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Coulter's Secret: Tactical Operations Series Book 5
Opposites attract, or so they say. But will that attraction be enough to withstand the dark and dangerous secrets that are revealed?
He's an undercover agent with the CIA, and she's the artist he secretly craves. A chance encounter in the midst of a high-stakes government operation puts them on a path toward destruction and desire.
Anna Blakely's bestselling Tac-Ops series continues in this exciting romantic suspense adventure. Coulter's Secret can be read as a standalone, but the author recommends reading the series in order of release for maximum enjoyment.
He's an undercover agent with the CIA, and she's the artist he secretly craves. A chance encounter in the midst of a high-stakes government operation puts them on a path toward destruction and desire.
Anna Blakely's bestselling Tac-Ops series continues in this exciting romantic suspense adventure. Coulter's Secret can be read as a standalone, but the author recommends reading the series in order of release for maximum enjoyment.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Anna Blakely
61 books1,014 followersAuthor of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.
Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.
Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.
Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.
Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 2, 2026
Artist in Danger
Alex Webb is an artist that does okay for herself with her private gallery, but was excited to get an invitation to a gallery opening from Gordon Crawford who made careers with just a word.
Alex expected the expensive clothes and pretentious patron, but she did not expect to see Coulter Morgan and the gallery. Colt was married to her sister and was constantly teasing Alex about something. When Colt told Alex that she had to go immediately before Gordon Crawford noticed her, she thought he was joking again. Then he told her to call him Cole Morris. It was too late to explain when Colt saw Gordon approach, so he covered Alex the only way he knew how, with a kiss.
Eventually, when they were alone, Colt explained to Alex that he worked for the CIA and Gordon Crawford was a bad guy who trafficked young women. As with all stories like this one, even though Alex eventually believed Colt and they fell into lust immediately, she still kept a dinner date with Gordon.
This wasn’t a bad story and the writing wasn’t bad, but I expected more. This is a 3 1/2 star romantic suspense, rounded down to three.
Alex Webb is an artist that does okay for herself with her private gallery, but was excited to get an invitation to a gallery opening from Gordon Crawford who made careers with just a word.
Alex expected the expensive clothes and pretentious patron, but she did not expect to see Coulter Morgan and the gallery. Colt was married to her sister and was constantly teasing Alex about something. When Colt told Alex that she had to go immediately before Gordon Crawford noticed her, she thought he was joking again. Then he told her to call him Cole Morris. It was too late to explain when Colt saw Gordon approach, so he covered Alex the only way he knew how, with a kiss.
Eventually, when they were alone, Colt explained to Alex that he worked for the CIA and Gordon Crawford was a bad guy who trafficked young women. As with all stories like this one, even though Alex eventually believed Colt and they fell into lust immediately, she still kept a dinner date with Gordon.
This wasn’t a bad story and the writing wasn’t bad, but I expected more. This is a 3 1/2 star romantic suspense, rounded down to three.
August 25, 2026
Colt and Alex have been teasing and bickering with each other for a while, to the point where they’ve basically become enemies. But when Alex accidentally crashes Colt’s undercover mission, things start to change.
Colt has been keeping a secret from everyone for years. Now that Alex knows the truth, danger starts closing in around them. Colt does his best to redirect the danger away from Alex and toward himself, but unfortunately, the bad guy seems particularly obsessed with her.
Alex is sassy and stubborn, although at times I found her frustrating. She refuses to believe the truth about Gordan, and even after she finally starts trusting Colt, she seems to just sweep her own problems under the rug instead of dealing with them. I also kept thinking that she should have talked to her brother-in-law, especially since he has a military background and could have helped.
As for Colt, I didn’t really understand why he was hiding his true job from his family in the first place. I thought his family already understood the law enforcement/military lifestyle, so his secrecy felt a little unnecessary.
Overall, the story was pretty predictable, but it was still a fun and easy read. The characters frustrated me at times, but the banter and action kept things entertaining enough.
Colt has been keeping a secret from everyone for years. Now that Alex knows the truth, danger starts closing in around them. Colt does his best to redirect the danger away from Alex and toward himself, but unfortunately, the bad guy seems particularly obsessed with her.
Alex is sassy and stubborn, although at times I found her frustrating. She refuses to believe the truth about Gordan, and even after she finally starts trusting Colt, she seems to just sweep her own problems under the rug instead of dealing with them. I also kept thinking that she should have talked to her brother-in-law, especially since he has a military background and could have helped.
As for Colt, I didn’t really understand why he was hiding his true job from his family in the first place. I thought his family already understood the law enforcement/military lifestyle, so his secrecy felt a little unnecessary.
Overall, the story was pretty predictable, but it was still a fun and easy read. The characters frustrated me at times, but the banter and action kept things entertaining enough.
July 4, 2026
“Coulter’s Secret” is a strong, satisfying continuation of the Tactical Operations series. Anna Blakely blends suspense, emotion, and character‑driven twists in a way that keeps you turning pages.
This book finally pulls back the curtain on Colt Morgan — long thought to be the irresponsible brother‑in‑law to Alexandria’s sister Avery. Instead, he’s been undercover for the CIA, and Alex’s accidental discovery of his mission throws her straight into the path of danger. Their involvement in taking down a sex trafficker adds urgency and grit to the story, while their growing connection adds warmth and humor.
I loved the balance of action and heart here. Colt and Alex’s dynamic feels natural and earned, and the revelations about Colt’s past deepen the overall series arc. The suspense is engaging, the romance is sweet and intense, and the HEA lands beautifully.
If you’re following the series, this one is absolutely worth the read — it ties threads together while opening the door for more with Rafe's story coming soon.
This book finally pulls back the curtain on Colt Morgan — long thought to be the irresponsible brother‑in‑law to Alexandria’s sister Avery. Instead, he’s been undercover for the CIA, and Alex’s accidental discovery of his mission throws her straight into the path of danger. Their involvement in taking down a sex trafficker adds urgency and grit to the story, while their growing connection adds warmth and humor.
I loved the balance of action and heart here. Colt and Alex’s dynamic feels natural and earned, and the revelations about Colt’s past deepen the overall series arc. The suspense is engaging, the romance is sweet and intense, and the HEA lands beautifully.
If you’re following the series, this one is absolutely worth the read — it ties threads together while opening the door for more with Rafe's story coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hey there! So, you know how everyone’s always saying opposite people totally draw to each other, right? Well, let me introduce you to Coulter—this super charming, undercover CIA hero kind of guy—and then there’s her, who happens to be his brother’s sister-in-law and an incredible artist with a heart of gold. And guess what? She’s secretly crushing on him too! The wild part? She strolls right into the middle of his high-stakes undercover job without even realizing it and ends up stumbling onto a his big secret that he's been hiding for years. Can you imagine? Total fireworks! Before you know it, they’re caught up in this crazy whirlwind of danger and feels. Coulter’s gotta figure out if he can trust her enough to keep his secrets a little longer, while Alex has to find a way to let go of all the heartbreak, lies and betrayal—otherwise, she might miss her shot at true happiness. It’s honestly a wild ride full of twists and turns!
July 1, 2026
Coulter's Secret is truly an enemies to lovers romantic suspense story. Coulter's brother is married to Alex's sisters and these two have been oil and water since they met. They problem, they're both wildly attracted to each other but neither one is going to admit it. When Alex heads out to LA to meet with a wealthy art collector, she runs into Coulter at his gallery. The problem? Coulter is calling himself "Colt" and pretends that they're a couple. Why you ask? Coulter is an undercover CIA agent and Alex has just gotten mixed up in his case. Now Coulter and Alex need to work together without making each other crazy or getting involved. Easier said than done! Coulter's Secret is a good story. I highly recommend reading the previous TAC OPS books so that you have a full understanding of the supporting characters. It was told from dual POV and had action, laughter and heat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Coulter and Alex
This story revolves around Coulter, aka Colt and Alex. Colt and Alex verbally spar pretty much every time they are in the same room. The thing is, they both have feelings that neither of them is willing to acknowledge. Not to mention, Caitlyn been keeping a secret from his family and friends for a long time. That comes to a screeching halt when Alex inadvertently stumbled right smack in the middle of an operation he is the team leader of. To keep the operation intact, he has no choice but to give her as little information as he can get away with. When things backfire and Alex is put in danger, Colt seeks help from his team and from his brother's Tac-Ops team to help save her. Time will tell if he succeeds. Get this book ASAP and find out what happens. Sorry, no spoilers.
This story revolves around Coulter, aka Colt and Alex. Colt and Alex verbally spar pretty much every time they are in the same room. The thing is, they both have feelings that neither of them is willing to acknowledge. Not to mention, Caitlyn been keeping a secret from his family and friends for a long time. That comes to a screeching halt when Alex inadvertently stumbled right smack in the middle of an operation he is the team leader of. To keep the operation intact, he has no choice but to give her as little information as he can get away with. When things backfire and Alex is put in danger, Colt seeks help from his team and from his brother's Tac-Ops team to help save her. Time will tell if he succeeds. Get this book ASAP and find out what happens. Sorry, no spoilers.
July 8, 2026
Coulter Morgan was married to Alexandria Webb’s sister and he loved to tease her. Now Alex is an artist trying to get her big break. When she has a meeting with Gordon Crawford she is hopeful this is the break she’s been waiting for. Imagine her surprise when she runs into Colt who immediately tells her she needs to leave and tells her to call him Cole Morris. Little does she know, he is there investigating a sex trafficking ring thought to be led by Gordon and he is working for the CIA on the Hostage Rescue Team. Gordon isn’t meeting her about her art, he has other plans for her. But Colt is determined to keep her safe. Another great read in this series!
July 16, 2026
Colt has been keeping a secret from his family and friends for years. When he unexpectedly runs into Alex, a talented artist, while undercover, he's finally forced to tell the truth. Colt has had feelings for Alex but never acted on them. Their chance encounter changes everything, giving him the push he needs to be honest with both the people he loves and Alex.
I loved the chemistry between Colt and Alex. Watching the tension between them slowly turn into trust and something more made their relationship feel authentic. Add in the nonstop action and suspense, and this was another great read!
I loved the chemistry between Colt and Alex. Watching the tension between them slowly turn into trust and something more made their relationship feel authentic. Add in the nonstop action and suspense, and this was another great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Coulter has a secret he's been keeping from his family and friends for a long time. When he crosses paths with his brother's sister in law, he's forced to confide in her. With danger lurking in the shadows and a passion neither one of them wanted to admit, he promises to tell his family and friends his best kept secret. But as that danger lurks he will need his brother and the other operatives of Tac Ops to rescue the woman he realizes he loves.
With mystery, danger, intrigue and passion you won't want to put this book down.
With mystery, danger, intrigue and passion you won't want to put this book down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gripping, suspenseful and romantic. Characters have been sparring and dancing around each other for a while, when she ends up in the middle of his case it all goes haywire. Sparks galore, witty and heated. The plot is twisted and scary, I just felt it building and knew that something was coming, boy! When it did the chase was on and I just got carried along with it all. Full-on from start to finish.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticSteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticSteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
June 30, 2026
Alexandria Webb an artist.
Rafe Owen’s owner of Tac Ops.
Coulter Morgan CIA agent Hostage Rescue team.
Gordon Crawford an evil man into illegal dealings.
Coulter and Alex unexpectedly meet on one of Coulters OPS involving a big art dealer.
Alex was there to talk to Crawford to show her paintings in his gallery.
Crawford has other plans ( that are illegal and scary).
Can Coulter, Alex resolve the issue with Crawford?
Can Coulter keep her safe and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has action, suspense, danger, emotions, family.
Great Job. Anna Blakely !!!!
Rafe Owen’s owner of Tac Ops.
Coulter Morgan CIA agent Hostage Rescue team.
Gordon Crawford an evil man into illegal dealings.
Coulter and Alex unexpectedly meet on one of Coulters OPS involving a big art dealer.
Alex was there to talk to Crawford to show her paintings in his gallery.
Crawford has other plans ( that are illegal and scary).
Can Coulter, Alex resolve the issue with Crawford?
Can Coulter keep her safe and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has action, suspense, danger, emotions, family.
Great Job. Anna Blakely !!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn't want to put it down! Truly captured my attention from the first words, Colt and Alex's story was terrific. Colt's CIA operation is crashed by Alex- oops- and protection mode activated! Alex unwittingly draws the attention of some evil players, and as these two fumble around their attraction.. or was it supposed to be hatred? For each other the suspense and danger grows. Loved the sparks. And the setup for the next book? Can't wait.
Review of advance copy
Alexandria is an artist and runs a gallery. Coulter is hiding his true self to protect others, a true alpha. Anna sees him as an immature man who can’t be trusted. When Coulter explains will Alex believe him? When danger follows them home and Coulter seeks the aid of Tactical Operations to assist him will they get to Alex in time? What an amazing book. Well written, realistic and you can’t put it down. 5+ stars.
July 2, 2026
Alex, an artist gets mixed up with ex CIA man now tac ops operative Coulter when trouble comes for her. She doesn't want his help but needs it.
Their connection is on dubious grounds from the start. It's their history that makes it so but they soon get over that.
I loved these two. Fiesty and friction filled but steamy none the less.
Loaded with action, danger, suspense and a fantastic romance that im sure to revisit. Great writing and exciting plot. Loved it!
Their connection is on dubious grounds from the start. It's their history that makes it so but they soon get over that.
I loved these two. Fiesty and friction filled but steamy none the less.
Loaded with action, danger, suspense and a fantastic romance that im sure to revisit. Great writing and exciting plot. Loved it!
August 12, 2026
I really loved Colter and Anna’s story. They’ve been frenemies for years since her sister married his brother. It turns out that he is in deep under cover. She has to think quickly when she stumbles into his op. Their chemistry is explosive, and their feelings aren’t too far behind. This story grabbed me from the beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. Anna Blakely writes a great romantic suspense page turner. I can’t wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colt has a secret, one he's kept for a long time. Alex his brother's sister in law will be the first one to uncover it.
One of Anna's best. Lots of intrigue, great characters, steamy romance and action. This is the fifth book in the TacOps series, though they are easily read as a standalone.
Grab it now, you won't be disappointed!
One of Anna's best. Lots of intrigue, great characters, steamy romance and action. This is the fifth book in the TacOps series, though they are easily read as a standalone.
Grab it now, you won't be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fast-paced read of Colt and Alex. Definitely filled with lies and secrets. Alex was a really strong character, sometimes I wanted to shake her tho. The family of Tac Ops is a wonderful one, they have your back at any time. You just have to take a chance; life is too short. This is a great series and a great author to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Secrets, lies, murder and mayhem abound in Coulter’s Secret. From enemies to lovers, will Alex ever be able to trust Coulter? Their wit & sarcasm are hilarious and will keep each other on their toes.
When the evil he is chasing comes for Alex will he be able to get to her in time? Grab this one and join in the race against time for Coulter to get to her!❤️
Secrets, lies, murder and mayhem abound in Coulter’s Secret. From enemies to lovers, will Alex ever be able to trust Coulter? Their wit & sarcasm are hilarious and will keep each other on their toes.
When the evil he is chasing comes for Alex will he be able to get to her in time? Grab this one and join in the race against time for Coulter to get to her!❤️
July 5, 2026
I am the odd person out here. I found the book to boring. There was no action until the last couple of chapters.
I should not have read the second half of the last chapter as there was a cliffhanger. I do not like cliffhangers. To me, this is tacky on the author's part. I would read the last book in the series without being forced to.
I usually like books by the author, but not this one.
I should not have read the second half of the last chapter as there was a cliffhanger. I do not like cliffhangers. To me, this is tacky on the author's part. I would read the last book in the series without being forced to.
I usually like books by the author, but not this one.
July 25, 2026
This was a fast easy read with romance, suspense and wonderful characters. Alexandria is in LA to meet with a famous gallery owner who possibly will display her artwork. Coulter is there on an undercover CIA mission to expose the owner of human trafficking. I really enjoyed reading this one in the Tac Op series. Looking forward to the last book of Rafe Owens.
August 5, 2026
bullheaded and temperamental <> sassy
Hated the FMC in the first 5 pages. She didn’t redeem herself after that. Mentality of a 7 year old.
Then “deep cover” CIA agents don’t get to go home and hang out with their families. And absolutely nothing that happened would have ever happened with the CIA. Completely jumped the shark with this one.
Hated the FMC in the first 5 pages. She didn’t redeem herself after that. Mentality of a 7 year old.
Then “deep cover” CIA agents don’t get to go home and hang out with their families. And absolutely nothing that happened would have ever happened with the CIA. Completely jumped the shark with this one.
June 30, 2026
Love the series, liked the book
I was so excited to have Colt’s story. Just not sure about the love interest. I also thought the ending was predictable and wrapped up really fast.
I was so excited to have Colt’s story. Just not sure about the love interest. I also thought the ending was predictable and wrapped up really fast.
July 21, 2026
Opposites attract?
Anna Blakely never misses when it comes to elite covert teams and fierce alpha heroes! The balance of secret-agent action, trust-building, and passionate chemistry makes this installment in the *Tac-Ops* series an absolute winner.
Anna Blakely never misses when it comes to elite covert teams and fierce alpha heroes! The balance of secret-agent action, trust-building, and passionate chemistry makes this installment in the *Tac-Ops* series an absolute winner.
Review of advance copy
I didn’t see this one coming. So good. Enemies to lovers. Secrets coming out. A Bonus to fall in love more for. And the preview/Epilogue to get crazy excited.
Review of advance copy
Wow! The on page chemistry that Alex and Coulter have is perfection. Great characters and an amazing storyline. I couldn't put it down. And that lead into the next book-intense!
July 9, 2026
I absolutely loved Coulter & Alex story, and so will you. Artist in danger saved by the spy that loves her. Thanks, Anna fir writing and amazing book. I can't wait for more.
July 16, 2026
Loved it can't wait for the next one to come out in this series of books 📚
July 31, 2026
Romance
I can't wait for the next book to come out. I love tac op . Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Please don't let shadow die. Thank you
I can't wait for the next book to come out. I love tac op . Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Please don't let shadow die. Thank you
August 10, 2026
Good read. Waiting for next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are all the Secret's unravel;ed
Coulter's Secret was an Amazing story of discovery. Colt and Alex happened upon each other while he was undercover. Would she expose him? Or together would they expose the evil lurching below the surface, because things aren't always what they appear to be. You get all the feels as they work their way to new normal together. You will love turning the page to see what happens next.
Coulter's Secret was an Amazing story of discovery. Colt and Alex happened upon each other while he was undercover. Would she expose him? Or together would they expose the evil lurching below the surface, because things aren't always what they appear to be. You get all the feels as they work their way to new normal together. You will love turning the page to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews