Zain

Chosen Few #3

by Samantha Wilde

*Chosen Few is a Blood Brothers crossover series and can be read as a standalone*

Zain is the third book in the scorching, heart-stopping romantic suspense Chosen Few series. Zain is an action-packed story of grit, danger and a romance as lethal as the hero. Zain 's raw, captivating character amplifies the suspense and delivers a swoon-worthy romance.

★Military hero
★Badass heroine
★Ex-soldier
★Morally gray
★Satisfying romance

He's left everything behind, only to find himself again in the eyes of a beautiful stranger . . .

He’s become one of them.

Zain Mitry has lost everything His name, his identity, and his humanity. All that’s left is a cold shell of the alias he’s become—an active member in Samad, a terrorist group.

Afghanistan isn’t for the faint of heart, but fear doesn’t reach his veins until he witnesses Samad’s leader take a woman hostage from a protest. Her electrifying blue eyes capture Zain’s and he’s spellbound by her bold, fiery nature.

Despite the distance between his heart and reality, he can’t turn a blind eye when the woman is attacked. He rushes to rescue her—and the first word she speaks to him—a word no one on this side of the world identifies him with. The only tether to his old life.

The name that will destroy him—Zain.

She’s vowed to find a man she’s never met.

Ex-FBI analyst Dana McAvery can’t explain what drew her to Zain’s case. But finding the missing Green Beret soldier became her mission.

But coming face-to-face with the man who’s monopolized every spare moment of her mind shakes her.
His tall, dark and formidable stare rocks her confidence.

She expected to find a prisoner, a man in need of rescue—but a brutal killer stands before her.

One that places himself between her and danger. And god help her, she wants more of him. Finding Zain isn’t the issue—but with a terrorist group after them, getting them both home might be an impossible feat.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[viv · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a non-stop thrill ride! Each chapter kept me on the edge of my seat with unexpected twists and turns that I couldn't have predicted. From the very start, I was drawn to Dana—her courage and determination was truly admirable. I was in awe of her bravery to travel to Afghanistan, not knowing if she'd make it out alive, all in search of Zain, whom she had never met before. The chemistry between Dana and Zain was electric, and their dynamic added so much depth to the story. This book is an absolute page-turner that I couldn't put down!

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain is presumed dead in the world, but software locates him and a mission is set forth to rescue him. But does Zain need to be rescued? It is action packed and fast. Good action read.

[Hayley Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so action packed it had me freaking shook. On the edge of my seat is an understatement lol. I literally devoured this so fast. The tense emotional ride this story has taken me on is crazy and I loved every minute of it. Dana is an absolute bada$$ and is the perfect match for Zain. There is so much chemistry between Dana and Zain. Zain is just so 😍 he is so protective over Dana from the moment he laid eyes on her and I loved it. Just such a great story from start to finish.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Chosen Few series and it is Zain and Dana’s story and it is definitely a must read. Zain used to be a green beret soldier and when his whole team were killed he was asked to go under cover in Afghanistan and find the leader who is involved in many bad things so for three years he had let his family think that he was dead but his brother Rami had never given up on finding him dead or alive but Zain was so deep into the enemy’s world and near to where he could complete his mission. Dana used to be a FBI intelligence analyst and now works for the company that Remi also works for so when she is given Zain’s folder she is determined to find out what happened to him and get the answers that Rami needs and then a photo showing someone who looks like Zain in Afghanistan she is determined to find out if it is him and bring him home regardless of what happens or the consequences that is involved but she knows that she could be in serious danger and will need to take a lot of caution. Zain just wanted to get revenge for his brother’s and teammates but now he had done so many bad things that now he is a different person so it is kill or be killed is the only way to get through this assignment with all the death, cruelty, devastation and depravity that is now surrounding him. When Dana gets to Afghanistan everything start to go wrong she see Zain and then she is captured and didn’t know how to get out of the situation that she finds herself in alive but then Zain comes to her rescue and breaks his cover to protect and keep her safe but they are not out of the woods yet and are still in danger because now they are being hunted but still hoping for a way out. When Dana and Zain eventually return home they start to spend time together but unfortunately danger had followed them and is closer than they thought and now Dana and Zain’s family are in the crossfire and Zain, his brother Rami and their friends will do everything and anything possible to keep them all safe and protected regardless of what they have to do or the consequences involved but when they find out who is involved everything changes and it is a fight of their lives to bring the people responsible to justice. The attraction, chemistry and connection between Dana and Zain grows stronger each day and then feelings start to grow deeper meaning there is a lot more at stake than they thought if they ever want a chance of a future together which is what they deserve after everything that they have been through. Wow this book will certainly take you on the biggest rollercoaster ride of your life and the twists and turns will keep coming along with danger, suspense, kidnapping, action, secrets, drama, survival, support, surprises, family, friendship, hope, love and situations that will have you on the edge of your seat while turning the pages and unable to put this book down because it was so addictive. I can’t wait to read more books in this series and by this author in the future.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

ZAIN is the third instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult CHOSEN FEW erotic, romantic suspense series, a cross-over with the author’s BLOOD BROTHERS series. This is US army soldier Zain Mitry, and former FBI analyst Dana McAvery’s story line. ZAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary .


NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Dana and Zain) ZAIN follows in the wake of the search and ‘rescue’ of our story line hero. Zain Mitry, is a USA army soldier / Green Beret who went missing in Afghanistan approximately three years earlier in the aftermath of an explosion that killed his entire team. When news came that Zain had been sighted, former FBI analyst Dana McAvery, now working as part of the team at Backcountry Protection Services, enacts an ill-gotten plan to rescue a man who did not need rescuing. On the run in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Dana and Zain were about to face down a familiar enemy, someone who refused to back down in the face of losing it all.


The world building focuses on the search and rescue of Zain Mitry; the revelation of betrayal from the top; and the building relationship between two people who have had enough excitement and danger to last a lifetime.


The relationship between Zain and Dana begins as a ‘rescue’, of sorts but our couple find themselves a target of some very powerful men. On the run, hopefully heading towards their own rescue, Zain and Dana find themselves facing down more than one person hoping to destroy them both. Back home, Zain and Dana take their relationship to the next level but the enemy has followed them Stateside, an enemy that won’t stop until they are both gone. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and enterprising secondary and supporting characters including Dana’s brother Taschen; Zain’s brother Rami (Chosen Few 1), August (Chosen Few 2), Toth Holmes, and their significant others; Zain’s CIA contact Maxine, and several members of some powerful terrorist groups in the Middle East. The requisite evil has many faces. Taschen’s story line is next.


ZAIN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, murder and torture; family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

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[Madrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain is the first of Samantha Wild's books I've read and is the third in the Chosen Few series but easily a stand alone read. This book is fast paced and full of action and danger with some spice. Zain and Dana's story starts when Dana first see's his file and is overtaken with the need to find him. After getting intel that he may still be alive after three years of what everyone thinks is captivity she and Brick a coworker at Backcountry Protection Services head to Afghanistan to find him, without letting anyone know what they are doing. Dana and Brick end up in the middle of a riot where they became separated. Dana see's a man she is sure is Zain and makes her way closer, if she can just see his eyes she will know for sure it's him. When she gets close enough with the touch of her hand on his arm and the call of his name their eyes meet and the spark is lite. This story tells of their escape from the terrorist's in their rush to return to the US and what they hope will be safety. Through all the danger and close calls you feel the sexual tension build between the two. The danger continues once they reach the states and Dana's life is threaten, you feel Zain's struggle as the wall he had built around his emotions start's to crumble. The close nit family and friends of Backcountry gather around Zain and Dana. The supporting characters are well written and defined and fill in the back story. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book and I'm giving my honest review voluntarily.

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain is the third book in Samantha Wilde’s Chosen Few series and it’s definitely my favorite so far! This action packed book is about a soldier who goes missing while in Afghanistan three years earlier, yet his brother doesn’t stop giving up hope or looking for him. Zain’s brother, Rami, who was the feature of the first book in the series, runs a security company. When his staff comes across a potential lead in Zain’s location, two of them travel across the world on a hunch. What follows is an intense fight for their lives that keeps you on the edge of your seat. They can only hope they safely make it home and once they are there, that they will be out of harm’s way. Only trouble after trouble follows them when back in the States. It’s the perfect romantic suspense thriller! The characters are deeply developed and the story is full of twists to keep you guessing. Zain is definitely a military man that can make you swoon, while Dana is the strong law enforcement woman that we all wish we could be. Their chemistry is instant and oh so hot! It’s my favorite kind of book where I can escape for a few hours, absolutely devour it, and then be devastated when it’s over. I can’t wait to see what Samatha comes up with next!
*Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just hold on tight …. Oh, my goodness this book is non-stop action packed keeping me on edge the whole ride. I absolutely LOVED Zain in this story, his bravery, determination, absolute dedication and fierce loyalty all made me fall hard for him. Zain Miltry, a Green Baret Soldier turned CIA spy world turns upside down when a beautiful woman calls his name in the middle of terrorist territory in Afghan. Dana McAvery is given Zain’s file to search for missing soldier but her draw to him was so strong that she had her take flight, what she thought was a simple rescue mission becomes much worse, even life threatening as she and Brick rescue mission implodes in worst possible way. Dana is such an inspiration for all women, her bravery, smarts, intellect, fierce determination, and love of life drive her to help others as her FBI training helps keep her alive. Zain and Dana story is a rollercoaster of life and death with danger biting at every twist and turn, betrayal, secrets, revelations and most of all a love with no bounds. Backcountry Protection Team is back and stronger than ever on a life-or-death mission that spans beyond USA. I loved reading about Rami and Ivy as well as August and GiGi, Ghost, Taschen, Pearl, Brick well everyone from BWCPA especially cute Micha.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zain Mitry has been missing for three years, since the troops left Afghanistan. His brother Rami and his team at Backcountry Protection Services have been searching for him. When former FBI analyst Dana McAvery gets his file into her hands, she can’t let this case go. She needs answers, even if that means walking straight into danger.

With terrorists at their back, both Zain and Dana try to make it out alive. Sadly, that’s not the end of their problems.

This is book 3 in this Chosen Few series. I have not read Rami’s or August’s book.

Loved Zain’s ❤️ character, Dana let the tears flow a bit too much, for having been a field officer and knowing what type of situation this could turn out to be. The other guys working for Backcountry were described well and I’d personally be excited for Ghost’s book 👻

The only question I have is, what kind of name is Taschen? In German it’s plural for “bag” and I could only find a last name and the German publishing company. I’ve never heard of it and it threw me off, because I pronounce it “Tashen” not the way it’s supposedly pronounced “Tasken”. 🤷‍♀️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zain is the third book in the Chosen Few series. It’s the story of Zain, Rami’s brother who has been missing for the last 3 years and Dana. Dana is Taschen’s sister who now works at Backcountry Protection Services with the rest of the team. It’s how they meet, fall in love and get their HEA.

I really liked how this book started but 1/2 way through I had some thoughts. Thoughts that caused me to rate this book 3.5 ⭐️.

- If Dana is supposed to be FBI trained why was she weepier and more willing to give up than both Ivy and Gigi when they were kidnapped.
- then it hit me how formulaic these books are. Alpha male meets spunky female where the female is in a dangerous situation. They instantly fall for each other. Then the woman gets take AGAIN so the entire team must come to the rescue.
- there really is very little that differentiates the men in this series. They’re all large, well built men with interesting eye colors and tattoos. They’re all former special forces or black ops.
- I do appreciate the women are spunky, don’t give up and have a talent

Now will I read the next three books in the series. Yes, I will but I will be spreading these out between other books.

[Viv · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover model perfectly matches the book description of Zain, and I appreciate that 😉

Zain has been missing in action for 3 years and his brother has had his agency (that Dana works at) looking for him. He's infiltrated a terrorist group, and has started to question if he's actually one of them. He's done some bad things while undercover, but Dana throws him off enough that everything goes off the rails.

Dana is smart, scrappy, tenacious, and a perfect match for him. Going from the Intel person to the danger of Afghanistan to rescue a stranger, AND being able to hold her own when she needs to, while still being a soft place for him to heal shows a complexity of character that you don't often see in such a short book, especially not one that's packed with so much action and drama.

It's a very fast paced love story, full of action, intrigue, drama, and a bit of spice. I gobbled it up in an afternoon, and wanted more.

