Eine abenteuerlustige Fotografin gerät in Gefahr und landet am Ende in den starken Armen eines ehemaligen Navy SEALs.
Das Motto von Callum Ward Das Leben ist zum Leben da. Er hat den grausamsten Krieg überstanden und gute Freunde verloren, doch jetzt arbeitete er für Treasure Hunter Security. Wenn er nicht gerade auf archäologischen Ausgrabungen oder in Museen für Sicherheit sorgt und sich keine wilden Verfolgungsjagden liefert, sind Felsklettern, Rennen fahren und Skifahren genau sein Ding. Nichts – und niemand – hat ihn je dazu verleitet, den Fuß vom Gas zu nehmen … bis er auf einer Expedition in den kambodschanischen Dschungel eine meinungsstarke, kratzbürstige Fotografin kennenlernt.
Dani Navarro lebt für ihre Fotografie. Jahrelang war sie ihre Zuflucht vor ihrer Familie und deren oberflächlichem Lebensstil, Affären und Allüren. Mit ihrer Kamera in der Hand bereist sie die Welt, hält Momente im Leben anderer Menschen fest und vermeidet verhängnisvolle Flirts. Erst denkt sie, Cal Ward sei nicht anders als all die anderen Männer, mit denen sie bisher zu tun hatte, doch als sie bei ihrer Expedition zu einem verschollenen Tempel in Lebensgefahr gerät, entdeckt sie eine andere Seite an ihm – die des knallharten, klugen Beschützers.
Als sie von einem gefährlichen Ring von Antiquitätendealern angegriffen werden, müssen Cal und Dani zusammenarbeiten, um ihren Verfolgern immer einen Schritt voraus zu sein. Eine wilde Suche nach dem Tempel und einem unbezahlbaren Artefakt beginnt, doch mitten im tiefsten Dschungel finden sie vielleicht etwas noch viel Wertvolleres … die Liebe.
I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
Uncharted was the second book in the Treasure Hunter Security series by Anna Hackett. It was my first book by the author.
Callum “Cal” Ward was a former Navy Seal and current owner of Treasure Hunter Security with his siblings. He was gorgeous, rugged, tough and totally an alpha playboy. No strings, but all fun, all the time.
Daniella “Dani” Navarro was the beautiful, independent and world renown photographer. Her instinct behind the camera had provided some of the best shots in the world.
Cal and Dani had both been hired by a team of archeologists while they went in search of lost ruins in the Cambodian Jungle. The attraction was instant but Dani wanted nothing to do with the gorgeous charmer. As the search began to uncover danger, the two were thrust together frequently. Hackett then spun a take of suspense amongst the developing friendship.
Uncharted was told with multiple POV’s with the hero / heroine as the primary POV’s but the secondary characters also chimed in as pertinent. It was well written and intriguing. Hackett then set the stage well for other stories in the series with Logan falling next in Unexplored.
Anna Hackett strikes again, and when it comes to a corny quick hit romance with an interesting attempt at a subplot? She NEVER misses.
These novellas are the perfect palette cleanser, a shorter, more mindless read between longer heavier stuff, with the added benefit of some fuuuuuuun.
Does it always make sense? No. But after reads with romance as a subplot and more complicated things in the core plot, sometimes it feels nice to flip the script and have the romance as the main plot but also with a cool setting.
Uncharted is Book 2 in the Treasure Hunter Security series, a set of interconnected standalones with a new main couple each book. Can be read in any order with not much trouble, but if you do read in order, you get the added bonus of understanding the overarching plot that connects all the books.
With Uncharted, and with the Treasure Hunter Security series as a whole, go in expecting Indiana Jones and archaeology vibes. Of course they’ll only be there as a setting vehicle to move the romance forward, but appreciated nonetheless.
Open door spice, low kink.
HFN/HEA
~160 pages
Quick hit palate cleanser. Surface level characters, romance, and plot, but corny and cute with a fun setting.
Book two in this series and the adventure continues! Ms Hackett seems to have cornered the market when it comes to sexy romance with an adventurous twist. These books that feature former Seals working as security seem to bring the world of archaeology to life and it's a fabulous and dare I say vibrant ride. The first book took the readers to Egypt but this time we are transported to the steamy jungle of Cambodia and it's clear that the author has done her homework. I'm sure many readers will imagine a hero in a fedora carrying a bullwhip but it made me think more of King Solomens Mines as lost temples are discovered. Now, as with any exciting adventure it's not without danger as the deeper our heroes go not only do they learn more about each other but they soon discover they are not the only ones chasing an impossible dream. I liked Cal in the first book so was overjoyed to see him get his own story. He is a man who lives life to the max and whilst he doesn't seek any permanent relationships he is determined to enjoy everything that life has to offer. Pairing him up with photographer Dani was sheer genius as like him she is a free spirit but Dani has surprising depths. A woman with an artistic soul yes but also one who is up for any challenge and whilst she might guard her heart there's no mistaking the physical tension that quickly escalates between Dani and Cal. Clearly I can say no more about what happens in the jungle but it did have me imagining the stunning temples and ruins as the author captured my imagination . I found myself wanting to see it all for myself as Ms Hackett brought history to life. What I can say is treasure hunting and stealing antiquities is unfortunately a real problem in many countries and I'm loving the way this author explores it whilst at the same time giving her readers a fabulous and romantic adventure. I suspect the next book might feature the rather hirsute Logan but have to confess there's a certain government Agent who intruige's me and please can we have the gun toting Morgan at some point? Yes these larger than life characters leap off the page and I can't wait to find out what sticky situations they wind up in next! I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review Four and a half from me
Uncharted is the second great book in the Treasure Hunter Security series and what a series it is.
Action, suspense, mystery, danger and romance are just some of what to expect when diving into one of Anna's books. The treasure hunters are called upon when protection is needed and ancient artifacts are sort after but they go into alpha mode when trying to protect.
But let's not forget the sexy, alpha men and women who protect and find their someone else even though they are players beforehand.
I liked this one better than book #01. At least here nothing pseudo-magical happens!
This is the story of Callum (brother of the hero from the first book), an ex SEAL with relationship isses, and Dani, a famous photographer also with relationship issues.
Both of them are solitary people, but where Cal is a playboy and extreme-sports fan, Dani is alone even in a crowded room.
Obviously they fall in lust, then in love in a very short time while running through a Cambodian jungle dodging bullets and evil mercenaries, and looking for the lost temple and precious magical object.
The running and dodging part is interesting and realistic in an Indiana Jones way. The love story not so much, since here we have a heavy case of insta-lust-love.
I'm not saying that this series is awful, because it's not, but I think that if Ms. Hackett took time to write a longer book things would have been much, much better. In this, and also in the previous one, things are happening in a span of days, at breakneack speed. Things are solved very quickly and I was left with my head spinning.
I will still read the next, because I'm still a little girl and I like my Indiana Jones! LOL
I liked this romantic suspense that had plenty of action but it sometimes seemed a bit far-fetched when the hero takes on five bad guys and rescues happened just in the nick of time. I also didn't feel the relationship build, however, it was a short book. I still may continue with the series. Ex-SEAL Cal is hired to protect an archaeological expedition where Dani is the photographer.
Angkor Wat was one of my favorite places to visit so I was excited to read an adventure set in Cambodia!
Loved the scenery, the fast-paced action and adventure, and even the characters. Yes it did have the typical insta-lust/love thing going on, and you really have to wonder about a couple who just have to have each other (have to fit in the sex somewhere) while running away and hiding from gun-toting killers. But it was entertaining as hell so I didn't mind.
Sigh. 2.5 stars and it may be my fault it's so low.
See, this is why I don't like to read series books too closely together. It's not the author's fault - everybody has their little 'tells' - but if you binge, you start to read those tells like they're writing them on their foreheads! I started with #4, UNFATHOMED, because of the almost-SEAL (because SEALs gonna SEAL) female security expert. She is a fabulous badassed Alpha bodyguard. MC (male) is Alpha archeologist. Drama. Bad Guys. Hot & Steamy. Waterfall (nope, sorry. Pool. In the middle of the jungle (yeah, like you're gonna get in a pool of water in the middle of the jungle (okay - they're mostly on the edge - but still). But hey, that may be why I'm not a SEAL. There's snakes in pools of water in the middle of the jungle. Crocs. Spiny fish. You get the idea. Pool+ middle of jungle = yikes!) - even with the scary pool I loved this one because of the flip, with the female being even more badass than the male (and him being a-okay with it). A weird-assed, mythological rescue that I was fine with because it was my first one in the series. I loved this one. Next up (with a bit of a break) was #8, UNDETECTED. The tech-sister/security partner & the FBI male MC . Everything urban (except for the yacht at the end). Loved every minute of it, probably because this is a Very Slow Burn that supposedly transpires across the entire series, in little tantalizing bits & pieces (the 2 page encounter between the #8 MCs that happens in UNFATHOMED happens in a crowded coffee shop - no touchee, all conversation - and it was intriguing enough for me to go to their very well done #8 story). I should've stopped there becauuuse... all the earlier others are about the ex-SForces guys who inhabit the world of Treasure Hunters Security - and I have a bad feeling that they will all involve running from Highly Advanced Villainy in some exotic locale, stumbling upon some body of water, and having Hot Monkey Sex right then and there, with Highly Advanced Villainy scouring the place for them. And, probably, some Mythological Rescue. This one, UNCHARTED #2 ,differs from #4 only because ........um... dangit. Oh! Yeah. The baddest badass is the male MC, Callum. And I think this one has the Hot Monkey Sex happening under a waterfall, which is probably less snake & croc-laden than a pool. And it, too, has a weird-assed (near) mythological rescue... I'm straddling a line here between biting at Ms Hackett for her series' plots and recognizing that the very nature of the series is about the Exotic Locale/archeological quest/HAVillainy. After all, the series is called Treasure Hunters, not Lost Dog Finders. Perhaps this is my fault for reading them too closely together??
If you love the excitement, fast paced action and danger in movies such as Indiana Jones and Tomb Raiders, you will love this Treasure Hunters Security Series. Anna Hackett really knows how to weave tales around stellar characters that start out with a bang and then just keep moving faster. Then she adds a spicy romance element and Wow. It just doesn't get much better. I love it.
Callum Ward lives life at a break neck speed. If he's not working he's out doing his adrenaline junkie best to defy death. Dani Navvarro views life behind her camera lens. Her pictures are stunning and tell marvelous stories. It's a way to keep herself apart and not to have to really participate in life. These two end up on a trek through the Cambodian jungles with a team of archeologists in searching for a lost temple. The electric attraction between is too hot to deny. But first Callum has to deal with yet another threat from Silk Road and to that end he calls in reinforcements but, will theyarrive too late.
Uncharted is book two in the Treasure Hunter Security series by Anna Hackett. Callum Ward and his family own Treasure Hunter Security, a company that provides security for archeological digs and invaluable museum exhibits. Treasure Hunter Security caught a new case looking after an expedition into the Cambodian Jungle. Callum was the only one that was free. However, he did not expect to meet Photographer Dani Navarro and have a run-in with a black-market antiquities gang. The readers of Uncharted will continue to follow Callum and Dani to find out what happens.
Uncharted is the second book I have read by Anna Hackett, and I continue my love affair with this series. I enjoy the way Anna Hackett incorporated the twist and turned in this book. I love Anna Hackett portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Uncharted is well written and researched by Anna Hackett. I like Anna Hackett's description of Uncharted settings that allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Uncharted will learn about being a professional photographer. The readers of Uncharted will also learn about antiquities, and the passion archeologists have for finding new treasures.
Cal is on a misson on his own, babysitting a group of archeologists, deep in the Cambodian jungle. Also included in this group is a photographer, Dani, who takes an instant dislike to him.
But they are attacked in the jungle by Silk Road, and several are wounded. Cal and Dani are attacked and separated.
Cal rescues her and then others from THS arrives and together they enter the temple and find the treasure and Silk Road is dispatched by a giant snake.
Un ex-seal, una coraggiosa fotografa, una spedizione archeologica nella giungla cambogiana.... Cos'altro può mancare? Un gruppo di cattivi e le scene di sesso molto hot ci sono. Anche se il finale è ancora una volta un po' troppo alla Indiana Jones, ho apprezzato questo libro come il precedente. Sono proprio contenta di aver scoperto questa serie!
Don't know why but it seems like this close group of treasure hunting security ex-Navy SEALs is becoming my new addiction.
I honestly think these are the perfect length books, they have all the action and adventure in a romantic suspense that it doesn't feel overly cheesy with the insta-love.
Didn't like this one as much as the first, so much so that I can't even remember how it ends and that's the only kind of book I don't remember for. It's a shame since one of the the MCs was a photographer and I liked that, as I also have a photographer MC, but I disliked this one IMMENSELY. She just rubbed me the wrong way from the start. I'll try another one, since they're so short, but I'm not jumping at the bit for it.
These books are really short, but they are crazy fun - it's basically the book version of an action movie. It all happens really fast and is an awesome adventure.
Another great adventure. It’s like watching a romantic version of one of my favorite tv shows about amazing history. This series is the becoming my favorite.
Sometimes, aiming for simple is what makes something greater. I think this could be the case of the Treasure Hunter Security series. I know this is just the second book of the saga, but I’m startintg to see the pattern. Quick romance full of action is nothing that will rock your world forever, but it will keep you entertain long enough. Perfect book to just relax reading.
This time we follow Declan’s brother, Callum, in a journey to Cambodia for a mission that didn’t look that difficult. He just has to make sure a group of archeologists and a photographer are safe while searching for a forgotten temple. The mentioned photographer is not other than Dani Navarro, a tough woman who doesn’t fall for Cal’s charm at first sight. What started as a promising journey, becomes a run for their lives…
I said the same thing with the first book: the little facts and curiosities about the Cambodian history and mythology are the true treasure of the story. They are simple unexpected. They are introduced during the book with an easiness worthy of any good educational article meant for the general public. A small and entertaining history lesson is not something you expect in a Romance book of this kind, so it needs to be praised properly!!
The pace is non-stop action. I think more or less the first two books are similar in size, but this second one felt shorter. Not a single stop for breathing, between meeting the characters, the journey and the constant danger they have to endure. There is not a single dull moment or uneventful passage. But even though everything goes fast, there is enough time to get to know the main characters. Maybe not enough to make them special, but just the right amount of it to make the story work.
As I said before, the characters, Cal and Dani, are OK but nothing worth mentioning beyond that. Their dynamic is pretty classic: “I’m the over confident hunk who is going to be in your bed no matter what” opposite to the “I’m the strong woman who refuses your charm like for ten seconds before investing all in“. Even though is crazy fast, I have less issues believing this romance than the one in the previous book. Don’t ask me why. They somehow feel more real. And yet is not good enough to really enjoy the sex scenes. There are not many, but it is the only part of the book that I wished were shorter. It just took room from the good parts!! And having sex in the middle of an ancient temple can’t be healthy…
The book is pure enjoyment and I will keep reading this saga if this is what I’m going to get. Simple book, but very effective.
An archaeological team hires Treasure Hunter Security's Cal Ward to accompany them through a Cambodian jungle in search of an ancient temple. When Cal meets the photographer Daniela, sparks fly. It's supposed to be an uneventful expedition, but a possible treasure has baddies trying to disrupt the party and take the treasure for themselves. Uncharted, the sequel to Undiscovered, stars Declan’s brother Callum who is devil-may-care, vowing to live life to its fullest for his best friend Mitch who died in combat. He uses "living for today" as an excuse for not forming close attachments to people. Acclaimed nature photographer Daniela Navarro loves to photograph things, but doesn't like to have her photo taken. She's a control freak that way. She's shy of her relationships because her parents and brother chew through partners like lawnmowers through grass and are generally undependable people. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, but I'm not sure what will make it last. Sure, Cal is flirty and dangerous, but what else does Dani see in him to want to keep him? Nobody's put her life above theirs before, but speaking from personal experience, that's not always enough for the long term. I didn't feel like I knew what the characters did while they were off-screen besides work and adrenaline-fueled things. Do they have other hobbies, favorite foods, annoying habits? Hackett's shorter works sometimes elide the character minutiae, and I miss those details. The pacing, tension, and action scenes flow well. The story is tightly plotted and fun to follow, with sensuality baked in at the right moments: a great action-adventure page-turner that sizzles. The baddies and the circumstances in which they're dispatched echo Undiscovered, unfortunately. One-dimensional psychopathic villains and a semi-mystical element helping save the team felt repetitive to me. I have a few other quibbles: there's a perspective switch mid-love scene, which in this case felt jarring. There's also a computer hacking scene that reminded me of a cheesy nineties movie- it’s by far the least realistic part of the novel. This was a very mixed bag for me. I’m a huge Hackett fan, and she’s set the bar so high that this story didn’t tickle my fancy compared to the others. Meanwhile, a PSA for all authors: Navy SEALs are cool and all, but I’d love to see some love for the regular Army and Navy servicemen, please! Also enlistees, not just officers. I received a free ARC for review purposes.
UNCHARTED-{TREASURE HUNTER SECURITY BOOK #2} WILD ADVENTURE & SIZZLING ROMANCE
CALLUM WARD {CAL} is heart-stirringly handsome, muscular, rugged ex-Navy Seal and part owner in Treasure Hunt Security; DANIELA NAVARRO {DANI} is sexy, sassy, and a world renowned photographer.
What you'll find in this story; a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters camaraderie, a surprise find, heart-rending moments, thrilling action, gripping suspense, horrific danger, life-threatening incidents, and a fabulous conclusion leaving you wanting more.
Cal’s motto is living life to fullest since losing his best friend on a mission. Whether it is in the arms of a beautiful woman, skydiving or any other daredevil behavior that piques his interest he’s all for it even if his family worries about him constantly. The Angkor Archeological Project is in need of Treasure Hunt Security so Cal is on his way to the jungles of Cambodia. Dani makes an excellent living from her photos but more importantly she relishes her job. Now in the city of Angkor Wat, she is awe of city’s beauty. Dani meets Cal while rescuing a woman from a mugging; impressed by how she handled herself, not knowing who she is he asks her out, getting shot down in seconds. Irritated and shocked that she turned him down he left her where she stood. Amidst the jungles of Cambodia and the horrific danger lurking in the shadows, the two get closer. Cal finds his desires for Dani go way beyond his norm and protecting her becomes his main priority.
INCREDIBLY FASCINATING fast paced and wonderfully written creative read by a truly gifted author. This author has a way of luring the reader into the story with the witty dialogue, intriguing plot, spine-chilling action, wondrous vivid scene descriptions, and of course blazing hot sensual romance. I loved Dani and Cal together, they blend well with each other, and both are courageous valiant heroes. I absolutely enjoyed this fabulous adventure, a most exhilarating read. If you treasure wild adventures this is certainly a terrific book for your library. {I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review}. In the world of fantasy romance, the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations, I recommend this book.
I'm not quite sure how I ended up reading this series out of order, but so it goes. For the record, the out of order thing didn't take away from the story AT ALL, so I will confidently say this is workable as a stand alone.
Enough about my weird reading habits, though. Let's talk about Callum and Dani. He's trying his hardest to live life to the fullest to honor his fallen friend. Which means hook-ups and no commitment, with a side of adrenaline-producing adventures. On the other side of the coin, Dani has no intention of getting involved with a man who likes to hit it and quit it. Sure, there's an undeniable attraction between them, but she's strong enough to say no and walk away.
Until she isn't. Or maybe it's less about being strong enough and more about being in the moment. She likes him, he likes her. Things happen.
Then some unscrupulous bad guys drop in and suddenly Cal and Dani are on the run and in danger. Surviving dangerous situations is always a good time to celebrate being alive, right? And the best way to celebrate? Getting nekkid!
Anywho. Fun, steamy, and chock full of adventure and mysterious ruins. It doesn't matter if it's the desert or the jungle, the folks from THS get the job done. And find romance. *thumbs up*
The author established the heroine's dislike of players, and the hero's status as a player, too thoroughly for her attraction to him to be remotely believable. Maybe if the relationship had had a chance to develop slowly over time, I would have bought it. It all happened way too quickly, and I couldn't buy it at all. I also don't buy that they would be taking time out for sex when they don't even know if the rest of their party got to safety, and the bad guys are still out there hunting for them all. I just found myself cringing whenever they got together for most of the story.
Book Two in the Treasure Hunter Security series was a better ride than the first. The pacing felt tighter, the action cleaner, and Dani? Another strong, independent woman with just enough personal history to give her edges. She handled herself well, and the book gave her space to be competent without turning her into a caricature.
Cal was positioned as the charming ex-SEAL ladies’ man, but that lasted all of five minutes before he turned into a full-on golden retriever. Loyal, protective, suddenly ready to lock it down after three days and of course has all the declarations of love in less than a week. The insta-love was still too much—again—but their dynamic overall worked better than Book One.
That said, you don’t go into an Anna Hackett book expecting slow burn or nuanced development. These are fast, fun action-heavy romps that deliver exactly what they promise: treasure, tension, a bit of steam, attraction, and resolution in under five hours.
Solid, fun, and easy to burn through—just don’t expect emotional realism. Or pacing logic. But honestly? Still kind of fun.
⸻
My Rating Scale for Reviews
⭐ 1 – Not for Me: Struggled to finish or didn’t finish. The writing, characters, pacing, or narration (if audiobook) really didn’t work for me. ⭐ 2 – Disappointing: Had some good elements (world-building, action, romance, etc.), but too many issues kept me from fully enjoying it. Either the character choices, writing, or narration pulled me out of the story too much. ⭐ 3 – Good / Solid: A normal, enjoyable read. Glad I read it, and it was solid overall, but nothing particularly standout. Might have had some things I didn’t love, but I still had a good time with it. ⭐ 3.5 – Better Than Good: A strong read with clear standout moments—whether in character dynamics, world-building, or writing. Maybe not a full favorite, but it left a positive impression and I’d recommend it to the right reader. ⭐ 4 – Amazing: A strong read with very little wrong, but just didn’t quite hit that rare, reread-worthy 5. Still an excellent book I’d easily recommend. ⭐ 5 – Flawless / Unforgettable: One of my absolute favorites. A book I’d reread and still love just as much. Perfect blend of storytelling, characters, romance, and action. Sticks with me long after I finish. I don’t give this rating often!
This second book in the Treasure Hunter Security series is another thrilling, action packed adventure! This is Cal and Dani's suspenseful and sizzling story. Ex Navy Seal, Callum “Cal” Ward runs Treasure Hunter Security with his siblings. He lives life to the extreme, not wanting to settle down. He has been hired to protect a group going on an expedition into the Cambodian jungle. This group includes a courageous, prickly, sexy photographer, Dani Navarro, She would rather view life through the lense than intereact with insincere, shallow people. She gets one look at the charming, sexy security expert, and doesn't think he is any different. But as they get deeper into the jungle and encounter dangers of all kinds, Cal and Dani learn that first impressions can be deceiving. Dani discovers an honorable, kind, sexy protector who makes her desire things she never expected. Cal finds the brave, independant woman makes him want more as well. But a dangerous group of thieves are hot on their heels, wanting the priceless artifacts they are in search of. If the thieves don't kill them first, the dark, dangerous jungle just might. I am really loving this fast paced, exciting series. Just imagining these daring adventures to find fabled treasure is so provocative, and Hackett does a great job making us feel all the excitiment. Stella Bloom's fabulous narration also helps to make us feel like we are right there in the middle of all the action! She delivers all the excitement, emotion, wit, and steam, bringing these characters and story to life, beautifully. This was so much fun, I can't wait to listen to the next books in Teasure Hunter Security series!
This was exactly what I was wanting. It was just a pure adventure romance and I loved it. The adventure part was really good with a lot of suspenseful and action packed moments that kept me on my seat. It really upped the intensity and the romance to and showed the feelings that were developing between Cal and Dani. It was interesting to have that type of feel of an Indiana Jones/mommy feeling to it with the discoveries and the artifacts in the bad guys chasing them for said artifacts. It was just a really fun yet intense journey.
I loved how the romance between Danny and Cal was portrayed. There were definite sparks right from the get-go. They had plenty of chemistry yet all that tension because she didn’t want to just be a notch on his belt. And she made him work for it before she finally gave into the attraction between them. It was so worth it because he very much heart earned it as well as developed deep and meaningful feelings for her. And the sexy times between them were smoking hot. The waterfall scene was absolutely gorgeous and romantic yet spicy and full of connection and tenderness. There were moments of affection. It was just a great solid romance that I feel like I’ve been missing in my last few reads.
I was very impressed by this one and it makes me want to look up more stories in this authors backlist. It makes me wonder if all her novels are this romantic as well as adventure field because I would like to read more of that. There’s not a lot in that genre aside from romantic suspense which has a little bit different feel because usually that Hass to deal with a killer more than an adventure. I just had a very good time reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Indiana Jones was never as sexy as this. Honestly there's a lot of comparison in the whole treasure hunter thing, but I always hated it that Indy seemed to have a different woman in every film, which even back in those days made him a player and dimmed my enjoyment of the films. I wish they'd make this series into films though, because I for one would cue up at the cinema to watch them.
I've read through book 3 and so far I don't love this series but I do like it more than taking a chance on another unknown book or author. These books are very predictable. You know what you will get and roughly the order it will come in. The MCs meet. They go on an expedition together, if that wasn't where they met, and within 48 to 96 hours they are declaring their love for one another because they are in mortal danger and are afraid they won't get to say it again.
There isn't much meat to the story at all. The author does just enough research to throw out some names of places and some people in history. It seems each book becomes less detailed. The first definitely had far more than this one. Aside from the first book, she hasn't done enough research to make the books that adventurous.
And then there is the issue with the Silk Road. Firstly, in the US, an entity is treated as singular. So, the "Silk Road keeps..." no "keep." I'm guessing this author is British or Australian since this is correct in British English but when you are writing a series completely in another country with that country's readers as your target audience, it is proper to use their grammar rules. But my bigger point is that they always seem to be one step ahead. They know where the group is going before they get there or even start their journey. If that is the case, why do they need our characters? It would make sense for the bad guys to be following the good guys but they are constantly in front of them. It's a continuous plot hole.
Buckle up & get ready for a sizzling fantasy action adventure through the temples and jungles of Cambodia, complete with HEA.
The Book
Buckle up and get ready for a sizzling fantasy action adventure through the temples and jungles of Cambodia, complete with HEA.
'Uncharted', the second book in Anna Hackett's Treasure Hunter Security series takes us on another wild and wonderful, trail-blazing adventure from the spectacular temples of Angkor Watt and the nearby town of Siem Reap through the jungles of Cambodia in search of a lost temple that isn't really lost and onwards as ancient Khmer and Chinese myths about Phnom Kulen, the Temple of Mahendraparvata, the crowning of King Jayavarman II, the 9th century founder of the Khmer Empire and spectacular legends of jewel encrusted temple walls and great treasures are brought brilliantly to life in this absolutely spellbinding, action packed and sizzling fantasy adventure romance. The scenery has changed dramatically, but exactly as the first book did, this fantastic thriller had me totally hooked and on the edge of my seat, rooting for the good guys from beginning to end and I really didn't want to put it down. Once again the exceptional storytelling skills of one of my all-time favourite sci-fi/fantasy romance writers are on display as she weaves another terrific action packed adventure.
Treaure Hunter Security has been hired from day one of the field trip part of the search for the lost temple to act as both guide and security for the Angkor Archeology Project led by British Archaeologist Dr Benjamin Oakley, and the lucky person assigned to the job is Callum Ward, ex-Navy SEAL and co-owner of Treasure Hunter Security. Cal has been to Angkor Watt before on R&R with his SEAL team and is happy to go back to a place he really wanted another look at anyway. Killing time by wandering around the temples, his attention is grabbed by a photographer and being something of a man-slut, he attempts to hook up with her. Unfortunately for him, she's all too familiar with 'his type' and turns him down flat. Not the reaction he's used to, or was hoping for, and that gets his attention even more....
World renowned archaeology photographer Daniella Navarro is happily taking pictures amongst the temples and tourists at Angkor Watt when she attracts the unwelcome attention of a man whose type she grew up surrounded by. She's already pigeon-holed him as someone to avoid when he tries to hook up with her and the dumbfounded reaction to her flat refusal almost makes her laugh. Coming to the rescue of a woman trying to fight off a mugger and hang on to her backpack, Dani is pretty handy at defending herself, but it's Cal to the rescue, and not for the last time on this trip....
Led by a woman known as Raven, a team from the ruthless black market antiquities ring 'Silk Road' are already in the area and plotting to get the treasure for themselves, but Cal has other ideas, and Dani decides to join in.... let the mayhem begin.
I really don't want to give spoilers and ruin the suspense built into this thrilling action adventure, but I will say there's lots of action, bad guys everywhere, some serious sizzle and steamy bits along with some life or death situations and a happily ever after as another confirmed bachelor bites the dust and makes a commitment to the woman he loves. Think Indianna Jones meets Tomb Raider but without all the booby-traps, add a little Relic Hunter for good measure and turn them into a jigsaw puzzle of clues that becomes a map and follow along.
I absolutely loved it. I really wish I could give it lots and lots of stars instead of the 5 I'm limited to and I'll be reading this book again before too long - in fact I've already got withdrawal symptoms and I can hear it calling me. This book is definitely on the list of the ones I'd rescue if the house was burning down, and if this was a film, I'd be watching it over and over again.
The Audio
I got this terrific story as an ebook when it was first published in 2016, and was totally hooked. I've read it a few times since, but I now have intermittent problems with my eyes, so, despite being a bit dubious about it, I've turned to audio books to fill my need to re-read my favourites. I tried out audio books a few years ago, but was pretty quickly put off by the seriously bad, even dreadful, narration which turned my wonderful, gritty, action packed adventures with romance into wishy washy, girly girl romances with few, or more frequently, none, of the thriller overtones that the majority of my books have. It was so awful that I gave up on them for years. Then, last year, when I was desperate, I listened to the audio for a book by Anna Hackett, one of my all-time favourite authors, discovered a whole new and tremendously good set of narrators and decided to give them a try. Brilliant! It seems that Ms Hackett gets significantly better narrators than some I've listened to and Stella Bloom, the narrator of this book is really very good, actually, one of the best I've listened to. She seems to understand the all action, gritty nature of both the characters and the story, maintaining the edginess to the very end and I wasn't disappointed in any way, so I got all the other books in the series that are available as audio versions to back up my kindle eBooks, just so I don't get withdrawal symptoms when I can't read them, and I freely admit I've listened to this one more than once since I got it. I find I listen a lot more than I read these days and the audio versions also have the added bonus of allowing me to do other things whilst listening, not that I actually get many chores done, I'm too busy being part of the story and fighting the bad guys. I was lucky enough to get a free code for this audio book, and as I had already posted an honest review of the ebook several years ago, I decided to update that review with my personal opinion of the audible narration, especially as I've been so disenchanted by audio books in the past.