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Delta Force #1
Target Engaged
Delta Force: The most dangerous elite counter-terrorism force on the planet
• The deadliest shooters •
• The most out-of-the-box thinkers in any military •
• Will die to get the mission done •
Sergeant Kyle Reeves: The premier soldier of the new recruits
Sergeant Carla Anderson: The first woman of Delta Force
If the training doesn't kill them, their passion may-but Kyle Reeves and Carla Anderson blast right in. Show no fear. Have no fear. Then they get the call. The most powerful drug-smuggling ring in Venezuela needs a takedown, and Delta's newest team leaps into the deep jungle to deliver. Giving their all? Not a problem. Giving their hearts? That takes a new level of courage.
• The deadliest shooters •
• The most out-of-the-box thinkers in any military •
• Will die to get the mission done •
Sergeant Kyle Reeves: The premier soldier of the new recruits
Sergeant Carla Anderson: The first woman of Delta Force
If the training doesn't kill them, their passion may-but Kyle Reeves and Carla Anderson blast right in. Show no fear. Have no fear. Then they get the call. The most powerful drug-smuggling ring in Venezuela needs a takedown, and Delta's newest team leaps into the deep jungle to deliver. Giving their all? Not a problem. Giving their hearts? That takes a new level of courage.
348 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2015
131 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Buchman
322 books613 followersUSA Today and Amazon #1 Bestseller M. L. “Matt” Buchman started writing on a flight south from Japan to ride his bicycle across the Australian Outback. Just part of a solo around-the-world trip that ultimately launched his writing career.
From the very beginning, his powerful female heroines insisted on putting character first, then a great adventure. He’s since written over 60 action-adventure thrillers and military romantic suspense novels. And just for the fun of it: 100 short stories, and a fast-growing pile of read-by-author audiobooks.
Booklist says: 3x “Top 10 of the Year.” PW says: “Tom Clancy fans open to a strong female lead will clamor for more.” His fans say: “I want more now…of everything.” That his characters are even more insistent than his fans is a hoot.
As a 30-year project manager with a geophysics degree who has designed and built houses, flown and jumped out of planes, and solo-sailed a 50’ ketch, he is awed by what is possible. More at: www.mlbuchman.com.
From the very beginning, his powerful female heroines insisted on putting character first, then a great adventure. He’s since written over 60 action-adventure thrillers and military romantic suspense novels. And just for the fun of it: 100 short stories, and a fast-growing pile of read-by-author audiobooks.
Booklist says: 3x “Top 10 of the Year.” PW says: “Tom Clancy fans open to a strong female lead will clamor for more.” His fans say: “I want more now…of everything.” That his characters are even more insistent than his fans is a hoot.
As a 30-year project manager with a geophysics degree who has designed and built houses, flown and jumped out of planes, and solo-sailed a 50’ ketch, he is awed by what is possible. More at: www.mlbuchman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
November 11, 2015
They had trained to be the best of the best, to think on their feet, outside of the box and to get the mission done. They are the best the military has, they are Delta. Kyle Reeves has always been trained to be the very best. Carla Anderson has lost so much to the military and is determined to prove she has what it takes to survive Delta training, or die trying. What Delta training failed to teach them was how to react to each other when their chemistry becomes a volatile attraction that will re-write their futures, proving that the most dangerous adversary they will ever face is their own heart, determined to have its way.
Target Engaged by M. L. Buchman is a rugged military romance filled with action, vivid details, intense mission scenes unfolding with rapidfire tension and passionate romance. Two soldiers, each with different reasons for striving for the most dangerous missions, excel in their jobs, why wouldn’t they put all of the at same intensity into the game of tug of war they play with each others hearts. Is it possible that one alpha male can tame the wild heart of a damaged woman intent on self-destruction?
M.L. Buchman has done his homework, deftly bringing each scene to life, describing the closeness each team member feels for one another. Breath-taking action, steamy-hot romance and one more mission impossible accomplished.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5 stars
Series: Delta Force - Book 1
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-10: 1492619221
ISBN-13: 978-1492619222
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Target Engaged by M. L. Buchman is a rugged military romance filled with action, vivid details, intense mission scenes unfolding with rapidfire tension and passionate romance. Two soldiers, each with different reasons for striving for the most dangerous missions, excel in their jobs, why wouldn’t they put all of the at same intensity into the game of tug of war they play with each others hearts. Is it possible that one alpha male can tame the wild heart of a damaged woman intent on self-destruction?
M.L. Buchman has done his homework, deftly bringing each scene to life, describing the closeness each team member feels for one another. Breath-taking action, steamy-hot romance and one more mission impossible accomplished.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5 stars
Series: Delta Force - Book 1
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-10: 1492619221
ISBN-13: 978-1492619222
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 14, 2017
A really good page-turner with fleshed out characters. Carla and Kyle are tough as nails and their attraction to each other is off the charts. Neither of them know what to do with their developing feelings but they can't let it get in the way of their job. The military training went over my head but I was still able to enjoy this.
December 12, 2015
This was only my second encounter with the author. I read one of his Night Stalker stories in the Way of the Warrior anthology and loved it. I definitely want to read that series, but then this story caught my eye- first woman ever to become Delta Force? No recruitment office necessary to hook me in. The book was all that I could hope for as it led me from the moment Carla arrived at the Delta selection camp to her experiences at the grueling tasks and what she was up against as the woman and then it exploded into action on missions. And then there was the romance with the delectable Sgt. Kyle Reeves who didn't let her hard mental walls and stay away from anything personal attitude deter him. This was all that I could want in a romantic suspense and more.
Carla Anderson arrives at the Delta training center unsure of how she was chosen to go through the selection, but very certain this is exactly where she wants to be. Her mother and brother died in combat and left with only an alcoholic father, she is determined to honor their memories by succeeding. Her first day on the post has her defending her right to be there because she is a woman, but it also sets the precedence when she slams an obnoxious bully into a wall that she will not tolerate hazing. She is in the zone and rarin' to go.
Kyle Reeves is honored to be chosen, but knows that the selection process is grueling and one can't get cocky or unfocused. He is a natural leader and guys gravitate toward him. He is the best of their group, but Kyle is well aware as the weeks progress that Carla Anderson is right on his six and determined to beat him out. He loves her spirit and how she remains cool and focused. He is strongly attracted to her, but knows he must proceed with caution. There is a hard inner layer that keeps everyone and every feeling on the surface and he wonders about her past and her motivations. But, he would be more than pleased to finish the course with Carla right beside him.
Carla is impressed by Kyle and like the others looks up to him, but she also is strongly attracted to the man and wouldn't say no to get up something together after selection- that is if they both make it. As the numbers whittle down, certainty of success is not even possible.
And then they are together- on a team and as a couple. Carla doesn't want to analyze closely why this makes her happy. On a personal level, Kyle's presence scares the crap out of her because he makes her feel and she doesn't want that. She also doesn't want to make him feel because she has nothing to give a man. But there is the high octane missions to keep them focused and occupied along with the rest of their team.
So, this story was pretty good. It felt like a two-part affair with the Delta selection process one half and then the missions as a Delta team the other half. There is also the dichotomy in the romance, too. There is the slow build sensual attraction and then giving in and the hard grinding development of a relationship.
There is a great attention to detail regarding Delta, the process of selecting from hand-picked people to go through it, and Delta missions. I can't say I have knowledge beyond a few brief mentions that these are very specialized military personnel, but the background info felt authentic. I found it balanced just the right side of interesting without overbalancing into tedious detail that slowed down the story.
The story was a good example of a balanced romantic suspense. There is a ton of action particularly in the latter half which gets uber exciting, but there is the steady development of characters and the romance.
Kyle is the easy part. I fell in love with him the second he arrived and he was like Captain America awesome the whole way through. Skilled warrior, quiet yet alpha, intuitive, and oh so patient with Carla. She hurt him badly and yet he tried to be so understanding.
Carla is steely strength and a warrior, too. However, her personal side is all prickles and 'stay back' warnings. She let her mom and brother's deaths as well as her dad's choice to check out of her life screw her up. She didn't want to be hurt by the feeling of abandonment ever again so she has decided that her heart is dead and it will stay that way even if she has to fight tooth and nail to stay disengaged when Kyle- time and again- proves that she can and does feel. I really respected how Carla is written. She was believable as a woman making it into Delta Force and she was tough and competitive, but she didn't have this chip on her shoulder like she had something to prove.
The camaraderie of Kyle and Carla's unit was another enjoyable part of the story. These were skilled operators, but they are like family. I turned pages so fast while the scenes with their missions were going on.
All in all, this was a fantastic start to a new series. I haven't read Night Stalkers series, but I think this was a spin-off because there was a bit of crossover so that there was some Nightstalker action in this one. Look forward to what is coming next. Those who appreciate sultry, exciting military romance and a strong dose of dangerous suspense should definitely give this a try.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Carla Anderson arrives at the Delta training center unsure of how she was chosen to go through the selection, but very certain this is exactly where she wants to be. Her mother and brother died in combat and left with only an alcoholic father, she is determined to honor their memories by succeeding. Her first day on the post has her defending her right to be there because she is a woman, but it also sets the precedence when she slams an obnoxious bully into a wall that she will not tolerate hazing. She is in the zone and rarin' to go.
Kyle Reeves is honored to be chosen, but knows that the selection process is grueling and one can't get cocky or unfocused. He is a natural leader and guys gravitate toward him. He is the best of their group, but Kyle is well aware as the weeks progress that Carla Anderson is right on his six and determined to beat him out. He loves her spirit and how she remains cool and focused. He is strongly attracted to her, but knows he must proceed with caution. There is a hard inner layer that keeps everyone and every feeling on the surface and he wonders about her past and her motivations. But, he would be more than pleased to finish the course with Carla right beside him.
Carla is impressed by Kyle and like the others looks up to him, but she also is strongly attracted to the man and wouldn't say no to get up something together after selection- that is if they both make it. As the numbers whittle down, certainty of success is not even possible.
And then they are together- on a team and as a couple. Carla doesn't want to analyze closely why this makes her happy. On a personal level, Kyle's presence scares the crap out of her because he makes her feel and she doesn't want that. She also doesn't want to make him feel because she has nothing to give a man. But there is the high octane missions to keep them focused and occupied along with the rest of their team.
So, this story was pretty good. It felt like a two-part affair with the Delta selection process one half and then the missions as a Delta team the other half. There is also the dichotomy in the romance, too. There is the slow build sensual attraction and then giving in and the hard grinding development of a relationship.
There is a great attention to detail regarding Delta, the process of selecting from hand-picked people to go through it, and Delta missions. I can't say I have knowledge beyond a few brief mentions that these are very specialized military personnel, but the background info felt authentic. I found it balanced just the right side of interesting without overbalancing into tedious detail that slowed down the story.
The story was a good example of a balanced romantic suspense. There is a ton of action particularly in the latter half which gets uber exciting, but there is the steady development of characters and the romance.
Kyle is the easy part. I fell in love with him the second he arrived and he was like Captain America awesome the whole way through. Skilled warrior, quiet yet alpha, intuitive, and oh so patient with Carla. She hurt him badly and yet he tried to be so understanding.
Carla is steely strength and a warrior, too. However, her personal side is all prickles and 'stay back' warnings. She let her mom and brother's deaths as well as her dad's choice to check out of her life screw her up. She didn't want to be hurt by the feeling of abandonment ever again so she has decided that her heart is dead and it will stay that way even if she has to fight tooth and nail to stay disengaged when Kyle- time and again- proves that she can and does feel. I really respected how Carla is written. She was believable as a woman making it into Delta Force and she was tough and competitive, but she didn't have this chip on her shoulder like she had something to prove.
The camaraderie of Kyle and Carla's unit was another enjoyable part of the story. These were skilled operators, but they are like family. I turned pages so fast while the scenes with their missions were going on.
All in all, this was a fantastic start to a new series. I haven't read Night Stalkers series, but I think this was a spin-off because there was a bit of crossover so that there was some Nightstalker action in this one. Look forward to what is coming next. Those who appreciate sultry, exciting military romance and a strong dose of dangerous suspense should definitely give this a try.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2015
Originally published at Reading Reality
As I was reading this book, the U.S. Secretary of Defense announced on December 3, 2015 that starting in early 2016 all U.S. combat military positions will be open to women, including the Rangers, the SEALs, SOAR and Delta. So, while this book is certainly fiction, it looked forward at something that could happen in the near future.
Three women have already passed Army Ranger training, so that day may be much sooner than anyone thought just a few years ago.
Back to the present day, and the book…
Target Engaged is the first book in the author’s Delta Force series, which is spin-off of his awesome Night Stalkers series. Colonel Michael Gibson of Delta Force was the hero of Bring on the Dusk in the Night Stalkers series, and he serves as the main bridge between the two units. Not that there aren’t occasional appearances by other members of the Night Stalkers, but Gibson is the most obvious link.
He’s the one who makes the final judgment on whether these candidates for “the Unit” actually pass one of their more important final exams, even if that exam is only partially concealed within an interview. They are all training for Delta, they are supposed to see the wheel within the wheel within the wheel.
In this first book in the series, we’re introduced to a small group of Delta candidates who become a tight-knit force within their class. Although the focus is on Carla Anderson, who plans to be the first woman to make Delta, and Kyle Reeves, the natural leader of their contingent, the other guys come in for enough pages to make them interesting possible leads for future books in the series.
This is a story with two threads to one. One is the training of Delta. For those out there who love books where the hero or heroine goes through intensive training, there’s a lot here to love. All the members of “the Unit” are in training from the moment they arrive at the ass-end of Ft. Bragg until the day the survivors graduate – or flunk out at the last hurdle. Just over 100 start, only seven finish, and only five survive their final training. By survive I don’t mean some die, although many of the ones that fail the test wish they had. But out of the original cadre, only five go the distance. A few are sent back to their units with recommendations that they come back after either some additional training, or just after they heal their injuries, but most just fail.
Carla starts out as the only woman in the Delta recruiting class, and she’s the first woman to finish. The story is very real when it talks about how she makes it – not just that she goes through the exact same grueling training as the men, having to succeed or fail under the exact same standards, but they way that she also has to handle being the only woman, and the way that she has learned to cope with being one of the few women in what is still a man’s world.
But when they graduate, and the group is ready to set out on their first mission, Carla finally gives in to the steaming attraction that she feels for fellow Delta operator Kyle Reeves, and it is here that she breaks pattern. From this point on in the story we have some kick-ass military romance, as Carla and Kyle explore what they can be to each other, as well as how they and their relationship fit into the team that Kyle has built and Delta has honed.
When their first missions put them each in danger of losing their lives, they both have to face what it means to be in love with someone who risks their life every single day, and who you might have to deliberately send in harm’s way for the greater good.
Escape Rating B+: I loved both halves of this story – the training half and the mission half, but they are completely different.
During the entire training component, both Kyle and Carla are extremely aware of the heat they generate together, and they do absolutely nothing about it. A relationship between them while they are in the initial training/weeding out process will send them both back to their previous units, and probably scuttle Carla’s entire career. Also any relationship would be a distraction that they have neither the time, the energy or the privacy for until the initial phase of training is over.
Also, it’s not just that neither of them has much experience at real relationships, but that Carla specifically has no plans to ever be in a real relationship. A lot of the later tension between Carla and Kyle is that she had no plans to ever love anyone again, and is completely unwilling to admit that she loves Kyle and isn’t ready to go on without him.
One of the things I found slightly jarring about this story is that I couldn’t realistically see how a woman who is portrayed the way that Carla is would fall into a relationship with someone in her unit. While it isn’t against regulations – they are both the same rank and not officially in a reporting relationship – there is always a danger that the woman in any such relationship will be considered less capable simply because of the relationship. And if it fails, she’s the one who will lose rank or status, not him.
On that other hand, once I let go of my disbelief, the missions they went on were page-turning gut twisters from beginning to end. They go after bad guys who really need to be brought down, and they finish them off with style. Their second mission had me on the edge of my seat, and I loved watching them figure out how to save themselves and each other with not much more than grit, determination and a little help from some friends in the CIA and Mossad.
In the end, Target Engaged reminded me a bit of The Night Is Mine, the first book in the Night Stalkers series. Night reads more than a bit like Stargate fanfiction, and Target Engaged has the undercover agent vibe of some NCIS fanfic. I love them all.
As I was reading this book, the U.S. Secretary of Defense announced on December 3, 2015 that starting in early 2016 all U.S. combat military positions will be open to women, including the Rangers, the SEALs, SOAR and Delta. So, while this book is certainly fiction, it looked forward at something that could happen in the near future.
Three women have already passed Army Ranger training, so that day may be much sooner than anyone thought just a few years ago.
Back to the present day, and the book…
Target Engaged is the first book in the author’s Delta Force series, which is spin-off of his awesome Night Stalkers series. Colonel Michael Gibson of Delta Force was the hero of Bring on the Dusk in the Night Stalkers series, and he serves as the main bridge between the two units. Not that there aren’t occasional appearances by other members of the Night Stalkers, but Gibson is the most obvious link.
He’s the one who makes the final judgment on whether these candidates for “the Unit” actually pass one of their more important final exams, even if that exam is only partially concealed within an interview. They are all training for Delta, they are supposed to see the wheel within the wheel within the wheel.
In this first book in the series, we’re introduced to a small group of Delta candidates who become a tight-knit force within their class. Although the focus is on Carla Anderson, who plans to be the first woman to make Delta, and Kyle Reeves, the natural leader of their contingent, the other guys come in for enough pages to make them interesting possible leads for future books in the series.
This is a story with two threads to one. One is the training of Delta. For those out there who love books where the hero or heroine goes through intensive training, there’s a lot here to love. All the members of “the Unit” are in training from the moment they arrive at the ass-end of Ft. Bragg until the day the survivors graduate – or flunk out at the last hurdle. Just over 100 start, only seven finish, and only five survive their final training. By survive I don’t mean some die, although many of the ones that fail the test wish they had. But out of the original cadre, only five go the distance. A few are sent back to their units with recommendations that they come back after either some additional training, or just after they heal their injuries, but most just fail.
Carla starts out as the only woman in the Delta recruiting class, and she’s the first woman to finish. The story is very real when it talks about how she makes it – not just that she goes through the exact same grueling training as the men, having to succeed or fail under the exact same standards, but they way that she also has to handle being the only woman, and the way that she has learned to cope with being one of the few women in what is still a man’s world.
But when they graduate, and the group is ready to set out on their first mission, Carla finally gives in to the steaming attraction that she feels for fellow Delta operator Kyle Reeves, and it is here that she breaks pattern. From this point on in the story we have some kick-ass military romance, as Carla and Kyle explore what they can be to each other, as well as how they and their relationship fit into the team that Kyle has built and Delta has honed.
When their first missions put them each in danger of losing their lives, they both have to face what it means to be in love with someone who risks their life every single day, and who you might have to deliberately send in harm’s way for the greater good.
Escape Rating B+: I loved both halves of this story – the training half and the mission half, but they are completely different.
During the entire training component, both Kyle and Carla are extremely aware of the heat they generate together, and they do absolutely nothing about it. A relationship between them while they are in the initial training/weeding out process will send them both back to their previous units, and probably scuttle Carla’s entire career. Also any relationship would be a distraction that they have neither the time, the energy or the privacy for until the initial phase of training is over.
Also, it’s not just that neither of them has much experience at real relationships, but that Carla specifically has no plans to ever be in a real relationship. A lot of the later tension between Carla and Kyle is that she had no plans to ever love anyone again, and is completely unwilling to admit that she loves Kyle and isn’t ready to go on without him.
One of the things I found slightly jarring about this story is that I couldn’t realistically see how a woman who is portrayed the way that Carla is would fall into a relationship with someone in her unit. While it isn’t against regulations – they are both the same rank and not officially in a reporting relationship – there is always a danger that the woman in any such relationship will be considered less capable simply because of the relationship. And if it fails, she’s the one who will lose rank or status, not him.
On that other hand, once I let go of my disbelief, the missions they went on were page-turning gut twisters from beginning to end. They go after bad guys who really need to be brought down, and they finish them off with style. Their second mission had me on the edge of my seat, and I loved watching them figure out how to save themselves and each other with not much more than grit, determination and a little help from some friends in the CIA and Mossad.
In the end, Target Engaged reminded me a bit of The Night Is Mine, the first book in the Night Stalkers series. Night reads more than a bit like Stargate fanfiction, and Target Engaged has the undercover agent vibe of some NCIS fanfic. I love them all.
September 13, 2015
ARC received from: Netgalley
Rating: 3.5*
Cover: Yes please
Trope: Military romance
Chemistry: Low Boil
One-Sentence Summary: Delta Force partners learn what love is
Review: A great start to a new series by the military romance writer extraordinaire M.L.Buchman. I seem to say the same things in my reviews of his books: awesomely researched, full of military action, but I wish that there was more UST between the Hero/Heroine - I always feel like they give into their attraction far too soon.
October 22, 2015
Ever since I was introduced to Vince Flynn back in 2001 when his first Mitch Rapp novel came out, I have been a fan of military/spy/covert-op-shit books. I love everything about them ... the intrigue, the secrets, the characters, the plot, the sometimes scary correlation between reality and fiction ... I just love everything about them. So when I saw that there was this author that I've never had the pleasure of reading before and the book is a military/suspense/romance ... I was sold. I couldn't wait to rip into my copy and find out if I had found another author/reader soulmate.
Before I get into anything ... it needs to be said that this author knows their stuff. The book reads like the author has done this stuff before and is writing from experience. That being said ... I have no idea if the author has that kind of background. Someone on Goodreads dinged me because I had a status update and said "This has some serious military shit going on and the author sounds like she knows what the hell she's talking about." Turns out that the author isn't a she but a he ... oopsie daisy ... I apologize for any offense I may have caused by saying she instead of he. Here's the deal ... when I start reading a book, I purposely don't look into the book OR the author. I don't want to be swayed by someone's review or things that are written about the author and/or the book. I like to have a fresh perspective until after I've written my review and it's already public. I just don't want to be swayed in one way or another unless it's by my own thoughts and feelings. Anyhow. I shouldn't have said she.
But this author does know what the hell he is talking about. It made the reading experience enjoyable from that end because it was so realistic. But on the other hand, that kind of attention to detail really took a toll on my overall thoughts on the book. I'm more than okay with action and a little back-story but I really would have liked more dialogue. I felt like I wasn't able to get to know the characters on my own because I was hardly ever able to see them interact with other characters and that adds a lot to who a character is, in my opinion. There was just soooo much about the process they were going through with Delta and again, I think that the book needed that kind of detail but there also needs to be a balance that I was just missing.
I really wanted to love both of the main characters, Kyle and Carla but at the end of the novel, while I knew all about them, I just didn't know them. You know? It was almost like reading a redacted military file. Yes, you have all of the information but little details were missing about who they were. I think that is why I felt like their romance wasn't hot and sexy and it wasn't even a slow burn type thing ... it was more of a smoldering fire that is almost out. It just wasn't what I was hoping for. I wanted those sparks and to not get them was a little upsetting.
Is this a badly written book? Absolutely not. It was well written but just not for me, I guess. I don't know that I would be opposed to reading another book by Buchman. I might in the future but just not right now. I need a little decompression time because after all that Delta went through, I felt like the author put me right there with them and it's exhausting!
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
June 4, 2017
If you are looking for a very realistic book about elite military missions and the men and women who perform these risky Ops, this book has it in spades. I felt like I was really there on the missions, and the author has the military jargon down pat. This was lots of fun to read, and very intense. There was a nice love story between Carla and teammate Kyle; but it was very much secondary to the Delta team's missions.
My favorite part of the book remains the first part; where we followed 'Wild Woman' Carla through the rigors of Delta training...tough and intense.
----------------------
New to me author. I've read plenty of suspense and thrillers by a male author, but this is my first RS by a male author...
My favorite part of the book remains the first part; where we followed 'Wild Woman' Carla through the rigors of Delta training...tough and intense.
----------------------
New to me author. I've read plenty of suspense and thrillers by a male author, but this is my first RS by a male author...
September 9, 2015
Kyle may be ba****, but he wears his emotions on his sleeve, “get past this?” he roared in her face. “Goddamn it, Carla. Maybe you don’t have a heart after all. You’ve just ripped out my guts, and you want me to behave naturally as if everything in my world hasn’t just turned to total ***t?” This book was action packed and I loved Kyle, Carla at times not so much but she grew on me.
dnf
December 8, 2015DNF @ 39%
Just not enough romance in this one for me :(
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Just not enough romance in this one for me :(
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2015
Buchman slams the hot button The Afghanistan war has been something of a testing ground for women in combat, with coalition members including Canada, Germany, Poland, and Sweden deploying women in frontline units for the first time. No significant problems were reported in the British survey, and some militaries found that women officers were more effective at some tasks, such as gathering intelligence from female civilians. – Joshua E. Keating, “Foreign Policy: Women on the Front Lines” February 3, 2012
Women in combat. Wow. Now there is a discussion as ‘hot-button’ as religion in the US. And M.L. Buchman pushes that button, hard, in his “Target Engaged.” And he does a Kick Ass job of it.
Buchman’s book couldn’t be more “up to the moment.” The news for September 11, 2015 was full of the results of the Marine Corp study carried out to test women in special operations combat situations. There was some good news, but mostly bad. The worst? The Marine study didn’t follow the guidelines set up for the test!! Instead of doing what they would do with the men special ops candidates, i.e., choosing the very best the Corp has to offer to go through special training, they chose “average.” AVERAGE??? Oh, cut me a freakin’ BREAK! AS IF they would choose “Average” males to go through special ops training! So, they got the results they were going for. Most of the women failed. Well, here is a little secret – Most of the men failed as well! That’s why they call it ‘special’ training. They weed out the weak. Of course, the articles you find on the net are varied by exactly who was writing them. Hampton Roads put the worst (read, most misogynist) spin on the results, while Stripes Okinawa was the most balanced I could find. I am embarrassed for the Marines, that they thought it necessary to try their best to skew the results for a bad outcome.
Where Buchman gets it right, and thrills me that I was offered his book for review, is in how he handles this issue with his Delta aspirant, Sergeant Carla Anderson. Carla is what the Marines should have aspired to in their test. She is no unbelievable Superwoman. She is simply a Soldier. An Army Sergeant with experience, intelligence, and above all, a drive to succeed that is unparalleled. And Buchman makes her believable. She is the kind of woman I always dreamed of being. Tough and ready to face the pain, but at the same time she is kind. She doesn’t take shit, but she doesn’t turn away from it either. She faces it all head-on. And when you dunk a fellow recruit’s head in the slit trench when he tries that misogynistic, hateful crap on you, well, the others have a tendency to stand back and let you do what you are going to do.
Buchman takes you through Delta training without pulling punches. I, of course, have no idea if what the recruits go through is realistic, but hey, it didn’t feel ‘unrealistic’ so I am going with it.
And, hey. Marines? You should read the book. Of 104 who started, all but Carla male, only seven graduated to the next level of training. And only five of those survived. Now THAT is realism in your training, kids.
Anyway. After a month of weeding out the weak, another of perfecting and tuning, the five remaining members of the class, including Anderson, are sent on their first operation. Venezuela, home of the “elected dictatorship” that runs on guns and drugs. And of course, having a woman on the team, especially one who has gone through Delta training and has a perfect, healthy body is, well, the perfect distraction for a drug lord’s guards. Just swagger across the compound with your shirt unbuttoned and everyone’s attention is riveted – enough to assure that picking them off is a piece of cake!
With that CIA run mission taken care of, they move immediately to the next. And the next may take them all out before they have been on the job for a week.
This is high-action, ladies and gents. Well written, exciting, and believable I found myself glued to my reader screen. Who needs food? Or sleep? Not when I can be reading Buchman! I had never read his work before, but I am loading all of his work into my Wish List.
The only thing that made me uneasy? This is a member of the “romantic suspense” genre. As such, Carla and Special Forces Sergeant First Class Kyle Reeves, one of the five, have a relationship. Buchman actually handles it well, but the very fact of the relationship aspect gave me pause. One of the things that women in the military face is sexual harassment. One of the things the military faces is women in the military being in relationships, and getting knocked up by, other soldiers. This is something that soldiers like Lance Cpl. Callahan Brown, one of the two women who survived the recent Marine test, has to face every day. All she wants is to be the best possible combat soldier. However, it is made harder than it should be, not only by the military brass and their fellow soldiers, but by other women who don’t have the fortitude to “Ovary-up” and concentrate on business, not what is between their legs. Buchman handles it fairly well, but it was still a concern for me, that Carla was distracted a couple of times from the business at hand by drooling over her fellow soldier. Of course, he was distracted at times as well, so goose and gander.
PUBLISHING DECEMBER 1, 2015
I received ”Target Engaged” from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
Women in combat. Wow. Now there is a discussion as ‘hot-button’ as religion in the US. And M.L. Buchman pushes that button, hard, in his “Target Engaged.” And he does a Kick Ass job of it.
Buchman’s book couldn’t be more “up to the moment.” The news for September 11, 2015 was full of the results of the Marine Corp study carried out to test women in special operations combat situations. There was some good news, but mostly bad. The worst? The Marine study didn’t follow the guidelines set up for the test!! Instead of doing what they would do with the men special ops candidates, i.e., choosing the very best the Corp has to offer to go through special training, they chose “average.” AVERAGE??? Oh, cut me a freakin’ BREAK! AS IF they would choose “Average” males to go through special ops training! So, they got the results they were going for. Most of the women failed. Well, here is a little secret – Most of the men failed as well! That’s why they call it ‘special’ training. They weed out the weak. Of course, the articles you find on the net are varied by exactly who was writing them. Hampton Roads put the worst (read, most misogynist) spin on the results, while Stripes Okinawa was the most balanced I could find. I am embarrassed for the Marines, that they thought it necessary to try their best to skew the results for a bad outcome.
Where Buchman gets it right, and thrills me that I was offered his book for review, is in how he handles this issue with his Delta aspirant, Sergeant Carla Anderson. Carla is what the Marines should have aspired to in their test. She is no unbelievable Superwoman. She is simply a Soldier. An Army Sergeant with experience, intelligence, and above all, a drive to succeed that is unparalleled. And Buchman makes her believable. She is the kind of woman I always dreamed of being. Tough and ready to face the pain, but at the same time she is kind. She doesn’t take shit, but she doesn’t turn away from it either. She faces it all head-on. And when you dunk a fellow recruit’s head in the slit trench when he tries that misogynistic, hateful crap on you, well, the others have a tendency to stand back and let you do what you are going to do.
Buchman takes you through Delta training without pulling punches. I, of course, have no idea if what the recruits go through is realistic, but hey, it didn’t feel ‘unrealistic’ so I am going with it.
And, hey. Marines? You should read the book. Of 104 who started, all but Carla male, only seven graduated to the next level of training. And only five of those survived. Now THAT is realism in your training, kids.
Anyway. After a month of weeding out the weak, another of perfecting and tuning, the five remaining members of the class, including Anderson, are sent on their first operation. Venezuela, home of the “elected dictatorship” that runs on guns and drugs. And of course, having a woman on the team, especially one who has gone through Delta training and has a perfect, healthy body is, well, the perfect distraction for a drug lord’s guards. Just swagger across the compound with your shirt unbuttoned and everyone’s attention is riveted – enough to assure that picking them off is a piece of cake!
With that CIA run mission taken care of, they move immediately to the next. And the next may take them all out before they have been on the job for a week.
This is high-action, ladies and gents. Well written, exciting, and believable I found myself glued to my reader screen. Who needs food? Or sleep? Not when I can be reading Buchman! I had never read his work before, but I am loading all of his work into my Wish List.
The only thing that made me uneasy? This is a member of the “romantic suspense” genre. As such, Carla and Special Forces Sergeant First Class Kyle Reeves, one of the five, have a relationship. Buchman actually handles it well, but the very fact of the relationship aspect gave me pause. One of the things that women in the military face is sexual harassment. One of the things the military faces is women in the military being in relationships, and getting knocked up by, other soldiers. This is something that soldiers like Lance Cpl. Callahan Brown, one of the two women who survived the recent Marine test, has to face every day. All she wants is to be the best possible combat soldier. However, it is made harder than it should be, not only by the military brass and their fellow soldiers, but by other women who don’t have the fortitude to “Ovary-up” and concentrate on business, not what is between their legs. Buchman handles it fairly well, but it was still a concern for me, that Carla was distracted a couple of times from the business at hand by drooling over her fellow soldier. Of course, he was distracted at times as well, so goose and gander.
PUBLISHING DECEMBER 1, 2015
I received ”Target Engaged” from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
February 1, 2019
I enjoyed this story, well developed with likable main characters. Great romantic suspense, I'd recommend this one.
4.25 Stars
4.25 Stars
December 4, 2015
TARGET ENGAGED is so ridiculously good, I've been wondering why it took me so long to read this author's work. Filled with rich and vibrant details, amazing and inspiring characters, lots of rapid, intense action and a passionate romance, this is an incredible series opener and one of the best books I have read this year.
They are the best of the best, the elite of the elite, the ultimate warriors and they always complete their missions. They are The Unit.
Sergeant Carla Anderson lost both her mother and brother in combat and followed their footsteps into the military with the ultimate goal of joining the Delta Force. The first woman in history to be selected for the team, Carla is very determined to make it to the end and has the tenacity, competitive drive and sheer will to see her through the brutal selection process. But her biggest challenge may be her sexy team mate and not the rigorous Delta training.
Sergeant Kyle Reeves has always aspired to be the best in everything and takes every challenge in stride. But all the training he's undergone does not prepare him for Carla Anderson. A highly skilled operative and a very sexy woman, Carla challenges Kyle both on the field and in the bedroom and his biggest task is yet to come: getting her to admit her feelings for him.
Carla has only ever loved her mother and brother and knows nothing of the love between a man and woman nor does she want it, but when their mission goes sideways and she has to step into the role of leading the team, she realizes that she doesn't want a life without Kyle in it.
I'm the girl that picks the action movie over the romcom every time, so this is right up my alley and I loved every minute of it. Carla is beautiful, smart and fearless and very inspiring. Kyle is a leader and together they make a formidable duo in the field but beyond that, Kyle is good for Carla. He knows what makes her tick and dares her to take a chance on love and letting him in.
M. L. Buchman paints a very irresistible picture of what it takes to become an elite warrior, one that will make you want to run out and sign up for the military just for the opportunity to become one. I love how the romance between Carla and Kyle unfolded and I loved the camaraderie between their entire team. I enjoyed reading this book so much that I didn't want it to end and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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They are the best of the best, the elite of the elite, the ultimate warriors and they always complete their missions. They are The Unit.
Sergeant Carla Anderson lost both her mother and brother in combat and followed their footsteps into the military with the ultimate goal of joining the Delta Force. The first woman in history to be selected for the team, Carla is very determined to make it to the end and has the tenacity, competitive drive and sheer will to see her through the brutal selection process. But her biggest challenge may be her sexy team mate and not the rigorous Delta training.
Sergeant Kyle Reeves has always aspired to be the best in everything and takes every challenge in stride. But all the training he's undergone does not prepare him for Carla Anderson. A highly skilled operative and a very sexy woman, Carla challenges Kyle both on the field and in the bedroom and his biggest task is yet to come: getting her to admit her feelings for him.
Carla has only ever loved her mother and brother and knows nothing of the love between a man and woman nor does she want it, but when their mission goes sideways and she has to step into the role of leading the team, she realizes that she doesn't want a life without Kyle in it.
I'm the girl that picks the action movie over the romcom every time, so this is right up my alley and I loved every minute of it. Carla is beautiful, smart and fearless and very inspiring. Kyle is a leader and together they make a formidable duo in the field but beyond that, Kyle is good for Carla. He knows what makes her tick and dares her to take a chance on love and letting him in.
M. L. Buchman paints a very irresistible picture of what it takes to become an elite warrior, one that will make you want to run out and sign up for the military just for the opportunity to become one. I love how the romance between Carla and Kyle unfolded and I loved the camaraderie between their entire team. I enjoyed reading this book so much that I didn't want it to end and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
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December 2, 2015
Carla Anderson not only becomes the first female Delta operative, kicking butt and taking names in her training, but also achieves second place in the 30 day grueling testing/selection process. Handsome Kyle Reeves manages to beat her in most exercises—but not by much and certainly not always. The electricity between them is strong and they both swear to themselves that as soon as the testing is over, they are so going to jump the other’s bones.
After their acceptance into Delta, they immediately begin lustful days and nights and end up living together during their 6 months Delta training. The military decides that the six people who were selected from the group of 110 they entered with and trained with should stay together as a team. They are immediately assigned an operation to take down a Venezuelan drug cartel leader and a follow-on to take down even more drug leaders in Venezuela.
Through it all, Kyle is blown away by Carla who is not only beautiful but as strong, smart, indomitable and fearless as any soldier he’s ever met; eventually realizes he’s fallen in love with her. Carla thinks Kyle is best man and best warrior she’s ever met and their chemistry is amazing. Since the death of her mother in combat 8 years ago and her brother 4 years ago, however, she has no “heart” left, is dead inside. She believes she will be the best soldier she can be but also expects that she will be killed in combat as well. And, that’s okay with her. She is basically only functioning as a machine and can feel nothing deep for anyone. And, doesn’t want to. So,she tells Kyle she can never love him. You can guess what keeps the emotional action going between these two after that.
It’s great to read a really good novel again. I read so many that are not. The things I like about this one are:
Good writing skills---rare typos, good word choices, smooth sentences, pretty good dialogue.
Lots of action and suspense
Believable details about military equipment, training, tactics, and other plot related details.
Pretty good protagonists whom I liked—not flat stereo types.
A good balance between romance and action.
Pretty good secondary characters.
A good story arc.
For anyone who likes military romance, I recommend this.
After their acceptance into Delta, they immediately begin lustful days and nights and end up living together during their 6 months Delta training. The military decides that the six people who were selected from the group of 110 they entered with and trained with should stay together as a team. They are immediately assigned an operation to take down a Venezuelan drug cartel leader and a follow-on to take down even more drug leaders in Venezuela.
Through it all, Kyle is blown away by Carla who is not only beautiful but as strong, smart, indomitable and fearless as any soldier he’s ever met; eventually realizes he’s fallen in love with her. Carla thinks Kyle is best man and best warrior she’s ever met and their chemistry is amazing. Since the death of her mother in combat 8 years ago and her brother 4 years ago, however, she has no “heart” left, is dead inside. She believes she will be the best soldier she can be but also expects that she will be killed in combat as well. And, that’s okay with her. She is basically only functioning as a machine and can feel nothing deep for anyone. And, doesn’t want to. So,she tells Kyle she can never love him. You can guess what keeps the emotional action going between these two after that.
It’s great to read a really good novel again. I read so many that are not. The things I like about this one are:
Good writing skills---rare typos, good word choices, smooth sentences, pretty good dialogue.
Lots of action and suspense
Believable details about military equipment, training, tactics, and other plot related details.
Pretty good protagonists whom I liked—not flat stereo types.
A good balance between romance and action.
Pretty good secondary characters.
A good story arc.
For anyone who likes military romance, I recommend this.
November 20, 2015
Sampler Tour, Review & Giveaway: Target Engaged (Delta Force Series) by M.L. Buchman http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3lP
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars
If this book is any indication of how the new series will be then I am more than ready to keep reading. I loved how it followed the group through selection and training to show how they all melded together. Kyle is strong, smart and of course sexy; with an easiness that I loved. Carla was strong and driven yet she had a normalness about her that I really liked. She never tipped into witch territory and for that I am thankful. The author did a good job keeping the technical stuff at a level where you believed where you were but it didn’t overshadow the story. And what a story. The dangerous ops and the sexy romance kept me frantically reading. This is romantic adrenaline junkie’s kind of book. I can’t wait for the next one to see which member’s turn is next and what trouble they’ll find themselves in.
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
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December 2, 2015
3.5 Stars – 3 Flames
I’ve found myself liking Military Suspense novels a lot more lately. I can officially add this one to my list. These Delta Force members are no joke. Add in the fact that one of them is a hot female and well….you get my drift.
Carla has some demons to get over. So what does she do? She throws herself into her work, a.k.a., Delta Force. But who says she can’t have a little fun after training is complete.
Kyle seems to be the best of the best in the training group. He’s always focused and looking for the next option. But he can’t seem to focus so well around Carla. Good thing training didn’t last longer than 25% in because holy moley sparks flew between the two and never seemed to die down.
Carla and Kyle find themselves on an assignment when things start to get a little sticky. Although Kyle had come to terms with how he feels about Carla, she’s struggling with “what to call them”. It’s not until Carla has to be the “hero” that she realizes exactly what Kyle “means” to her.
Yes, I was speaking code. Can’t give too much away, right? The only thing I’ll say about this is that I found myself losing interest half way through the read. I felt like everything that was going to happen had already taken place. I’m happy I stuck through it though because there was definitely more action to be read. So much so that I’m looking forward to the next one already.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve found myself liking Military Suspense novels a lot more lately. I can officially add this one to my list. These Delta Force members are no joke. Add in the fact that one of them is a hot female and well….you get my drift.
Carla has some demons to get over. So what does she do? She throws herself into her work, a.k.a., Delta Force. But who says she can’t have a little fun after training is complete.
Kyle seems to be the best of the best in the training group. He’s always focused and looking for the next option. But he can’t seem to focus so well around Carla. Good thing training didn’t last longer than 25% in because holy moley sparks flew between the two and never seemed to die down.
Carla and Kyle find themselves on an assignment when things start to get a little sticky. Although Kyle had come to terms with how he feels about Carla, she’s struggling with “what to call them”. It’s not until Carla has to be the “hero” that she realizes exactly what Kyle “means” to her.
Yes, I was speaking code. Can’t give too much away, right? The only thing I’ll say about this is that I found myself losing interest half way through the read. I felt like everything that was going to happen had already taken place. I’m happy I stuck through it though because there was definitely more action to be read. So much so that I’m looking forward to the next one already.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
4.5 stars
What a great read Target Engaged turned out to be.
The storyline was well written, it was full of action, suspense and romance.
Both Kyle and Carla were great characters, they were likable, relatable and totally loved them together.
Target Engaged is a great start to the Delta Force series, looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca via NetGalley for the advance copy.
What a great read Target Engaged turned out to be.
The storyline was well written, it was full of action, suspense and romance.
Both Kyle and Carla were great characters, they were likable, relatable and totally loved them together.
Target Engaged is a great start to the Delta Force series, looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca via NetGalley for the advance copy.
dnf
December 10, 2015I wasn't able to finish this book. The first 20% or so was interesting, if overly detailed but the pace was slow. The action portion picked up a bit but the romance dragged. I kept waiting for something to happen. I gave up at 50% when I realized I was dreading picking it up to continue reading.
Read
May 23, 2023I had to quit at around 25% in. It was just all military descriptions and I was bored. I didn't care to hear about shooting distances and stuff. Just not my cup of tea.
January 26, 2019
I love this book. I'm 3/4 of the way through but it's the weekend so I wanted everyone to know about it.
She is in the military, he is also in the military. They meet on the first day of training/try outs for the Delta Force unit, an elite unit in the American military.
You get a really cool story of both of them going through Delta Force stuff/ missions, training, etc.
And the romance is also amazing. It's hot, it's sweet, they fall in love, all while in the military.
She is in the military, he is also in the military. They meet on the first day of training/try outs for the Delta Force unit, an elite unit in the American military.
You get a really cool story of both of them going through Delta Force stuff/ missions, training, etc.
And the romance is also amazing. It's hot, it's sweet, they fall in love, all while in the military.
December 16, 2015
M.L. Buchman first landed on my radar after reading his novella, NSDQ (A Night Stalkers Romance #6.6) in The Way of the Warrior anthology, and it ended up being my favorite of all the stories and I put him on my list of authors to add to my never ending TBR list. So when I saw that he had a new series starting up I jumped at the chance to read and I have to say that I’m happy I did. Target Engaged is an action packed read with strong and likeable characters with a somewhat unconventional courtship that just worked for me.
What I enjoyed the most, though also caused me some confusion since I have no deep knowledge of the military except for what is on the news, was being so immersed in the world of The Unit aka Delta Force and going through the process right along with Kyle, Carla and the rest of characters and through that learning about who they are and what makes each of them tick. Just reading about what they had to do in order to make it to each level had me anxious for them, but also amazed at the sheer tenacity and determination that was need to succeed, which also gave a lot of insight to Kyle and Carla.
The funny thing about this book is that we never actually see Kyle and Carla out of military or The Unit mode, there are rare moments when they do relax and banter and bullshit with each other and their team, but even then they are still thinking about what’s coming next and while it could have been limiting, it wasn’t. I still got to get to know them and see that they are both highly motivated, determined and highly intelligent. Kyle is open, approachable, calm under pressure and has can read people pretty damn well. Carla, on the other hand, is much more closed off and holds her emotions in a tight fist, but she isn’t cold, she just doesn’t feel she has the capacity to give more than what she already is to anyone. She lives in the here and now and likes it that way. And I have to point out that I loved how she dealt with those who thought to make her feel less than capable because of her gender. Clean, efficient with no room to argue.
As I said their courtship is a bit unconventional because this is romance The Unit style, so if you’re looking for wine and roses you aren’t going to get it. What you do get are two people in a high stress situation being attracted to each other and through the process coming to admire each other and then trust each other on one level and as they spend more time together, finding that there is more beneath the surface than they thought. The way things played out worked for me because it felt true to who both Kyle and Carla were and what their lifestyle was.
The writing was engaging and though I had no clue about half the terminology used (and no I didn’t Google any of it because half of it had to with weapons and that isn’t the kind of search history you really want on your personal computer) I really enjoyed going from day one of the selection process right up to the last operation in the book. The action sequences were well done and had me at the edge of my seat and I loved being in their heads as they planned and executed everything. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters and loved the guys who made it through the process with them and can’t wait to read more about them!
The Bottom Line: This was a great, keep you on the edge of your seat read and I can’t wait for the next one!
~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
What I enjoyed the most, though also caused me some confusion since I have no deep knowledge of the military except for what is on the news, was being so immersed in the world of The Unit aka Delta Force and going through the process right along with Kyle, Carla and the rest of characters and through that learning about who they are and what makes each of them tick. Just reading about what they had to do in order to make it to each level had me anxious for them, but also amazed at the sheer tenacity and determination that was need to succeed, which also gave a lot of insight to Kyle and Carla.
The funny thing about this book is that we never actually see Kyle and Carla out of military or The Unit mode, there are rare moments when they do relax and banter and bullshit with each other and their team, but even then they are still thinking about what’s coming next and while it could have been limiting, it wasn’t. I still got to get to know them and see that they are both highly motivated, determined and highly intelligent. Kyle is open, approachable, calm under pressure and has can read people pretty damn well. Carla, on the other hand, is much more closed off and holds her emotions in a tight fist, but she isn’t cold, she just doesn’t feel she has the capacity to give more than what she already is to anyone. She lives in the here and now and likes it that way. And I have to point out that I loved how she dealt with those who thought to make her feel less than capable because of her gender. Clean, efficient with no room to argue.
As I said their courtship is a bit unconventional because this is romance The Unit style, so if you’re looking for wine and roses you aren’t going to get it. What you do get are two people in a high stress situation being attracted to each other and through the process coming to admire each other and then trust each other on one level and as they spend more time together, finding that there is more beneath the surface than they thought. The way things played out worked for me because it felt true to who both Kyle and Carla were and what their lifestyle was.
The writing was engaging and though I had no clue about half the terminology used (and no I didn’t Google any of it because half of it had to with weapons and that isn’t the kind of search history you really want on your personal computer) I really enjoyed going from day one of the selection process right up to the last operation in the book. The action sequences were well done and had me at the edge of my seat and I loved being in their heads as they planned and executed everything. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters and loved the guys who made it through the process with them and can’t wait to read more about them!
The Bottom Line: This was a great, keep you on the edge of your seat read and I can’t wait for the next one!
~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
November 29, 2015
4.25 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2015
Kyle Reeves was trained by his father to do one thing: be the very best. So he isn't daunted by the Delta Force selection process—the toughest military training on earth—or when the very best woman falls into his arms.
Carla Anderson buried her heart in Arlington when she lost her mother and brother to combat. She wants nothing more than to give her all in the line of duty until she too is laid down beside them, and Delta training might just be the challenge she's looking for. Little did she know, the true challenge was coming in the shape of a sexy, alpha-male military operative.
Surviving brutal training is just the beginning of the merciless path to Delta, but it's also the dawn of the hottest passion Kyle and Carla have ever known…
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--TARGET ENGAGED is the first installment in M. L. Buchman’s contemporary, adult DELTA FORCE military, romantic suspense series-a spin off from The Night Stalkers/ Firehawks series. This is sergeants Kyle Reeves, and Carla Anderson’s storyline. TARGET ENGAGED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the previous series characters cross over in secondary roles.
Told from several third person perspectives TARGET ENGAGED follows a number of intersecting paths: the building relationship between Kyle, and Carla-the first and only woman to serve with the Delta Forces; the training and acceptance in to the military’s exclusive Delta Force program; and the take down of a drug lord in the Venezuelan cartel.
We are witness to the Delta Force training program-the hardships, tests, endurance and psychological exams that weed out the weak leaving the best of the best. Enter Kyle Reeves and Carla Anderson, along with their team including Richie, Duane and Chad. Five members of an elite Delta Forces team that go where no one else is able to go. The large ensemble cast of characters adds color, turmoil, and the possibility of several more future stories. Carla and Kyle’s personalities and characteristics are compatible, well drawn out, and thoroughly entertaining.
M.L. Buchman’s TARGET ENGAGED focuses on the South American drug cartels, and Delta Force’s take down of the people at the top. Buchman’s DELTA FORCE series is written with military precision, romance, suspense and heart stopping action focusing on the camaraderie, friendship and organized refinement of the Delta Force Team and the missions they are ordered to undertake. Once again, Buchman’s use of military jargon, lingo and technical information brings the reader into the pages, onto the front lines of the dangerous missions, and into the minds of the Delta Force members.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2015
Kyle Reeves was trained by his father to do one thing: be the very best. So he isn't daunted by the Delta Force selection process—the toughest military training on earth—or when the very best woman falls into his arms.
Carla Anderson buried her heart in Arlington when she lost her mother and brother to combat. She wants nothing more than to give her all in the line of duty until she too is laid down beside them, and Delta training might just be the challenge she's looking for. Little did she know, the true challenge was coming in the shape of a sexy, alpha-male military operative.
Surviving brutal training is just the beginning of the merciless path to Delta, but it's also the dawn of the hottest passion Kyle and Carla have ever known…
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--TARGET ENGAGED is the first installment in M. L. Buchman’s contemporary, adult DELTA FORCE military, romantic suspense series-a spin off from The Night Stalkers/ Firehawks series. This is sergeants Kyle Reeves, and Carla Anderson’s storyline. TARGET ENGAGED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the previous series characters cross over in secondary roles.
Told from several third person perspectives TARGET ENGAGED follows a number of intersecting paths: the building relationship between Kyle, and Carla-the first and only woman to serve with the Delta Forces; the training and acceptance in to the military’s exclusive Delta Force program; and the take down of a drug lord in the Venezuelan cartel.
We are witness to the Delta Force training program-the hardships, tests, endurance and psychological exams that weed out the weak leaving the best of the best. Enter Kyle Reeves and Carla Anderson, along with their team including Richie, Duane and Chad. Five members of an elite Delta Forces team that go where no one else is able to go. The large ensemble cast of characters adds color, turmoil, and the possibility of several more future stories. Carla and Kyle’s personalities and characteristics are compatible, well drawn out, and thoroughly entertaining.
M.L. Buchman’s TARGET ENGAGED focuses on the South American drug cartels, and Delta Force’s take down of the people at the top. Buchman’s DELTA FORCE series is written with military precision, romance, suspense and heart stopping action focusing on the camaraderie, friendship and organized refinement of the Delta Force Team and the missions they are ordered to undertake. Once again, Buchman’s use of military jargon, lingo and technical information brings the reader into the pages, onto the front lines of the dangerous missions, and into the minds of the Delta Force members.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 18, 2015
Wow, this one really surprised me. Yes there was a romance there, but it felt secondary. Instead we had the fun of Carla and Kyle getting into Delta, the macho skills they needed to just survive being picked. I really liked how the whole time while they were going through the gauntlet to get into Delta they were flirting spec ops style. It made for some fun times!
I especially loved how Carla was able to surprise the powers that be in Delta, along with the infamous Captain Gibson, who is a past favorite of mine.
I really liked the relationship between Carla and Kyle. It fun to see them slowly realize how much they cared for each other. What sucked was Carla not aware that she was able to love. I hated how she told Kyle, how it gutted him and then seemed to effect their mission. It was nice that at the end Carla realized how wrong she was and in Carla fashion let Kyle know.
And the mission, how great was that! I loved that Carla was forced to be "a girl" to use her feminine wiles and especially how stunned the guys were that Carla was a girl. The odd ally they showed Carla that being a girl wasn't a bad thing, but just another tool to be used. The last words she had to the group were great! I really hope she shows up again.
I especially loved how Carla was able to surprise the powers that be in Delta, along with the infamous Captain Gibson, who is a past favorite of mine.
I really liked the relationship between Carla and Kyle. It fun to see them slowly realize how much they cared for each other. What sucked was Carla not aware that she was able to love. I hated how she told Kyle, how it gutted him and then seemed to effect their mission. It was nice that at the end Carla realized how wrong she was and in Carla fashion let Kyle know.
And the mission, how great was that! I loved that Carla was forced to be "a girl" to use her feminine wiles and especially how stunned the guys were that Carla was a girl. The odd ally they showed Carla that being a girl wasn't a bad thing, but just another tool to be used. The last words she had to the group were great! I really hope she shows up again.
December 18, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
What I really enjoyed about this book was that the female lead was also in active service. Sure we get to see how tough it is for her, but she is there. Her single-mindedness at following her mother and brother undoubtedly fuels that toughness. Yet she remains a woman and even when engaged in military operations can't deny the mutual attraction between her and Kyle. Combine the danger and the precision which they face in their careers with the passion that they feel for each other and a winning story gets written.
If you like military stories and can handle a sexy romance interwoven into the action - then this is definitely for you. Hot, dramatic and giving a real feeling of authenticity - this is worth a read ... and my watch-out-for list now has a new series added.!
What I really enjoyed about this book was that the female lead was also in active service. Sure we get to see how tough it is for her, but she is there. Her single-mindedness at following her mother and brother undoubtedly fuels that toughness. Yet she remains a woman and even when engaged in military operations can't deny the mutual attraction between her and Kyle. Combine the danger and the precision which they face in their careers with the passion that they feel for each other and a winning story gets written.
If you like military stories and can handle a sexy romance interwoven into the action - then this is definitely for you. Hot, dramatic and giving a real feeling of authenticity - this is worth a read ... and my watch-out-for list now has a new series added.!
May 12, 2016
crap.....
storyline sucked; I liked the supporting charatures better then the main; explanations were given as to what was used, what terms were followed and then the author discarded those explanations and decided to use those that were just explained to only be used by outsiders that didn't know better......
almost didn't finish. should have walked away.
don't waste your time on this. if you want a war book read a Reacher book by Child or a Born book by Ludlum or any Clancy book. if you want romance wirh action then skip to Sandra Brown. Just romance then go read Nora Roberts. Just not this!
storyline sucked; I liked the supporting charatures better then the main; explanations were given as to what was used, what terms were followed and then the author discarded those explanations and decided to use those that were just explained to only be used by outsiders that didn't know better......
almost didn't finish. should have walked away.
don't waste your time on this. if you want a war book read a Reacher book by Child or a Born book by Ludlum or any Clancy book. if you want romance wirh action then skip to Sandra Brown. Just romance then go read Nora Roberts. Just not this!
September 21, 2016
M.L's knowledge of the armed forces is amazing. The detailed descriptions of not only the arsenal used, but the training and unit as a whole is what allows you to sink into his books and feel like part of the team. Each mission is riveting, the characters are outstanding and the book is a must read.
December 27, 2015
Love Love Love how strong Carla and Kyle are. Together they make a most amazing team as well a couple. Their story is exactly what I need at this time in my life. Looking so much forward to reading stories of the three members in their team soon.
January 11, 2016
Thoroughly enjoy his work! He gives such a realistic view of the military and combines it with genuine romance, connection between characters beyond sex. Excited to see more from this series. I definitely recommend his Night Stalkers series for those of you interested!
March 2, 2022
Delta girl
What happens when a girl on a motor cycle rolls into Delta training? A hotshot calls her "girlie" and she takes him down. She goes thru Delta Training; he goes home.
Carla rocks and what she goes through teaches her that girls rule!
What happens when a girl on a motor cycle rolls into Delta training? A hotshot calls her "girlie" and she takes him down. She goes thru Delta Training; he goes home.
Carla rocks and what she goes through teaches her that girls rule!
no-thanks
September 12, 2015Don't like alpha heroines
July 8, 2017
I'm in the minority here, but I really didn't enjoy this book, much to my surprise. I've loved every other M.L. Buchman novel before now, so I really don't know why this one lacked the romance and was more of a military suspense novel instead of the usual romantic suspense. One thing I can say though is that Mr. Buchman really knows his stuff and it's evident in his writing. He obviously does a lot of research before writing his books, so hats off to him for making the books realistic.
My problem with this book was that it was 80% details and 20% romance. I liked the first 10% and the last 10%. I can typically read/listen to a book in just a day or two. This one took me over a week because I kept having to come back to it after finishing another book. I just couldn't get into the book unfortunately.
I liked the story of how Carla Anderson sets out to become a member of Delta Force. She lost her brother and mother in combat, with her brother having died just 4 years earlier and the reason why she enlisted in the Army the day of his burial. Years later, she's trying out to become the first woman on the team. We were taken on a journey through the training she endured and the feelings she had towards fellow prospect Kyle Reeves. This part was great, although it did drag given all the details we kept getting about the training.
I liked Kyle - he was a good guy with a big heart and of course he was deadly. I loved the competitiveness between the two of them as they went through tryouts. It was great that he realized that Carla was a formable opponent and not just a pretty face. He fell for Carla right away, it just took the whole book for her to come to her senses.
Another thing I liked was the addition of former characters from the Night Stalkers series. I loved that series and liked their brief appearances in this one (and he managed to tie Carla's brother to the group, which brought it full circle). The supporting characters in this book were great as well.
The suspense was good and had I just wanted a suspense book, I think I would have been fine with it. But we really lacked the emotional connection between the characters that we usually get. If their first 6 months of a 'relationship' hadn't been skipped over, I think it would have helped. Instead, we're brought back into the story after training and after 6 months of them living together. What we get after this is just really mission details, not relationship details.
I do have to admit that I had to google Catatumbo lightning since that part was really interesting to me, so kudos to throwing that tidbit into the story for those of us who weren't aware of the phenomenon in Venezuela.
My problem with this book was that it was 80% details and 20% romance. I liked the first 10% and the last 10%. I can typically read/listen to a book in just a day or two. This one took me over a week because I kept having to come back to it after finishing another book. I just couldn't get into the book unfortunately.
I liked the story of how Carla Anderson sets out to become a member of Delta Force. She lost her brother and mother in combat, with her brother having died just 4 years earlier and the reason why she enlisted in the Army the day of his burial. Years later, she's trying out to become the first woman on the team. We were taken on a journey through the training she endured and the feelings she had towards fellow prospect Kyle Reeves. This part was great, although it did drag given all the details we kept getting about the training.
I liked Kyle - he was a good guy with a big heart and of course he was deadly. I loved the competitiveness between the two of them as they went through tryouts. It was great that he realized that Carla was a formable opponent and not just a pretty face. He fell for Carla right away, it just took the whole book for her to come to her senses.
Another thing I liked was the addition of former characters from the Night Stalkers series. I loved that series and liked their brief appearances in this one (and he managed to tie Carla's brother to the group, which brought it full circle). The supporting characters in this book were great as well.
The suspense was good and had I just wanted a suspense book, I think I would have been fine with it. But we really lacked the emotional connection between the characters that we usually get. If their first 6 months of a 'relationship' hadn't been skipped over, I think it would have helped. Instead, we're brought back into the story after training and after 6 months of them living together. What we get after this is just really mission details, not relationship details.
I do have to admit that I had to google Catatumbo lightning since that part was really interesting to me, so kudos to throwing that tidbit into the story for those of us who weren't aware of the phenomenon in Venezuela.
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