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Coast Guard Recon #3
Conflicted: Coast Guard RECON, Book 3
Meet Elias Mason of the US Coast Guard's TEAM RECON. As in reconstructed. As in broken and needs fixing.
Team RECON has a new headquarters now—Miami, Florida, which also happens to be Elias's hometown. He's been avoiding his past like the plague, but there are some things you can't outrun. Like the death of his best friend, his past involvement with the local gang, and his first love, Andrea Torres.
Andrea has been on a path of vengeance for years. Now an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Andy is determined to take down Santiago, the main runner of guns, money, and drugs in Miami, and the man who killed her sister. Her current undercover assignment has her so close to caging Santiago, she can taste it.
To stay on top, Santiago has to turn to buying guns from the Russians and selling them to militia groups. Elias and Andrea will need to bury their animosity and ignore the fiery chemistry between them to run a game of deception as insiders for Santiago. Pretending to be the couple they once were in order to bring their common enemy to justice would work if only the Russians didn't have other plans.
Contains mature themes.
Team RECON has a new headquarters now—Miami, Florida, which also happens to be Elias's hometown. He's been avoiding his past like the plague, but there are some things you can't outrun. Like the death of his best friend, his past involvement with the local gang, and his first love, Andrea Torres.
Andrea has been on a path of vengeance for years. Now an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Andy is determined to take down Santiago, the main runner of guns, money, and drugs in Miami, and the man who killed her sister. Her current undercover assignment has her so close to caging Santiago, she can taste it.
To stay on top, Santiago has to turn to buying guns from the Russians and selling them to militia groups. Elias and Andrea will need to bury their animosity and ignore the fiery chemistry between them to run a game of deception as insiders for Santiago. Pretending to be the couple they once were in order to bring their common enemy to justice would work if only the Russians didn't have other plans.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
Published June 18, 2024
511 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Lori Matthews
39 books330 followersI grew up in a house filled with books and readers. Some of my fondest memories are of reading in the same room with my mother and sisters, arguing about whose turn it was to make tea. No one wanted to put their book down!
I was introduced to romance because of my mom’s habit of leaving books all over the house. One day I picked one up. I still remember the cover. It was a Harlequin by Janet Daily. Little did I know at the time that it would set the stage for my future. I went on to discover mystery novels. Agatha Christie was my favorite. And then suspense with Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming.
I loved the thought of combining my favorite genres, and during high school, I attempted to write my first romantic suspense novel. I wrote the first four chapters and then exams happened and that was the end of that. I desperately hope that book died a quiet death somewhere in a computer recycling facility.
A few years later, (okay, quite a few) after two degrees, a husband and two kids, I attended a workshop in Tuscany that lit that spark for writing again. I have been pounding the keyboard ever since here in New Jersey, where I live with my children—who are thrilled with my writing as it means they get to eat more pizza—and my very supportive husband.
I was introduced to romance because of my mom’s habit of leaving books all over the house. One day I picked one up. I still remember the cover. It was a Harlequin by Janet Daily. Little did I know at the time that it would set the stage for my future. I went on to discover mystery novels. Agatha Christie was my favorite. And then suspense with Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming.
I loved the thought of combining my favorite genres, and during high school, I attempted to write my first romantic suspense novel. I wrote the first four chapters and then exams happened and that was the end of that. I desperately hope that book died a quiet death somewhere in a computer recycling facility.
A few years later, (okay, quite a few) after two degrees, a husband and two kids, I attended a workshop in Tuscany that lit that spark for writing again. I have been pounding the keyboard ever since here in New Jersey, where I live with my children—who are thrilled with my writing as it means they get to eat more pizza—and my very supportive husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 21, 2022
Elias Mason isn’t happy they’re stationed in Miami, there’s too much family, too many memories and most of his youth was spent here. ATF agent Andrea ‘Andy’ Torres is afraid she won’t avenge her sister’s death against a thug from a decade ago who’s only gotten more powerful or explain things to her aunt. Things are spiraling and her team isn’t where they should be!
While helping an ATF team on a gun-running case, team Recon don’t trust them and aren’t surprised when the op goes bad. But Elias is shocked Andy, the woman who betrayed him, the one he can’t stop loving almost died for ATF. Andy believes it was petty revenge that stopped her team but her anger fade when the hurt and love she’s always had for Elias fills her.
After coupling highlights of the ATF case with a murder case they’re assigned, Recon notices powerful thug, Santiago is the center of both cases and devise a plan that puts Recon in the center of the action edging ATF out. Santiago knows of Elias and Andy’s past and decides to use them to further his own goals. Meanwhile, the ATF team takes a hit.
Rating: 4.5stars
While helping an ATF team on a gun-running case, team Recon don’t trust them and aren’t surprised when the op goes bad. But Elias is shocked Andy, the woman who betrayed him, the one he can’t stop loving almost died for ATF. Andy believes it was petty revenge that stopped her team but her anger fade when the hurt and love she’s always had for Elias fills her.
After coupling highlights of the ATF case with a murder case they’re assigned, Recon notices powerful thug, Santiago is the center of both cases and devise a plan that puts Recon in the center of the action edging ATF out. Santiago knows of Elias and Andy’s past and decides to use them to further his own goals. Meanwhile, the ATF team takes a hit.
Rating: 4.5stars
August 20, 2023
Coming back to his hometown has not been easy for Elias Mason, but things become even harder when his team is requested to back up an ATF operation and he comes face to face with his ex-girlfriend Andrea Torres.
Both Andy and Elias have motives to hate drug lord and head of the Street Aces Santiago, but when he volunteers to go undercover to back up her story and hold to the best chance they have to stay in and catch the criminal, neither of them expect to be thrown together for the foreseeable future in order to remain in his trust.
Once again, the original idea is very attractive, but I found the delivery had way to many holes for my taste and made some parts of the book a little implausible. Also, I felt some things were left hanging and some others were quite predictable which took from my reading experience. I hope things go better with the remaining books in the series.
2 stars
Both Andy and Elias have motives to hate drug lord and head of the Street Aces Santiago, but when he volunteers to go undercover to back up her story and hold to the best chance they have to stay in and catch the criminal, neither of them expect to be thrown together for the foreseeable future in order to remain in his trust.
Once again, the original idea is very attractive, but I found the delivery had way to many holes for my taste and made some parts of the book a little implausible. Also, I felt some things were left hanging and some others were quite predictable which took from my reading experience. I hope things go better with the remaining books in the series.
2 stars
May 30, 2022
I was already a fan of this author but have really enjoyed this series so could not wait until the ARC was offered by Hidden Gems. Each of these books takes the story of the individual members of this Coast Guard RECON team. This one follows Elias as he settles into the team’s new location and his hometown Miami. As they are setting up the new office, the RECON team is called in to help ATF as they have an upcoming bust. When the ATF agent, “Andy” turns out to be Elias’ first love, Andrea, they must work together to take down a local gang turned international arms dealer. They pretend to be the couple that they used to be, and it results in their past coming full circle.
August 23, 2023
A good military and action romance. This is a second chance romance and it does a great job of explaining his pain, poker fix, aversion to Miami, and sense of angst we saw in the first two books. Andrea is a firecracker and she had a great role that was full of emotion, ambition, hurt, and love. The component of past harms and misunderstandings played a strong role. The family and relatives were entertaining and I enjoyed swing how the team and their reputation is evolving. The end/solving the case was a bit pat and the surprise on who killed her supervisor was not surprising, but it was well or has treated with some humorous lines. Enjoyable read and series.
July 24, 2022
The past misunderstanding
This story is mostly about recognizing the truth in the past and the many deceptions of the present. Its a story with many different mysteries. I still think her ex boss had more hidden too. But there is quite a bit of action with boats, guns, and militias, Russians, and competitive mafia types, then the RECON team and ATF team, it makes for gun fights, kidnapping, and sea battles in storm tossed seas. Oh I forgot the murder investigation too... They end up sorting out solo many loose ends its full of action and mystery.
This story is mostly about recognizing the truth in the past and the many deceptions of the present. Its a story with many different mysteries. I still think her ex boss had more hidden too. But there is quite a bit of action with boats, guns, and militias, Russians, and competitive mafia types, then the RECON team and ATF team, it makes for gun fights, kidnapping, and sea battles in storm tossed seas. Oh I forgot the murder investigation too... They end up sorting out solo many loose ends its full of action and mystery.
March 7, 2023
Conflicted
The story writing is impressive, however, I am not a fan of enemies to lovers stories. Getting over of a strong dislike or rather hate isn't likely. Speaking from experience one can never let their guard down when hate is present. Yes one can be civil but forget the reason for hate will always be in the back of the mind. One can never truly forget the bad feel because the other person is always capable of inflicting hurt and pain again. It's the nature of that person. Lori Matthews is an excellent writer but her characters leave a lot to be desired.
The story writing is impressive, however, I am not a fan of enemies to lovers stories. Getting over of a strong dislike or rather hate isn't likely. Speaking from experience one can never let their guard down when hate is present. Yes one can be civil but forget the reason for hate will always be in the back of the mind. One can never truly forget the bad feel because the other person is always capable of inflicting hurt and pain again. It's the nature of that person. Lori Matthews is an excellent writer but her characters leave a lot to be desired.
May 16, 2022
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. There is a lot of action, remembered trauma and reignited romance in this book. Elias and Andrea share a common goal of bringing down Santiago but didn't trust each other because of the past. The true reasons for past events come out and air is cleared between them. However once the case is thought to be over, a final betrayal almost costs Andrea her life but Elias saves her.
June 17, 2022
So exciting
Elias meets his ex when his team get roped in to assist the ATF on a mission to take down an old nemesis. Hurt feelings influence a lot of those involved but both Elias and Andrew have to work together to survive, never mind succeed. They are both likeable characters just trying to avenge senseless deaths and the storyline overall is filled with drama, adrenaline filled excitement, action and unexpected revelations. I really enjoy this series.
Elias meets his ex when his team get roped in to assist the ATF on a mission to take down an old nemesis. Hurt feelings influence a lot of those involved but both Elias and Andrew have to work together to survive, never mind succeed. They are both likeable characters just trying to avenge senseless deaths and the storyline overall is filled with drama, adrenaline filled excitement, action and unexpected revelations. I really enjoy this series.
September 18, 2022
Water suspense
Misunderstanding means when the two main characters, Andrea and Elias reconnect, they have to work on their relationship as well as the case involving both local and international gangs.
There’s a lot going on, especially even more misunderstandings but it’s written really well. I didn’t like the main characters at first but when the reasons for their behaviour is known it’s clearer. It’s very cleverly written.
I liked it and can’t wait for the next.
Misunderstanding means when the two main characters, Andrea and Elias reconnect, they have to work on their relationship as well as the case involving both local and international gangs.
There’s a lot going on, especially even more misunderstandings but it’s written really well. I didn’t like the main characters at first but when the reasons for their behaviour is known it’s clearer. It’s very cleverly written.
I liked it and can’t wait for the next.
September 25, 2022
So far my favorite of the series
I am fairly new to Lori Matthews as an author, but I have greatly enjoyed the books I have read so far.
This book has a hero who has a good heart, but also has issues he needs to work through, and a heroine who has done most of the work to deal with her own issues from their shared past. I think what I like best about this book was her strength...
I am fairly new to Lori Matthews as an author, but I have greatly enjoyed the books I have read so far.
This book has a hero who has a good heart, but also has issues he needs to work through, and a heroine who has done most of the work to deal with her own issues from their shared past. I think what I like best about this book was her strength...
December 29, 2022
The storyline is interesting, but the conflict was both explained and resolved by suddenly being dumped on the rest of the RECON team. There wasn't much communication between Elias and Andy, they sort of talked to each other about their issues by explaining their issues to the team with the other person present. Otherwise, it was interesting.
thank you HiddenGems for the free ARC
thank you HiddenGems for the free ARC
May 24, 2022
Elias
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. I like getting to know the characters and glad when they work things out. The Team Recon series has been interesting to read.
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. I like getting to know the characters and glad when they work things out. The Team Recon series has been interesting to read.
December 7, 2022
Andrea, and Elias loved each other until his brother and her sister were murdered
I liked the way the book took you back and explained what each of them felt at losing loved ones, and blaming each other for breaking their hearts.
I liked the way the book took you back and explained what each of them felt at losing loved ones, and blaming each other for breaking their hearts.
September 5, 2023
Great action pact read
This is the 3rd book in this series, and I think it was one of the best. I say that because I felt like the characters were more realistic as well as the situation they were in. I hope the series continues in this to get better with each book.
This is the 3rd book in this series, and I think it was one of the best. I say that because I felt like the characters were more realistic as well as the situation they were in. I hope the series continues in this to get better with each book.
June 6, 2022
This was a great follow up to the other books in the series. I loved Andy. Elias not so much. He needed a few good kicks to the behind.
June 9, 2022
I enjoyed the plot of this book. There was a lot going on and the story was very well done. Definitely not a stand alone, but definitely an enjoyable read.
June 17, 2022
Good read
December 2, 2022
I really liked it.
Read
February 13, 20233.5 stars Best in the series so far.
May 16, 2023
Andrea and Elias, navy seal. Takes place in Miami involving the Street Aces street gang and drug lord.
July 14, 2023
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
August 8, 2023
Awesome Read!
Conflicted is a great read. Thrilling, action packed, hot, tense, gritty… Elias and Andrea’s Miami exciting adventure is a not to be missed book!
Conflicted is a great read. Thrilling, action packed, hot, tense, gritty… Elias and Andrea’s Miami exciting adventure is a not to be missed book!
December 19, 2024
Excellent
May 27, 2022
Lori Matthews book Conflicted; book three of the Coast Guard RECON Series is as good as both the previous books I’ve read. And the writing continues to be relevant, and holds your attention.
This is a second chance romance for Elias and Andrea, and during the story you find out what caused the split between them. At times I wanted to shake Elias, and tell him to move on. However Andrea is a kickass character, and a bit hardass. It’s a very good suspenseful storyline that develops well and is believable. There are a few hold your breath moments to keep one interested too.
The camaraderie and the cohesiveness of RECON team show relevant development from book to book for this cobbled together team. I love the interaction between then, and that they don’t take things too seriously. Looking forward to book four from this author.
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book
Merged review:
Lori Matthews book Conflicted; book three of the Coast Guard RECON Series is as good as both the previous books I’ve read. And the writing continues to be relevant, and holds your attention.
This is a second chance romance for Elias and Andrea, and during the story you find out what caused the split between them. At times I wanted to shake Elias, and tell him to move on. However Andrea is a kickass character, and a bit hardass. It’s a very good suspenseful storyline that develops well and is believable. There are a few hold your breath moments to keep one interested too.
The camaraderie and the cohesiveness of RECON team show relevant development from book to book for this cobbled together team. I love the interaction between then, and that they don’t take things too seriously. Looking forward to book four from this author.
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book
This is a second chance romance for Elias and Andrea, and during the story you find out what caused the split between them. At times I wanted to shake Elias, and tell him to move on. However Andrea is a kickass character, and a bit hardass. It’s a very good suspenseful storyline that develops well and is believable. There are a few hold your breath moments to keep one interested too.
The camaraderie and the cohesiveness of RECON team show relevant development from book to book for this cobbled together team. I love the interaction between then, and that they don’t take things too seriously. Looking forward to book four from this author.
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book
Merged review:
Lori Matthews book Conflicted; book three of the Coast Guard RECON Series is as good as both the previous books I’ve read. And the writing continues to be relevant, and holds your attention.
This is a second chance romance for Elias and Andrea, and during the story you find out what caused the split between them. At times I wanted to shake Elias, and tell him to move on. However Andrea is a kickass character, and a bit hardass. It’s a very good suspenseful storyline that develops well and is believable. There are a few hold your breath moments to keep one interested too.
The camaraderie and the cohesiveness of RECON team show relevant development from book to book for this cobbled together team. I love the interaction between then, and that they don’t take things too seriously. Looking forward to book four from this author.
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book
May 13, 2022
Andrea Torres, now an ATF agent currently undercover has returned to Miami while working on a case trying to rope in Santiago, the main gun, money and drug runner in Miami. First she needs to survive her current situation where one of his goons is trying to double-cross him. Elias Mason, her ex-love and now a member of the US Coast Guard’s Team Recon has recently returned to town and his team has been asked to be back-up for an ATF op. He just doesn’t know Andy is involved until things go south and he has to save her. Now Andrea has to explain to the killer how she was able to survive a shooting incident at sea where his men were killed along with the gun runners they were meeting. Elias steps in to save her again and now Santiago has paired them together to get Elias cooperation in his ‘organization’ or Andrea dies. Now they are dealing with a paranoid maniac and a murderer. And… they are not the same person…
May 9, 2022
Superb:
It was wonderful reconnecting with this unorthodox group of Coast Guards and I especially enjoyed finding out more about Elias who was just as complex and tortured as I thought after our previous encounters with him. It was lovely seeing him find peace and hope once again. Elias and Andy had a complicated and rather combustive history so when they ran into each other again sparks were flying!
I really enjoyed the fast paced action, mystery and suspense. There was a complexity to the case yet everything unfolded in such a way that it just felt interesting and exciting. I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series and am curious as to which wounded warriors story we will discover.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
It was wonderful reconnecting with this unorthodox group of Coast Guards and I especially enjoyed finding out more about Elias who was just as complex and tortured as I thought after our previous encounters with him. It was lovely seeing him find peace and hope once again. Elias and Andy had a complicated and rather combustive history so when they ran into each other again sparks were flying!
I really enjoyed the fast paced action, mystery and suspense. There was a complexity to the case yet everything unfolded in such a way that it just felt interesting and exciting. I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series and am curious as to which wounded warriors story we will discover.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 7, 2022
Three books in and I am still hooked on Lori’s stories. I don’t want to say they are getting better with each book because each book is equally good. The writing is fantastic and the story is amazing. The camaraderie of the men of RECON is so inspiring that I have a hard time putting the book down. I am totally invested in the story. There are lots of twists and turns. Elias and Andrea are great characters and I love their push and pull and eventual admitting their ongoing love. There are a lot of suspense writers and Lori is one of the masters. This story is “chef’s kiss” good. If you like lots of suspense with clever plots and a smattering of romance (yes, it is very good) then try Lori’s stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
May 17, 2022
Can you say romantic suspense? Conflicted, the 3rd book in the Coast Guard REcon series, absolutely fits the bill.
Elias and Andy (Andrea) have a history, so when Andy has to call in reinforcements for a raid and Elias is one of them, it's quite interesting to say the least.
Can you say twists and turns? Gosh...so much to process in this fabulous book. I loved it!
I've read all of the books in this series and think it is easier to kind of follow the plot and everyone in the book, if you've read the first two. You don't have to, but it helps keep track of everyone!
If you're looking for a 'go to' for romantic suspense, well written and researched books, and an all around good story, you can't go wrong with this author.
Elias and Andy (Andrea) have a history, so when Andy has to call in reinforcements for a raid and Elias is one of them, it's quite interesting to say the least.
Can you say twists and turns? Gosh...so much to process in this fabulous book. I loved it!
I've read all of the books in this series and think it is easier to kind of follow the plot and everyone in the book, if you've read the first two. You don't have to, but it helps keep track of everyone!
If you're looking for a 'go to' for romantic suspense, well written and researched books, and an all around good story, you can't go wrong with this author.
May 17, 2022
Once again we are with the damaged hero's of Team Recon and this time we get Elias Mason we have met him in previous stories and he is just as complicated as he appeared he was going to be The team has moved to new headquarters in Miami which pouts Elias back in his hometown it also means he reconnects with undercover ATF agent Andrea Torres who he used to have a relationship with Things get complicated when he and his team act as backup and rescue her from an undercover how does she explain been the only survivor to a crazy psycho in the shape of Santiago Before they know it they are both involved in the case and those feelings are once again at the front of their minds Can they survive and can they have a future Read to see
September 24, 2024
Let’s be honest, I was already most of the way in love with the members of Team RECON before I even cracked the spine on this baby. So, it’s probably no surprise that I was immediately drawn into this book. It pulls together so many frightening possibilities from recent headlines that I have to wonder if there isn’t somewhere that this story is actually taking place. It also gives me that greatest of all catnips to my imagination: a second chance. It also won’t come as a shock to anyone that I was cheering for Elias and Andy to air their differences and find their way back to one another. I’m hooked. I’m a Team RECON groupie now, and I can’t wait to see what the author brings us next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews