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Team Zulu #5
Ravaged Hearts
Ravaged Hearts is Book 2 of a Team Zulu Series duet and should be read after Scarred Souls, Book 1.
Vaughn
Protecting Hope is no longer a job; it’s an obsession. And God help the fool who tries to harm what’s mine.
Somehow, this incredible woman doesn’t see me as a monster, brutalized and broken. She makes me want to overcome the debilitating fear of touch that’s gripped me since my captivity. With Hope’s help, maybe I can.
Now, I’m consumed by a new terror: losing the woman I love.
As long as her father’s cartel continues to ravage Mexico, the risk of him finding Hope and dragging her back to his brutal world is a constant threat.
But to eliminate the most powerful man in Mexico, we may both need to face the horrors that plague our nightmares.
Hope
I never dreamed I’d find a man who could look beyond my facial scars and family name to see the real me. Not a victim, not a narco princess. Just a woman with hopes and dreams like any other.
Now that I have Vaughn, I’m never letting him go.
His team of mercenaries think they can take down my father’s cartel like they have all the others. But Carlos Espinoza is no ordinary target, and killing the man who’s made my life a misery will be far more dangerous than anything they’ve tackled before.
When cartel violence escalates and threatens the people I love, one thing is clear: to win this fight, I can’t hide from my father any longer.
But if the battle claims the life of the man who holds my heart, it’ll destroy me.
Tropes
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Touch her and die
Jealous / Possessive hero
Man obsessed
Vaughn
Protecting Hope is no longer a job; it’s an obsession. And God help the fool who tries to harm what’s mine.
Somehow, this incredible woman doesn’t see me as a monster, brutalized and broken. She makes me want to overcome the debilitating fear of touch that’s gripped me since my captivity. With Hope’s help, maybe I can.
Now, I’m consumed by a new terror: losing the woman I love.
As long as her father’s cartel continues to ravage Mexico, the risk of him finding Hope and dragging her back to his brutal world is a constant threat.
But to eliminate the most powerful man in Mexico, we may both need to face the horrors that plague our nightmares.
Hope
I never dreamed I’d find a man who could look beyond my facial scars and family name to see the real me. Not a victim, not a narco princess. Just a woman with hopes and dreams like any other.
Now that I have Vaughn, I’m never letting him go.
His team of mercenaries think they can take down my father’s cartel like they have all the others. But Carlos Espinoza is no ordinary target, and killing the man who’s made my life a misery will be far more dangerous than anything they’ve tackled before.
When cartel violence escalates and threatens the people I love, one thing is clear: to win this fight, I can’t hide from my father any longer.
But if the battle claims the life of the man who holds my heart, it’ll destroy me.
Tropes
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Touch her and die
Jealous / Possessive hero
Man obsessed
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2024
168 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
Julie Weaver
7 books395 followersJulie Weaver is a RWAus Emerald Award winner and author of spicy, action-packed romantic suspense novels.
Her Team Zulu series features morally gray, ex-elite military heroes and the feisty, kick-ass heroines who challenge them.
Get your free Team Zulu Christmas novella here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hvreeguzny
Find me here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/juliewe...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.weave...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieWeaverA...
Website: https://www.julieweaverbooks.com/
Her Team Zulu series features morally gray, ex-elite military heroes and the feisty, kick-ass heroines who challenge them.
Get your free Team Zulu Christmas novella here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hvreeguzny
Find me here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/juliewe...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.weave...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieWeaverA...
Website: https://www.julieweaverbooks.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 22, 2024
3.5 ⭐
This one's way better than the first part. And since this is the last book in the series, I really would've liked to see a longer epilogue that gives us a glimpse into the MCs' lives years down the line. What's the deal with these HFN endings, anyway? 🥴
I want to see them as more than just a boyfriend or girlfriend. I'm looking for something a bit more lasting than that, unfortunately, I didn't get anything like that. 🤧 But, since there's not much I can do about it, I suppose I'll just have to be fine with it.
Overall, it was still a good read, but the ending was meh. 😬
This one's way better than the first part. And since this is the last book in the series, I really would've liked to see a longer epilogue that gives us a glimpse into the MCs' lives years down the line. What's the deal with these HFN endings, anyway? 🥴
I want to see them as more than just a boyfriend or girlfriend. I'm looking for something a bit more lasting than that, unfortunately, I didn't get anything like that. 🤧 But, since there's not much I can do about it, I suppose I'll just have to be fine with it.
Overall, it was still a good read, but the ending was meh. 😬
October 29, 2024
Hi, it’s me back at it with this unhinged MMC and series that I just love, don’t be surprised when this is a rave review 😂 this is a second part in a duet, and it was simply amazing! I had to stop reading on multiple occasions because my feelings were hurt. I even had to throw my candle at one point because I could not stand the emotional roller coaster and plot twist that Julie gave us. Truly, my flabbers were gasted. I truly hated saying bye to this band of brothers and their bad ass women, but I am super excited to see what Julie has in store for the next series! This final addition to the series really brought everybody full circle, and my man Vaughn really tried to take my top spot for these Zulu men. I will have to say, he is gonna have to share the podium with Shep. You cannot make me pic! This book brought so much more emotion out of Vaughn, and wow I just ate it up. If you love a morally gray, obsessed, hero with deep wounds, then I highly encourage you pick up the first in this duet!
Tropes you’ll find: enemies to lovers, secret past, tortured MMC and FMC, possessive and obsessed MMC, touch her and d¡e, forced proximity
Tropes you’ll find: enemies to lovers, secret past, tortured MMC and FMC, possessive and obsessed MMC, touch her and d¡e, forced proximity
October 29, 2024
This was the PERFECT end to Vaughn and Hopes story as well as the Team Zulu story. Watching Vaughan’s character growth since his first introduction as a side character to the MMC of his own story has been amazing. I knew from the moment he was introduced that he was going to be one of my absolute favorite characters and I’m glad to say I was right. Hope is the perfect person to take Vaughn and I’m just so obsessed with them and this story. Guess it’s time to restart the Team Zulu series from the beginning?!?
October 12, 2024
Sad to see this series of hot, brave alpha men come to an end. Full RTC
October 19, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Vaughn and Hope has a special place in my heart because of how sweet, intriguing and interesting they are together. Their romantic journey, their healing process and their character development came to fruition in this book, but did not feel final, rather it felt like it was an on-going process and I loved how that made it feel more realistic.
Vaughn was a traumatised, physically, mentally and emotionally scared, distant, broody character but with a sweeter side to those who he cared about. He was flawed, he was not at all perfect, but that’s what made his character more relatable. Unlike Scarred Souls, Ravaged Hearts focused more on the characters’ journey and the plot, which allowed us to see Vaughn heal in his own way. That is not to say he just healed, even by the end of the book he was still struggling, but he was on an on-going journey with some seriously significant improvement. And I loved that his experience wasn’t written off as something that has been sorted but rather something that was still in process by the end. It made it more real and relatable.
“I just want to be near you without worrying that I might hurt you.”
Hope was still the kind and loving, full of life sweetheart who always helped others even if she put everyone else in front of her. Not only did she remain strong, but even if she was what some would call reckless, all her actions in the main plot made complete sense to the character who we got to know in the previous book, in Scarred Souls. Hope was though, if a bit reckless, but I would have liked to see her comprehend or process more of the fact that she was not responsible for what happened to the people around her. I feel like her character’s guilt or self-blame was not processed enough for us to see that she started to understand that she was not to be blamed. There was multiple mention of it, of course, but it felt as if it was just passed over at the end, rather than fixated on for a moment. I would have liked to see her comprehend it even if for a bit.
