Mark

In the Company of Snipers #2

by Irish Winters

Mark Houston has done the unthinkable . . .


The United States Marine has fallen in love with his best friend’s fiancée. Now he has to tell Libby Clifton that Jon was killed in action. When Mark accompanies his friend’s body home to the quiet farming community of Spencer, Wisconsin, he discovers that all was not well between Libby and Jon. He dares to hope there might still be room in her heart for him—until she confides in him that he’s the only friend she has—the very last thing a man wants to hear. Or be.


She’s trying to move on . . .


After the very public funeral of her war hero fiancée, Libby trades the sedate country life for nursing school in big city Chicago. Little does she realize that kilos of opium lie six-feet underground with the man she’s just buried. The cold-blooded cartel boss has proven he will go to extreme lengths to get his drugs back. Mark Houston, now working for Alex Stewart and his covert surveillance team, is determined to protect Libby. Three paths are on a collision course of murder, deceit, and betrayal.


Opium isn’t the only thing that’s buried . . .

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

ebook

First published January 9, 2014

About the author

Growing up in the countryside of Wisconsin, I always wanted to be a writer. I've dabbled in poetry, short stories, and more daydreaming than most. Way back when, I remember long Sunday afternoon drives with my parents where they'd
tell us eight kids to, 'Look out the window and see something!'

I've been looking out the window ever since . . .

In the great Northwest pines, I saw a woman who had nowhere to run find refuge in the arms of a tender warrior seeking his own road to healing.
In the hills of Wyoming, I saw a broken man who thought he'd lost everything
rediscover the man he was in the eyes of a pretty girl.
And in the Dairy State, (yes Wisconsin), I saw two people fall in love
and overcome horrific obstacles on their way to happily-ever-after.


Life is short. Pick up a good book. Read. Write. Enjoy.
Look out the window and see something!

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, intense, military romantic suspense novel. It has likable, engaging characters and a sweet romance. It is excellent as a stand-alone, but even better when read in order, as there are references to past events that add to the understanding of the current situations. I have already purchased the next installment in Ms. Winters' outstanding "In the Company of Snipers" series, and I am looking forward to reading it with great anticipation.

[My Secret Book Spot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark (In the Company of Snipers #2) by Irish Winters
5 out of 5 Stars
Irish Winters has out done her first book, Alex! I don’t know how she makes you care so much for her characters, but she simply pulls every emotion from you and has you needing to finish the book because you can’t leave the characters stuck in limbo. There is a place where Mark and Libby, the two main characters in this book, are standing on the porch and he’s leaving to go back to Afghanistan and in reality it’s time for dinner…but you just have to let your family starve for a few more minutes because you just don’t care to eat. You NEEEEDDD to know what they say, you can’t just leave them standing there in a state of paralysis while you eat. It’s THAT kind of book!
Mark is just your good hearted, teddy bear, needs to be loved because he had an A-hole for a dad kinda guy who takes his job in the Marine Corp seriously and his place on the TEAM is no different. Libby is a small town Wisconsin girl who fell in love with another Marine and always dreamed of having the perfect life. 2.4 kids, her working in the local hospital as a nurse, a small farm, and happy ever after. But all that changes when Mark brings her the news that her Marine isn’t coming home.
From there Mrs. Winters takes you on an amazing adventure involving the FBI, TEAM’s covert ops, drug smuggling, shoot outs, love like you’ve never seen it unfold, and we can’t forget Alex and Kelsey from the first book! We also get to see Murphy, Harley, Ember, Mother, Zack, and the whole crew to include Smoke and Whisper the two cutest German Shepherds on the planet!! And no spoilers, but I think love is blooming for one of our other hunky men at the end!!! I can’t wait!!!
So I would definitely recommend starting with Alex because you wouldn’t want to miss his and Kelsey’s story (and how TEAM got started) and then jumping into Mark as quickly as you can!!
**Free copy given in exchange for an honest review**

[Tnt Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mark Houston is a marine in love with his best friend, Jon’s, fiancée, Libby. He is chosen to break the horrible news of Jon’s death to Libby. While dealing with this horrible responsibility, Mark realizes the Libby sees him as no more than a friend. Libby desperately needs a friend, and Mark is the very best. She comes to the shocking realization that Jon was never going to marry her. Jon loved the military more than he loved Libby. Mark and Libby go their separate ways after Jon’s funeral, and Mark joins Alex Stewart’s organization, The Team. The Team gets disturbing news that a drug cartel has smuggled opium into the country in fallen soldiers coffins. Jon’s coffin contains opium, and the head of the drug cartel will do anything to get it back. Will Libby survive the cartel? Will Mark get there in time to save Libby and her family? Will Mark get the girl in the end?

I was dreading reading this book because I was disappointed in the first book in the series. I was very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed Mark. I loved the fast pace of the book. I also loved getting to know more about all the members of the Team. I loved Mark and how devoted he was to Libby even when she was engaged to his best friend. ***spoiler alert*** I especially loved how they both saved themselves for the one. I get tired of all the manwhores most books write about. I found it endearing and I was cheering for their relationship from the beginning. ***end spoiler alert*** Overall, I loved this second book and am looking forward to the coming stories of the other members of the Team.

[Southern Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think the relationship between Mark and Libby was developed at all. The book is more focused on the Russians and what was going on in Afghanistan. I guess I just feel cheated because I expected to read about the relationship but it was mostly a blink and you miss it kind of thing. One minute she's living in Chicago and ignoring Mark, the next he saves her from her creepy teacher guy, then she's in love with him and he's calling her his girlfriend. I was flipping back and forth trying to find what I missed. I was really confused through most of it.
I gave this three stars because I really liked Mark and the first few chapters were fantastic. As for Libby, I just couldn't like her. It's hard to really put into words why that is. She was just so fake and I couldn't find anything to like about her. The ending I felt was anticlimactic. I loved the first in the series so this was a big let down.

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is sweet, so I did enjoy it but it was not what I was hoping for.

Some of the issues I had with this book:
- The story lacked intimacy & steaminess. There were some intimate moments between the main characters but even those conversations did not to delve too deep.
- Any interfering character in this book was conveniently taken care of in one matter or another, making it too easy. There was no sense that the characters really struggled with too much guilt which in some of the scenarios presented seemed a little odd.
- The story focused too much on things outside of the relationship. I wanted to get to know them and how they care for each other more, and this book was lacking.
- The ending! I hate unfinished business and although the book came to a close the ending had me feeling like "That's it?"

The pace was consistent and overall pleasing. The characters are likable but really overall, the book lacked depth. It was nice to see how much he cared for her, and her family. I would recommend this for someone who is looking for an exciting and tender story but does not require too much intimacy going in during their reading.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Winters does it again with this one. I have to say while I'm not sure it replaces Alex as my favorite, it definitely is very close. Mark has loved Libby from the get go, but he thinks Libby only sees him as a friend and that she needs time to grieve her fiancé. Libby on the other hand, yes she loved her fiancé, but she always knew deep down he loved the military more. Fast forward a little, Mark and Libby are thrown together by drug smuggling and other circumstances at the time which also brings Alex and Kelsey back into the fold as well as the TEAM crew. I'm super happy they are all a part of this story. Mark and Libby are made for each other but the trials and tragedy is so heartbreaking. I literally felt pits in my stomach and cried a few times. This story will grip you from page 1 and then make you cry when it's over. This series is for sure on my FAV list!! Can't wait for the next on in the series!!! I give this book a BIG 5 AMAZEBALLS
stars!!!
An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review

Review by Tabitha

[Lucie Paris · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting but unbalanced muscular military romance. As in Alex, the author manages to invent a plausible story with fast pace action. This is on the feelings part that the story is lacking strenght.

Indeed, Mark has feelings for Libby at the worst moments ... when she buries her fiancé. Then, they fall for each other when an extremly dangerous situation appears. The shit hits the fan with murders and atrocities ... The timing is never good!
And when all conditions are met, Mark delivers a surprising revelation and a strange, sweet joke ... I stayed on my hunger!

The characters are likeable and I was delighted to met them again. Yet, the story is too focused on Mark's missions in Afghanistan and about his relationship with his boss. The action is there but perhaps too present since the romance is lacking a little spice.

There is some potential but I missed the "wow" factor!

Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Alex I was so happy to get Mark and was just as in love with these people. The author has done an awesome job and it is very exciting. I couldn't put this one down either. Can't wait for the next one!! Please hurry!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the writing of Irish Winters. Looking forward to reading her next book "Zack" coming out in May.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I listened to the audio of this one. As always, the author grabs all of my emotions. Mark is the best friend of John who was engaged to the woman Mark loves. He has made no moves on her and becomes her support system when John is Killed in Action. After the funeral, he leaves to start his new life and she continues her new life in a new city. It is sad, yet when the truth comes out and everyone finally admits it the story changes.

Mark is the new guy on the team and having the usual adjustments. There were some touching scenes with a family in Afganistan, a wonderful view of the people, as well as some of the daily terror the people live with. Mark returned when Libby and her family were in danger from a drug cartel. They begin to admit their own feelings.

The danger is so much more than any of them expected. Loved ones were at risk. As her bodyguard, protection assignment they renew their relationship and their feelings grow. How they are connected to the danger doesn't come out for some time. Is it too late for Libby?

I love the team who are a family. It is that place to come for these warriors who are often wounded in mind and need a place to call home. Mark has a hard time accepting it because of his history.

There will be some surprises. Some mysteries solved. And a view of what love can be. I very strong recommendation for this and the entire series.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Irish Winters has done it again, I am loving this "In the company of snipers" series, I haven't read them in order but it doesn't matter as they are all standalone stories.
This is the second book in the series and the Team is growing under the leadership of the brilliant, moody Alex and his gorgeous wife Kelsey, their story was featured in book one.
This story begins in a heart wrenching way when one of the last tasks that Sergeant Mark Huston of the USMC has to perform is to inform his best friend Jon's fiance Libby Clifton that Jon has been killed in action. The task is made harder by the fact that Mark was also in love with Libby since first meeting her when he spent his leave with Jon.
Mark accompanied Jon's body back from Afghanistan, comforted Libby at the funeral and then left to join Alex and The Team, Libby was not for him, her heart still belonged to Jon.......or does it ?
Marks fist assignment for the team was deployment to Afghanistan to gain information on a drug cartel led by Russians.
Libby comes back into Mark's life in a most dramatic way, as the story unfolds it encompasses drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, nail biting suspense, oh and of course romance.
Irish Winters has woven brilliant characters into this series, each very different and with their own stories.
This book is a real page turner and I highly recommend it

[Jo-Ann Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series.

The heroine comes across as a pampered princess a bit. By her falling apart when she finds her fiancé has died makes her seem human instead of an untouchable princess. You do get to meet her family and you really get to like them and how they accepted our hero. It was good to see her develop and behave more like an everyday person.

When we meet our hero, you really get a sense in who he is and you really connect and feel for him. With the added feelings for his buddy’s girl, you can only read along with fascination. I liked how he kept in touch with the family and when they figured out what was going on, she was the first thing on his mind and how to protect her and her family. It showed you just how the hero was made.

The plot was a good one with the added bit of the buddy loving the military more than he did anything else was an interesting angle and reminded me of my father. The added bits in with the outside organisation and their smuggling things, was unexpected but a good way to spin things. You also got an update on our couple from book 1 as well.

I'm curious to see what the next book brings.

[Linda Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, well-drawn characters, with a couple of exceptions. ‘Mother’s’ role in the company is very vague, though ‘essential’ and she primarily seems to be there to irritate people with her nosiness. The character of Alex, Mark’s boss, and the subject of the first book in the series, I found puzzling, especially in the light of his own story. I couldn’t really believe in the extreme contrast between his work persona and his home persona.

The other aspect that puzzled me, was trying to make out the age differentials between the male characters and the time lapse between the first and second books in this series. I felt that Mark was portrayed as a younger generation to Alex and some of the other members of the team, which didn’t quite fit with impression the first book gave of Alex, though some of the anecdotes of past events related in this book did suggest several years had passed since the first. I suppose, basically, it was a distraction from the storyline.

Minor quibbles apart, Mark’s story was engaging and emotionally satisfying. And thankfully free of the pornographic episodes that seem almost de rigueur in modern romantic fiction.

Recommended. 4.5 stars

[Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark and Libby

Mark was in love with his best friend's girl. He went with the Chaplin to tell her about Jon's death. Libby couldn't believe it. Jon was coming back and they were getting married. But the more Libby thought about it she realized he never intended to marry her. He had already changed the date 3 times. Mark was brought back from over seas because of a threat to Libby and Jon's family.
Ms Winters always writes the best stories. She catches you at the beginning holes your interest until the end.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was non-stop from start to end. Where must the patience come from before I can start on Book three.
Yes, this had a sad start, but action throughout. Between America and Afghanistan the TEAM were up against a drug cartel, but when they struck closer to home and family, it was flat out war. What closes the circle of these men, is the love shared, family love, even with those of a different nation.
I am becoming addicted to this author and so far the steam has been left to the battleground. Just as I like it.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was much better than the first one. The protagonists were more consistently written and more likable. Alex (hero from first book) is still around and half the time is a giant asshole, and half the time is a decent guy. Just as inconsistently portrayed as ever. Mark on the other hand is a solid, decent guy from the first minute, and all the way through.

[Bonnie McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

It was a very good story that involved not just the heroine and the strong, sexy snipper (without getting vulgar), but it also detailed and let the reader get to know Libby's family, especially her mom! The story covered a lot of locations and gave this reader a different view of the people in Afghanistan.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book In the Company of Snipers Series, a Romantic Suspense. I like it when a Series has intertwined characters! This is a great addition to the Series. Mark and Libby's story is very suspenseful! I loved it! Troy Duran did an outstanding job with the narration. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, and I can't wait for the next book in the Series.

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN INTENSE AND SUSPENSEFUL ROMANCE

This is a story about three people who have been friends most of their lives. Both of these men love the same girl. There is heartbreak, pain and suffering and finally an everlasting love.

[Sherry Vitaniemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healing

Healing and moving on is tough. Heartache can last. But I guess when the right one is still there to help. You heal better. Lobby was lucky to have mark do everything to make sure she healer and moved on. He is amazing with her family. Lucky couple

[Anna-marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark

Really struggled to get somewhere with this book , after a great start of the first book , this one disappointed me at first , but about halfway it started to pick up and the rest the book was great .

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark review

Mark is the second romantic suspense book In the Company of Snipers series written by author Irish Winters. Great characters.

[Mrs Barbara Cunliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Once again,totally captivated with all the characters. Definitely would recommend this series of books. Can't wait to read the next book

[Susan Destefano cavallo zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book two in the sniper series and much better than the first book. Great continuation of the series and hopefully next book will add on to the stories.

[CYNTHIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

Whew what a wild ride to a beautiful happy ever after. I'm still smiling from the happiness. Thank you again Irish Winters. Now on to book no. 3.

[Kemberlee Snelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This is an amazing story! I felt what Libby and Mark felt throughout the story. Irish Winters writes a compelling tale that had me on the edge of my seat.

[Ringo · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, lost interest.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A great combination of intrigue and action keeps you reading. The beginning is heartbreaking but the love story is perfect.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me on the edge until the end

This was suspenseful and fast moving. Many characters with sideline stories.
So happy that in the end everyone had a good life ahead.

[Lori Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Irish Winters tells a great story. You really feel for the Characters as they go through their trials in their books.