The Enforcer

Taskforce #3

by Marliss Melton

ATF Special Agent Tobias Burke is undercover in West Virginia, infiltrating a militia led by Captain Dylan Connelly, suspected of murdering the Secretary of DefenseDylan, once the Army's battalion leader of Mortuary Affairs, now works as a physician at the local Veterans Hospital, while leading her late-father's Seventh Amendment Militia.When Tobias Burke shows up to enlist, with his ladies-man humor and lovable Labrador retriever, Dylan knows his killer charm hides an ulterior motive.As evidence against Dylan mounts, Tobias's instincts—and then his heart—betray him into wondering if Dylan is being framed.Now, with Dylan's militia locked in a stand-off with the FBI and the nation watching the drama unfold on television, Tobias stares down the barrel of the most difficult choice in his expose the real killer and clear Dylan's name, or follow orders."...a well-written tale, steeped in the hardships of those who have experienced the horrors of war. THE ENFORCER is in a league of its own." ~Natasza Waters, InD’tale MagazineTHE TASKFORCE SERIES, in orderThe ProtectorThe GuardianThe EnforcerTHE ECHO PLATOON SERIES, in orderDanger CloseMEET MARLISS MELTONBestselling Author Marliss Melton uses her Spec Ops and Intelligence communities to pen realistic and heartfelt stories featuring America's elite warriors. The daughter of a U.S. foreign officer, Melton grew up in various overseas countries, and now resides in Williamsburg, Virginia with her husband and family. www.marlissmelton.com

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

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Marliss Melton is the author of over twenty romantic suspense, medieval, and inspirational stories. She relies on her experience as a military spouse and on her many contacts in the Spec Ops and Intelligence communities to pen realistic and heartfelt stories about America's elite warriors and fearless agency heroes. Daughter of a U.S. foreign officer, Melton grew up in various countries overseas. She has taught English, Spanish, ESL, and Linguistics at the College of William and Mary, her alma mater., and to this day she lives in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marliss also writes inspirational romantic suspense as Rebecca Hartt. Be sure to “friend” Marliss on Facebook! Visit www.marlissmelton.com or https://RebeccaHartt.com for more information.

Series:
* SEAL Team 12

Reviews

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 to 4 stars
I am really waffling between giving this book 3.5 to 4 stars, mainly because it was so different. I don't think I have read a book, where the heroine was so anti-establishment and had severe PTSD because of her work in the mortuary services of the army and is the leader of a militia. Plus she's a doctor. Reading about life in the militia was weird for me and it was for the hero as well, who we have met in the previous book. He's a federal agent, sent undercover to figure out if the heroine is responsible for terrorist activities and he has every intention of using his charm and looks. This could have made the hero come across as sleazy but it kind of didn't. The heroine in many aspects was so vulnerable and I did feel she could have been portrayed a bit stronger.

I for one quickly caught on to who the bad guy was, setting up the heroine. I would have liked the book to be a bit longer, because these two were really opposites, the hero worked for the government and she didn't believe in it plus she had severe psychological issues. I generally do not favour books with a lot of religious tones and this book had that as well.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Agent Tobias Burke walked "off the Amtrak at the train station in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia." He has "Milly; his bomb-sniffing Labrador" with him acting as a PTSD companion.

"Captain Dylan Connelly wasn't your average, everyday militia leader." Tobias has come to enter her compound as one of her followers and watch her. The FBI has been investigating Connelly and her team. The "FBI had yet to prove her culpability. If she was guilty of murder - and they were pretty sure she was - Toby was bound to find out."

Dylan Connelly is a doctor at the Veteran's Hospital and is being investigated in the murder of Defense Secretary Nolan and General Treyburn. She is also dealing with PTSD and the ultimate death of her close friend and mentor.


Toby gains Dylan's trust and enters her compound. From here, he continues to play her with his charm and knowledge of militia. He puts on a show of interest to her and this gets her attention. The other men in the compound are not so taken by him. But he does gain the trust of most. Every one loves Milly.

The reader follows along to solve the mystery as to who, what, where, why and how the murders were committed.

I was somewhat confused at first because Dylan is a male name. But Dylan is actually the heroine here. This is a romance novel, wrapped up in military garb and mystery. The author incorporated a lot of military jargon, which I found annoying.

Overall, the second half of the book has less language but it was still strong and unnecessary. Characters say crude things throughout the book. This was very romantic. The mystery wasn't too hard to figure out. I skimmed to the end mostly because of the language. The characters weren't too terribly interesting. Also the subject matter didn't interest me. Would only recommend for adults who enjoy military mystery that is surrounded by shallow characters and terrible language.


Content: talk of situations of war, strong and excessive language, sexual encounters,

[Veronica Hardy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning: Some Minor Spoilers Revealed

Overall:★★☆☆☆

I wanted to like this story. It was about an ATF agent who was on assignment in Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia and a beautiful doctor who suffered from PTSD. I have a soft spot for soldiers, so I was already primed to love it. But between the reactionary political agenda and the complete lack of editing and poor formatting, I just found myself wishing that the book was over. I don't know if a good edit would save it (an actual editor is listed on Amazon) or if it is not salvageable. But I am sad to say, this is my first negative review.


Originality: ★★★★☆

The plot was definitely original. But not in a way that left me feeling comfortable. Dylan is a reactionary with PTSD, which in my mind is a very serious and not at all appropriate character to have. Having family members who have been through WWII, Vietnam, and have either come back with PTSD of some form, or not come back at all, I found it so be unrealistic. The way she describes the illness, the use of a camp to bring all those with some sort of combat wear together. It is unsettling. I can't connect with a character that I feel is a danger to society, especially because she is not exactly therapy or med compliant. I applaud her trying to tackle such a difficult (and often ignored or trivialized subject) but I can't help but feel like it wasn't given the depth that it deserves.

Character Development: ★☆☆☆☆

I hated the tropes that were used to communicate between the characters. Tobias was reduced to shirt sayings. It wasn't really that funny, it didn't communicate anything amazing to the plot and it just seemed like a cheap gimmick. It rubbed me the wrong way, every time. And that was a lot of the time, because it seemed like at least twice a chapter he wore some cliche on his chest.

I have already outlined the poor character development of Dylan, the heroine of the story, so I won't go into much more detail. But I will say that from what I saw of her behavior, it is hard to suspend disbelief enough to actually buy that she is a doctor who is allowed to work.

Editing: ☆☆☆☆☆

This fell apart for me in so many ways. The .mobi file was horrendous. I don't know how anyone could read that straight through. Almostevery other sentencelooked justlikethis. There were no spaces between chapters, no page breaks. If you have an editor and if you are being published by a "press" (that I couldn't find online, by the way. James-York Press was not on the first page of results when googled). The you need to make sure to look at your .epubs and .mobis before you give them out. Especially when I'm not using some downloadable software to view it on my computer, I'm using my Kindle.

There were several themes and tropes that needed to be avoided and a good editor could have steered this author in the right direction and turned something that was too reactionary and too upsetting into a controversial yet beautiful and artistic piece.

The Sex: ★★☆☆☆

Dull. Boring, even. The lack of actual tension between the two individuals and the fighting that didn't really translate into sexual energy, at least not for me, made it supremely difficult to get into the sex.


Republished from my blog: http://veronicahardy.blogspot.com/201...

Veronica Hardy is a professional editor and author who enjoys writing reviews in her spare time, for fun. She is not compensated by authors, publishers or online retail markets for her opinions. If you are interested in a book review or editing services please email her at Veronica.R.Hardy@gmail.com.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Enforcer by Marliss Melton is a 2013 James York Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tobias Burke is on the counter terrorist unit sent to infiltrate a possible milita group. Bringing along a trusted bomb sniffing Lab disquised as a therapy dog, Toby meets with Dylan Connelly, the woman suspected of committing a deadly car bombing that killed the secretary of defense. Dylan is suffering from PTSD after having witnessed the horrors of war without being properly trained to deal with it. ( If one can ever be fully trained for that kind of thing)
It appears that Dylan has formed a group of people together with the mission of helping war vets that have been wronged by the government. Once Tobias gets accepted into the group he begins to realize things are a little off about the information he recieved about Dylan. In fact, he is beginning to wonder if Dylan is the villian she has been portrayed as. Is it possible she is being set up or is she as deadly as he has been told she is?
The author does a good job of keeping us in the dark about Dylan and her true motive for gathering this group of men together. It appears as though Dylan is just a little unstable, but she is also quite passionate and really believes something needs to be done to right some pretty terrible wrongs. But, is she going about it the right way?
The suspense element is good and the story is certainly not like most military based romantic suspense novels. The story brings out issues that make some uncomfortable such as the effects of war on people for years after they have come home and the treatment by doctors who over medicate and misdiagnose the symptoms.
For me, I really did understand what Dylan was trying to prove, but I can't say I could muster much sympathy for the way she chose to deal with the issues. I did feel empathy toward her because of the things she was a witness to and how her life will never be the same as a result. She is at once fragile and strong.
I also like Tobias because he was fair minded. Although the evidence points to Dylan he didn't just jump to conclusions. Of course he shouldn't have been involved with Dylan on an emotional level. He knew that sooner or later, no matter what way things went she would find out his true mission and her already fragile heart would be broken. However, he is sort of stuck between a rock and hard place.
The issue I have with the book is that the plot is a little too outlandish. For some reason the milita group, while well meaning, still isn't a good idea and groups like that make me a little nervous. There was a lot of food for thought though and it did give the book a certain edgy atmosphere. At times it seemed almost like a medical thriller or science fiction in a way. Let's just say it was certainly unique.
I couldn't decide how to rate this one. I'm going to go with a C+/B- or 3.5 stars.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Enforcer" is the third book in Ms. Melton's military romance series, and has a "true to life" feel to it, versus romantic fluff.

Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.

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

This is the 3rd and last book in the series. I wish there were more in the series.

Our hero we've met in the other two books in this series. We've met his sidekick, a military dog, who goes with our hero everywhere. They are part of the task force team. This time they are sent in to what they term cult. This cult was made up of citizens and vets from the military. The leader was ex-military with PTSD and a doctor. She practiced at a nearby hospital.

When our hero first shows up everyone is suspicious of him but soon relaxes around him. He starts to get the others trusting him and was even asked to become almost a second in command when the other second wasn't available. However, he has to try and see just how unstable the leader of this group is. That was going to be harder then they thought as she's very suspicious around him.

Our heroine is very suspicious of our hero. She likes how he acts and treats the dog. However, he doesn't pass for someone to take a backseat to others. However, the attraction she feels for him makes her want to hug him and never let him go.

However as time goes along, he notices while she's good with her views on everyday things, she's not crazy with how they must be completed and tries to do things without getting anyone hurt or worse. What our hero is starting to realize is there is someone else here who is wants her gone and for them to take over. But who is it is what he needs to find out.

However, when the heroine finds out about the hero, what will she do? Will they find who's doing this or will they find them first? Is there a future for our hero and heroine??

This book didn't disappoint with the drama and twists. However, at times you did feel like you've just read the same scene more than once which did get tiresome. If you pressed past these points, you'd find this is a pretty good book. I would recommend the series.

[Wendie Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract...and that is a beautiful thing. You've probably never met a hero and heroine who, at first glance, seem less likely to become soul mates than Tobias Burke and Dylan Connelly, but that is the beauty of this book; by the end, you will be certain they were made for each other. As the story begins, Tobias is sent to Harper's Ferry, WV, to infiltrate the Second Amendment Militia, whose leader, former Army captain Dylan Connelly, is suspected of planting the car bomb that killed the Secretary of Defense. Tobias, an ATF agent on loan to the Inter-Agency Counterterrorism Taskforce, has read Dylan's file and he knows she has a Constructionist view of the US Constitution, an ingrained distrust of the federal government and a raging case of post-traumatic stress disorder, so he expects her to be unstable. What he isn't prepared for is her vulnerability or his reaction to it. His specialty is charming women into revealing secrets, mostly about their gun-running or drug-smuggling husbands or boyfriends, and he's not above faking his feelings to do it. But the more he gets to know Dylan, the idea of seducing such a wounded soul under false pretenses rankles more than ever before. Still, orders are orders...until Tobias begins to suspect that Dylan is being framed. While evidence mounts to the contrary, Tobias refuses to believe the woman he is falling for is a killer. Even his bomb-sniffing dog, Milly, loves her, so she can't be guilty...right? Well, of course right, but the path Ms. Melton takes to get her characters from adversaries to lovers is as curvy as the streets of Harper's Ferry are steep. The plot twists keep the pages turning, but it's the motivations behind Dylan's and the real villain's actions that I found truly unique, yet completely believable. So, can a federal agent and an anti-government militia leader live happily ever after? Ms Melton leaves us with the notion that if anyone can do it, these two can, but it ain't gonna be easy. And that's another aspect of the story I liked very much.

As with the two previous books in this series, Ms. Melton gives us a variety of engaging secondary characters, the most memorable of which is Dylan's executive officer, Lt. Terrence Ashby. He and Dylan have a very special bond forged under the most traumatic of circumstances. Also, be on the lookout for TJ Hamilton, a new Taskforce member who I, for one, hope figures prominently in the next book. We get only a glimpse of him here, but he leaves a lasting impression. Taskforce leader Ike Calhoun and former FBI agent Jackson Maddox are back, and we get to see them evolve a bit, too, which makes me look forward to another book in this series even more.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention Tobias' vast t-shirt collection. The man has a t-shirt for every occasion and/or attitude one can imagine. My personal favorite is IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT, DON'T TICKLE THE DRAGON, and yes, there is plenty of heat between Dylan and Tobias to keep this dragon happy. I read this book on my NOOK, but when the paperback comes out, it's already got a spot reserved on my 'keeper' shelf.

[Vilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review from Backchatting Books

The Taskforce (a homeland security group) sends Special Agent Tobias Burke to infiltrate a militia in West Virginia. They suspect the leader, Captain Dylan Connelly, of bombing Defence Secretary Nolan's car and killing him. Tobias has to find compelling evidence of Dylan's guilt or innocence.

Dylan is suffering from a severe case of PTSD as a result of her work in Mortuary Affairs in Afghanistan. I'm not sure why Dylan is able to practice as a physician as she is quite unstable with little things affecting her severely. Despite this and the fact she can't stand actually hurting people, she has earned the respect of her fellow militiamen and the town. Dylan has a multitude of problems that she isn't really coping with; she turns to her psychiatrist and her priest for guidance but they seem to have their own agenda. Melton took a huge risk creating someone like Dylan who is so mentally fragile - I bought the internal war Dylan waged with herself but found it hard to really connect with her as a romantic heroine.

I'm afraid I don't know much about the real Tobias. We see different facets of his personality of course - Tobias the militiaman who tries to whip his soldiers into shape, Tobias the loyal Taskforce agent who will seduce Dylan for the good of his country and Tobias the idealistic rebel who is willing to go up against the government if he needs to. I wanted to know more about what he was like when he wasn't spinning lies. What was his life like when he wasn't on the job? Who was his family? His friends? I knew he liked to sing and could play the guitar but there must be more to him as a person.

I'm afraid I found the romance a bit implausible. Toby had read Dylan's file and suspected her of being a home-grown terrorist yet in their first meeting, they had a 'moment' while discussing the Second Amendment to the American Constitution. "At his remark, her gaze fell with feminine appraisal to his hands lying loosely on the tabletop. Sexual awareness sparked without warning, sending heat to his extremities as their gazes collided" (p5). Maybe it's because I'm Australian and not American that I don't find the American Constitution sexy. Inspirational perhaps but not sexy. Their mutual attraction develops quickly with Toby musing that because "Dylan had taken a real liking to his dog...[this] made her less likely to be a terrorist" (p120). What?

The militia is presented in a fairly sympathetic light - as those that believe strongly in the Constitution and not rabid fanatics. Their activities also fall squarely into the Diet Coke camp as they hardly commit any offences. The one big offence they do commit isn't that horrible in the grand scheme of things.

I really liked the premise behind this book but the execution didn't quite live up to my expectations. Although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews

Yeah!! This is the third book in the set and Toby gets his HEA!!! I really loved him in the second book and was thrilled to see him taking lead here.

Toby was a riot in the last book, he doesn't disappoint in this story. His t-shirts are a highlight throughout. Dylan is a nice match for him. She needs somebody to lighten her up. I loved her when she was being herself, she really is softer than the hard@$$ she tries to be.

The story this time had several levels. I figured out the who pretty quickly, but the motivation was left until the end. I was really intrigued by this topic, never gave much thought to home grown militias. This gives real insight into the mindset of people who organize and join them. Both fanatics and everyday members. Kudos to Ms Melton for introducing me to something new.

This is a mixed narrative, we get POV from the two leads throughout. There are also a few moments of narration from supporting cast. This is always great for getting into the characters heads. It makes them way more engaging. This was done very well, I never had to figure out who's POV was being portrayed. The transitions were smooth and consistent.

The romance here takes a bit of suspension of disbelief. I am sure these kinds of things happen with people undercover falling for a suspect, but the time frame was really short. Dylan latches on to Toby as a lifeline really quickly, perhaps that had something to do with her PTSD. I am willing to let that go though, because they truly had a connection. I enjoyed their dynamic, it went a long way in selling the romance and feelings.

Yummy steam!!! Oh yeah, I like it when things get smexy!! I gotta say, I am a fan of these men, dominant Alphas who are givers, if ya know what I mean!!! Oh girl, it gets hot and naughty!!!

I listened to the audiobooks, David Brenin is a wickedly delicious narrator. His voice is smokey gravely hotness!!! He suits these books to a T. He has a great speed, brisk and steady at all the right moments. I am definitely a fan of his work, he gives good voice!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It moved along at a great pace, the characters were engaging and real through the whole book. This is the first series I have read of Ms Melton, but clearly not the last! I enjoyed her style and creative plotlines.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings my own.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ENFORCER by Marliss Melton is an exciting Romantic Suspense set in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. #3 in the "Taskforce" series, but can be read as a stand alone. I was gripped from the first page to the last. Fast paced,passion and adventure filled. It is filled with passion,controversy,terrorist, home grown militia group,danger,PTSD,romance, an undercover agent,secrets,betrayal, suspense and romance with many twists and turns added into the mix. What a thrill ride! Join ATF's Inter-Agency Counter-terrorism Taskforce Special Agent Tobias Burke(Toby) and Second Amendment Militia group leader, Army Captain Dylan Connelly as they navigate the waters of a home grown militia,Counter Terrorism,they also fight their growing attraction to each other and Toby is trying to prove Dylan is not a terrorist or murderer. He believes someone is framing Dylan for murder and as being a terrorist. She does have PTSD,she is a doctor,her psychological profile fits and she detests what doctors are doing today to their patients. With each on the other side of the political and religious coin, can or will their attraction and passion survive? This is just one of the many questions you will find yourself asking in "The Enforcer". Another question, who is framing Dylan or is she really what others think she is,a terrorist? To find out you MUST read "The Enforcer" you will not regret this one. Once again, Ms. Melton has written a story that is gripping, and could have been ripped from the today's headlines.Then as you read, you will wonder how can two people so opposite on political and religious beliefs feel attracted to each other. Ms. Melton is a wonderful storyteller, whose characters are charming as well as addictive,oh yea, you will love and hate them.Her storyline is gripping, as well as thought provoking. If you enjoy political intrigue with a bang than you will enjoy "The Enforcer". I would recommend this title to any and all romance readers as well as romantic suspense readers. A must read! Another hit from this author, I eagerly await the next installment in the "Taskforce" series. Loved it! Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Laylaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Enforcer Is Toby's story from the Taskforce series. Toby is undercover as a veteran suffering from PTSD who is looking to join Dylan's militia. Dylan is currently under investigation for her possible involvement in the bombing and subsequent murder of a high ranking government official. Several agencies are looking into Dylan's activities.

Toby is undercover with his dog who is really a bomb sniffing dog not a therapy dog. Dylan allows Toby to join the group and takes him with her XO Ashby back to her farm house which is located on her parent orchard. Toby meets the fellow people involved in the militia. After attending his first meeting Toby is under the first impression that Dylan is not the master criminal mind she is being perceived as.

Dylan runs her militia with more peaceful protests than anything. We also find out that she has found several of her troops during her work at the VA where she is a physician. Dylan is not without her radical ideals and ideaology. She has a standing feud with another physician as she feels he has been using unapproved medications on soldiers without any thoughts of side effects.

As the story progresses we learn more about Dylan and how the militia is her way to deal with her PTSD, by being around the loud noises and gun fire. Dylan is truly a broken soul. She finds herself drawn to Toby but knows that anything is forbidden. Toby will do anything to find out the truth about Dylan and complete the mission, what he didn't bargain for was actually truly caring for her.

Toby has his own issues to deal with and when the truth is revealed about Toby's mission, Ashby's health, and the standoff, Dylan's mental health is put to the test.

This is a thriller and you are constantly trying to guess if Dylan is who the FBI, ATF, etc. believe her to be or if she is truly just an innocent pawn.

*This honest review was done in exchange for an ARC.*

["E" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time rating this book. In many ways, I was fascinated by the ways this novel tackled some really uncomfortable topics. On the other hand, I didn't think that these same issues were always handled in the best ways and had a really hard time with the romantic aspect of the book.

Dylan was a very interesting heroine. A very anti-government woman, she nonetheless chose to enter the military to pay for her way through med school. While serving multiple tours in Afghanistan, Dylan worked with Mortuary Services doing some very disturbing work that left her with severe PTSD. Dylan was an extremely vulnerable character whose paranoia and instability made it hard for me to believe she was still employed as a medical professional. It also made it really hard for me to see her as a romantic lead.

Tobias seemed like a good guy, but again, it's really hard to cheer for a romance between him and Dylan given his deceit in infiltrating her militia and his goals to potentially take her down. While his thoughts showed his growing attraction and feelings for Dylan, I just couldn't get on board with their relationship. It felt too much like he was taking advantage of a vulnerable and unstable woman.

As to the murder plot, I knew fairly early on who was responsible for the deaths and framing Dylan. Still it was interesting reading about the militia members, Dylan's issues with the VA hospital and her point of view regarding the government.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the unique characters and story line, but felt the romance fell flat. No matter what changes either Dylan or Tobias make in the future, it's hard to see how they'll make it as a romantic couple.

Note: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The risks the author takes with controversial subjects in this series should be applauded as she is expressing her right to write what she wants to write about. The second book in this series The Guardian really pushed the boundaries of many sensitive subjects but she made it work. This one was a little hard to swallow.

The heroine – Dylan Connelly is the leader of a militia group. She strongly believes the right of the individual to freedom and self-realization. She has a strong moral stance, political philosophy, and ideology. She strongly agrees in the right to bear arms and protesting the government’s involvement in wars. It was extremely hard to relate to Dylan and her causes as the United States has beat into our brains that US citizens that are part of a militia group are really nothing but home grown terrorist. Nothing the author wrote about Dylan and her religious beliefs and political beliefs really changed my mind on the subject with made it impossible to relate to Dylan at all.

The hero - Tobias Burke is sent in undercover by The Taskforce to see if Dylan was responsible for the bombing of the Defense Secretary’s car that resulted in his death. Dylan’s thoughts on the militia mission and Dylan herself made sense to me. He didn’t understand it as he loved his country and had served it both in the military and on the Counterterrorist Taskforce along with the ATF.

Where I give the author credit for trying to make a romance work between two people that are opposite ends of the spectrum in their political and religious beliefs it just didn’t work for me. The David Koresh’s and Timothy McVeigh’s are still too fresh on the mind.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 RATING ~ Tobias Burke is sent to infiltrate The Second Commandment militia group that is lead by Dylan Connelly. As an ATF agent Tobias is tasked with using any means necessary to gather evidence against Dylan in the car bombing and murder of the Secretary of Defense. Unfortunately, along the way, not only does he start to doubt Dylan’s guilt, he also starts to develop not only respect, but feelings for the vulnerable, attractive militia leader. Tobias become convinced that Dylan is being framed but can he prove it? And what will happen when Dylan learns of Tobias’s deception? The book does touch on some important things such as PTSD, personal freedom versus government interference, etc.


The Enforcer is a well written novel. The characters are mutli-dimensional and the militia aspect is an original and interesting back drop to the romantic story line. While there could have been a little more steam in the bedroom for my taste, I thought the chemistry between the two characters was appropriate for the story line and the circumstances. The book did seem to drag at some points but overall an enjoyable read from a solid author. This is the third book in a series but each can be read as stand alones.


Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I usually enjoy books with the military aspect to them, there was just something about this book that didn’t seem to work well for me. It felt like the romance between the two characters seemed almost forced at times.
Although the characters seemed interesting, you don’t really get to know them that much throughout the course of the book. There are small parts of them that are shown, but overall you don’t find out that much about them. Granted, Tobias’s character was described in a way that he seemed very hot, but to me that was all that he had going for him.
Dylan I have mixed emotions about, I have no set opinion on her after finishing the book. While she was all about helping others, she doesn’t seem to have the sense to take care of herself.
I had high hopes for this book and I was left disappointed after finishing it. If you like military books then this might be the one for you. I just don’t think it was a good fit for me personally.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 3 in the series. I have not read the other books in this series and think this book can be read as a standalone.

Tobias Burke is sent to go undercover to figure out if Dylan Connelly is responsible for a car bombing.

Dylan is struggling with her PTSD and is head of the militia. She is also a doctor working at the VA hospital. After Toby comes to join the militia, they fight their attraction.

After another kill, Toby is struggling to prove Dylan's innocence.

I did enjoy this book. Though I am not overly religious so some of it I just didn't get into. To me, the first half of this book really dragged. After that, I was sucked in and couldn't put it down.

I enjoyed the sparks between Dylan and Toby. I thought their romance was well written and wasn't rushed. I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading more books by Marliss Melton.

[Amber (Daisymau) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agent Tobias (Toby) Burke of the ATF's Inter-Agency Counterterrorism Taskforce has been sent to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. He is working undercover to investigate the car bombing death of the Secretary of Defense. The prime suspect is former Army Captain Dylan Connelly who is now the leader of the Second Amendment Militia. Dylan suffers from PTSD. Tobias has to find out if Dylan is capable of murder. He has to do this before someone else is murdered and before the FBI gets involved. Who can he trust of her militia group? Is Dylan a patriot or a terrorist? Is she being framed for a murder she didn’t commit?

A very gripping book that was hard to put down. The book has many bumps, twists, turns and a very climatic turn of events. Can’t wait to read the next book of the series.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't the typical romantic suspense novel. Marliss Melton has given her readers a well written book that tackles a difficult subject - militias and has woven in a romance that is quite satisfying. This is the third book in a series, but would stand alone quite well. The characters are mutli-faceted and the militia aspect is an original and interesting setting for the romantic plot line. The love scenes were passionate. The pacing was a bit uneven, but as the suspense builds, the twists and turns will keep one raiding. The secondary characters were every bit as engaging and well drawn as the lead couple, and I will seek out the other books in the series.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest read.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of the this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



The Enforcer really reminded me of the Spy Game movie with Brad Pitt with romance thrown into the mix.
After Captain Dylan Connelly is framed for bombing secretary of defense Tobias Burke is put on the case only to become less sure of her guilt and more sure of her innocence.
Tobias is the only person standing between Dylan and a sure accusation naming her enemy number one.

The Enforcer is a sure fire top notch suspense filled novel packed to the brim with action and mystery. I cannot rave enough about this book, Marliss Melton reaches deep into the world of government officials and exposes deep secrets and old wounds that will make you question everything.

You can't not read this book!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not the typical romantic suspense novel. In this case, the novel starts out with the female lead being a potential terrorist and murder suspect. While our hero, Tobias, is sent in undercover to find out the truth. Talk about serious potential relationship issues! Oh and our suspect just might be crazy on top of everything else. This was the third entry in a series featuring the Taskforce, but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone novel. This was a great read for anyone looking for a little something different, not just the usual damsel in distress normally featured in romantic suspense novels.

I was provided a free ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dylan leads a home grown militia. Toby works for the Counterterrorist Taskforce Team and has been charged with joining the group to learn more about Dylan. She is the prime suspect in the car bombing murder of the Secretary of Defense. As Toby gets to know her, he becomes more and more convinced that she is innocent and someone is framing her.
I thought it got a little slow in spots. I wanted more action or danger or something. Maybe for her PTSD to play more of a role in the story. I was glad that that she is getting out of the militia. I would have had a hard time with happily ever after with a militia leader.

[Tory Michaels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a good book (obviously, since I give it 4 out of 5 stars). I felt there were a few places where the story was a bit slow, and the ultimate villain was kind of obvious (to me…hmm, I notice I say that a lot). It definitely wasn’t anything the villain did to highlight themself as the villain, just a gut feeling.

There was great heat between the hero and heroine, and I’m glad I got to read this book. I will definitely keep an eye out for other books by Ms. Melton.

Sorry this review is short, but there wasn’t much I felt strongly enough about to bring up, other than I definitely did like the book.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over all I enjoyed this book but it was a constant struggle to keep Dylan's name straight. I know it as a boy's name and picturing a female Dylan, the daughter of elderly parents that most likely wouldn't have used a boy's name on their only daughter just never penetrated my head. I read this on kobo but was very disappointed that the book ran together and wasn't formatted properly into chapters. When I pay $6+ for a book I expect it to be formatted properly for the reader.

[Reba Dom · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story just didn't do it for me. I have a hard time getting into a love story where half of the couple is psychotic or borderline. It was hard to tell who was more manly throughout the story, the hero or the heroine. And all in all most of it just came across is unbelievable.
Very disappointed in this series.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this book unusual is the female lead who not only suffers from PTSD, but also leads a local militia the operates outside her house. The male lead is undercover in her organization to discover whether she killed a senator who was opposed to her view on war. It's an interesting premise and leads to intense emotions and conflict, a good read.

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toby and Dylan's story. Toby is undercover in Dylan's militia. She is suffering from PTSD and someone is making it look like she murdered a government official. Another official is murdered and the FBI will be coming to arrest her soon. Will Toby be able to find the real killer? And what of Dylan when she finds out he is part of a taskforce sent to bring her in? Enjoyed the whole series.

[Kris H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man was this tough to get through! It was just super boring.

[Suzy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started about 6 PM and read through until morning. Couldn't put it down. Lots of action, romance, and suspense. Didn't figure out who the bad guy was until about ten pages before the hero did.

[Rachel]

*downloaded free on ARE

[Danielles]

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