“I love you, Vaughn Decker. And God help the person who tries to take you from me, because I will come for them like a shark after blood. You’re mine, and I’m keeping you.”
As for the storyline, the first half of the book was more character focused and romance focused to see the character’s journey, their healing process and the romance blossom into actual love. Meanwhile, the second half of the book was definitely plot heavier since the focus was on solving the issues that were part of the plot.
I do have to mention that to me this was a bit graphic. Not because it was filled with such scenes, but because of how hard those scenes hit. I can handle characters going through some on-page heavy scenes when they are side characters or I am not as emotionally invested in them, but because I was so heavily invested in our MCs who were in such though situations, it felt a bit harder to read, a bit more difficult to digest because of the physical reactions I got from seeing them going through such heavy experiences.
“Help me, Hope. Please. I think you’re the only one who can.”
I do feel a bit bittersweet though. As this was the last instalment of the Team Zulu stand-alone series, a bunch of characters I fell in love with, I do feel a bit sad to say good-bye to them, however, I am also happy because we will have a spin-off series with the characters appearing in cameo roles. Not only did I fall in love with Vaugh and Hope, who were one of my favourite couples, but I also fell in love with how consistent the characters remained throughout the series, showing that indeed each character was their own person whether as a main character or a side character appearing in another couple’s book.
On a side note, I have to say, the books of the duology are better to be read right after each other. Somehow that just makes it click more into place and makes it more continuous, rather than taking a break between the books.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book, but then I love the Team Zulu series. This book was filled with plot, angst, romance, action, suspense, healing and some nice character development. However, because of Hope’s self-blame not being looked at in a more thorough manner, Ravaged Hearts got 4/5 stars from me.
Ratings of the other books in the series:
Mid-Reading Updates!
@inkedbooksloth
Vaughn was a traumatised, physically, mentally and emotionally scared, distant, broody character but with a sweeter side to those who he cared about. He was flawed, he was not at all perfect, but that’s what made his character more relatable. Unlike Scarred Souls, Ravaged Hearts focused more on the characters’ journey and the plot, which allowed us to see Vaughn heal in his own way. That is not to say he just healed, even by the end of the book he was still struggling, but he was on an on-going journey with some seriously significant improvement. And I loved that his experience wasn’t written off as something that has been sorted but rather something that was still in process by the end. It made it more real and relatable.
“I just want to be near you without worrying that I might hurt you.”
Hope was still the kind and loving, full of life sweetheart who always helped others even if she put everyone else in front of her. Not only did she remain strong, but even if she was what some would call reckless, all her actions in the main plot made complete sense to the character who we got to know in the previous book, in Scarred Souls. Hope was though, if a bit reckless, but I would have liked to see her comprehend or process more of the fact that she was not responsible for what happened to the people around her. I feel like her character’s guilt or self-blame was not processed enough for us to see that she started to understand that she was not to be blamed. There was multiple mention of it, of course, but it felt as if it was just passed over at the end, rather than fixated on for a moment. I would have liked to see her comprehend it even if for a bit.
“I love you, Vaughn Decker. And God help the person who tries to take you from me, because I will come for them like a shark after blood. You’re mine, and I’m keeping you.”
As for the storyline, the first half of the book was more character focused and romance focused to see the character’s journey, their healing process and the romance blossom into actual love. Meanwhile, the second half of the book was definitely plot heavier since the focus was on solving the issues that were part of the plot.
I do have to mention that to me this was a bit graphic. Not because it was filled with such scenes, but because of how hard those scenes hit. I can handle characters going through some on-page heavy scenes when they are side characters or I am not as emotionally invested in them, but because I was so heavily invested in our MCs who were in such though situations, it felt a bit harder to read, a bit more difficult to digest because of the physical reactions I got from seeing them going through such heavy experiences.
“Help me, Hope. Please. I think you’re the only one who can.”
I do feel a bit bittersweet though. As this was the last instalment of the Team Zulu stand-alone series, a bunch of characters I fell in love with, I do feel a bit sad to say good-bye to them, however, I am also happy because we will have a spin-off series with the characters appearing in cameo roles. Not only did I fall in love with Vaugh and Hope, who were one of my favourite couples, but I also fell in love with how consistent the characters remained throughout the series, showing that indeed each character was their own person whether as a main character or a side character appearing in another couple’s book.
On a side note, I have to say, the books of the duology are better to be read right after each other. Somehow that just makes it click more into place and makes it more continuous, rather than taking a break between the books.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book, but then I love the Team Zulu series. This book was filled with plot, angst, romance, action, suspense, healing and some nice character development. However, because of Hope’s self-blame not being looked at in a more thorough manner, Ravaged Hearts got 4/5 stars from me.
Ratings of the other books in the series:
The Rescue 4/5 stars
The Hit 4/5 stars
The Payback 5/5 stars
The Heist 4/5 stars
Scarred Souls 4/5 stars
Ravaged Hearts 4/5 stars
Mid-Reading Updates!
18.0%
I just want to hug Vaughn and tell him everything will be okay.
“Help me, Hope. Please. I think you’re the only one who can.”
20.0%
“Goddamn, if I expire in this moment, I’ll die a happy man.”
This guy always makes me chuckle.
35.0%
“The moment I laid eyes on Sage, I knew she was it for me. Took a little longer for her to catch on.”
Gods, Brandon and Sage will forever be my favourite Zulu couple. Their book and every interaction they have in any other books are always so spot on. I adore them so much.
46.0%
Gods, Vaughn and Hope are so perfect together. They are like intense, but sweet, like adorably hot. Is that even a thing? They are so different but so similar. They just fit so perfectly.
57.0%
My god, my feminism is screaming! This Jorge guys needs to be unalived. He actually makes me so mad. I want to see him suffer, writhing in pain.
“You’re breeding stock… That’s all you are to me.”
83.0%
Gods, this has to be Julie’s most graphic book. I don’t mind gorey details when it’s done to the enemy. But I have difficulty handling it when it’s done to the MCs because I am emotionally invested in them. As someone who imagines things so clearly in my head… I need to take a moment…
99.0%
I absolutely adored this book, but I also feel sad because this was the end of the stand-alone series. I don't even know how to put this. Whilst there will be a spin-off, my heart is a bit bittersweet. I know we will see some cameos, but these boys have my heart.
Anyway, this book was a rollercoaster. I laughed, I snorted, I cackled, I teared up, I got angry... but I loved every moment of it.
Vaughn and Hope's relationship was just perfect, They are flawed, but so loveable, so adorable. Even with all the gore details, they are adorably hot together. Their journey is captivating and intriguing. I adored every moment of theirs from their healing journey to their banter and spicy scenes. They were just a perfect match.
It was also graphic but not graphic as in it was filled with graphic scenes, rather that they hit hard. I don't usually mind the heavy details when it happens to those who are not the MCs, because I am not as emotional invested, but when it happened to our MCs, both Vaughn and Hope, my stomach turned upside-down for a moment. Those scenes felt very powerful, at least on me they had some effects.
Overall, I adored this book even if it sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. I loved this couple and their journey, so I am just sad it ended. I want more from Julie Weaver because her books just always hit right. I love the way she crafts her stories.
@inkedbooksloth
October 16, 2024
Ravaged Hearts is the action packed conclusion to the story of Vaughn and Hope which began in Scarred Souls, and is also the last book of the Team Zulu series. This should not be read as a standalone as the first book in the duet sets the scene for the events that occur in this book. Please check the trigger warnings before reading if you are a sensitive reader.
The story begins immediately after the conclusion of Scarred Souls with Vaughn and Hope trying to figure out how to stop Hope's father's cartel. The story has plenty of steamy moments, as Hope and Vaughn try to work through his fear of being touched. There are also plenty of action scenes, particularly near the end. I admire Hope's tenacity, but there were times in this book that I really wanted to have a heart to heart with her and make her realize that Team Zulu knows how to handle all sorts of difficult situations. There is no sneaky break up or unnecessary angst, so you don't have to worry about that. The emotional rollercoaster is more about how they each deal with what they have to accomplish and with the realization that they have to let each other do those tasks. I really enjoyed the entire duet and am sad to say goodbye to the Zulu crew.
The story begins immediately after the conclusion of Scarred Souls with Vaughn and Hope trying to figure out how to stop Hope's father's cartel. The story has plenty of steamy moments, as Hope and Vaughn try to work through his fear of being touched. There are also plenty of action scenes, particularly near the end. I admire Hope's tenacity, but there were times in this book that I really wanted to have a heart to heart with her and make her realize that Team Zulu knows how to handle all sorts of difficult situations. There is no sneaky break up or unnecessary angst, so you don't have to worry about that. The emotional rollercoaster is more about how they each deal with what they have to accomplish and with the realization that they have to let each other do those tasks. I really enjoyed the entire duet and am sad to say goodbye to the Zulu crew.
October 21, 2024
Ravaged Hearts is the exciting, explosive conclusion to the Team Zulu Duet!
Julie Weaver keeps you on the edge of your seat in this emotional, suspenseful read.
I could not put this book down! Vaughn and Hope are perfect for one another.
It's sad to have the Team Zulu Series ending but I look forward to reading more from Julie Weaver.
Julie Weaver keeps you on the edge of your seat in this emotional, suspenseful read.
I could not put this book down! Vaughn and Hope are perfect for one another.
It's sad to have the Team Zulu Series ending but I look forward to reading more from Julie Weaver.
October 17, 2024
*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*
❤ Contemporary romance
❤ Romantic suspense
❤ Protector
❤ Military
❤ Black-ops team
❤ Cartel princess
❤ Enemies to lovers
❤ Forced proximity
❤ Touch her/him and die
❤ Jealous/Possessive hero
❤ Man obsessed
❤ Scarred MCs
❤ He can't tolerate touch + sent to unalive her father
❤ "F*** it!"
❤ The mystery, secrets, and danger they are thrown into
❤ Enough suspense, pain and emotional baggage to fill a room
❤ Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
❤ Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
❤ Unpredictable twists and turns
❤ Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
Ravaged Hearts is the second book of a Team Zulu Series duet and should be read after Scarred Souls. Dark, gritty, and addictive. It has a fast-paced narrative that combines action, love, and intrigue to create a thrilling page-turner. The plot balances danger and romance while exploring the bond and love between two scarred characters. Ravaged Hearts pulls readers into a dark world filled with mystery and lies, keeping them engaged until the end. With an emotion-driven and heartfelt story, it's a captivating read that will keep readers on their toes.
Ravaged Hearts follows the tumultuous relationship between Vaughn and Hope, which began as an assignment but blossomed into love. Vaughn, a tough, hardened man who initially comes across as intimidating, slowly reveals his softer side as he falls deeply in love with Hope, a strong-willed cartel princess who is also resilient and determined. The way they support and understand each other creates a strong bond between them and Vaughn becomes fiercely protective of Hope, almost like an all-consuming force in his life. Despite being a victim of captivity and abuse, Hope doesn't see him as a monster and is helping him overcome his fear of touch. Hope's presence helps him overcome these fears. As Vaughn becomes more deeply invested in her life, he's now facing a new fear: the risk of losing Hope due to the ongoing cartel violence in Mexico. Hope has found love with Vaughn, but their relationship may be threatened by the danger surrounding her father, who is one of the most powerful men in Mexico. Team Zulu is prepared to protect Hope and to take down her father though Hope believes they need to go through many trials and tribulations before they succeed. As the danger draws closer, threatening those Hope loves, she must confront her past and make a choice: stand up against her father or risk losing Vaughn. Yet again, the build-up of Vaughn and Hope's relationship, while danger surrounds them, is crafted skillfully with a well-balanced blend of building tension, sizzling chemistry, romance, and suspense. This dark tale features real and relatable characters whose relationship development takes them on an emotionally charged journey that is ultimately rewarding.
So sad that this series ended, but it was a perfect way to conclude it and bring everything full circle. These characters will always hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend it.
❤ Contemporary romance
❤ Romantic suspense
❤ Protector
❤ Military
❤ Black-ops team
❤ Cartel princess
❤ Enemies to lovers
❤ Forced proximity
❤ Touch her/him and die
❤ Jealous/Possessive hero
❤ Man obsessed
❤ Scarred MCs
❤ He can't tolerate touch + sent to unalive her father
❤ "F*** it!"
❤ The mystery, secrets, and danger they are thrown into
❤ Enough suspense, pain and emotional baggage to fill a room
❤ Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
❤ Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
❤ Unpredictable twists and turns
❤ Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
Ravaged Hearts is the second book of a Team Zulu Series duet and should be read after Scarred Souls. Dark, gritty, and addictive. It has a fast-paced narrative that combines action, love, and intrigue to create a thrilling page-turner. The plot balances danger and romance while exploring the bond and love between two scarred characters. Ravaged Hearts pulls readers into a dark world filled with mystery and lies, keeping them engaged until the end. With an emotion-driven and heartfelt story, it's a captivating read that will keep readers on their toes.
Ravaged Hearts follows the tumultuous relationship between Vaughn and Hope, which began as an assignment but blossomed into love. Vaughn, a tough, hardened man who initially comes across as intimidating, slowly reveals his softer side as he falls deeply in love with Hope, a strong-willed cartel princess who is also resilient and determined. The way they support and understand each other creates a strong bond between them and Vaughn becomes fiercely protective of Hope, almost like an all-consuming force in his life. Despite being a victim of captivity and abuse, Hope doesn't see him as a monster and is helping him overcome his fear of touch. Hope's presence helps him overcome these fears. As Vaughn becomes more deeply invested in her life, he's now facing a new fear: the risk of losing Hope due to the ongoing cartel violence in Mexico. Hope has found love with Vaughn, but their relationship may be threatened by the danger surrounding her father, who is one of the most powerful men in Mexico. Team Zulu is prepared to protect Hope and to take down her father though Hope believes they need to go through many trials and tribulations before they succeed. As the danger draws closer, threatening those Hope loves, she must confront her past and make a choice: stand up against her father or risk losing Vaughn. Yet again, the build-up of Vaughn and Hope's relationship, while danger surrounds them, is crafted skillfully with a well-balanced blend of building tension, sizzling chemistry, romance, and suspense. This dark tale features real and relatable characters whose relationship development takes them on an emotionally charged journey that is ultimately rewarding.
So sad that this series ended, but it was a perfect way to conclude it and bring everything full circle. These characters will always hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend it.
October 18, 2024
My Rating: 4 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Hot-blooded. Intense. Unhinged.
What a gripping conclusion to the Team Zulu duet, and final book in the series! Hope and Vaughn’s relationship has grown leaps and bounds since their very first encounter. Honestly, I wasn’t completely sold at first with the abrupt shift in intimacy, considering Vaughn’s weighty triggers. But as the story progressed, it was evident that Hope was a genuine balm to his trauma. They are the epitome of two halves making a whole.
Besides the romance side of things, there was an air of desperation and urgency that constantly shrouded Hope and Vaughn in this book. The suspense leaps off the pages, pulls you in, and plops you smack dab in the middle of their deadly undertaking.
The storytelling is faster-paced in this second half, which only drove the sense of risk and danger home even more. You get to witness not only how Vaughn and his team band together for a mission, but also their contrasting team dynamics. There’s a solid sense of brotherhood and all that it entails; banter, bickering, and all-out protectiveness. If this story is your introduction to the Team Zulu series, the secondary characters will certainly have you curious. (I know I’m partial to Vaughn’s brother). 🤭
✔ Military x Mafia
✔ Grouchy MMC x Headstrong FMC
✔ Found Family
✔ Thrills and Spills
✔ Spice! Both naughty and nice.
As this is a continuous storyline, Scarred Souls must be read prior to starting this one. The dark themes and sensitive subject matters that were introduced in the first book carry onto this one and are more explicit. For this reason, some readers may find certain parts disturbing or triggering. Please read responsibly as it broaches on PTSD caused by past traumatic events, human-trafficking, attempted SA, graphic violence — including torture, domestic abuse, warfare, and death. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
I’m a sucker for premises consisting of broken, scarred, tortured characters who’ve gone through hell and back, eventually find healing and get their much-deserved HEA. Hope and Vaughn are complex characters and their story is emotion-driven. For the most part I enjoyed how it progressed, and just when I thought it was a straight shot from a certain point of the book onwards, Weaver drops some gasp-inducing plot twists that kept me glued to those pages.
The writing is likable and effortless to follow. Dual POVs showcased the MCs in-depth feelings and thought-processes, especially during heightened circumstances. Hope and Vaughn’s story ended on a fulfilling conclusion having the best of both worlds. It left me smiling in contentment. If you’re a fan of military and/or mafia romance books, give this one a try.
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Hot-blooded. Intense. Unhinged.
What a gripping conclusion to the Team Zulu duet, and final book in the series! Hope and Vaughn’s relationship has grown leaps and bounds since their very first encounter. Honestly, I wasn’t completely sold at first with the abrupt shift in intimacy, considering Vaughn’s weighty triggers. But as the story progressed, it was evident that Hope was a genuine balm to his trauma. They are the epitome of two halves making a whole.
Besides the romance side of things, there was an air of desperation and urgency that constantly shrouded Hope and Vaughn in this book. The suspense leaps off the pages, pulls you in, and plops you smack dab in the middle of their deadly undertaking.
The storytelling is faster-paced in this second half, which only drove the sense of risk and danger home even more. You get to witness not only how Vaughn and his team band together for a mission, but also their contrasting team dynamics. There’s a solid sense of brotherhood and all that it entails; banter, bickering, and all-out protectiveness. If this story is your introduction to the Team Zulu series, the secondary characters will certainly have you curious. (I know I’m partial to Vaughn’s brother). 🤭
✔ Military x Mafia
✔ Grouchy MMC x Headstrong FMC
✔ Found Family
✔ Thrills and Spills
✔ Spice! Both naughty and nice.
As this is a continuous storyline, Scarred Souls must be read prior to starting this one. The dark themes and sensitive subject matters that were introduced in the first book carry onto this one and are more explicit. For this reason, some readers may find certain parts disturbing or triggering. Please read responsibly as it broaches on PTSD caused by past traumatic events, human-trafficking, attempted SA, graphic violence — including torture, domestic abuse, warfare, and death. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
I’m a sucker for premises consisting of broken, scarred, tortured characters who’ve gone through hell and back, eventually find healing and get their much-deserved HEA. Hope and Vaughn are complex characters and their story is emotion-driven. For the most part I enjoyed how it progressed, and just when I thought it was a straight shot from a certain point of the book onwards, Weaver drops some gasp-inducing plot twists that kept me glued to those pages.
The writing is likable and effortless to follow. Dual POVs showcased the MCs in-depth feelings and thought-processes, especially during heightened circumstances. Hope and Vaughn’s story ended on a fulfilling conclusion having the best of both worlds. It left me smiling in contentment. If you’re a fan of military and/or mafia romance books, give this one a try.
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
October 23, 2024
“Ravaged Hearts” is the fifth instalment of the “Team Zulu Series” and the second book in the duet. Hope and Vaughn are flawed characters both physically and emotionally due to trauma’s in their past. Individually they are empty, together they are complete. Vaughn starts to let his no touch barrier down with Hope, strengthening their relationship and their feelings towards each other. His condition is called Haphephobia - the fear of being touched. Vaughn finally opens up to Hope about what happened to cause this condition - it breaks her heart, but falls for him even more.
“She deserved someone she didn’t have to be careful with or worry about or be afraid of. If I was going to keep this incredible woman—and I already knew I wanted to—then I needed to be a whole man again. Not the fractured, unstable mess I was now.”
“Repeated exposure to skin-on-skin touch was the only way Vaughn could overcome his dread. It hadn’t ended well the last time we’d tried, and he’d been dead set against further attempts, for fear of harming me. Maybe opening up to me with his story had emboldened him to give it another shot.”
The relationship is put to the test when to save her friends, the village she has called home and herself, she made herself a target by letting her father know that she is still alive. Her father is the head of the largest and most ruthless cartel in Mexico - she also knows that she will never be safe or be happy as long as he was still alive. The only way she decides to find him quickly is to use herself as “bait.” Team Zulu are her backup and to rescue her if required. “Genetics, phobias, cartel wars. Hell, even our own stubbornness. None of those things could tear us apart.” Will this work? Will she survive? Will Vaughn and her have there happily ever after?
A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Vaughn and Hope as they explore each other mentally and physically. The sexual tension between them is off the page! Vaughn is use to controlling his emotions, but around Hope …… he lets the barrier come down and into his heart. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
“She deserved someone she didn’t have to be careful with or worry about or be afraid of. If I was going to keep this incredible woman—and I already knew I wanted to—then I needed to be a whole man again. Not the fractured, unstable mess I was now.”
“Repeated exposure to skin-on-skin touch was the only way Vaughn could overcome his dread. It hadn’t ended well the last time we’d tried, and he’d been dead set against further attempts, for fear of harming me. Maybe opening up to me with his story had emboldened him to give it another shot.”
The relationship is put to the test when to save her friends, the village she has called home and herself, she made herself a target by letting her father know that she is still alive. Her father is the head of the largest and most ruthless cartel in Mexico - she also knows that she will never be safe or be happy as long as he was still alive. The only way she decides to find him quickly is to use herself as “bait.” Team Zulu are her backup and to rescue her if required. “Genetics, phobias, cartel wars. Hell, even our own stubbornness. None of those things could tear us apart.” Will this work? Will she survive? Will Vaughn and her have there happily ever after?
A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Vaughn and Hope as they explore each other mentally and physically. The sexual tension between them is off the page! Vaughn is use to controlling his emotions, but around Hope …… he lets the barrier come down and into his heart. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
October 18, 2024
RAVAGED HEARTS is the fifth instalment in Julie Weaver’s contemporary, adult TEAM ZULU erotic, romantic suspense series, and part two of Hope and Vaughn’s story. RAVAGED HEARTS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book four SCARRED SOULS
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Vaughn and Hope) RAVAGED HEARTS continues to follow the building relationship between Hope ‘Elena Espinoza’ Lopez, and former US Navy SEAL Vaughn Decker, and the hunt for the head of the Pacific Coast Cartel headed by Hope’s estranged father Carlos Espinoza, a violent and sadistic man. As Team Zulu, Vaughn and Hope put a plan into action, our heroine goes off script, threatening the life of the man whom she loves. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Hope and Vaughn, and the fall-out as the Cartel has plans for our story line couple.
The world building follows the continuing relationship between our story line couple, as well as the hunt for Carlos Espinoza but all is not well with the Mexican Cartel, and Hope is about to discover all is not as it appears to be.
The relationship between Hope and Vaughn struggles in the face of secrets and lies. Both Vaughn and Hope have experience horrific abuse at the hands of former captors, and in this, Vaughn battles between head and heart with his attraction to our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and colorful secondary and supporting characters including several members of Team Zulu; Hope’s father Carlos Espinoza, and his second in command Jorge Ortega.
RAVAGE HEARTS is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies; power and control, murder and madness, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is provocative; the characters are energetic and dynamic but our heroine is TSTL (Too stupid to live) having placed herself and Team Zulu in the direct line of fire with her actions and need to go it alone.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Vaughn and Hope) RAVAGED HEARTS continues to follow the building relationship between Hope ‘Elena Espinoza’ Lopez, and former US Navy SEAL Vaughn Decker, and the hunt for the head of the Pacific Coast Cartel headed by Hope’s estranged father Carlos Espinoza, a violent and sadistic man. As Team Zulu, Vaughn and Hope put a plan into action, our heroine goes off script, threatening the life of the man whom she loves. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Hope and Vaughn, and the fall-out as the Cartel has plans for our story line couple.
The world building follows the continuing relationship between our story line couple, as well as the hunt for Carlos Espinoza but all is not well with the Mexican Cartel, and Hope is about to discover all is not as it appears to be.
The relationship between Hope and Vaughn struggles in the face of secrets and lies. Both Vaughn and Hope have experience horrific abuse at the hands of former captors, and in this, Vaughn battles between head and heart with his attraction to our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and colorful secondary and supporting characters including several members of Team Zulu; Hope’s father Carlos Espinoza, and his second in command Jorge Ortega.
RAVAGE HEARTS is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies; power and control, murder and madness, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is provocative; the characters are energetic and dynamic but our heroine is TSTL (Too stupid to live) having placed herself and Team Zulu in the direct line of fire with her actions and need to go it alone.
copy supplied for review
October 27, 2024
🔻"You come back to me no matter what, understand? If you only ever obey one of my orders for the rest of your life, let it be this one. Please,,"🔺
U can see how their developement came to fruition from book 1 to book 2 i loved this book way more than the first the plot nd the scenes were immaculate i could highly see this turning into a movie it would be full of action steam romance and everthing in between well done Julie team Zulu series is top notch .
the way they healed each other is out of this world
🔸When they started to tell jokes back nd forth right before this big mission ...
🔺-"This game was familiar. We’d ease the pre-op tension with jokes, roastings, or anything to momentarily distract us all from the seriousness of what we were about to face."🔻
🔸...for me it says alot about this team.these men are Good men i love their bond it goes far more than just teammates they are brothers for life nd i couldnt find a better leader than Brandon
That scene when Vaughn woke up in the torture room (again) I was like ohh nooo. not again!!
i thought this will trigger an extreme panic due to his past horror of an experience but thats how he responded and i quote:👇🏼
🔻Jesus H. Christ. I must’ve done some fucked-up shit in a past life to land myself in this situation twice.
A laugh burst from me. Then another. It didn’t matter that my skull pounded from the earlier blow or that my arms felt like they were about to be torn from my shoulder sockets.
I couldn’t contain my twisted amusement. But seriously, fuck me, fuck my life, and fuck the sociopath standing before me wearing a perplexed frown.
Maybe he’d never met someone who reacted as I did in the face of torture.🔺
🔸As much as we waited for Carlos death but its
Jorge's that was satisfying im thankul to
Gabi she is going to be a badass mom im sure... kinda imagined her ending up with Owen loved her character i would definitely read their book if julie decided to pair them up though i knw Ravaged hearts was the ending book in this series but we can always HOPE right?!
-The ending was perfect
-The spice was perfect
-The writing was immaculate
-The characters are well built
Highly recommend!!
U can see how their developement came to fruition from book 1 to book 2 i loved this book way more than the first the plot nd the scenes were immaculate i could highly see this turning into a movie it would be full of action steam romance and everthing in between well done Julie team Zulu series is top notch .
the way they healed each other is out of this world
🔸When they started to tell jokes back nd forth right before this big mission ...
🔺-"This game was familiar. We’d ease the pre-op tension with jokes, roastings, or anything to momentarily distract us all from the seriousness of what we were about to face."🔻
🔸...for me it says alot about this team.these men are Good men i love their bond it goes far more than just teammates they are brothers for life nd i couldnt find a better leader than Brandon
That scene when Vaughn woke up in the torture room (again) I was like ohh nooo. not again!!
i thought this will trigger an extreme panic due to his past horror of an experience but thats how he responded and i quote:👇🏼
🔻Jesus H. Christ. I must’ve done some fucked-up shit in a past life to land myself in this situation twice.
A laugh burst from me. Then another. It didn’t matter that my skull pounded from the earlier blow or that my arms felt like they were about to be torn from my shoulder sockets.
I couldn’t contain my twisted amusement. But seriously, fuck me, fuck my life, and fuck the sociopath standing before me wearing a perplexed frown.
Maybe he’d never met someone who reacted as I did in the face of torture.🔺
🔸As much as we waited for Carlos death but its
Jorge's that was satisfying im thankul to
Gabi she is going to be a badass mom im sure... kinda imagined her ending up with Owen loved her character i would definitely read their book if julie decided to pair them up though i knw Ravaged hearts was the ending book in this series but we can always HOPE right?!
-The ending was perfect
-The spice was perfect
-The writing was immaculate
-The characters are well built
Highly recommend!!
October 20, 2024
Sadly this is the last book in Julie Weaver's Team Zulu series but I am looking forward to whatever comes next. Ravaged Hears is the second part of a duet in the series and should be read after Scarred Souls.
The thought of losing Hope left Vaughn with a fear that was palpable, a fear like none that he had ever known.
Vaughn Decker was a dark, brooding giant of a man and part of Team Zulu led by his friend Brandon. Vaughn was scarred both physically and emotionally, a wrecked soul with a scarred body, a body that no one was allowed to touch.
The person who had managed to capture Vaughn's heart, the person who was managing to erode some of his defenses, the person who Vaughn would give up his life for was Hope Robinson, the pretty girl that he had met rescued from a Mexican restaurant, Vaughn was soon to discover that the girl that he was attracted to was non other than the daughter of Carlos Espinoza, boss of the powerful Pacific Coast Cartel, the most feared, the most powerful, the most deadly, a cartel whose cruelty knew no bounds, a cartel from whom Hope was hiding, a cartel who Team Zulu had vowed to destroy.
This is a powerful, dark and sometimes disturbing story, a story with hate mixed with tenderness and passion, gentle but feisty Hope with her facial scars, her tormented memories and her guilt, dark brooding Vaughn whose scars were much more than skin deep, two tortured souls trying desperately to heal one another and both with one common goal..........to rid the world of Carlos Espinoza.
This story is action packed, suspense filled with passion that is off the scale, a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
The thought of losing Hope left Vaughn with a fear that was palpable, a fear like none that he had ever known.
Vaughn Decker was a dark, brooding giant of a man and part of Team Zulu led by his friend Brandon. Vaughn was scarred both physically and emotionally, a wrecked soul with a scarred body, a body that no one was allowed to touch.
The person who had managed to capture Vaughn's heart, the person who was managing to erode some of his defenses, the person who Vaughn would give up his life for was Hope Robinson, the pretty girl that he had met rescued from a Mexican restaurant, Vaughn was soon to discover that the girl that he was attracted to was non other than the daughter of Carlos Espinoza, boss of the powerful Pacific Coast Cartel, the most feared, the most powerful, the most deadly, a cartel whose cruelty knew no bounds, a cartel from whom Hope was hiding, a cartel who Team Zulu had vowed to destroy.
This is a powerful, dark and sometimes disturbing story, a story with hate mixed with tenderness and passion, gentle but feisty Hope with her facial scars, her tormented memories and her guilt, dark brooding Vaughn whose scars were much more than skin deep, two tortured souls trying desperately to heal one another and both with one common goal..........to rid the world of Carlos Espinoza.
This story is action packed, suspense filled with passion that is off the scale, a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
October 20, 2024
It's always bittersweet when a series you have wholeheartedly loved comes to an end.
But...
What a way to end!!!!
Ravaged Hearts is Book 2 of Hope and Vaughn's story and it was the perfect gripping conclusion.
In book 1 we had all the slow burning tension and plot build up that had you wondering where this story would take us.
Then...
You dive in to Ravaged Hearts (Book 2) and the spice is spicing, the angst puts your emotions through the wringer, the suspense has you on edge and the moments of action have you holding your breath.
Vaughn.... Vaughn.... Vaughn.... Good god this man slayed me in Book 2.... His vulnerable moments with Hope hurt my heart and tear ducts.....
"You come back to me no matter what, understand? If you only ever obey one of my orders for the rest of your life, let it be this one. Please."
The way this man needed and loved Hope was everything. She was missing his missing piece, the person to save him and the only person he could let touch him after all of his past trauma.
But.... Not only did Hope save Vaughn, he also saved her.
Fate definitely stepped in for these two soulmates.
Team Zulu... I will never get enough of these men and loved the snippets of their general bad-assery, OTT protectiveness and their quick witted and often hilarious banter towards each other.
While this may be the conclusion of the Zulu series I am still hoping they make some guest appearances in the future as I refuse to fully let them go. hehe..
Loved this book and series! I highly recommend.
But...
What a way to end!!!!
Ravaged Hearts is Book 2 of Hope and Vaughn's story and it was the perfect gripping conclusion.
In book 1 we had all the slow burning tension and plot build up that had you wondering where this story would take us.
Then...
You dive in to Ravaged Hearts (Book 2) and the spice is spicing, the angst puts your emotions through the wringer, the suspense has you on edge and the moments of action have you holding your breath.
Vaughn.... Vaughn.... Vaughn.... Good god this man slayed me in Book 2.... His vulnerable moments with Hope hurt my heart and tear ducts.....
"You come back to me no matter what, understand? If you only ever obey one of my orders for the rest of your life, let it be this one. Please."
The way this man needed and loved Hope was everything. She was missing his missing piece, the person to save him and the only person he could let touch him after all of his past trauma.
But.... Not only did Hope save Vaughn, he also saved her.
Fate definitely stepped in for these two soulmates.
Team Zulu... I will never get enough of these men and loved the snippets of their general bad-assery, OTT protectiveness and their quick witted and often hilarious banter towards each other.
While this may be the conclusion of the Zulu series I am still hoping they make some guest appearances in the future as I refuse to fully let them go. hehe..
Loved this book and series! I highly recommend.
October 18, 2024
Julie definitely knows what she's doing. Her books are the perfect blend of action and romance, and if the previous books in this series were already perfect, this duology, Scarred Souls and Revenged Hearts, took it to another level.
Normally, I don’t accept instant love in books, but in this one, I felt that the speed and intensity with which the feelings hit them made deep sense, because it shows how two people deeply scarred in both body and soul, who had lost hope of just being normal people, were hiding a deep desire for healing and grabbed the chance for it with all their might, without hesitation.
I could never have imagined I would cry in an action book, but the truth is I was hit by their emotions as if it were my own scars being healed. This book devastated me and made me believe in equal measure, with no miraculous cures, no crazy tricks when defeating the villains, with characters who stay true to their values and personalities, who accept and acknowledge their weaknesses but want so badly to live fully. They are two survivors, wounded but not destroyed, and even with everything they’ve faced, they aren’t afraid of one more sacrifice to make the world a better place, even when the world has been cruel to them.
Congratulations, Julie, this couldn’t have been a more perfect ending for this special series. More of this until infinity, please.
Normally, I don’t accept instant love in books, but in this one, I felt that the speed and intensity with which the feelings hit them made deep sense, because it shows how two people deeply scarred in both body and soul, who had lost hope of just being normal people, were hiding a deep desire for healing and grabbed the chance for it with all their might, without hesitation.
I could never have imagined I would cry in an action book, but the truth is I was hit by their emotions as if it were my own scars being healed. This book devastated me and made me believe in equal measure, with no miraculous cures, no crazy tricks when defeating the villains, with characters who stay true to their values and personalities, who accept and acknowledge their weaknesses but want so badly to live fully. They are two survivors, wounded but not destroyed, and even with everything they’ve faced, they aren’t afraid of one more sacrifice to make the world a better place, even when the world has been cruel to them.
Congratulations, Julie, this couldn’t have been a more perfect ending for this special series. More of this until infinity, please.
October 18, 2024
Hope and Vaughn return in the thrilling conclusion of the duet that wraps up the Team Zulu series. In this installment, we follow Vaughn, an ex-Navy pilot and dedicated member of Team Zulu, a group of former special forces operators committed to combatting sex trafficking. Hope, the female lead, is the estranged daughter of a cartel leader who has been living in hiding for the past few years. Their paths intertwined in the first book, and their relationship deepens as they face new challenges in this sequel.
Without revealing too much, Ravaged Hearts delivers significantly more action and suspense than its predecessor, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Vaughn and Hope confront dangerous obstacles in their mission to dismantle the cartel. I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion and felt it provided a fitting farewell to the series.
Set to release on October 19th, this book is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and action. If you haven't started the series yet, I highly recommend diving in!
Side note: this is the conclusion to Scarred Souls, which needs to be read first.
*ARC Review*
Without revealing too much, Ravaged Hearts delivers significantly more action and suspense than its predecessor, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Vaughn and Hope confront dangerous obstacles in their mission to dismantle the cartel. I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion and felt it provided a fitting farewell to the series.
Set to release on October 19th, this book is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and action. If you haven't started the series yet, I highly recommend diving in!
Side note: this is the conclusion to Scarred Souls, which needs to be read first.
*ARC Review*
October 19, 2024
Ravaged Hearts is the second book in the Team Zulu duet, and needs to be read after Scarred Souls. And I was really looking forward to read this next book in the duet. Hope and Vaughn have become closer, and Vaughn is determined to do everything in his power to keep Hope safe. But there is still the lurking danger of Hope’s father’s cartel. And to make sure they have a chance at a future, they need to stop the cartel.
This book was definitely fun. There is a lot of suspense, romance and some fun and feisty moments in this book. I really enjoyed reading about Vaughn and Hope. Vaughn’s character is definitely not perfect. He is a very damaged guy. But I loved how he loved and cared for Hope. There is a lot going on in this second book, and you definitely don’t have the time to catch your breath.
The brotherhood of Vaughn’s team is one of my favorite parts of this series. And it definitely was a fun part of this read as well.
Ravaged Hearts was a very fun, suspenseful and romantic read. And I honestly can’t wait to learn what Julie Weaver has in store for us next.
This book was definitely fun. There is a lot of suspense, romance and some fun and feisty moments in this book. I really enjoyed reading about Vaughn and Hope. Vaughn’s character is definitely not perfect. He is a very damaged guy. But I loved how he loved and cared for Hope. There is a lot going on in this second book, and you definitely don’t have the time to catch your breath.
The brotherhood of Vaughn’s team is one of my favorite parts of this series. And it definitely was a fun part of this read as well.
Ravaged Hearts was a very fun, suspenseful and romantic read. And I honestly can’t wait to learn what Julie Weaver has in store for us next.
October 18, 2024
This was such an amazing ending to a brilliant duet. This couple were so good.
Vaughn bring Hope back to Montana and she joins the team in setting up a plan to bring down her father and his Mafia Cartel.
Vaughn was the ultimate Warrior and a definite soul mate for Hope. Both scarred, would do anything for the other and working to help each other heal. How they do that was so thoughtful and I admire that part of the story.
I really loved the team spirit, the different relationships between each and how they backed each other even when opinions differ.
But most of all, I loved the chemistry that developed between Hope and Vaughn. There was true love there and it was such a pleasure to read about.
Full of danger, suspense and intensity that made for a spell binding thrill ride, I can highly recommend this book. I can't wait for more and the new series of characters to come.
Fantastic book, really!!
Vaughn bring Hope back to Montana and she joins the team in setting up a plan to bring down her father and his Mafia Cartel.
Vaughn was the ultimate Warrior and a definite soul mate for Hope. Both scarred, would do anything for the other and working to help each other heal. How they do that was so thoughtful and I admire that part of the story.
I really loved the team spirit, the different relationships between each and how they backed each other even when opinions differ.
But most of all, I loved the chemistry that developed between Hope and Vaughn. There was true love there and it was such a pleasure to read about.
Full of danger, suspense and intensity that made for a spell binding thrill ride, I can highly recommend this book. I can't wait for more and the new series of characters to come.
Fantastic book, really!!
October 19, 2024
Julie Weaver did it again.
If with the first 3 books in "The Zulu" series she won me over, with Vaughn she made me falling at her feet. The cherry on top that closes perfectly this series that made me smile, laugh, blush, feeling hot (oh jeez sooo hot) and cry a lot.
Vaughn is the character that was missing. His attitude, hi dirty mouth (if you know what I mean 😏), his past, everything about him will make you fall in love with it.
And Hope. O.M.G. This beautiful, badass bitch with so much courage and kindness that made me want to hug her and never let go.
Did some chapters hurt? Of course.
Did this stop me? Absolutely not.
Was it worth the wait? 1000 times abso-fucking-lutely.
This duology will make you fall further in love - as if the other books weren't enough - and if you have standards when it comes to relationships, Vaughn and Hope will only raise the bar for you.
#NoSpoiler but to quote Julie herself "Have mercy isn't my job".
If with the first 3 books in "The Zulu" series she won me over, with Vaughn she made me falling at her feet. The cherry on top that closes perfectly this series that made me smile, laugh, blush, feeling hot (oh jeez sooo hot) and cry a lot.
Vaughn is the character that was missing. His attitude, hi dirty mouth (if you know what I mean 😏), his past, everything about him will make you fall in love with it.
And Hope. O.M.G. This beautiful, badass bitch with so much courage and kindness that made me want to hug her and never let go.
Did some chapters hurt? Of course.
Did this stop me? Absolutely not.
Was it worth the wait? 1000 times abso-fucking-lutely.
This duology will make you fall further in love - as if the other books weren't enough - and if you have standards when it comes to relationships, Vaughn and Hope will only raise the bar for you.
#NoSpoiler but to quote Julie herself "Have mercy isn't my job".
October 20, 2024
suspense, spice, this has it all
Book 5 and conclusion to the Team Zulu series delivers one heck of a story. What do you get when you pair a scarred cartel princess with a tortured ex military man? A complete thrill ride filled with action, suspense, and serious spice!
Vaughn is a dangerous, delicious red flag of the best kind. He, like all his team brothers before him, falls hard at seemingly the oddest time and it changes his whole world. He’s always been one to protect others but this is on another level.
Hope’s character has an amazing transformation from the scarred girl who’s overlooked into a fierce take charge woman. It takes some time but when she finally sees past Vaughn’s exterior there’s no stopping the insane chemistry they find together.
If dominating, protective, obsessive men and the women they love make your reading hearts happy, you should absolutely read this entire series! Not a single one of these books will disappoint you.
Book 5 and conclusion to the Team Zulu series delivers one heck of a story. What do you get when you pair a scarred cartel princess with a tortured ex military man? A complete thrill ride filled with action, suspense, and serious spice!
Vaughn is a dangerous, delicious red flag of the best kind. He, like all his team brothers before him, falls hard at seemingly the oddest time and it changes his whole world. He’s always been one to protect others but this is on another level.
Hope’s character has an amazing transformation from the scarred girl who’s overlooked into a fierce take charge woman. It takes some time but when she finally sees past Vaughn’s exterior there’s no stopping the insane chemistry they find together.
If dominating, protective, obsessive men and the women they love make your reading hearts happy, you should absolutely read this entire series! Not a single one of these books will disappoint you.
October 25, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ 4🌶 CF-friendly
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, touch her and die, jealous / possessive hero, man obsessed
The thrilling conclusion to the latest installment of Team Zulu. I absolutely love Hope and Vaughn together, they really are perfect for each other. The chemistry between them is palpable. There were some twists and turns in the plot I didn't expect, and the book kept me hooked the entire time! I love the way this author writes her men and I wish they made them like this in real life. Lots of character development that continued on from book 1. The two books really flow into each other so seamlessly which makes the continuation of reading effortless. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend.
Thank you Julie Weaver for the ARC. All views and opinions are my own.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, touch her and die, jealous / possessive hero, man obsessed
The thrilling conclusion to the latest installment of Team Zulu. I absolutely love Hope and Vaughn together, they really are perfect for each other. The chemistry between them is palpable. There were some twists and turns in the plot I didn't expect, and the book kept me hooked the entire time! I love the way this author writes her men and I wish they made them like this in real life. Lots of character development that continued on from book 1. The two books really flow into each other so seamlessly which makes the continuation of reading effortless. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend.
Thank you Julie Weaver for the ARC. All views and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Julie did it again!
I knew it from page one of Scarred Souls that this was going to be an intense duet and... OMG the emotional rollercoaster I had reading this was something else!
If in the first book we have just a taste of spice in the second one prepare yourself because the temperature will get hotter and hotter.
