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Common Ground #1
Missing Details
alternate cover editions can be found here and here
All those years wishing for the truth, never imagining she wouldn’t be able to handle it.
When Nic left her right before their college graduation, Alex was devastated, angry, and confused. He felt the same way, but it was the only way to protect her--from him.
When their paths cross again, he belongs to a secret unit of super-soldiers, she’s a successful lawyer, and both are facing crises that threaten to consume them. Feelings don’t care about timing, and their emotional connection is as strong as ever.
The temptation to reach for a second chance is irresistible, leading to a shocking confession that tests the boundaries of what is fair to ask someone to do for love.
All those years wishing for the truth, never imagining she wouldn’t be able to handle it.
When Nic left her right before their college graduation, Alex was devastated, angry, and confused. He felt the same way, but it was the only way to protect her--from him.
When their paths cross again, he belongs to a secret unit of super-soldiers, she’s a successful lawyer, and both are facing crises that threaten to consume them. Feelings don’t care about timing, and their emotional connection is as strong as ever.
The temptation to reach for a second chance is irresistible, leading to a shocking confession that tests the boundaries of what is fair to ask someone to do for love.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
About the author
Tori Duza
2 books4 followersTori believes that everyone deserves love and when you find the right person, you won’t have to change yourself to have it. Her series, COMMON GROUND, offers readers high-stakes action, a bit of steam, and super-soldiers with extraordinary powers.
When Tori’s not reading or writing, she’s riding her bike or traveling with her best friend (and right person), usually on a bike.
See some of her favorite cycling moments at www.toriduza.com.
You can contact her at tori@toriduza.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 21, 2024
Engaging and adrenaline-charged, "Missing Details" blends psychic espionage with mature second-chance romantic suspense, marking the first installment in an exhilarating new series.
The plot centers on an elite team of gifted supersoldiers tackling high-stakes covert missions. Each member is relatable, equipped with a unique set of personal issues and integral skills.
The slow-burn romance, while not entirely closed-door, includes minimal spice, allowing the emotional connection to take center stage.
One of the book's standout features is its refreshing focus on protagonists in their forties. This mature perspective adds depth and realism to the narrative. The characters are portrayed with nuanced backstories, offering a compelling look at personal growth and reconciliation.
An accessible, fast-paced contemporary writing style ensures an immersive read from start to finish. The narrative is packed with political intrigue, cinematic action, and heartfelt inner journeys, making for a satisfyingly well-rounded experience.
The promise of future books featuring the love stories of different exceptional operatives suggests a series with rich potential. If you're seeking a character-driven novel that combines suspense, supernatural science fiction, and romance, "Missing Details" could be a great choice.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot centers on an elite team of gifted supersoldiers tackling high-stakes covert missions. Each member is relatable, equipped with a unique set of personal issues and integral skills.
The slow-burn romance, while not entirely closed-door, includes minimal spice, allowing the emotional connection to take center stage.
One of the book's standout features is its refreshing focus on protagonists in their forties. This mature perspective adds depth and realism to the narrative. The characters are portrayed with nuanced backstories, offering a compelling look at personal growth and reconciliation.
An accessible, fast-paced contemporary writing style ensures an immersive read from start to finish. The narrative is packed with political intrigue, cinematic action, and heartfelt inner journeys, making for a satisfyingly well-rounded experience.
The promise of future books featuring the love stories of different exceptional operatives suggests a series with rich potential. If you're seeking a character-driven novel that combines suspense, supernatural science fiction, and romance, "Missing Details" could be a great choice.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2024
*I received this book free from the author.*
Missing Details is an intriguing and unique delve into secret military units and political aspirations.
When Nic learns he can read and manipulate minds he questions everything he'd ever done and it causes him to do something he never dreamed of...joining the military. With his special abilities it made the work he did for the secret military unit he belonged to seem like an asset instead of a lability. It gave him purpose and direction. Although now with it almost time to retire he's focusing on how to keep his work going. When he runs into Alex he wants to be around her, but still doesn't trust himself around her.
Alex thought she had her whole life planned out and then Nic basically says he doesn't want that future anymore and disappeared. She knew she loved him, but she eventually moved on. She went to law school as planned, became an attorney, and got married. Her husband turned out to not be what she expected, so when he passed away she wasn't exactly sad. Just like before...she moved on. She was focused on being the best attorney she could, and maybe even getting her dream job, but all that balanced on what was going to happen when everyone found out she was Max Gold's secret daughter. He was running for president as a joke, but his handlers were using them for their own agendas. It had him a slim possibility to actually in line to win.
Between work, her father, the election, and a crazy woman demanding she's her sister, what Alex did not need was another thing to stress her out, so when she runs into Nic she's torn between being excited and finally being able to get the closure she never got.
What I loved about this book is that I got all caught up in Nic's story. I was on the edge of seat as his team was going to rescue one of their own. Not to mention, trying to find the spy amongst them who was ratting them out. It played right into Alex's world without her even knowing it. Then you add in the chemistry between Nic and Alex and it was a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
Missing Details is an intriguing and unique delve into secret military units and political aspirations.
When Nic learns he can read and manipulate minds he questions everything he'd ever done and it causes him to do something he never dreamed of...joining the military. With his special abilities it made the work he did for the secret military unit he belonged to seem like an asset instead of a lability. It gave him purpose and direction. Although now with it almost time to retire he's focusing on how to keep his work going. When he runs into Alex he wants to be around her, but still doesn't trust himself around her.
Alex thought she had her whole life planned out and then Nic basically says he doesn't want that future anymore and disappeared. She knew she loved him, but she eventually moved on. She went to law school as planned, became an attorney, and got married. Her husband turned out to not be what she expected, so when he passed away she wasn't exactly sad. Just like before...she moved on. She was focused on being the best attorney she could, and maybe even getting her dream job, but all that balanced on what was going to happen when everyone found out she was Max Gold's secret daughter. He was running for president as a joke, but his handlers were using them for their own agendas. It had him a slim possibility to actually in line to win.
Between work, her father, the election, and a crazy woman demanding she's her sister, what Alex did not need was another thing to stress her out, so when she runs into Nic she's torn between being excited and finally being able to get the closure she never got.
What I loved about this book is that I got all caught up in Nic's story. I was on the edge of seat as his team was going to rescue one of their own. Not to mention, trying to find the spy amongst them who was ratting them out. It played right into Alex's world without her even knowing it. Then you add in the chemistry between Nic and Alex and it was a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
June 10, 2024
Best read in ages!
Lexi and Nic, lovers in college, come together 20 years later when Levi's dad, Max, is running for president. Nic's special ability kept them apart, unknown to Lexi, and she has never forgotten him. Nic is readying for retirement from a secret military program and runs into Lexi when he visits his lawyer and its the firm where she is a partner. This is a part political intrigue, part 2nd chance romance, part military black ops story where all part
s are close to perfect! The writing is smart, fun to read, plausible, and interesting. I highly recommend this book to rom-com, spy, and good book buffs. You won't regret it.
Lexi and Nic, lovers in college, come together 20 years later when Levi's dad, Max, is running for president. Nic's special ability kept them apart, unknown to Lexi, and she has never forgotten him. Nic is readying for retirement from a secret military program and runs into Lexi when he visits his lawyer and its the firm where she is a partner. This is a part political intrigue, part 2nd chance romance, part military black ops story where all part
s are close to perfect! The writing is smart, fun to read, plausible, and interesting. I highly recommend this book to rom-com, spy, and good book buffs. You won't regret it.
July 19, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARK in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book so much! The romance is more of a subplot but their actual separate plots are so engaging and keeps you hooked to the book. I love how they have their own separate stories and lives and how they intertwine with each other over time. I liked both Nic and Alex separately and wasn't sure at first if I liked their dynamic but near 80% I was sold that they were just destined for each other. 4.25 stars.
I enjoyed this book so much! The romance is more of a subplot but their actual separate plots are so engaging and keeps you hooked to the book. I love how they have their own separate stories and lives and how they intertwine with each other over time. I liked both Nic and Alex separately and wasn't sure at first if I liked their dynamic but near 80% I was sold that they were just destined for each other. 4.25 stars.
October 4, 2024
4.25*
I normally don't go for thriller suspense stories (I came for the second chance story) - I am glad that I did. The portrait of the MC's just pulled me in and tugged at the heartstrings. Especially Nic's story - his mother's revelation just turns his world and perception of self upside down just when he was planning on life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I normally don't go for thriller suspense stories (I came for the second chance story) - I am glad that I did. The portrait of the MC's just pulled me in and tugged at the heartstrings. Especially Nic's story - his mother's revelation just turns his world and perception of self upside down just when he was planning on life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2024
A thought-provoking novel with insightful commentary into human nature and political games. I rooted for Nic as he struggled with making tough decisions. Alex’s exploration of trust was eye-opening. I feel like I’m a better person for going through this experience with Nic and Alex. The writing was smart, hilarious, and touching. This is an author to watch.
July 16, 2024
I loved this book. It wasn’t the book I thought I was getting from the cover and title ( I thought it would be a regular romance or mystery) however, it was a great read, and kept me turning the pages. I’ll certainly follow Tori to find out more about her super- soldiers and their extraordinary lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an early review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an early review copy.
August 12, 2026
This is a romantic suspense about Alex, a lawyer, and Nic, a member of a military branch that does testing for powers like telepathy and extended brain power (this was so cool to read about!). Something makes them both cross paths in the future. The writing style is easy to follow, the character descriptions are vivid and the plot is fast paced. I loved the romantic tension between Nic and Alex— it was refreshing. This book is a mix of romance and cybersecurity thriller, an ideal read!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews