Red Hunt

Sec Ops Group #2

by Kat Bammer

She’s living a double life. He’s a former operator who will protect her.
No matter what.


Saving others is what I do.
Even after walking away from the military.
Security Operations Group Bravo is my new team.
My new mission.

I wasn't looking for her.
But, suddenly, there she is.
Scared, hurt,
and utterly irresistible.

My fellow teammates may mock me.
But I don't care.
My head tells me she's trouble.
My heart tells me to stay close.
And my gut tells me she needs my protection.

But nothing could have prepared me for the truth.
The secrets she keeps from me and
the danger she's in.
But she's a fighter.
My fighter.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Google, Amazon

Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

I write contemporary romantic suspense featuring alpha heroes who fall madly in love with the woman they're meant to be with—but who doesn't keel over, just because he's super-gorgeous, attentive, and overprotective.

Join their wild ride to Happy-Ever-After, jam-packed with heart-wrenching dark pasts, exciting obstacles, and sizzling chemistry.

When I'm not writing, I'm busy being a mom to the world's best kiddos or trying to keep my home under control (somehow I can't seem to make that one work). I'm an IT-Tech by day and by night I love to lose myself in a good romance book with a swoon-worthy hero and a kick-ass heroine.

Reviews

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading)]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In Guardian Hero, book 2 of The Sec Ops series, Bammer  delivered another suspenseful story served up with a side of romance, which will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Guardian Hero continues the events occurring in book one, while focusing on a different couple, Max and Millie. Max appearance in Hero of my Dreams intrigued me. I wanted to know more about this brooding individual who buys a house in every location the Sec Ops Team worked in. Guardian Hero provided insight into the reasons for this action. Unfortunately, he never found the sense of belonging and the peace he yearned for from this action. Millie's appearance in his life helped him to recognize that the thing he searched for could only be achieved by letting go of the pain of his past.

Now Max is the type of hero which will make you swoon. It warmed the heart to see someone hardened by life in the military, so gentle in his treatment of others. The way he treated Millie will have one swooning in no time. Now Millie had suffered physical and emotional trauma during her childhood. Her way of fighting back, and to aid in preventing what happened to her from happening to other children, involved using hacking skills.

Initially, she struck me as timid, which didn’t surprise me given her past. However, as the story progressed, she faced her fears head on. She made me proud, especially when forced to face the demons from her past. Definitely a survivor and no longer a victim.

From the moment Milli and Max came in contact with each other, sparks ignited between them. Despite her fear of men, Millie was drawn to Max. He was the first person whose touch didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. Now, despite their growing to each other, there remained a hesitancy on both their parts. Eventually, they moved beyond the fears holding them back and embraced the chance for happiness.

The story hinted at the events in Milli’s past. However, the story failed to shed light on these events. How did she end up in that situation and how did she escape it were among the questions on my mind while reading? Questions to which no answers were provided. Also, it would have been nice to have received a little more insight into Max’s past.

The suspense thread continued from the previous book. Now, as much as I enjoyed the fast-paced scenes, which kept me on the edge of my seat, there were a few things that had me scratching my head. I may not know a lot about US law enforcement, but I am certain DEA would not be involved in a human trafficking case. There are still some loose ends, so hopefully the next book will shed some light on the DEA’s involvement.  

Overall, Guardian Hero delivered an interesting read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the SOG series. Milli had a horrific childhood and has just started to trust others and form friendships. Not only is she the librarian at the local library but she’s been working at her grandfather’s store while he’s in the hospital. She’s determined to be a survivor and not seen as weak. Milli meets Max for the first time when she literally runs into him in the hospital. She feels a pull towards Max that scares her but also excites her. Max is new to Moon Lake and has just been hired on part time as an EMT. He and his military brothers are part of the SOG team that Carter has set up. He’s just bought a house that is the temporary office for SOG but Max bought it for the quiet and solitude.

