No Matter the Cost

Unsanctioned #2

by Anna Hackett

I’ll make her mine, if she doesn’t kill me first.

Bastian

I came from nothing and became known as the Reaper. The most feared CIA assassin in the business. Then I retired, faked my death, and now spend my time running my casino.

But there’s one part of my past I can’t let go—the tiny female assassin who’s vowed to kill me.

We were mentored by the same man, a man we both considered a father, but there’s nothing brotherly about what I feel for
Lark.

Now, we’re enemies and she won’t rest until I’m dead.

I won’t rest until she’s mine.

Lark

I have one mission—kill Bastian Thorne.

I lost everything when my parents were murdered. Until a grizzled CIA agent took me in and molded me into a deadly assassin.

Then Bastian executed him.

My plan: infiltrate Bastian’s luxurious life and take him down. But he proves hard to kill and forces me to face an ugly, tangled truth.

Secrets from my past collide with my blood-drenched present. I find myself in the sights of a dangerous killer. One with twisted reasons for wanting me dead.

Now, the only man I can trust is my enemy.

But I know getting close to Bastian is the biggest risk of all.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Found Family

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2026

About the author

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com

Reviews

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Candace P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastian and Lark's set up in book 1 of the series was so good, I couldn't wait for their story to be released! Anna does a great job keeping this as a standalone though so it isn't 100% necessary to read book 1 first (but it was a really good story!)

I could definitely feel the tension between Bastian and Lark at the beginning of the book and I loved that we had the full story of what caused it early on. I loved that the focus was more around the suspenseful elements!

The story was faced paced and kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved all of the moments between the two main characters whether they were fighting or turning up the heat.

I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!

[RB · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, the second in the series, is an improvement over the first one. We still have the cast of uber rich secret spy/assassins and their richy rich issues like which suit to wear, but the MMC, Bastian, has some personality and a real backstory. And the FMC is a female, but more on her in a minute.

There is a plot. It circles around a murdered former CIA agent who raised both the MMC and the FMC. And then there's a secondary plot around a second former CIA agent who is a serial killer who wants to off the FMC. Now, the MMC is the one who killed the man who raised him after he discovered he was a serial killer. That's right, the father figure had "turned into" a serial killer after finding out about the OTHER serial killer. Yup. Like that makes any sense. I tried to get my head around that, but it was a no go. I can't say I've ever heard of someone becoming a serial killer after meeting another serial killer. The most current science points to development of that behavior quite young, with clear development in the teens. Sure, there's the uncle/nephew duo from the Pacific northwest a few decades ago, but I thought that was different since they grew up together. Whatever. But at any rate, it threw me off to read a serial killer started killing after meeting another serial killer. Hmmm.

So because the newest serial killer was jealous of the attention the older serial killer gave to his foster kids, he wants to kill the FMC and then the MMC too. Riddle that one out.

The FMC, who is constantly referred to as an assassin, spends a lot of time doing pretty stupid things, resulting in repeated rescues by the MMC. Her character wasn't believable at all. I loved her name, Lark, but the ridiculous nickname of "little bird" made my teeth ache. Anna Hackett has a problem with nicknames in these more recent series. I would offer thst nicknames aren't needed to indicate love. At any rate, the FMC wasn't very impressive and I didn't feel real chemistry between the leads.

The spice was really hefty and I enjoyed that. Anna Hackett.has always been great with the heat, but that's been a problem in the more recent series. I was happy to see that this was a return to her previous abilities.

Overall this was a better book than the previous one. But it seemed too long and had some genuinely slow/boring spots where the same kinds of events would repeatedly occur. And as in the first book in this series, I didn't get the other members of the retired assassin's team. They barely made guest appearances, and once again, when a plan was needed, no one came up with one. Things just happened.

I said in a previous review of this Anna Hackett series that I didn't enjoy these romantic suspense stories because they just weren't very good. Unfortunately I have to stick with that on this one, too, even though it's better than the first one.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bastian and Lark. Bastian seemed grounded and normal. Lark definitely needs to get out more and make some friends.

It was mentioned over and over that she was an assassin, but an assassin who worked for who was never answered. I can’t imagine it was a government agency since Bastian faked his death and is still technically in hiding. So, who did she work for and why not the government if her pseudo dad put all this effort into training her?

Book was good, I just wish I had an answer to my questions.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Another amazing book by this author.
I loved the fact that they were both assassins, they both had skills and neither of them was afraid.
I loved Lark. That woman went through something awful and came out on the other side stronger than ever. She didn't let anyone walked all over her and she spoke her own mind. She was protective of Bastian and I loved that.
Bastian was all alpha male. For him, it was always Lark (not when she was little, just when they met each other again when she was older), no other woman could compare. He was protective of her too and would anything to show her how much he loved her.
They fit each other like a puzzle and I love that

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite from her.

I was hoping for a stronger female lead than Lark, given her history and profession. I found her to be a pretty weak character.

I was happy for that little cameo of Blair and her man, but otherwise it was a pretty uninspired book.

The plot concept got my hopes up but I feel like it just didn't deliver.

