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Dark Horse Guardians #2
Encountering Evil
The sequel to "A Sense of Duty," takes the reader deep into Ben's black-op work with his Dark Horse Guardian Team and it's not pretty. Terrorists exist on American soil; and the U.S. government hires secret contractors like Ben to make them disappear. Lieutenant Ben Keegan has a personal mission to protect and defend the innocent. He is a guardian; it is his calling. But there are problems and obstacles, not only on his secret missions but in his personal life. As for Lara, every woman dreams of being married to a hero; an alpha-male who is handsome, strong, and confident ~ the ultimate warrior. But, what is it really like for a woman to be married to a man who risks his life on every mission? "ENCOUNTERING EVIL" explores the problems she is forced to face.“ENCOUNTERING EVIL” is a roller coaster of emotion. There are tender moments of romance, intense passion, jealousy, rage, and frustration with outdated rules of engagement and a political system rife with incompetence. A thriller and a romance, this is a story about two people who love one another passionately, and their attempt to meld two very different lives together.
- GenresMystery Thriller
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Ava Armstrong
21 books78 followersAva Armstrong, new romance and thriller author, lives in a waterfront compound in an undisclosed location in New England, off the grid, with a military-grade security system and six English Bull Terriers.
The highlight of her eight years in college was driving at least one history professor to leave the state (she's been known to sit in the front of the class and challenge liberal professors). She graduated cum laude from a well-known private New England college with degrees in History, English, Business Administration, and Economics. (Note: the professor that gave her a D in Micro-Economics is no longer teaching).
During those college years, she found a brief career in modeling but became much more interested in photography and writing. After a decade-long career in corporate America with a four-billion dollar company, Armstrong focused on her true love: writing literature that could be read by the average human being.
She lives with her husband who resembles a bodyguard, and sleeps with a loaded S&W revolver. She has one child, whom she loves, and her collection of firearms, which she loves slightly less, with an especially warm affection for Glocks.
Her favorite things are the smell of cordite at the shooting range, the motor oil that drips from vintage 1940's Indian motorcycles, and the smell of sandalwood soap. You'd have to read her novels to understand that more deeply. Some people would describe her as a patriot, but she would describe herself as a Constitutionalist and a renegade.
She is currently hard at work on her next novel.
The highlight of her eight years in college was driving at least one history professor to leave the state (she's been known to sit in the front of the class and challenge liberal professors). She graduated cum laude from a well-known private New England college with degrees in History, English, Business Administration, and Economics. (Note: the professor that gave her a D in Micro-Economics is no longer teaching).
During those college years, she found a brief career in modeling but became much more interested in photography and writing. After a decade-long career in corporate America with a four-billion dollar company, Armstrong focused on her true love: writing literature that could be read by the average human being.
She lives with her husband who resembles a bodyguard, and sleeps with a loaded S&W revolver. She has one child, whom she loves, and her collection of firearms, which she loves slightly less, with an especially warm affection for Glocks.
Her favorite things are the smell of cordite at the shooting range, the motor oil that drips from vintage 1940's Indian motorcycles, and the smell of sandalwood soap. You'd have to read her novels to understand that more deeply. Some people would describe her as a patriot, but she would describe herself as a Constitutionalist and a renegade.
She is currently hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 9, 2014
Encountering Evil by Ava Armstrong picks up where Sense of Duty left off, and rest assured this exciting new author hits the ground running as does her cast of characters. Once you get to Page One, Ava grabs you by the lapels and doesn’t let you go. You are dragged immediately into a fast-paced narrative setting the ground for Ben Keegan and his Dark Horse Guardian team preparing for a mission in Worcester, Massachusetts for a smash job on the Islamic State of America. Yep, they’re in the Homeland, and they’ve got three targets in their sights: an Islamic events center and two Catholic colleges. Our boys are geared to stop them cold before the ink hits the presses, with no one ever becoming the wiser.
The subplot is where Armstrong steps up to the soapbox and makes her redeeming social statements. Our poor little abused girl, Lara Keegan, has matured into a beautiful married woman still haunted by the ghosts of her past. The author successfully intertwines her flashbacks into events of the present as we see the social depredations committed against the women who are trapped inside Muslim society. By presenting these parallel worlds, Armstrong is able to demonstrate how Western society can recoil with horror from the bare-knuckled lifestyles of T-shirted wife-beaters, while shrugging off the hyper-macho alpha male attitude of Muslims who walk their women like dogs on a leash. She discusses the impact on the children of these families and how their minds are distorted by this misogynistic lifestyle. And we do find that these kids themselves also carry scars from the shackle and the lash, both psychological and physical. When Ben and his boys get ‘er done, it’s enough to earn a standing ovation despite you sitting in a local library. As if that weren’t enough, Ben and Lara finally find closure in their issues with Eliot Stone, the antagonist from the first novel, bringing everything to a bittersweet ending.
There’s lots of romance readers who’d take a tumble over it as well. Which goes to show you: Encountering Evil by Ava Armstrong has more than enough for everybody.
The subplot is where Armstrong steps up to the soapbox and makes her redeeming social statements. Our poor little abused girl, Lara Keegan, has matured into a beautiful married woman still haunted by the ghosts of her past. The author successfully intertwines her flashbacks into events of the present as we see the social depredations committed against the women who are trapped inside Muslim society. By presenting these parallel worlds, Armstrong is able to demonstrate how Western society can recoil with horror from the bare-knuckled lifestyles of T-shirted wife-beaters, while shrugging off the hyper-macho alpha male attitude of Muslims who walk their women like dogs on a leash. She discusses the impact on the children of these families and how their minds are distorted by this misogynistic lifestyle. And we do find that these kids themselves also carry scars from the shackle and the lash, both psychological and physical. When Ben and his boys get ‘er done, it’s enough to earn a standing ovation despite you sitting in a local library. As if that weren’t enough, Ben and Lara finally find closure in their issues with Eliot Stone, the antagonist from the first novel, bringing everything to a bittersweet ending.
There’s lots of romance readers who’d take a tumble over it as well. Which goes to show you: Encountering Evil by Ava Armstrong has more than enough for everybody.
September 24, 2014
Ben and Lara are back happily married and looking forward to their future. But life itself wants to throw all kinds of obstacles in their way. Ms. Armstrong throws some twists and turns in this book. Once again the characters are well developed. Ben is learning to live happily with lara knowing he deserves love. Lara is a strong willed women that is learning that it is ok to lean on Ben and accept love in her life. We are introduced to the characters from book one but also many new characters. Each has a story of their own.
This book kept the action coming. I loved how detailed the writing was about Ben's missions. Made you feel as you were right there with him. While he is gone the action did not stop for Ava either. There were some twists that I did not see coming in this book.
The great part was this book was not really written in chapters. Each "chapter" was someone's POV. There were many POV's but Ms. Armstrong made is flow smoothly. It was refreshing to read this way. It also helped into getting a glimpse into all of the characters life. I am looking forward to the future of Ben and Lara.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book kept the action coming. I loved how detailed the writing was about Ben's missions. Made you feel as you were right there with him. While he is gone the action did not stop for Ava either. There were some twists that I did not see coming in this book.
The great part was this book was not really written in chapters. Each "chapter" was someone's POV. There were many POV's but Ms. Armstrong made is flow smoothly. It was refreshing to read this way. It also helped into getting a glimpse into all of the characters life. I am looking forward to the future of Ben and Lara.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2014
Reviewed for Hookedonbooks
This follows on from book 1 and omg this book was fab.
What happened in the first book gets a lot serious in this one Ben take on a dangerous mission but puts his life on he line.
Lara can add another admire to her on growing list in the form of Hawk a gardener who take a liking to her after their first meeting and hen we still have Eric who in her women scorned book to Elliott who still trying to make his move on her.
Lara life is going fab she with the guy she loves doing a job she loves then Ben leaves her to take on a mission and hell breaks loose elliot gatecrashers her 1st night in her new home and starts acting strange from there on and Hawk takes a liking to her too and starts making some improvement to himself to get her attention. Bett finds out what Elliot been up to and confronts him then the twist at the end I can't wait to read book 3 in this series
This follows on from book 1 and omg this book was fab.
What happened in the first book gets a lot serious in this one Ben take on a dangerous mission but puts his life on he line.
Lara can add another admire to her on growing list in the form of Hawk a gardener who take a liking to her after their first meeting and hen we still have Eric who in her women scorned book to Elliott who still trying to make his move on her.
