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Hostage Rescue Team #5
Avenged
When the past and present collide…
Taya Kostas is a survivor. She’s clawed her way back from the hell she was subjected to at the hands of an undercover agent working for the U.S. government. Since then she’s dedicated her life to preventing the same from happening to anyone else. Now her story has come full circle. She’s about to take the stand as the key federal witness in the biggest terrorist case the country has seen in years. But even though the man responsible for her nightmares is behind bars, the evil she escaped is still hunting her. When fate places her safety in the hands of the man who saved her life once before, together they race to stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy.
He’ll risk it all to save her.
For five years Special Agent Nathan Schroder has been battling his inner demons, but lately it seems like he’s on the verge of losing that fight. Then Taya is suddenly thrust back into his life and in imminent danger, so he steps in to protect her. He’s never forgotten her or the way she held up under fire, and this time he’s not letting her walk away. The terrorists determined to prevent her from testifying will stop at nothing to silence her forever. She might be in official protective custody, but she’s way more than a job to Nate. When the enemy finally strikes and her life hangs in the balance, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.
Taya Kostas is a survivor. She’s clawed her way back from the hell she was subjected to at the hands of an undercover agent working for the U.S. government. Since then she’s dedicated her life to preventing the same from happening to anyone else. Now her story has come full circle. She’s about to take the stand as the key federal witness in the biggest terrorist case the country has seen in years. But even though the man responsible for her nightmares is behind bars, the evil she escaped is still hunting her. When fate places her safety in the hands of the man who saved her life once before, together they race to stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy.
He’ll risk it all to save her.
For five years Special Agent Nathan Schroder has been battling his inner demons, but lately it seems like he’s on the verge of losing that fight. Then Taya is suddenly thrust back into his life and in imminent danger, so he steps in to protect her. He’s never forgotten her or the way she held up under fire, and this time he’s not letting her walk away. The terrorists determined to prevent her from testifying will stop at nothing to silence her forever. She might be in official protective custody, but she’s way more than a job to Nate. When the enemy finally strikes and her life hangs in the balance, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2015
138 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,802 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 1, 2019
Five years ago, Special Agent and pararescue jumper Nate Schroeder was part of a rescue effort to extract American hostage Taya Kostas from the Taliban in Afghanistan. He saved her life but it cost him dearly as he lost his partner and best friend. Now, Taya is the key witness set to testify in the trial of the terrorist who controlled the brutal group that kept her and others captive. A domestic terrorist group is determined to prevent that from happening and Nate inserts himself on the team providing her protection.
The connection between Nate and Taya was obvious from the start but it took awhile to get the full story of what happened during her rescue. Both were emotionally impacted and he’s still dealing with the residual anxiety, which he masks through his numerous, meaningless sexual encounters. I loved Taya and her effect on Nate, along with their powerfully strong connection. The other aspect of the story involving the domestic terrorist group, The Brethren, was extremely exciting as we were given the point of view of the one recruited to kill Taya. Their explosive attacks were shocking, brutal and exciting. It had me on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the story though it took a little long to develop and protracted the reveal of Taya and Nate’s backstory unnecessarily. However, the second half of the book delivered a huge payoff, both with the terrorist climax and the romance between Taya and Nate. It was satisfying to see Nate, a truly good guy, finally find his peace. 3.5 stars
The connection between Nate and Taya was obvious from the start but it took awhile to get the full story of what happened during her rescue. Both were emotionally impacted and he’s still dealing with the residual anxiety, which he masks through his numerous, meaningless sexual encounters. I loved Taya and her effect on Nate, along with their powerfully strong connection. The other aspect of the story involving the domestic terrorist group, The Brethren, was extremely exciting as we were given the point of view of the one recruited to kill Taya. Their explosive attacks were shocking, brutal and exciting. It had me on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the story though it took a little long to develop and protracted the reveal of Taya and Nate’s backstory unnecessarily. However, the second half of the book delivered a huge payoff, both with the terrorist climax and the romance between Taya and Nate. It was satisfying to see Nate, a truly good guy, finally find his peace. 3.5 stars
July 24, 2019
Really intense and really hot and really, really great action scenes as only Kaylea Cross can write them. I loved this book's plot, action and romance. It all worked very well. I loved the H/h backstory, it made the people they became so much more believable. How do you move on from a hell of a situation? There are many ways and each person is different in how they do it. Taya found her way, Nathan hasn't. He is exceptional is hiding his problems and is high functioning in his job with the HRT, but he is spiraling down at an alarming pace. Now, he has a chance to redeem himself with the one woman who can save him.
Taya was captured and held in Afghanistan five years ago. She has made her peace with what happened and now she is the star witness against the person who held and allowed her abuse her. Nate was on the scene when she escaped and has nothing but respect for her. He lost his best friend in the op that went terribly wrong and plagues him to this day. Now he is part of Taya's security team for the trial and nasties for The Brethren are determined that she never testify. Nate has found her again and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, but some things are beyond his abilities. 4 1/2-Stars
Taya was captured and held in Afghanistan five years ago. She has made her peace with what happened and now she is the star witness against the person who held and allowed her abuse her. Nate was on the scene when she escaped and has nothing but respect for her. He lost his best friend in the op that went terribly wrong and plagues him to this day. Now he is part of Taya's security team for the trial and nasties for The Brethren are determined that she never testify. Nate has found her again and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, but some things are beyond his abilities. 4 1/2-Stars
July 21, 2019
The action packed grand finale saved the book for me. Until then the story moved at a snails pace and I wasn’t really into the story. I love Nathan though. 3 1/2 stars.
June 25, 2015
4.0 RATING- I'm a fan of this series and author and thought Avenged was a nice addition. I wish the heroine and hero had more time to spend together when they weren't in danger but I guess that's the life of a featured couple in a romantic suspense story. Great writing, as usual. This wasn't my favorite of the series but enjoyable.
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Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through SCRIBD.
To see other books available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited or SCRIBD, check out the Subscription Addiction group
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August 7, 2021
Talk about an emotional read! AVENGED touches on a lot of hard topics but I loved the way Kaylea Cross handled both Taya's harrowing experience as a hostage in Afghanistan as well as Nate's struggle with PTSD. Years before Nate was on the team that helped rescue Taya and that forged a connection between the two even though they haven't seen each other in almost 5 years. They've both handled what happened in very different ways and now that Nate is guarding Taya as a federal witness he realizes just how strong Taya is. My admiration for Taya is huge (even though she's a fictional character) because I can't imagine the journey she's been through. Her calm, forgiving acceptance helps Nate to see how destructive his anger has been and helps lead him to a better path.
Nate and Taya fall fast and hard for each other as is common for most of Cross's books but that didn't stop me from enjoying every second of it. Nate has spent years using sex and one night stands to make himself forget but with Taya he wants more -- because she's the one he's always wanted but thought he couldn't have. Nate's self-worth and doubts and the way he almost hates himself was heartbreaking and I loved the way Taya comforted him and showed him that he's worthy of love and happiness. In addition to the healing romance is a great suspense story as Taya tries to stay alive to testify against her captors and they try to stop her. If I had one complaint, it's that we spent just a little too much time in the villain's POV so that it felt like it was taking away from Nate and Taya's story.
Content Warning: Taya was kidnapped, abused, forcibly married and raped while in Afghanistan; references to PTSD and survivor's guilt
Nate and Taya fall fast and hard for each other as is common for most of Cross's books but that didn't stop me from enjoying every second of it. Nate has spent years using sex and one night stands to make himself forget but with Taya he wants more -- because she's the one he's always wanted but thought he couldn't have. Nate's self-worth and doubts and the way he almost hates himself was heartbreaking and I loved the way Taya comforted him and showed him that he's worthy of love and happiness. In addition to the healing romance is a great suspense story as Taya tries to stay alive to testify against her captors and they try to stop her. If I had one complaint, it's that we spent just a little too much time in the villain's POV so that it felt like it was taking away from Nate and Taya's story.
Content Warning: Taya was kidnapped, abused, forcibly married and raped while in Afghanistan; references to PTSD and survivor's guilt
September 16, 2017
Nate starts out as quite a Man-ho & in a bad place. Taya is good for him.
It would be easy to talk to her. Her quiet sincerity made him wish they could spend hours and hours together alone so he could just be in her company. She’d seen him at his lowest point and still admired him. He felt safe enough with her that he knew he could tell her he wasn’t okay, because she’d understand.
“How could you let that go?” he asked, his tone and expression incredulous. “How could you let that go after what he did to you? What they did to you?” “Forgiveness,” she answered. She knew it sounded overly simplistic and probably cheesy, but that’s exactly what had helped her break from the past. ....... “I’ve forgiven him for the rest of it. I had to, to be able to go on. But I didn’t forgive him for his sake. I forgave him for mine.” She needed Nathan to understand the difference. “Forgiveness was what earned me my true freedom.” He was quiet a moment.
“Well then, you’re a better person than me,” he said in a low voice, his eyes burning with emotion.
“Sleep well, little warrior,” he murmured instead, then turned to go. Little warrior. The unique endearment, the admiration and respect in his voice as he said it, made her throat tighten. Before she could respond, he was gone. Taya stared at the closed door, feeling like her heart had just been torn wide open.
“Hey. What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.” Just that I hate who I’ve become. I don’t want to be that guy anymore. Looking over at her, he forced a smile. “It’s just… Seeing you again has inspired me to want to be a better person.”
She searched his eyes. “I think you’re a very good person. One of the best I’ve ever known.”
Only because you don’t really know me. “Trust me, I could stand some improvement.”
She was a rape victim who’d survived degradation on a level he hated to think about, and here he’d become a man-slut, going from lay to lay in an effort to escape his issues. Even if he’d had a shot of being with her when this security gig was over, she wouldn’t want anything to do with him now. And he didn’t blame her.
She was a f-ing miracle to him, so sweet and giving. Brave, and stronger than any other woman he’d ever met, maybe even stronger than she realized.
I didn’t think about it, I just reacted.”
Nate shook his head in awe. “Do you even know how brave that was? How selfless?”
“It was reflex. You guys had come there to save us. I wanted to help him, so we could get out. I wanted to live.”
She was breaking his heart and didn’t even realize it. “I think part of me fell for you right there and then,” he said. That image of her had been permanently seared into his mind, along with the way she’d stared up at him while he’d held his hand to her neck. Taya’s gaze flashed up to meet his, surprise in those silvery-gray depths. “You did?”
Nate nodded, stroked his thumb along her cheek. I’m still falling. “I’ve thought about you so many times over the years, wondered how you were.”
A soft, almost shy smile spread across her face. “Glad I wasn’t the only one.” Her hands came up to frame his face in return, her thumbs sweeping away the traces of the tears on his cheekbones. And Nate was done for. He was done lying to himself, trying to pretend his feelings for her weren’t real, or that they’d go away. The truth was, they were only going to get stronger. Tilting her face up to his, he lowered his head and kissed her.
He does improve and it is a wonderful ride!
It would be easy to talk to her. Her quiet sincerity made him wish they could spend hours and hours together alone so he could just be in her company. She’d seen him at his lowest point and still admired him. He felt safe enough with her that he knew he could tell her he wasn’t okay, because she’d understand.
“How could you let that go?” he asked, his tone and expression incredulous. “How could you let that go after what he did to you? What they did to you?” “Forgiveness,” she answered. She knew it sounded overly simplistic and probably cheesy, but that’s exactly what had helped her break from the past. ....... “I’ve forgiven him for the rest of it. I had to, to be able to go on. But I didn’t forgive him for his sake. I forgave him for mine.” She needed Nathan to understand the difference. “Forgiveness was what earned me my true freedom.” He was quiet a moment.
“Well then, you’re a better person than me,” he said in a low voice, his eyes burning with emotion.
“Sleep well, little warrior,” he murmured instead, then turned to go. Little warrior. The unique endearment, the admiration and respect in his voice as he said it, made her throat tighten. Before she could respond, he was gone. Taya stared at the closed door, feeling like her heart had just been torn wide open.
“Hey. What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.” Just that I hate who I’ve become. I don’t want to be that guy anymore. Looking over at her, he forced a smile. “It’s just… Seeing you again has inspired me to want to be a better person.”
She searched his eyes. “I think you’re a very good person. One of the best I’ve ever known.”
Only because you don’t really know me. “Trust me, I could stand some improvement.”
She was a rape victim who’d survived degradation on a level he hated to think about, and here he’d become a man-slut, going from lay to lay in an effort to escape his issues. Even if he’d had a shot of being with her when this security gig was over, she wouldn’t want anything to do with him now. And he didn’t blame her.
She was a f-ing miracle to him, so sweet and giving. Brave, and stronger than any other woman he’d ever met, maybe even stronger than she realized.
I didn’t think about it, I just reacted.”
Nate shook his head in awe. “Do you even know how brave that was? How selfless?”
“It was reflex. You guys had come there to save us. I wanted to help him, so we could get out. I wanted to live.”
She was breaking his heart and didn’t even realize it. “I think part of me fell for you right there and then,” he said. That image of her had been permanently seared into his mind, along with the way she’d stared up at him while he’d held his hand to her neck. Taya’s gaze flashed up to meet his, surprise in those silvery-gray depths. “You did?”
Nate nodded, stroked his thumb along her cheek. I’m still falling. “I’ve thought about you so many times over the years, wondered how you were.”
A soft, almost shy smile spread across her face. “Glad I wasn’t the only one.” Her hands came up to frame his face in return, her thumbs sweeping away the traces of the tears on his cheekbones. And Nate was done for. He was done lying to himself, trying to pretend his feelings for her weren’t real, or that they’d go away. The truth was, they were only going to get stronger. Tilting her face up to his, he lowered his head and kissed her.
He does improve and it is a wonderful ride!
June 29, 2015
4.5 stars
I love this series!! I absolutely LOVED Nathan Schroder and Taya. While Nathan was a tough guy, full of issues, I really enjoyed how he let Taya in and worked through his crap. Taya was the one he never forgot and it was clear that they had an incredible connection, even after being a part from one another for years. Nathan was a badass and yet so tender and sweet when Taya needed his comfort and protection.
I love this series!! I absolutely LOVED Nathan Schroder and Taya. While Nathan was a tough guy, full of issues, I really enjoyed how he let Taya in and worked through his crap. Taya was the one he never forgot and it was clear that they had an incredible connection, even after being a part from one another for years. Nathan was a badass and yet so tender and sweet when Taya needed his comfort and protection.
June 26, 2015
Loved this. Kaylea is one of my favourite authors. Thanks for yet another great book.
September 28, 2019
Really enjoyed this addition to the HRT series.
December 22, 2015
I think that I would have liked this one better had Nate not been such man-whore at the start. It really made it hard for me to like him or to root for him to have something real with Taya. It also didn't make me sympathetic to how his man-whore ways seemed to be hurting him at work.
I did hate how Taya was hunted through out the book and how the last big violent act hurt so many. It was nice that she was able to face the person that hurt her and know that she helped put him away and get him the death sentence.
I did hate how Taya was hunted through out the book and how the last big violent act hurt so many. It was nice that she was able to face the person that hurt her and know that she helped put him away and get him the death sentence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2017
I did like this addition to the HRT series, which is turning out to be a very entertaining one thus far, even if Avenged really isn't my favourite. As much as I wish Kaylea Cross didn't add a typical manwhore to the mix, I did appreciate her understanding of PTSD in here and her portrayal of a civilian heroine who has it together without needing to be a kickass, take-no-prisoners military personality.
April 19, 2019
If you're reading this book - or thinking about reading this book - then I don't need to bore you with rehashing the standard format of romantic suspense novels. There's comfort in reading a book in which the standard format is followed. Here we have Nate (or Nathan) and Taya's story.
Nate rescued Taya from a hostage situation in Afghanistan several years back and while instantly drawn to her that day, it was also the same day he lost is best friend. To say he hasn't dealt with his PTSD in a healthy manner is putting it lightly. We gain very little knowledge of his upbringing other than his father was a drug dealer that left the family when he was young and his mother and half sister are both addicts. Nate wanted out of that situation as soon as possible and that's why he joined the military as soon as he could. He stated that he didn't want his PTSD to lead him into addiction but really, it kinda did. Instead of drugs or alcohol, he resorted to using sex as a crutch.
Taya used therapy to help overcome the demons she encountered during her captivity as well as relying on her father and brother. Though she's put the situation behind her as much as possible, she's become the star witness when her capture is arrested in the states.
Somehow, as is the norm for these books, Nate's HRT is put in charge of keeping her safe. This would be my only issue with these books. If this team is responsible for rescuing hostages, why are they usually put in the basic role of bodyguard? I'm able to suspend reality and overlook this issue. So, Taya is being targeted so she can be taken out before she has the chance to testify. Nate, having seen her again after a few years, finds himself taken with her and wants her safety solely in his hands.
Now, the main reason this got 4 stars instead of 5 is that it took a while before the action really got going. We spent a lot of time reading about how they were moving Taya from one location to another and how the "bad guys" were trying to find her and making plans to kill her once they did. It was well over halfway before any real action got going. Once it did it moved at a really quick pace. Somehow I find the fact that all of these characters (in all of these books) surviving everything a bit unrealistic but again, I'm suspending reality here. All was well that ended well and Nate and Taya got their happily ever after.
Usually there's clear clues as to who the next book will focus on. Although I'm not sure, I'm guessing it will be Cruz. I guess we'll see...
Nate rescued Taya from a hostage situation in Afghanistan several years back and while instantly drawn to her that day, it was also the same day he lost is best friend. To say he hasn't dealt with his PTSD in a healthy manner is putting it lightly. We gain very little knowledge of his upbringing other than his father was a drug dealer that left the family when he was young and his mother and half sister are both addicts. Nate wanted out of that situation as soon as possible and that's why he joined the military as soon as he could. He stated that he didn't want his PTSD to lead him into addiction but really, it kinda did. Instead of drugs or alcohol, he resorted to using sex as a crutch.
Taya used therapy to help overcome the demons she encountered during her captivity as well as relying on her father and brother. Though she's put the situation behind her as much as possible, she's become the star witness when her capture is arrested in the states.
Somehow, as is the norm for these books, Nate's HRT is put in charge of keeping her safe. This would be my only issue with these books. If this team is responsible for rescuing hostages, why are they usually put in the basic role of bodyguard? I'm able to suspend reality and overlook this issue. So, Taya is being targeted so she can be taken out before she has the chance to testify. Nate, having seen her again after a few years, finds himself taken with her and wants her safety solely in his hands.
Now, the main reason this got 4 stars instead of 5 is that it took a while before the action really got going. We spent a lot of time reading about how they were moving Taya from one location to another and how the "bad guys" were trying to find her and making plans to kill her once they did. It was well over halfway before any real action got going. Once it did it moved at a really quick pace. Somehow I find the fact that all of these characters (in all of these books) surviving everything a bit unrealistic but again, I'm suspending reality here. All was well that ended well and Nate and Taya got their happily ever after.
Usually there's clear clues as to who the next book will focus on. Although I'm not sure, I'm guessing it will be Cruz. I guess we'll see...
April 11, 2020
Avenged was unbelievably amazing!!
I loved Nathan and Taya! Both individually and together as a couple - from their history to where they're at presently in the story is a crazy beautiful and heartbreaking journey. The bond Nathan and Taya had naturally, how their relationship came full circle, how they both gave what the other needed so preciously and willingly, how there wasn't a "magic cure" with their struggles at the end but still growth and healing in their futures, but now doing that together instead of apart.... I stinkin' loved it all!!
Taya had a sense of grace and emotional maturity that served her well as well as bravery in being vulnerable - and all that flowed right over to Nate. Nate had a deeper drive and need in him that kept him going and gave him the foundation to build on to take that grace and love from Taya. He was a protector and that gave Taya the safe spot she needed to land.
There were some things in that I could translate into my personal life and it hit something deep in a good way. I love it when stories touch me that way - such blessing in those connections and nuggets of goodness.
I also gotta mention that Kaylea Cross does such a terrific job giving the villain a sense of humanity. Although they're still the villain and need their comeuppance, you have a unique set of feelings for them. Lol
I'm so glad I got back to the HRT series and I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the series!
I loved Nathan and Taya! Both individually and together as a couple - from their history to where they're at presently in the story is a crazy beautiful and heartbreaking journey. The bond Nathan and Taya had naturally, how their relationship came full circle, how they both gave what the other needed so preciously and willingly, how there wasn't a "magic cure" with their struggles at the end but still growth and healing in their futures, but now doing that together instead of apart.... I stinkin' loved it all!!
Taya had a sense of grace and emotional maturity that served her well as well as bravery in being vulnerable - and all that flowed right over to Nate. Nate had a deeper drive and need in him that kept him going and gave him the foundation to build on to take that grace and love from Taya. He was a protector and that gave Taya the safe spot she needed to land.
There were some things in that I could translate into my personal life and it hit something deep in a good way. I love it when stories touch me that way - such blessing in those connections and nuggets of goodness.
I also gotta mention that Kaylea Cross does such a terrific job giving the villain a sense of humanity. Although they're still the villain and need their comeuppance, you have a unique set of feelings for them. Lol
I'm so glad I got back to the HRT series and I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the series!
September 7, 2018
I was a little heartbroken at the beginning of this one, I loved Nate in all the books leading up to this one, he just seemed so together and sweet, finding out his "addiction" was disappointing... (not in the book but in him) which is exactly what, as a reader, I was supposed to feel.
I loved Taya, such strength, and I love how KC makes it clear that she needed extensive therapy and help for her to work through the trauma, she didn't suddenly become all healed and normal because she's so "strong", no it took years for hear to deal with the trauma and even then there were limitations she learned to work through on a daily basis, that is closer to reality and made the story more realistic.
Well written and a very exciting and hot romantic read.
I loved Taya, such strength, and I love how KC makes it clear that she needed extensive therapy and help for her to work through the trauma, she didn't suddenly become all healed and normal because she's so "strong", no it took years for hear to deal with the trauma and even then there were limitations she learned to work through on a daily basis, that is closer to reality and made the story more realistic.
Well written and a very exciting and hot romantic read.
October 7, 2018
This one started out slow for me. There was no mention of Taya or her relationship with Nate in the previous books. I would’ve liked a prologue of her time in captivity and Nathan’s rescue. Yes they touched on it in the book but maybe I would’ve felt a better connection between the two characters. I also would’ve loved for the age difference to be brought up among the Taya and Nate and not just mention. Like how about a discussion where they talked about it?? Still loving this series even if this wasn’t my favorite.
October 9, 2018
Ms Cross out did herself on this one. This fast paced, full of action and suspenseful romance is unbelievable. Nate is spiraling out of control. He can't seem to move on from his past. He has slept with every woman imaginable to try to mask his pain. When he is reunited with someone from his past, will she hold the key to him finally letting go? Taya is a survivor. She has learned how to move on and live with her survival guilt. She has come out of her nightmare stronger and more confident. Nate and his team had rescued Taya five years ago. Now can Taya rescue him from his demons?
July 1, 2019
Nathan and Taya's story was strong. Their background story will rip your heart out. He is on HRT and he is also the medic. He us silently struggling and then someone from his past will shake him.
Taya is a survivor who continues to put one foot in front of the other. When she is in protective custody there is an attempt on her life and she sees again the one man she has never forgotten, nor did she ever have him.
Such a good story, but I did notice there was a mistake with the coloring of his eyes in one section and for me, I did not like that see was so much older.
Taya is a survivor who continues to put one foot in front of the other. When she is in protective custody there is an attempt on her life and she sees again the one man she has never forgotten, nor did she ever have him.
Such a good story, but I did notice there was a mistake with the coloring of his eyes in one section and for me, I did not like that see was so much older.
September 18, 2023
Wow. That was great.
Taya was captured and held as a prisoner in Afghanistan with many other women. Nathan's PJ team arrived with a SEAL team and were attempting a rescue of an undercover DEA agent. Taya was forced to marry him for her safety. Things went very wrong and Nathan and Taya barely made it out. 5 years later Nathan is still battling his Survivors Guilt. Taya is the star witness in the trial of the terrorist. She and Nathan reconnect. Discover love and healing. Great installment of this series.
Taya was captured and held as a prisoner in Afghanistan with many other women. Nathan's PJ team arrived with a SEAL team and were attempting a rescue of an undercover DEA agent. Taya was forced to marry him for her safety. Things went very wrong and Nathan and Taya barely made it out. 5 years later Nathan is still battling his Survivors Guilt. Taya is the star witness in the trial of the terrorist. She and Nathan reconnect. Discover love and healing. Great installment of this series.
August 10, 2017
3,5/5
I was impressed by the heroine, she's tough in spite of all she went through. The hero is quite good too, and I liked how he feels cheap for having used sex as a coping mechanism for many years.
I didn't like the repetitions in their thoughts though, but I remember the same from other books by this author.
The plot is interesting and the final battle is graphic but well written (and that's something I love with KC).
I was impressed by the heroine, she's tough in spite of all she went through. The hero is quite good too, and I liked how he feels cheap for having used sex as a coping mechanism for many years.
I didn't like the repetitions in their thoughts though, but I remember the same from other books by this author.
The plot is interesting and the final battle is graphic but well written (and that's something I love with KC).
November 26, 2023
50% into the book and no action. Her books are usually a complex balance of action, tension and romance; this one starts off slow with mostly internal monologue by the 2 main characters. Hard to get into the story. I don't care about the terrorists' POV. Nathan is the stronger character to me; dealing with his PTSD in unhealthy ways, which of course Taya will heal. From 3* to 2* when her protection detail was pulled from her! Dumb and predictable.
February 9, 2018
Best one of the series!
This was easily the best one of the series - such raw emotion throughout the entire story. Both characters were so deeply developed and their attraction palatable with each turning page. The author finally addressed PTSD and didn’t romanticize it at all. Perfect book!
This was easily the best one of the series - such raw emotion throughout the entire story. Both characters were so deeply developed and their attraction palatable with each turning page. The author finally addressed PTSD and didn’t romanticize it at all. Perfect book!
March 14, 2018
This is another great book in the Hostage Rescue Team series. I love the strength and loyalty of the characters and their love for each other. I love the strength in the female characters in this series as well. This book is full of suspense and action with love sprinkled in. I couldn't put it down until the last page!! A great read with a happily ever after ending, as always.
July 29, 2019
To think I almost didn't read this book because of one ridiculous review. It's sad that the person couldn't see the pain Nate was in and how much Taya helped him heal. This book was incredibly beautiful in that it shows how trauma can lead people to be stronger. @kayleacross, this book and this series is incredible.
May 12, 2017
Ripped from today's headlines comes a story both set in reality, heartbreak and love. Kaylea Cross has a unique way of pulling you into a story and holding you hostage. The characters and stories will keep you coming back for more! Recommend reading all her HRT series!
July 21, 2017
Just… great! Wow. What a fascinating back-story and developed story! This one’s truly one of my favorites!
For rating and review breakdown, please feel free to read my blog review of this book at:
https://flidaisdail.blog/2017/07/14/a...
For rating and review breakdown, please feel free to read my blog review of this book at:
https://flidaisdail.blog/2017/07/14/a...
August 5, 2020
Love this moving forward story
I love how the characters learned to move forward from the trauma they faced. It gives me hope from trauma I have faced and the hope I too can move on.
A must read!
I love how the characters learned to move forward from the trauma they faced. It gives me hope from trauma I have faced and the hope I too can move on.
A must read!
May 5, 2017
Loved it!
Wow Schroder - Not a lot more to be said, except read it, binge read the series you won't be disappointed
Wow Schroder - Not a lot more to be said, except read it, binge read the series you won't be disappointed
September 23, 2017
I enjoyed Taya's strength and her ability to break down Nate's walls. Didn't really care for how he used sex to cope but glad he got help in the end for his PTSD.
March 21, 2018
Nathan is such a great character and this book had a surprising amount of emotional healing involved in it, which I appreciated.
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