Missing Marcus (Special Forces: Operation Alpha)

by Cassie Colton

Ready to put the pieces of his life back together, Marcus "Knight" Hutchins interviews with the Serenity Securities team. Knight will do anything to put his cheating ex-wife and their past behind him.

When Knight returns to Seattle, one call changes everything for the former SEAL.

Gabrielle Hutchins still longs for the man she met years ago in the diner, but Knight is no longer that charming and forgiving man. Knight is far from the Marcus she fell for. Embracing life and working on herself became Gabbie's only option. However, Knight's beside her hospital bed when she needs him the most. Now, she is forced to face the truth and explain how much danger she's truly in.

Knight is determined to protect Gabrielle at all costs and prove he's her "knight in shining armor." Can she finally let down her guard and admit how much she's been Missing Marcus?

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Paula (on hiatus)]

What was author smoking when she wrote this thing? How in the world can any ARC reviewer rate it 5 stars? People, you are NOT doing authors a favor by lying.

Not only does this story have 2 unlikable MCs (MMC more so than FMC) with a very weak to non-existent romance, a suspense plot that was equally laughable and more than anything, the bloody awful writing!

For instance, MMC does not know his wife was taking college course at night to become an Accountant. In the present when he returns back into her life after being separated for a few months while waiting for the divorce to become final, he thinks she is still a waitress. A few pages later, we are told he knows she's an accountant. When & who told him is never mentioned.

Same for the sister. MMC's sister who was BFFs with heroine takes her brother's side and believes she cheated on her brother and tells him to move on with someone else and forget her. She also ignores heroine's calls and has no discussion with her. So a few pages later, somehow she knows she did not cheat on her brother and suddenly they are back to being BFFs again and her pushing FMC to forgive and take back the asshole.

Ditto for MMC. With absolutely NO discussion with FMC, he somehow now knows he got it wrong and that she did not cheat on him and that the baby is his. How did he come to this conclusion? When? Who told him? And on and on it went where author would have one major obstacle in place but somehow resolved a page or so later with no explanation. No talks. No giving the reader insight how one goes from point A to suddenly Z.

And lastly, let me just mention how awful her characters are. Mostly MMC because we are told that he had a Father who cheated on his Mother as he had a 2nd family and that left him with issues of trust & cheating. And since he was in the military and apparently witnessed some awful things which at 60% I still didn't know what, his trauma or PTSD made him physically & emotionally distance himself from his wife to the point that he forgot her birthday, anniversary, plans she made for them, etc. and basically checked out of his relationship but it's all his wife's fault. Not his.

So when FMC becomes pregnant, she had a male colleague take her home as she wasn't feeling good and was spotting. This OM was just a colleague and the only one left at work to help her. All he did was take her home and made sure she had a wet cloth or cup of water. He was coming out of their bathroom with the items when MMC walks in, finds his wife in their bed fully clothed with OM walking out of the bathroom and assumes she is cheating on him.

He then kicks her out of the house and files for divorce and because he is a bully, he never allows her to explain anything to him or to tell him about the pregnancy. But we also get a lovely convo during the divorce hearing where he tells her the house & everything in it is his because he paid for it out of his own money as she is only a waitress and couldn't afford anything on her own. Author has him constantly saying this BTW to justify his actions that he gave her a home, food on the table and money to spend like he was doing her a favor and that she wasn't contributing to anything and didn't put in the work to decorate & renovate said house for it to feel like a home, cook & clean for him, etc. She even paid his car mortgage out of her own pocket and he never reimburses her and even cleans out their joint checking account and only gives her 20,000 to live on. After this lovely scene which he took great pleasure to see her hurt, I could see how this was going to be such a lovely & epic "romance".

Anyway, suffice it to say that his character does not get any better for the 60+% I read before giving up. And FMC is too much of a doormat and martyr for me. She was his spouse and an equal provider even if she was "just a waitress". I like strong kickass FMCs and would have given it at least 1 or 2 stars if author had her clean him out and get spousal & child support - not act all butt hurt and allow him to demean her, much less take him back.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is heartfelt and shows the bond these men and women have. It also shows the harsh realities these men and their partners find themselves in when dealing with the effects of PTSD. Marcus and Gabby are about to get divorced. When Gabby discovers something suspicious at work she is run off the road. As she hasn't taken him off as her emergency contact Marcus is called and shocked to discover that she is pregnant. Determined to protect her and the baby they find themselves at Serenity Mountain. With misunderstandings, confusion and lots of drama they both have to find a way towards forgiveness of each other and themselves if they stand any chance of a HEA. With the help of everyone at Serenity Mountain, including the children, Marcus and Gabby discover a family that will help and protect them when needed, especially when Gabby goes missing. Beautifully written, this book left me sitting on the edge of my seat. With many lighthearted moments that had me laughing out loud, it also had me in tears at the raw desperation found within Marcus and Gabby. This is a series that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster and I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Lana Humphress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads close to Reality

Oh my goodness, I just have to share my excitement about Marcus and Gabby! The first few chapters totally blew my mind, especially when we really see Marcus grappling with the challenge of truly listening to what's important. Being a soldier is no walk in the park, and it's so heartbreaking to watch our heroes sometimes lose their way, isn't it? I did notice a few scenes that felt a little repetitive, but hey, the multiple perspectives really added a fun twist! It’s so evident that he’s in denial about needing help, and that just resonates so much, doesn’t it? Plus, we're taken on this deep emotional journey with a warrior facing PTSD, while there's also this wild subplot with someone trying to make his almost ex-wife disappear! The emotions felt so real and relatable, even if they could be a bit frustrating at times! But let's not forget that hilarious image of pregnant women chowing down on tacos like there's no tomorrow—seriously, who can resist that? Just imagining them trying to stay safe on the mountain while juggling all those challenges makes for such an entertaining read!

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Emotional Read You Won’t Want To Put Down

Wow!!! What a story. Ms. Colton put me through every emotion known to man — in a great way. I love books that make me feel and no one writes these types of books like Ms. Colton. At one point I had to stop and pray for every veteran out there suffering in silence like Marcus and not know what the problem is. I highly recommend this book with a box of tissues at your side.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the biggest betrayal in a marriage ever be forgiven? Can an absent military man understand what happens while he is deployed? A dual POV tale that delves into a complex swath of circumstances that set two lives in opposite directions. The joy of accomplishment paired with the pain of betrayal. The story includes a marriage gone wrong and the effect it has on both parties. The title character is a SEAL whose missions have changed him. He walks away from his wife and struggles to understand why. As she tries to piece her life back together.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series and this is Marcus / Knight and Garbielle / Gabby’s story.
Marcus is a former navy seal who has left the military, and Gabby, his wife, are going through divorced proceedings. When Gabby is injured, Marcus is still her contact person, and he arrives at the hospital. Knowing Gabby is in danger, Marcus is determined to keep her safe and protected.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with heartbreak, loss, drama, anger, determination, danger, suspense, intrigue, revelations, retribution, challenges, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Becky Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Cassie Colton.

This is the second book in this series. It has all of our favorite characters that reside on Serenity Mountain and of course Marcus and Gabrielle fit right in with the Serenity family. Their story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as is all of Cassie's books that's what keeps you coming back for more! She knows how to make you feel it all at the same time. Amazing, and I can't wait for more!
If you love an action packed, rollercoaster of emotions that leads to a HEA then go grab this book!!!!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby has always loved Marcus. Marcus issues get the best of him and he thinks the worst, putting Gabby in the worst predicament. When he realizes what he thought was a whole misunderstanding, does he have the guts to come clean and accept his mistakes and take ownership of his demons. This is a second chance love story that will have your emotions all over the place but it is worth it non stop.

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing Marcus is a fantastic emotional romantic suspense.
This book take you on an emotional roller coaster ride!
I could not put it down and quite enjoyed it.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read in the Serenity Securities series.
A very emotional story highlighting the issues of PTSD and how Knight, an ex-Navy SEAL struggled. It was thanks to the team and especially Patch who recognised his symptoms and encouraged him to seek help.
With his divorce looming and his pregnant wife Gabby struggling with how badly he had treated her and being unaware of his demons things didn’t look great.
The team and their other halves did their usual to help the healing of the couple but it was fraught with Gabby’s worries of being cast adrift again.
The back story surrounding the trafficking scheme that Gabby had uncovered in her accountancy work added further drama with a twist which I didn’t expect.
I had tears in my eyes at times and at others I smiled at the humoured especially the bonding between Knight and Patch. The team’s children also brought a lighter side to the story.
A really enjoyable but at the same time emotional story, written with tact and understanding.

I received a free copy of this book via Cassie Colton and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Colton is hitting her stride in Serenity Mountain, and this second series shows how thoughtful and sensitive storyteller she is.
Marcus and Gabrielle's story is heartwrenching, but so heartening as we see them, with the support of our favourite Serenity family, go through the pain, misunderstandings, and dangers to their eventual HEA. This one grips you from the first chapter and keeps you turning pages as you are shown the pitfalls and heartache of mental health, PTSD and depression. It is triggering but is so unbelievably sensitively handled that Marcus and Gabrielle's pain is manageable as you travel the rollercoaster of their story. The tears are worth it as much as the laugh out loud moments.
I've fallen in love with the Serenity family, and Marcus, Gabrielle, and their baby fit into it perfectly. I can only say the disappointment with ending this story is that I now have to wait for more in this new series 💖

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus & Gabby’s story teared me up so many times. It’s such an emotional roller coaster. Reading both their sides and thinking- why, why don’t you.
It’s not only their problem that make this an excellent book, it’s the bits and pieces that come to surface throughout their story that makes this book a success.
I would give 10 stars if I could.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tissue box required, very emotional story of heartbreak and second chances. This books deals with a tough subject our military men and woman suffer from. Well written, could not put down looking forward to what is coming from this series

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is hard for military families and this one is no different. Knight has a lot of demons and he lost sight of what's important. Gabrielle stumbles onto something and it puts her in danger. There's danger, suspense, and healing. Excellent read. HEA.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Serenity Securities, Team Hawk story for Marcus "Knight" Hutchins and Gabrielle Hutchins. Talk about emotional and deeply personal issues for military officers and their families, I have to say I was torn between happy that Gabrielle was standing up for herself and deep hurt for her and at her for both trying to protect herself and pulling away instead of asking questions to their friends and family members. I do love that I see myself in this story as I almost ended my marriage for miscommunication and misunderstandings too. I like these two made it work with a lot of emotional dumping and really talking to each other. Communication is key to every relationship and fighting for the love you have and want. What an amazing story with, drama, danger, secrets, and mystery too what’s not to love about this incredible book.

I received a free copy of this book via Cassie Colton and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Convinced . . .

I can’t say that I enjoyed this story. Miscommunication is rampant and ruins the two of them who never bother to talk it out and get the facts straight. Marcus is a mess and treats Gabby very hatefully. And Gabby is a doormat who won’t speak up and set the record straight. He glories in the pain he causes her, feeling very victorious since he has all the money and self-righteous indignation when it just might be that he misinterpreted what he saw with his own eyes. But not asking for clarification, he paints the scenario in his head, taking pleasure in all the pain he can possibly inflict. By that point, I would not even consider taking the idiot back into my life for any reason whatsoever. But those who accept being berated become their own worst enemy. I did not like this story. Love is supposed to run deeper than the superficial relationship these two experienced.

[Bianca Gogos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When you assume..."

This book had me wanting to smack Marcus and Gabby for all of the assumptions and lack of communication. It goes to show that when people have trauma or baggage, they jump to conclusions.

I do love how the men of Serenity call each other out on their "stuff." There is no sugarcoating it when someone has messed up and that is just what Knight needs!

I enjoyed the banter in this book and finding out how there could have been so many misunderstandings. I haven't cried during a book like this in a while, but the situations were so intense.

I was grateful Knight and Gabby had the Serenity Team (men and women) to help them deal with their issues. I am excited for the next book!

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic emotional story. Both have baggage they never unloaded. Marcus has left the military and is trying to start over after finding his wife with another man. He does everything he can to hurt her as much as he's been hurt. Gabrielle is picking up the pieces of her life and starting over, getting ready to have a baby. She transfers to a new office and finds information about human trafficking. She is run off the road. Marcus is her emergency contact and arrives at the hospital. Their emotional journey begins. Can he keep her safe?.

I received a free copy of this book via Cassie Colton and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay:
This was fairly enjoyable story and the suspense aspects were its saving grace. However, I found much of the book to be rather sad and depressing, largely as it dealt with the main couple fighting and going through a divorce. It took a while for them to overcome their hurts and failures but I was happy when Marcus and Gabby finally reconciled.
I hadn't read the prior series from which this is a spinoff and so felt as if I was missing out a bit as the previous characters are heavily represented here. It was also a bit over the top with all the pregnancies and numerous children.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Marcus is a easy to follow storyline that ebbs and flows effortlessly between the suspenful action packed drama and the emotional roller-coaster that gets you in the feels right from the start and keeps you there throughout the entire story the main characters are engaging and well-rounded with a quirky core group of characters that are bold and over the top and make appearances throughout the series creating a found family environment.

I received a advance reader's copy of this book via Cassie Colton and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't lie I really disliked Knight aka Marcus for quiet some time due to his actions and I wasn't sure Gabby should take him back which was really refreshing. This is a bit of a wild ride as there are strong emotions you go through with what's happening between Knight and Gabby, then you also have the danger of what Gabby uncovered. Thankfully they have an amazing support system and I think Knight and Patch's friendship is one to aim for in life.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

He let his demons ruin the best thing that ever happened to him, and it will take some hard realisations for him to get it back.
I really enjoyed Gabrielle and Knight’s story. An engaging emotional read, with a look at how emotional damage can ruin your life. Loved that Gabrielle stuck to her guns, but in the end had enough grace to forgive Knight once he was making things right. As usual a great supporting team, and plenty of action.


I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Ryder book 1 was awesome, but Cassie has once again just made Marcus even more awesome. Boy does she know how to dig deep & mess with your emotions as you read. You toes the line between anger, fustrations & heart ache for these characters. It's not all roses but you love the satisfaction you get seeing these characters emerge stronger after the trials. Fantastic banter & reality checks from Ryder as he extends the friendship to Marcus is my Favourite. Just so much to love & enjoy from this fantastic author.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knight has left the military and now is losing his wife to Gaby. He did not see it coming and is in shock. But someone is after Gabby for secrets she knows and throw in a pregnancy, Marcus needs to find his strength to save Gabby.
This book is full of emotions, with real characters and action, drama and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Cassie Colton and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing Marcus is the 2nd book in the Serenity Securities Team Hawk series and I recommend reading those books in order since there are a lot of side characters to keep track of. While I liked Gabrielle and really felt with her, I did not warm up to Marcus at all. Since I also found the suspense plot fairly unbelievable, this was no more than an OK read for me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 2 in The Serenity Securities, Team Hawk Book Series has an intriguing story, a well-crafted and intense characters. These characters have unique personalies, explosive chemistry, interesting histories and believable interactions. This story has an intense story, a cheating Ex, a changed & hardened Man, a Woman who fell for him, he is there when she needs him, danger, a connection, twists, turns, chemistry and Love. A must read story.

[Monique Westwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was full of emotion. Ms. Colton expertly portrayed both sides of a marriage and the work required by both partners to make it work. The Serenity Mountain team were amazing as usual. I really do love them. There was some intrigue and danger aspects, but it mostly focused on relationships. Was lovely to see Wolf and his team from Susan Stoker's world as well.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With every turn of the page the heart becomes more invested. From the sharp turns of life to the dangerous curves of love, Gabrielle and Marcus make their way into your soul. Missing Marcus is a temptation of heart and heat, that proves too haunting to pass up.

[Stacy Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional book. Very well written.
The characters are great. Once you start reaching you
won't want to post it down.
Definitely would recommend.
I was given a copy and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating, well written and emotionally-charged. Loved the storyline and characters, and the compelling mix of romance, action and suspense. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Looking forward to CC’s next book.