but each book or smaller journey should have some type of conclusion. This book has absolutely no conclusion what-so-freaking-ever, and it has me a bit miffed. I feel robbed!
Now, that being said, the story - so far - is excellent, albeit heart wrenching! I cried my eyes out through this book. I am so invested in these characters which makes the no ending thing that much more difficult. It is so well written up to that stupid and ridiculous non ending that I would have given 5 stars and put it on my favorite list! However that non-ending completely ruined it. An incomplete story equals a big fat zero for me. Hence my dilemma of coming up with a rating. Half way between the two is 2.5 which I'll round up to a 3, but honestly that is a gift for such a misuse of trust.
If you want to read the book, just know that the author is playing dirty, and leaving her readers hanging so they will have to read the next book. Personally, I think that's just plain nasty and wrong, so I will have to think long and hard before I invest myself in another of her books because I know she will do it again. I'm just not sure I can trust her to finish it after the promised 5 books in the series. She has knowingly broken that writer to reader trust with this shameless ploy to sell more books. Shame on you, Ms. Waters!!!!
Now, that being said, the story - so far - is excellent, albeit heart wrenching! I cried my eyes out through this book. I am so invested in these characters which makes the no ending thing that much more difficult. It is so well written up to that stupid and ridiculous non ending that I would have given 5 stars and put it on my favorite list! However that non-ending completely ruined it. An incomplete story equals a big fat zero for me. Hence my dilemma of coming up with a rating. Half way between the two is 2.5 which I'll round up to a 3, but honestly that is a gift for such a misuse of trust.
If you want to read the book, just know that the author is playing dirty, and leaving her readers hanging so they will have to read the next book. Personally, I think that's just plain nasty and wrong, so I will have to think long and hard before I invest myself in another of her books because I know she will do it again. I'm just not sure I can trust her to finish it after the promised 5 books in the series. She has knowingly broken that writer to reader trust with this shameless ploy to sell more books. Shame on you, Ms. Waters!!!!
September 2, 2013
Hooyah - What an intense book that not only show's the life of Navy Seal's both on and off of the battlefield but also that suffering from PTSD can come from things other than war.
The story of Kayla and Commander Thane Austen is only started in this book - it will be finished in a second book. Did that take away from the awesomeness of the story? NO. I cannot wait for the next book to get the conclusion of Kayla and Thane's story.
Commander Thane Austen is a Navy Seal and he made a decision long ago that the only person he would be married to was the Navy. He is a strong leader and has a great team he leads on missions and that is all he needs. That is until a woman from Canada is hired to be the new tactical specialist and she ignites something in him he didn't even think existed. Even though this is a romance there is a lot of read time on the missions and what a tactical specialist does. The way the author wrote these scenes had me glued to the pages in interest. Many of Thane's Seal's team also gets plenty of face time and even POV's through out the book. In the middle of all of this are two side plots happening. One is a vicious serial killer who is killing women on base. The other is Kayla's past which is slowly revealed to us through out the book from which she suffers PTSD from.
This book was riveting from beginning to end and I look forward to the conclusion.
The story of Kayla and Commander Thane Austen is only started in this book - it will be finished in a second book. Did that take away from the awesomeness of the story? NO. I cannot wait for the next book to get the conclusion of Kayla and Thane's story.
Commander Thane Austen is a Navy Seal and he made a decision long ago that the only person he would be married to was the Navy. He is a strong leader and has a great team he leads on missions and that is all he needs. That is until a woman from Canada is hired to be the new tactical specialist and she ignites something in him he didn't even think existed. Even though this is a romance there is a lot of read time on the missions and what a tactical specialist does. The way the author wrote these scenes had me glued to the pages in interest. Many of Thane's Seal's team also gets plenty of face time and even POV's through out the book. In the middle of all of this are two side plots happening. One is a vicious serial killer who is killing women on base. The other is Kayla's past which is slowly revealed to us through out the book from which she suffers PTSD from.
This book was riveting from beginning to end and I look forward to the conclusion.
August 11, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one go and it took me hours but I was so lost in the story that I just couldn't stop reading it. It's funny, touching, moving and filled with a real depth of emotion that is unusual in romance stories, I loved Kayla's strength but I really loved Thane. He was everything you want in an alpha hero - strong, passionate, controlled, stubborn and at times as blind as a man can be.
The story was so realistic, I really got lost in the SEAL and navy world and the difficulties there are in loving servicemen. Natasza did an amazing job at bringing that world to life but still weave a fantastic story around these strong men.
I do have a couple of reservations, but just small ones. I really didn't like the ending, I hate cliffhanger endings, I invested time and money in this book and I don't want to wait to find out whodunit. By the time I read the next book, I will probably have read more than 100 books so I won't remember this one, so I may have to read them as a pair when I order the next book.
Also, I hated the use of the word 'silk' to describe her wetness, it just grated on me. It's not silky and the author used the word way more than once but meh, I've heard much worse sex terms used in novels
The story was so realistic, I really got lost in the SEAL and navy world and the difficulties there are in loving servicemen. Natasza did an amazing job at bringing that world to life but still weave a fantastic story around these strong men.
I do have a couple of reservations, but just small ones. I really didn't like the ending, I hate cliffhanger endings, I invested time and money in this book and I don't want to wait to find out whodunit. By the time I read the next book, I will probably have read more than 100 books so I won't remember this one, so I may have to read them as a pair when I order the next book.
Also, I hated the use of the word 'silk' to describe her wetness, it just grated on me. It's not silky and the author used the word way more than once but meh, I've heard much worse sex terms used in novels
November 22, 2017
5 Star Read:
I absolutely loved it! Ghost/Thane is my first book boyfriend of 2017! Is it to much to ask for my own Ghost/Thane??
Definitely moving straight on to book two in the series. I'm just glad I didn't pass up opportunity to read Natasza Waters!
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
I absolutely loved it! Ghost/Thane is my first book boyfriend of 2017! Is it to much to ask for my own Ghost/Thane??
Definitely moving straight on to book two in the series. I'm just glad I didn't pass up opportunity to read Natasza Waters!
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
August 25, 2013
I wanted to give this 5 stars, I really did, until I got to the end. CLIFFHANGER, people, CLIFFHANGER!! Oh, Ms Waters, how could you do that to me?? If I'd known, I would have waited until the 2nd book came out. BTW, when is that coming out??
Dear Santa,
Can I please have an uber hot, alpha Navy SEAL for Christmas? Pretty please?? I'll take one like Thane any day!!
Dear Santa,
Can I please have an uber hot, alpha Navy SEAL for Christmas? Pretty please?? I'll take one like Thane any day!!
July 21, 2013
Omg what book! The characters draw you in, you can't help but love and respect then. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you wanting more and more. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2013
I love Kayla. She is a survivor and strong and intelligent. Hate her past and hope Thane has a successful fishing trip. I enjoyed the ups and downs of the story and HATE that I have to wait for the next book to get closure !! But I will be waiting!
August 19, 2014
Fans of the alpha hero will adore Thane and his SEAL team. They literally drip sexy across the pages!
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 25, 2013
Omg! I got to the last page and was devastated when I read the words "the end". I didn't want the book to end. What an awesome summer read with so much action, suspense and steamy romance scenes
December 1, 2013
Wow! Ms. Waters you are a truly gifted writer. Love the interactions between the characters... great dialog. The ending was a surprise...looking forward to the sequel!
November 24, 2013
I loved the first book, but this one, OMG, it kept me on the edge of my chair and frayed my nerves pretty much from the Prologue. I knew it HAD to end with marriage, all books do, guy gets the girl of his heart, right? There were so many tense, and down right nail biting situations, separated by a small calm before each storm, that I was not sure by page 363 that they would survive whole and together. How do two so emotionally damaged and stubborn souls find and trust love. Kayla is strong willed, intelligent, quick at analyzing data and developing strategies and backup strategies, she is the best at what she does at Base Command. However, Thane was also very good his own strategy staying with her, even when it was he who was the problem. How could he not. . he's never failed a mission, even when Kayla takes him down more than once, he stayed with her and caught her when she faltered (which was often by the way). Well, I was riveted to the pages of this book, each situation working on that one nerve I have nursed along over the years until at last, Hooyah, the Blood Shark gets it in the end in a very fitting way. Mission accomplished in more ways than that. .
Read book Code Name: Ghost first, I always like to start at the beginning, then Read Code Name: Kayla's Fire. You won't want to put it down until Ghost's final mission is completed. Awesome. Can't wait for what is in store for Mace and Nina. Probably will need cookies and coffee for that one too.
Read book Code Name: Ghost first, I always like to start at the beginning, then Read Code Name: Kayla's Fire. You won't want to put it down until Ghost's final mission is completed. Awesome. Can't wait for what is in store for Mace and Nina. Probably will need cookies and coffee for that one too.
July 10, 2014
I don't give many 5 star ratings but Code Name Ghost blew me away! The prologue sucks you in with its intensity and you can't read and turn the pages fast enough.
Both the hero and heroine are broken but from different kinds of battles yet both are as stubborn as they are strong. You can't help but fall for all the characters, they come alive on the page. I laughed, cried, sighed and sat on the edge of my seat reading this book. This is one that you will not want to put down once you start reading.
The book does have a cliffhanger but don't let that stop you from reading. Just be sure to have book 2 handy. Book one is 355 pages and book two is nearly 500, so it is easy to understand why there are 2 books for Thane and Kayla's story.
Both the hero and heroine are broken but from different kinds of battles yet both are as stubborn as they are strong. You can't help but fall for all the characters, they come alive on the page. I laughed, cried, sighed and sat on the edge of my seat reading this book. This is one that you will not want to put down once you start reading.
The book does have a cliffhanger but don't let that stop you from reading. Just be sure to have book 2 handy. Book one is 355 pages and book two is nearly 500, so it is easy to understand why there are 2 books for Thane and Kayla's story.
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