This book had me hooked from the start. The pull between Max and Milli is undeniable and sparks fly from the start. Max has a moment where I want to scream at him but is a sweetheart and is very protective of Milli. He knows some of her past and believes she’s a survivor and not as weak as she thinks she is. Milli is part of a secret team trying to uncover a human trafficking ring. She gets caught in some situations and she has to decide between fight or flight. Little do they know but they are fighting for the same side.

I don’t want to reveal too much except to say this book had me feeling so many emotions. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next and has become my new favourite book. A must read!! I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sofia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate this book.

First, I must say that I will never tell someone how they should be handling their trauma. That isn't what I'm about and I am fully aware that trauma is handled differently by everyone. However, in this case, I don't think it was handled reasonably at all.

Chances are that I am probably reading too much into this book, considering the fact that is doesn't even seem that serious, but this book just pissed me off to the point where I was skimming every page.

At the beginning of the book, Milli is easily scared, she's hurt, terrified, and all the above. Then she sees Max and thinks to herself, "I don't want to be 'weak' anymore, I want to be strong and that's what I'm going to be," and then she just goes and does that, easy-peasy. The best we get are a few moments where she's going into herself in the beginning of the story, and then she just magically overcomes a bunch of stuff without heavy struggle throughout the rest of the story, because being with Max simply feels right. However, right before she met Max, she was genuinely not okay with anything. Not even mediocre, friendly grazes of the arm, or hugs from friends. She meets Max, experiences attraction, and lo and behold, she decides she wants to be better.

All for a man she barely knows. It took a man for her to get the mentality of "Oh, I don't wanna be a victim anymore."

I think what I'm really trying to get at here, is that this book makes me think it's saying "Oh, victims of this type of trauma can just decide to be strong." Obviously, having the mentality of getting better is needed, but this book treats it as being effective solely by itself. Your mentality is important for improving yourself, but it is not the only thing that matters, and mentality in and of itself usually cannot alter someone's behaviors or involuntary reactions. I don't think any victim of this type of trauma wants to be perceived as weak. No one wants to be a victim, but that trauma and that identity isn't solved merely by seeing a man, or by thinking "Oh, I don't wanna be that anymore." It's solved through time and repetitive behaviors that help one to develop consistent patterns and habits. I don't think Milli seeing Max and interacting with a him a few times is enough to make her say "Oh, I'm gonna change everything about myself, all of my learned habits and behaviors, just like that, with a few thoughts, to be with this man." That mentality should have existed long before him is she truly had gone to therapy and done a bunch of other things.

I honestly think this book would have worked better if it had focused solely on her journey through navigating through her trauma with Max instead the badass team of military peeps taking down trafficking rings. I honestly think trauma was initially meant to be the focus of this story, but then the author just veered all over the damn place and decided this was an action novel for some reason. This book could have delved deeply and created a beautiful journey of rediscovery and healing.

It didn't.

Alongside that, there was a very specific quote in this book that just further made me hate it. Here it is:

"-Because there's no such thing as a child prostitute. To become a prostitute involves a choice."

Bull-fucking-shit.

That quote helped me realize that this book really was as tone deaf as I felt it was. Ever heard of forced prostitution? I have and it's awful, and I hate that this book take's it and says that becoming a prostitute involves choice when it usually doesn't. Ever heard of pimps? Sex traffickers? You know, the scum of the earth that are featured in this novel and FORCE women to sell themselves?

This book is just not it, and I do not recommend reading it. I have given my thoughts on it, and interpret them however you want, but just know that it doesn't portray a good story that delves deep into the trauma of crimes such as these.