[Stacey Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fast-paced action-packed suspense with twists and betrayals with spice. We jump right into this story in the war zone in Afghanistan where Dana is sure she will find Zain Rami's brother that went missing in action three years ago. Things go crazy right from the start when the men Zain are with take Dana for themselves. Tension is palpable coming off the pages as Zain decides to do what it takes to protect Dana. The chemistry between these two is intense and they are instantly attracted to each other though Zain feels he is too damaged to be able to be the mad she needs. While Zain makes her feel safe and home. Dana is a strong woman who goes through so much in this book you can feel her pain and struggles which was written incredibly well you could relate to her as she takes action into her own hands. Another fantastic read by Samantha Wilde. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[reader_dreamer_4life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addition to this series that I could not put down.
From start to finish Zain and Dana’s story had me hooked.
It was fast paced, suspenseful and full of action.
Dana is the perfect combination of sweet and badass.
I mean… Not many women would head to Afghanistan searching for a man she has never met or doesn’t even know if he is alive.
The search places Dana in danger with a terrorist group.
Her saving grace…. Zain. Holy heck this man is fierce.
He’s brave, strong, determined and protective AF.
From the moment he meets Dana he is willing to risk it all for her… literally. Who wouldn’t want a man like this? Yes please!
From the moment these two meet their connection is undeniable.
Cue instant attraction and borderline Insta-love.
But..
To enjoy a HEA they need to survive.
And.. What a journey it was…. violence, action, suspense, secrets, family reunions, and some twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Loving this series and OTT protective men!
Bring on the next book!

[Annie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action-paced page turner by Samantha Wilde! I couldn't put Zain down.

From the first chapter, you are inside Zain's undercover world in the middle of the desert. Tension is on every page and from the very moment Zain & Dana met, there's pull and chemistry. Poor Dana gets put through the ringer in the whole book and is just overall a complete bad@$$ worthy of Backcountry Security. Samantha's descriptions of her kidnapping keeps the reader locked in with her, feeling her pain, and the battle she goes through at times to rescue herself without waiting for the guys. You FEEL Zain's pain over feeling useless to help at times and his desperation to save the woman he loves.

Even thinking back makes me want to read it again, so I think I will. :) Yay for their HEA!

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fast paced and action-packed from beginning to the end. This is the third book, but you don't need to have read the previous one (I haven't).

Dana heads out to try and find her bosses missing brother after getting an intelligent lead. Things do not go to plan, but she does find Zain... only the situation is not what she was expecting.

Oh my, so much happens in this book, so many nail-biting moments and a few little twists to keep you on your toes.

I really enjoyed all the action and suspense. Zain was losing himself but gained a reason to come home.

Dana was so careless going after the lead, and it nearly ended her a few times.

The attraction between the two is very insta, but they have so much chemistry and are a very good match.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What A Thrilling Romantic Suspense
Zain Mitry’s eyes stole Dana McAvery’s heart the moment she saw his case file. Their depths so raw and dangerously inviting that even in an image she had been drawn to him. She had to find him no matter what the danger was in doing so. Zain is shaken by Dana the moment he lays eyes on her. If anyone hurts her, they will have to face him. I love the first two books in Samantha Wilde’s heart-stopping romantic suspense “Chosen Few” series and “Zain” is no different. It is a well written action packed romance that kept me captivated thoroughout. The twists and turns are as unexpected as they are intriguing. Zane and Dana’s immediate connection is like no other. Can’t wait for Dana’s brother, Taschen’s story next.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain is Rami’s brother , a former Green Beret and missing in Afghanistan.
Dana is an FBI intelligent Analyst.
Brick Slater is Dana’s Companion, who works for Backcountry Protectors.

Dana and Zain meet, when she tracks him down in Afghanistan , unbeknownst to
her he was working undercover for The CIA.
Things go FUBAR from that point, when she is kidnapped by terrorists ( Jaysh)
and Zain helps rescue her. Once back in The States incidents happen to
try to eliminate Dana.
Can they keep her safe Zain and The Backcountry Protective Services, and have a Happily Ever After?

This book has edge of your seat suspense, danger, intrigue, twists, turns and a second chance at love.

Great Job. Samantha Wilde !!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Just Wow! Fast paced and so much suspense.

When Ex FBI analyst Dana gets taken by the leader of the terrorist group he is undercover with, Zain steps in and finds out she is looking for him.

Really great mix of characters and it wasn't hard to get invested in the story. Zain was all alpha, very protective but also mixed up from being in the terrorist group for so long. That's where the pairing with Dana was ideal as they evened each other or.

So well done, I immensely enjoyed the book and didn't want it to end. So involving and a true pleasure to read! Can't wait for more!!

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did wonder why Dana, FBI agent, would risk her life to find Zain. He is believed to be captured in Afghanistan, and it is not known whether he is alive or not. It is rather indulgent on her part, especially as she doesn't actually know him and is doing it in secret, and I didn't like her at first. I also wondered why he, if not a prisoner, would turn mercenary working within a terrorist sector. All is to be revealed.
The characters and events are detailed but not overly so. Suspense, drama and danger follows the couple in strong pursuit

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain, book 3 of the Chosen Few series, is a heartfelt, action-packed book. Dana has never met Zain, but she was determined to bring him home to his brother, Rami no matter the danger. Things go wrong in Afghanistan almost from the beginning, but when Dana is in danger, Zain breaks his cover and saves her. Now they are on the run in deadly territory, with terrorists determined to find and kill them. Zain's eyes, which drew Dana in, could be the thing that gets them both killed. Great job Samantha Wilde. I am loving this series.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW....this was my first Samantha Wilde book. Talk about a roller coaster ride of a story....Zain and Dana's non-stop adventure provides all the heart-stopping suspense you could possibly want!

Zain is former military, recruited as a CIA operative, and undercover in an Afghan terror group. Dana works for his brother's security company, locates him, and manages to get him home. I don't like to give lots of details in a review, but you don't want to miss this story with all its twists and turns.

[Emily Rhone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful story! I don't usually like books with soldier/military related things but I LOVED this one! It has the aspects but isnt overwhelmed with it. The MMC is brooding and strong and absolutely swoon worthy, and the MFC is strong, resilient and a total badass! The plot is strong and the pace is perfect. Not swamped with details but through enough that you can perfectly envision every detail! Can't recommend this book enough!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He lost everything about him and he became part of a terrorist group. His life will come to shocking meeting when he save a woman from being taken. She has been looking for him for so long. She expected to either find him a prisoner or even dead. This will become even more dangerous for them both. See just how they get on and if they can get home safe
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was soon caught up in their battle for survival

[Sheila Burgin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finding a lead on Zain and heading to Afghanistan Dana found her business partners long lost brother. There was so much suspense, fighting, blackmailing along with bits of romance sprinkled in I couldn't put it down. Zain and Dana obviously got their happy ever after but I won't spoil the story so grab it and find out for yourself. I got this as an ARC and it in no way affects my rating of the book. I just wish it had a bit more romance written into it but overall it earned 4 ⭐ from me.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a wild ride, non-stop action, edge of your seat and adrenaline-filled story, you have come to the right place. I have read a lot of Samantha’s books and they are all are this fast and furious. Samantha writes suspense perfectly. Zain and Dana are fantastic characters and Dana’s no-fear attitude was amazingly portrayed. I missed the first two books, they are in my TBR list – I better run read those stories.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tell me it isn't so. Has Zain really gone over to the dark side and joined a terrorist group in Afghanistan? That's sure what it looks like when Dana and Brick travel to Afghanistan to follow up on a possible lead on Zain, who has been MIA for three years. This story is full of danger that will cause you to hold your breath at times, an undeniable connection between Zain and Dana, and some surprising twists.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed thriller that combines intense suspense, danger, and drama with a captivating romance. Zain, navigates a perilous journey in Afghanistan, where he unexpectedly meets the fierce and determined Dana McAvery. Their chemistry is electric, and their story is both heart-stopping and heartwarming. This book kept me engaged from the first page to the last with action, intrigue, and dynamic characters.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha has given us a raw & intense Zain who captures your attention. The torment of Zain pulls you in just as the sweet development of his coming alive again. Dana's core strength amazes us making me cringe as she fights for her life. Undulating chemistry lights up the pages as you read. I enjoyed the strong love within siblings, friends & the banter shared. Read it! Honest review.

[Judy Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Zain and Dana's story. Great chemistry between the two and instant attraction. Dana is a strong female and Zain is definitely an alfa male. Action and suspense from the first page and through out the whole story keeps you turning the pages. Good storyline well written and edited, and of course some spice. I voluntarily read an advanced copy and this is my honest review.

[Catherine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The connection between these two characters was intense and suspenseful. It was a connection that had me turning page after page. The suspense of some of the things that happen throughout the book also had me on the edge of my seat. This is one I’ok wish I read for the first time every time I reread it!