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He's the last person she wants messing up all her hard work.

Jessica Bowen knows responsibility, learned it at a young age. Living through something horrific she somehow managed to hold most of her family together and build a life for herself. A life that isn't the one she planned but it's one she can be proud of, where she can make a difference and save lives. Until he shows up threatening to destroy everything she's worked so hard to achieve.

Mason "Scorpion" Markson was looking forward to a vacation when he gets a call that the spoiled, selfish sister of an old friend is in trouble. He shouldn't go into a cult after her, it's more hassle than its worth, and yet he owes it to his friend to save his sister. The last thing he expects to find when he goes undercover is a calm, competent, capable woman who has a whole lot of anger and hostility towards him.

She's not who he was led to believe she was, so why did her brother lie about her?

If you loved USA today bestselling author Jane Blythe's inclusions in Susan Stoker's Operation Alpha world, you'll be thrilled with BRUTAL SCARS, the third book in the Prey Bravo Team series.

Scroll up and one click to start this thrilling military romantic suspense filled with alpha heroes, tough heroines, danger, action, and love! HEA guaranteed!

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2024

708 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Jane Blythe

118 books1,365 followers
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USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

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5 stars
673 (62%)
4 stars
271 (25%)
3 stars
111 (10%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,319 reviews166 followers
December 27, 2025
It is so nice to be back with Jane Blythe’s hunkalicious military men in Brutal Scars, the third book in the Prey Security: Bravo Team series. We start out hot and it doesn’t end until the happy every after. Brutal Scars is filled with action and adventure and Jane has no qualms about putting her characters through the proverbial wringer.

In Brutal Scars, we will get Jessica Bowen and Mason “Scorpion” Markson’s story. Mason thinks he knows Jessica’s story, but he is in for a rude awakening when he volunteers to join a cult to rescue her. We know Jane Blythe writes about strong female characters, so we know Jessica is no shrinking violet. She feels his appearance is going to ruin everything.

Jessica had a horrendous childhood and Mason is in for a big surprise when she tells him like it is. He is looking forward to coming face to face with her brother, David. But, first, they will have to survive their time in the cult. The cult leader has an agenda and feels anyone that doesn’t believe his way of life is the only way, they plan to eliminate. It’s up to Jessica and Mason to save the day.

I love romantic suspense novels. Sure, they all have a similar format…Damsel in distress, knight in (un)shining armor comes to save the day and they live happily ever after…and that is what I am looking for.

See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,059 reviews23 followers
March 12, 2024
This is the best book in this series so far. The storyline was a suspenseful adventure without being so dark that I couldn’t completely enjoy it.

Jess is an undercover in a crazy cult. She is feisty and confident. Masson goes into save her not knowing the full story. As they both face a fanatic leader they grow closer.

“Uh-oh,” Trick muttered. “Another one falls,” Panther added.
Profile Image for zen_s.
2,015 reviews17 followers
March 24, 2024
why did i push to finish this book? i have no idea because the execution is horrible, plus it's fill of contradictions. when there are so much contradictions, it just tells me the author's plot wasn't well thought of, and the more she wrote, the more she doesn't know wtf she's writing.

first thing that felt odd for me was why did the heroine wrote a letter to her brother about joining a cult and will no longer have contact with him based on the description of their relationship. because the heroine doesn't seem to have any bits of relationship with her brother, but bother to send him a letter?

secondly is the contradiction of both the hero and heroine. the heroine was blabbering about being undercover trying to save the world and the hero was gonna blow her cover yada yada yada, but she slept with him the first chance she got. additionally, both of them don't even like each other much. their connection was whacky plus tacky as hell. and after they got caught sleeping with each other and was forced to separate, suddenly their minds are filled with each other. worrying if each other is safe, what they are doing blah blah blah... like totally forgetting what exactly was the priority mission they had to do.

lastly, the confrontation between the heroine and her brother was pretty anti-climatic. i don't feel any anger from the heroine towards her brother, boring...

i will not be continuing the series any more because it has been rather disappointing since the first book. my time could have been used to read better books.
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,196 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2024
Brutal Scars

This story is a rollercoaster ride of cults, familial abuse, kidnapping, cruelty to children, and every drain on society that hurts someone. The storyline is intense, riveting and unbearable in many ways. This author portrays these characters in such away that the reader falls into the story at such a deep level that 3 hours pass without you being aware of it. I will say there are some triggers in this book but they are handled tactfully and without dramatic addons. The main characters in this are Mason " Scorpion" and Jessica who have history through her brother. Her parents died while she was young and she became the mom in the household and the abuse went on for her until her and her sister were adopted by a nice family. Through a massive case of miscommunication there were many obstacles for them to overcome. The brotherhood and family of the Prey operatives are valuesI wish every family had. This author holds your heart and soul in her hand until she let's you go. You will feel every tear, laugh, and love and will continue reading this series because it has become an obsession.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,239 reviews34 followers
March 14, 2024
There's a lot of darkness, both past and present, in Brutal Scars. Lies, deception, a religious cult bent on terrorism and family cruelty are the dark parts. The lighter side? A strong, resilient, smart and self-sacrificing woman who's willing to jeopardize her safety to save the innocent. Also, a former Delta Force Operator who puts aside his personal life in order to help the sister of a friend. Mason 'Scorpion' Markson and Jessica Bowen have a history and it's not a good one. They've formed opinions of one another based on false information. All that aside, finding and observing her at the Seeds of Life cult compound has him rethinking his assumptions. Realizing her role he does the only thing he can. He becomes her partner, if for no other reason than to keep her safe and alive. As things play out these two grow close despite the dangers. Convincing her he's in it for the long haul will take some doing. After all, every one she's ever counted on has walked away.
Profile Image for Jennifer Smith.
78 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
sadly annoying

This could have been amazing. Why does Eagle send Mason in to “rescue” Jessica when they know she is an undercover cop? Why don’t they challenge his clearly inaccurate description of her? Why does he consistently put her in danger from the moment he arrives? He’s supposed to be an amazing operator? How can they possibly think it’s okay to have sex in Genesis’s tent after just having been caught in the forest. Most of the sex scenes are wasted because they just don’t seem feasible under the circumstances. Mason’s disdainful attitude toward Jessica is also hard to swallow. He should never have been allowed to go after her with that attitude. Why didn’t they stop the cult after she found the mass grave or heard the person being shot? Why did they have to wait till a whole city was almost poisoned? Too many annoying contradictions. Also no real dealing with the 24 hour delay on raiding the cult. Gah 😖
1,152 reviews13 followers
April 10, 2024
My rating 1 stars

Spoiler Alert!!!! … in detail! This is more like a rant! Forewarned!




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I am totally blown over how many liked this novel got … people have gotta be blind to this mess or so devoted to the author, they let this slip! This is not the Jane Blyth I signed up for!

Here is my rant! First, why did her brother call in Prey Securities? Did he not think that Scorpion might figure out that he lied? That was never explained. Second - she writes the letter to her brother … who she despises! Why!!! Third - in back story, brother pimps her out to friends, etc. and she ends up being a decorated cop?? What?? She could’ve arrested her brother … she had all the proof and power to take him down! But the kicker … this was the absolute kicker …. they jump each other’s bones in a place where they could have been caught … and well, sh%t … they got caught! Like really? When I read this I literally shouted out “no friggen chance”! These people are supposed to be smart, brave, yadda yadda but that was the complete opposite for me! Before you know it, the two main characters go from a deep hate to jumping each other’s bones. That was quick! I thought the FC was a bit of a martyr … her sisters were leaches and her brother a pimp! The finale was how the brother was arrested. You would think some big showdown! Nope … that drizzled down to a nothing

I really like Jane Blythe, but this was a complete disaster! She may just be on borrowed time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Caz.
949 reviews
June 14, 2024
Ok. I thought I would give book 3 a go. Blah! The only good thing is they are quick to read/skim.

This series is not that good, is she trying to churn them out and not putting enough into the plots.

I struggle to give this 2 stars only because I’ve read worse and that is what the 1 star is for.

So many things bothered me about this book least of all the stupid shit the do. They are meant to be freaking smart people. That was just annoying.

And what is with the magic number of 15 years. Last book shot happened between the two 15 years ago. This book magic is 15years again. Over it.

And why after all these months has this best agency in the world not got anything to help Beth. Grrrr.

This is another book where you can just skim the pages and still know what is happening by the end of it.

I think it could have been so much better.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,427 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2024
Unlikely finds

Mason/Scorpion and Jessica. Vacation turned into an unexpected mission to help a friend from the military. Except the friend is not a good friend, the facts and history he knew were wrong, and the mission involved an undercover cop, not a spoiled princess. Jessica lived through hell and thought Scorpion knew. Both have to adjust their perceptions of each other and the past as they work to stop a terrorist group/cult. The story is fast paced and the ending is great, but the part in the cult seems a little too predictable/cheesy. The cliffhanger was vague but helpful in promoting the question of what happened to Beth and sets us up for the next book!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,135 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2024
Brutal Scars

Wow! Another intense story by Jane! This story is about Mason (Scorpion) and Jessica. We get a little history of what Jessica had gone through as a child and now her being an undercover cop. As we continue reading this story, we gather that these two go from hating each other because of Jessica's past to falling in love. Jessica finally faces her brother and finds freedom from her past. Glad the bad guys were taken out. Glad these two are working on their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Jane! I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Libby Wadum.
94 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2024
Jessica and Scorpion

Jessica is an undercover cop who goes into a cult living off the land with other followers hoping to get into the inner circle. Scorpion from Prey Security Bravo Team finds out Jessica is missing and into a cult he goes undercover to help her get out. She doesn’t want his help . Find out how this story by Jane Blythe turns into a real life danger to Jessica . Do they have time for love.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,140 reviews87 followers
November 9, 2024
The team was ordered to take vacation, Mason ‘Scorpion’ Markson was going to a family reunion so his sister could enjoy id before her baby came. But before he could leave, Scorpion was called in and told his childhood BFF’s sister, Jessica Bowen had been absorbed into a local terrorist cult. Scorpion’s low opinion of Jessica was formed from the negativity spewed by her brother, he volunteered to get her out. Once in, a short talk with Jessica, Scorpion knew he’d been lied to.
Rating: 4stars
1,095 reviews
March 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book in the series. Scorpion and Jessica were great characters. Jessica was capable, confident and independent without being unlikeable. Scorpion was quick to realize how wrong his opinion was of Jessica and gracious enough to admit it. The plot was a good one and I enjoyed seeing the rest of the team come in and out of the book. Can't wait until for the next book.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,933 reviews35 followers
April 24, 2024
There were a few things that left me puzzled as to why. Despite that the author portrayed a strong Jess that beat the odds to become a strong women. Markson was shown as not infallible & someone who owned his mistakes & took steps. We have a bit of danger as they try to bring a mad man down sneaking abit of sexy chemistry in.
69 reviews
March 20, 2024
Emotional

This book is full of love. It touches on abuse. Bravery comes with sacrifice and honor. Happy to see them find each other and the bad guys got their just rewards. Most people and my family would love this.
I rate it top stars.
Profile Image for Carmen Walker.
11 reviews
March 29, 2024
A little bit twists and turns

I was upset with Jess and Mason taking risks by having relations (😁) while undercover, but finally the end of the cult. As always I wasn't disappointed, good reading.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,337 reviews146 followers
April 15, 2025
I personally struggled on how to rate and review this book, and a lot of it is due to headspace rather than quality/content.
The twists of this book were good, but did take a while to fully get into and I did want to shake the main characters on more than one occasion.
Profile Image for Pam.
857 reviews
November 4, 2025
An old friend needs a favor, his sister has gotten caught up in a cult. You cancel your vacation and go in to get her out only to discover there is more going on than you were aware of. This is an amazing original story with wonderful characters and lots of twist and turns. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,973 reviews10 followers
March 15, 2024
very good story

you’re right, we do have to rectify the penthouse problem since it’s yours now. Are you ready to get out of here?” “More than.”
536 reviews
March 23, 2024
Loved it can't wait for the next one to come out in this series
4,906 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2024
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
809 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2024
Chandra's Review

I truly enjoyed reading this book it intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read!🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,273 reviews35 followers
May 16, 2024
Mason has been sent in to save Jessica but why?

Especially when they what she is.

There is sparks between them.

Another great read.
Profile Image for Sarah.
286 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2024
Another great read.

Jane Blythe does it again. She tackles complicated issues and also adds a bit of suspense. Enjoyed Scorpion and Jess’s story.
Profile Image for Iman.
584 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2024
Skimmed a lot and them dnf-ed life is too short to power through blah books
2,304 reviews91 followers
March 9, 2024
4 1/2 stars
This third story in the Prey Security Bravo Team series is quite different from the previous two. However, it does have a tie linking all three books. I love how each book is disparate yet with a similar touch. Former Delta Force operative Mason ‘Scorpion’ Markson infiltrates a star-adoring cult to get Jessica Bowen out. Things are not what they seem… and that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Mason is a character who, I’m pleased to say, can admit when he’s made an error in judgement and does so willingly. He is an honourable man who is loyal and supportive of his family and friends. Mason is a true protector, and in this story proves that over and over. Jessica is an undercover policewoman who is determined to stop the leaders of the cult from succeeding in their horrifying plan. She is one very strong woman, probably because she’s been through so much growing up; she has great sass and is a quick thinker—thankfully! Dealing with the wickedness of the cult leaders is no walk in the park.

The ‘evil’ characters in this story are either self-delusional with a Godlike complex or psychopaths who enjoy inflicting pain and suffering on others. They make for very interesting and, at times, scary reading. The author is very astute with her descriptions, and you can almost feel their wickedness come through the pages, yet without it being over the top. The whole way through the story, I kept wondering how Mason and Jessica could possibly shut the cult down! What an incredible adventure of suspense this book takes you on.

This enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense story is one that you’ll find hard to put down once you’ve started.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,248 reviews54 followers
March 13, 2024
He couldn't not fall for her!

Scorpion's world comes to a halt, not only is everything he was ever told about Jess a lie, but she is one of the most selfless, determined and caring people he has ever met...the opposite of the spoiled princess he came to rescue! I love how quickly Scorpion realises that the info he has is wrong and that Jessica is so much more...she is everything. His everything.
The regrets and guilt begin to build as the truth dawns and whilst he knows he did what he could back then, as a protector it burns that he didn't do more. He is determined to stay now and "help" but he quickly realises his help may only hinder, which could cost them both their lives - it's a nightmare no protector wants to find themselves in. Stay or go? One wrong decision and even if Genesis doesn't kill him, the guilt of failing Jessica again just might. Scorpion and Jess were both lied to, both used as pawns by a master manipulator, this is a different manipulator, who is far more dangerous, to many more people, but for Jessica the price is the same....her life to save the life of others. There is no time for doubts, regrets or guilt but they must always keep their hope.
A fantastic read on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,078 reviews39 followers
March 20, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. The story was very captivating and well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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