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Deadly Ops #3
Shattered Duty
A new novel from the author of Bound to Danger who “has the amazing ability of pulling the reader onto the front lines of the action and drama.” (The Reading Café)
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he's finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he's ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.
As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul…
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he's finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he's ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.
As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul…
311 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
79 people are currently reading
1788 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,243 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
July 29, 2015
4 - "This isn't fucking casual." Stars!
Book three in Katie Reus’ Deadly Ops Series, started off at a rapid sprint and didn’t really slow down until the last chapter. I haven’t read the previous books in the series (although I am itching too now) but, Shattered Duty can absolutely be read as a standalone, without the reader experiencing any confusion.
As I have come to expect with romantic suspense books from this author, the cast and characters are laid out pretty quickly, the multiple POV’s set the scene really well, and although very thorough, nothing is over-done or impedes the flow of the story between Levi and Selene as a whole.
”You and I are going to have to talk about your trust issues.”
I really liked Levi, the guy is dealing with some serious issues, having lost his wife a couple of years ago in the most disturbing of circumstances. Grief and the thirst for revenge have been strong and controlling motivations ever since, and the intervening time has been spent living a solitary, undercover existence, trying to build an alternate persona that will allow him access to the people he believes are responsible for her murder.
Selene Wolfe has known of Levi for longer than he realizes and when their paths cross at a party, they realize that their goals top infiltrate the same criminal network are very similar, except Selene works for his former boss in the NSA, and whereas her actions are sanctioned, Levi’s are wholly independent and for personal reasons, rather than on a national security level like Selene’s. Working together, as well as being attracted to each other, but never fully trusting, they form an uneasy alliance.
”I want to taste your release on my tongue as you ride my face.”
Gotta love a dirty talker, and Levi certainly does admirably in that respect. I liked that Katy took the time to deal with the guilt and grief over his wife before putting them together sexually. The chemistry between them is smoking, but it takes a little time for the flame to fully ignite.
Another great book, from an author who is becoming a firm favorite on this girls Kindle!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Book three in Katie Reus’ Deadly Ops Series, started off at a rapid sprint and didn’t really slow down until the last chapter. I haven’t read the previous books in the series (although I am itching too now) but, Shattered Duty can absolutely be read as a standalone, without the reader experiencing any confusion.
As I have come to expect with romantic suspense books from this author, the cast and characters are laid out pretty quickly, the multiple POV’s set the scene really well, and although very thorough, nothing is over-done or impedes the flow of the story between Levi and Selene as a whole.
”You and I are going to have to talk about your trust issues.”
I really liked Levi, the guy is dealing with some serious issues, having lost his wife a couple of years ago in the most disturbing of circumstances. Grief and the thirst for revenge have been strong and controlling motivations ever since, and the intervening time has been spent living a solitary, undercover existence, trying to build an alternate persona that will allow him access to the people he believes are responsible for her murder.
Selene Wolfe has known of Levi for longer than he realizes and when their paths cross at a party, they realize that their goals top infiltrate the same criminal network are very similar, except Selene works for his former boss in the NSA, and whereas her actions are sanctioned, Levi’s are wholly independent and for personal reasons, rather than on a national security level like Selene’s. Working together, as well as being attracted to each other, but never fully trusting, they form an uneasy alliance.
”I want to taste your release on my tongue as you ride my face.”
Gotta love a dirty talker, and Levi certainly does admirably in that respect. I liked that Katy took the time to deal with the guilt and grief over his wife before putting them together sexually. The chemistry between them is smoking, but it takes a little time for the flame to fully ignite.
Another great book, from an author who is becoming a firm favorite on this girls Kindle!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
June 8, 2015
Wasn't wild about Shattered Duty which is a shame as I was so looking forward to Levi's story. I have enjoyed many other KR books where the suspense takes away from the romance and loved them. This one, not so much.
I think my issue is that they didn't get together until very late on in the book, then it was so rushed and insta love which didn't work for me at all. I don't mind insta love when it is believable, it wasn't in this case.
I also didn't connect with the characters, and was left not really knowing them. I needed more of their histories, I got to know very little about his ex wife, the whole reason behind the book.
I also found the first half of the book incredibly slow going. This one took me days to read, usually a KR book is inhaled in one day.
I think my issue is that they didn't get together until very late on in the book, then it was so rushed and insta love which didn't work for me at all. I don't mind insta love when it is believable, it wasn't in this case.
I also didn't connect with the characters, and was left not really knowing them. I needed more of their histories, I got to know very little about his ex wife, the whole reason behind the book.
I also found the first half of the book incredibly slow going. This one took me days to read, usually a KR book is inhaled in one day.
June 1, 2015
“You strip away every ounce of civility in me, Selene” - Levi
The third book in the Deadly ops series by Katie Reus tells the story of Special Agent Levi and Special Agent Selene Wolfe.
After his wife’s brutal murder and his inability to exact revenge through his agency, Levi decides to leave everything behind and uncover the identities of his enemies alone. Now two years later he has finally the names of the people who destroyed his life and he will stop at nothing to get his vengeance.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe is very close at catching the bad guys when Levi interferes with her case. Levi might have the names of his enemies but it’s Selene that has the connections and the means to bring them closer. Levi and Selene will have to work together if they want to bring down their common enemy. Selene knows that Levi wants to punish the man responsible for his wife’s murder. She knows he wants to kill him but first she needs some answers. She doesn’t completely trust him but she’s willing to take a chance with him.
Can Selene trust a man with no loyalty not to betray her?
This one was my favorite in the series! I loved the previous books but I clicked with this one. Levi was a tortured man. When he lost his wife, he lost not only his best friend but something more. He wanted to find out the reason his wife was targeted and he wanted justice. Levi tried to play by the rules but when it became clear that he would never get what he wanted through the agency, he left and became another man.
Selene owes her life to Levi even if he doesn’t remember why. Levi is aware that his wife had helped a lot of agents with their missions but what he doesn’t know is that the ties that bind them are stronger. She will help him get his revenge and she will make sure that he doesn’t jeopardize her own mission. Thousands of loves depend upon them. A wrong decision could cost them everything.
Levi was a great hero. Despite leaving his agency behind and breaking some laws, he never forgot his morals. He thought that he was a different man but deep down he was the same man that Selene met when she was young. Meeting again after all these years neither could anticipate the tension between them. Their first meeting was exploding.
As always I loved the secondary characters, in this case, Alexander and Allison. Their scenes were few but they were super amazing. Also, I was truly surprised with the ending. I never saw that coming.
Selene and Levi were two incredible main characters. Their story was one full of action, suspense and twists. They had a long and difficult road to follow but with their determination and courage they managed to reach its end.
Highly recommended!
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
The third book in the Deadly ops series by Katie Reus tells the story of Special Agent Levi and Special Agent Selene Wolfe.
After his wife’s brutal murder and his inability to exact revenge through his agency, Levi decides to leave everything behind and uncover the identities of his enemies alone. Now two years later he has finally the names of the people who destroyed his life and he will stop at nothing to get his vengeance.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe is very close at catching the bad guys when Levi interferes with her case. Levi might have the names of his enemies but it’s Selene that has the connections and the means to bring them closer. Levi and Selene will have to work together if they want to bring down their common enemy. Selene knows that Levi wants to punish the man responsible for his wife’s murder. She knows he wants to kill him but first she needs some answers. She doesn’t completely trust him but she’s willing to take a chance with him.
Can Selene trust a man with no loyalty not to betray her?
This one was my favorite in the series! I loved the previous books but I clicked with this one. Levi was a tortured man. When he lost his wife, he lost not only his best friend but something more. He wanted to find out the reason his wife was targeted and he wanted justice. Levi tried to play by the rules but when it became clear that he would never get what he wanted through the agency, he left and became another man.
Selene owes her life to Levi even if he doesn’t remember why. Levi is aware that his wife had helped a lot of agents with their missions but what he doesn’t know is that the ties that bind them are stronger. She will help him get his revenge and she will make sure that he doesn’t jeopardize her own mission. Thousands of loves depend upon them. A wrong decision could cost them everything.
Levi was a great hero. Despite leaving his agency behind and breaking some laws, he never forgot his morals. He thought that he was a different man but deep down he was the same man that Selene met when she was young. Meeting again after all these years neither could anticipate the tension between them. Their first meeting was exploding.
As always I loved the secondary characters, in this case, Alexander and Allison. Their scenes were few but they were super amazing. Also, I was truly surprised with the ending. I never saw that coming.
Selene and Levi were two incredible main characters. Their story was one full of action, suspense and twists. They had a long and difficult road to follow but with their determination and courage they managed to reach its end.
Highly recommended!
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
June 18, 2015
This was a long anticipated story for me after being briefly introduced to Levi's situation earlier in the series. After losing his wife and unborn child to brutal torture by a sick fiend, Levi escaped the agency he worked for and lived only for revenge. He crossed into gray areas and established himself with a dangerous persona to get close to the people who would lead him to the one who killed his wife. Any good in him and any sense of conscience is buried deep under his consuming need.
Now however, the situation with Levi has many people concerned because his need for revenge will put thousands of lives in jeopardy forcing those who would claim him as friend or even owe him their lives to put him down for the greater good. One woman takes a chance that Levi still retains the honor, integrity and sense of duty he was known for and seeks to make Levi her mission partner. Surprisingly, even to Levi himself, he is ready to step up and do the job for reasons beyond revenge and for the first time since his wife was killed, he is interested in another woman.
And so begins the shaky and tentative partnership between Agent Selene Wolfe and former agent, Levi Lazaro. Levi may seem like the weak loose cannon on the team, but Selene has big issues and secrets of her own that may jeopardize things particularly her soft spot for Levi. Selene is a good agent and knows that the evil man plotting against innocents needs to be stopped even if it means destroying any chance with Levi and maybe having to take the final step to stop him.
This was a powerful story beyond just the romance and suspense elements. It's the story of Levi's journey back from darkness and Selene's final step of healing. The action is intense and the villain is truly vile. Like the others in the series, the hero and heroine narrators are joined by the villain in telling the story. The tension isn't so much in not knowing who is doing what, but in how they will accomplish what they are to do. The romance builds right alongside the action. Attraction is there, but wisely, the author gives this time to tease out. They have a lot of baggage that needs to be dealt with first.
The characters were phenomenal. Levi was easily a hero that I could get behind. He may be nearly broken by what happened to his wife and the isolation he lives in after parting with everyone he knew, but he falls in line when he is needed, he respects Selene and her skills without feeling threatened, and he is the one who makes the grand gesture even though he had every reason to feel hurt and betrayed.
Now while I loved Levi, it was Selene who really surprised me. She was a fantastic heroine. She is brilliant, capable, and loyal. She is young and impulsive at times, but her motives and actions are sound. Her flaw is difficulty bestowing complete trust. If there was one thing that I would have liked to have seen, it would have been a scene demonstrating real faith in Levi particularly after he kept patiently proving himself. This isn't a real criticism so much as just a dreamy wish because Selene made all the right decisions even when they were tough ones. She loved him and everything worked out in the end- most satisfactorily, but there wasn't that moment with everything on the line where she had to choose to trust. Guess the romantic in me wanted that. Not that I was gypped on the romance because they were a passionate pair.
All in all, this series continues to impress with strong, gritty, action, intriguing twists, and characters that are tough, mature, and sizzling hot. Even better, these are connected as a series, but in such a way that they can be read out of order. Romantic Suspense lovers really shouldn't pass these up.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now however, the situation with Levi has many people concerned because his need for revenge will put thousands of lives in jeopardy forcing those who would claim him as friend or even owe him their lives to put him down for the greater good. One woman takes a chance that Levi still retains the honor, integrity and sense of duty he was known for and seeks to make Levi her mission partner. Surprisingly, even to Levi himself, he is ready to step up and do the job for reasons beyond revenge and for the first time since his wife was killed, he is interested in another woman.
And so begins the shaky and tentative partnership between Agent Selene Wolfe and former agent, Levi Lazaro. Levi may seem like the weak loose cannon on the team, but Selene has big issues and secrets of her own that may jeopardize things particularly her soft spot for Levi. Selene is a good agent and knows that the evil man plotting against innocents needs to be stopped even if it means destroying any chance with Levi and maybe having to take the final step to stop him.
This was a powerful story beyond just the romance and suspense elements. It's the story of Levi's journey back from darkness and Selene's final step of healing. The action is intense and the villain is truly vile. Like the others in the series, the hero and heroine narrators are joined by the villain in telling the story. The tension isn't so much in not knowing who is doing what, but in how they will accomplish what they are to do. The romance builds right alongside the action. Attraction is there, but wisely, the author gives this time to tease out. They have a lot of baggage that needs to be dealt with first.
The characters were phenomenal. Levi was easily a hero that I could get behind. He may be nearly broken by what happened to his wife and the isolation he lives in after parting with everyone he knew, but he falls in line when he is needed, he respects Selene and her skills without feeling threatened, and he is the one who makes the grand gesture even though he had every reason to feel hurt and betrayed.
Now while I loved Levi, it was Selene who really surprised me. She was a fantastic heroine. She is brilliant, capable, and loyal. She is young and impulsive at times, but her motives and actions are sound. Her flaw is difficulty bestowing complete trust. If there was one thing that I would have liked to have seen, it would have been a scene demonstrating real faith in Levi particularly after he kept patiently proving himself. This isn't a real criticism so much as just a dreamy wish because Selene made all the right decisions even when they were tough ones. She loved him and everything worked out in the end- most satisfactorily, but there wasn't that moment with everything on the line where she had to choose to trust. Guess the romantic in me wanted that. Not that I was gypped on the romance because they were a passionate pair.
All in all, this series continues to impress with strong, gritty, action, intriguing twists, and characters that are tough, mature, and sizzling hot. Even better, these are connected as a series, but in such a way that they can be read out of order. Romantic Suspense lovers really shouldn't pass these up.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2016
I have been waiting for this particular hero’s story since book 1. I am delighted to say it didn’t disappoint me. Levi Lazaro has been straddling the line between the good guys and the bad guys for a while now and no one was confident as to where his loyalties lay. But it was clear that Levi’s motivation was his thirst for revenge against those who murdered his fiancé and unborn child. I loved it this rogue agent getting justice and coming back to the fold.
This third book in the series is the best one yet. Levi’s story was well conceived and Selene was a perfect counterbalance to his personality. The author made this relationship feel authentic because it was an instantaneous love match. There was an attraction but Levi still finished the grieving process before he fully committed to Selene. Selene also proved to be smart, resourceful and compassionate. Her skills as an agent made her shine as kick ass heroine in her own right.
The stability of this story lied in the very careful blend of crime solving with very sensual scenes.
I just couldn’t put this one down until I finished it. I really enjoyed his connection between special agent Selene Wolfe because she didn’t comprise the mission nor did she sell Levi out. It showed an excellent balance between very cerebral decision making and emotive decision making.
The book had action, angst, mystery, suspense and romance. This was romantic suspense done right!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2015
His only focus is vengeance, but as Levi Lazaro closes in on his target, Special Agent Selene Wolfe closes in on the same target forcing him to face an impossible choice in this electrifying romantic suspense.
Vivid imagery brings these strong compelling characters to life with vibrant energy that draws the reader in and refuses to let go while lots of thrilling and death defying action guarantees there is never a dull moment. Tension and expectation builds as Levi and Selene closes in on a very treacherous enemy and the clock is ticking keeping readers on the edge of their seats and glued to the well written scenes and events.
Emotional angst grips the heart as Levi struggles to make the choice between his vengeance for past events and his desire for the one woman who’s awakened his soul. The reader can’t help but get caught up in all the excitement and turmoil that flows from the pages with electrifying intensity and the fast paced and smooth flowing plot makes it easy for readers to become part of the action and thrills. The romance between Levi and Selene grows slowly but steadily throughout the story with both unsure of trusting the other which adds lots of depth to the story and Levi’s status with the agency causes quite a bit of tension and excitement while unexpected twists keep everyone guessing.
Once again, Katie Reus gets the blood pumping and the adrenaline hopping with lots of suspense, action, romance and captivating characters that make the heart pound and ensure that the readers come back for more. I was completely absorbed in Levi and Selene’s story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next electrifying Deadly Ops mission.
- Eva
Vivid imagery brings these strong compelling characters to life with vibrant energy that draws the reader in and refuses to let go while lots of thrilling and death defying action guarantees there is never a dull moment. Tension and expectation builds as Levi and Selene closes in on a very treacherous enemy and the clock is ticking keeping readers on the edge of their seats and glued to the well written scenes and events.
Emotional angst grips the heart as Levi struggles to make the choice between his vengeance for past events and his desire for the one woman who’s awakened his soul. The reader can’t help but get caught up in all the excitement and turmoil that flows from the pages with electrifying intensity and the fast paced and smooth flowing plot makes it easy for readers to become part of the action and thrills. The romance between Levi and Selene grows slowly but steadily throughout the story with both unsure of trusting the other which adds lots of depth to the story and Levi’s status with the agency causes quite a bit of tension and excitement while unexpected twists keep everyone guessing.
Once again, Katie Reus gets the blood pumping and the adrenaline hopping with lots of suspense, action, romance and captivating characters that make the heart pound and ensure that the readers come back for more. I was completely absorbed in Levi and Selene’s story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next electrifying Deadly Ops mission.
- Eva
November 28, 2015
*noms* Fantastic combo of rom-suspense. Loved the characters, the action, the set up. Good times. Good times.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
September 1, 2015
Special Agent Levi Lazaro vows revenge on the people who killed his wife. He has been working tirelessly trying to find them and now that he has discovered who the players are, he finds himself entangled with Special Agent Selene Wolfe.
Selene has her own reason for being in the same place as another agent. Levi wants answers though and for the first time since his wife died he feels a spark of attraction to another woman. Not sure if they can trust one another, they find themselves working together to find the man who is in the middle of it all.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10947
Selene has her own reason for being in the same place as another agent. Levi wants answers though and for the first time since his wife died he feels a spark of attraction to another woman. Not sure if they can trust one another, they find themselves working together to find the man who is in the middle of it all.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10947
November 5, 2016
Link to full review below! Another wonderful romantic suspense from Katie Reus! See full review on The Book Disciple
May 19, 2017
Levi and Selena's story was awesome from their very first meet to finding out who killed Levi's wife and baby lot's of thrills, spills and adventure plus plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing and a great ending.
August 31, 2017
All the pretty little bows were tied up a bit too neatly! 3.5 Stars
June 25, 2022
3.5-4 stars - Romantic Suspense
June 29, 2015
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
After his wife’s brutal murder, Special Agent Levi Lazaro walked away from his job and his life in favor of tracking down the people responsible. Going from an all American straight shooting man to a vengeance driving machine, Levi has made a home for himself in the grey areas between following the rules and breaking them. Finally, after looking for nearly two years, Levi has finally gotten the names he needs to get revenge and he won’t let anything stop him. Not even an NSA agent with her own reasons for looking out for him.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe is the perfect combination of guts and brains which made her an obvious choice for the NSA. Deadly and brilliant, when Selene hears that a deadly terrorist cell might have ties to the murder of Levi’s wife, Selene knows it’s only a matter of time before Levi tries to bring them down on his own. She agrees to be part of a mission to stop the terrorist cell before they can carry out their next attack in order to try and help Levi and keep him from doing something he might regret, or that might get them both killed in the process.
It’s not official until the series is over but I do think Shattered Duty just might be my favorite Deadly Ops novel. There was just so much going on in this book and so much to love about it too!
The story line was something out of a Grade A action movie, there was the distraught man out for revenge, the villain who is as ruthless as he is cruel and the edge of your seat action and suspense. But what Shattered Duty had that most action movies don’t have was a kick ass woman who was as much a hero as the man.
I loved how competent Selene was. She knew her worth, she knew her skills and she was confident enough to go toe to toe with Levi whenever she felt she had to. Author Katie Reus delivers what she promises and that’s a strong female character throughout the whole book. None of this turning her into a damsel in distress after she meets the hero. I’ve become way more selective in my romantic suspense because of authors like Katie Reus who don’t sideline female characters when things get dangerous. Instead, women like Selene are often depended on to carry out some of the most important parts of the missions or are even the ones who come in, guns blazing, ready to save the day. Damn straight I’m only going to read romances like that because what good is a limp, lifeless, cowardly female in a romantic suspense anyway? They just drag the hero down and make him look more like a caveman.
I honestly think that because of Selene, Levi was a better hero. She was a capable woman that Levi didn’t have to save or protect. Not that he didn’t want to protect her but he didn’t have to. He could depend on her to watch his back and not hesitate to put a bullet in an enemy’s head. Levi was a natural protector of women and children but that was only part of why he was such a good character. It was his belief in Selene, that had me falling for this guy. At the beginning of Shattered Duty Levi was nothing more than a rage fueled machine and it took awhile and a bit of an internal struggle before he was more man than machine.. He didn’t want to feel anything and he hadn’t for the longest time. With the return of emotions like doubt, concern and affection for another human being, Levi became less of a machine and more of a man. One thing that never changed was Levi’s need to take down evil. I loved how noble he was despite losing his wife and breaking a few rules. Everyone loves a little bad in their man right?
Shattered Duty for me had more emotion behind the characters and in general the entire plot than previous books. I guess that’s part of what made it such a good read for me. The rage and sorrow in Levi’s soul was just too much to ignore. Plus, the way Katie Reus threw in a past connection between Levi and Selene was pretty neat. There were some pretty yummy secondary characters in this one that were so mysterious that I couldn’t help but notice them more. I do hope they’ll come out in future books. I can’t help but love the dark, dangerous, mysterious men that Reus writes because I know that when they meet that one woman, it’s going to be one hell of a sexy ride!
Final Verdict: Katie Reus makes danger look sexy!
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
After his wife’s brutal murder, Special Agent Levi Lazaro walked away from his job and his life in favor of tracking down the people responsible. Going from an all American straight shooting man to a vengeance driving machine, Levi has made a home for himself in the grey areas between following the rules and breaking them. Finally, after looking for nearly two years, Levi has finally gotten the names he needs to get revenge and he won’t let anything stop him. Not even an NSA agent with her own reasons for looking out for him.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe is the perfect combination of guts and brains which made her an obvious choice for the NSA. Deadly and brilliant, when Selene hears that a deadly terrorist cell might have ties to the murder of Levi’s wife, Selene knows it’s only a matter of time before Levi tries to bring them down on his own. She agrees to be part of a mission to stop the terrorist cell before they can carry out their next attack in order to try and help Levi and keep him from doing something he might regret, or that might get them both killed in the process.
It’s not official until the series is over but I do think Shattered Duty just might be my favorite Deadly Ops novel. There was just so much going on in this book and so much to love about it too!
The story line was something out of a Grade A action movie, there was the distraught man out for revenge, the villain who is as ruthless as he is cruel and the edge of your seat action and suspense. But what Shattered Duty had that most action movies don’t have was a kick ass woman who was as much a hero as the man.
I loved how competent Selene was. She knew her worth, she knew her skills and she was confident enough to go toe to toe with Levi whenever she felt she had to. Author Katie Reus delivers what she promises and that’s a strong female character throughout the whole book. None of this turning her into a damsel in distress after she meets the hero. I’ve become way more selective in my romantic suspense because of authors like Katie Reus who don’t sideline female characters when things get dangerous. Instead, women like Selene are often depended on to carry out some of the most important parts of the missions or are even the ones who come in, guns blazing, ready to save the day. Damn straight I’m only going to read romances like that because what good is a limp, lifeless, cowardly female in a romantic suspense anyway? They just drag the hero down and make him look more like a caveman.
I honestly think that because of Selene, Levi was a better hero. She was a capable woman that Levi didn’t have to save or protect. Not that he didn’t want to protect her but he didn’t have to. He could depend on her to watch his back and not hesitate to put a bullet in an enemy’s head. Levi was a natural protector of women and children but that was only part of why he was such a good character. It was his belief in Selene, that had me falling for this guy. At the beginning of Shattered Duty Levi was nothing more than a rage fueled machine and it took awhile and a bit of an internal struggle before he was more man than machine.. He didn’t want to feel anything and he hadn’t for the longest time. With the return of emotions like doubt, concern and affection for another human being, Levi became less of a machine and more of a man. One thing that never changed was Levi’s need to take down evil. I loved how noble he was despite losing his wife and breaking a few rules. Everyone loves a little bad in their man right?
Shattered Duty for me had more emotion behind the characters and in general the entire plot than previous books. I guess that’s part of what made it such a good read for me. The rage and sorrow in Levi’s soul was just too much to ignore. Plus, the way Katie Reus threw in a past connection between Levi and Selene was pretty neat. There were some pretty yummy secondary characters in this one that were so mysterious that I couldn’t help but notice them more. I do hope they’ll come out in future books. I can’t help but love the dark, dangerous, mysterious men that Reus writes because I know that when they meet that one woman, it’s going to be one hell of a sexy ride!
Final Verdict: Katie Reus makes danger look sexy!
June 2, 2015
4.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 2, 2015
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he's finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he's ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.
As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--SHATTERED DUTY is the third full length installment in Katie Reus’s adult, contemporary Deadly Ops military, romantic suspense series. This is former NSA Special Agent Levi Lazaro and Special Agent Selene Wolfe’s storyline. SHATTERED DUTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.
Levi Lazaro has gone rogue. Two years earlier, following the brutal rape and murder of his wife and unborn child, Levi went ‘off reservation’ in the hopes of taking down everyone responsible for the death of his wife. A chance to infiltrate the organization of the man Levi believes is connected to the murder of his wife, finds our hero reluctantly teaming up with special agent Selene Wolfe, as she searches for information regarding a poisonous toxin and the missing scientist associated with a potential biological war. What ensues is the building relationship between two people whose lives are connected by both the past and the present.
Selene knows that Levi is a wanted man. The NSA has kept tabs on the former agent knowing that their man is grieving and he has set his sights on the take down and destruction of everyone responsible for destroying his life. Levi has issues of trust and in this, he wars with the guilt about betraying his wife’s memory, and his attraction to Selene. Levi is a man who is unable to let go of the past and is determined to reach his target anyway he can. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and erotic; the quick build to love is a foregone conclusion but one never expected by our grieving hero.
Several of the previous storyline characters (and agents) play a secondary and supporting role (if only by way of mention) throughout the story including Jack Stone (Targeted book 1) who once again, is present to curtail any potential threat to his men. The people responsible for the murder of Levi’s family know their future is limited; and the requisite evil will die by the hands of the man who has spent two years planning his demise.
Deadly Ops is a phenomenal series with action and suspense; romance and love; retribution and revenge. The build up to the final take down follows two paths pitting Selene and Levi in a battle for the ultimate control of their future and their hearts. Katie Reus’s storylines are movies for the mind !
Copy supplied by Netgalley/author
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 2, 2015
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he's finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he's ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.
As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--SHATTERED DUTY is the third full length installment in Katie Reus’s adult, contemporary Deadly Ops military, romantic suspense series. This is former NSA Special Agent Levi Lazaro and Special Agent Selene Wolfe’s storyline. SHATTERED DUTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.
Levi Lazaro has gone rogue. Two years earlier, following the brutal rape and murder of his wife and unborn child, Levi went ‘off reservation’ in the hopes of taking down everyone responsible for the death of his wife. A chance to infiltrate the organization of the man Levi believes is connected to the murder of his wife, finds our hero reluctantly teaming up with special agent Selene Wolfe, as she searches for information regarding a poisonous toxin and the missing scientist associated with a potential biological war. What ensues is the building relationship between two people whose lives are connected by both the past and the present.
Selene knows that Levi is a wanted man. The NSA has kept tabs on the former agent knowing that their man is grieving and he has set his sights on the take down and destruction of everyone responsible for destroying his life. Levi has issues of trust and in this, he wars with the guilt about betraying his wife’s memory, and his attraction to Selene. Levi is a man who is unable to let go of the past and is determined to reach his target anyway he can. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and erotic; the quick build to love is a foregone conclusion but one never expected by our grieving hero.
Several of the previous storyline characters (and agents) play a secondary and supporting role (if only by way of mention) throughout the story including Jack Stone (Targeted book 1) who once again, is present to curtail any potential threat to his men. The people responsible for the murder of Levi’s family know their future is limited; and the requisite evil will die by the hands of the man who has spent two years planning his demise.
Deadly Ops is a phenomenal series with action and suspense; romance and love; retribution and revenge. The build up to the final take down follows two paths pitting Selene and Levi in a battle for the ultimate control of their future and their hearts. Katie Reus’s storylines are movies for the mind !
Copy supplied by Netgalley/author
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 31, 2016
I like KR's Deadly Ops series and I had been looking forward to Levi's story. He's been a shadow figure in the first two books as an agent who "went off the reservation" but called in tips to his former boss. His story had so much potential but I didn't think it was fully recognized.
Ms Reus has good writing and story telling abilities but she also managed to hit some of my pet peeves so the story didn't work so well for me. If the items below wouldn't bother you, then this may be a four or five star read for you.
What didn't work for me. To explain my points I have to provide a little bit of spoilers. I'm trying to provide my point without telling the plot.
1. The premise of the plot felt weak. Selene's idenity is that of "The Wolf", an assassin who is offering her services to the bad guy (Tasev) who the NSA is trying to capture. However, based on the bad deeds that Tasev is up to, I'm not sure why he was in need of an assassin. Why would he talk to her? The NSA sting didn't feel thought through. Good thing that Levi and Selene ended up meeting.
2. However, the next premise of Levi and Selene working together felt contrived. Really he didn't need her except for the fact that his cock did the wake up call around her. Tasev is interested in Levi's cover, but that's just a fluke and not what the NSA had planned.
2. The OTT insta-lust of Levi for Selene. He's been in the dead zone due to the torture and death of his wife, but the instant he see's Selene, his cock is in over drive. It was just too much. When you have a battered soul due to the death of a loved one, the insta-lust seemed weak. There's a minor guilt scene that didn't take him long at all to get over. There just didn't seem to be much of a relationship between the guy who had spent two years living for revenge and the guy with the insta-cock twitch at the sight of Selene.
3. I couldn't quite buy that he would never have known who Selene was before he left the NSA. They worked for the same elite team and reported to the same boss. Selene knew him and his wife because he rescued her. Oh, but during the rescue she had a hood over her head the whole time that needed special tools to remove. However, she could see out of it well enough to see him. Seems like they could have cut the hood off and then removed the collar that held it down at a later point.
4. There were a couple of times when Selene betrays Levi's trust and it's OK because he can protect her and his cock wants her. Trust should be a big deal.
5. Jack from book 1 shows up for his 15 minutes of baby sitting just like in Book 2. I would appreciate it more if it felt more like he was needed and better integrated into the plot.
6. I love an HEA and I absolutely need my epilogues. However I saw this one coming a mile away and the way it was wrapped up didn't work for me. The amount that was accomplished in 8 days was beyond amazing. I won't say what it is as it's too much of a spoiler, but it was so unrealistic that it spoiled my epilogue for me.
If you can ignore all the above, you can be captivated by Ms. Reus story telling abilities and she does do a great job on a lot of the scenes.
Ms Reus has good writing and story telling abilities but she also managed to hit some of my pet peeves so the story didn't work so well for me. If the items below wouldn't bother you, then this may be a four or five star read for you.
What didn't work for me. To explain my points I have to provide a little bit of spoilers. I'm trying to provide my point without telling the plot.
1. The premise of the plot felt weak. Selene's idenity is that of "The Wolf", an assassin who is offering her services to the bad guy (Tasev) who the NSA is trying to capture. However, based on the bad deeds that Tasev is up to, I'm not sure why he was in need of an assassin. Why would he talk to her? The NSA sting didn't feel thought through. Good thing that Levi and Selene ended up meeting.
2. However, the next premise of Levi and Selene working together felt contrived. Really he didn't need her except for the fact that his cock did the wake up call around her. Tasev is interested in Levi's cover, but that's just a fluke and not what the NSA had planned.
2. The OTT insta-lust of Levi for Selene. He's been in the dead zone due to the torture and death of his wife, but the instant he see's Selene, his cock is in over drive. It was just too much. When you have a battered soul due to the death of a loved one, the insta-lust seemed weak. There's a minor guilt scene that didn't take him long at all to get over. There just didn't seem to be much of a relationship between the guy who had spent two years living for revenge and the guy with the insta-cock twitch at the sight of Selene.
3. I couldn't quite buy that he would never have known who Selene was before he left the NSA. They worked for the same elite team and reported to the same boss. Selene knew him and his wife because he rescued her. Oh, but during the rescue she had a hood over her head the whole time that needed special tools to remove. However, she could see out of it well enough to see him. Seems like they could have cut the hood off and then removed the collar that held it down at a later point.
4. There were a couple of times when Selene betrays Levi's trust and it's OK because he can protect her and his cock wants her. Trust should be a big deal.
5. Jack from book 1 shows up for his 15 minutes of baby sitting just like in Book 2. I would appreciate it more if it felt more like he was needed and better integrated into the plot.
6. I love an HEA and I absolutely need my epilogues. However I saw this one coming a mile away and the way it was wrapped up didn't work for me. The amount that was accomplished in 8 days was beyond amazing. I won't say what it is as it's too much of a spoiler, but it was so unrealistic that it spoiled my epilogue for me.
If you can ignore all the above, you can be captivated by Ms. Reus story telling abilities and she does do a great job on a lot of the scenes.
March 5, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Shattered Duty kind of surprised me. I had been pretty desperate for an audiobook to listen to and I discovered this one on my library’s eAudiobook offerings. Well, I found myself finding excuses to do chores so that I could listen to this one, which is always a good sign in an audiobook.
Reus romantic suspense title is the third in the Deadly Ops series. I have not read the first two books in the series, and I didn’t feel that I missed out on anything.
Shattered Duty features NSA agent Selene Wolfe and former agent Levi Lazaro. Two years ago Levi left the NSA fold and went rogue after his wife was brutally murdered. Now, two years later he’s closing in on the man that ordered her death. Selene’s investigation into a known terrorist cell coincides with Levi’s mission; however, unlike Levi, Selene is not out for revenge and she must put the safety of the nation before Levi’s hunt for his wife’s killer. The premise for Shattered Duty is pretty standard fare for romantic suspense, but what stands out in Reus romance is the suspense. Reus incorporates many elements that I find more common in the thriller genre and balances out the suspense with a romance. The terrorist plot was not some ambiguous development that acted as a vehicle to develop the relationship between Levi and Selene; rather, the author invested time in fleshing out the bad guys, giving them layers and exploring what the ultimate plot entailed. If you like your romantic suspense with a plausible suspense plot, Shattered Duty does this really well.
As for the romance, yes it's fast-paced. And that’s because there is an imminent terrorist plot and foiling that is kind of more important than the romance stuff. I wouldn’t have thought that a heavier focus on suspense would of worked, especially in the case of the two characters that readers are introduced to, but it does. Levi and Selene really worked as a couple. Levi had a lot of baggage going into the relationship, and sure that could have been fleshed out a bit more, but the fact that his wife was murdered did factor into the new relationship with Selene. And Selene served as an excellent counterpoint to Levi. Despite her young age Selene brought maturity to the relationship as well as idealism and innocence. I wouldn’t have thought that this combination would have meshed: jaded operative vs. the agent who still believes in her mission, cue the conflict. But, Selene brought Levi back from the brink before he could cross a line he can't come back from. The give-and-take relationship between Selene and Levi provided a stronger foundation for the romance, which was needed considering the tight timeline of the book.
Romantic suspense fans, Katie Reus is an author you’re going to want to check out. If you like your romantic suspense with a heavier dose of suspense, Shattered Duty is a safe bet.
June 2, 2015
Revenge doesn’t care if you are a good or bad guy….
Levi Lazaro is stoic and determined to avenge the brutal death of his wife. Burning bridges with the covert ops team they both had been part of, he finds himself at odds with a team agent whose own mission has the same target.
Selene Wolfe is smart as a whip, so knows that partnering with Levi is in both their best interests. They have a common enemy and the shared attraction they feel will only get in the way. Love is funny that way though – it just doesn’t care as much about the obstacles as the people involved do.
Be prepared for intrigue, tension, action and a love story that lurks between bullets and espionage. Levi is still grieving and Selene is fighting just as hard against the strong attraction they have for each other. Both characters are off-the-chart strong and smart which makes them the best in their field but, like every other person before them, love makes them vulnerable.
She made him feel again. It was disturbing and confusing, but he couldn’t deny the truth of it.
Levi and Selene seem to skirt around each other so cautiously but when they come together, they just combust. From one intense scene to the next, the danger is high and so is the heat between the two of them.
Levi was so what I pictured a real life James Bond could be – well, if he committed to one girl, of course. I loved this spy-filled romance and am out looking for the rest in this series now! ~ Diane, 4 stars
Levi Lazaro is stoic and determined to avenge the brutal death of his wife. Burning bridges with the covert ops team they both had been part of, he finds himself at odds with a team agent whose own mission has the same target.
Selene Wolfe is smart as a whip, so knows that partnering with Levi is in both their best interests. They have a common enemy and the shared attraction they feel will only get in the way. Love is funny that way though – it just doesn’t care as much about the obstacles as the people involved do.
Be prepared for intrigue, tension, action and a love story that lurks between bullets and espionage. Levi is still grieving and Selene is fighting just as hard against the strong attraction they have for each other. Both characters are off-the-chart strong and smart which makes them the best in their field but, like every other person before them, love makes them vulnerable.
She made him feel again. It was disturbing and confusing, but he couldn’t deny the truth of it.
Levi and Selene seem to skirt around each other so cautiously but when they come together, they just combust. From one intense scene to the next, the danger is high and so is the heat between the two of them.
Levi was so what I pictured a real life James Bond could be – well, if he committed to one girl, of course. I loved this spy-filled romance and am out looking for the rest in this series now! ~ Diane, 4 stars
August 11, 2015
Excellent Story! Excellent Narration (audible review)
Wow I love this series. And I think this book is my favorite so far!. Loved Levi Lazaro, awesome character. He is smart, handsome and sexy. Selene is smart, sexy, strong and a total bad ass. Love her!
The story line and plot is great! Loved the back story of both characters. There is kidnapping, killing, special agents, undercover ops and action!
The chemistry between Levi and Selene is great. Real and not forced. Very genuine and believable. I was so glad that Levi's revenge didn't cause a bunch of angst and I can't be with you BS. What a relief. There are a couple of very good sex scenes too. Not a rated G book, but not erotica or BDSM either. Just very well written sex. Thank you!
There is a lot of great dialogue throughout the book. I really like this author's writing style. Always something happening and not a bunch of filler nonsense. The story flows very well and easy to follow.
I totally recommend all the books in this series.
As for the narration. It was fantastic! Love Sophie Eastlake narrating this series. She has a great reading voice. The men sound like men and everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion as it is called for too. Just great all the way around.
Wow I love this series. And I think this book is my favorite so far!. Loved Levi Lazaro, awesome character. He is smart, handsome and sexy. Selene is smart, sexy, strong and a total bad ass. Love her!
The story line and plot is great! Loved the back story of both characters. There is kidnapping, killing, special agents, undercover ops and action!
The chemistry between Levi and Selene is great. Real and not forced. Very genuine and believable. I was so glad that Levi's revenge didn't cause a bunch of angst and I can't be with you BS. What a relief. There are a couple of very good sex scenes too. Not a rated G book, but not erotica or BDSM either. Just very well written sex. Thank you!
There is a lot of great dialogue throughout the book. I really like this author's writing style. Always something happening and not a bunch of filler nonsense. The story flows very well and easy to follow.
I totally recommend all the books in this series.
As for the narration. It was fantastic! Love Sophie Eastlake narrating this series. She has a great reading voice. The men sound like men and everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion as it is called for too. Just great all the way around.
June 2, 2015
✦Review & Giveaway: Shattered Duty (Deadly Ops Series) by Katie Reus http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2t5
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
REVIEW:
"Shattered Duty" is another fast paced romantic suspense novel that keeps you glued to the pages. The action is realistic and pulse pounding, but still allows the characters' personalities to show through. Levi is a caring person battling a complex range of emotions that evolve throughout the book and you can’t help but like him. I liked Selene too but she had me a little confused on her transformation, thankfully it wasn’t enough to detract from the story. Their attraction was instantaneous and neither tried to fight it but unfortunately the danger kept them from exploring it more. As usual, I loved this Deadly Ops novel and cannot wait for book 4.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
REVIEW:
"Shattered Duty" is another fast paced romantic suspense novel that keeps you glued to the pages. The action is realistic and pulse pounding, but still allows the characters' personalities to show through. Levi is a caring person battling a complex range of emotions that evolve throughout the book and you can’t help but like him. I liked Selene too but she had me a little confused on her transformation, thankfully it wasn’t enough to detract from the story. Their attraction was instantaneous and neither tried to fight it but unfortunately the danger kept them from exploring it more. As usual, I loved this Deadly Ops novel and cannot wait for book 4.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 8, 2015I love a tale of retribution and angst and vengeance … particularly when it’s all wrapped up in a sexy romantic thriller with a hopeful ending. Katie Reus has it down to a science, and her latest installment in the Deadly Ops series, Shattered Duty,is sure to make your heart race.
...
Of course there’s a secret government organization full of badassery; of course the organization is full of over-the-top men and women at the top of their physical and intellectual games—this is romance, after all. It’s this unusual balance of ethics and morals and duty that make this story so compelling.
This review was originally posted on Heroes and Heartbreakers. See the full review here: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
...
Of course there’s a secret government organization full of badassery; of course the organization is full of over-the-top men and women at the top of their physical and intellectual games—this is romance, after all. It’s this unusual balance of ethics and morals and duty that make this story so compelling.
This review was originally posted on Heroes and Heartbreakers. See the full review here: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
April 22, 2015
We finally get Levi's story!:) What an emotional journey.Sigh! It is one of the best books I have read this year...I recommend this series to Romantic Suspense readers.Don't miss it! You can read out of order.I can't wait to read the next book!
March 27, 2021
For the past two years, ever since his wife's been tortured and murdered, Levi Lazaro has been living only for revenge. Nothing touches him, nothing moves him, but the need to avenge his wife.
Until his path crosses that of Selene Wolfe, a NSA agent, with a strange fixation of "owing" Levi for something, intent on finding a terrorist that wants to kill thousands...And the man responsible for the death of Levi's wife.
Now, these two lone wolves will have to work together, fighting against their individual trust issues and an attraction that defies everything they thought they knew...
Finally. The book I've been waiting for since the beginning. And I'm far from disappointed. Quite the opposite, in fact.
This story finally showed the potential this entire series's untapped potential. Edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting action from page one, tightly plotted and rather expertly navigated, with one of the best RS duo I've had the pleasure of reading.
I finally figured what bothered me both about the pairings so far. The imbalance between h/H in characters and skill sets. While RS usually involve a skilled/dominant MC paired with an outsider, the discrepancy is too striking in this series (with the exception of the first book).
This story featured MC that were both skilled and deadly, equals on multiple levels with them being on different sides of the "law" providing the conflict needed to keep things interesting. And not only were they interesting and relatable as individuals with their separate issues, their moment they laid eyes on each other, the connection was explosive.
The action was captivating, the fact the heroine knew how to kick ass empowering, the suspense, coupled with the fact neither MC truly knew whether they could actually trust the other, intriguing, and the romance scorching from that first meet forward.
This story was everything I had hoped it would be and then some.
Until his path crosses that of Selene Wolfe, a NSA agent, with a strange fixation of "owing" Levi for something, intent on finding a terrorist that wants to kill thousands...And the man responsible for the death of Levi's wife.
Now, these two lone wolves will have to work together, fighting against their individual trust issues and an attraction that defies everything they thought they knew...
Finally. The book I've been waiting for since the beginning. And I'm far from disappointed. Quite the opposite, in fact.
This story finally showed the potential this entire series's untapped potential. Edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting action from page one, tightly plotted and rather expertly navigated, with one of the best RS duo I've had the pleasure of reading.
I finally figured what bothered me both about the pairings so far. The imbalance between h/H in characters and skill sets. While RS usually involve a skilled/dominant MC paired with an outsider, the discrepancy is too striking in this series (with the exception of the first book).
This story featured MC that were both skilled and deadly, equals on multiple levels with them being on different sides of the "law" providing the conflict needed to keep things interesting. And not only were they interesting and relatable as individuals with their separate issues, their moment they laid eyes on each other, the connection was explosive.
And now, after two years, his cock decided to wake up. [...]
Than to his surprise, she turned and walked away, the sway of that tight ass making him positively stupid for a moment.
The action was captivating, the fact the heroine knew how to kick ass empowering, the suspense, coupled with the fact neither MC truly knew whether they could actually trust the other, intriguing, and the romance scorching from that first meet forward.
"You strip away every once of civility in me, Selene."
This story was everything I had hoped it would be and then some.
April 7, 2018
IMO this is the best book of the series. Nice mix of romance and action. It's a stand-alone book, but the story is made better if you have read the previous books.
June 2, 2015
ARC Review
Review originally posted at: Love Affair with an E-Reader.
Levi is a former Black Death 9 agent whose wife is tortured and murdered along with his unborn child. Thinking that that NSA isn’t doing enough to bring her justice, he takes off on his own to track down her killers. He goes underground with no regard to the rules and regulations. He has gone rogue. In another operation, Agent Selene Wolfe is sent to track down and stop the top man who is about to commit a terrorist act using biological warfare. Millions of lives are at stake. Selene is a prodigy, having been brought into the NSA at a young age. She is a computer whiz, sniper, and field agent. Their paths converge when they start pursuing the same man.
This book is primed to be an emotional rollercoaster. Levi is so distraught over his wife’s brutal death, that he has turn off all emotion and avoids any intimate contact. He is fairly single-minded in his purpose to get revenge. Coming from a dark place, how will he find his way out?
For me, the success of a redemption story relies heavily on the chemistry between the characters. Levi’s character carries most of the baggage. He is emotionally void.
She is a young, somewhat idealistic, trained assassin. He is attracted to her almost innocent perspective on life. Here lies my critique of the story. I like both characters. Levi is hurting so deeply, I just want to give him a hug. Selene is a young, kick-ass, agent who has been working under Wesley (the boss’) tutelage for six years. Having started training in her teens, she is a young member of the team. Maybe it is my bias, but I thought that Levi’s character needed more mature mate/partner. If not, then I needed more relationship development. I feel like there is a little too much insta-love, especially considering where Levi is coming from emotionally. I can see the physical draw, but the emotional attraction is too superficial.
However, as far as the suspense goes, this is one of Katie Reus’ best plotted stories. The story is tightly woven with no extraneous side narratives to distract. From the beginning to the end, the story is well laid out and highly suspenseful. For an added bonus, some of our favorite characters from previous books make an appearance. And then the ending…oh, the ending…sheer perfection.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Despite my criticism, I highly recommend this book. Entertaining and thrilling, you won’t want to miss this latest addition to the series.
Thank you to author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at: Love Affair with an E-Reader.
Levi is a former Black Death 9 agent whose wife is tortured and murdered along with his unborn child. Thinking that that NSA isn’t doing enough to bring her justice, he takes off on his own to track down her killers. He goes underground with no regard to the rules and regulations. He has gone rogue. In another operation, Agent Selene Wolfe is sent to track down and stop the top man who is about to commit a terrorist act using biological warfare. Millions of lives are at stake. Selene is a prodigy, having been brought into the NSA at a young age. She is a computer whiz, sniper, and field agent. Their paths converge when they start pursuing the same man.
This book is primed to be an emotional rollercoaster. Levi is so distraught over his wife’s brutal death, that he has turn off all emotion and avoids any intimate contact. He is fairly single-minded in his purpose to get revenge. Coming from a dark place, how will he find his way out?
For me, the success of a redemption story relies heavily on the chemistry between the characters. Levi’s character carries most of the baggage. He is emotionally void.
She is a young, somewhat idealistic, trained assassin. He is attracted to her almost innocent perspective on life. Here lies my critique of the story. I like both characters. Levi is hurting so deeply, I just want to give him a hug. Selene is a young, kick-ass, agent who has been working under Wesley (the boss’) tutelage for six years. Having started training in her teens, she is a young member of the team. Maybe it is my bias, but I thought that Levi’s character needed more mature mate/partner. If not, then I needed more relationship development. I feel like there is a little too much insta-love, especially considering where Levi is coming from emotionally. I can see the physical draw, but the emotional attraction is too superficial.
However, as far as the suspense goes, this is one of Katie Reus’ best plotted stories. The story is tightly woven with no extraneous side narratives to distract. From the beginning to the end, the story is well laid out and highly suspenseful. For an added bonus, some of our favorite characters from previous books make an appearance. And then the ending…oh, the ending…sheer perfection.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Despite my criticism, I highly recommend this book. Entertaining and thrilling, you won’t want to miss this latest addition to the series.
Thank you to author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2015
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
Agony, debilitating pain, loss that cannot be described and a thirst for vengeance are a few of the emotions that drive Levi Lazaro. He has turned his back on everything and everyone from his life before the brutal death of his wife and unborn child. All Levi lives for now is to find and destroy the animals that killed his family and anyone that stands in his path. But the past has a way of becoming the future and Levi finds that a seed planted in the past may lead to his redemption. In this the third Deadly Ops book by author extraordinaire, Katie Reus you will meet this tortured soul and the woman that leads him home.
She was a prodigy discovered and nurtured by a government agency that turned her into the perfect weapon. Whether it is as a sniper, a hacker or up close and personal, she is deadly. Selene Wolfe is lethal when called on to take out enemies against her country. When she is sent on a job to infiltrate a terrorist group and locate an asset, she was not counting on running into Levi Lazaro. He is a man that fascinates her, while at the same time she can feel his unimaginable pain and need for revenge.
How can the two of them work together? He is filled with hate and vengeance and she is filled with dedication to her mission. If they cannot find a way then millions of people will suffer and die. Feelings that neither of them expected run rampant when they are together. Feelings that Levi thought he would never feel again resurface. The need to be a part of Selene’s life pulls him back into the land of the living. Sometimes life has to come full circle before the lost can be found.
Hero: Levi Lazaro 4.5 stars
Heroine: Selene Wolfe 4.5 stars
Steam: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! Take a Hunky Hero filled with torment, add a sexy woman that knows how to get down and dirty and you have a truly amazing read. Include some really torrid sex, non-stop action, mysteries, bad guys that need stopping and you have the complexity of this book.
Would I recommend this author: Yes! You will never be disappointed when you choose to read a book by Katie Reus. Her heroes are unforgettable, her heroines extraordinary and you will be enthralled by the unexpected storylines she weaves within each book that she shares with her readers.
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Shattered DutyKatie Reus
Agony, debilitating pain, loss that cannot be described and a thirst for vengeance are a few of the emotions that drive Levi Lazaro. He has turned his back on everything and everyone from his life before the brutal death of his wife and unborn child. All Levi lives for now is to find and destroy the animals that killed his family and anyone that stands in his path. But the past has a way of becoming the future and Levi finds that a seed planted in the past may lead to his redemption. In this the third Deadly Ops book by author extraordinaire, Katie Reus you will meet this tortured soul and the woman that leads him home.
She was a prodigy discovered and nurtured by a government agency that turned her into the perfect weapon. Whether it is as a sniper, a hacker or up close and personal, she is deadly. Selene Wolfe is lethal when called on to take out enemies against her country. When she is sent on a job to infiltrate a terrorist group and locate an asset, she was not counting on running into Levi Lazaro. He is a man that fascinates her, while at the same time she can feel his unimaginable pain and need for revenge.
How can the two of them work together? He is filled with hate and vengeance and she is filled with dedication to her mission. If they cannot find a way then millions of people will suffer and die. Feelings that neither of them expected run rampant when they are together. Feelings that Levi thought he would never feel again resurface. The need to be a part of Selene’s life pulls him back into the land of the living. Sometimes life has to come full circle before the lost can be found.
Hero: Levi Lazaro 4.5 stars
Heroine: Selene Wolfe 4.5 stars
Steam: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! Take a Hunky Hero filled with torment, add a sexy woman that knows how to get down and dirty and you have a truly amazing read. Include some really torrid sex, non-stop action, mysteries, bad guys that need stopping and you have the complexity of this book.
Would I recommend this author: Yes! You will never be disappointed when you choose to read a book by Katie Reus. Her heroes are unforgettable, her heroines extraordinary and you will be enthralled by the unexpected storylines she weaves within each book that she shares with her readers.
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Shattered DutyKatie Reus
June 22, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
When Katie Reus started her Deadly Ops Series, there was one character that immediately captured my attention. I just knew he had more to tell us and I am thrilled to see that in book 3 of the series, Ms. Reus obviously had plans in the works all along. And she didn't insist on making us wait. So thank you!!
Shattered Duty is one of those books that makes you just grateful to have those you love around you. It's also a fast paced, intense ride of a book.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe has had an intense childhood. The death of her parents checked her world. Then she was held hostage and saved by an amazing man who changed her life. From there she went to work with the NSA both on the computer and in the field. But she's always remembered the man who saved her. Years later, when she's on an assignment she's stunned to run into that man. Only this time he's a widower on a vengeance stalk. Selene needs to know if she can play a part in his life.
Special Agent Levi Lazaro gave everything for his career, including his wife. Knowing his wife and child died has all but destroyed him. For two years he has been playing the shady character doing all he can to find the man who killed her and more importantly, the man who called the shot.. Now that he's so close he's appalled to realize that he has taken his eye off the goal and has finds himself falling for the agent that has been sent in to do a similar job... Guilt and lust combine to create a combustible event.
Watching Levi and Selene fall together was a delight. Levi has a past that is hard to forget and even harder to accept. He adored his wife and never really got why she was killed (and tortured) she wasn't on any assignment that he knew of and when the agency didn't do enough, Levi was lost. Yet Selene has been bringing him out of his personal deep freeze.
Emotions reign and yet the action thrives as well. The desire to complete their mission, save the scientist and bring down the villain. Ms. Reus has a gift when it comes to infiltrate the underbelly of society. Her characters are three dimensional scary.. just fabulous!
Once again Katie Reus delivers!!
Shauni
When Katie Reus started her Deadly Ops Series, there was one character that immediately captured my attention. I just knew he had more to tell us and I am thrilled to see that in book 3 of the series, Ms. Reus obviously had plans in the works all along. And she didn't insist on making us wait. So thank you!!
Shattered Duty is one of those books that makes you just grateful to have those you love around you. It's also a fast paced, intense ride of a book.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe has had an intense childhood. The death of her parents checked her world. Then she was held hostage and saved by an amazing man who changed her life. From there she went to work with the NSA both on the computer and in the field. But she's always remembered the man who saved her. Years later, when she's on an assignment she's stunned to run into that man. Only this time he's a widower on a vengeance stalk. Selene needs to know if she can play a part in his life.
Special Agent Levi Lazaro gave everything for his career, including his wife. Knowing his wife and child died has all but destroyed him. For two years he has been playing the shady character doing all he can to find the man who killed her and more importantly, the man who called the shot.. Now that he's so close he's appalled to realize that he has taken his eye off the goal and has finds himself falling for the agent that has been sent in to do a similar job... Guilt and lust combine to create a combustible event.
Watching Levi and Selene fall together was a delight. Levi has a past that is hard to forget and even harder to accept. He adored his wife and never really got why she was killed (and tortured) she wasn't on any assignment that he knew of and when the agency didn't do enough, Levi was lost. Yet Selene has been bringing him out of his personal deep freeze.
Emotions reign and yet the action thrives as well. The desire to complete their mission, save the scientist and bring down the villain. Ms. Reus has a gift when it comes to infiltrate the underbelly of society. Her characters are three dimensional scary.. just fabulous!
Once again Katie Reus delivers!!
Shauni
May 29, 2015
Holy smokes.... just.... WOW. This book was amazing! It was a thrill ride of emotion from the first page to the last! Katie Reus is the absolute, and I mean ABSOLUTE master of romantic suspense.
Levi's wife was brutally murdered two years prior and he has gone off the "reservation" to hunt down the men who killed his wife and unborn child. He is consumed with revenge and has been working undercover to set up a meeting with the man directly responsible for her death all while trying to stay under the radar of the NSA.
Selene has been working for the NSA since she was recruited as a young age for her unique computer skills. She is an expert hacker, sniper and all around bad ass (love these kind of heroines) She is sent in to infiltrate a terrorist cell and locate a missing scientist that has ties to Levi's deceased wife. When she runs into Levi at the meeting she decides to work with him instead of turning him over to her boss.
I loved the chemistry between these two! Despite their instant attraction to each other they are both wary of fully trusting each other. Selene wants to help Levi but she can't let him jeopardize her mission for revenge otherwise thousands of people could die. Levi is wracked with guilt over the feelings that he has for Selene but can't deny his attraction to her. Poor Levi, he has some serious inner demons to deal with and my heart broke for the pain that he was going through. Selene was smart, funny, and the perfect complement to Levi, she understood his pain and sympathized with his need for vengeance.
Shattered Duty was an emotionally intense, action packed story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat not knowing what would come next! And the ending? OMG! I seriously broke down and cried! This is book three in the Deadly Ops series and can easily read as a stand alone. I absolutely recommend this to any fans of steamy, romantic suspense reads.
*I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Levi's wife was brutally murdered two years prior and he has gone off the "reservation" to hunt down the men who killed his wife and unborn child. He is consumed with revenge and has been working undercover to set up a meeting with the man directly responsible for her death all while trying to stay under the radar of the NSA.
Selene has been working for the NSA since she was recruited as a young age for her unique computer skills. She is an expert hacker, sniper and all around bad ass (love these kind of heroines) She is sent in to infiltrate a terrorist cell and locate a missing scientist that has ties to Levi's deceased wife. When she runs into Levi at the meeting she decides to work with him instead of turning him over to her boss.
I loved the chemistry between these two! Despite their instant attraction to each other they are both wary of fully trusting each other. Selene wants to help Levi but she can't let him jeopardize her mission for revenge otherwise thousands of people could die. Levi is wracked with guilt over the feelings that he has for Selene but can't deny his attraction to her. Poor Levi, he has some serious inner demons to deal with and my heart broke for the pain that he was going through. Selene was smart, funny, and the perfect complement to Levi, she understood his pain and sympathized with his need for vengeance.
Shattered Duty was an emotionally intense, action packed story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat not knowing what would come next! And the ending? OMG! I seriously broke down and cried! This is book three in the Deadly Ops series and can easily read as a stand alone. I absolutely recommend this to any fans of steamy, romantic suspense reads.
*I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2015
Shattered Duty (Deadly Ops #3)by Katie Reus
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he's finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he's ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.
As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul…
My Review:
Shattered Duty to me was like an episode of Strike Back. It had the working of Stonebridge's emotional trauma when his wife is murdered but Levi and Selene's relationship were totally that of Scott and Rebecca's as far as personality, history and background and why they are so drawn to one another. Shattered Duty is action packed, its sexy, its exciting and full of action on every front. The passion is hot, the violence is hot, and just when you think you know what to expect Reus turns everything on its head. I always enjoy her books, I definitely enjoyed Shattered Duty, and I can't wait for more from her in the future. Katie Reus is the perfect package read every time.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he's finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he's ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.
Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.
As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul…
My Review:
Shattered Duty to me was like an episode of Strike Back. It had the working of Stonebridge's emotional trauma when his wife is murdered but Levi and Selene's relationship were totally that of Scott and Rebecca's as far as personality, history and background and why they are so drawn to one another. Shattered Duty is action packed, its sexy, its exciting and full of action on every front. The passion is hot, the violence is hot, and just when you think you know what to expect Reus turns everything on its head. I always enjoy her books, I definitely enjoyed Shattered Duty, and I can't wait for more from her in the future. Katie Reus is the perfect package read every time.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
June 9, 2015
I cannot, I repeat, I cannot emphasize how much I like this freaking series! I thought the first one, Targeted: A Deadly Ops Novel, was my favorite but then I met Levi and Selene and I here I go again, gushing over how much I love these two and their well crafted composite of complex characters. I love that Selene is not the usual damsel in distress and that Levi is so much more than the Alpha in charge of a mission. Katie has a very specific voice that makes each character come through the pages, even secondary characters, heck, even villains! Her world is so vivid and palpable, she truly takes you on a thrill joy ride of action and adventure.
Levi was first introduced in book one but it definitely does not need to be read first in order to enjoy this story. We know what he’s been through and what drives him to go off the reservation. Fortunately for him, there is Selene Silva, whose wit and strength makes him remember there is more to life than revenge and darkness. And the twists! Normally I complain about things being too simple or that I can see them coming a mile away. Not with this series, and certainly not with this book! I don’t even care she’s a bit too young for my taste because she’s lived a rough life and that makes up for everything else. So one tortured soul mixed with one young- ready-to-take-on-life-hell-of-kick-a$$-heroine ~ BOOM! Perfect. Just perfect.
5 glorious shining stars...
*** I was gifted a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review***
Levi was first introduced in book one but it definitely does not need to be read first in order to enjoy this story. We know what he’s been through and what drives him to go off the reservation. Fortunately for him, there is Selene Silva, whose wit and strength makes him remember there is more to life than revenge and darkness. And the twists! Normally I complain about things being too simple or that I can see them coming a mile away. Not with this series, and certainly not with this book! I don’t even care she’s a bit too young for my taste because she’s lived a rough life and that makes up for everything else. So one tortured soul mixed with one young- ready-to-take-on-life-hell-of-kick-a$$-heroine ~ BOOM! Perfect. Just perfect.
5 glorious shining stars...
*** I was gifted a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review***
September 12, 2015
4.5* A really enjoyable read, I have been looking forward to Levi's story since his brief appearance in book 2, and it certainly did not disappoint. It was very well paced and I certainly felt the distrust and sparks between Levi and Selene when they are forced to work together, especially as both have very different ideas on how this mission will end.
Overall it was a great read, Although it did take Selene and Levi meeting for the first time to get me really hooked, which is why I didn't give it 5*. I would though happily recommend this story, especially if you like your books full of action, suspense and kick ass hero's.
Overall it was a great read, Although it did take Selene and Levi meeting for the first time to get me really hooked, which is why I didn't give it 5*. I would though happily recommend this story, especially if you like your books full of action, suspense and kick ass hero's.
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