Lara life is going fab she with the guy she loves doing a job she loves then Ben leaves her to take on a mission and hell breaks loose elliot gatecrashers her 1st night in her new home and starts acting strange from there on and Hawk takes a liking to her too and starts making some improvement to himself to get her attention. Bett finds out what Elliot been up to and confronts him then the twist at the end I can't wait to read book 3 in this series
May 18, 2015
Liked this book!
Book 2 was good. I liked Lara much better in this book. Getting to learn more about Ben and the rest of Dark Horse Guardians. Can't wait for the next book. The series is getting really good.
Book 2 was good. I liked Lara much better in this book. Getting to learn more about Ben and the rest of Dark Horse Guardians. Can't wait for the next book. The series is getting really good.
October 9, 2014
great continuation of book 1 looking forward to book 3
November 25, 2014
A must read for any one looking for some action and romance!!!!
November 13, 2017
Just as awesome a read as the first!!
This is a book & series definitely worth reading!! It is extremely well written & flows so seamlessly. It encompasses a wide range of life - it's highs & lows, emotions, it's challenges & successes etc........& the good, and evil that, unfortunately, exists in this world. It is very detailed & descriptive! The characters are really well developed. The two main characters are Ben & Lara, who were married in the first book. Ben, a former Lieutenant & a Navy Seal, who sees his mission to guard the world against the evil. Lara, an interior designer/restorer, who's made a name for herself in the industry. This book, just like the first, is most definitely worthy of 5 🌟's & even more!! Can't wait to read the third book in the series!!
This is a book & series definitely worth reading!! It is extremely well written & flows so seamlessly. It encompasses a wide range of life - it's highs & lows, emotions, it's challenges & successes etc........& the good, and evil that, unfortunately, exists in this world. It is very detailed & descriptive! The characters are really well developed. The two main characters are Ben & Lara, who were married in the first book. Ben, a former Lieutenant & a Navy Seal, who sees his mission to guard the world against the evil. Lara, an interior designer/restorer, who's made a name for herself in the industry. This book, just like the first, is most definitely worthy of 5 🌟's & even more!! Can't wait to read the third book in the series!!
May 31, 2019
Book 2 Encountering Evil
Book 2 Encountering Evil grabs you early with a cast of characters, both good and evil. We follow the lives of Ben and Lara as the day experience the early months of marriage and the growing pains that go along with it. Enjoy this one
Book 2 Encountering Evil grabs you early with a cast of characters, both good and evil. We follow the lives of Ben and Lara as the day experience the early months of marriage and the growing pains that go along with it. Enjoy this one
January 30, 2020
Fantastic
Another amazing book by a great author . I love the way she tells the story and makes you fell like are right day. It is so good it is hard to out down . Thank you Ava Armstrong for another great book
Another amazing book by a great author . I love the way she tells the story and makes you fell like are right day. It is so good it is hard to out down . Thank you Ava Armstrong for another great book
November 11, 2015
ENCOUNTERING EVIL is a romantic thriller that griped me from page one. I have read several Ava Armstrong books as I am a big fan, and this one did not disappoint.
Second in the 'Dark Horse Guardians' series, it follows up where A SENSE OF DUTY left off. But can Navy SEALS really settle down and live happily ever after? Lieutenant Ben Keegan and Lara put it to the test. Just as life begins to settle, duty calls. Fighting terrorists on American soil becomes the new order of the day for Ben. Just how close to home the fight would come is something nobody could predict. In addition to domestic fanatics, we find absence doesn't only make the heart grow fonder; it also draws in other interested parties. Friendships and loyalties are tested, and lurking beyond it all are the terrorists.
Amazingly realistic, the plot takes us into the lives of American heroes, their experiences, the hardships they endure, the separations they must suffer, and yet how in the end, they are their to stand stalwart for love and country. Written in the point of view of the various characters makes this novel unique—a powerful read in the genre of military/romantic thrillers.
Second in the 'Dark Horse Guardians' series, it follows up where A SENSE OF DUTY left off. But can Navy SEALS really settle down and live happily ever after? Lieutenant Ben Keegan and Lara put it to the test. Just as life begins to settle, duty calls. Fighting terrorists on American soil becomes the new order of the day for Ben. Just how close to home the fight would come is something nobody could predict. In addition to domestic fanatics, we find absence doesn't only make the heart grow fonder; it also draws in other interested parties. Friendships and loyalties are tested, and lurking beyond it all are the terrorists.
Amazingly realistic, the plot takes us into the lives of American heroes, their experiences, the hardships they endure, the separations they must suffer, and yet how in the end, they are their to stand stalwart for love and country. Written in the point of view of the various characters makes this novel unique—a powerful read in the genre of military/romantic thrillers.
October 7, 2014
Lara and Ben are back in the second Dark Horse Guardian series, they are happily married and making plans for the future. However, life has a way of throwing them a few curve-balls. Again, Ava’s characters are well written and the story unfolds wonderfully.
The action continues for Ben and you feel as though you are standing beside him during his missions. As in real life, Lara’s life doesn’t stop while Ben is gone. This book includes other characters from book 1 and introduces new ones that I look forward to getting to know as the series continues.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book, it’s full of love, life and adventure.
The action continues for Ben and you feel as though you are standing beside him during his missions. As in real life, Lara’s life doesn’t stop while Ben is gone. This book includes other characters from book 1 and introduces new ones that I look forward to getting to know as the series continues.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book, it’s full of love, life and adventure.
February 16, 2015
The Dark Horse Guardians are back again
Ben and Lara are back with another chapter of spying and intrigue. The book wasn't as good as the first one but it did have its moments where it left you wondering what could possibly happen next? I'm not a big lover of serials and that's what this feels like. The action scenes are good and when added to the live story of Ben and Lara it makes it a 3.5 star book.
Ben and Lara are back with another chapter of spying and intrigue. The book wasn't as good as the first one but it did have its moments where it left you wondering what could possibly happen next? I'm not a big lover of serials and that's what this feels like. The action scenes are good and when added to the live story of Ben and Lara it makes it a 3.5 star book.
April 2, 2016
I respected this author in the way she presented our special ops heros, and therefore she should be commended. I appreciate the story. We need to honor our heros and she does that.
However, there was too much repetition and backstory telling us how to feel. In addition, the dialogue was somewhat stiff.
Having said that, I hope this author continues to produce for us inspiring stories, perhaps with a little editing in the future. I know I appreciate editors.
However, there was too much repetition and backstory telling us how to feel. In addition, the dialogue was somewhat stiff.
Having said that, I hope this author continues to produce for us inspiring stories, perhaps with a little editing in the future. I know I appreciate editors.
October 13, 2014
Ben is tasked with eliminating a huge terrorist encampment in New England. they're planning on infesting a stadium with anthrax....the attack fails and Ben feeds the anthrax to the terrorists and rescues kidnapped and abused women and children from the encampment. but it's a long assignment, and his wife is attacked twice while he's away....
June 24, 2016
Wow
Another great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Anxious to read the next book. Hoping to find the same "can't put it down" reading as the first two were.
Another great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Anxious to read the next book. Hoping to find the same "can't put it down" reading as the first two were.
April 5, 2017
While I was deeply intrigued by the story plot and sequence, I must tell the author that your books need professional editing. You must learn how to create paragraphs, especially in conversations. Properly written, each person speaks in their own paragraph. You tend to put the words/speech of one character in the same paragraph with another person's reaction or thought. Many of your paragraphs have two persons speaking in consecutive sentences. This is not only deeply confusing it is annoying and makes your stories very difficult to follow.
I read the first two of your Dark Horse series but I doubt I will read more. As I said, the premise, background, plot of your stories are excellent. I love your characters.
The greatest problem any author has is the inability to define their own mistakes. It is never good to edit your own work. Even though it can be expensive, you gain more by spending those needed dollars to have someone else edit for you.
I have downgraded your rating for that reason. Properly edited, I would have been delighted to score the two Dark Horse stories I read as 5.
I read the first two of your Dark Horse series but I doubt I will read more. As I said, the premise, background, plot of your stories are excellent. I love your characters.
The greatest problem any author has is the inability to define their own mistakes. It is never good to edit your own work. Even though it can be expensive, you gain more by spending those needed dollars to have someone else edit for you.
I have downgraded your rating for that reason. Properly edited, I would have been delighted to score the two Dark Horse stories I read as 5.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews