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Unbroken Heroes #3
The Hero She Craves
The last thing he expects on his ship is the off-limits woman he can’t stop thinking about—his best friend’s daughter.
After a tough military career as a Navy SEAL, and a member of a covert Ghost Ops team, Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro now calls a research ship home. The ocean, very few people, and solitude…it’s all he needs.
Then as a favor to his best friend, he agrees to take a research team to sea to test a top-secret Navy project. He’s shocked to discover his best friend’s daughter is one of the scientists. The beautiful Halle Bradshaw who Ren once kissed, who ignites a powerful craving inside him. She’s too young, too innocent, and too off-limits.
When strange things start happening to Halle, Ren suspects she’s in danger…and he’ll do anything to keep her safe.
Marine biologist Halle loves the ocean, her work…and Ren Santoro. Being aboard his ship, she finally has the chance to show the stubborn man how good they could be together.
But someone is targeting the highly classified project she’s working on. One she can’t let fall into enemy hands.
The only person she can trust is Ren. Forced to abandon their ship, they will face the danger of the sea and the wilds of a jungle-covered island, all while being hunted by a relentless enemy.
Ren and Halle will no longer be able to hide from their white-hot desire or their demons. She’s determined to convince him to take a chance on love…but first, they have to survive.
After a tough military career as a Navy SEAL, and a member of a covert Ghost Ops team, Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro now calls a research ship home. The ocean, very few people, and solitude…it’s all he needs.
Then as a favor to his best friend, he agrees to take a research team to sea to test a top-secret Navy project. He’s shocked to discover his best friend’s daughter is one of the scientists. The beautiful Halle Bradshaw who Ren once kissed, who ignites a powerful craving inside him. She’s too young, too innocent, and too off-limits.
When strange things start happening to Halle, Ren suspects she’s in danger…and he’ll do anything to keep her safe.
Marine biologist Halle loves the ocean, her work…and Ren Santoro. Being aboard his ship, she finally has the chance to show the stubborn man how good they could be together.
But someone is targeting the highly classified project she’s working on. One she can’t let fall into enemy hands.
The only person she can trust is Ren. Forced to abandon their ship, they will face the danger of the sea and the wilds of a jungle-covered island, all while being hunted by a relentless enemy.
Ren and Halle will no longer be able to hide from their white-hot desire or their demons. She’s determined to convince him to take a chance on love…but first, they have to survive.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2024
1522 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
165 books2,926 followersI’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
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
June 16, 2024
Halle (23) is the marine biologist for the new and confidential naval research program. And they're going to conduct it by aboarding Ren's (mid or late 30s??) ship, and this is supposed to be a one-week research project.
He stays a lot in the sea, as it helps him with all the bad memories he had from serving his country. He's also been trying to avoid Halle for the last three years after they kissed on her 20th birthday.
Ngl, Ren gave me the whiplash with his push and pull for the first 57% of the story. And I can't even get mad at him because, even when he's rejecting Halle, he's been doing it nicely. This pushing away would've definitely pissed me off a lot if he'd done it in a rude way, but that's not the case at all.
It's not that Ren isn't interested in Halle; it's just that he feels he's not good enough for her. He's older (not sure by how many), has seen all the nasty sides of humankind thanks to his time in the military, and lastly, she's the daughter of his best friend and mentor, the man that he respects so much. He doesn't want to ruin his relationship with his friend, and he thinks staying away would stop his feelings for her.
As for Halle, she sees this as an opportunity to finally talk to Ren and to tell him how much she misses him. After all, he wouldn't be able to get away from her when they're in the middle of the sea. 😂
Since she had enough of his avoidance tactic, she gladly took this chance to go after him. Gotta give props to her for not giving up despite the multiple rejections she's getting. Ren's pushing away didn't deter her from making him see how good they could be, and she wants him to admit he's got it bad just as hers. 🤭
On most occasions, women doing the chasing would irk me because they come across as borderline pathetic. But for some reason, Halle didn't annoy me, and, tbh, she even made me root for her to finally get her man.
Anyway, the last 40% focused on the suspense part of the story, as these two basically ran for their lives after their ship was attacked. They escaped and swam to the nearest island, trying to get help and protect the fuel cell that was being targeted by the enemies. It was entertaining, and I loved the action aspect. I had fun mostly on this part rather than the romance. 😅
Overall, it was still good. But I wish readers were given more background about Ren and Halle and what their relationship was like before they realized they had feelings for each other. It would've been nice to know as well what's Ren's exact age; he kept repeating that he was older than her, but I'm curious to know by how much. The only thing I knew was that Halle's father was older than him by 12 years and that they had her in their early 20s. 🤷♀️
I love the suspense, and I've had no complaints about it. I loved how all the women in this series were smart and dependable during crises. They handled each situation with levelheadedness and didn't become a burden to the MMCs. I've read suspense books where the FMCs were presented like doofus that only slows down the escape attempts or rescue missions. Thank God, the women in this series were all smart, sensible, and acted like real partners in these terrible situations.
As for her father's reaction, I'm glad he didn't blow up (at least that much) when he found out about the new developments in their relationship. It was nice to know he's a rational man, and he knew that Ren is a good guy who won't hurt his daughter.
In the end, it was a good book, but I feel like something was missing in the story, can't pinpoint it, though. But if readers want some action packed story, they could go try this one. 😅
Book info:
- Age gap (10+???)
- Best friend's daughter
- Romantic suspense
- Loss of loved one (past)
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- V FMC 🥴 (she's saving it for him), celibate MMC (3 yrs, but used to be a ladies' man)
- HFN (engaged)
He stays a lot in the sea, as it helps him with all the bad memories he had from serving his country. He's also been trying to avoid Halle for the last three years after they kissed on her 20th birthday.
Ngl, Ren gave me the whiplash with his push and pull for the first 57% of the story. And I can't even get mad at him because, even when he's rejecting Halle, he's been doing it nicely. This pushing away would've definitely pissed me off a lot if he'd done it in a rude way, but that's not the case at all.
It's not that Ren isn't interested in Halle; it's just that he feels he's not good enough for her. He's older (not sure by how many), has seen all the nasty sides of humankind thanks to his time in the military, and lastly, she's the daughter of his best friend and mentor, the man that he respects so much. He doesn't want to ruin his relationship with his friend, and he thinks staying away would stop his feelings for her.
As for Halle, she sees this as an opportunity to finally talk to Ren and to tell him how much she misses him. After all, he wouldn't be able to get away from her when they're in the middle of the sea. 😂
Since she had enough of his avoidance tactic, she gladly took this chance to go after him. Gotta give props to her for not giving up despite the multiple rejections she's getting. Ren's pushing away didn't deter her from making him see how good they could be, and she wants him to admit he's got it bad just as hers. 🤭
On most occasions, women doing the chasing would irk me because they come across as borderline pathetic. But for some reason, Halle didn't annoy me, and, tbh, she even made me root for her to finally get her man.
Anyway, the last 40% focused on the suspense part of the story, as these two basically ran for their lives after their ship was attacked. They escaped and swam to the nearest island, trying to get help and protect the fuel cell that was being targeted by the enemies. It was entertaining, and I loved the action aspect. I had fun mostly on this part rather than the romance. 😅
Overall, it was still good. But I wish readers were given more background about Ren and Halle and what their relationship was like before they realized they had feelings for each other. It would've been nice to know as well what's Ren's exact age; he kept repeating that he was older than her, but I'm curious to know by how much. The only thing I knew was that Halle's father was older than him by 12 years and that they had her in their early 20s. 🤷♀️
I love the suspense, and I've had no complaints about it. I loved how all the women in this series were smart and dependable during crises. They handled each situation with levelheadedness and didn't become a burden to the MMCs. I've read suspense books where the FMCs were presented like doofus that only slows down the escape attempts or rescue missions. Thank God, the women in this series were all smart, sensible, and acted like real partners in these terrible situations.
As for her father's reaction, I'm glad he didn't blow up (at least that much) when he found out about the new developments in their relationship. It was nice to know he's a rational man, and he knew that Ren is a good guy who won't hurt his daughter.
In the end, it was a good book, but I feel like something was missing in the story, can't pinpoint it, though. But if readers want some action packed story, they could go try this one. 😅
Book info:
- Age gap (10+???)
- Best friend's daughter
- Romantic suspense
- Loss of loved one (past)
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- V FMC 🥴 (she's saving it for him), celibate MMC (3 yrs, but used to be a ladies' man)
- HFN (engaged)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
The Hero She Craves is the third installment in Anna Hackett's Unbroken Heroes series, which blends romantic suspense and adventure. This series features alpha males who are deeply loyal and committed to helping those in need while working to defeat villains. Although these men are loving and respectful toward the women they fall for, they often struggle with feelings of unworthiness when it comes to love. Each man is surprised to discover his soulmate, a revelation that brings both unexpected joy and new challenges.
When one of their own faces a serious threat, the entire group comes together, showcasing their unbreakable bond as they confront and dismantle the menacing forces against them. The narrative is packed with exhilarating action sequences, sizzling chemistry between characters, and intense tension, all set within a captivating plot filled with intrigue, drama, and peril.
I find myself completely engrossed in the experience of rereading this series, savoring each emotional twist and turn.
When one of their own faces a serious threat, the entire group comes together, showcasing their unbreakable bond as they confront and dismantle the menacing forces against them. The narrative is packed with exhilarating action sequences, sizzling chemistry between characters, and intense tension, all set within a captivating plot filled with intrigue, drama, and peril.
I find myself completely engrossed in the experience of rereading this series, savoring each emotional twist and turn.
September 18, 2025
✨✨✨/5
🌶️.5/5
Good, could’ve been great. Bit of a weaker plot, and the romance setup needed more yearning to totally sell it.
Overall a quick read to add to the reading tracker; not nearly my favorite from Anna Hackett, but it had its moments.
This series overall has been strong, I love the unique setups for each main couple, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.
🌶️.5/5
Good, could’ve been great. Bit of a weaker plot, and the romance setup needed more yearning to totally sell it.
Overall a quick read to add to the reading tracker; not nearly my favorite from Anna Hackett, but it had its moments.
This series overall has been strong, I love the unique setups for each main couple, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.
June 26, 2024
Nonstop adrenaline fueled action and romance,I loved it!
And Vander Norcross made a guest appearance!!!
And Vander Norcross made a guest appearance!!!
September 17, 2025
2.5 Stars
H constantly denying the h. The h not giving up on the H. Some action but really I was here to find out who was the attacker.
H constantly denying the h. The h not giving up on the H. Some action but really I was here to find out who was the attacker.
December 15, 2024
4.5⭐️
Lorenzo 'Ren' Santoro has retired from the military and now spends his time on his ship, away from the world and specifically a certain woman who is off-limits. Said woman being his best friend and mentor, Tom Bradshaw's daughter—Halle Bradshaw. When he agrees to help a research team to test out a top-secret Navy project on his ship as a favor for his best friend, he doesn't expect to find Halle as one of the team members joining him, especially after he'd spent the last 3 years trying to avoid being anywhere near her after the kiss they'd shared.
But someone on the ship is trying to get a hold of the highly classified project, and Ren and Halle aren't sure if the culprit is from her team or his. They can only trust each other right now while they try to figure out who is behind it all. With the threat of the secret project falling into the wrong hands, they escape to figure out a way to get it to safety while also finding the mole.
Being a troubled teenager with a knack for getting into messy situations, Lorenzo's life would've taken a very different turn if it hadn't been for his mentor and later best friend, Tom Bradshaw, who guided him in the right direction. The direction was joining the military as a Navy SEAL. Which is why he can't consider anything with Halle, no matter how right things feel. And he tries denying his feelings for a long time, even going so far as limiting his visits with Tom. But when Halle becomes a target, Ren is ready to go to any extreme to keep her safe.
Halle knew what she wanted, and she wanted Lorenzo. She made this abundantly clear to him, and I loved how direct and honest she was. She was persistent with Ren about giving their relationship a chance and wanting him no matter how many times he tried to give her all the reasons he shouldn't want her. She didn't let him hide behind his excuses, and eventually he came around. I liked how she constantly reassured him and made him see that she only had eyes for him.
There was some push and pull from Lorenzo's side given his conflicting feelings about Halle being his best friend's daughter and much younger than him. He struggles with the feeling of betraying the man who'd saved his life. He also doesn't want to taint her life with all his darkness and baggage or for her to see the kind of things he's done. But as they fight off the men after them while trying to get to safety, Halle embraces every side of him. She makes him see just how safe and protected she feels because of him. She helps him realize that he deserves more for himself after all that he's gone through and that he deserves to live his life after surviving everything he had in the military. She's so gentle and patient yet firm with him, which I loved.
The action was amazing in this book, and Lorenzo fighting all the men coming after Halle was honestly so hot. He was a predator, and the way he took them all out was incredible. What I loved even more is how Halle helps him out through it all. She doesn't just hide or sit idle, but she fights with him to the best of her ability.
The spice was good, especially with the little slow build-up between them and due to their history. I also liked that the spice doesn't take away from the plot or overwhelm it.
LOVED Sawyer's entry when it happened and the way it happened. I was like YESSSS!! So obviously I'm super excited for his book next.
Lorenzo 'Ren' Santoro has retired from the military and now spends his time on his ship, away from the world and specifically a certain woman who is off-limits. Said woman being his best friend and mentor, Tom Bradshaw's daughter—Halle Bradshaw. When he agrees to help a research team to test out a top-secret Navy project on his ship as a favor for his best friend, he doesn't expect to find Halle as one of the team members joining him, especially after he'd spent the last 3 years trying to avoid being anywhere near her after the kiss they'd shared.
But someone on the ship is trying to get a hold of the highly classified project, and Ren and Halle aren't sure if the culprit is from her team or his. They can only trust each other right now while they try to figure out who is behind it all. With the threat of the secret project falling into the wrong hands, they escape to figure out a way to get it to safety while also finding the mole.
Being a troubled teenager with a knack for getting into messy situations, Lorenzo's life would've taken a very different turn if it hadn't been for his mentor and later best friend, Tom Bradshaw, who guided him in the right direction. The direction was joining the military as a Navy SEAL. Which is why he can't consider anything with Halle, no matter how right things feel. And he tries denying his feelings for a long time, even going so far as limiting his visits with Tom. But when Halle becomes a target, Ren is ready to go to any extreme to keep her safe.
Halle knew what she wanted, and she wanted Lorenzo. She made this abundantly clear to him, and I loved how direct and honest she was. She was persistent with Ren about giving their relationship a chance and wanting him no matter how many times he tried to give her all the reasons he shouldn't want her. She didn't let him hide behind his excuses, and eventually he came around. I liked how she constantly reassured him and made him see that she only had eyes for him.
There was some push and pull from Lorenzo's side given his conflicting feelings about Halle being his best friend's daughter and much younger than him. He struggles with the feeling of betraying the man who'd saved his life. He also doesn't want to taint her life with all his darkness and baggage or for her to see the kind of things he's done. But as they fight off the men after them while trying to get to safety, Halle embraces every side of him. She makes him see just how safe and protected she feels because of him. She helps him realize that he deserves more for himself after all that he's gone through and that he deserves to live his life after surviving everything he had in the military. She's so gentle and patient yet firm with him, which I loved.
The action was amazing in this book, and Lorenzo fighting all the men coming after Halle was honestly so hot. He was a predator, and the way he took them all out was incredible. What I loved even more is how Halle helps him out through it all. She doesn't just hide or sit idle, but she fights with him to the best of her ability.
The spice was good, especially with the little slow build-up between them and due to their history. I also liked that the spice doesn't take away from the plot or overwhelm it.
LOVED Sawyer's entry when it happened and the way it happened. I was like YESSSS!! So obviously I'm super excited for his book next.
December 4, 2024
There is so much packed into every single page of this book. There's no chance for boredom, because you're thrown right into the action almost from page one.
The relationship evolves quickly, but it helps that the two have known each other before the book begins, so while stuff is happening only a few chapters in, it doesn't reaaaallllly feel insta-anything. I also find it so refreshing that HALLE is the one doing the pursuing. She's a thousand percent sure about what she wants, and she knows Ren wants her too. So she goes for it and doesn't give up when he gets spooked or spirals into thinking he's not good enough. It's rare to find a FMC who's tenacious about tearing down the MMC's walls.
I also adore that Halle doesn't shy away from violence. Either witnessing Ren being violent to keep her safe, or being violent herself to help Ren. She saves a Navy SEAL multiple times. Doesn't even hesitate.
The plot was also extremely fast paced and dynamic enough that even though this book is VERY short, I was engaged and didn't find anything ridiculous or ill-planned or un-thought out.
I don't say this often about these very short books. But I actually think Hackett did a good job managing the spice and the relationship and the action and plot development.
You just can't think about things too deeply. Because I could ask a ton of questions about logistics, but there's clearly no answers and this isn't the sort of book that would hold up under nitpicky scrutiny. It's purely for fun. A good way to spend an evening. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
The relationship evolves quickly, but it helps that the two have known each other before the book begins, so while stuff is happening only a few chapters in, it doesn't reaaaallllly feel insta-anything. I also find it so refreshing that HALLE is the one doing the pursuing. She's a thousand percent sure about what she wants, and she knows Ren wants her too. So she goes for it and doesn't give up when he gets spooked or spirals into thinking he's not good enough. It's rare to find a FMC who's tenacious about tearing down the MMC's walls.
I also adore that Halle doesn't shy away from violence. Either witnessing Ren being violent to keep her safe, or being violent herself to help Ren. She saves a Navy SEAL multiple times. Doesn't even hesitate.
The plot was also extremely fast paced and dynamic enough that even though this book is VERY short, I was engaged and didn't find anything ridiculous or ill-planned or un-thought out.
I don't say this often about these very short books. But I actually think Hackett did a good job managing the spice and the relationship and the action and plot development.
You just can't think about things too deeply. Because I could ask a ton of questions about logistics, but there's clearly no answers and this isn't the sort of book that would hold up under nitpicky scrutiny. It's purely for fun. A good way to spend an evening. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
June 6, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5
Tropes:
🫦Age Gap (slight)
🛳Forced Proximity
⚔️Touch Her and Die
🇺🇲Ex-Navy SEAL MMC
💥Action/Fight Sequences
📖Review:
Sometimes you just want a compact, fun, adventurous read! This definitely scratches that itch and satisfies your desire for sexual tension and suspense, in what I could see as being a 90 minute action movie! And in a highly enjoyable way!
We get a former Navy SEAL (Ren) who sees his best friend's daughter join him on his ship for the testing of a new unmanned submersible. Ren has been avoiding Halle since a kiss they shared on her 20th bday. A slight age gap and being his best friend's daughter...along with the demons that haunt him from his dangerous secret missions, Ren has tried to deny that the kiss meant more than it really did.
The tension was built very well for a shorter book (190 pg). There was just enough angst, then the action kicks in to provide a solid shot of adrenaline...with attackers making their way on the ship to steal the top secret project. Keeping Halle safe as she becomes a target allowed Ren to demonstrate his "special set of skills" in exciting fight sequences. Feelings become more raw and exposed along the way in an organic way considering the predicament, allowing for satisfying intimate moments, then back to suspense!
A fun ride, with adrenaline, tension and passion! Loved this couple and excited to read more from Ren's unit of buddies!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5
Tropes:
🫦Age Gap (slight)
🛳Forced Proximity
⚔️Touch Her and Die
🇺🇲Ex-Navy SEAL MMC
💥Action/Fight Sequences
📖Review:
Sometimes you just want a compact, fun, adventurous read! This definitely scratches that itch and satisfies your desire for sexual tension and suspense, in what I could see as being a 90 minute action movie! And in a highly enjoyable way!
We get a former Navy SEAL (Ren) who sees his best friend's daughter join him on his ship for the testing of a new unmanned submersible. Ren has been avoiding Halle since a kiss they shared on her 20th bday. A slight age gap and being his best friend's daughter...along with the demons that haunt him from his dangerous secret missions, Ren has tried to deny that the kiss meant more than it really did.
The tension was built very well for a shorter book (190 pg). There was just enough angst, then the action kicks in to provide a solid shot of adrenaline...with attackers making their way on the ship to steal the top secret project. Keeping Halle safe as she becomes a target allowed Ren to demonstrate his "special set of skills" in exciting fight sequences. Feelings become more raw and exposed along the way in an organic way considering the predicament, allowing for satisfying intimate moments, then back to suspense!
A fun ride, with adrenaline, tension and passion! Loved this couple and excited to read more from Ren's unit of buddies!
June 9, 2024
Series: Unbroken Heroes #3
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro was a former Navy SEAL and member of the covert Ghost Ops team. He now calls a research ship home and likes his life on the water. When his research team agrees to help with a top-secret Navy project, he is shocked to find his best friend's daughter is one of the scientists. He has done his best to keep his distance from her for the past few years but now that they are both on the same boat together he can’t ignore his feelings, especially since someone keeps attacking her.
Ren and Halle’s story had an action packed romance that kept me hooked from the beginning. Ren is a protective and intense man who has spent years trying to deny his attraction to Halle because he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with her father. The trope of dad’s best friend is one that I have only read a few books from so I am still unsure if I actually love it, but I did enjoy these two. I liked Ren and how he kept Halle safe during their escape. While Ren does try to initially keep Halle at a distance, that quickly changes when he realizes how much she wants him and that he could easily have lost her to the people after their research.
Halle was a smart and capable woman. I really liked how she wanted Ren from the beginning and refused to let him push her away. While Halle isn’t used to extreme danger, she handles herself extremely well and works well with Ren to keep their research safe. I really love how she tries to protect Ren and reminds him that he is loved frequently. It was very sweet.
Overall, this was another great romantic suspense with an interesting plot. I really enjoyed the whole adventure to protect this Naval research. I also really liked that there wasn’t a lot of tension from Halle’s father when he finds out that they are a couple. Hopefully we get a book about Ren’s friend Sawyer, who was a fellow Ghost Ops and is now a sheriff in Hawaii.
TW: attempted kidnapping; near drowning; on page asthma attack; death; violence; death of a parent in a car accident and by cancer mentioned; death of a child mentioned;
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro was a former Navy SEAL and member of the covert Ghost Ops team. He now calls a research ship home and likes his life on the water. When his research team agrees to help with a top-secret Navy project, he is shocked to find his best friend's daughter is one of the scientists. He has done his best to keep his distance from her for the past few years but now that they are both on the same boat together he can’t ignore his feelings, especially since someone keeps attacking her.
Ren and Halle’s story had an action packed romance that kept me hooked from the beginning. Ren is a protective and intense man who has spent years trying to deny his attraction to Halle because he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with her father. The trope of dad’s best friend is one that I have only read a few books from so I am still unsure if I actually love it, but I did enjoy these two. I liked Ren and how he kept Halle safe during their escape. While Ren does try to initially keep Halle at a distance, that quickly changes when he realizes how much she wants him and that he could easily have lost her to the people after their research.
Halle was a smart and capable woman. I really liked how she wanted Ren from the beginning and refused to let him push her away. While Halle isn’t used to extreme danger, she handles herself extremely well and works well with Ren to keep their research safe. I really love how she tries to protect Ren and reminds him that he is loved frequently. It was very sweet.
Overall, this was another great romantic suspense with an interesting plot. I really enjoyed the whole adventure to protect this Naval research. I also really liked that there wasn’t a lot of tension from Halle’s father when he finds out that they are a couple. Hopefully we get a book about Ren’s friend Sawyer, who was a fellow Ghost Ops and is now a sheriff in Hawaii.
TW: attempted kidnapping; near drowning; on page asthma attack; death; violence; death of a parent in a car accident and by cancer mentioned; death of a child mentioned;
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
July 1, 2024
It's Ren's turn to fall and MAN is this guy fighting his attraction to Halle. Which is understandable because she's the daughter of the man who basically helped him turn his life around he doesn't want to disrespect him or Halle by breaking her heart. Yeah, Ren also thinks he's not good enough for Halle, so he's sure he'll end up hurting her somehow if anything were to happen.
Halle disagrees. She's been in love with Ren forever, but things really ramped up after a heated kiss on her 20th birthday. She might know everything Ren has had to do on his missions, but she sees the honorable man he is. So when circumstances force them to spend time together, Halle sets out to prove they are exactly right for one another.
A failed kidnapping, some mysterious happenings aboard ship, and a wild escape that saves the two of them by the skin of their teeth has all of Ren's protective instincts going haywire. The guy refuses to let anything happen to Halle and it's probably not at all because he's completely in love with her. HA. Spoiler: He's completely in love with her.
A harrowing journey across a beautiful island, danger nipping at their heels, lava tubes, abandoned resorts, steamy kisses, a man who doesn't think he deserves to be loved, and a woman determined to prove him wrong. MAN, I like these men and the women who capture their hearts!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Halle disagrees. She's been in love with Ren forever, but things really ramped up after a heated kiss on her 20th birthday. She might know everything Ren has had to do on his missions, but she sees the honorable man he is. So when circumstances force them to spend time together, Halle sets out to prove they are exactly right for one another.
A failed kidnapping, some mysterious happenings aboard ship, and a wild escape that saves the two of them by the skin of their teeth has all of Ren's protective instincts going haywire. The guy refuses to let anything happen to Halle and it's probably not at all because he's completely in love with her. HA. Spoiler: He's completely in love with her.
A harrowing journey across a beautiful island, danger nipping at their heels, lava tubes, abandoned resorts, steamy kisses, a man who doesn't think he deserves to be loved, and a woman determined to prove him wrong. MAN, I like these men and the women who capture their hearts!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 16, 2024
4,5/ 5 ⭐️
3 / 5 🌶️
what to expect :
•𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥
•𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘱
•𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
•𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘹 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳
•𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘹 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹-𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘓
•𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥
Ohhh I enjoyed it sooooo much!
Halle is marine biologist and has a (not so much) secret: a huge crush on Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro, an ex-seal and her father’s best friend. All she ever wanted was to act on said crush but Ren avoids babe girl like a plague.
Lorenzo is a lonely man. After years being SEAL & Ghost Ops the man was left with too many nightmares. These days he is in charge of the Atalanta, a research Navy ship. It’s a lonely life. Just the way he wants it.
Until one day, a crew of scientists arrive for a top secret marine drone research and no one than Halle, his best friend’s daughter, is on the team. The thing is, after a kiss on her 20th birthday the man can’t get her out of his mind. But besides her father issue, Ren judges himself unworthy of her.
Now trapped in a huge ship the tension between these two spikes just as someone is trying to stole the new drone and will do anything for it, which puts Halle in great danger. A Ren will do anything to stop it and keep her safe.
3 / 5 🌶️
what to expect :
•𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥
•𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘱
•𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
•𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘹 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳
•𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘹 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹-𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘓
•𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥
Ohhh I enjoyed it sooooo much!
Halle is marine biologist and has a (not so much) secret: a huge crush on Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro, an ex-seal and her father’s best friend. All she ever wanted was to act on said crush but Ren avoids babe girl like a plague.
Lorenzo is a lonely man. After years being SEAL & Ghost Ops the man was left with too many nightmares. These days he is in charge of the Atalanta, a research Navy ship. It’s a lonely life. Just the way he wants it.
Until one day, a crew of scientists arrive for a top secret marine drone research and no one than Halle, his best friend’s daughter, is on the team. The thing is, after a kiss on her 20th birthday the man can’t get her out of his mind. But besides her father issue, Ren judges himself unworthy of her.
Now trapped in a huge ship the tension between these two spikes just as someone is trying to stole the new drone and will do anything for it, which puts Halle in great danger. A Ren will do anything to stop it and keep her safe.
June 15, 2024
Oo such a fun and very fast paced story. This might not be the longest romance suspense I’ve read but it certainly packs a lot in ! Untouchable daughter of best friend ? Check ! Age gap ? Check ! Forced proximity ( kind of ) ? Check ! Paradise island ? Check ! Hunted by bad guys ? Check ! Oh I could go on but I think you get the idea that there’s a lot going on and that’s before I even mention hot and steamy scenes !
I will start by saying Ren isn’t exactly Methuselah but he does have more life experience than Halle as he’s a former Navy Seal. Halle is a young woman who knows what she wants and is prepared to be honest and just go for it and I liked that about her. Expect no, no, I cannot to soon be replaced by oh lord how could I not ? Hehe he never stands a chance but with Halle seeming to be a constant target this romance has to go through a lot. I hadn’t guessed who the betrayer was but was left scratching my head because something just didn’t make sense but I don’t care ! This adventure reminded me of the authors earlier Treasure Hunter books minus the woo woo and was such fun to just escape into.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
I will start by saying Ren isn’t exactly Methuselah but he does have more life experience than Halle as he’s a former Navy Seal. Halle is a young woman who knows what she wants and is prepared to be honest and just go for it and I liked that about her. Expect no, no, I cannot to soon be replaced by oh lord how could I not ? Hehe he never stands a chance but with Halle seeming to be a constant target this romance has to go through a lot. I hadn’t guessed who the betrayer was but was left scratching my head because something just didn’t make sense but I don’t care ! This adventure reminded me of the authors earlier Treasure Hunter books minus the woo woo and was such fun to just escape into.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
June 13, 2024
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖱𝖾𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖧𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾
5 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘺 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘵
Halle, she was such a kickass, independent and strong heroine.
Halle is a marine biologist and she is on board the Atalanta for a research project. But nothing is as it seems when attacks start happening onboard, and notes are left in her cabin.
Ren, is a former 𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 and 𝑛𝑎𝑣𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑙. He has lost 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠 and killed and doesn't believe he is good enough for Halle, so avoiding her as much as possible was what he did. Add in the fact that her dad is his best friend/father-brother figure. Makes things complicated.
But then he gets the surprise of his life when he finds out that she is one of the researchers onboard his ship.
...Ren & Halle's book was so good you guys. Absolutely loved getting back into this world.
Halle finds herself on the receiving end of threatening notes and attacks when someone on the Atalanta wants their research and Ren will do everything he can to protect her.
And when these two find themselves on the run through the Molokai island doing everything possible to survive, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
..this book honestly just had me on edge towards the end I swear.
...the chemistry, push and pull with the spicy scenes here and there 🥵🔥
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Vander Norcross!!! I just love this guy...🔥
Sawyer??? Yeah, can't wait for his book.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔪🔫🔪🔫🔪
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖱𝖾𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖧𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾
5 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘺 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘵
Halle, she was such a kickass, independent and strong heroine.
Halle is a marine biologist and she is on board the Atalanta for a research project. But nothing is as it seems when attacks start happening onboard, and notes are left in her cabin.
Ren, is a former 𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 and 𝑛𝑎𝑣𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑙. He has lost 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠 and killed and doesn't believe he is good enough for Halle, so avoiding her as much as possible was what he did. Add in the fact that her dad is his best friend/father-brother figure. Makes things complicated.
But then he gets the surprise of his life when he finds out that she is one of the researchers onboard his ship.
...Ren & Halle's book was so good you guys. Absolutely loved getting back into this world.
Halle finds herself on the receiving end of threatening notes and attacks when someone on the Atalanta wants their research and Ren will do everything he can to protect her.
And when these two find themselves on the run through the Molokai island doing everything possible to survive, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
..this book honestly just had me on edge towards the end I swear.
...the chemistry, push and pull with the spicy scenes here and there 🥵🔥
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Vander Norcross!!! I just love this guy...🔥
Sawyer??? Yeah, can't wait for his book.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔪🔫🔪🔫🔪
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥
Read
June 28, 2024I won't rate this one, since it turned out to be a DNF case...
I just couldn't get into it...
the settings were off, to start with, the reason for the plot was a stretch...and this "chemistry" between the main characters was non existent...for me
So, since I really. really loved this author's books before this one, and I have read most of them, I will simply move on leaving this one as an unresolved mystery...LOL
I just couldn't get into it...
the settings were off, to start with, the reason for the plot was a stretch...and this "chemistry" between the main characters was non existent...for me
So, since I really. really loved this author's books before this one, and I have read most of them, I will simply move on leaving this one as an unresolved mystery...LOL
September 14, 2024
GREAT STORY
This was a very good and interesting read, I enjoyed the hero’s of the story, I found it hard to believe that the professor was in with the bad guys and am happy, he got what was coming to him….
This was a very good and interesting read, I enjoyed the hero’s of the story, I found it hard to believe that the professor was in with the bad guys and am happy, he got what was coming to him….
August 8, 2024
Ren is Here!!
If you’re craving a non stop wild adventure then this is the story for you. Save the girl from the bad guys. Yep!!
If you’re craving a non stop wild adventure then this is the story for you. Save the girl from the bad guys. Yep!!
June 14, 2024
Ren and Halle
I didn’t know how I would feel about the father’s best friend trope when I started this book. It’s usually one I steer clear of, but I’m glad I gave this one a chance. It wasn’t as taboo as I originally thought, with Ren being over ten years younger than Tom and Tom having been a young dad the age gap wasn’t insurmountable.
I actually really liked Halle. She may have been young, but loss shaped her childhood and she was wise beyond her years. She knew what she wanted and went after Ren with singular focus. Even when she questioned herself every time Ren pushed her away, she knew if she could just get past his walls he would see she was right.
This was an exciting book from the beginning. Halle and Ren were in danger for pretty much the entire book and that is ultimately what finally brought them together. Ren fought his feelings hard, but could never really push Halle away for good. Each time Halle ended up almost being taken from him, by way of kidnapping or death, he resolve got thinner.
Anna Hackett’s romantic suspense books are always full of adventure and heart pumping suspense and this was no different. It was a great mix of suspense and romance.
I didn’t know how I would feel about the father’s best friend trope when I started this book. It’s usually one I steer clear of, but I’m glad I gave this one a chance. It wasn’t as taboo as I originally thought, with Ren being over ten years younger than Tom and Tom having been a young dad the age gap wasn’t insurmountable.
I actually really liked Halle. She may have been young, but loss shaped her childhood and she was wise beyond her years. She knew what she wanted and went after Ren with singular focus. Even when she questioned herself every time Ren pushed her away, she knew if she could just get past his walls he would see she was right.
This was an exciting book from the beginning. Halle and Ren were in danger for pretty much the entire book and that is ultimately what finally brought them together. Ren fought his feelings hard, but could never really push Halle away for good. Each time Halle ended up almost being taken from him, by way of kidnapping or death, he resolve got thinner.
Anna Hackett’s romantic suspense books are always full of adventure and heart pumping suspense and this was no different. It was a great mix of suspense and romance.
June 15, 2024
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / Amazon Universal
Lorenzo "Ren" Santoro has been denying his feelings for his best friend's daughter Halle, for years. But when her father sends her to his ship for a research project, the close confines and his ever present feelings start eroding his defenses. Then when they have to go on the run together, he realizes he absolutely cannot deny what's between them any longer. He'll keep her safe, then they can spend the rest of their lives together...if they can get past her dad first.
Halle may be young and inexperienced, but she knows exactly what (whom) she wants - her dad's best friend, Ren Santoro. Now she's on his ship, and she's going to do whatever she must to get him to realize they're meant for each other. Even though they're facing danger from all sides, they're on the run, and she's not sure if her dad will ever forgive them, she is determined to get through to him. They can deal with the fallout after they survive...
Action, adventure, suspense, seriously hot attraction, and heightened emotions - Ren and Halle's story has it all. Ren had been denying himself Halle for so long, I was wondering how he was ever going to give in. Thank God she appeared on his ship with more determination than he was ever prepared for. She's amazing, for all her youth, she's mature, smart and persistent, and didn't let the danger or Ren's denial get her down one bit. I love her kind of heroine, and she's perfect for uber protective Ren. There is a cameo by one of my favorites - Vander! - and a glimpse of a hero I want more of - Sawyer, both just making me look even more forward to more of Anna's Unbroken Heroes series.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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July 10, 2024
FMC just wasn’t for me
I’m pretty sure the direction here is alpha-dominant-protective vibes - and like Dads best friend age gap so yeah, of course, but the heroine just didn’t do it for me. It actually made me a bit icky
She’s like a virginal “oh I’m so scared, I’m just a little baby gurl” while his whole narrative is she’s too young for me. And when he’s like “oh I shouldn’t” you can’t help but agree.
She has moments where she tries to be sassy and mature but then is immediately needy and almost role playing a fantasy.
And then all of a sudden she develops a survival instant and is super savvy and it’s so not believable because she immediately goes back to seeing the world through rose coloured glasses and wants to sing Disney songs by a fire with hot cocoa.
I’m going 2 stars because my yuck doesn’t mean it’s bad - I just didn’t like it here.
I’m pretty sure the direction here is alpha-dominant-protective vibes - and like Dads best friend age gap so yeah, of course, but the heroine just didn’t do it for me. It actually made me a bit icky
She’s like a virginal “oh I’m so scared, I’m just a little baby gurl” while his whole narrative is she’s too young for me. And when he’s like “oh I shouldn’t” you can’t help but agree.
She has moments where she tries to be sassy and mature but then is immediately needy and almost role playing a fantasy.
And then all of a sudden she develops a survival instant and is super savvy and it’s so not believable because she immediately goes back to seeing the world through rose coloured glasses and wants to sing Disney songs by a fire with hot cocoa.
I’m going 2 stars because my yuck doesn’t mean it’s bad - I just didn’t like it here.
June 14, 2024
Some tropes are classics for a reason, and The Hero She Craves wonderfully illustrates every single one of those reasons for one of my absolute faves.
There’s a bit of an age gap between former Navy SEAL Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro and Halle Bradshaw. And so there should be, as Halle’s dad is Ren’s mentor AND best friend. Tom Bradshaw saved Ren’s life when a young, tough, and let’s face it, dumb Ren tried to steal the older man’s car.
Instead of turning him in, Tom Bradshaw turned Ren’s life around, which means that Ren was around to watch Halle turn from a sulky, grieving teen after the loss of her mom in an automobile accident, to a beautiful woman that he knows he should keep his hands off of.
At her 20th birthday party, he didn’t. It’s been three years and neither of them has ever been able to forget that one, searing kiss. The one that marked both of their hearts – even if Ren is too caught up in guilt – and the damn ‘bro code’ to admit it – while Halle is just a bit too innocent to go out and get her man.
But those three years later, Halle’s tired of waiting for Ren to quit avoiding her and the tension simmering between them. She’s a marine biologist, he’s the second-in-command of the research ship her team has contracted with for their latest round of experiments with a highly experimental – and sought after – submersible.
She thinks she’ll have all the time in the world to pin him down. He thinks he only has to avoid spending too much time with his greatest temptation for four days and then he can go back to avoiding the inevitable.
The forces that want to steal the submersible – a device that is even more revolutionary than Ren and his captain were originally told – have put Halle in their crosshairs as the weak link in the device’s security.
But Halle’s not weak at all – not with Ren to protect her from the very, very bad guys. Especially when he finally gets hit with the clue by four that the last thing he ever needs to protect her from is himself.
Escape Rating A-: Three books in, I have to say that I’ve enjoyed the first two books in the Unbroken Heroes series, The Hero She Needs and The Hero She Wants, but this is the first one where I’ve got to admit that this time around I fell hard for the cover, too.
That being said, the story in this entry in the series combines something that has been a feature in the whole series so far with one of my favorite romance tropes.
Not a single one of the heroines in the Unbroken Heroes series has been any kind of damsel. It’s true that they’ve each experienced more than their fair share of distress, but they’ve each participated 100% in their own rescues – often by rescuing themselves first. Halle doesn’t quite have that opportunity, but she keeps up with Ren through every step and stroke and kick of their dangerous escape, doing her part to make it deadly for the other guys and not for them.
No matter how kickass Halle turns out to be – and she does – the tension that lies at the heart of Ren’s bad case of “I’m not worthy” revolves around two very real problems. Ren is her dad’s best friend – and her dad is not going to be happy that someone at least a decade older than his daughter can’t keep his hands off of her. And there’s that decade or so itself. I adore an age gap romance because the problems involved are very real – and they are here as well.
It’s not that Halle isn’t an adult and doesn’t know her own mind or heart, it’s that they are at different points in their lives, have different-sized trains of emotional baggage behind them, and will need to reconcile those differences to have a decent chance at a future.
Of course, first they have to deal with the villains chasing them, otherwise they won’t have a future to worry about. And it’s that realization that gets Ren to finally acknowledge what’s been between them for so long.
I had a terrific time with this latest entry in the Unbroken Heroes series, and I have plenty to look forward to. The author’s next book will be a wrap-up novella in her Sentinel Security series, Stone. I’ve already read it and it was a terrific finale for that series! After that, it’ll be back to New Orleans for the Fury Brothers, which I’m very much looking forward to because I always enjoy books set in that fantastic city!
Originally published at Reading Reality
There’s a bit of an age gap between former Navy SEAL Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro and Halle Bradshaw. And so there should be, as Halle’s dad is Ren’s mentor AND best friend. Tom Bradshaw saved Ren’s life when a young, tough, and let’s face it, dumb Ren tried to steal the older man’s car.
Instead of turning him in, Tom Bradshaw turned Ren’s life around, which means that Ren was around to watch Halle turn from a sulky, grieving teen after the loss of her mom in an automobile accident, to a beautiful woman that he knows he should keep his hands off of.
At her 20th birthday party, he didn’t. It’s been three years and neither of them has ever been able to forget that one, searing kiss. The one that marked both of their hearts – even if Ren is too caught up in guilt – and the damn ‘bro code’ to admit it – while Halle is just a bit too innocent to go out and get her man.
But those three years later, Halle’s tired of waiting for Ren to quit avoiding her and the tension simmering between them. She’s a marine biologist, he’s the second-in-command of the research ship her team has contracted with for their latest round of experiments with a highly experimental – and sought after – submersible.
She thinks she’ll have all the time in the world to pin him down. He thinks he only has to avoid spending too much time with his greatest temptation for four days and then he can go back to avoiding the inevitable.
The forces that want to steal the submersible – a device that is even more revolutionary than Ren and his captain were originally told – have put Halle in their crosshairs as the weak link in the device’s security.
But Halle’s not weak at all – not with Ren to protect her from the very, very bad guys. Especially when he finally gets hit with the clue by four that the last thing he ever needs to protect her from is himself.
Escape Rating A-: Three books in, I have to say that I’ve enjoyed the first two books in the Unbroken Heroes series, The Hero She Needs and The Hero She Wants, but this is the first one where I’ve got to admit that this time around I fell hard for the cover, too.
That being said, the story in this entry in the series combines something that has been a feature in the whole series so far with one of my favorite romance tropes.
Not a single one of the heroines in the Unbroken Heroes series has been any kind of damsel. It’s true that they’ve each experienced more than their fair share of distress, but they’ve each participated 100% in their own rescues – often by rescuing themselves first. Halle doesn’t quite have that opportunity, but she keeps up with Ren through every step and stroke and kick of their dangerous escape, doing her part to make it deadly for the other guys and not for them.
No matter how kickass Halle turns out to be – and she does – the tension that lies at the heart of Ren’s bad case of “I’m not worthy” revolves around two very real problems. Ren is her dad’s best friend – and her dad is not going to be happy that someone at least a decade older than his daughter can’t keep his hands off of her. And there’s that decade or so itself. I adore an age gap romance because the problems involved are very real – and they are here as well.
It’s not that Halle isn’t an adult and doesn’t know her own mind or heart, it’s that they are at different points in their lives, have different-sized trains of emotional baggage behind them, and will need to reconcile those differences to have a decent chance at a future.
Of course, first they have to deal with the villains chasing them, otherwise they won’t have a future to worry about. And it’s that realization that gets Ren to finally acknowledge what’s been between them for so long.
I had a terrific time with this latest entry in the Unbroken Heroes series, and I have plenty to look forward to. The author’s next book will be a wrap-up novella in her Sentinel Security series, Stone. I’ve already read it and it was a terrific finale for that series! After that, it’ll be back to New Orleans for the Fury Brothers, which I’m very much looking forward to because I always enjoy books set in that fantastic city!
Originally published at Reading Reality
June 16, 2024
In Anna Hackett’s romantic suspense, The Hero She Craves (Unbroken Heroes #3), Marine biologist Halle Bradshaw boards former Navy Seal/covert ops team member Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro’s research ship and home with her research team for a top-secret Navy project trip out to sea, testing his determination to stay away from her—the off-limits woman of his dreams he can’t stop thinking about—his best friend/mentor’s daughter. Unexpectedly, troubling things happen to Halle that suggest someone might be targeting her highly classified project, and she can’t let enemies get their hands on it. Ren is the only person Halle trusts.
He does everything he can to keep her safe onboard the ship until they’re forced to abandon it. A relentless enemy pursues them through the sea into a jungle-covered island. Forced together under dangerous circumstances, Ren and Halle cannot continue denying or hiding their connection, attraction, and feelings for each other. Neither can Ren persist in pretending that his demons aren’t keeping him from having peace or being happy. Halle’s heart desires Ren, and she refuses to give up on him. They must stay alive and survive what’s coming for them. So that she can convince him to take a chance on love. However,
Honorable, funny, charming, strong, and stubborn, Ren is a tough, skilled, retired soldier burdened with baggage from his military career. Ren has tried to avoid Halle, believing he’s not good enough for her. After their kiss one night, Ren wants more from her than he could ever hope to deserve. However, Ren has made a good life on the ocean, where he can enjoy his solitude without many people around. But Ren’s never stopped wanting her. Having her on his ship is a temptation that he never expects. A 23-year-old post-graduate, Halle loves her work, the ocean, and Ren. Halle is intelligent, hardworking, and stubborn, and because of how she lost her mom, she chooses to live her life without regrets and takes risks. Halle knows what she wants and goes after it, and she wants Ren.
Hackett’s active writing and storytelling style drew me into the novel and the characters’ lives and kept me invested until the last scene. Her vibrant and detailed descriptions, using the characters’ senses and superb world-building, make you feel like you are with the characters in each moment. Halle and Ren are authentic, complex, conflicted, relatable, and likable. Hackett develops them through humorous, charged conversations, interactions, intimate moments, and intensely emotional/sexual and love scenes that are sensual and steamy. These scenes reveal and evolve their characters and further the plot. Her colorful and natural-sounding dialogue perfectly suits her characters, setting, and theme.
I love Ren and Halle and their charged conversations and interactions. Their connection is profound, and their chemistry is fiery and intense. It’s clear that Halle and Ren desire each other and have deep feelings for one another. Halle and Ren make a perfect match. She’s strong and fearless, trusts him implicitly, listens to him, and encourages him to talk about his feelings and demons. She helps him to find peace, happiness, and contentment. He puts her needs first, respects, protects, and keeps her safe and alive using his ghost ops and navy seal skills.
Hackett’s thrilling, well-constructed action sequences kept me on the edge of my seat. She terrifically balances the book’s romance and suspense. Emotional, sweet, steamy, hilarious, sexy, suspenseful, fast-paced, and action-packed, The Hero She Craves is a perfect romance for fans of touch-her-and-die, crush/perceived unrequited, age gap, forbidden love, best friend’s daughter, exotic locales, military, and action/adventure romances.
Thanks to author Anna Hackett and The Author Agency for the Advanced Review Copy.
3.5 stars
He does everything he can to keep her safe onboard the ship until they’re forced to abandon it. A relentless enemy pursues them through the sea into a jungle-covered island. Forced together under dangerous circumstances, Ren and Halle cannot continue denying or hiding their connection, attraction, and feelings for each other. Neither can Ren persist in pretending that his demons aren’t keeping him from having peace or being happy. Halle’s heart desires Ren, and she refuses to give up on him. They must stay alive and survive what’s coming for them. So that she can convince him to take a chance on love. However,
Honorable, funny, charming, strong, and stubborn, Ren is a tough, skilled, retired soldier burdened with baggage from his military career. Ren has tried to avoid Halle, believing he’s not good enough for her. After their kiss one night, Ren wants more from her than he could ever hope to deserve. However, Ren has made a good life on the ocean, where he can enjoy his solitude without many people around. But Ren’s never stopped wanting her. Having her on his ship is a temptation that he never expects. A 23-year-old post-graduate, Halle loves her work, the ocean, and Ren. Halle is intelligent, hardworking, and stubborn, and because of how she lost her mom, she chooses to live her life without regrets and takes risks. Halle knows what she wants and goes after it, and she wants Ren.
Hackett’s active writing and storytelling style drew me into the novel and the characters’ lives and kept me invested until the last scene. Her vibrant and detailed descriptions, using the characters’ senses and superb world-building, make you feel like you are with the characters in each moment. Halle and Ren are authentic, complex, conflicted, relatable, and likable. Hackett develops them through humorous, charged conversations, interactions, intimate moments, and intensely emotional/sexual and love scenes that are sensual and steamy. These scenes reveal and evolve their characters and further the plot. Her colorful and natural-sounding dialogue perfectly suits her characters, setting, and theme.
I love Ren and Halle and their charged conversations and interactions. Their connection is profound, and their chemistry is fiery and intense. It’s clear that Halle and Ren desire each other and have deep feelings for one another. Halle and Ren make a perfect match. She’s strong and fearless, trusts him implicitly, listens to him, and encourages him to talk about his feelings and demons. She helps him to find peace, happiness, and contentment. He puts her needs first, respects, protects, and keeps her safe and alive using his ghost ops and navy seal skills.
Hackett’s thrilling, well-constructed action sequences kept me on the edge of my seat. She terrifically balances the book’s romance and suspense. Emotional, sweet, steamy, hilarious, sexy, suspenseful, fast-paced, and action-packed, The Hero She Craves is a perfect romance for fans of touch-her-and-die, crush/perceived unrequited, age gap, forbidden love, best friend’s daughter, exotic locales, military, and action/adventure romances.
Thanks to author Anna Hackett and The Author Agency for the Advanced Review Copy.
3.5 stars
June 13, 2024
Halle Bradshaw is a girl that knows what she wants, and she wants her dads best friend, and to be a marine biologist. And this girl, she is tenacious and driven. She is no stranger to love or loss and is so wise beyond her young 23 years. She also happens to be head over heels for her dads best friend, Ren. So when Halle arrives on Ren’s ship to conduct her grad project final it is just them, open water, some crew members, and some crazy folks after Halle she goes after what she wants…..love.
Lorenzo (Ren) Santoro is in love with his best friend's daughter and he has been avoiding her for years ... .and then she finds herself on his ship the Atlanta. Ren has a lot of feelings and emotions, not that he would talk about them or express them to anyone, but those that know him know the truth. He is afraid of letting people in. His best friend encouraged him to be a better man, and saved him from a terrible life. So he does what he does best, avoids. He avoids land and stays where he is happiest on the ocean.
Boy oh boy did Hackett deliver on the sexual tension and chemistry between these two characters! I was on the edge of my seat eagerly waiting for Ren to just follow his heart! And the suspense in this book was seriously TOP TIER!!! Oh my goodness- the bad guys were relentless and readers were kept in the dark until the very end and I was GIDDY the entire time! The suspense element in this book was just written so well, and I love how much on page action there was with just Halle and Ren. Their experience really brought them closer together.
One of the things that I like most about this series is the various settings, while the characters are interconnected through their time as Navy Seals their lives after the military are vastly different. This series highlights the found family and brotherhood that the military provides- these men and women are there for one another when they need them. The open water of the pacific ocean and the Hawaiian tropical rainforests. I think that this series is going down to be one of my favorite suspense series to date and the teases that Hackett gives us just makes me want more and more!!! I really really need Sawyer’s book! If you love suspense, tough alpha heroes that melt for their ladies, some spice and strong heroines this series is a must read!
Lorenzo (Ren) Santoro is in love with his best friend's daughter and he has been avoiding her for years ... .and then she finds herself on his ship the Atlanta. Ren has a lot of feelings and emotions, not that he would talk about them or express them to anyone, but those that know him know the truth. He is afraid of letting people in. His best friend encouraged him to be a better man, and saved him from a terrible life. So he does what he does best, avoids. He avoids land and stays where he is happiest on the ocean.
Boy oh boy did Hackett deliver on the sexual tension and chemistry between these two characters! I was on the edge of my seat eagerly waiting for Ren to just follow his heart! And the suspense in this book was seriously TOP TIER!!! Oh my goodness- the bad guys were relentless and readers were kept in the dark until the very end and I was GIDDY the entire time! The suspense element in this book was just written so well, and I love how much on page action there was with just Halle and Ren. Their experience really brought them closer together.
One of the things that I like most about this series is the various settings, while the characters are interconnected through their time as Navy Seals their lives after the military are vastly different. This series highlights the found family and brotherhood that the military provides- these men and women are there for one another when they need them. The open water of the pacific ocean and the Hawaiian tropical rainforests. I think that this series is going down to be one of my favorite suspense series to date and the teases that Hackett gives us just makes me want more and more!!! I really really need Sawyer’s book! If you love suspense, tough alpha heroes that melt for their ladies, some spice and strong heroines this series is a must read!
July 15, 2024
Scared love
Ren has an attraction to his best friend daughter, he has been fighting it for a while. He experienced too much manager and death in his ghost Ops time and feels tainted, he shut himself off from life. He wants to be a loner and not pass his filthy sin on a beautiful spirit like Halle. Since she kissed Ren on her 20th birthday she has only Ren on her mind, she wants only him, she is now a fully grown woman and she is bringing Ren into her radar, she is on research ship with a top secret device to be tested. Her ream all experts Halle is a marine biologist to ensure the marine life is affected by the new device, someone tries to abduct her before they set off to sea, but Ren saves her.
They both are drawn to each other, Ren fighting the attraction and guilt of craving his best Friend daughter who is younger than he is. To her age is not important but to live life, after loosing her mum in car accident and dying in front of her eyes she wants to live and enjoy hat she wants as life is short and can be taken away quickly.
Someone is trying to get hands on fuel cell they are testing, the enemy is targeting Halle to get code. Enemies board the ship, Ren and Halle escape ship with fuel cell in middle of night to swim to island to get help some how. The eventual hide and seek takes places with Ren using his military training to protect Halle.ots of drama fighting takes place. During all this Ren realise he lives Halle and determined to keep her. Rescue comes by sawyer his ex military buddy with Vander to rescue them both. Halle dad also shows, Tom sees them kissing and is upset. Ren and Halle reach out to him together to explain their love. He accepts their love and gives his blessings.
Loved the storyline for Ren to know that in darling places you can find love and light, Halle was Ren's light to save him from loneliness and separation from experienced love unconditionally.
Ren has an attraction to his best friend daughter, he has been fighting it for a while. He experienced too much manager and death in his ghost Ops time and feels tainted, he shut himself off from life. He wants to be a loner and not pass his filthy sin on a beautiful spirit like Halle. Since she kissed Ren on her 20th birthday she has only Ren on her mind, she wants only him, she is now a fully grown woman and she is bringing Ren into her radar, she is on research ship with a top secret device to be tested. Her ream all experts Halle is a marine biologist to ensure the marine life is affected by the new device, someone tries to abduct her before they set off to sea, but Ren saves her.
They both are drawn to each other, Ren fighting the attraction and guilt of craving his best Friend daughter who is younger than he is. To her age is not important but to live life, after loosing her mum in car accident and dying in front of her eyes she wants to live and enjoy hat she wants as life is short and can be taken away quickly.
Someone is trying to get hands on fuel cell they are testing, the enemy is targeting Halle to get code. Enemies board the ship, Ren and Halle escape ship with fuel cell in middle of night to swim to island to get help some how. The eventual hide and seek takes places with Ren using his military training to protect Halle.ots of drama fighting takes place. During all this Ren realise he lives Halle and determined to keep her. Rescue comes by sawyer his ex military buddy with Vander to rescue them both. Halle dad also shows, Tom sees them kissing and is upset. Ren and Halle reach out to him together to explain their love. He accepts their love and gives his blessings.
Loved the storyline for Ren to know that in darling places you can find love and light, Halle was Ren's light to save him from loneliness and separation from experienced love unconditionally.
June 16, 2024
I just finished reading The Hero She Craves, and I'm still reeling from the intense action and suspenseful plot. The story follows Lorenzo "Ren" Santoro, a former Navy SEAL, as he navigates a top-secret Navy project on his research ship. When his best friend's daughter, Halle Bradshaw, joins the team, Ren is forced to confront his long-suppressed feelings for her.
Ren's character is well-developed, with a rich backstory that adds depth to his motivations. His struggles to balance his duty to protect Halle with his own emotional demons create a compelling dynamic. Halle, as a strong and capable marine biologist, holds her own against the challenges they face, making their relationship a believable and satisfying one.
The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with a series of intense action sequences that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The suspense is expertly woven throughout, making it difficult to predict who the betrayer is until the very end. The island setting adds a sense of isolation and danger, heightening the stakes for the protagonists.
While the story is well-crafted, there are a few areas where it falls short. The age gap between Ren and Halle, while not insurmountable, could have been explored more thoroughly. Additionally, some readers may find the lack of background information on Ren and Halle's relationship before the events of the book to be a minor drawback.
Overall, The Hero She Craves is a thrilling adventure with a compelling romance. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy the action-packed plot and the strong, capable characters.
Ren's character is well-developed, with a rich backstory that adds depth to his motivations. His struggles to balance his duty to protect Halle with his own emotional demons create a compelling dynamic. Halle, as a strong and capable marine biologist, holds her own against the challenges they face, making their relationship a believable and satisfying one.
The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with a series of intense action sequences that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The suspense is expertly woven throughout, making it difficult to predict who the betrayer is until the very end. The island setting adds a sense of isolation and danger, heightening the stakes for the protagonists.
While the story is well-crafted, there are a few areas where it falls short. The age gap between Ren and Halle, while not insurmountable, could have been explored more thoroughly. Additionally, some readers may find the lack of background information on Ren and Halle's relationship before the events of the book to be a minor drawback.
Overall, The Hero She Craves is a thrilling adventure with a compelling romance. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy the action-packed plot and the strong, capable characters.
June 8, 2024
I love this series from Anna and I think this one was a bit spicier than her other books in the series and I am not mad about that! Who doesn't love a book with a little danger, being chased by bad guys while falling in love?
I was intrigued by Ren when we met him in the other books so I of course was excited to read his book and get to know him better. Ren lives on board a research ship. He loves the solitude it gives him away from people. But when his best friend calls him with a surprise his world of solitude is about to be turned upside down with temptation of his best friends daughter Halle.
Halle is 23 and is part of a Marine Biology research group that is going to be boarding Rens ship. Halle has been in love with Ren for as long as she can remember and she is going to use this time together to show Ren that what they feel is real and that they can be together. But what they don't expect is to be on the run because of the danger that has followed them.
I adored Halle and Ren. While Ren was fighting his feelings and finding every reason they couldn't work Halle stood her ground. I loved that Halle stayed true to herself and her feelings for Ren. While Halle didn't back down she never pushed him to hard because she truly understood Ren. While they are running from danger these two get even closer and Halle gets to understand Ren more and that only makes her see him more for who he truly is....someone who deserves to be loved and looked after as much as he does for others. The chemistry between these two is undeniable and you felt it from the beginning of this book.
What I loved most about this forbidden/Dad's best friend book was the communication not only between our FMC and MMC but also the communication Ren had with Tom (Halle's father).
Now after meeting Sawyer I am excited for his story to come and see him get his HEA!
Thank you to the Author Agency for the arc of this book.
I was intrigued by Ren when we met him in the other books so I of course was excited to read his book and get to know him better. Ren lives on board a research ship. He loves the solitude it gives him away from people. But when his best friend calls him with a surprise his world of solitude is about to be turned upside down with temptation of his best friends daughter Halle.
Halle is 23 and is part of a Marine Biology research group that is going to be boarding Rens ship. Halle has been in love with Ren for as long as she can remember and she is going to use this time together to show Ren that what they feel is real and that they can be together. But what they don't expect is to be on the run because of the danger that has followed them.
I adored Halle and Ren. While Ren was fighting his feelings and finding every reason they couldn't work Halle stood her ground. I loved that Halle stayed true to herself and her feelings for Ren. While Halle didn't back down she never pushed him to hard because she truly understood Ren. While they are running from danger these two get even closer and Halle gets to understand Ren more and that only makes her see him more for who he truly is....someone who deserves to be loved and looked after as much as he does for others. The chemistry between these two is undeniable and you felt it from the beginning of this book.
What I loved most about this forbidden/Dad's best friend book was the communication not only between our FMC and MMC but also the communication Ren had with Tom (Halle's father).
Now after meeting Sawyer I am excited for his story to come and see him get his HEA!
Thank you to the Author Agency for the arc of this book.
August 4, 2024
Classic Anna Hackett - Action, steam and super characters, what more can you want?
Ren is checking over his research boat, when he finds out his best friend's daughter Halle will be on the next voyage. She is all grown up now, and he has been trying to stay away. But someone wants to get access to the top secret item that they are working on...and they are willing to do anything to get it, including trying to get Halle. Can Ren keep Halle safe and still keep his hands off her? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and kickass, of course! This is book 3 in this series and you want to read them in order to get the most out of each story, but you don't have to! To read everything in this universe in chronological order, start with Treasure Hunter Security series in order, then Team 52 series in order, then Norcross Security series in order, the Billionaire Heists series can be read after Norcross #4, after all the Norcross books, then read Sentinel Security series in order before this series. Former characters make appearances in many, as well as some foreshadowing of main characters for future stories. All of these stories have seriously toned heroes and heroines who are not pushovers either! Enjoy!
Ren is checking over his research boat, when he finds out his best friend's daughter Halle will be on the next voyage. She is all grown up now, and he has been trying to stay away. But someone wants to get access to the top secret item that they are working on...and they are willing to do anything to get it, including trying to get Halle. Can Ren keep Halle safe and still keep his hands off her? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and kickass, of course! This is book 3 in this series and you want to read them in order to get the most out of each story, but you don't have to! To read everything in this universe in chronological order, start with Treasure Hunter Security series in order, then Team 52 series in order, then Norcross Security series in order, the Billionaire Heists series can be read after Norcross #4, after all the Norcross books, then read Sentinel Security series in order before this series. Former characters make appearances in many, as well as some foreshadowing of main characters for future stories. All of these stories have seriously toned heroes and heroines who are not pushovers either! Enjoy!
June 13, 2024
This one includes a lot of action! From the initial attack before the Atalanta research vessel even leaves the harbor, until its arrival in Hawaii, one thing after another happens to the folks on this ship. Ren Santoro has been drawn to Halle Bradshaw for a few years. They shared a kiss on her 20th birthday, and Ren has been avoiding Halle ever since, because of the ‘bro code’—he’s best friends with her father, who was his mentor when Ren needed it the most. He feels disloyal to her dad, and he feels unworthy of Halle because of all the dangerous things he had to do in his career as a Navy SEAL and a Ghost Ops operative. Avoiding her is the safest course, except it’s hard to do that on a ship in the ocean.
Nearly every chapter includes something exciting that happens in this book. Putting it down is challenging, so just plan to read it straight through to the end. It’s not a long read, but a lot happens. There are bad folks involved, but even when things look hopeless, Ren is a very capable partner for Halle. There’s a good chance that we meet the next hero to be featured in an upcoming book at the end of this book, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. All-in-all, this book is exciting, fast-paced, and fun to read!
Nearly every chapter includes something exciting that happens in this book. Putting it down is challenging, so just plan to read it straight through to the end. It’s not a long read, but a lot happens. There are bad folks involved, but even when things look hopeless, Ren is a very capable partner for Halle. There’s a good chance that we meet the next hero to be featured in an upcoming book at the end of this book, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. All-in-all, this book is exciting, fast-paced, and fun to read!
June 15, 2024
Good
Ren isn’t too happy when his best friend and mentor’s lovely daughter is part of the science team he will be taking on board his ship to test their top secret invention. She’s entirely too tempting, and the unwritten code means she’s also off limits.
He’s even less happy when Halle seems to be the target of someone determined to steal the technology, but his skills as a former ghost ops man come in handy when the two of them need to stay safe.
This is a quick read in the unbroken heroes series by Anna Hackett. Featuring former ghost ops operatives, and companions of Vander Norcross (from the Norcross series amongst others in the Hackett universe), each hero is just as dangerous as their former leader.
It makes for a quick read, filled with action, adventure, and of course romance. There are plenty of sexy scenes, and well as those filled with danger, and for Hackett fans, there are a couple of cameos both from other series and the other books in this series.
An enjoyable, fast paced read, this is for those who love a forbidden romance trope, and a little action and danger alongside. Recommended for romantic suspense fans, and of course Hacketteers who enjoy the extended Hackettverse.
Ren isn’t too happy when his best friend and mentor’s lovely daughter is part of the science team he will be taking on board his ship to test their top secret invention. She’s entirely too tempting, and the unwritten code means she’s also off limits.
He’s even less happy when Halle seems to be the target of someone determined to steal the technology, but his skills as a former ghost ops man come in handy when the two of them need to stay safe.
This is a quick read in the unbroken heroes series by Anna Hackett. Featuring former ghost ops operatives, and companions of Vander Norcross (from the Norcross series amongst others in the Hackett universe), each hero is just as dangerous as their former leader.
It makes for a quick read, filled with action, adventure, and of course romance. There are plenty of sexy scenes, and well as those filled with danger, and for Hackett fans, there are a couple of cameos both from other series and the other books in this series.
An enjoyable, fast paced read, this is for those who love a forbidden romance trope, and a little action and danger alongside. Recommended for romantic suspense fans, and of course Hacketteers who enjoy the extended Hackettverse.
January 11, 2025
I borrowed The Hero She Craves ~ Unbroken Heroes ~ Book 3, by Anna Hackett, author from the Kindle Unlimited Program on Amazon.
Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro, ex-Navy SEAL and Ghost Opps Team Member works on a ocean exploration ship and is avoiding Halle Bradshaw, the daughter of his best friend Tom. She comes aboard his ship as part of the team testing a new devise for the US Navy to improve exploration of the oceans.
An attempted kidnapping the night before they leave, her room onboard is searched, she sees someone trying to get into the drome's storage box and receives a threating note. She also dives in the ocean with a camera to get pictures for her research and gets tangled in a net part of the ocean floating garbage all around her. Ren comes to the rescue each time and she presses him to accept she is not a child anymore and she knows what she want = him.
The excitement continues when the escape with the drone and power cell when the ship is boarded. The swim to one of the least populated Hawaiian Islands and the foreign mercenaries come after them until a dramatic rescue.
Loved how stubborn Ren was but still totally protective and how strong Halle and determined to get her man.
Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro, ex-Navy SEAL and Ghost Opps Team Member works on a ocean exploration ship and is avoiding Halle Bradshaw, the daughter of his best friend Tom. She comes aboard his ship as part of the team testing a new devise for the US Navy to improve exploration of the oceans.
An attempted kidnapping the night before they leave, her room onboard is searched, she sees someone trying to get into the drome's storage box and receives a threating note. She also dives in the ocean with a camera to get pictures for her research and gets tangled in a net part of the ocean floating garbage all around her. Ren comes to the rescue each time and she presses him to accept she is not a child anymore and she knows what she want = him.
The excitement continues when the escape with the drone and power cell when the ship is boarded. The swim to one of the least populated Hawaiian Islands and the foreign mercenaries come after them until a dramatic rescue.
Loved how stubborn Ren was but still totally protective and how strong Halle and determined to get her man.
December 22, 2025
Genre: romantic suspense, fiction
Author: Anna Hackett
On KU: yes
🛟 age gap
🛟 high suspense and action
🛟 on the run
🛟 open ocean and rainforest treks
🛟 its always been you vibes
🛟 marine biologist MFC x Ex Navy Seal MMC
4.5/ sometimes you need an action packed book and this one delivered! Lorenzo ‘Ren’ Santoro is an ex Navy Seal in command of the research vessel Atalanta, and he’s had his share of difficult missions but this one will be his hardest yet - when the research group with new military equipment come aboard to test the project, their marine biologist is Halle, the daughter of one of Rens closest friends.
For years he has stayed away to deny the feelings but Halle realizes exactly what she wants and needs. She also wants to help Ren feel worthy and move on from his military history. Swoony stuff 💓! She is passionate about the ocean as he is and when Chinese mercenaries find out Halle holds the codes to this new equipment, they are after her. Ren refuses to let harm come to her and together they are on the run out on the open ocean and through the Hawaiian rainforest. Loving her is something he cannot deny and he is a strong, fierce protector and sexy hero! I really enjoyed this story and high suspense, a definite series I’ll be checking out!
Author: Anna Hackett
On KU: yes
🛟 age gap
🛟 high suspense and action
🛟 on the run
🛟 open ocean and rainforest treks
🛟 its always been you vibes
🛟 marine biologist MFC x Ex Navy Seal MMC
4.5/ sometimes you need an action packed book and this one delivered! Lorenzo ‘Ren’ Santoro is an ex Navy Seal in command of the research vessel Atalanta, and he’s had his share of difficult missions but this one will be his hardest yet - when the research group with new military equipment come aboard to test the project, their marine biologist is Halle, the daughter of one of Rens closest friends.
For years he has stayed away to deny the feelings but Halle realizes exactly what she wants and needs. She also wants to help Ren feel worthy and move on from his military history. Swoony stuff 💓! She is passionate about the ocean as he is and when Chinese mercenaries find out Halle holds the codes to this new equipment, they are after her. Ren refuses to let harm come to her and together they are on the run out on the open ocean and through the Hawaiian rainforest. Loving her is something he cannot deny and he is a strong, fierce protector and sexy hero! I really enjoyed this story and high suspense, a definite series I’ll be checking out!
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