After nearly dying at the hands of a madman in New Orleans a year ago, Zoe Renard has worked hard to put that trauma behind her and move on. With her man at her side she’s focused on her writing career and building a future together. Things are almost perfect between them, until a series of shocking events turns her world upside down again. An unforeseen threat is looming, and it’s more lethal than anyone realizes. Only this time, hers isn’t the only life at stake.
But the nightmare isn’t over yet.
HRT member Clay Bauer never expected to fall in love again, but what he has with Zoe is better than anything he ever could have imagined. After what happened to her in New Orleans he’s ever vigilant about her safety, so when a new threat emerges he’ll do everything in his power to keep her safe. But even a former SEAL can’t protect her from an enemy he can’t see coming. And by the time he realizes the true extent of the danger, it may be too late for them all.
New 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.
Zoe Renard and FBI Special Agent Clay Bauer continue to be happy in their relationship, coming up on almost a year. She’s slowly putting the trauma of the events in New Orleans behind her but some troubling messages on her social media account are now causing her some worry. Clay gets the NSA involved and soon discover there’s plenty cause for concern.
I wasn’t expecting another story about Zoe & Clay but this turned out to be special on several levels. Those messages were definitely a harbinger of a major threat not only to her but Clay and the Hostage Rescue Team. Getting the villain’s point of view up front set the stage for a chilling story, especially as personal issues affecting Zoe and Clay complicate the situation even more. I could hardly put the book down as things moved quickly.
I love this couple, she with her quirky goth look and he with his taciturn, scary nature. The two of them created something lovely and unconventional when they found each other. This story was crazy scary because it’s not always assured with this author that main characters will come out okay. There’s a nice setup for the next story at the end and now I’m excited to begin that book! I’m really enjoying this series, which consistently delivers on the suspense and romance.
It was so great to get more of Bauer and Zoe who first met and fell in love in HUNTED. They're probably one of my favorite HRT couples so it was a real treat to revisit them, and the whole team, in WANTED. There's some big surprises for the couple as well as plenty of action. Also the ending! I won't give anything away but needless to say, I'll be starting the next book right away!
I liked this one, but it seemed to be missing something too. Part of that might be because the relationships were established and there wasn't a big conflict. I did feel bad with what Zoe was forced to do, but loved how she stood up to the police at the end.
We start off in the mind of evil - "Zoe had to die. Her heart beat faster as she typed out her latest message, this one the most blatant of all. Screw being subtle. She wanted Zoe to be scared when she read this one, wanted her to feel like something was coming. Because it was. And sooner than she realized."
AND it just keeps going from there!
If you liked Bauer and Zoe in Hunted, you have to read Wanted. Lots of action, good times with the HRT "ladies" (how many bottles of wine did they drink??), Taking two steps toward her, Zoe wrapped her arms around Taya and hugged her. The gang was getting used to her displays of affection, with the exception of maybe Briar, DeLuca’s lady, who was still a little standoffish and didn’t seem to know what to make of her. “I’m so lucky to have you ladies in my life. Who else would understand how crazy our men are?” Zoe didn’t know Marisol and Carmela that well yet either, but they were both friendly so she knew it wouldn’t be long before they were all friends. That support network was vital when their men had such dangerous jobs. Taya squeezed her in return, her calm energy like a balm to Zoe’s anxious mind. “For real.”
More trash talk and fun between the HRT guys (awesome paintball game) We’re ready,” Tuck answered. “Wait, so we’re going Rambo mode?” Evers asked. “Rambo on steroids,” Clay responded. “Three,” he called out to the others. “Two. Go!” Roaring their battle cries, Clay and his two teammates rushed out from behind cover just as Tuck and his team emerged from the dried cornstalks. Immediately they opened up on each other, firing everything they had. Whoops and war cries filled the night, along with the rapid thunk-thunk-thunk of hundreds of paintballs finding their targets...... and then someone played dirty and began firing straight at his groin. Since he’d been smart enough to wear a cup the impacts didn’t put him into the fetal position like they would have without protection, but he still roared and turned to face his attacker..... Clay lowered himself to Schroder’s level and returned the favor, firing until his weapon was empty. Schroder hit the ground and cupped his balls, groaning as the rest of Clay’s shots slapped into his prostrate body. “Bet you wish you had a cup on right now, huh, Doc?” he yelled over the noise. Schroder groaned and tried to sit up, something that sounded a lot like “freaking a-hole” coming from the team medic. Clay laughed, unrepentant.....In the light of the campfire the extent of the carnage was visible. All seven of them were covered from head to toe in bright yellow or blue splotches. The spot over Clay’s right cheekbone was swelling where Schroder’s round had hit. Would make Tuck and Celida’s wedding photos memorable. “Man, that was fun,” Tuck exclaimed. “Best bachelor party ever, Bauer.” He shrugged. “I try.”
Tons of emotional stuff to deal with for Bauer and Zoe. ****Twist in last chapter that sets up future story that I think lots of fans will be pleased with (especially if you like Deluca's & Cruz's stories)!!***
I love the team stuff the most because I love so many of the other couples. Happy for Tuck and Lida, love Taya & Doc, hopeful for Briar & Deluca, Vance (heal fast!) & Carm. Not much new for Cruz & Soli, Evers & Rachel but love them. Curious for Blackwell & Summer's story.
I swear I highlighted 1/3 of the book - some of my favs:
"Now try and count how many times I was hit, frogman.” “About twenty times in the nuts alone, I’m pretty sure,” he answered. Schroder’s lips quirked and he held up a middle finger. “Sit on it and rotate, man.” "You’re not my type, sorry ."
It continually amazed him that he’d found her, that a woman as beautiful and incredible as Zoe had somehow fallen in love with him, and she even loved his dominant side in bed. Huge bonus, since he didn’t have to temper his rough-edged desires around her.
The way he touched her was always so perfect. He made her feel safe, wanted and cherished in a way that made her crave him with every cell in her being. He was her addiction and Zoe couldn’t get enough.
It had been a hell of a week so far. Of all the things that could have happened to him right now, this one hadn’t even been on his radar. And to find out Zoe still felt insecure about his love and intentions made him feel like sh!t. In SEAL training the famous saying went, ” The only easy day was yesterday”. Those six words had never rung more true for him than they did right now. As of yesterday morning his entire world had shifted on its axis and there was nothing he could do now but man up and slay his inner demons.
Hell yeah, Clay thought with savage satisfaction. This b!tch was going to find out firsthand the world of pain she’d brought down on herself when she’d made the mistake of targeting the HRT family.
“When’s your next book out, by the way? I’m dying to find out what happens to Garret.” Clay stopped and stared at their neighbor with raised eyebrows. Mrs. Flannigan, the head of her church circle, read Zoe’s books? Now he was the one blushing. “I’m just about done with his story,” Zoe answered. “Should be out in a few months.” Mrs. Flannigan’s pale blue eyes filled with glee. “I can’t wait.” The elevator dinged. Their neighbor shuffled her walker backward a few steps to make room.... Shocked speechless, Clay hurried Zoe into the elevator while she laughed at his expression. “You’re so cute when you’re embarrassed,” she told him. “I can’t even believe what I just heard.” Zoe’s books were beyond steamy. Not to mention graphic. “I feel a little dirty, thinking about her reading your stuff.” She nuzzled his neck. “Ooh, you know I love it when you get dirty.”
Riveting tension and spellbinding action with fear palpable in the air. A story that left me once again completely hooked on Kaylea Cross's tales and the world of the HRT. I thought the ready-made commitment and love couldn't hold the intensity to carry the book, I thought there couldn't be a conflict that monumental that could make the tale 'interesting'. I thought lots of things, and with this story, they were mostly wrong. Even though it took a moment to get the story rolling, it did build the energy and power and enthusiasm that I have grown to expect from the author. Zoe and Clay were amazing in their first book, and they were able to outdo themselves in the second one. The passion, the adoration, the tenderness, and love is there. Yet there are doubts, questions, and even distrust that muddle the waters and causes friction. The loving is explicit and detailed as they show their passion to each other, the language at times rough as their express their thoughts and feelings. The action is vehement and fast. I felt that it was mostly left in the background of the story as the issues between Zoe and Clay were dealt with amongst the life events for the team members. The team gets a lot of scene time on this novella and are an important part of the plot development. Yet the battle against the stalker brought the tension up quickly and got the heart raising insanely as they were fighting the lethal battle. The ending provides a surprise for the followers of the series in a form of teaser of things that might come in the future. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, since it didn't leave this tale to hang, but there are interesting developments ahead for the HRT if the author follows that tidbit of a plot twist. This story didn't only feel shorter and lighter in contents as the previous ones, it was indeed that in pages as well. I have noticed the trend of writing shorter books while the price stays the same as full-length ones, or even higher in some cases. This is not something that affected my rating of this title, just a note that I hope the author is not going to follow that path I have seen some other authors to take. Kaylea Cross has been in my top five favorite authors for a long time, and I hope she will keep writing those highly emotional, full impact, action and danger riddled full-length novels that I love. The HRT is filled with strong, protective, loyal, take charge alpha males who are willing to do anything to keep the country and their loved ones safe. They love fiercely, they are loyal, trustworthy and true to their partners in life and to each other. Their women are capable, strong, and true equals to them. Alluring and entertaining addition to the series where Zoe and Clay are tackling with the future of their relationship, filled with devotion and adoration, yet some questions and doubts arise just as the threatening stalker who has been hassling Zoe on her website, turns out to be so much more than anyone expected. ~ Four Spoons
We got to know Zoe and HRT member Clay in book 3 of this series entitled Hunted. In Wanted we get a brand new story centered around these two great characters.
It's been a year since Zoe was kidnapped and saved by Clay. Together they have made a life together which has only gotten better. But there's a dangerous threat lurking in the background, one that's closer than anyone suspects. The team has made enemies in the past, enemies that don't forgive or forget. Clay has sworn to keep Zoe safe, but he can't be with her every second. When they discover what's really going on, it may be too late.
I absolutely adore Zoe and Clay. They are perfect together and have such a deep bond and so much love for each other. In addition to getting more from this couple, we also get to see how some of the other HRT members and their spouses/girlfriends are doing. Not to mention the surprise at the end regarding characters in an upcoming book. Cannot wait for more in this series.
Let me start by saying Cross is one of my favorite authors! I have honestly read ALL her books.
As always Cross has delivered an amazing book. Her character development and attention to detail is one of the things I love about her writing. Having read all her books I can say that each one is fresh and never feels like she is sticking to a script like some do. Her men are alpha and the women are strong and intelligent in their own right! Editing is always perfect - no having to read thru mistakes.
Clay and Zoe have been some of my favorite characters. Zoe is a women I would want to know while Clay is a man we all would want! The book is exciting making you laugh and cry at several points! A few surprises thrown in!
Highly recommend her other books/series it you like this one!
Thank you again Cross for a terrific read and allowing me to review it!
Clay Bauer and Zoe Renard return in this short novella, where a new challenge threatens their happy, stable life in coupledom. Not my favourite pairing, but it was good to see the involvement of Tuck and Celida (whom I liked a lot more) as well as the potential outline of a loose thread - the introduction of the Valkyries - that wasn't tied up in one of the later HRT books. It's all's well that ends well (and perhaps too neatly, happily and unrealistically wrapped up) but hardcore fans of HRT and Kaylea Cross would enjoy this nonetheless.
I'm now obviously in Romance Suspense mode... I enjoyed this book. I liked seeing the whole team and the group dynamics here. Ending is possibly setting us up for next book in series?
This was a cute and pretty quick story about Clay and Zoe. I must admit that I love this couple. A couple that seems so opposite of each other yet so in love with each other.
Zoe has been receiving some threatening emails and after first dismissing them as an obsessed fan of her books, they take a dangerous turn. Only Clay's connections within the FBI aren't able to track down who's sending them. Then things turn even more dangerous as Zoe helps Celida pick out her wedding dress as she prepares to marry Tuck.
Turns out the drug cartel that HRT broke up has offered money for the murder of any of the HRT members. Amanda, in love with Carlos (from Zoe and Clay's first novel) wants revenge because Zoe and Clay killed Carlos. After planning, what seemed to be a foolproof plan to kidnap Zoe and lure Clay to rescue her, takes a turn for the worse when Amanda's accomplice abandons her, leaving Amanda to try to take out Zoe and Clay on her own. Needless to say things don't go according to her plan and as per usual in these types of books, Zoe is saved.
There are a few surprises along the way in regards to Zoe and Clay's relationship and I won't spoil them. Take a read. Oh, and someone surprising makes a return. Is it good or bad? Find out!
It was a good book but not as Book 3 of the series, when Zoe & Clay's romance 1st began. Amanda is a bitch. If she wants to live a better life then she should have worked hard to get it instead of going the easy way, turning herself into a whore then complaining when it doesn't go her way. Nothing is easy & nothing is free. To get what you want you have to work hard to get it. Expecting respect when you didn't earn it, no wonder Dom abandoned her. She deserved it. Every downfall she got, she earned: Sleeping with Carlos, a dirty agent, & Alvarez, 1 of Fuentes's lieutenants, are short term as they are bound to dump her when they get tired of her or her usefullness is no longer useful.
I've said it before and I'm saying it again, these books just keep getting better! This book isn't about a new couple but clay and Zoe's continued story along with all our other favorite characters, oh and there are big surprises in this book for us But all good so no worries. Kaylea Cross rocks at romantic suspense! Hea,no cliffhangers but remember with continuation of characters it's best to read in order.
I loved this follow up to Zoe and Bauer's story! Zoe has to deal with another stalker threat while dealing with some unexpected news. This could change her relationship with the man she loved. Bauer, loves Zoe but knows something else is definitely wrong. He knew she was getting threatening emails and tlhe knows it is time to investigate and take care of things. He would not fail her again. But then when she tells him some news his world is shaken.
Clay and Zoe's love story continues...and so is the danger that lurks between the two of them and the rest of the team. These two still make a cute couple. I find Zoe's quirkiness adorable, and Clay's paranoia endearing. The action parts were okay, but I wished there had been more. I find that the closure between our protagonists and antagonists abruptly ended. Dominic's fate was even left hanging.
At least the book made up for it by having a cute epilogue. Clay Bauer is adorkable, indeed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WOW just WOW. This story is action packed, very suspenseful and full of romance. As well as a few surprises along the way. Zoe finds herself being stalked yet again. Clay has vowed to keep her safe. But who does the stalker really want? A side note: I loved when the guys let loose at the bachelor party. That's exactly how I would picture it with men like them.
This is another very enjoyable book in this series. The characters are wonderful, both the males and females. They are strong, loyal, smart, and have their own quirks. The story has great suspense, action, and romance. All around entertaining!!
Nothing wrong with this book per se - just not a fan of the couple, so wasn't interested in reading their story again. Also, didn't enjoy one of the female characters being referred to as ' woman'. WTF?
I love Zoe and Clay. Their original book was so good that when they got a second book, I was thrilled. Such a great story with great characters. The HRT series is a must read.
4 Stars - Wanted is an adult romantic suspense thriller by Kaylea Cross and the 8th book in her Hostage Rescue Team series.
The eighth installment in the Hostage Rescue Team series revisits FBI Special Agent Clay Bauer and romantic horror novelist Zoe Renard, who's story was first told in Hunted. From within the walls of one of the most secure prisons in the country, the head of the most formidable drug cartel in the United States has offered a million dollars reward for a hit on one of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team members. And what better way to lure them out, than target one of their women...
After nearly dying at the hands of a madman in New Orleans a year ago, Zoe Renard has worked hard to put the trauma behind her and move on. Being a writer, she could work from anywhere and since Clay needed to be near Quantico, she had agreed to relocate to northern Virginia where they could build a future together. He made her feel safe, wanted and cherished, embracing her love of the macabre and all things Goth. Things are almost perfect between them...until a life-changing event turns their world upside down.
Former Navy SEAL Clay Bauer never expected to fall in love again, not after having gone through a disastrous marriage and an even more disastrous divorce. But what he has with Zoe is better than anything he could have ever imagined. There's no one else like his Goth goddess, his raven. She's a unique and complicated mix of brilliant and driven, imaginative and dark. She's independent and fiercely loyal. And lucky for him, she's also incredibly loving. He thanks his lucky stars every day that she’d somehow seen past his grim exterior and decided she wanted him anyway.
When Zoe starts receiving odd messages on her pseudonym’s social media sites, something in her gut tells her this person might be dangerous. Having been stalked and kidnapped once already, she has no desire to ever go through it again. And this time, hers isn’t the only life at stake.
After what happened to Zoe in New Orleans Clay’s ever vigilant about her safety and will do everything in his power to keep her safe. But not even an HRT operator for one of the best counter-terrorism units in the world can protect her from an enemy he can’t see coming. And by the time Clay realizes the true extent of the danger, it may be too late for them all.
Wanted is a well-written, suspenseful blend of action and steamy romance sure to please fans of the series. The story picks up just as the HRT members are coming off their latest op, an Alaska mission where they’d taken a cruise ship under the control of a deadly terrorist cell. The team is exhausted and looking forward to downtime, but it wouldn't be an HRT story if there weren't mystery, suspense, and plenty of action in their immediate future. As always, I enjoyed revisiting all of the characters in the series. And after the author's surprise twist at the end, I'm now anxiously awaiting the next installment!
Content: graphic language, violence, explicit sex and oral.
exciting, powerful story full of action, angst and love. I read this in 2 sittings, I did not want to put it down. I was often on the edge of my seat, not just when guns were going off but on the emotional side as well. the worry, love and uncertainty that the 2 main characters have for what is being thrown at them. you also get some of the nerd side of things, computer jargon though I understand the basics, when it comes to the more in depth stuff well leave it to the experts. but that takes nothing from the book only adds another dimension. though a military theme it takes place on home turf, there is shooting and some action scenes. there is fear of the unknown, of being snatched and the overwhelming need to protect those you love. I love this series, and even more I loved this book, as always Kaylea understands her audience and gives us a gritty, intense and loving story
Merged review:
exciting, powerful story full of action, angst and love. I read this in 2 sittings, I did not want to put it down. I was often on the edge of my seat, not just when guns were going off but on the emotional side as well. the worry, love and uncertainty that the 2 main characters have for what is being thrown at them. you also get some of the nerd side of things, computer jargon though I understand the basics, when it comes to the more in depth stuff well leave it to the experts. but that takes nothing from the book only adds another dimension. though a military theme it takes place on home turf, there is shooting and some action scenes. there is fear of the unknown, of being snatched and the overwhelming need to protect those you love. I love this series, and even more I loved this book, as always Kaylea understands her audience and gives us a gritty, intense and loving story read 2016. Zoe has already been targeted and kidnapped and is still dealing with the trauma it all caused, now it seems someone else is out to do it again. The team have barely made it home from the last rescue and are hoping for some quiet time, some need recovery and others just want time with their partners, but with another threat it doesn't look as if it will happen. Lots of action, fear and worry building into fast paced and dramatic scenes, that are scary and tense. Poor Clay and Zoe, both frantic. An old adversary or two also pop up along the way so plenty to keep readers on edge and looking forward to more. Some happy scenes as well to break up some of the intensely dark and violent ones, romantic and sweet that had me sighing in a good way. Re-read April 2023