Oh and as a side note, there is no fucking detail in this story regarding Milli's past. There is barely anything given to highlight the tragedies she suffered or to explain how they came about and why they occurred.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The SEP OPS Group Series and it is Max and Milli's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Max is part of The SEP OPS Group that Carter started after they all got out of the military and it was just what Max needed and loved to do and he has now bought a house in Moon Lake and they are using it as there base for the next assignment and Max was also a EMT at the hospital but there OPS Group saved children and women from being trafficked and at the moment two women were missing and they were following leads as they know that they are in there area and also he has had Intel on a new group called Regneva doing the same work as Max and his friend's so they would need to find out who they are. Milli was a part time librarian, kept her grandpa's grocery shop going and she was also part of a group on the internet so with her grandpa in hospital again because he has broken his hip she is so busy but she has had a very difficult life that has left her broken but she has a sister and great friend's to be there for her. Max and Milli met at the hospital when she walked into him and then when she had a accident on her bike and it was Max that rescued her. The more time that they spend together the stronger there connection, chemistry and feelings for each other grows but with the life that they have both had will they take a leap to see where it will lead and hopefully have a relationship or will they just remain friend's. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down but the roller coaster ride of emotions with everything that has happened had me in tears but I still had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. I can't wait to read more books by Kat Bammer who is an amazing author and writer and her books are so addictive and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Milli’s story left me on the edge of my seat, grinding my teeth and desperate to find out what happened next. Right from the first, this couple had me immersed in their story, glued to the pages until I had read the last word. Their’s is a story of not only blossoming love, but also survival, redemption and the seeking of justice. Milli is an inspiring, stronger-than-she-thinks woman and Max is a hero worthy of her love. They make a very memorable couple.

Her horrible, unimaginable childhood has made Milli determined to help others in the same situation and to apprehend the predators still out there preying on the innocent. Though her family and friends in her hometown have rallied around her and support her, Milli believes they see her as weak and damaged beyond repair. Touch and affection are hard for her to endure and often trigger her PTSD, but right from the moment they meet, Milli inexplicably trusts Max not to hurt her, and feels a connection to him. Even though he has come to her rescue, Max doesn’t see Milli as a victim. He sees her as a strong and resilient survivor. Their chemistry is hot, fierce and palpable. It takes all of Max’s restraint and control not to sweep Milli up and claim her instantly. Milli surprises him time and again as they and their teams work toward exposing and taking down the predators that are all too close. They struggle with their growing feelings and their insecurities, but ultimately they let love win. This is a book that will be read again and again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Wanted It to Be Better

I was drawn in by the premise but in the end, am ambivalent about this story. There wasn’t enough character development, the plot was messy and not cohesive, the way these operatives approached the situation was chaotic and not well planned and if these were the folks responsible for saving me, I would be worried. It wasn’t particularly suspenseful. Also, if what we’re looking at here is a possible human trafficking situation - even one involving a cartel - the FBI would be lead on it (as they have jurisdiction over human trafficking crimes), not the DEA. Finally, the book itself could have used some work by an editor, (a) to address the plot/character issues mentioned, but also (b) because there were some really odd or just incorrect uses of words here. For instance, Max was running through the overgrown woods (which itself was weird) and had to stop to “entangle” himself from the plants. I assume this was a typo and was meant to be disentangle. There was a reference to a hallway being “scantily” lit - that’s an odd and not really appropriate choice of words in that context. Maybe “dimly” or “sparsely” would have been better. The bad guys were described as “dismounting” from the van. Also not really the right word there. And Carter was described as “silently” talking to someone on the phone when I think the author really meant “softly” or “quietly.” I’m generally not one to pick at these types of things (this review notwithstanding) but when the story itself is lacking, these more technical issues are sure to draw me out of the story.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be so much better than it was. I was hoping it would be even better than the first book in the series, but sadly... it wasn't. The story was just flat and there was barely any buildup of their connection to each other. Even the exciting parts were mostly bland.

The wording on things in this book were just off, too. Who dismounts from a van? Did nobody proofread this or something?

The story had some issues, too. At the beginning, she would lock up if a man so much as touched her shoulder. Move forward only a few days, and she is flat out asking someone to sleep with her. That is a huge jump in practically no time at all. That's not enough time for them to build up their connection, and then all of a sudden, they love each other. I really can't stand insta-love, and this is one of the worst because it doesn't think it is.

There definitely, 100%, needed to be more groveling involved from Max.

I give this book 2.5 stars, rounding down to 2.
I was considering continuing this series, but I just can't. We already know the pair-ups from here, but I just don't care enough to deal with the bland stories and odd writing. I am giving up on this series from here, moving on to other things.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers, I absolutely loved this book. It pulled me in from the beginning and kept me reading until the end. I absolutely loved Max and Milli. Milli had a heartbreaking childhood and is doing what she can to improve her life. All the friends she’s made are helping and are showing her what real friendships are all about. I fell for Max after what he did at the grocery store, at the beginning of this story. Such a sweetheart. That’s not to say I didn’t want to slap him a time or two, lol. He is a guy after all. I loved the meeting between Max and Milli at the hospital. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I will say this is now my favorite book by Kat Bammer and I’m looking forward to reading more about Max’s teammates and their roads to their happily ever afters.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the second book in this series and though you don't need to read it to enjoy this latest offering I would recommend it just because it is another great read

Max left the military along with his brothers in arms and they are all working for Sec Ops Group the security company that carter started and the are of expertise is trafficking of women and children and they know that there is a group working in the area There is also another group working on this but they are more behind the keyboard. When Max and Milli literally crash into one another at the hospital Max is instantly attracted to her but knows that she is damaged and he cannot push. As they spend more time together and work the case as their two groups join forces the attraction grows but can they have a future You will have to read to see

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite her horrific childhood, Milli is moving on, but she doesn't yet trust her new friends with her past. Max blows into her life, and they both find themselves wanting what they thought they'd never have. Despite their age difference, they click, with off-the-charts chemistry. Milli's friends are wonderful and so protective, warning Max about hurting her. He gets it from his friends as well, especially when he messes up with Milli. But he's (mostly!) a keeper. The book is incredible, written loosely on the same time frame as the first book - I'm in awe that they author can keep the timing straight between the two stories. Besides the romance, the book is full of action and danger, mystery and suspense, new and old friendships. I just loved the book, and am looking forward to the next one. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how this book started with an over lap of timeline with the first book and how the two stories intertwined as well as the fact if you haven't read the first book you wouldn't feel like you were missing things. In saying the I highly recommend you do read the first book if you haven't as it's great. Max and Milli are fantastic, Max is alpha but gentle when he needs to be while Milli is about to finally take control of her life and Max is going to help her do that. I love the mix of danger, vulnerability (not just from Milli) an attraction that can't be denied, friends who protect their own as well as heartbreak and determination. I can not wait for the next book and see which one of the Sec Ops guys will fall in love!

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guardian Hero is the 2nd book in the Sec Ops Group series and it takes place at the same time as the first book which means that some of the events taking place are familiar, but told from a different POV. I highly recommend reading the books in order! Milli and Max are both great characters and Milli especially shows remarkable inner strength through the course of the book. There is a bit more steam than in the first book and a satisfying HFN, but the danger is far from over, creating a mini-cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Strength and courage leads to love.

Milli is a survivor. Max is part of the Sec Ops Group, new to Moon Lake. A chance rescue throws them together and curiosity and sparks fly. Milli and Max had horrific childhoods. It's how they survive those that draw them to the same type of occupation and determination to end such tragedies. The question for these two is if they can overcome those horrors to let love in. Though this book can be read alone, I totally recommend the Moon Lake series that started the whole group of characters in this book.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milli was by far the biggest surprise (and an impressive one) in this book. She really has a core of steel when she wants to — especially when it comes to preventing others from becoming a victim like she was. Even though she and Max have a pretty good age difference between themselves, the love that starts to shine through very rapidly was beautiful to see. Now I’ve just got to grab the next one in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbie-Ann Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I had to take a little time to compose myself and get my thoughts clear in my head before I put them in a review.
Wow this book was amazingly written. Once I started I couldn’t put it down till I was finished. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get there happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second read in the "Sec Ops Group" series. This is an intriguing story about Milli and Max. In my opinion it is a must read and absolutely had me from the first page until the very end. These two end up meeting at the hospital and then ends up rescuing her. The attraction is strong between these two. This story is more than it seems with suspense and great twists and turns. I love how the relationship grows between these two characters. A great story with some emotional and tragic elements.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful story. My heart went out to child Millie. Millie had survived a traumatic childhood and was making something of herself. As an adult she was dealing with her issues but still shied away from others. She meets Max and they hit it off. They eventually begin dating. He works for Sec Ops who are fighting trafficing rings. When you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down. The characters have great chemistry and the book flows effortlessly. You will be entertained for hours.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strength in Survival

This is a new to me author and I’m so glad I found this gem. Although this book deals with child abuse and human trafficking, it’s focus is on strength and reinventing yourself after survival. I love how Millie discovers the she is strong and should no longer act like a victim. Her character blossoms throughout the book. Max is absolutely perfect for her. I loved getting to know the characters, especially the town and how the support her. Great story and I will be reading more from this author.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a suspenseful book with all the feels

I loved this small town romantic suspense story. Millie and Max first meeting is online , and already they have great chemistry . Although Millie’s past is very troubled, and very dark, the story itself isn’t . Max is a very attractive, typical protective ex- military, now working in the Sec Ops, doing good. They have great conversations and are very open and honest with each other, which is quite refreshing. There is a significant age gap between them , but that’s not an issue. I liked the spicy parts , I wished there were more (:

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so loving this series- lots of action/suspense with just the right mix of steamy romance. The storyline may be a trigger for some; however, the author handles it with care and highlights the work of those that work to make the world a better place. Each story can be a standalone - but I am really enjoying reading them in order as the author braids the storylines together. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Sec Ops Group book 2 love story for Milli and Max. Oh this book will have you in a wore wind of emotional ride. I cried for little Milli and what she went through when she was a kid. But she is strong and brave and a survivor and someone to be proud of. I hated that Max hurts this beautiful flower only to fix that hurt and heal her one kiss at a time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Mac was thoughtful, protective and also alpha. He adores Milli from the second he meets her. I loved the explosive passion they show after they settle in together. He worships her but she gets hurt and things go on the rocks for s while.
This was dramatic, intriguing but also intense. Well written with excellent characters and I loved the team spirit. So good!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Milli kept me glued to the pages of their exciting story. She has lived through a horrific upbringing and doesn't trust easily but she and Max connect and bond. She has friends that guards her and warns Max about hurting her. This touching story had me connecting with Max and Milli while cheering them on to finding happiness!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic and had me enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flowed throughout the book. Millie has dark secret that she has ptsd and chance meeting max in the hospital and behind the scenes can they find away to be together or is Millie afraid to let go of her past and move forward?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Boustead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave

Great story and a little bit scary, great characters Max and Milli each with their own teams and friends who care and love them find each other by accident and stay together by love. There is a large age gap but it works for them. Was having trouble finding Red Hunt when I bought it the title was Guardian Hero with the same characters. I hope you find this story and read it.

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Guardian Hero
Max & Milli pull you in from the start.
A great addition to this new series, and full of suspense and steam
This is my favorite by Kat Bammer so far, and I cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve for the rest of the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max is part of the SEC OPS Group and they are working to take down some bad people. Milli has a very traumatic childhood that has made her very leary of people touching her. This is so realistic and heart wrenching ,but it also shows what you can do when needed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of Sec Ops who fight human trafficking we find Milli who has had a terrible childhood but is determined to make a better life for herself and Max who works for Sec Ops. He is older than Milli but they are attracted to each other and her friends even warn Max about hurting her but they are perfect for each other.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Max a lot. I like Milli and I love that she is so strong and doing her best to overcome. I like the way her friends care for her. I like the action and the heroics that Max and his team enact while fighting the bad guys. I haven't read the first book, but that did not effect my enjoyment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was both charming & painful as you see the character battle & win against their trauma. Max is so sweet, gentle & just a bit afraid. Glad he pulled his head in. Seeing Milli find her courage was beautiful. Action, suspense & romance all mixed in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.