Release Point

Owens Protective Services #22

by Giulia Lagomarsino

I live in the Shadows.



My life has never been my own. Every second of every day was another op—another month away from my family.



The job was a necessity.

I toppled governments.

I hunted down criminals.

I put politicians in their place.



But I always knew there would be a price to pay. I just never thought the threat would be to my family. After all, I kept them at a distance for most of my life.



After years of dedicating my life to service, it’s time to put an end to it all.

Too much was taken from me.

The sacrifice was more than I could bear.



There’s only one way forward, and that’s to take out everyone that’s turned my life to hell.

But in doing so, I might end up losing more than I bargained for.



This isn’t just another op.

The only way to end the suffering is to win.

There’s just one thing I need to remember…



Every victory comes at a cost.

Genres: Romance, Suspense

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

About the author

Giulia Lagomarsino is the author of the action-packed series Owens Protective Services, along with four other series that feature hot men, strong women, and storylines that will leave you laughing, crying, and begging for more. To find her reading order, visit her website http://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com or join her reading group https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giuli....

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Bloody Hell, the ending.

5 stars

Release Point is the twenty-second book in Giulia Lagomarsino, brilliant Owens Protective Services series. There was some sobbing, so beware.......

Giulia Lagomarsino is brilliant! Some fun, sexy times, plenty of action, and I laughed my arse off when I was not sweating through the action. The complex threads that Giulia weaves into her stories and her characters keep you coming back for more. I was riveted to the pages and found that hours had passed by the time I managed to pull myself away.

I love that you never know what you are going to get when you read one of her books. Opinionated, foot in mouth, no filter, no holds barred, divine sarcasm, witty banter, lots of hilarity is what we get with her characters however, there were lots of tears in this one. But let's not forget the action, danger, suspense, and situations they get themselves into. I love that we get to have the adventure or misadventure and a HEA or not.

Grab a drink or three and settle in for one of the best reads of your life.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
In The Trenches: An OPS Protector Romance Novel (Owens Protective Services Book 1)
Nuclear Option: An OPS Protector Romance Novel (Owens Protective Services Book 2)
Charlie Foxtrot: An OPS Protector Romance Novel (Owens Protective Services Book 3)
Pop Smoke (Owens Protective Services #4)
Alpha Mike Foxtrot (Owens Protective Services Book 5)
Got Your Six: An OPS Protector Romance Novel
Full Battle Rattle (Owens Protective Services Book 7)
Embrace the Suck (Owens Protective Services #8)
Assume the Position (Owens Protective Services #10)
Soup Sandwich (Owens Protective Services #11)
Secret Squirrel (Owens Protective Services #11)
Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone (Owens Protective Services, #12)
Pucker Factor (Owens Protective Services #13)
Blowed Up (Owens Protective Services #14)
Balls to the Walls (Owens Protective Services #15)
Bite the Bullet (Owens Protective Services #16)
Free Fire Zone (Owens Protective Services #17)
Left-Handed Monkey Wrench (Owens Protective Services #18)
...And A Wake-Up (Owens Protective Services Book 19)
Blue Falcon (Owens Protective Services Book 20)
Iron Rations (Owens Protective Services #19)


This is Clair and Michael’s story. This story starts right where the last book left us. These two have been searching for their daughter forever but are never going to give up. They want answers and the want her back. They both are dealing with this event in different ways that have them going through all kinds of emotions. This author knows just how to keep you guessing up to the ever end. Can they find the daughter they have been searching for? Or will they have to let go?

I recommend this book.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! We were blown away by the latest happenings going on at OPS. We have been looking forward to Rafe's book for some time but, honestly, we never could have imagined what the man's motives have been all along shocking, to say the least, but, on the other hand, seeing everything play out before our eyes it all makes so much sense now the desperation, the sacrifice the mystery the suspense that always surrounds him. It was always more than meets the eye kind of thing with Rafe..

After finishing this current tale our hearts are still pounding with excitement, sadness, and the suspense in this one kept you on the seat of your pants the entire time. While we laughed so hard throughout this story we thought we would pee our pants at one point, it also had some heart-wrenching moments. We felt an array of emotions with this one.

This story had bombs dropping all over it secrets upon secrets coming to life. We were introduced to some new characters and as the story progressed we fell even more in love with Raven's character she is one bad--- chick and we have a feeling she and Rae will get along just fine they're so alike.

The ending was explosive and we never saw it coming. Ends with a bit of a twist and a slight cliffhanger we have an inkling we might be graced a bit more of the Kaumu's presence going forward. There was a lot to unpack in this story but, we loved riding the wave every bit. We are angry and pissed and a bit heartbroken but, we know a little of what is in store next and we can wait for the next adventure.

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. I’m glad we finally found out Rafes reasons. Only took almost 50 books (Reed + OPS) to get here but damn. Don’t get why he all had to be secrets, honestly I feel like a lot of past issues would have been solved if he would have just communicated. Not a fan how the author chose that ending- it was a very poor choice in my opinion and not worthy of the character he was portrayed as in previous books.

The whole Michael/Claire romance was just fucking weird. He fucks/marries 3 women, he’s a coward, selfish and a complete narcissist. Claire went thru a horrific trauma and all he cared about was getting off and “holding her”. Gross. His own attitude towards his kids drove me insane and made me want to kill him and just be done with his stupid ass. The scene at OPS towards the end made me want to rage on his stupid fucking ass. Also I do NOT want to read about a 2 people in their 60s bangin, saggy tits and about his “girth” 🤮

The entire plot twist with Knight was crazy, crazy stupid. Seriously?! Ugh..soooo muchhhh dramaaaaa

The best parts were of course Fox and the guys. I actually liked Max in it. I miss the girls tho. The last couple of books they’ve hardly made any appearances, to the point where I have to remind myself who’s with who.

[Tish-Anne Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Point picks up right where Iron Rations left off and delivers a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that’s hard to put down. The story centers on Michael and Clair Gage, who have been grappling with the traumatic loss of their daughter, Isabelle, kidnapped by Zavala, the ruthless leader of The Syndicate, 13 years ago. Their relentless quest to rescue her has subjected them to unimaginable horrors.

Michael, known as the Shadow in the Special Ops world, is a legendary figure whose only vulnerability is his family. Clair, on the other hand, is a fierce heroine who has endured trials that would break most people, driven by her desperate need to reunite with her daughter.

This book is a profound emotional journey. It left me in tears with every page, unable to stop reading despite the heartache it brought. It’s significantly heavier than its predecessors, and even the comedic relief provided by Fox's love for food and Max's penchant for booze couldn’t break the relentless wave of tears.

I highly recommend Release Point, but be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby. This intense and heart-wrenching read is not to be missed.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Point picks right back up where Iron Rations left off, and that's all the detail I'm going to get into because OH MY EVER LOVIN' EMOTIONAL HELL! I honestly NEVER saw this book coming throughout this series, and I'm still a mess about it all because I didn't know I would feel like I did. Anyone who has read this series will understand what I'm saying here once they read this book. Normally I have no problem going on & on about all the humor, and sure there was that humor in the pages, but it was overshadowed with all the emotions I was going through including tons of tears. It's amazing when an author can keep us on our toes after so many books, and Giulia Lagomarsino is one of the very best out there that's for sure. I have no clue what's coming for us next, but as usual, I'm here for it for real. Y'all have no clue how hard it is not to go into any sort of detail about the story, but I'll not be the one to ruin any of the twists that came out of nowhere so I'm going to leave it at that! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY & HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! What a book....first let me do the business
This is book 22. You should read entire series in order but you need to at least read Iron Rations before this one. It leads up to this and this picks up where tgat left off.
Also here's a couple trigger warnings
There is on page physical abuse. Non con and dubious con as well. Kidnapping and torture. It's a fairly dark book but handled quite well but go in warned if you have triggers.

Now, this series just gets better and this one was just wow.
Guilia Lagomarsino never stops surprising us. You never know what kind of ending to expect. Where most of the books are light and have a lot of comedy this one had an entirely different vibe. There is a couple lighter scenes but for the most part it focuses on rescue. There is so much suspense and so many twists.
Not for the faint of heart.
I gasped, cursed, chewed my nails to the quick and cried.
I did not see this ending like this.
Now to see what comes next.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really struggled with this review. I've sat on it for a couple days trying to gather my thoughts and not cry while I think about it as I'm still fighting the emotions. I haven't read all the books in this series but the ones I've read I have loved. There's great suspense mixed in with intense characters and light laughter as well. This one hits different than those. The same intense characters that we've grown to love, connections, and laughter. Then there's very dark themes and I was disappointed and caught off guard by things that should have had a TW because of the graphic, very detailed SA. Multiple times. I skipped pages that felt like they were just added for shock value and not necessary to the plot. I felt connected to these characters and was so pulled into their lives so much that these things hurt. For me, there was unnecessary detailed darkness, and very unnecessary consequences. I was looking forward to digging into books that I hadn't read yet but right now, I think this has pulled me away from that. It's definitely left me broken in more ways than one.

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a read for sissies. It's hard hitting, dramatic and brutal to read about the vicious revenge actions taken against innocent women. It is a hard book to read and yet it is impossible to put it down. It's stories written inside of stories written inside of stories. You know it's deep when you find yourself crying for a lost villain. Probably one of the best books I read in the past couple of years and I do not exaggerate when I say I am up in the thousands of books finished. I just can't find enough right words to encourage readers without spilling the beans, or the truth. If you are a Giulia Lagomarsino fan, which I assuredly am, then you have no choice but to read this book. Protect, defend, investigate, secure and alternate between tears and giggles. This is one hell of a book.

[LaWanna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book was nothing like I was expecting. So many things are answered in this book plus you finally get to understand a little more about Rafe and Cash's relationship. You also get to find out what was on the island that Rafe was so obessed with. You also get to met Rafe and Cash's dad and understand why the 2 of them are so different from each other. You get to see about 5 or 6 of the guys from Reed Security in this book also.
BUT I AM TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW, that you are going to need either one or boxes of Kleenex's for the last 4 or 5 chapters of the book, cause it will rip your heart right out of your chest with what happens.
This book was so captivating, that if i wasn't at work I would not of put it down for anything. Giulia out did herself on this book.

[Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
3 🌶️

This series only gets better. The tension that built in the previous book reaches a crescendo in Release Point. There are so many twists and turns. Details cannot be given because these books must be read to enjoy the story fully. We meet new vital characters that tell us so much about the characters we have come to know. But along with this, we get some things that surprise and sadden us. Still, so many questions to be answered, and the rest of this series promises to be a grade musical adventure as we continue to sing and dance through it all with Fox, FNG, and the rest of the OPS crew.

Thank you to the author and Enticing Book Promotions for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Ms. Lagomarsino’s books always have me smiling, chuckling and often stunned. But Release Point is on a whole different level. Sure I still smiled, laughed (I mean Fox is on the scene, of course I laughed) but holy moly the twists, turns and events I never saw coming had my jaw dropping and my heart rate up. Events I never dreamed of happening, did just that. My heart soared and broke at times. The book is so wonderfully written that I felt all the joy, pain, hurt and love right along with the characters.

I can’t recommend the series enough. If you haven’t read Ms. Lagomarsino before, her series are all great but Owen Protective Service is an outstanding place to start.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+++ Stars

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 22nd book in this phenomenal series, and my word, this gifted author has outdone herself with this storyline, which has complex and tough subject matters, yet with her unique brand of humor, and the crazy shenanigans from the team.
I was on tenterhooks throughout this story, and I was blown away by the heartwrenching twist, which I for one did not see coming!
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, drama, sacrifices, secrets, revenge, humor, witty banter, tough decisions, loyalty, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, unpredictable, thrilling, and heartwrenching addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the twenty second book in the Owens Protective Services series and it just keeps getting better and better. While I would recommend reading the entire series (because it’s just so good) you need to read Iron Rations because this book picks up where it left off. Answers are finally coming, and certain relationships have more of an understanding. You will not be able to put it down. Ms. Lagomarsino has a gift for writing a story within a story and evoking emotions that run the gamut from laughter to tears. If you have not experienced the mastery that is this author, then you do not know what you are missing and it should be rectified immediately. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not ok.
This book broke me in so many different ways.
I don't even know how to put most of it into words, especially into words that won't ruin a single moment of it.
This book will break you beyond repair.
This book was heart breaking perfection.
This book is my read of the year. I would say so far, but I HIGHLY doubt another will surpass it.
When you finish reading Iron Rations, and start this one, you'll think you have a vague idea what will happen, but trust me, NOTHING will prepare you for what actually does.
This was one book I'll never forget for a multitude of reasons.
I would give more stars if I could.

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book of 2024.

When you think all the puzzle pieces are coming together. Then you realise that you haven’t even come close to seeing the bigger picture. Is the best way I can describe this book.

I’m still struggling for words. I went through a whirlwind of emotions, not believing my eyes as everything unfolds in this story. My kindle almost didn’t survive. It was so good but broke me at the same time. I have the biggest book hangover.

If you have been following this phenomenal series, be prepared to have your minds blown. For those that haven’t read previous books. I highly recommend reading in order.

[Rebecca Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a stand alone! You must have read the other books in the series to understand the story up till now. Giula never disappoints and this release is big with the story bombs. Secrets, Past lives and loves, and motivations will be revealed. You may think you are ready but you are not! Will enemies become friends? Will the team rescue the innocent? Will forgiveness be had for those who ask. Make sure you have your protective case on you kindle because you may just throw your kindle when all is revealed! Giula does it again with another tale of the OPS team.

[Kimberley Volk Tersteeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning. This book describes intimate abuse.
This book explains so much. Be prepared to grimace and get teary eyed. It explains Cash and Rafes past upbringing and family situation. Toss in a small cross over with Reed Security, some crazy twists and turns that will leave your head spinning while yelling out "NO WAY!?" as you flip back to reread certain pages.
A lighter side is brought in with Fox's incessant humor and his persistent penchant weird snacks.
This end will break your heart and leave you wondering what's to come next.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotion packed story that you will be unprepared for as we get to know a couple who have been through an unbearable pain that no one should have to experience.

The surprises keep coming as secrets are revealed that will impact everyone and leave you reeling. The storyline is unparalleled, and it will make you feel whether you are laughing at the team’s antics or feeling the devastation that the characters are feeling.

This series and these characters never disappoint and leaves you wondering where it will go from here.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impactful!
Intense!
Emotional!

This is the second book in days that I've read where the ops the mains are on make their lives not their own. It is heart breaking what is sacrificed to keep others safe!

Tears. Oh yeah! Plenty!

If you haven't started reading this series, you Must!
This is an unbelievable, but believable run by Ms. L.!

Always engaging, action-packed, often with great humor, wonderful dialogue, fantastic plots.

This one, OMG the emotional investment!

Start this series! Amazing!

[Pam Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

This was an engaging and well-written book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The characters were complex and captivating, and the narrative explored themes of compassion, determination, acceptance, intuition, guidance, intrigue, manipulation, and the struggle to escape a harrowing situation. I appreciated how the characters came together to support one another and address the challenges they faced. Overall, this was a compelling and thought-provoking read that I would recommend to readers who enjoy intriguing mysteries and character-driven stories.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash and Rafe are twin brothers.

There is a lot revealed about Cash and Rafe’s relationship ( being tumultuous
at times).
We also learn what is so important on the island that Rafe is insisting to get on.
Many other things revealed also dealing with Cash and Rafe’s father, Michael.
Can things work out, but still there are questions that need to be answered?

This book was full of suspense, intrigue, danger and lots of revelations.

Great Job. Giulia Lagomarsino !!!

[Pam Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know, everyone said I'd be blown away, and boy, they weren't kidding! Knight/Hudson! I still don't believe the ending. I have so many questions about things that I just knew Rafe had the answer to, and now I'll never know? Still not sure I believe that. But that's okay, because the series isn't complete yet. Maybe Giulia will wrap it all up and give me the answers I've been looking for. Already preordered the next one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible series!

These books are so good. You’ll laugh out loud, cry, cringe and root for the underdog. All of the characters are flawed in their own ways, but in the end, they keep you rooting for them and wondering how they will get out of the crazy situations they get into. Giulia Lagomarsino does a great job of introducing you to the characters and keeping them coming around from book to book. Give the series a try, you won’t be disappointed.

[Carina Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was non stop! So much action and interwoven stories. Plenty of dark themes so be prepared.

Each chapter featured one of the cast and continued the story seamlessly. I was totally invested and involved in learning more.

Still touches of humour throughout the book- thanks Fox and FNG! The surprises continued as well, so suspenseful!

The last few chapters blew me away! I’m not sure how I feel! But one of the best books in the series and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to Iron Rations, but this book had so much more. People who you thought you knew there were a lot of wtf moments and omg moments. I could not put down I am emotionally drained after reading this story. Once again Giulia has brought us an edge of your seat action packed hard hitting story. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book 10 stars if that was an option. Once again Giulia gives us a rollercoaster of emotions, fantastic storyline, and some tough subject matter along with some secrets I for one didn't see it coming. There will be lots of tears and some laughs, but it will gut you. I have been a fan of Giulia's stories and am never disappointed.

[angela kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Guilia Lagomarsino has done it again
She gives her characters so much depth you just feel everything they are feeling. The added touch of comedic flair helps to make them more real. I've laughed out loud, I've cried, I've even hated who and what Rage has done through out the series. Then came the twister in this book

[Kurtins R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Freaking Goodness!!!
Excuse the extra exclamation points but holy cow. What a book.
There is so much to break down in this story so much back ground and some very interesting people to meet.
A few things get tied up BUT ... as usual with this author there are even more questions at the end of the story than when you started....

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, this book was not what I was expecting. Rafe pulled at my heart strings. You will have questions answered that you’ve had. You understand Cash & Rafe more. This book is not for the weak. At times I didn’t want to read anymore but I couldn’t put it down bc I had to know! Awesome book!!