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The Renegades #2
Enemy Combatant
The Renegades #2 • Romantic Suspense • Stockholm Syndrome • Hurt Comfort • Action • MM
“The best intelligence is the knowledge that your enemy doesn’t know you have.”
Crew Finlay’s ego had taken a hit or two. He couldn’t lie. As a Marine, he’d been one of the best. As a private military contractor, he’d…messed up a bit. Or failed spectacularly. Whatever. And now? A year into his new gig, working in private security for Elliott Jones, Crew had a lot to prove. He refused to screw this up too. They had people to bring home. So when he found himself holding a cartel freelancer hostage, he steeled himself and vowed not to fall for the bastard’s lies. As if Crew would believe this man was an undercover Fed. Come on.
Nah, this tall, older drink of water was full of it. Adrien Mercier, or whatever his real name might be, was going down. Until one day, when Adrien turned the tables, and then Crew was the one sitting with his hands cuffed behind his back.
“The best intelligence is the knowledge that your enemy doesn’t know you have.”
Crew Finlay’s ego had taken a hit or two. He couldn’t lie. As a Marine, he’d been one of the best. As a private military contractor, he’d…messed up a bit. Or failed spectacularly. Whatever. And now? A year into his new gig, working in private security for Elliott Jones, Crew had a lot to prove. He refused to screw this up too. They had people to bring home. So when he found himself holding a cartel freelancer hostage, he steeled himself and vowed not to fall for the bastard’s lies. As if Crew would believe this man was an undercover Fed. Come on.
Nah, this tall, older drink of water was full of it. Adrien Mercier, or whatever his real name might be, was going down. Until one day, when Adrien turned the tables, and then Crew was the one sitting with his hands cuffed behind his back.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2023
107 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,100 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 128 reviews
August 18, 2023
4.5 stars
This is Book 2 of The Renegades series and I really enjoyed this installment. This book focuses on Crew and Adrien, but we still get updates from all of the other people along the way.
Crew and Ryan are sent to Europe to keep following the trail from the first book in order to track down a cartel freelancer to get information about where their loved ones are being held hostage. Once they get this guy to a safe house, Ryan goes to handle some other business and leaves Crew to babysit. Then things get interesting as their hostage says his real name is Adrien Mercier and that he’s a federal agent.
Adrien has been working his own angle on this case and has been undercover for years. He wants out, but has to wrap up his part before he can move on.
“You’re protecting the man I’m hunting. You know what that makes you? The enemy combatant.”
The chemistry between Crew and Adrien was fantastic! There’s an instant attraction to one another. Once Crew decides he can ease up with the security of Adrien things start to slowly progress between them. I loved it.
This might pose a problem for me. Now that I knew he was a good guy, despite his agenda fucking shit up for my team, it was impossible not to notice how fucking sexy Adrien Mercier was. He possessed every bit of that assertiveness I was drawn to in men.
Crew has a really funny way of thinking of older people. He’s not a fan of being called kid or son, so he refers to everyone older than him as grandpa or whatever. It’s quite humorous.
The tables get turned a bit along the way and Crew finds himself at the mercy of Adrien now. They’re constantly playing this cat-and-mouse game with one another and it’s really entertaining.
It was equal parts infuriating and amusing. Reassuring too, in a way. Like, regardless of how heated things got, perhaps we’d just never pull the trigger on each other. Fatally, at least.
As Crew finds out more about Adrien’s plan, he has to make some difficult decisions. This is a fast-paced action-packed story with a great romance. I flew through this book. I need more of Crew and Adrien as soon as possible. I loved them and their whole dynamic.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I brushed my fingertips over his stubbly scruff. “Like what?” “Like I mean something to you.”
Series Reviews:
1 - Rogue Launch
3 - On The Double
4 - Tango Down
*** I received an ARC of this book from Indie Author Creative and this is my honest opinion. ***
This is Book 2 of The Renegades series and I really enjoyed this installment. This book focuses on Crew and Adrien, but we still get updates from all of the other people along the way.
Crew and Ryan are sent to Europe to keep following the trail from the first book in order to track down a cartel freelancer to get information about where their loved ones are being held hostage. Once they get this guy to a safe house, Ryan goes to handle some other business and leaves Crew to babysit. Then things get interesting as their hostage says his real name is Adrien Mercier and that he’s a federal agent.
Adrien has been working his own angle on this case and has been undercover for years. He wants out, but has to wrap up his part before he can move on.
“You’re protecting the man I’m hunting. You know what that makes you? The enemy combatant.”
The chemistry between Crew and Adrien was fantastic! There’s an instant attraction to one another. Once Crew decides he can ease up with the security of Adrien things start to slowly progress between them. I loved it.
This might pose a problem for me. Now that I knew he was a good guy, despite his agenda fucking shit up for my team, it was impossible not to notice how fucking sexy Adrien Mercier was. He possessed every bit of that assertiveness I was drawn to in men.
Crew has a really funny way of thinking of older people. He’s not a fan of being called kid or son, so he refers to everyone older than him as grandpa or whatever. It’s quite humorous.
The tables get turned a bit along the way and Crew finds himself at the mercy of Adrien now. They’re constantly playing this cat-and-mouse game with one another and it’s really entertaining.
It was equal parts infuriating and amusing. Reassuring too, in a way. Like, regardless of how heated things got, perhaps we’d just never pull the trigger on each other. Fatally, at least.
As Crew finds out more about Adrien’s plan, he has to make some difficult decisions. This is a fast-paced action-packed story with a great romance. I flew through this book. I need more of Crew and Adrien as soon as possible. I loved them and their whole dynamic.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I brushed my fingertips over his stubbly scruff. “Like what?” “Like I mean something to you.”
Series Reviews:
1 - Rogue Launch
3 - On The Double
4 - Tango Down
*** I received an ARC of this book from Indie Author Creative and this is my honest opinion. ***
August 4, 2023
That was unsatisfying.
Look, the writing is stellar, and the storytelling is awesome, as usual. I am invested in these two, and I want more.
But that's the problem. Their story is unfinished and undeveloped, and this is their only book. Yeah, they'll be mentioned in the epilogue of the series, but no. That's not enough for me. I need these two to have their time. Dedication to them. And while the overarching arc is still going (the mission), I am left feeling bereft. I don't want to head to the Tenleys and Shay next. I want an actual, developed romance for Crew and Adrien.
Look, the writing is stellar, and the storytelling is awesome, as usual. I am invested in these two, and I want more.
But that's the problem. Their story is unfinished and undeveloped, and this is their only book. Yeah, they'll be mentioned in the epilogue of the series, but no. That's not enough for me. I need these two to have their time. Dedication to them. And while the overarching arc is still going (the mission), I am left feeling bereft. I don't want to head to the Tenleys and Shay next. I want an actual, developed romance for Crew and Adrien.
August 19, 2023
* 5 stars *
Enemy Combatant is the second book in the new series by Cara Dee, The Renegades. The four books must be read in order but it works fine as a standalone series.
This is the story of Crew, who was a side character in the first book, and Adrien, who makes his first on-page appearance here.
Their beginning was interesting and since the situation they found themselves in was a weird one to be the setting of a new romance, they both made some questionable decisions where the other was concerned.
I liked that they were both mature enough to see the other's point of view and understand the reasons behind his actions. It made their connection and their closeness more believable since they weren't constantly going back and forth. They had clashing interests in some aspects and each had to be loyal to his initial goal. The other understood that and even though they fought a lot there was mutual respect.
I liked the age gap trope and how Crew ended up falling for an older guy despite being sure that someone his age was what he was looking for.
Their personalities were weirdly opposing and complimenting at the same time. Where one was unsure the other was confident and vice versa. Specifically, Crew was very sure about his choices in his personal life and was willing to take the first step most of the time but he was very unsure about his professional capabilities and his skills. And Adrien was the opposite of that, very confident in his professional skills and very unsure in his personal life.
So they worked quite well together and where one was hesitant the other took the wheel and moved them along. They pushed the other when he needed it and gave encouragement. I liked them as a couple and I liked them as individuals.
However, the story is far from over and the web keeps getting thicker. Next up are Reese, River, and Shay as MCs so I hope we'll also get some scenes from Shay's pov.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
Enemy Combatant is the second book in the new series by Cara Dee, The Renegades. The four books must be read in order but it works fine as a standalone series.
This is the story of Crew, who was a side character in the first book, and Adrien, who makes his first on-page appearance here.
Their beginning was interesting and since the situation they found themselves in was a weird one to be the setting of a new romance, they both made some questionable decisions where the other was concerned.
I liked that they were both mature enough to see the other's point of view and understand the reasons behind his actions. It made their connection and their closeness more believable since they weren't constantly going back and forth. They had clashing interests in some aspects and each had to be loyal to his initial goal. The other understood that and even though they fought a lot there was mutual respect.
I liked the age gap trope and how Crew ended up falling for an older guy despite being sure that someone his age was what he was looking for.
Their personalities were weirdly opposing and complimenting at the same time. Where one was unsure the other was confident and vice versa. Specifically, Crew was very sure about his choices in his personal life and was willing to take the first step most of the time but he was very unsure about his professional capabilities and his skills. And Adrien was the opposite of that, very confident in his professional skills and very unsure in his personal life.
So they worked quite well together and where one was hesitant the other took the wheel and moved them along. They pushed the other when he needed it and gave encouragement. I liked them as a couple and I liked them as individuals.
However, the story is far from over and the web keeps getting thicker. Next up are Reese, River, and Shay as MCs so I hope we'll also get some scenes from Shay's pov.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
August 4, 2023
Oh boy, now we are getting somewhere. This sort of felt like it stood still, there was a lot of sitting and waiting, but really, it moved the story forward, a lot. These next 72 hours are going to blow this whole thing wide open and I’m dying, dying for the next installment.
Crew is a fantastic character. I love that he’s all up in his head about things but then he’s also look at me I’m awesome and has such a love for his family. His flaws (or not really) make him real. And he’s funny. I loved this perfect (well, better circumstances could have been had for sure) meeting between him and Adrien. He's exactly what Crew is NOT looking for but is just the exact right person for him. They snapped right together and I can’t wait for all of this to be OVER so they can go on a date, haha!
Ok, ok, I really liked the little bitty italic bits for the other characters, I liked that a lot. It just made me want more of everyone and getting even that tiny bit inside the other’s heads while this is all going on added so much to the story. It is, after all, about all of them.
As I mentioned in my review of Rogue Launch, I still felt I was missing some good history by not having read the crossover books that came before this series but not enough that I wasn’t able to totally enjoy the story, more I just want to get all the stories that came before. Something to look forward to.
I am beyond excited for the next installment. These just read so good and create such a picture in my head. The action is fantastic and the suspense is spot on. Faster, faster! Time is ticking!
**ARC provided by the author via Eliza Rae Services in exchange for an honest review.**
Crew is a fantastic character. I love that he’s all up in his head about things but then he’s also look at me I’m awesome and has such a love for his family. His flaws (or not really) make him real. And he’s funny. I loved this perfect (well, better circumstances could have been had for sure) meeting between him and Adrien. He's exactly what Crew is NOT looking for but is just the exact right person for him. They snapped right together and I can’t wait for all of this to be OVER so they can go on a date, haha!
Ok, ok, I really liked the little bitty italic bits for the other characters, I liked that a lot. It just made me want more of everyone and getting even that tiny bit inside the other’s heads while this is all going on added so much to the story. It is, after all, about all of them.
As I mentioned in my review of Rogue Launch, I still felt I was missing some good history by not having read the crossover books that came before this series but not enough that I wasn’t able to totally enjoy the story, more I just want to get all the stories that came before. Something to look forward to.
I am beyond excited for the next installment. These just read so good and create such a picture in my head. The action is fantastic and the suspense is spot on. Faster, faster! Time is ticking!
**ARC provided by the author via Eliza Rae Services in exchange for an honest review.**
August 2, 2023
First and foremost, I absolutely love Crew and he must be protected at ALL COSTS! I would love another book on this couple alone. Or one of Cara's famous "epilogues" that turns into a novella LOL.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet because it's book two and I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. Enemy Combatant will provide you with a fast paced plot, a plot twist that for a second almost had me throwing my kindle off my balcony, hot & swoon worthy scenes, and sneak peaks from the POVs in the next two books that had me SQUEALING!
Cara Dee does it again. This series has me hooked and I can not stress enough how excited I am for the next book!!!!!!!!! TENSHAY BABYYYYYY!!!!
I'm going to keep this short and sweet because it's book two and I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. Enemy Combatant will provide you with a fast paced plot, a plot twist that for a second almost had me throwing my kindle off my balcony, hot & swoon worthy scenes, and sneak peaks from the POVs in the next two books that had me SQUEALING!
Cara Dee does it again. This series has me hooked and I can not stress enough how excited I am for the next book!!!!!!!!! TENSHAY BABYYYYYY!!!!
August 5, 2023
3,5/5
Dans ce deuxième opus, nous retrouvons bien évidemment toute la bande croisée dans le premier tome (et bien d'autres romans lol). Dans "Enemy Combatan"t, Cara Dee se concentre sur le personnage de Crew, parti faire équipe avec Ryan Quinn.
Crew m'avait tapé dans l'oeil dans le premier tome, c'est avec plaisir que je me suis plongée dans ce roman. Sauf erreur de ma part, il me semble n'avoir jamais croisé Crew dans les autres romans de Cara Dee. Il faut dire que je m'y perds un peu parfois, à remettre en ordre qui est qui souvent.
Crew fait partie des jeunes de la bande, façon de parler, en comparaison aux papis qui ont déjà pas mal roulé leurs bosses. J'ai aimé son petit côté taquin et malgré son manque de confiance parfois, ben il envoie hein !
Ici, on va avoir affaire à une sorte de huis-clos car Crew va se retrouver entre quatre murs avec son ennemi, à savoir Delgado, ou plus précisément Adrien. On voit bien vers où tout ça va mener. Bien évidemment, Adrien cache bien son jeu, et on va avoir droit à pas mal de chamailleries, taquineries voire vacheries entre les deux personnages.
Si je ne suis pas fan à la base des insta-love, certains passent malgré tout, comme celui-ci. Je pense que le caractère bien trempé des deux personnages aide. Ceci dit, je n'aurais pas dit non à plus de développements, c'est dommage car trop de choses son survolées et leur relation passe du tout au rien beaucoup trop vite. Mais c'est le risque aussi avec ce genre de format.
J'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec ces deux loustics. Les autres personnages ne sont pas bien loin, j'ai bien aimé d'ailleurs les petits passages qui nous permettent de garder le lien et j'avoue que Cara Dee a bien écrit toute la dynamique autour du groupe.
Je suis impatiente de lire la suite qui portera sur les jumeaux Tenley !
Dans ce deuxième opus, nous retrouvons bien évidemment toute la bande croisée dans le premier tome (et bien d'autres romans lol). Dans "Enemy Combatan"t, Cara Dee se concentre sur le personnage de Crew, parti faire équipe avec Ryan Quinn.
Crew m'avait tapé dans l'oeil dans le premier tome, c'est avec plaisir que je me suis plongée dans ce roman. Sauf erreur de ma part, il me semble n'avoir jamais croisé Crew dans les autres romans de Cara Dee. Il faut dire que je m'y perds un peu parfois, à remettre en ordre qui est qui souvent.
Crew fait partie des jeunes de la bande, façon de parler, en comparaison aux papis qui ont déjà pas mal roulé leurs bosses. J'ai aimé son petit côté taquin et malgré son manque de confiance parfois, ben il envoie hein !
Ici, on va avoir affaire à une sorte de huis-clos car Crew va se retrouver entre quatre murs avec son ennemi, à savoir Delgado, ou plus précisément Adrien. On voit bien vers où tout ça va mener. Bien évidemment, Adrien cache bien son jeu, et on va avoir droit à pas mal de chamailleries, taquineries voire vacheries entre les deux personnages.
Si je ne suis pas fan à la base des insta-love, certains passent malgré tout, comme celui-ci. Je pense que le caractère bien trempé des deux personnages aide. Ceci dit, je n'aurais pas dit non à plus de développements, c'est dommage car trop de choses son survolées et leur relation passe du tout au rien beaucoup trop vite. Mais c'est le risque aussi avec ce genre de format.
J'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec ces deux loustics. Les autres personnages ne sont pas bien loin, j'ai bien aimé d'ailleurs les petits passages qui nous permettent de garder le lien et j'avoue que Cara Dee a bien écrit toute la dynamique autour du groupe.
Je suis impatiente de lire la suite qui portera sur les jumeaux Tenley !
July 29, 2023
Forced proximity for the win!!!
This second instalment in the Renegades series is a page turner. As truths are uncovered the layers of the mystery begin to unravel and the players become the played. But who’s playing who? What’s real? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. And these two men are both straddling that tentative line for different reasons. As they each battle for their own sides I was gripped to the page. Feverishly waiting for one of them to cave.
Whereas book 1 had Elliot and Joel still at each others throats, Adrien and Crew find common ground. They bring the heat. The feels. The perspective of two different men trying to achieve the same goal via different means. I loved it.
Crew is a fantastic character. His strengths and his struggles laid bare, he pushes through regardless. His love for his family and friends showed just how big his heart. I adored him.
Now…Bring on the Tenley trio and the rescue. Because, as we see in many short alternating POV’s, the other men’s stories are still playing out behind the scenes as Crew is playing his part. And the short glimpse of River and Reese as they hunt for their kidnapped love is sure to leave no man standing between them and their goal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second instalment in the Renegades series is a page turner. As truths are uncovered the layers of the mystery begin to unravel and the players become the played. But who’s playing who? What’s real? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. And these two men are both straddling that tentative line for different reasons. As they each battle for their own sides I was gripped to the page. Feverishly waiting for one of them to cave.
Whereas book 1 had Elliot and Joel still at each others throats, Adrien and Crew find common ground. They bring the heat. The feels. The perspective of two different men trying to achieve the same goal via different means. I loved it.
Crew is a fantastic character. His strengths and his struggles laid bare, he pushes through regardless. His love for his family and friends showed just how big his heart. I adored him.
Now…Bring on the Tenley trio and the rescue. Because, as we see in many short alternating POV’s, the other men’s stories are still playing out behind the scenes as Crew is playing his part. And the short glimpse of River and Reese as they hunt for their kidnapped love is sure to leave no man standing between them and their goal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
I wasn't expecting that!
Absolutely zero spoilers here but this instalment went somewhere I would never have guessed in a million years.
Crew and Adrien are like pouring oil on water, all liquid flow as they move around their unusual situation and the very obvious attraction they've got.
This also has another plot cliffhanger, it's moving the overall story arc on nicely and setting up things for Tenshay's book next.
There'll be more from this pair too and I have to say, I cannot wait to see how Cara draws all these difficult threads together.
I'm pretty sure it will be one epic journey though!
# ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Absolutely zero spoilers here but this instalment went somewhere I would never have guessed in a million years.
Crew and Adrien are like pouring oil on water, all liquid flow as they move around their unusual situation and the very obvious attraction they've got.
This also has another plot cliffhanger, it's moving the overall story arc on nicely and setting up things for Tenshay's book next.
There'll be more from this pair too and I have to say, I cannot wait to see how Cara draws all these difficult threads together.
I'm pretty sure it will be one epic journey though!
# ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 2, 2023
Rating: 5
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 1st person
MM | enemies to lovers | action / suspense | age gap
The suspense and overarching plot from Rogue Launch continued in Enemy Combatant, this time following Crew and Ryan on their mission!
I loved Crew and his PoV, he was so precious with his insecurities and feigned cockiness. I really adored him and the way he’d sometimes get stuck in his own head, his younger age showed at times but he was really trying his best and being fiercely loyal to their mission.
This story didn’t quite feel as heavy as the first one and I really enjoyed Crew and Adrien’s exchanges, some of their banter was a lot of fun. The attraction between them was obvious and I hope that we get more of their relationship development later on, as it felt a bit unfinished here - I have a lot of faith in Cara Dee and this series though.
Overall a great and well written follow up to Rogue Launch, and I loved the twists and turns, never knowing what might happen next as the mission continued. It’s a good thing that these books are rapid releases, because the suspense is killing me… I’m really looking forward to River and Reese’s book, I hope they find their lil pup soon!
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 1st person
MM | enemies to lovers | action / suspense | age gap
The suspense and overarching plot from Rogue Launch continued in Enemy Combatant, this time following Crew and Ryan on their mission!
I loved Crew and his PoV, he was so precious with his insecurities and feigned cockiness. I really adored him and the way he’d sometimes get stuck in his own head, his younger age showed at times but he was really trying his best and being fiercely loyal to their mission.
This story didn’t quite feel as heavy as the first one and I really enjoyed Crew and Adrien’s exchanges, some of their banter was a lot of fun. The attraction between them was obvious and I hope that we get more of their relationship development later on, as it felt a bit unfinished here - I have a lot of faith in Cara Dee and this series though.
Overall a great and well written follow up to Rogue Launch, and I loved the twists and turns, never knowing what might happen next as the mission continued. It’s a good thing that these books are rapid releases, because the suspense is killing me… I’m really looking forward to River and Reese’s book, I hope they find their lil pup soon!
August 8, 2023
I seriously don't know how to rate these books, they just don't work on their own. Adrien and Crew were lovely together, except they weren't really together. They got so little time, the ending isn't even a HFN. I bet as a whole the series is great but as it is, I don't know...I'll go with 3 stars hoping the ending will be satisfying.
September 17, 2023
Holy cliffhanger!!
This installment is mainly Crew. It’s a doozy of a story. I’m not even sure what to say….
Off to read book 3!
This installment is mainly Crew. It’s a doozy of a story. I’m not even sure what to say….
Off to read book 3!
October 4, 2023
4 Stars for this one because the relationship felt less incomplete (though it is clearly just beginning) and I thought it ended in a good spot. On to the next one!
July 27, 2023
Enemy Combatant is book two in The Renegades series
This series is shaping it up to be another fave from Cara. While the overall plot continues from book one (so, yes this needs to be read in order) we meet our new couple. Crew is a Finlay through and through, if you've read The Games series or Auctioned you've met him before. The dynamic between him and Adrien is great, I live for the snark and banter.
This book very much gives me the same vibes that the Auctioned series did, in the best possible way. It has elements of romance with the crime/action elements. I love how Cara has brought a lot of my faves from the series together for The Renegades. But we also have new characters and their journeys as well.
How will Crew get himself out of this predicament…Book three is absolutely the one I've been waiting for. The Tenley twins have been my fave from the beginning so I cannot wait to see where Cara takes that story!
This series is shaping it up to be another fave from Cara. While the overall plot continues from book one (so, yes this needs to be read in order) we meet our new couple. Crew is a Finlay through and through, if you've read The Games series or Auctioned you've met him before. The dynamic between him and Adrien is great, I live for the snark and banter.
This book very much gives me the same vibes that the Auctioned series did, in the best possible way. It has elements of romance with the crime/action elements. I love how Cara has brought a lot of my faves from the series together for The Renegades. But we also have new characters and their journeys as well.
How will Crew get himself out of this predicament…Book three is absolutely the one I've been waiting for. The Tenley twins have been my fave from the beginning so I cannot wait to see where Cara takes that story!
February 27, 2024
3.5/5.
Here are my thoughts:
Crew & Adrien:
Their relationship was quite entertaining. The enemies to lovers to enemies again and to lovers again thing was fun for sure.
The plot:
I liked it. I think I enjoy the plot now — I wasn’t sure if I would to be honest. But still very much nerve wracking. Was to be expected from a kidnapping.
The romance:
Well, listen. I liked the relationship between Crew and Adrien well enough but the chemistry seemed a bit forced. I didn’t get the connection between them. Felt like bad Stockholm syndrome or something like that. I dunno. I mean, I liked the characters but I think the book was too short to develop a complete new romance especially with this kind of plot. It didn’t totally work in my opinion.
Anyway. Looking forward to book three!
Here are my thoughts:
Crew & Adrien:
Their relationship was quite entertaining. The enemies to lovers to enemies again and to lovers again thing was fun for sure.
The plot:
I liked it. I think I enjoy the plot now — I wasn’t sure if I would to be honest. But still very much nerve wracking. Was to be expected from a kidnapping.
The romance:
Well, listen. I liked the relationship between Crew and Adrien well enough but the chemistry seemed a bit forced. I didn’t get the connection between them. Felt like bad Stockholm syndrome or something like that. I dunno. I mean, I liked the characters but I think the book was too short to develop a complete new romance especially with this kind of plot. It didn’t totally work in my opinion.
Anyway. Looking forward to book three!
October 16, 2025
I need more Crew and Adrien 😩😩 Crew is adorable!
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed this continuation from book one. We get Crew & Adrien's story in this one as well as more of the story of what is going on.
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.
August 1, 2023
Action packed book! Hot slow burning🔥 so much happening in this book, the story of the kidnapping continues and there is a love story at the same time. Perfectly executed ❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 31, 2023
RTC -2024! 🥳
March 18, 2025
I definitely liked this one more than the first book. Crew is so cute! 🥰
August 4, 2023
3,75*
Quel plaisir de retrouver l’équipe de choc dans Enemy Combatant avec un petit nouveau qui pointe le bout de son nez !
Je ne vais pas revenir sur l’intrigue, le résumé est là pour ça (il en dit quand même beaucoup trop...) mais ce tome est plus « calme » que le précédent, avec cette fois moins d’action et de montée d’adrénaline, il s'agit presque d'un huis-clos où deux hommes se font face, se jaugent, s'attirent. Un opus encore plus court que le premier, c'est un peu frustrant mais Crew et Adrien seront de retour dans peu de temps.
Le récit se concentre donc sur la proximité forcée entre Crew et Adrien, deux ennemis qui vont pourtant se rapprocher et s’attacher l’un à l’autre. Le trope du syndrome de Stockholm est utilisé pour qualifier ce roman, si j’en comprends parfaitement la raison vu l’enchaînement des événements, pour moi cela n’est absolument pas approprié… Le schéma du prisonnier qui tombe amoureux de son bourreau ne colle pas à cette histoire, ce n’est pas si extrême, sombre, malsain. Dans un sens, cela m’a un peu déroutée mais cet aspect plus « soft » ne m’a pas rebutée pour autant car le Dark n’est pas vraiment pour moi...
J’adore le personnage de Crew, son impertinence et sa volonté de prouver aux «vieux» casse-cou aguerris qu’il est à sa place et parfaitement capable d’accomplir sa mission sans foirer, bonjour la pression. Il détonne et cela me plait ! Adrien...miam miam, cet homme possède tout du gentleman, lui aussi a une mission à accomplir et Crew menace de détruire le fruit de ses efforts et sacrifices.
Ces deux ennemis vont pourtant nouer un attachement inattendu tout en jouant au chat et à la souris afin de manipuler l’adversaire pour arriver à leurs fins et grappiller de précieuses connaissances. Les deux hommes nous proposent des moments assez intenses qui tranchent avec d’autres étonnamment plus doux. Alors effectivement, leur relation change rapidement de dynamique, j’aurais apprécié que cela se fasse sur un temps plus long, mais impossible vu le contexte, et si l’attachement s’installe, les héros ne tombent pas pour autant dans des déclarations d’amour fou improbables. Ils entrouvrent juste une porte...
En parallèle, l’autrice nous offre des informations bienvenues sur ce que vivent les différents membres de l’équipe, concis mais efficace. Ils sont donc bien présents même si c’est de loin ! Le moment d’évoquer mon amoureux arrive : RYAN 😍
Ahlala, j’étais impatiente de le revoir celui-là, sa capacité à me faire swooner ne s’est pas altérée. J’adore la complicité qui s’instaure entre lui et Crew, c’est vrai que ces deux-là se ressemblent et la façon dont ils se chambrent est délectable. Je crois bien que je vais relire Touching truth pour le retrouver avec Angel et Greg (en espérant que le roman promis ne se fasse pas trop attendre).
Même si j'ai préféré le 1er tome, j'ai passé un chouette moment de lecture et j’espère que les « papis » seront charrier Crew comme il se doit lors de leurs retrouvailles, il ne l’aura pas volé !
Je suis impatiente de retrouver tout ce petit monde, notamment les jumeaux létaux dans On the double. J’ai presque de la peine pour ceux qui vont croiser leur route 😂
Quel plaisir de retrouver l’équipe de choc dans Enemy Combatant avec un petit nouveau qui pointe le bout de son nez !
Je ne vais pas revenir sur l’intrigue, le résumé est là pour ça (il en dit quand même beaucoup trop...) mais ce tome est plus « calme » que le précédent, avec cette fois moins d’action et de montée d’adrénaline, il s'agit presque d'un huis-clos où deux hommes se font face, se jaugent, s'attirent. Un opus encore plus court que le premier, c'est un peu frustrant mais Crew et Adrien seront de retour dans peu de temps.
Le récit se concentre donc sur la proximité forcée entre Crew et Adrien, deux ennemis qui vont pourtant se rapprocher et s’attacher l’un à l’autre. Le trope du syndrome de Stockholm est utilisé pour qualifier ce roman, si j’en comprends parfaitement la raison vu l’enchaînement des événements, pour moi cela n’est absolument pas approprié… Le schéma du prisonnier qui tombe amoureux de son bourreau ne colle pas à cette histoire, ce n’est pas si extrême, sombre, malsain. Dans un sens, cela m’a un peu déroutée mais cet aspect plus « soft » ne m’a pas rebutée pour autant car le Dark n’est pas vraiment pour moi...
J’adore le personnage de Crew, son impertinence et sa volonté de prouver aux «vieux» casse-cou aguerris qu’il est à sa place et parfaitement capable d’accomplir sa mission sans foirer, bonjour la pression. Il détonne et cela me plait ! Adrien...miam miam, cet homme possède tout du gentleman, lui aussi a une mission à accomplir et Crew menace de détruire le fruit de ses efforts et sacrifices.
Ces deux ennemis vont pourtant nouer un attachement inattendu tout en jouant au chat et à la souris afin de manipuler l’adversaire pour arriver à leurs fins et grappiller de précieuses connaissances. Les deux hommes nous proposent des moments assez intenses qui tranchent avec d’autres étonnamment plus doux. Alors effectivement, leur relation change rapidement de dynamique, j’aurais apprécié que cela se fasse sur un temps plus long, mais impossible vu le contexte, et si l’attachement s’installe, les héros ne tombent pas pour autant dans des déclarations d’amour fou improbables. Ils entrouvrent juste une porte...
En parallèle, l’autrice nous offre des informations bienvenues sur ce que vivent les différents membres de l’équipe, concis mais efficace. Ils sont donc bien présents même si c’est de loin ! Le moment d’évoquer mon amoureux arrive : RYAN 😍
Ahlala, j’étais impatiente de le revoir celui-là, sa capacité à me faire swooner ne s’est pas altérée. J’adore la complicité qui s’instaure entre lui et Crew, c’est vrai que ces deux-là se ressemblent et la façon dont ils se chambrent est délectable. Je crois bien que je vais relire Touching truth pour le retrouver avec Angel et Greg (en espérant que le roman promis ne se fasse pas trop attendre).
Même si j'ai préféré le 1er tome, j'ai passé un chouette moment de lecture et j’espère que les « papis » seront charrier Crew comme il se doit lors de leurs retrouvailles, il ne l’aura pas volé !
Je suis impatiente de retrouver tout ce petit monde, notamment les jumeaux létaux dans On the double. J’ai presque de la peine pour ceux qui vont croiser leur route 😂
July 30, 2023
I scored an ARC for book two of this rapid release series, and can I just say I need Cara to WRITE FASTER?!?! Gah, waiting is torture. And it's only for two weeks. Obviously I have zero patience for cliffhangers.
In this installment, Crew and Ryan head to Europe to look for Delgado, a bad guy who worked with the big bad guy that was responsible for the attack at Elliott's house and the kidnappings. I have to admit that there are a LOT of names to remember, both good guys and bad guys, and sometimes I had to really slow down to remember them all. (It would probably be a little easier if I was reading all the books back to back.) Ryan and Crew, despite their banter and poking at each other, kidnap the bad guy. Who turns out to be a federal agent, and Crew's new love interest. Dun dun dun.
Crew is different from the other badass military slash PMC guys we're used to reading from Cara. He's got skills, but he also took a big hit to his confidence after his mission went wrong in Belize. He's a mix of cocky and insecure; he lets his emotions come out more during his work that he probably should. Basically, his age shows in comparison to the other guys, but he's trying.
And then we have Adrien (I love you Cara, but you need to stop refusing names, especially for how much you deliver cameos and overlap. We already have an Adrian; it can get confusing!). He's a Fed, and we don't learn that much about him honestly. Except he's older, like the others that Crew works with. And there's that obvious irony that Crew says he wants to find a romantic partner that is his age, but ends up wanting this older man.
This book is too short, and has too much non-relationship stuff going on, to really feel like a romance. There IS romance; they DO work towards something. But there isn't time for much. They are nowhere near a HFN, let alone a HEA. The continuation of their story is supposed to be weaved in the next two books, but I do admit to being worried that it won't be enough. Hopefully they'll get their own book sometime down the road if they don't get enough of a resolution in this series.
Overall, I liked the book when it comes to the continuation of the overarching plot. I like that we have all these competent men, spread out across the world, working together towards a goal. That we have multiple storylines to follow while we work towards that goal. I'm nervous that the two new relationships won't feel resolved and satisfactory when the series concludes, but I do trust Cara so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this installment, Crew and Ryan head to Europe to look for Delgado, a bad guy who worked with the big bad guy that was responsible for the attack at Elliott's house and the kidnappings. I have to admit that there are a LOT of names to remember, both good guys and bad guys, and sometimes I had to really slow down to remember them all. (It would probably be a little easier if I was reading all the books back to back.) Ryan and Crew, despite their banter and poking at each other, kidnap the bad guy. Who turns out to be a federal agent, and Crew's new love interest. Dun dun dun.
Crew is different from the other badass military slash PMC guys we're used to reading from Cara. He's got skills, but he also took a big hit to his confidence after his mission went wrong in Belize. He's a mix of cocky and insecure; he lets his emotions come out more during his work that he probably should. Basically, his age shows in comparison to the other guys, but he's trying.
And then we have Adrien (I love you Cara, but you need to stop refusing names, especially for how much you deliver cameos and overlap. We already have an Adrian; it can get confusing!). He's a Fed, and we don't learn that much about him honestly. Except he's older, like the others that Crew works with. And there's that obvious irony that Crew says he wants to find a romantic partner that is his age, but ends up wanting this older man.
This book is too short, and has too much non-relationship stuff going on, to really feel like a romance. There IS romance; they DO work towards something. But there isn't time for much. They are nowhere near a HFN, let alone a HEA. The continuation of their story is supposed to be weaved in the next two books, but I do admit to being worried that it won't be enough. Hopefully they'll get their own book sometime down the road if they don't get enough of a resolution in this series.
Overall, I liked the book when it comes to the continuation of the overarching plot. I like that we have all these competent men, spread out across the world, working together towards a goal. That we have multiple storylines to follow while we work towards that goal. I'm nervous that the two new relationships won't feel resolved and satisfactory when the series concludes, but I do trust Cara so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2023
4.5 stars
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
This book was so amazing & I want to read Book 3 ASAP because I am so invested in the suspense story which is going behind & I loved the action & the rage between the characters.
Crew is the youngest in the team which is on a mission to rescue the people who were kidnapped from Elliot's housewarming party. Crew is searching for one of the suspects they are trying to locate & he is there with Ryan who is accompanying him but as he is the youngest everyone treats him with kids' gloves mainly because they are worried about him. But the person who they suspect is an undercover agent & when he and Crew are left alone sparks fly & they fool around together.
Adrien & Crew's had amazing chemistry & as time went they cared for each other & I want a chapter in future where they meet each other families. The story ends with a cliffhanger but I am already looking forward to book 3 because I want to know how the story goes.
If you like romantic suspense you should try this series by Cara Dee as each book has different couples but the suspense story which goes throughout is the same & is amazing, you should check this out.
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
This book was so amazing & I want to read Book 3 ASAP because I am so invested in the suspense story which is going behind & I loved the action & the rage between the characters.
Crew is the youngest in the team which is on a mission to rescue the people who were kidnapped from Elliot's housewarming party. Crew is searching for one of the suspects they are trying to locate & he is there with Ryan who is accompanying him but as he is the youngest everyone treats him with kids' gloves mainly because they are worried about him. But the person who they suspect is an undercover agent & when he and Crew are left alone sparks fly & they fool around together.
Adrien & Crew's had amazing chemistry & as time went they cared for each other & I want a chapter in future where they meet each other families. The story ends with a cliffhanger but I am already looking forward to book 3 because I want to know how the story goes.
If you like romantic suspense you should try this series by Cara Dee as each book has different couples but the suspense story which goes throughout is the same & is amazing, you should check this out.
August 4, 2023
Riveting book!
I couldn’t wait to read book 2 of The Renegades and let me just say it was exactly what the book doctor ordered. I loved every second of this story. I love how Cara introduces her characters to readers by giving some of their background info just in case you’ve never read any of her other books. My suggestion to any person reading her current books, it’s very beneficial if you read her other work because there are so many crossovers. I think you get a much clearer picture of the characters mindset….just saying.
When I learned that this book was about Crew I was excited because he makes me laugh. I love his big family of Finlay’s. Then I became a bit uncertain/concerned about Crew getting in some sort of entanglement with Delgado. Then BOOM, things changed as information unfolded.
I was literally on the edge of my seat laughing and screaming at Crew when I felt he was making some sort of bad decision. There were many twists and turns in this book that I did Not see coming. It was frustrating but at the same time it was great for the story. I love how Cara’s mind work.
I still hate how short these books are because I crave more. Now I have a new favorite couple…Crew and Adrien. They have my undivided attention. Bring on book 3 as I plan to go back and re-read her Auctioned series.
Loved ❤️ this!.
Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn’t wait to read book 2 of The Renegades and let me just say it was exactly what the book doctor ordered. I loved every second of this story. I love how Cara introduces her characters to readers by giving some of their background info just in case you’ve never read any of her other books. My suggestion to any person reading her current books, it’s very beneficial if you read her other work because there are so many crossovers. I think you get a much clearer picture of the characters mindset….just saying.
When I learned that this book was about Crew I was excited because he makes me laugh. I love his big family of Finlay’s. Then I became a bit uncertain/concerned about Crew getting in some sort of entanglement with Delgado. Then BOOM, things changed as information unfolded.
I was literally on the edge of my seat laughing and screaming at Crew when I felt he was making some sort of bad decision. There were many twists and turns in this book that I did Not see coming. It was frustrating but at the same time it was great for the story. I love how Cara’s mind work.
I still hate how short these books are because I crave more. Now I have a new favorite couple…Crew and Adrien. They have my undivided attention. Bring on book 3 as I plan to go back and re-read her Auctioned series.
Loved ❤️ this!.
Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2023
Crew and Adrien are fire. Their enemies to lovers, combatants, journey is epic. Crew is just the best, he has some insecurities from his previous mission needing to be rescued and suffering from dyslexia, but he pushes through. He has so much strength and he’s charming and funny and so dang sweet. He loves his family and team so much. Adrien is a mystery that Crew keeps trying to solve but their chemistry is smoking hot. And can I just say, I love it when the endearment sweetheart gets used. Just melt my heart. These stories are on the shorter side but they are jam packed full of action. The sex and hear are more of a slow simmer than a scorcher and have very little sex scenes but the ones they do have? Panty melting. These two guys fit together really well in every way. And this story continues to push along the main story arc of trying to locate the hostages. Cara Dee has me enthralled and so excited to see what happens next! Especially knowing who is next, I love the Tenley trio. The writing is superb, the plot is interesting and intriguing. So much action and mystery that it’s never boring. It is a fast paced suspenseful adventure with some love thrown in. And the romance factor might be on the lower side but it’s supposed to be, it’s a suspense story too. But while the romance is slow and the connection is built, the love is big. Crew has a huge heart and loves big and fiercely. I love his relationship goals. Everyone should have those.
August 22, 2023
Il est vrai que ce second opus est très différent du précédent. Avec notamment avec une dose d’action et d’adrénaline quelque peu moindre. Mais cela n’est nullement dérangeant. Car une fois n’est pas coutume, Cara Dee a su tirer son épingle du jeu en ajoutant d’autres ingrédients. Des personnages parfaitement imparfaits, de la tension, du suspens, des rebondissements, de la manipulation, de l’humour, des émotions et de la sensualité. C’est tout ce qu’il me faut pour passer un savoureux moment. Et maintenant avec les dernières informations, je vais de ce pas lire le troisième opus et découvrir ce que vont me réserver les jumeaux Tenley… Les connaissant, je sais d’avance cela va être d’un tout autre niveau….
>> 𝑴𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-d0a <<
>> 𝑴𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-d0a <<
September 26, 2023
So little story each time is frustrating…I’ll keep reading because the twins and Shay ♥️ are next but man this experience is not fun for me. As I was reading it, I was so bummed that it seemed like a lot of filler to get to the next part of the story. I like Crew and Adrien but I’d like to be reading more right now about them, ya know?
July 30, 2023
This is the second book in 'The Renegades' series. If you haven't read the first book, you will probably not be able to make sense of this one. The story starts straight off where the first book left off. There is a tiny introduction about the different characters because the Main Character, Crew, is kind of new and also doesn't know everyone. He is also a bit of a whiny baby and I couldn't really connect to him.
There are a lot of internal monologue parts in this book. Maybe because Crew is so down on himself and keeps making choices that might not have been really smart. However, he is also adorable and charming and he has a kind of innocent the other people he works with, don't have. This makes him stand out and Cara really does a good job of giving him his own voice amongst the others.
There are also many, many other people to keep track off. It helps if you have read some (or all) of Cara's other books, as there are a lot of crossovers from characters from her other books. Most of them are only mentioned by name and you are not really missing out on anything or getting a spoiler if you haven't read those books yet.
At the start of each chapter, we get a couple of sentences about what the others on Crew's team are doing at the same time. The rest of the story is told through Crew's POV, first person, and we don't really get to know Adrien at all, except through Crew.
I would classify this book as action, not romance, even though there are some romantic moments. It's high paced but I don't think this book has a lot of angst/suspense, which I think is going to change in the next book.
Now remember, there are two more books to come in this series. So I think it's safe to say that absolutely nothing is getting resolved in this book. There might me more information released and certain allies found, but still. Actually, nothing much is happening. There is just a build up to, what I can only hope, will be an epic finale.
If you can't stand to wait for the next book, just wait another month or so and I think/hope all four books in this series will be released so you can read everything at once. That being said, this book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger so you could also just try jumping into this series right now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are a lot of internal monologue parts in this book. Maybe because Crew is so down on himself and keeps making choices that might not have been really smart. However, he is also adorable and charming and he has a kind of innocent the other people he works with, don't have. This makes him stand out and Cara really does a good job of giving him his own voice amongst the others.
There are also many, many other people to keep track off. It helps if you have read some (or all) of Cara's other books, as there are a lot of crossovers from characters from her other books. Most of them are only mentioned by name and you are not really missing out on anything or getting a spoiler if you haven't read those books yet.
At the start of each chapter, we get a couple of sentences about what the others on Crew's team are doing at the same time. The rest of the story is told through Crew's POV, first person, and we don't really get to know Adrien at all, except through Crew.
I would classify this book as action, not romance, even though there are some romantic moments. It's high paced but I don't think this book has a lot of angst/suspense, which I think is going to change in the next book.
Now remember, there are two more books to come in this series. So I think it's safe to say that absolutely nothing is getting resolved in this book. There might me more information released and certain allies found, but still. Actually, nothing much is happening. There is just a build up to, what I can only hope, will be an epic finale.
If you can't stand to wait for the next book, just wait another month or so and I think/hope all four books in this series will be released so you can read everything at once. That being said, this book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger so you could also just try jumping into this series right now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2023
4.25 Stars!
You need to read this series in order, starting with Rogue Launch. This is a standalone series in that you do not need to read any of the author's other books to start this series; however, I won't guarantee that you won't want to read her other books afterward to learn more about the various characters. This book picks up right where Rogue Launch ended, but the reader now follows Crew Finley instead of following Joel and Elliott. He and Ryan are chasing down a cartel freelancer trying like them all to find a lead to their loved ones. While there are small moments with the other characters' points of view, the focus is on Crew throughout this one.
This book is as fast-paced and action-packed as the first one. It's clear that Crew was a good soldier and that he is tired of everyone being protective of him. However, after reading this book, I can see why his family and friends were concerned. Not that I think he necessarily made bad choices, but the others will definitely be questioning him later. I loved that they started bonding over their mutual love of their families. As two people who start out as enemies, their conversations definitely opened their minds to each other even as they hold so much back from each other. Adrien and Crew's attraction to each other muddies the waters as they both try to do their jobs. While I don't envy their positions, I could see why they made the decisions they did; I am definitely glad that Crew made the decision he did at the end. I think Adrien is going to need him in more than one way. I would have given a lot to get even a short view inside Adrien's head at the end of the book.
Not surprisingly, Joel and Elliott are clearly still at each other's throats; it'll be interesting to see how and when the glacier between them melts. The frustration the team all feels as they try to catch up to the situation they are in is palatable. I have a feeling Crew will have to deal with a lot of fallout from what happened here; hopefully, he made the right choice here, even as everyone seems to doubt him. The Tenley twins are up in the next book, and I have a feeling they will be ruthless in their hunt for Shay. I can't wait.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
You need to read this series in order, starting with Rogue Launch. This is a standalone series in that you do not need to read any of the author's other books to start this series; however, I won't guarantee that you won't want to read her other books afterward to learn more about the various characters. This book picks up right where Rogue Launch ended, but the reader now follows Crew Finley instead of following Joel and Elliott. He and Ryan are chasing down a cartel freelancer trying like them all to find a lead to their loved ones. While there are small moments with the other characters' points of view, the focus is on Crew throughout this one.
This book is as fast-paced and action-packed as the first one. It's clear that Crew was a good soldier and that he is tired of everyone being protective of him. However, after reading this book, I can see why his family and friends were concerned. Not that I think he necessarily made bad choices, but the others will definitely be questioning him later. I loved that they started bonding over their mutual love of their families. As two people who start out as enemies, their conversations definitely opened their minds to each other even as they hold so much back from each other. Adrien and Crew's attraction to each other muddies the waters as they both try to do their jobs. While I don't envy their positions, I could see why they made the decisions they did; I am definitely glad that Crew made the decision he did at the end. I think Adrien is going to need him in more than one way. I would have given a lot to get even a short view inside Adrien's head at the end of the book.
Not surprisingly, Joel and Elliott are clearly still at each other's throats; it'll be interesting to see how and when the glacier between them melts. The frustration the team all feels as they try to catch up to the situation they are in is palatable. I have a feeling Crew will have to deal with a lot of fallout from what happened here; hopefully, he made the right choice here, even as everyone seems to doubt him. The Tenley twins are up in the next book, and I have a feeling they will be ruthless in their hunt for Shay. I can't wait.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
August 9, 2023
2.65 ⭐'s
OK/good characters, OK story, OK sex.
There's nothing wrong with this book, but I got bored in the end.
Too little development in their relationship until the end, and when they finally fucked, it was a little rough thankfully, but too tame for me.
I'm a dirty bitch, I need more filth to be satisfied. 😉
It was a good setup, one guy was a little submissive and clearly in need of a daddy, and the other guy was cool, calm, collected, confident, and a little dominant.
But to my great disappointment nothing ever came of it.
I just needed.. More.
I also never felt any great chemistry between them, I need sparks dammit.
She has written other books that I've loved, so I will read more by her in the future, but this one sadly wasn't for me.
I need more D/s in my romances.
And I don't fault this one for not having it, as it wasn't promised, but I guess I was still kinda hoping for at least something, as I knew what the author had written before.
Believe the blurb I guess is the lesson of the day.
But sometimes I can live with less heat, if the story captures my interest, and there was nothing wrong with it, it just didn't hook me I guess.
Also the top is a little bland, I needed him to be more defined to be interesting. He's barley a character, he's mostly some loose superficial traits.
But absolutely worst and most unforgivable of all.. There's no ending?! It just cuts off, basically mid-scene, and continues in the next book?!
But that book isn't about them, so their story is basically done, even though they just got together like one page ago, and have a ton of stuff to figure out.
So we're never gonna get a true wrap up of their story, other as an aside in some other book down the line..
It's very anti-climactic and unsatisfactory.
- Big thumbs down energy lady. 👎
At least finish each relationship thread, so it feels satisfactory for the reader, please. 🙏🥺
OK/good characters, OK story, OK sex.
There's nothing wrong with this book, but I got bored in the end.
Too little development in their relationship until the end, and when they finally fucked, it was a little rough thankfully, but too tame for me.
I'm a dirty bitch, I need more filth to be satisfied. 😉
It was a good setup, one guy was a little submissive and clearly in need of a daddy, and the other guy was cool, calm, collected, confident, and a little dominant.
But to my great disappointment nothing ever came of it.
I just needed.. More.
I also never felt any great chemistry between them, I need sparks dammit.
She has written other books that I've loved, so I will read more by her in the future, but this one sadly wasn't for me.
I need more D/s in my romances.
And I don't fault this one for not having it, as it wasn't promised, but I guess I was still kinda hoping for at least something, as I knew what the author had written before.
Believe the blurb I guess is the lesson of the day.
But sometimes I can live with less heat, if the story captures my interest, and there was nothing wrong with it, it just didn't hook me I guess.
Also the top is a little bland, I needed him to be more defined to be interesting. He's barley a character, he's mostly some loose superficial traits.
But absolutely worst and most unforgivable of all.. There's no ending?! It just cuts off, basically mid-scene, and continues in the next book?!
But that book isn't about them, so their story is basically done, even though they just got together like one page ago, and have a ton of stuff to figure out.
So we're never gonna get a true wrap up of their story, other as an aside in some other book down the line..
It's very anti-climactic and unsatisfactory.
- Big thumbs down energy lady. 👎
At least finish each relationship thread, so it feels satisfactory for the reader, please. 🙏🥺
August 2, 2023
Enemy Combatant, the second book in The Renegades series, has me completely hooked. I can't get enough of Cara's writing, and this installment is shaping up to be another one of my favorites. If you're planning to read it, make sure to start with book one to fully grasp the overall plot.
I was thrilled to meet the new couple, Crew, and Adrien. Crew is a Finlay through and through, and if you've read The Games series or Auctioned, you'll recognize him.
The banter and snark between them are simply fantastic and kept me thoroughly entertained.
The book delivers a perfect blend of romance, action, and crime elements, reminding me of the engaging vibes from the Auctioned series. I loved how Cara managed to bring together some of my favorite characters from the series while introducing new ones and their captivating journeys.
The plot takes unexpected turns, leaving me on the edge of my seat and eagerly anticipating book three. Personally, I can't wait to see what Cara has in store for the Tenley twins. Their story has intrigued me from the start, and I'm excited to see how it unfolds.
Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say that this installment went places I would have never guessed. The chemistry between Crew and Adrien is palpable, and their enemies-to-lovers journey is simply epic.
Crew is a fantastic character, and I found myself empathizing with his strengths and struggles. His love for family and friends revealed the size of his heart, and I couldn't help but adore him.
This book is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with a touch of romance. Although the love story develops at a slower pace, the connection between the characters is undeniably strong.
Cara Dee's writing is superb, and the plot keeps me fully engaged throughout. The story moves along seamlessly, and the camaraderie among the characters adds to the overall appeal.
In conclusion, Enemy Combatant is an enthralling continuation of The Renegades series that keeps me eager for more. With suspense, action, and romance all wrapped up together, Cara has created another winner.
I can't wait to dive into the next book and see what awaits Crew and Adrien as well as the other characters in this thrilling series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I was thrilled to meet the new couple, Crew, and Adrien. Crew is a Finlay through and through, and if you've read The Games series or Auctioned, you'll recognize him.
The banter and snark between them are simply fantastic and kept me thoroughly entertained.
The book delivers a perfect blend of romance, action, and crime elements, reminding me of the engaging vibes from the Auctioned series. I loved how Cara managed to bring together some of my favorite characters from the series while introducing new ones and their captivating journeys.
The plot takes unexpected turns, leaving me on the edge of my seat and eagerly anticipating book three. Personally, I can't wait to see what Cara has in store for the Tenley twins. Their story has intrigued me from the start, and I'm excited to see how it unfolds.
Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say that this installment went places I would have never guessed. The chemistry between Crew and Adrien is palpable, and their enemies-to-lovers journey is simply epic.
Crew is a fantastic character, and I found myself empathizing with his strengths and struggles. His love for family and friends revealed the size of his heart, and I couldn't help but adore him.
This book is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with a touch of romance. Although the love story develops at a slower pace, the connection between the characters is undeniably strong.
Cara Dee's writing is superb, and the plot keeps me fully engaged throughout. The story moves along seamlessly, and the camaraderie among the characters adds to the overall appeal.
In conclusion, Enemy Combatant is an enthralling continuation of The Renegades series that keeps me eager for more. With suspense, action, and romance all wrapped up together, Cara has created another winner.
I can't wait to dive into the next book and see what awaits Crew and Adrien as well as the other characters in this thrilling series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
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