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Hostage Rescue Team #6
Exposed
Sometimes the one you were meant to be with…
Marisol Lorenzo landed her dream job as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and is working on the case that could make her career; now she’s determined to put away the most dangerous drug lord in the country. But his incarceration has opened up a lethal turf war among his lieutenants. Their enforcers are out hunting their enemies, and anyone who gets in their way. When one of them sets his sights on Marisol, she turns to a man she grew up with and has wanted for years—a member of the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team. Even though she thinks he’ll break her heart when he leaves town, it’s a risk she’s willing to take.
Has been right in front of you all along.
Special Agent Ethan Cruz is back home in Miami with his team to take down a dangerous fugitive linked to the case Marisol is working on. He’s focused on his job and not looking for a relationship, until she captures his attention so completely that he’s consumed with the need to make her his. Though he knows he should keep his distance, the explosive attraction sizzling between them makes it impossible. He’s always had a soft spot for her but now his feelings are so intense he can’t shut them off. What starts off as desire quickly runs deeper, becoming something more powerful than he’s ever known. And when Marisol winds up in the crosshairs of the most lethal enforcer of all, he’ll put everything on the line to save her.
Marisol Lorenzo landed her dream job as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and is working on the case that could make her career; now she’s determined to put away the most dangerous drug lord in the country. But his incarceration has opened up a lethal turf war among his lieutenants. Their enforcers are out hunting their enemies, and anyone who gets in their way. When one of them sets his sights on Marisol, she turns to a man she grew up with and has wanted for years—a member of the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team. Even though she thinks he’ll break her heart when he leaves town, it’s a risk she’s willing to take.
Has been right in front of you all along.
Special Agent Ethan Cruz is back home in Miami with his team to take down a dangerous fugitive linked to the case Marisol is working on. He’s focused on his job and not looking for a relationship, until she captures his attention so completely that he’s consumed with the need to make her his. Though he knows he should keep his distance, the explosive attraction sizzling between them makes it impossible. He’s always had a soft spot for her but now his feelings are so intense he can’t shut them off. What starts off as desire quickly runs deeper, becoming something more powerful than he’s ever known. And when Marisol winds up in the crosshairs of the most lethal enforcer of all, he’ll put everything on the line to save her.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
152 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,801 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 67 reviews
September 1, 2019
Special Agent Ethan Cruz is back in his hometown with his HRT members, partly for training but primarily to prepare for an operation to take down the enforcers of a dangerous drug czar who is awaiting trial. While there, he sees Marisol Lorenzo, his childhood friend who always had a crush on him and is now an Assistant U. S. Attorney out of the Miami office. She’s overseeing the trial and he’s worried for her security, feeling that Marisol may be unprepared for how brutal this man can be. However, she’s no longer the young kid he left behind, but a beautiful and capable woman handling a major case assignment.
I really enjoyed seeing Ethan in his element, amongst his family and hometown friends, as it gave him more layers and dimensions. It was wonderful to continue to see diversity in these stories. Marisol’s story was also enjoyable as her relationship with Ethan evolved from an adolescent adoration to an adult romance. Even though he was, at times, much too protective, his instincts were right on target. The threats were real and the level of danger the highest. I loved getting the point of view of the assassin as his was not your typical story, challenging my own thinking about him.
This was a really good story, though a bit of a slow start for me, but once it got going, I was hooked. There is a big surprise that came during the highly climactic ending that very much caught me off guard. And, I don’t think it’s fully resolved but I could be wrong (not!). It was exciting with a really good romance.
I really enjoyed seeing Ethan in his element, amongst his family and hometown friends, as it gave him more layers and dimensions. It was wonderful to continue to see diversity in these stories. Marisol’s story was also enjoyable as her relationship with Ethan evolved from an adolescent adoration to an adult romance. Even though he was, at times, much too protective, his instincts were right on target. The threats were real and the level of danger the highest. I loved getting the point of view of the assassin as his was not your typical story, challenging my own thinking about him.
This was a really good story, though a bit of a slow start for me, but once it got going, I was hooked. There is a big surprise that came during the highly climactic ending that very much caught me off guard. And, I don’t think it’s fully resolved but I could be wrong (not!). It was exciting with a really good romance.
September 1, 2019
I really wish I could unknow what I know. I have a cautionary tale to tell you all: Don't read out of order! Don't read the book blurbs either! You can spoil a really fantastic book by doing that, like I just did. Kaylea Cross is a master at the action scenes and they are great here too. But, this time, the romance, or romances, take the prize.