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastian and Lark

FMC: Lark Smith
MMC: Bastian Thorne
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 283
Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Billionaire Romance, Assassins
Setting: Las Vegas

Thoughts: I liked this more than I anticipated. I liked that the misunderstanding about Ed was cleared up in the first quarter of the book. I liked that Lark didn’t just turn into a damsel in distress. I liked the focus both Bastian and Lark had on tales of the underworld from different cultural tales. Bastian and Lark had both lived hard lives that had affected the way they viewed love and connections and while Bastian had had time to reconcile that, Lark was still very much a lone wolf. But working with Bastian to find a serial killer opened her eyes to what her life had been missing. It was fun to see Lark’s slow understanding of love and friendship and not being alone. I really liked Bastian and Lark’s relationship. The reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me was because I found parts to be a little cheesy.

[Charissa Gracyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Little Bird

I loved Bastian and Lark! This is a fantastic new series and I'm so excited for what Anna delivers next with Cole...

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

RED was code for “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” at least according to the classic action movie (OMG only from 2010) of the same name. A movie which was based loosely on a comic book mini-series.

Both the comic series and the movie were about a group of retired assassins who were still so DAMN dangerous that their former organizations put a hit out on them. With disastrous, downright deadly, consequences for the would-be hitters. The targets emerged more-or-less unscathed.

I’m reminding you of this because those retired assassins in RED would have a lot in common with the Unsanctioned crew in Las Vegas, as they are also retired, extremely dangerous, assassins who are still willing to work the occasional side job if it’s righteous – and so far they absolutely have been.

Righteous, necessary, and damn good reads. And romances, which, come to think of it, was also true of that first RED movie.

But the story in the Unsanctioned series is even more action-packed than the movie (and that’s saying something!) because the gentlemen who own, operate and live near the Avernus casino in Las Vegas, “retired” a bit earlier than the crew in RED. So, they have had a bit harder time figuring out what to do with themselves after they’ve gotten out of the adrenaline-soaked game of killing for their respective countries and/or organizations – and even more energy to burn while they do it.

Not that everyone doesn’t have at least a bit of trouble dealing with that transition, but for these guys, it’s considerably more than just a bit. They all got out while they still had a bit of their souls left, they got out clean-ish which is as good as that was going to EVER get, and they got out with enough money to set themselves up in style. All they had to do was figure out what to, well, DO with themselves.

In the first book, Burn the World Down, their little found family of (mostly) former killers found their true calling, and one member, Nash Oakley, found that he had an option on a second chance with the one woman he could never forget. A woman who had taken the walk to the ‘dark side’ on her very own, and was more than ready to join him there.

In this second book, Sebastian Thorne is in a bit of the same quandary. The woman he can’t forget is someone he never let himself think about that way. Because his CIA mentor adopted her and trained her to be one of them. Another assassin. But when they were part of the same little killing family, Bastian was nearly a decade older and he couldn’t let himself think of her as anything but a little girl.

Lark’s not a little girl anymore – but she’s definitely still the deadly assassin that their mentor trained so rigorously. And this time, she has Bastian in her sights. Because he killed their mentor – her father-figure. Now her heart is set on revenge.

At least that’s what she told herself when she buried one of her knives in Bastian at the end of the first book. Her reasons for stabbing him in the shoulder instead of in the heart she’s certain he doesn’t have…she doesn’t want to examine those too closely because they might bring her world crashing down around her.

If someone else doesn’t get there first.

Escape Rating A-: First, I have to admit that I got into this one for the story – which is not a bad thing at all. Of course it’s not. However, as has been true for the last several of this author’s books, the original cover did not wow me. (shown at left for comparison as your ogling mileage may definitely vary). However, I have been loving the special edition covers, so that’s the one that I’ve used as the feature for this post and on Instagram.

Romantic suspense series, which Unsanctioned most definitely is, often begin with the premise that someone needs saving – and it’s usually the female main character. Whether or not a story/series with that premise works for this reader depends a whole lot on the why of that formula. Why does she need saving?

It’s not about the reason per se, but rather that the reason often runs counter to my thing for competence porn. (OMG that’s a more, well, potent pun than usual for this series, but moving right along…) What I mean to say is that both the suspense and the romance work a LOT less well for me if the FMC needs saving because she’s either #TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) or because she reacts stupidly to a situation that is obviously a dangerous trap of some kind.

I love a romance of equals, and that’s hard to achieve when one character has been too much of an idiot. (I’m not fond of the male main character being an idiot either, but their idiocy – at least in romantic suspense – tends to go down a different track, usually the “I’m not worthy” fallacy. I digress. Sort of.)

All of that means that I loved Lark as Bastian’s romantic interest/would-be assassin because she’s every bit as competent as he is at the same job on the same dark side. They’re each as worthy – or unworthy – as the other, so whatever emotional rabbit holes they go down, they go down together.

While someone in the shadows wants to put them both down – for good. Or rather, for bad. Let’s just say thoroughly and completely as “good” and “bad” don’t work in this case – at all.

Except in the sense that Lark starts out believing that Sebastian killed their mentor in cold blood. Which, in truth, he did. But his reasons for that hit were righteous – although she’s just not willing to listen. At least not at first. Reaching that point takes them from the opposite sides of a very personal conflict to the same side against a mutual enemy. An enemy targeting them both.

And the enemy of my enemy is at least my friend. Or, in the case of Bastian and Lark, something a whole lot more intimate leading to closure for some of the biggest questions in both of their lives AND a well-earned and well-deserved happy ever after.

For after that happy ever after, there’s a bit of a teaser for the next book in this series, which looks like it won’t be out until summer or later this year at the earliest. Still, I have the author’s next Hunter Squad and Langston Hotels books to look forward to in the first half of this year. Which I certainly am.

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than book one, at least

Book one in this series was a DNF for me. When I saw the second installment was available, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it, but because the plot sounded promising, I downloaded it. Although the FMC in this one was grating, No Matter the Cost, book two in Anna Hackett’s Unsanctioned series, is a definite improvement over the first.

Sebastian “Bastian” Thorne, a former assassin, now runs a casino in Las Vegas. Another assassin, Lark Smith, sets her sights on him for killing her mentor, Ed—the man who took her in when she was orphaned and taught her everything about being an assassin. That same man had taken Bastian in as well, but when Bastian discovered he was a serial killer, he killed him. Unaware of this, Lark makes repeated attempts on Bastian’s life. When Bastian finally convinces her to listen to his reasons, they begin working together after learning their mentor had a partner. That partner makes it clear he is targeting Lark first, then Bastian.

The timeline around Bastian and Lark’s acquaintance was never clear, nor were their ages. One chapter mentioned Lark was taken in by Ed at twelve, another said ten. We knew there was a nine year age gap between them, but how well they knew each other—given they were practically raised by the same man—was never established. Nor was it clear when Bastian killed Ed; he said a few months ago, while Lark thought it was a year ago. Reference was made to Bastian running into Lark in a foreign country some time ago, and that was supposedly when he fell for her. But when that meeting happened, or whether they had other interactions beyond that, was never clarified.

Meanwhile, Bastian lived the life of a ladies’ man, indulging in one night stands with a different woman each time the mood struck him. So what happened to him having “fallen” for Lark during that earlier meeting? That said, what I did like about Bastian was he knew he wanted Lark from the start of this story, and everything he did was aimed at making her his—that alpha energy was welcome.

Lark, on the other hand, was not easy to like. She started off strong, determined to kill the man who killed her mentor. Then, once she learned the truth about her mentor, her characterization went downhill from there. She knew, without any justification whatsoever, that her mentor’s partner was targeting her as his next victim—this was only confirmed later, when the killer left a message for her. But even before this, she made it her personal mission to find and kill the partner. That struck me as off because why couldn’t it be the law or Bastian’s mission?

Worse, Lark became single minded about protecting Bastian, even putting herself in harm’s way to remove danger from him. As if a former assassin of Bastian’s caliber couldn’t take care of himself... More damning was that, for a supposedly skilled assassin, she came across more as a damsel in distress, repeatedly getting herself into trouble and needing Bastian to save her. An assassin running away from their target and going into shock when she kills doesn’t come across as very… assassin-like.

The relationship itself was shaky. Suddenly Bastian, the notorious womanizer, was so into Lark that he swore off all other women and professed his love within a matter of days of them being in close quarters. Lark, meanwhile, wanted to fight another woman who came on to Bastian, this when her and Bastian did not even have a relationship to speak of. Their entire romance spanned less than a week, which made it unbelievable as there was no real build up, especially given the ambiguity about their prior interactions and how well they really knew each other—which at times seemed not at all. And despite Bastian’s reputation, they had sex without protection, which was another jarring detail.

Similarly jarring was Lark’s acceptance that Ed was a serial killer, despite having been set on avenging him. Her shift happened far too quickly for me. Then there was her supposed reason for going after the killer… She hated him for “breaking up families.” Excuse me, but wasn’t she an assassin herself? And by the nature of her job, she broke up families too. That was a bit of a contradiction for me.

I’m not sure whether the author’s writing style changed in this book or if I’m just noticing it more, but almost every sentence started with a pronoun, and the clipped style made the writing feel rushed and lacking rhythm. For example. “I raced across the space and paused. I knew better than to blunder in unprepared. I slipped a hand to my belt and pulled out a knife.” And sentences like “I spun. I saw a shadow moving past another sheet of plastic. I shoved it aside. Nothing.” or “Then stop playing games,” I snapped. Low male laughter behind me. I pivoted.” only reinforced the choppy rhythm.

No doubt Bastian and Lark’s story was better than the first book, and I appreciated that Lark wasn’t lust driven like the FMC in book one. But still, there were too many incongruities: the speed of the relationship, Lark’s inflated ego about her capabilities, and Bastian’s sudden change. My rating for this one is therefore 2.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon



Lark has one central focus - kill Bastian, the man who killed their mentor/father figure. Considering she and Bastian are both former assassins, it might not be as easy as she's hoping. And even less so when he drops a revelation on her, one that has her rethinking everything and realizing her feelings for Bastian might be a lot less contempt and much more like love. Being back in Bastian's orbit is making her long for something like happiness, the kind that can be found by teaming up together to take down the man responsible for the worst loss of their lives.

Bastian's made a good life for himself in Vegas, but something's always been missing. When that missing piece storms back into his life, he's determined to make sure Lark stays. He doesn't want to hurt her, but telling her the truth about their old mentor is going to hurt her the way it hurt him when he found out. It was necessary she know the truth, and now they can find the person really responsible. Together. And once that's done, he just needs to convince her to stay, that they can have something neither ever imagined they could have.

One protective alpha down for the count! Bastian always knew Lark was the one, but their situation wasn't exactly conducive to happy ever afters. Once she came after him, though, it was game over, there was no way he was letting her escape again. Lark resisted, but in the end Bastian finally got through to her heart, which was what he really wanted all along. The men of Unsanctioned are fierce, tough alphas on the outside, but soft on the inside only for the women they love. What a combination - suspense and action, two leads with pasts that left scars on their psyches but have the kind of emotional and physical connection that couldn't be denied for very long. Bastian and Lark are perfect for each other and I loved reading as they finally acknowledged their true feelings for each other and found their happy ever after.



ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.

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[Lena Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with Anna's other books, this one starts and ends with action and adventure, which I love. Bastian and Lark were both taken in when they were young and taught to be CIA assassins by Ed who himself was a CIA assassin. What they didn't know was that their mentor was also a murderer of innocents. When Bastian kills him, Lark wants revenge and tries to kill Bastian, not realizing why he had to kill the man they both thought of as a father. She soon finds out the reasoning and while dealing with this finds out that their mentor was not only a serial killer, but also had an accomplice in his serial killing who is now after Lark.

I liked the romance between Bastian and Lark. Since they'd known each other basically their whole lives they had a wonderful connection. I liked how Sebatian was so protective of Lark and letting her know she was not alone anymore. Not only did she have him now, she had a whole team of retired assassins at her back. But Lark was stubborn and very impulsive and wanted to go do things by herself. That would have been fine if she was the independent badass I thought she was at the beginning of the story. But she just kept jumping into trouble without a plan or using any of her training to the point that she kept getting hurt and almost killed; so Bastian kept having to save her. It really made me wonder how she survived so long as an assassin by herself. I liked that she wanted to protect him also, but she wasn't being very smart about it. (Slight spoiler ahead) She had Bastian and an entire crew of retired assassins literally in her ear as back up and she thought it was a good plan to go off with the murderer by herself until she realizes almost too late that everyone is safer if they work together. I guess it just bothered me because I thought she would be smarter than that or that she would actually be able to take care of the bad guy by herself. (End Spoiler) I still liked how it all turned out and thought it was a good story though. I especially loved seeing the cameo of some Team 52 characters toward the end. I was just a little disappointed that they weren't included in getting the bad guy too. That would have been really fun.

Overall, though, I would still recommend reading this. It's a good addition to the series with action, adventure, and romance.

I received an ARC of this, but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Nova McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another banger from Anna Hackett. This one starts hits hard and doesn’t let up until we’re keeled over trying to catch our breath.

Lark has one mission: to kill Sebastian Thorne. She’s a trained assassin and knows how to get the job done, but Bastian, a former assassin himself, is nearly impossible to reach. He’s surrounded by top-tier security and dangerously capable friends at his side. But Lark has vengeance on her side. Bastian killed her mentor, a father figure, and she was determined to make him pay. But she made a fatal error. She underestimated him.

When he catches her in the act, what he tells her shatters everything she thought she knew. Her mentor wasn’t the man she believed, and his former partner is now hunting her. Suddenly Bastian, the last person she expects, becomes the one trying to protect her. Pffft. Like she needs his protection. Except… she wants it. She likes having someone looking out for her, someone she can rely on, and the pull toward him is wildly inconvenient, yet maybe too strong for even her to resist.

Since the end of book one, I had been highly anticipating this read, and it did not disappoint. Bastian is the owner of the Avernus Casino, but he likes to stay behind the scenes. He’s the playboy of the group and doesn’t let people get too close. He grew up on the streets before he was recruited for the CIA by his mentor, Ed, who also took in a ten-year-old Lark. Bastian had always had a soft spot for her, and maybe unknowingly, it was a bit more. So when she came bounding back into his life, knife in hand, he wanted to keep her. She knew him; she was like him, and he couldn’t help but feel intensely protective, a need to care for her and watch out for her, something she had never experienced. She wasn’t about to make it easy on him, but she was his now, and he wasn’t letting her go.

Lark had only had Ed since her parents were killed, and even he kept her at arm’s length. She had never had a regular childhood, normal relationships, or a place to call home, so when Bastian took her in and showed her what it felt like to belong, with friends, acceptance, and maybe even love, it was overwhelming. I loved watching her let her guard down, begin to trust, feel safe, and truly be part of something, this big, beautiful, dysfunctional team that she never knew she needed.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Unsanctioned #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

Bastian came from nothing and became known as Reaper, one of the best assassins out there. Now he is retired and running a casino in Vegas. The only part of his past he can’t forget or let go of is Lark, the female assassin who is determined to kill him for the death of their mentor.

After reading the previous book and seeing Lark’s introduction, I was eager to know more about this female assassin and why she is so determined to kill Bastian. From the beginning I loved Lark. She was smart, capable, and deadly. I loved seeing her stand up to Bastian and the rest of the guys. I also liked that we got both sides of her: the deadly assassin and the hurt woman. It shows that she wasn’t a mindless killing machine, but a woman who made the best out of her life and is now hurting because her mentor wasn’t who she thought he was.

Bastian was a controlling, and protective man who is determined to protect Lark. He goes out of his way to help her in every situation, even when she was trying to hurt him. I really loved that Bastian is all in for Lark from the very beginning and is just doing everything he can to convince her to give him a chance. Bastian was just a surprisingly sweet guy who refuses to believe he is actually nice, even though he repeatedly shows it.

Their relationship was sweet, steamy, and intense. In between investigating the Red Ribbon Killer and dealing with what they learn about their mentor, these two fall hard for each other. While Lark does fall hard, I wasn’t surprised that she keeps her walls up and tries to avoid her feelings. She did lose her whole family and clearly struggles to let people in. I was a bit surprised by how Bastian handled her skittishness, especially in the last chapter.

Overall, this was another fantastic book for this series. I am really loving this found family of assassins and can’t wait to see which one will fall next.

TW: death of parents mentioned; grief; serial killer; death; attempted sexual assault (not of MFC);

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Flex Fler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to The Author Agency and Anna Hackett for the free ARC. All opinions are my own in the following ARC Review.

Genres: Romantic Suspense
Tropes: One Sided Enemies to Lovers, Assassins, Playboy Billionaire, Revenge, Age Gap, Close Proximity, Protective Hero, Badass Heroine, Jealousy, Hurt/Comfort, Found Family
MC: Lark (FMC), Bastian (MMC)
Setting: Las Vegas
Triggers: traumatic childhoods

Synopsis: Lark is determined to kill Bastian for the death of their former mentor, never questioning the truth behind what happened. When Bastian finally confronts her, long-buried secrets come to light that force Lark to reevaluate everything she believed. As the past continues to unravel, she discovers their mentor’s legacy is far darker and more unfinished than she ever imagined. Now working together, Lark and Bastian begin hunting an active killer who is now close to home in Las Vegas. As they navigate danger and deception, the tension between them shifts into something deeper. Using themselves as bait during the Casino’s big show night, Lark and Bastian finally bring the killer down. With the past laid to rest, they confess their love and begin a future together.

Thoughts: I loved Lark and Bastian! They already shared a connection they never fully acknowledged, yet both knew it existed and lingered beneath the surface. Their shared experiences made them perfect for each other, allowing them to be completely open without hiding any parts of themselves. Lark’s tough exterior slowly softens, and it was sweet to watch her let her guard down and be vulnerable with Bastian. He pushes her to feel, but she never would have allowed it if she didn’t feel entirely safe with him. Bastian’s patience, understanding, and openness with Lark stood out, as he’s never been that way with anyone else and knows she’s the only one who can truly handle him. Their push and pull is incredibly entertaining to read. They each have the power to hurt the other, yet never do, because deep down, they simply can’t. I also loved the cameo from one of my favorite Team 52 couples. Anna always delivers the best little surprises. I’m really loving this series, and can’t wait for the next book.

[Natalie Parker (NatalieLoves2Read 📚) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to The Author Agency and to Anna Hackett for allowing me to read the ARC for this book.

I absolutely loved every second of it! So much so that I read it in one sitting.
This is book 2 of the Unsanctioned Series by Anna Hackett and although the characters are interconnected the book can be read as a complete standalone and this review proves that as I haven't read book 1 of this series. However, after reading this book I am going to have to go and get my hands on book 1 as I am dying to know more about Nash & Georgie's story.

Bastian (The Reaper) and Lark (Nightingale) are both assassins, although Bastian is "retired". They were both proteges of Ed, who also raised Lark after her parents were killed. However, not is all it seems with Ed and he is ultimately killed by Bastian which then results in Lark wanting to kill him. As much as he tries to talk to Lark and explain why he did what he did, she doesn't want to listen. Deep down though she knows something is not right and that Ed did do something unforgiveable.

As the story evolves Lark realises that she does have feelings for Bastian, but she is scared to accept those feelings as she is so use to being on her own. I will leave the teasers there but I will say that it does have a HEA.

My favourite parts of the books was the banter and fight scenes between Bastian and Lark, they had me belly laughing! I did have a little cry at the end of the book and if you read it you will probably know where.

Ultimately this book was amazing and is worth every one of the 5 stars I have given it. I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Tropes:
retired assassin hero
assassin heroine
enemies to lovers
protector hero
heroine out for revenge

Favourite Extract
"But be warned," I said "If you piss me off, or even look sideways at another women, you'll feel my blade." "Darling I felt your blade, and I like it." He pressed his mouth to mine. "And you're the only woman for me."

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Anna Hackett Sets the Unsanctioned Series on Fire”

With No Matter the Cost, book two of Anna Hackett’s Unsanctioned series, Hackett delivers a perfect sequel filled with high-stakes thrills and intensely steamy romance that keeps the momentum of the series surging forward. Bastian and Lark’s journey from enemies to lovers is fraught with danger, emotional conflict, and a fierce battle for dominance—both in the field and in their relationship. Bastian may call her “Lark,” but she is no fragile bird. She is a hellcat—strong, defiant, and the perfect counterbalance to his calm, cultured control. Their passionate power struggle and Lark’s determination to prove she is his equal created some of the most electrifying and sensual moments in the novel.

Yet beneath the heat lies a deeply emotional core. The turning point comes when both Bastian and Lark realize they are far stronger together than apart, a moment of vulnerability and trust that brought tears to my eyes. Hackett gives both characters remarkable depth, making their emotional surrender just as compelling as their physical one.

The intensity of the story is further heightened by Lark’s oath to avenge her mentor and the hunt for a ruthless serial killer. Her struggle to reconcile the love and family her mentor gave her with the darkness of his unforgivable actions adds powerful emotional complexity. Watching Lark come to terms with loving the good in him while condemning his evil was heartbreaking and beautifully handled.

Anna Hackett’s exceptional wordcraft shines throughout this novel. Her ability to balance pulse-pounding suspense, raw emotional growth, and explosive chemistry is unmatched. No Matter the Cost doesn’t just raise the stakes—it sets them on fire, and I cannot wait to see who in the Unsanctioned team falls next.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want enemies to lovers? How about this one then - Lark has tried to unalive Bastian about 4 times before the book even starts!

Lark has known Bastian since she was 10 and taken in by their mentor. He left not long after and they didn't meet again until they met up in Paris of all places. But Bastian then had to unalive the very male who had a father figure to Lark and since then she has been hunting him. She's been stringing out his punishment as she doesn't want it over too quickly!

Bastian hates that he broke Lark's heart but if he could only just get her to listen to him before plunging a knife through his heart! Awkwardly there appears to be a further fly in the ointment, a serial killer appears to want Lark dead and Bastian can't let that happen.

Bastian's hiding in plain sight. The true owner of the casino, he acts as a security consultant - he gates all the profits and his face-man has to do all the hobnobbing. But he has last none of the skills he has acquired and he and the other assassins are going to make short work of finding the RKK.

The chemistry between these two is electric, if only Lark can see through the hurt and Bastian through his guilt. The tough, fearsome warrior is complete goo for his artistic assassin love but he's no soft tough. He can give as good as he gets and will fight dirty if need be to keep her safe. There was plenty of banter too and Lark really has to work on Nash - that many did not like seeing his bestie get stabbed lol.

Cannot wait to see who falls next.

"You have a secret assassin stash of goodies under your casino"

Nash signed. "Fine do you have a plan for dealing with Lark?" My muscles tensed at the change of subject. "I said I'd deal with her". "Bastian, she's tried to kill you four times. You an't just ignore her."

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, suspenseful and spicy.

Anna gave us a tempting preview of Lark and Bastian in the first book in this series that had me eager to read their story. This book delivered on that sexy promise with a story that captured my attention and kept me happily addicted to the last word.

Both Bastian and Lark were taken in by Ed as children, he trained them to be assassins. Lark’s connection to Bastian is tested when he takes out Ed and she decides on a vendetta to avenge Ed not knowing what dark and ugly secrets Bastian uncovered.

Bastian is careful but sure Lark won’t actually kill him, not that she’s not capable but because he believes she won’t be able to go through with her plan. The beginning of the book has a seductive cat & moss feel as Lark pursues Bastian and he tries to draw her out of the shadows.

Once these two occupy the same space, the sexual tension ratchets up and things get spicy and more suspenseful when they realize Ed had a partner who is now targeting them.

I enjoyed the found family of Bastian and his friends, and Nash’s girlfriend Georgie (book 1). The guys are secondary characters just waiting for their turn in the spotlight and a slight tease to readers showing us who we have look forward to getting to know better in future book.

Cole seems to be next, and I can’t wait for more sexy suspense from this author.

A fantastic read that has heat, emotion and suspense. It could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book 1 because it’s a fantastic story too.

I received a free ARC from the author and The Author Agency; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[𝒩𝒶𝒹𝒾𝒶𝒽 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)

I received an ARC of this book prior to release in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

No Matter the Cost is a high-octane action romance packed with danger, obsession, and two lethal characters who can’t stay away from each other—even when they should be pulling the trigger.

Bastian and Lark share a brutal history that shapes every interaction between them. Both are highly skilled assassins, both deeply scarred, and both convinced the other is their greatest enemy. The dual POV structure works especially well here, letting us see how obsession, guilt, and desire twist their motivations in very different ways. Their connection is intense, complicated, and charged with the constant threat of violence, which makes every encounter feel sharp and risky.

The enemies-to-lovers tension is done right—slow, distrustful, and fueled by unresolved trauma rather than instant forgiveness. I appreciated that trust isn’t easily given and that the past never stops haunting them. The action scenes are fast-paced and cinematic, balancing well with the emotional beats and romantic tension.

This book leans hard into morally gray characters and doesn’t try to soften them, which makes the romance feel darker and more compelling. If you enjoy assassin romances, forced proximity, and stories where love and danger are tightly intertwined, this one delivers.

A strong continuation of the Unsanctioned series and a satisfying read for fans of action-heavy, high-stakes romance.

[Tori'Emma Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review ✨

Going straight in from Burn the world down with Bastian and Lark, this was an interesting story. Bastian and Lark are at the centre of this tale. Bastian, a casino owner attempting to put his past behind him, was formerly a renowned assassin known as Reaper. Lark is a formidable, fiercely independent assassin determined to exact revenge for her mentor's passing. When Lark's quest for justice upends both of their lives and forces them to face hidden traumas and unexpected realities about love, loyalty, and the very people they trusted, their paths meet.

With motivations that go beyond basic bloodlust, Lark is a captivating heroine who is smart, emotionally guarded, and battle-hardened. Her effort to let others in is just as much a source of conflict as exterior peril. In contrast, Bastian is surprisingly compassionate beneath his deadly façade; despite his own difficult past, he is devoted and a protector at heart. Their dynamic creates genuine engagement in their developing relationship as it alternates between sensual romanticism and emotional vulnerability.

All things considered, No Matter the Cost is a gratifying sequel to the original Unsanctioned book, full of action, nuanced emotions, and compelling chemistry. This part is a compelling and emotional trip for lovers of romantic suspense and found-family stories.

I want to thank The Author Agency and Anna Hackett for the opportunity to read and review, No Matter the Cost.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ++ Finding out your hero has a dark side
Sebastian “REAPER” Thorne is now living the life he dreamed of as a homeless kid, eating out of dumpsters. As a teen, he was picked up off the street by CIA recruiter Ed Galloway. By the time Bastian was 20, the ‘Reaper’ was a formidable assassin. After 10 years, he came across an untraceable fortune, so Bastian ‘killed himself’ and then set off for Las Vegas. Now Bastian’s living the dream. Somehow, one by one, other assassins gravitated to Vegas, where they also retired. Now these men can relax with like-minded friends. They keep their skills sharp, but mostly for doing good.
Lark “Nightingale” Smith had an idyllic childhood until her parents were murdered. Ed Galloway saved her, took her under his wing, and trained her as an assassin. Lark looked to Ed as a father figure, though he was never a fatherly kind of guy. She is devastated when she hears that Ed’s been killed by the Reaper. Now her focus is on revenge. She attacks, but Bastian is one step ahead of her. Lark’s heart isn’t really into killing Bastain…she’s always been kind of in love with him.
Then, a serial killer who was associated with Ed is after Lark. The whole team is going to find this monster. I LOVE these retired assassins. I love Vegas and the setup these guys have settled into. Bastain is a kind man who gives back to those in need, and now he has the love of his life, Lark. Great story, awesome series. Linda

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back with the second of the ex-assassins and Bastian definitely has his hands full with Lark. Her past is as dark and dangerous as his and she's determined to kill him for killing her mentor. Look, theirs is a complicated relationship with lots of fighting and knives.

To say that Bastian has his hands full with Lark might be an understatement. She keeps trying to kill him and he needs to explain why he did what he did. But explaining will hurt Lark and he doesn't really want to do that. So they're caught in this push and pull against one another, but Bastian knows he has to step up and give Lark the explanations she deserves.

As Lark grapples with the bombshell Bastian dropped on her, she also has this inconvenient (at least in her eyes) attraction to the sexy ex-assassin. Plus, there's this serial killer who just might be targeting her for reasons that tie back in to why she had been gunning for Bastian in the first place.

Yeah, these two are complicated.

The fight. They have sexy times. Lark has a tough time realizing she can rely on anyone. Bastian is a little bossy. These two plus Bastian's crew of deadly friends work to make sure no one else will die at the hands of the person targeting Lark. I must say I like these deadly men and the women who fall for them. PLUS! We got to see a familiar face or two (Team 52!) and I always enjoy that!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Matter the Cost
Unsanctioned Series Book 2
By: Anna Hackett

Bastian and Lark

A group of guys, retired, with a special set of skills. Each of them learning what their new passions are how to navigate through life. Each story gives the details of a different guy, enter a woman, and how they can change everything. But one thing remains the same, the guys will be there for each other to help and support. They are family. You may want to read these in order.

In book 1, we get Nash and Georgie’s story and meet most of the guys as well. We also get a look into Bastian and Lark, and their…difficult relationship. And this is how book 2 opens, Lark still lurking around.
You will have to read to see what is happening, but Lark isn’t thrilled with Bastian at the moment. They share a past, and probably not like you are thinking. Bastian has some explaining to do, but he has to find a way to get a stubborn Lark to listen. But that is only the beginning.

It’s a great time to jump in and start this series. These are a lot of fun to read. Never a dull moment. Not too long and full of excitement. Add a little suspense, and a little romance, and it’s a thrilling journey.
Thank you to #TheAuthorAgency!

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖡𝖺𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖺𝗇
𝐇���𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖫𝖺𝗋𝗄
4 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Lark, she is a trained assassin. She spent her teenage years training to be lethal, and in control of her emotions.

When she finds the man she considered a "father figure" dead. Her blood boils with the need to take revenge. And the "𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟" will pay for what he has done.

Bastian, he grew up on the streets and then he met a CIA agent, who saw the potential Bastian had and trained him. Bastian may have earned his name the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟, but he himself lives by a code. And when the man who was like a father figure/mentor to him breaks that code. He does what he has to.

His reasonings were valid but the one person who is yet to see that is Lark, and when the truth is revealed, she herself is on a mission for justice. Because his crimes were unforgivable.

The chemistry between these two was so freaking good, the suspense amazing.

I loved Larks strength but she also had her vulnerabilities. And Bastian, well he will do anything and everything to keep his woman safe.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

The little catch up with Blair & her man from Team 52 ♥️

And the rest of the Unsanctioned crew! I. Can. Not. Wait.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🏨🔫🏨🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚 📚 📚 📚

[bookishWife · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst I’ve read from this author so far.

I expected a feisty, strong FMC, but Lark comes across more like a damsel in distress. She even struggles to confront the culprit, which made her character feel weaker than advertised.

As for the MMC, Bastian—he’s supposedly been in love with Lark for years, yet spends that entire time sleeping with countless other women. Then the moment Lark reappears, he suddenly transforms into a completely devoted partner who never looks at anyone else. It just doesn’t feel believable.

I’m honestly tired of the overused “playboy MMC” trope, and this one didn’t add anything new. What makes it worse is that his past choices in women are the complete opposite of Lark. You could argue it’s because he was avoiding his true feelings, but it still feels jarring and unconvincing.

On top of that, we’re supposed to see him as a savvy businessman, yet he sleeps with his own employees. That’s a hard no for me—there’s a basic rule about not mixing business with personal affairs, and he crosses it without much consequence.

Overall, this one was a miss.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: No Matter the Cost
Series: Unsanctioned Book 2
Author: Anna Hackett

Start Rating: 4
Spice: 3

Bastian was once known as the "Reaper" one of the most feared assassins until he gave it up, faked his death, and started over. He never forgot Lark another assassin that he trained with. Now she wants him dead and he just wants her to be his.

Lark is an assassin who is out to end Bastian after she finds out he kills their mentor. She is hurt and confused....also she can't seem to take the final shot. Bastian isn't playing fair though and is making her feel things she shouldn't.

I loved the back and forth with these two. Lark didn't know what to do when someone showed they care...Not everything is what it seems either. Now Lark, Bastian, and his retired assassin friends are racing against time to fine a serial killer.

I love this series so far!!! It has romance, spice, mystery, and tons of action. I liked getting to see the main characters from the first books to. I can't wait to see what happens next.

#NoMatterTheCost #UnsanctionedSeries #AnnaHackett #Bookrecs

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Romantic Suspense + retired assassins + FMC seeking revenge and all the yes, sign me up! It also includes One Sided Enemies to Lovers + Playboy Billionaire + Age Gap + Protective Hero + Badass Heroine + Hurt/Comfort and a faveorite, Found Family. Bastian is a billionare owner of a Casino but in private (he pays someone to be the face of the casino) and Lark is after revenge. She is tiny but savage! Lark has been through some awful things but came out stronger than ever. I love their banter. Their story sets up in book one and I was so exicted for their story! (Not necessary to read it but highly recomend!) You could feel the tension in the beginning and it sets things up nicely. You get alot of their history and story early on so it is nice that the book focused on alot of suspensful moments but also spicey! It is fast paced and had me wanting to just keep reading! Ready for what comes next!

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

We are back with the retired assassins of the Avernus Casino, this time with the owner Sebastian Thorne, and his obsession, Lark.
Lark wants to kill Bastian, because he was responsible for their mentor’s death. She’s horrified when she learns the reason, but when she becomes the target of a serial killer, it’s Bastian she looks to for help.

This is the second book in the Unsanctioned series by Anna Hackett, and it is filled with her usual brand of action filled, fast paced storytelling, interspersed with some sexy scenes. There are a couple of cameos for those who are fond of the Hackettverse, as well as seeing the MCs from book one, and being introduced to those destined to be in books in the future.
It’s a quick read, and an enjoyable one: good for cosying up on a cold day to read, or even relaxing on a warm one- the perfect escapist fantasy. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense, and action romances.

[Leslie Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unsanctioned series continues with Bastian and Lark’s story. I’m beginning to think this is my favorite series by this author.

Bastian and Lark were trained by a man who had very dark secrets. Bastian came from nothing but became The Reaper, a feared CIA assassin. He now runs a Vegas casino while dodging the woman from his past who seems intent on coming after him.

I loved these two from the very start. Bastian has this dark and mysterious vibe that kept me wanting to know more. He never loses his composure unless it has something to do with Lark. I loved seeing these two interact. They were both overly protective of the other. Lark was used to being on her own. My heart broke seeing her in the aftermath of learning the truth about her mentor. Their story kept me guessing until the very end and I loved every second.