I said it before and I'm going to say it again, Hope is a BADASS, period. And be prepared for Vaughn's mouth because... excuse me?!?! I needed to put my Kindle down multiple times because of his dirty talk.
Prepare your feelings by having a talk with them because you are going to feel a lot of them.
Vaughn and Hope will have my heart FOREVER!
⚠️ There are themes some people might find triggering through the entire duet and series so please mind that ⚠️
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Julie did it again!
I knew it from page one of Scarred Souls that this was going to be an intense duet and... OMG the emotional rollercoaster I had reading this was something else!
If in the first book we have just a taste of spice in the second one prepare yourself because the temperature will get hotter and hotter.
I said it before and I'm going to say it again, Hope is a BADASS, period. And be prepared for Vaughn's mouth because... excuse me?!?! I needed to put my Kindle down multiple times because of his dirty talk.
Prepare your feelings by having a talk with them because you are going to feel a lot of them.
Vaughn and Hope will have my heart FOREVER!
⚠️ There are themes some people might find triggering through the entire duet and series so please mind that ⚠️
October 15, 2024
Ravaged Hearts by Julie Weaver is book two in the Team Zulu Duet Series and should be read after reading book 1, Scarred Souls. It follows the story of Vaughn and Hope as they embrace the new challenges in their relationship. Ravaged Hearts had me on the edge. It is a book full of angst, love, faith, loyalty and bravery. There is a perfect amount of spice and a whole lot of trust between not only the main characters but the supporting roles. Hope and Vaughn have to face their fears and their scarred pasts, in order to hope for a better future but life is always full of twists and turns. Read Ravaged Hearts and find out how their story ends. It’s definitely a must read as I couldn’t put the book down. Loved everything about this book.
October 16, 2024
I can't believe this series is over but what a way the end it! I have been so excited for this since the moment I finished Scarred Souls (book 1 of the duet) and it was so worth the wait! This book had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. Hope and Vaughn were everything, the connection these two had was beautiful especially after everything they both have been through. They had so much trust in one and another and would do anything they had to to save each other.
🩷 𝐹𝑜𝓇𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝓍𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓉𝓎
🩷 𝒯𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝐻𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒟𝒾𝑒
🩷 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝑀𝒞'𝓈
🩷 𝒥𝑒𝒶𝓁𝑜𝓊𝓈 / 𝒫𝑜𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝑀𝑀𝒞
🩷 𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝒪𝒷𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑒𝒹
I have absolutely loved this series and this was the perfect way to end it! I cannot wait to see what Julie comes out with next!
🩷 𝐹𝑜𝓇𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝓍𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓉𝓎
🩷 𝒯𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝐻𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒟𝒾𝑒
🩷 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝑀𝒞'𝓈
🩷 𝒥𝑒𝒶𝓁𝑜𝓊𝓈 / 𝒫𝑜𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝑀𝑀𝒞
🩷 𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝒪𝒷𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑒𝒹
I have absolutely loved this series and this was the perfect way to end it! I cannot wait to see what Julie comes out with next!
October 18, 2024
I have been waiting on pins and needles for Vaughn and Hope’s HEA, and Julie gave me everything I could want or hope for in this book! There was suspense and adventure, action and high intensity moments. But the sweet moments…holy cow!! I love the growth we see in Vaughn in this book. How he desperately wants to get better for Hope’s sake.
“I just—” Again, he swallowed deeply, then closed his lids for a second. “I just want to be near you without worrying that I might hurt you.”
And Hope and her resilience was just outstanding! I loved her character! She was the perfect fit for Vaughn, and her bravery was fantastic! This book was an absolute stunner of an ending for these two! Definitely recommend!
“I just—” Again, he swallowed deeply, then closed his lids for a second. “I just want to be near you without worrying that I might hurt you.”
And Hope and her resilience was just outstanding! I loved her character! She was the perfect fit for Vaughn, and her bravery was fantastic! This book was an absolute stunner of an ending for these two! Definitely recommend!
October 6, 2025
"My Gatita is turning into a Leona."
This book is classified as Enemies to Lovers Romance, and is book five of a connected series, and is the final installment. It does have a trigger warning list: spicy scenes, violence, both MMCs with scars caused by violence, human traffic, droog traffic, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, torture, and haphephobia.
The book is written in first person. This book has multiple point of views: Hope and Vaughn. Hope and Vaughn are both in book four, they are also a couple. Hope is helping Vaughn with personal issues, but still feels guilty for people getting unalived. Vaughn is working on himself for Hope and more protective. We learn more about Vaughn's trauma as well.
This book is classified as Enemies to Lovers Romance, and is book five of a connected series, and is the final installment. It does have a trigger warning list: spicy scenes, violence, both MMCs with scars caused by violence, human traffic, droog traffic, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, torture, and haphephobia.
The book is written in first person. This book has multiple point of views: Hope and Vaughn. Hope and Vaughn are both in book four, they are also a couple. Hope is helping Vaughn with personal issues, but still feels guilty for people getting unalived. Vaughn is working on himself for Hope and more protective. We learn more about Vaughn's trauma as well.
October 18, 2024
Color me obsessed! Vaughn and Hope are everything! I wish their story would go on for ten books! Julie took us on an amazing, heartfelt and dangerous journey over two books, giving us everything from cartels to secret compounds to all the steam. But the morally-gray hero and his wounded heroine were the highlight and it was so much fun to watch them go from enemies to lovers. Their love was that deep, soul-stirring kind that leaves you breathless. I don't want to give anything away other than Scarred Souls and Ravaged Hearts are utterly phenomenal. I'm sad to see Team Zulu come to an end, but can't wait to see where Julie goes next--because I will devour anything she writes!
November 1, 2024
This was an amazing ending to a beautiful love story. It had me on the edge of my seat when they went to get her. While she was at the compound i thought she would have done her father in already cause of his condition but i am glad she didn't, i don't think she would have survived it. Oh the progress they made with his haphephobia was beautiful, how she handled everything and still gave him what he needed while helping him was amazing. She knew and understood exactly. And how everything went down in the end and they went back to the dogs and Brandon gave them the opportunity to have the best of both worlds was wonderful. Absolute best ending to their love story
October 13, 2024
Ravaged Heart is part 2 of a duet featuring Hope and Vaughn.
Wow! What an amazing adventure to end this series! I won't spoil, but this book was full of some pretty intense and suspenseful action. I was hanging on the edge of my seat throughout most of this book! Please be mindful of the trigger warnings if there is something that you are sensitive to as a reader.
I loved reading the 2nd half of the story. I can't wait to see what is next from Ms. Weaver.
I was graciously provided an arc of this story by the author and the opinions are my own.
Wow! What an amazing adventure to end this series! I won't spoil, but this book was full of some pretty intense and suspenseful action. I was hanging on the edge of my seat throughout most of this book! Please be mindful of the trigger warnings if there is something that you are sensitive to as a reader.
I loved reading the 2nd half of the story. I can't wait to see what is next from Ms. Weaver.
I was graciously provided an arc of this story by the author and the opinions are my own.
October 16, 2024
An amazing end to this couples story! You can’t help but fall in love with the strength that Hope and Vaughn have. They have both been through so much and yet they are willing to do more knowing it probably won’t end well. Hope is willing to risk it all to finally put and end to so many things her father did. Will she be able to succeed and have the outcome she deserves? Will Vaughn be able to overcome the biggest obstacle in his life so he can start to be more like he used to? I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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