August 29, 2019
I have a pretty set formula of how I want my romantic suspense to go and this followed it perfectly; Likeable characters with a believable and hot romance, edge of your seat action, a damsel in distress with an exciting rescue, supporting characters who are good for a laugh or two and the POV of the bad guy. This one pushed all my right buttons. Loved it. 5 stars!
August 7, 2021
I loved EXPOSED which is action packed with a sexy romance between childhood friends. Romantic suspense is my jam and I've really been enjoying Kaylea Cross's books but this one just hit all the right notes for me.
Marisol and Ethan's families have long known each other but it's been years since Ethan was home and seen Marisol. Now the attraction is stronger than ever, especially for Marisol who has always had a crush on Ethan. When a case Marisol is working makes her a target, Ethan steps in to protect her and attraction quickly escalates from there. These two were so hot together and completely devoted to being together. I especially enjoyed Marisol's character; she's dedicated to her work, level headed, and sweet. She doesn't have much experience with men but that doesn't stop her from wanting Ethan and putting herself out there.
Cross always incorporates a lot of great secondary characters and this time we had the unique perspective of Bautista, a deadly assassin who is more than he seems. I don't want to give anything away but it's certainly interesting and I'll be curious to see how things progress in the rest of the series. I'm also really excited for the next book featuring Ethan's sister and his best friend, one of my favorite tropes!
Marisol and Ethan's families have long known each other but it's been years since Ethan was home and seen Marisol. Now the attraction is stronger than ever, especially for Marisol who has always had a crush on Ethan. When a case Marisol is working makes her a target, Ethan steps in to protect her and attraction quickly escalates from there. These two were so hot together and completely devoted to being together. I especially enjoyed Marisol's character; she's dedicated to her work, level headed, and sweet. She doesn't have much experience with men but that doesn't stop her from wanting Ethan and putting herself out there.
Cross always incorporates a lot of great secondary characters and this time we had the unique perspective of Bautista, a deadly assassin who is more than he seems. I don't want to give anything away but it's certainly interesting and I'll be curious to see how things progress in the rest of the series. I'm also really excited for the next book featuring Ethan's sister and his best friend, one of my favorite tropes!
March 23, 2017
A somewhat disappointing read after the buildup of Marisol and Ethan in the last book. Yes, there's suspense, and loads of action and a strangely sympathetic villain who got me going more than the main characters.
I'm not a fan of instant-love and it seems doubly unbelievable when a man whom Marisol has grown up with all her life suddenly takes notice of her and decides he has feelings so deep that's called love - after telling her that a hookup he had with a friend a decade ago was someone he could barely remember because she meant 'nothing'.
Good way to treat women, Cruzie.
I'm not a fan of instant-love and it seems doubly unbelievable when a man whom Marisol has grown up with all her life suddenly takes notice of her and decides he has feelings so deep that's called love - after telling her that a hookup he had with a friend a decade ago was someone he could barely remember because she meant 'nothing'.
Good way to treat women, Cruzie.
December 23, 2015
I liked the romance in this one better, but quite a bit of it was predictable. I knew when Briar showed up that she would have some answers on a different character. Just as it was easy to see how things would go with Ethan and Marisol. What I really liked was Vance and Ethan's mom and their mutual affection for each other. Should make things interesting if he ever steps up to who he's lusting after.
October 19, 2015
This was my favorite of them all!
When Cruz fell he fell hard and for the right girl.
Cruz and Soli started slowly but when the came together it was hot!
Packed with HRT action this book had me on my toes for the wrong reasons: I wanted the bad guy to live. Imagine that!
So my favorite character, unfortunately, was Miguel, El Santo. Kaylea Cross managed to create a sweet, tender bad guy who in the end just wanted to be loved. What a twist to the story to have his romance with Georgia.
Their ending - Miguel's death - had me crying. That says a lot about the work that KC put in creating his character.
When Cruz fell he fell hard and for the right girl.
Cruz and Soli started slowly but when the came together it was hot!
Packed with HRT action this book had me on my toes for the wrong reasons: I wanted the bad guy to live. Imagine that!
So my favorite character, unfortunately, was Miguel, El Santo. Kaylea Cross managed to create a sweet, tender bad guy who in the end just wanted to be loved. What a twist to the story to have his romance with Georgia.
Their ending - Miguel's death - had me crying. That says a lot about the work that KC put in creating his character.
December 15, 2015
Can't believe I was rooting for the bad guy.
Kayla has a way of making you root for the "bad guys" in this book. Else Santo made me cry for Julia.
Exposed is one of the better stories in the HRT series. Loved it.
Kayla has a way of making you root for the "bad guys" in this book. Else Santo made me cry for Julia.
Exposed is one of the better stories in the HRT series. Loved it.
September 29, 2019
One of my favorite stories!
April 24, 2019
I'm keeping this short and sweet. If you've read any of my reviews from the previous books in this series, this review will be mostly the same.
The one thing I don't think I've mentioned in previous reviews though is that I love that a lot of the couples in this series knew each other before the traumatic events happen. Here, Marisol and Ethan grew up together and although he saw her as the little girl next door, she always had a crush on him. Only once he saw her all grown up did he realize that he had feelings for her as well. I'm just a little jaded at the whole "love at first site" thing so I'm glad that most of these stories have the characters have a bit of a background with each other first before they fell in love.
Now on to read Vance's story..
The one thing I don't think I've mentioned in previous reviews though is that I love that a lot of the couples in this series knew each other before the traumatic events happen. Here, Marisol and Ethan grew up together and although he saw her as the little girl next door, she always had a crush on him. Only once he saw her all grown up did he realize that he had feelings for her as well. I'm just a little jaded at the whole "love at first site" thing so I'm glad that most of these stories have the characters have a bit of a background with each other first before they fell in love.
Now on to read Vance's story..
August 1, 2020
stumbled on to this series unintentionally and decided to give it a try. and there are a lot of books in it, so I pick the one with the badass heroine
not Marisol obviously. I intend to read Miguel and Julia's story but it turned out their story began in this book.
the action was very very good, this book probably contain more action than the romance, not that I complain. it showed that the cops/fbi/etc really a badass warrior, not like some books which make a cop look like a weak character
I feel like watch a Bond movies. The thing is I like Miguel and Julia's story more that Ethan and Marisol's.
So gonna jump to read their next story soon.
not Marisol obviously. I intend to read Miguel and Julia's story but it turned out their story began in this book.
the action was very very good, this book probably contain more action than the romance, not that I complain. it showed that the cops/fbi/etc really a badass warrior, not like some books which make a cop look like a weak character
I feel like watch a Bond movies. The thing is I like Miguel and Julia's story more that Ethan and Marisol's.
So gonna jump to read their next story soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2017
Another hit in this series, it's as if each book just gets better and better. The characters are Amazing the stories hold your interest cover to cover. Each story seems to sadly mimick events that are happening today in the news. Sadly our men and women forced to combat evil in this world are on the front lines not just in a book and for that I am Thankful everyday!
As for me I love military type books with continuation of characters and strong men and women to make up brilliant stories and these books have it in spades! Epilogue and HEA with no cliffhanger.
As for me I love military type books with continuation of characters and strong men and women to make up brilliant stories and these books have it in spades! Epilogue and HEA with no cliffhanger.
May 7, 2017
Amazingly, gripping good read.
Another HRT member bites the dust, and what an action packed edition. Ethan and Marisol have history, but circumstances throw them into a dramatic series of events. Ms Cross loves to play with her readers hearts and this doesn't disappoint but also in an unexpected twist.
Highly recommended this edition of the HRT team, alpha guys and the ladies that make them fall exceptional read. Try it!
Another HRT member bites the dust, and what an action packed edition. Ethan and Marisol have history, but circumstances throw them into a dramatic series of events. Ms Cross loves to play with her readers hearts and this doesn't disappoint but also in an unexpected twist.
Highly recommended this edition of the HRT team, alpha guys and the ladies that make them fall exceptional read. Try it!
October 10, 2018
This has a really interesting plot. Full of twists and turns. Ethan and Marisol grew up together. Marisol has always had a crush on him. Ethan thought of her like a little sister, someone he needed to protect. Years later when he goes home to visit his mom, he is surprised how grown up and beautiful she is. When a hit is put on Marisol, Ethan's protective instincts kick into high gear. When she is kidnapped, a very unlikely source helps her escape. Can Ethan get to her before it's too late?
September 6, 2020
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Kaylea Cross always makes me feel for the bad guy.
I was rooting for Bautista- the assassin, and his lady love more than Ethan and Marisol.
I found Ethan and Marisol too stuck up but maybe that's because they hurt my poor baby Bautista :(
The plot was okay but the secondary characters stole it for me! I love Bautista and Julia, and they made me ugly cry. I would give it 3 stars but only because of my baby, this one gets 4stars.
I was rooting for Bautista- the assassin, and his lady love more than Ethan and Marisol.
I found Ethan and Marisol too stuck up but maybe that's because they hurt my poor baby Bautista :(
The plot was okay but the secondary characters stole it for me! I love Bautista and Julia, and they made me ugly cry. I would give it 3 stars but only because of my baby, this one gets 4stars.
January 3, 2021
3 stars
not a fan of a book where got more than 1 romance story since I'm only interested in the MCs' story to begin with. So I skimmed the other 'small' love stories happening here. Guess they'll appear in the next books or sth like that but yeah, not interested in this book. Overall, an okay read.
not a fan of a book where got more than 1 romance story since I'm only interested in the MCs' story to begin with. So I skimmed the other 'small' love stories happening here. Guess they'll appear in the next books or sth like that but yeah, not interested in this book. Overall, an okay read.
July 21, 2017
This was a good book, but didn’t hold the suspense and non-stop-attention grabbing as the books prior.
For rating and review breakdown, please feel free to read my blog review of this book at:
https://flidaisdail.blog/2017/07/14/e...
For rating and review breakdown, please feel free to read my blog review of this book at:
https://flidaisdail.blog/2017/07/14/e...
March 15, 2018
Another exciting book in this series with great suspense, excitement, and characters. I love the way this story is woven around several characters. The characters and the story are so well developed that the book really sucks you right in. Very entertaining.
March 22, 2018
I love Ethan and I love Marisol although I do think the whole "Marisol's innocence with men" thing was laid on a bit thick. Interesting plot though for sure! Glad we get to see some bautista again later!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2018
A little bit more emotional seesawing than I normally like, but it had all the great suspense that KC is known for, as well as the respect the H always has for his lady that I love so much in her books.
April 16, 2020
It was ok.
Marisol is a smart woman yet Ethan is treating her like she is an idiot. I HATE that. If Marisol didn't have a crush on him, she wouldn't put up with his bullshit.
Ethan overprotectiveness is annoying & I think it ruined the story.
Marisol is a smart woman yet Ethan is treating her like she is an idiot. I HATE that. If Marisol didn't have a crush on him, she wouldn't put up with his bullshit.
Ethan overprotectiveness is annoying & I think it ruined the story.
October 29, 2022
OMG Ethan and Marisol. Can't forget Momma Cruz she is so special love her character. This is a story that keeps going and love that Georgia is back in this story and new character Miguel. Great from start to finish.
October 2, 2017
Kaylea Cross has done it again...another great book in the HRT series!
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July 9, 2021Good book
September 29, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
April 28, 2025
I love friends to lovers.
February 24, 2017
Woahh.!! what an amazing book.. that is some intelligent writting.. but some things that bothered me mainly it was just one question towards d end that i had why didn't Maisol accept then Miguel was trying to save ? why didnt she tell everybody. aparrt from this i loved dbook.. amazing climax with such a cute epilogue . best in d serious till now.
September 10, 2015
4.5/5.0 stars
I genuinely love this series. The men of the HRT are all hot military men with special training who would not only die for each other, but also for the women and others in their lives that they love and care for.
This is Ethan Cruz's story. The team is in his hometown of Miami tracking a man with connections to the most dangerous drug lord currently in the country. When he runs into his old neighbor Marisol, Ethan is shocked at the possessive feelings he has towards her. He always looked out for her growing up, especially since she was several years younger. Now, she's all grown up and is an Assistant U.S. Attorney working on the same case he is. Ethan struggles with his feelings knowing he'll be leaving soon and doesn't want to start something and hurt Marisol when he has to leave. However when she becomes a target and her life is put in danger, he'll do anything to protect her.
Marisol has always had a huge crush on Ethan and has a hard time as fighting her affection for him. She knows he'll be going back home soon and knows she miss him. When it becomes obvious they each feel the same way, the sparks fly. But danger is closing in and the case she's working on is getting closer to trial and people want her stopped.
Ethan such a great guy. All of these men are. I've loved every one of these stories and I especially enjoy getting to see them all again in each book. Marisol was a great fit for Ethan and like the other women in this series, she was stubborn and stood her ground. I hope Vance's book will be next. I'm curious as to how he's going to be able to successfully keep fighting that attraction he's developed for one of these guys' sister.
I hope we'll see more of Georgia and there's a part of me that hopes Miguel will be back too. I'm hoping I interrupted that scene correctly and he'll be back - maybe....
Overall, loved it and can't wait to see what happens next time.
I genuinely love this series. The men of the HRT are all hot military men with special training who would not only die for each other, but also for the women and others in their lives that they love and care for.
This is Ethan Cruz's story. The team is in his hometown of Miami tracking a man with connections to the most dangerous drug lord currently in the country. When he runs into his old neighbor Marisol, Ethan is shocked at the possessive feelings he has towards her. He always looked out for her growing up, especially since she was several years younger. Now, she's all grown up and is an Assistant U.S. Attorney working on the same case he is. Ethan struggles with his feelings knowing he'll be leaving soon and doesn't want to start something and hurt Marisol when he has to leave. However when she becomes a target and her life is put in danger, he'll do anything to protect her.
Marisol has always had a huge crush on Ethan and has a hard time as fighting her affection for him. She knows he'll be going back home soon and knows she miss him. When it becomes obvious they each feel the same way, the sparks fly. But danger is closing in and the case she's working on is getting closer to trial and people want her stopped.
Ethan such a great guy. All of these men are. I've loved every one of these stories and I especially enjoy getting to see them all again in each book. Marisol was a great fit for Ethan and like the other women in this series, she was stubborn and stood her ground. I hope Vance's book will be next. I'm curious as to how he's going to be able to successfully keep fighting that attraction he's developed for one of these guys' sister.
I hope we'll see more of Georgia and there's a part of me that hopes Miguel will be back too. I'm hoping I interrupted that scene correctly and he'll be back - maybe....
Overall, loved it and can't wait to see what happens next time.
June 20, 2016
Fast, toe curling, action, characters that you fill fall in love with and relate to, a plot that keeps you glued to your book. I absolutely love Kaylea Cross' style of writing, and her romantic suspense and military stories are some of my all time favorite ones.
The suspense in the story built through the tale, and the tension get higher as the story progresses. The plot is well thought out, there's twists, and combinations, that puzzle your mind, and the interest to the story doesn't fade through the book.
I love the team, how seamlessly they work together, the brotherhood between them, and the complete support they give each other. I enjoyed that the other team members also get a voice and a point of view in the story, where it is appropriate, and fits into the plot.
What makes a difference in the story, is that the villain, or one of them, also gets his point of view, his story, past, present, emotions, anger, and hopes for the future, are also part of the whole. As a reader, I got a connection with him, understood his reasons, his goals, and why he was in the situation he was in. That gave the story deeper dimensions in my mind, and to the climax of the action, a different kind of reaction, emotional connection.
The romance between Ethan and Marisol is passionate, yet adorable. I loved them together, the tender sweetness, the steaming adoration, the understanding, the need to protect and take care of, the desire and will to make it work, and built a future together. Yes, the steam of the ereader's screen, but it was beautifully done, and so fitting to the story.
Delightful and charming characters, you want to spend time with, action that takes your mind to the edge, romance that makes you sigh and swoon, absolutely five spoons deserving romantic suspense!
~ Five Spoons!
The suspense in the story built through the tale, and the tension get higher as the story progresses. The plot is well thought out, there's twists, and combinations, that puzzle your mind, and the interest to the story doesn't fade through the book.
I love the team, how seamlessly they work together, the brotherhood between them, and the complete support they give each other. I enjoyed that the other team members also get a voice and a point of view in the story, where it is appropriate, and fits into the plot.
What makes a difference in the story, is that the villain, or one of them, also gets his point of view, his story, past, present, emotions, anger, and hopes for the future, are also part of the whole. As a reader, I got a connection with him, understood his reasons, his goals, and why he was in the situation he was in. That gave the story deeper dimensions in my mind, and to the climax of the action, a different kind of reaction, emotional connection.
The romance between Ethan and Marisol is passionate, yet adorable. I loved them together, the tender sweetness, the steaming adoration, the understanding, the need to protect and take care of, the desire and will to make it work, and built a future together. Yes, the steam of the ereader's screen, but it was beautifully done, and so fitting to the story.
Delightful and charming characters, you want to spend time with, action that takes your mind to the edge, romance that makes you sigh and swoon, absolutely five spoons deserving romantic suspense!
~ Five Spoons!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews