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Hostage Rescue Team #1
Marked
When danger lurks behind a familiar face… Successful architect Rachel Granger loves her job and her life, but when a terrorist on the FBI’s most wanted list targets her, there’s only one man she can trust. She hasn’t seen Jake in years but her former college friend told her he’d always be there for her and she definitely needs him now. Even though her feelings for him go far deeper than friendship and just being around him risks her heart, she would do anything to keep those she loves safe from a madman bent on unleashing hell. Only one man from her past can help FBI Special Agent Jake Evers made the biggest mistake of his life when he let Rachel slip through his fingers over two years ago. It doesn’t matter that he hasn’t seen her since then—if she needs him, he’ll be there. When he learns that she’s the target of a domestic terror cell, he’ll do everything in his power to keep her safe. He’s never gotten over her and won’t risk losing her again now that she’s reappeared in his life. But the threat is more widespread than they realized and now it’s a race against time to keep her and scores of innocent civilians alive.
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2014
522 people are currently reading
2842 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,801 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
July 1, 2014
3 stars. Review posted July 1, 2014
He shook his head once, a muscle working in the side of his thickly-stubbled jaw. “I told you once I’d do anything for you. Do you remember?”
Mouth too dry to form a response, she nodded.
His fingers squeezed, the increased pressure still gentle but conveying his sincerity. His urgency. “I meant it.”
Swallowing, she found her voice. “I know.”
Those dark eyes never wavered from hers. “Then say what you need. Ask me.”
“Ask you what?” she whispered, suddenly feeling emotionally naked.
“Ask me to stay.”
“Hold on.” A command and a warning.
Rachel held on, eyes squeezed shut, her entire body trembling. His thrusts grew deeper, more forceful, his mouth working the side of her neck, short beard prickling her while that hot tongue dragged over sensitive nerve endings. Heat and pressure built inside her, robbing her of thought, the ability to breathe.
She distantly heard the plaintive moan that tore from her, knew she was holding his shoulders so tight she was probably leaving marks but couldn’t ease up. The pleasure, this slow, relentless climb he was forcing her to make instead of racing to the summit, was tearing her apart.
Marked is the first book in Kaylea Cross's new FBI Hostage Rescue Team series. I won't beat the proverbial bush; writing this review sucked. When I got the teasers I was so incredibly thrilled because I expected a great read. I mean look at all these sexy quotes. I was practically salivating to get my hands on Marked. The more I read, however, the less excited I felt. I can't lie, I'm a bit disappointed.
I'm really not a reader who needs the bedroom action within the first 20 % of story. On the other hand, I would like to make it very clear that I'm so not a fan of delaying tactics. Fact is, I couldn't prevent from rolling my eyes now and then and grumbling to myself "Get it on already!"
There was an overuse of the term primal and I noticed that Kaylea Cross's heroines always have a clean sweet scent. Maybe it's time to consider describing their scent differently?
I didn't particularly like the rather shy and nondescript heroine. She was too much of a little grey mouse for my liking and provided several eye-roll moments. Jake going down on her being one of those. Rachel, please step aside, so Jake can go down on me. Thank you. Another one was her turning around to block the men's view Seriously.
Let's talk about the hero or…not. Apart from the hot physique I didn't feel that I really got to know him by the end of the book. Kaylea's heroes are always very scrumptious and Jake was no exception to the rule. Regardless of his sexy appearance, I just needed a little bit more. And, in my opinion, there was no real relationship development here. Their reunion happened under extraordinary circumstances and it didn't really leave much room for anything deeply personal or meaningful. I just don't know…it left me wanting more.
This is a common phenomenon in romance novels:
Why the heck can two adults
The action scenes were good but I found the villain rather uninteresting; he was a hacker and hardly excelled at working in the field.
I must confess that I was actually surprised there weren't any crucial casualties. Having said that, I won't presume to judge if certain actions or dangerous situations in Marked are authentic. However, I have to wonder if said situations would have been handled differently by real FBI members. Again, this is fiction and I understand that I have to relinquish certain claims in order to be able to enjoy a story. Still, I can't shake that dissatisfied feeling.
There was a rather huge silver lining, though. The author set up a future couple very nicely. Tuck and Celida reminded me of how I felt when I first saw Maya and Jackson together. Mmmm…let's ignite a little fire, shall we? I like sassy heroines and I have an inkling that Tuck and Celida will be more to my liking than Jake and Rachel. I'm definitely looking forward to reading their story.
All in all, Marked is not a bad book by any means. I liked it, some parts I did enjoy and others didn't resonate well with me. While it wasn't up to par with her other work, it's still worth a try. I really hope that the sequel will put me back in my happy place. Kaylea has done it before and I'm sure she will again.
**ARC courtesy of Kaylea Cross in exchange for an honest review**
He shook his head once, a muscle working in the side of his thickly-stubbled jaw. “I told you once I’d do anything for you. Do you remember?”
Mouth too dry to form a response, she nodded.
His fingers squeezed, the increased pressure still gentle but conveying his sincerity. His urgency. “I meant it.”
Swallowing, she found her voice. “I know.”
Those dark eyes never wavered from hers. “Then say what you need. Ask me.”
“Ask you what?” she whispered, suddenly feeling emotionally naked.
“Ask me to stay.”
“Hold on.” A command and a warning.
Rachel held on, eyes squeezed shut, her entire body trembling. His thrusts grew deeper, more forceful, his mouth working the side of her neck, short beard prickling her while that hot tongue dragged over sensitive nerve endings. Heat and pressure built inside her, robbing her of thought, the ability to breathe.
She distantly heard the plaintive moan that tore from her, knew she was holding his shoulders so tight she was probably leaving marks but couldn’t ease up. The pleasure, this slow, relentless climb he was forcing her to make instead of racing to the summit, was tearing her apart.
Marked is the first book in Kaylea Cross's new FBI Hostage Rescue Team series. I won't beat the proverbial bush; writing this review sucked. When I got the teasers I was so incredibly thrilled because I expected a great read. I mean look at all these sexy quotes. I was practically salivating to get my hands on Marked. The more I read, however, the less excited I felt. I can't lie, I'm a bit disappointed.
I'm really not a reader who needs the bedroom action within the first 20 % of story. On the other hand, I would like to make it very clear that I'm so not a fan of delaying tactics. Fact is, I couldn't prevent from rolling my eyes now and then and grumbling to myself "Get it on already!"
There was an overuse of the term primal and I noticed that Kaylea Cross's heroines always have a clean sweet scent. Maybe it's time to consider describing their scent differently?
I didn't particularly like the rather shy and nondescript heroine. She was too much of a little grey mouse for my liking and provided several eye-roll moments. Jake going down on her being one of those. Rachel, please step aside, so Jake can go down on me. Thank you. Another one was her turning around to block the men's view Seriously.
Let's talk about the hero or…not. Apart from the hot physique I didn't feel that I really got to know him by the end of the book. Kaylea's heroes are always very scrumptious and Jake was no exception to the rule. Regardless of his sexy appearance, I just needed a little bit more. And, in my opinion, there was no real relationship development here. Their reunion happened under extraordinary circumstances and it didn't really leave much room for anything deeply personal or meaningful. I just don't know…it left me wanting more.
This is a common phenomenon in romance novels:
Why the heck can two adults
The action scenes were good but I found the villain rather uninteresting; he was a hacker and hardly excelled at working in the field.
I must confess that I was actually surprised there weren't any crucial casualties. Having said that, I won't presume to judge if certain actions or dangerous situations in Marked are authentic. However, I have to wonder if said situations would have been handled differently by real FBI members. Again, this is fiction and I understand that I have to relinquish certain claims in order to be able to enjoy a story. Still, I can't shake that dissatisfied feeling.
There was a rather huge silver lining, though. The author set up a future couple very nicely. Tuck and Celida reminded me of how I felt when I first saw Maya and Jackson together. Mmmm…let's ignite a little fire, shall we? I like sassy heroines and I have an inkling that Tuck and Celida will be more to my liking than Jake and Rachel. I'm definitely looking forward to reading their story.
All in all, Marked is not a bad book by any means. I liked it, some parts I did enjoy and others didn't resonate well with me. While it wasn't up to par with her other work, it's still worth a try. I really hope that the sequel will put me back in my happy place. Kaylea has done it before and I'm sure she will again.
**ARC courtesy of Kaylea Cross in exchange for an honest review**
March 11, 2019
FBI Special Agent Jake Evers has returned to the Hostage Rescue Team after having been assigned to the NSA task force (Titanium Security series). After that experience, he decided to reach out to the one woman who got away but she initially put him off. Rachel Granger is an architect working for a multinational firm. When her suspicions about her brother’s friend proved to be well founded and then some, she reached out to the one man she felt she could trust. After it’s determined that they’re dealing with a domestic terrorist and the FBI escalates the search for him, Rachel becomes a target of a dangerous threat, thrusting her and Jake back together again.
The first half of the story was riveting, moving at a fast clip after Rachel realizes she and her brother are in trouble. Her reconnection with Jake after so many years was at first a secondary element to the need to get her to safety and figure out the terrorist’s motive. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and liked how Rachel and Jake’s history was revealed slowly throughout the story. It helped to understand the depth of their feelings for each other as otherwise the romance would have felt rushed. It’s when the romance took center stage in the midst of all this danger that I felt the story disconnected somewhat. However, it got back on track after a major event.
This author continues to excel at crafting exciting action scenes, describing the operations so vividly yet succinctly that I not only feel like I’m there but am emotionally rocked. It’s the best part of the story and while I enjoyed the romance, it was more of a distraction. I needed it to be more seamlessly woven into the narrative. Still, it’s a very good story and set up the next one quite well. 3.5 stars
The first half of the story was riveting, moving at a fast clip after Rachel realizes she and her brother are in trouble. Her reconnection with Jake after so many years was at first a secondary element to the need to get her to safety and figure out the terrorist’s motive. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and liked how Rachel and Jake’s history was revealed slowly throughout the story. It helped to understand the depth of their feelings for each other as otherwise the romance would have felt rushed. It’s when the romance took center stage in the midst of all this danger that I felt the story disconnected somewhat. However, it got back on track after a major event.
This author continues to excel at crafting exciting action scenes, describing the operations so vividly yet succinctly that I not only feel like I’m there but am emotionally rocked. It’s the best part of the story and while I enjoyed the romance, it was more of a distraction. I needed it to be more seamlessly woven into the narrative. Still, it’s a very good story and set up the next one quite well. 3.5 stars
March 1, 2016
Because Meds asked me to. Going through my, er... notes for this review, I kind of regret having given this 2 stars. But then again, at least it wasn't grammarcide extraordinaire, so I guess two is okay?
Anyway, so this book was shitty. Okay, so first of all, Ms. Cross is racist. But Anuradha, the MC is half-Chinese, you say. Would you believe that's the problem? Because a) She doesn't like it if a fellow Mandarin talks to her in said language; b) even though she has Chinese ancestry, Rachel barely looks Chinese, and that's coooooool and attractive; and c) please learn what the fuck "jihad" means before using it. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about our MCs. Rachel is feminine, delicate, and lovely, but also strong, successful, and sexy. She is, like every other female MC, perfection personified. Jake is hot, and sexy, and strong, because that's all is important in life. I didn't quite hate them to the extent of going all out rage-inducing on them, but yeah, they were pretty pathetic. I get that the er, desire to mate is a natural human instinct, but do there really exist people who get horny as soon as they see the man/woman of their dreams? Like how painful must it be to walk around with an erection all day, no? Also, no woman, and I mean not a single woman gets turned on by giving a blow job. Seriously, no. Nope. Nada. But still, still, both perpetual horniness, and getting turned on by performing oral sex are themes that are common to every single fucking romance novel. Just, why, man? I think this begs the question, are all female romance novelists turned on by blow jobs? If so, I may have a new found respect for them. Or new found disgust. I can't make up my mind about this. If they aren't, though, stop making it such a big deal. Oh, and before I forget, kids, it's always important to ask your sexual partner if they're clean before the sex actually happens. Not while it's happening. There's no point to it, then. And writers, if you want to endorse safe sex, please, please mention that the characters are clean before he whips out his machine gun and puts it into her, because confirming afterwards is pretty much futile.
Another problem that I have with writers is that they make the romance and sexual aspect too much of a big deal, and we lose focus on the real story. If it's about catching a terrorist, a dangerous man who's a threat to national security, let that point take precedence over an erection straining his pants.
And if I have to freaking read the word 'freaking' freaking again any freaking time soon, I will freaking rip someone's head off. Or fucking. Because, word count:
Freaking: 18
Fucking: 33. And it wasn't even used literally, even once.
Also, I have a serious issue when so-called professional writers use words like 'shitload', 'sucked ass', and 'frigging' to describe things, especially when they're not a part of conversation. The English language is a beautiful one, complete with a good number of words that would sound so much better than 'suck balls'.
Anyway, so this book was shitty. Okay, so first of all, Ms. Cross is racist. But Anuradha, the MC is half-Chinese, you say. Would you believe that's the problem? Because a) She doesn't like it if a fellow Mandarin talks to her in said language; b) even though she has Chinese ancestry, Rachel barely looks Chinese, and that's coooooool and attractive; and c) please learn what the fuck "jihad" means before using it. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about our MCs. Rachel is feminine, delicate, and lovely, but also strong, successful, and sexy. She is, like every other female MC, perfection personified. Jake is hot, and sexy, and strong, because that's all is important in life. I didn't quite hate them to the extent of going all out rage-inducing on them, but yeah, they were pretty pathetic. I get that the er, desire to mate is a natural human instinct, but do there really exist people who get horny as soon as they see the man/woman of their dreams? Like how painful must it be to walk around with an erection all day, no? Also, no woman, and I mean not a single woman gets turned on by giving a blow job. Seriously, no. Nope. Nada. But still, still, both perpetual horniness, and getting turned on by performing oral sex are themes that are common to every single fucking romance novel. Just, why, man? I think this begs the question, are all female romance novelists turned on by blow jobs? If so, I may have a new found respect for them. Or new found disgust. I can't make up my mind about this. If they aren't, though, stop making it such a big deal. Oh, and before I forget, kids, it's always important to ask your sexual partner if they're clean before the sex actually happens. Not while it's happening. There's no point to it, then. And writers, if you want to endorse safe sex, please, please mention that the characters are clean before he whips out his machine gun and puts it into her, because confirming afterwards is pretty much futile.
Another problem that I have with writers is that they make the romance and sexual aspect too much of a big deal, and we lose focus on the real story. If it's about catching a terrorist, a dangerous man who's a threat to national security, let that point take precedence over an erection straining his pants.
And if I have to freaking read the word 'freaking' freaking again any freaking time soon, I will freaking rip someone's head off. Or fucking. Because, word count:
Freaking: 18
Fucking: 33. And it wasn't even used literally, even once.
Also, I have a serious issue when so-called professional writers use words like 'shitload', 'sucked ass', and 'frigging' to describe things, especially when they're not a part of conversation. The English language is a beautiful one, complete with a good number of words that would sound so much better than 'suck balls'.
October 5, 2014
3 Stars
I liked this well enough, but not as much as usually like a Kaylea Cross book. I found the plot line to be kind of lacking in intensity (when compared to some of her other books).
In fact, I was actually only going to give this 2 stars, but a couple hot sex scenes and the tension between two (hopefully future featured characters?) saved this book from being an out and out bore.
I liked this well enough, but not as much as usually like a Kaylea Cross book. I found the plot line to be kind of lacking in intensity (when compared to some of her other books).
In fact, I was actually only going to give this 2 stars, but a couple hot sex scenes and the tension between two (hopefully future featured characters?) saved this book from being an out and out bore.
December 6, 2018
3.5 stars
January 7, 2016
Rachel Granger is suspicious about one of her brother's friends after a few USB drives disappear from her home. She discovers that he may be a terrorist and calls the only person who may take her serious, Jake Evers. Rachel met Jake in college but they never hooked up and both had regrets.
I saw that characters from Kaylea Cross' Hostage Rescue Team made an appearance in Pamela Clare's Dead By Midnight: An I-Team Christmas and noticed I hadn't read them yet but had one already on my To Read shelf so I had to check it out.
I enjoyed it a lot. I have read a few of Ms. Cross' books and I liked them but they hadn't quite made my "gotta-read-all-that-author's-books" list yet. But I am determined to read this series. It wasn't quite perfect but I did enjoy the style of writing and it had all the elements I needed.
I saw that characters from Kaylea Cross' Hostage Rescue Team made an appearance in Pamela Clare's Dead By Midnight: An I-Team Christmas and noticed I hadn't read them yet but had one already on my To Read shelf so I had to check it out.
I enjoyed it a lot. I have read a few of Ms. Cross' books and I liked them but they hadn't quite made my "gotta-read-all-that-author's-books" list yet. But I am determined to read this series. It wasn't quite perfect but I did enjoy the style of writing and it had all the elements I needed.
August 29, 2018
3.3 stars
May 28, 2015
You know, I hate it when romance overshadows logic in books. And I can't tolerate plot holes.
First of all, you do not just let somebody who could help you apprehend terrorist check in a hotel and leave only one agent to guard her. Those guys are called terrorists for a reason so your witness should be safe at all times and having her in a hotel definitely is not safe. You don't have to be an agent or whatsoever to know that. It's common sense.
And how can you not know what the terrorists want with an architects designs/floor plans? They're pretty dangerous to somebody who has a history of bombing shit. If you have a floor plan, you'll know which foundations to bomb to make more damage instead or randomly planting an explosive anywhere and make an escape easily.
Lessons I've learned after reading this?
1. Respect your sister's belongings and privacy or else you might end up being kidnapped by a terrorist and lose a finger.
2. If your friend is spouting anti-government stuff, then you should be alarmed. Don't brush it off and take it as a joke else you might end up being kidnapped by a terrorist and lose a finger.
December 24, 2014
“I told you once I’d do anything for you. Do you remember?”
Mouth too dry to form a response, she nodded.
His fingers squeezed, the increased pressure still gentle but conveying his sincerity. His urgency. “I meant it.”
Swallowing, she found her voice. “I know.”
Those dark eyes never wavered from hers. “Then say what you need. Ask me.”
“Ask you what?” she whispered, suddenly feeling emotionally naked.
“Ask me to stay.”
I was a little late discovering Kaylea Cross but when I did? Big fan! I loved the Titanium Security series so was excited when I found out that she was writing a new series, Hostage Rescue Team, and that the first book would feature Jake from TS! For readers that haven't read anything from the Titaniaum Series, Marked works just fine as a stand-alone. There were a couple spoilers from Rekindled (Titanium Security #5) but nothing major.
Jake and Rachel were college friends but had the potential to be so much more. Timing and bad decisions kept them from taking their friendship to the next level and eventually they drifted apart. When Rachel finds herself in a dangerous situation, she reaches out to Jake and he is right there to offer a lending hand.
Marked to me was a mix of a friends to lovers story and a second-chance romance. The writing was good (told form alternating POV's), the story was fast-paced, and while not sex-heavy, the sexy bits were done very well. There was quite a steamy shower scene! I liked both characters. While Rachel was a damsel in distress, she was also intelligent, capable, and listened to the people in charge when her life was in danger. No TSTL moments for her. Jake was an easy hero to like. Sexy, badass, and determined to keep his damsel safe and with him.
His body was tight as a wire, his cock already hard at the thought. There’d be plenty of time to talk afterward— right now he needed to claim her, mark her on the most primal level. He didn’t care if it was Neanderthal as shit; he just knew he needed to be inside her in the next ten minutes or he’d die.
Like I said, Jack was an easy character to like =)
Fans of Kaylea Cross won't be disappointed. Marked was well written, steamy, and was a great kick-off to a new series I'm excited to read. 4.25 STARS!
June 6, 2020
3.5ish stars
This was a better than average shorter romantic suspense. I am still not really clear about what happened that made them stop talking (before book started). But it was engaging. Easy saturday afternoon read.
I am torn over book two. Not sure I am really bought into the next couple. Hmmm. But I hate skipping books in a series!
This was a better than average shorter romantic suspense. I am still not really clear about what happened that made them stop talking (before book started). But it was engaging. Easy saturday afternoon read.
I am torn over book two. Not sure I am really bought into the next couple. Hmmm. But I hate skipping books in a series!
February 6, 2020
Where do I begin first I must say that I do not read books that are Black Ops primarily because that's all my boys want to watch on TV. I, however, do like action stories as long as there is romance involved. This book had both with yet another plus an evil villain. The more evil the better. I love a villain that can add that extra punch to a story to get your blood flowing. The villain in this was psycho I just wish we would have got to see his wings spread out a little further. This was due to the length of the book. It flowed nicely as a story but, of course, a shorter book will give you less time for him to create chaos.
The couple's lost love story was focused on which made the story more solid IMO. From the time when Rachel calls Jake for help, taking him totally off guard, she reached across the table and drew her fingers down the side of his bearded cheek. " What's with this?" Even through the thick growth of whiskers he felt her touch like an electric shock across his cheek I was hopelessly hooked. What is it about a story that an author can include a scene that captures your interest? I'm not sure but KC had it with these two. The couple had a romantic past that was never acted upon because the two were dating other people and I liked that the author stressed how Jake would not cheat on his girlfriend at that time. It gave me so much more respect for him and shaped his true character in my mind.
The story starts with the couple in the present living their life with flash backs of the love that was never brought to life. Jake swears after this mission he is going to look her up and make his dream a reality. Rachel is taking care of her younger brother, Brandon, while he goes to college when she stumbles across a shady character to say the least. She actually looks up Jake at this point because he is the first person she thinks of when she finds herself mixed up with her brothers new friend. I really wish there would have been more time to explore more possibilities with the villain because it goes quick and has you on your toes.
I do like the time that was spent with the love story it was believable and sweet and Jake was just the right amount of protectiveness and romantic to convince me of what they shared. Rachel is not overly needy or whiney and even when tension was high she did not lash out at Jake as I thought she would. I expected her to shift blame but that never came to pass and I loved that because of the length you needed the two to be strong and supportive to each other. There is also his team that prove to be awesome and there is budding romances with a couple of them although it has not been fully explored with them. There are love scenes in the story that are hot and graphic but not overly so. It's just a nice, easy story that was a delight to spend my time reading.
The couple's lost love story was focused on which made the story more solid IMO. From the time when Rachel calls Jake for help, taking him totally off guard, she reached across the table and drew her fingers down the side of his bearded cheek. " What's with this?" Even through the thick growth of whiskers he felt her touch like an electric shock across his cheek I was hopelessly hooked. What is it about a story that an author can include a scene that captures your interest? I'm not sure but KC had it with these two. The couple had a romantic past that was never acted upon because the two were dating other people and I liked that the author stressed how Jake would not cheat on his girlfriend at that time. It gave me so much more respect for him and shaped his true character in my mind.
The story starts with the couple in the present living their life with flash backs of the love that was never brought to life. Jake swears after this mission he is going to look her up and make his dream a reality. Rachel is taking care of her younger brother, Brandon, while he goes to college when she stumbles across a shady character to say the least. She actually looks up Jake at this point because he is the first person she thinks of when she finds herself mixed up with her brothers new friend. I really wish there would have been more time to explore more possibilities with the villain because it goes quick and has you on your toes.
I do like the time that was spent with the love story it was believable and sweet and Jake was just the right amount of protectiveness and romantic to convince me of what they shared. Rachel is not overly needy or whiney and even when tension was high she did not lash out at Jake as I thought she would. I expected her to shift blame but that never came to pass and I loved that because of the length you needed the two to be strong and supportive to each other. There is also his team that prove to be awesome and there is budding romances with a couple of them although it has not been fully explored with them. There are love scenes in the story that are hot and graphic but not overly so. It's just a nice, easy story that was a delight to spend my time reading.
February 4, 2019
4.5 stars
OMG. I'm in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! (*twirls around in a circle, Sound of Music, style) I love Jake Evers and Rachel. Jake is my kinda guy, scruffy beard, badass but tender and caring. Guh. I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series.
OMG. I'm in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! (*twirls around in a circle, Sound of Music, style) I love Jake Evers and Rachel. Jake is my kinda guy, scruffy beard, badass but tender and caring. Guh. I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series.
November 22, 2023
MARKED kicks off the HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series and I'm excited to meet these new characters and get their stories. There's plenty of action but this time instead of dealing with terrorists overseas, the team is confronted with a danger targeting Chinese interests on American soil. While the suspense felt a little lighter than prior books, I still really enjoyed it and found myself reading the whole book in a single day.
We met Jake in the TITANIUM SECURITY series but he was a fairly minor side character so I liked getting to see his story. He's a big time protector and I don't know how he ever kept his feelings for Rachel a secret because his heart was on his sleeve from the moment they meet again. I loved how gentle he was with Rachel while also never hiding anything from her. Rachel was also a really enjoyable character -- she's compassionate, caring, and just a really soft and sweet person. I truly loved Jake and Rachel as a couple.
We only met a few side characters but I'm curious to see more, especially Celida who I absolutely loved! She's one tough woman and I can't wait to see how things work out between herself and Tuck.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Titanium Security
2. Hostage Rescue Team
3. Colebrook Siblings
4. DEA FAST
5. Vengeance
We met Jake in the TITANIUM SECURITY series but he was a fairly minor side character so I liked getting to see his story. He's a big time protector and I don't know how he ever kept his feelings for Rachel a secret because his heart was on his sleeve from the moment they meet again. I loved how gentle he was with Rachel while also never hiding anything from her. Rachel was also a really enjoyable character -- she's compassionate, caring, and just a really soft and sweet person. I truly loved Jake and Rachel as a couple.
We only met a few side characters but I'm curious to see more, especially Celida who I absolutely loved! She's one tough woman and I can't wait to see how things work out between herself and Tuck.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Titanium Security
2. Hostage Rescue Team
3. Colebrook Siblings
4. DEA FAST
5. Vengeance
November 20, 2015
3.5 stars
There's something about a man in uniform that makes me melt. Every. Time. Cop? Hot damn. Army ranger? Swoon. FBI/CIA/NSA? Best let me grab an extra pair of panties to have on hand. Jake was no exception.
This book was very fast-paced and heart-racing. It felt like an episode of Criminal Minds unravelling as I read. Although the story revolved around Rachel x Jake, I found I was more interested in another ship that's hinted at. I'm very happy to know they have their own book! I'm not a fan of multiple povs in one novel though (there are few exceptions). And it's probably because of this fact that I couldn't connect with the characters. I wanted more.
I'm glad to have been introduced to this series though (indirectly via Pamela Clare heh) and I am certainly going to continue with it!
There's something about a man in uniform that makes me melt. Every. Time. Cop? Hot damn. Army ranger? Swoon. FBI/CIA/NSA? Best let me grab an extra pair of panties to have on hand. Jake was no exception.
This book was very fast-paced and heart-racing. It felt like an episode of Criminal Minds unravelling as I read. Although the story revolved around Rachel x Jake, I found I was more interested in another ship that's hinted at. I'm very happy to know they have their own book! I'm not a fan of multiple povs in one novel though (there are few exceptions). And it's probably because of this fact that I couldn't connect with the characters. I wanted more.
I'm glad to have been introduced to this series though (indirectly via Pamela Clare heh) and I am certainly going to continue with it!
March 17, 2016
Why must half Asians always have green eyes to be attractive??? It's like they must overcome their Asian half to be a worthy romantic heroine by having definitively non-Asian eyes.
In this book, the h has a Chinese mother and a part Irish father. But big hazel green eyes. Do you know how EXTREMELY unlikely that is??? Genetics. Check it out.
This distracted me - especially when the H would constantly drool over her beautiful "hazel-green" eyes. So I was annoyed from the outset.
Then, at one point the FBI waits for a warrant to search her apartment - um, she volunteered. In fact, she came to you. You don't need a warrant.
I kept trying to continue, but similar issues bugged me, and I just couldn't get into the book and gave up.
In this book, the h has a Chinese mother and a part Irish father. But big hazel green eyes. Do you know how EXTREMELY unlikely that is??? Genetics. Check it out.
This distracted me - especially when the H would constantly drool over her beautiful "hazel-green" eyes. So I was annoyed from the outset.
Then, at one point the FBI waits for a warrant to search her apartment - um, she volunteered. In fact, she came to you. You don't need a warrant.
I kept trying to continue, but similar issues bugged me, and I just couldn't get into the book and gave up.
December 9, 2015
I really liked how Rachel figured out that her brother's friend was up to no good. Even better was that she took action to make sure instead of just hoping it would be. Of course it helped that by taking action she got back into contact with the "one who got away". I was very glad that Jake took Rachel seriously and did what he could to protect her. I hated how Rachel's brother got sucked in and what happened to him. Worse was how Rachel got sucked in ended up in a horrible situation. Good thing that Jake was there to save the day!
December 27, 2014
3.5 full review to come
April 3, 2019
Unlike previous books where the action scenes literally put you in the middle of the action, this book literally puts you in the middle of the romance. I missed the heart stopping action, but loved the intense romance. Great start to a new series.
Rachel Granger, a hard working architect, is living her dream, great job, her little brother, Brandon, nearby, everything except someone to share it with. Although she loves her brother, she is not so fond of one of his friends, Tim, a Chinese national, the guy creeps her out. He had been invading her personal space and asking a lot of questions about her work. When thumb drives with her work on them disappear, she blames Tim and her brother defends him. Knowing something just isn't right she contacts Jake Evers, a friend. that could have been more, from college.
FBI Special Agent Jake Evers is part of the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team, HRT. He knows that he made a big mistake in letting Rachel slip away two years ago and after a harrowing time in Afghanistan he was determined to find her and reconnect. Six months ago he tried to contact her, but she shut him down. Didn't matter when she calls and he realizes she has had contact with a known Chinese terrorist. He will do whatever he needs to protect her.
Rachel Granger, a hard working architect, is living her dream, great job, her little brother, Brandon, nearby, everything except someone to share it with. Although she loves her brother, she is not so fond of one of his friends, Tim, a Chinese national, the guy creeps her out. He had been invading her personal space and asking a lot of questions about her work. When thumb drives with her work on them disappear, she blames Tim and her brother defends him. Knowing something just isn't right she contacts Jake Evers, a friend. that could have been more, from college.
FBI Special Agent Jake Evers is part of the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team, HRT. He knows that he made a big mistake in letting Rachel slip away two years ago and after a harrowing time in Afghanistan he was determined to find her and reconnect. Six months ago he tried to contact her, but she shut him down. Didn't matter when she calls and he realizes she has had contact with a known Chinese terrorist. He will do whatever he needs to protect her.
November 22, 2017
3.5 stars
I've had this book on my Kindle forever, I think? but I couldn't get into it mainly because I wasn't too keen about the antagonists being radical Islamists. I picked it up again last night because I was in the mood for romantic suspense and once I got past the initial discomfort, I couldn't put it down.
Kaylea Cross' writing reminds me of Pamela Clare (my fav!!!). I met the FBI Hostage Rescue Team in Clare's Dead by Midnight and I loved their dynamics. I love both Jake and Rachel as individual characters and as a couple, but I think I was more intrigued with whatever's going on in the background between Celida and Tuck. MARKED is definitely a great start to the series and I'm going on a reading binge, yep.
I've had this book on my Kindle forever, I think? but I couldn't get into it mainly because I wasn't too keen about the antagonists being radical Islamists. I picked it up again last night because I was in the mood for romantic suspense and once I got past the initial discomfort, I couldn't put it down.
Kaylea Cross' writing reminds me of Pamela Clare (my fav!!!). I met the FBI Hostage Rescue Team in Clare's Dead by Midnight and I loved their dynamics. I love both Jake and Rachel as individual characters and as a couple, but I think I was more intrigued with whatever's going on in the background between Celida and Tuck. MARKED is definitely a great start to the series and I'm going on a reading binge, yep.
May 10, 2023
Jake and Rachel were good friends in college. They liked each other but were unable to date. Life happens and they are pulled in different directions. Rachel finds herself in trouble and calls on Jake to help her out of the dangerous situation.
A good start to the series. Interesting plot. Good action.
The story was too short for the author to tackle the interesting, complicated plot she created. Then Kaylea Cross threw in a potential side romance. Not enough pages for development. Still a good read.
A good start to the series. Interesting plot. Good action.
The story was too short for the author to tackle the interesting, complicated plot she created. Then Kaylea Cross threw in a potential side romance. Not enough pages for development. Still a good read.
November 2, 2018
Attention!! Testostérones à gogo! Pas une seule seconde de répit du debut à la fin nous sommes pris dans cette histoire.
January 15, 2016
I picked up this book because the HRT were in Pamela Clare's new novella. I thought they were great and wanted to see more of them. I think because I adore Pamela Clare so much I held this book up to her standards which is why I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Don't get me wrong, I did like the book but it in no way compares to the romantic suspense writing down by Pamela. She is top shelf all the way.
It did keep me interested from the get go. However, it felt really short. Like a very short book, almost a novella. It was very weird.
I may read the other books in the series. Time will tell.
It did keep me interested from the get go. However, it felt really short. Like a very short book, almost a novella. It was very weird.
I may read the other books in the series. Time will tell.
November 6, 2014
As excited as I was to learn that Jake Evers was going to get his own series, 'Marked' felt somewhat formulaic of Kaylea Cross's Suspense/Titanium books with similar subject matters and similarly-crafted characters such that I found it hard to distinguish the H/h as unique individuals. It wouldn't stop me from anxiously waiting for every new book that she publishes in this new HRT lineup, but I think the Titanium and the Bagram Ops series are still the best to date.
December 31, 2017
Well this story is not very memorable, I finished it a week ago and can't remember anything great about it. (audible review).
The story line and plot were a bit out of whack and all over the place. I do remember that. The characters were okay at best. Not planning on moving on with this series.
As for the narration, it was very good. I do like Jeffrey Kafer. He has a nice voice and he does a good job on the female voices.
The story line and plot were a bit out of whack and all over the place. I do remember that. The characters were okay at best. Not planning on moving on with this series.
As for the narration, it was very good. I do like Jeffrey Kafer. He has a nice voice and he does a good job on the female voices.
March 11, 2016
It was hard getting through this book.*** Even just skimming it. The start, all the talk about the other persons presence bla bla. We get it. You're hot for each other. Get it on already. I was seriously more interested in the bad guys storyline. Haha.
***Might have a teeny bit to do with me trying to read this book while I have the flu and my patience and concentration is close to nil.
***Might have a teeny bit to do with me trying to read this book while I have the flu and my patience and concentration is close to nil.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
August 31, 2020
This story is action-packed, detailed and hot. The characters are well thought out and relatable, as well as realistic. I could see myself watching the whole thing like a Hollywood blockbuster action movie in front of my inner eye. The only thing I found slightly annoying was the narrator's tendency to read everything in a certain rhythm that turned it almost into a kind of singsong at times but that aside, I was captivated from start to finish. looking forward to more from this author.
PS: The intimate scenes are very hot and the action part can be triggering for some people who don't do well with violence, both of which I love but the violence is definitely something I feel I should warn you about to proceed with caution if you're sensitive where that is concerned.
PS: The intimate scenes are very hot and the action part can be triggering for some people who don't do well with violence, both of which I love but the violence is definitely something I feel I should warn you about to proceed with caution if you're sensitive where that is concerned.
Read
August 25, 2017No one does hard-hitting, edge-of-your-seat romance quite like Kaylea Cross. Marked is the first book in her Hostage Rescue Team series, and it features a villain from the FBI’s most wanted list. A friends-to-lovers story with a reunited twist, Marked kept me reading long into the night. FBI Agent Jake Evers is a determined hero, a true-blue type that the heroine could count on, no matter what—the perfect type of hero to melt a reader’s heart. —Cynthia Eden (https://www.bookish.com/articles/fbi-...)
September 4, 2019
Rachel Granger is an architect and when she gets a bad vibe from one of her brother's friends it will lead to a domino affect that will affect her, the ones she loves, the public and bring back someone from her past.
FBI Special Agent Jake Evers has regretted letting her go so when she contacts him he is determined NOT to let it happen again. When the proverbial 💩💩💩 hits the fan he will risk everything to keep her safe and to do his job and keep the country safe too.
I really enjoyed this story and plot, the cast of characters but it was a little bit of a rushed ending for me. I'd have liked a little....more. Eager to read book 2.
Is it pay day?
FBI Special Agent Jake Evers has regretted letting her go so when she contacts him he is determined NOT to let it happen again. When the proverbial 💩💩💩 hits the fan he will risk everything to keep her safe and to do his job and keep the country safe too.
I really enjoyed this story and plot, the cast of characters but it was a little bit of a rushed ending for me. I'd have liked a little....more. Eager to read book 2.
Is it pay day?
January 27, 2021
I don't know.... I don't think this author writes in a way that makes me care about her characters very much (although this book was slightly more successful at that than the last few I read by her).
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