What do you think?
Rate this book
DARC Ops #1
Dark Secret
Will stumbling on a far-reaching conspiracy expose a dark secret or will the truth be lost in translation?
Her childhood filled with global exploration that sparked a gift for learning languages, Mira Swanson’s chosen career as a translator makes perfect sense. After she lands a position with a renowned senator, she quickly builds a reputation for being a skilled professional that doesn't miss a single detail. But she when she stumbles onto a hidden document implicating her boss in a black market arms trade, Mira’s detail-oriented life spins out of control. Headstrong and determined to put a stop to the senator’s dirty dealings before innocent lives are put in danger, Mira has no idea where to look for help. That is, until she meets Jackson Archer.
Billionaire white hat cyber security specialist Jackson Archer has been to hell and back, repeatedly. When the world-weary former Navy SEAL meets Mira, her allegations seem dubious at best and he has no problems telling her so. Mira’s complete lack of situational awareness and disregard for her own safety sparks every protective instinct he has, and the more she drives him crazy the more he wants her. But while his SEAL training prepared him for every imagined scenario in war, no exercise could have prepared him for how to deal with his growing desire for the woman under his protection. As they dig deeper and more secrets are exposed, can Jackson keep his focus on uncovering the truth about the senator and keep Mira safe or will countless lives, and their chance at love, be lost forever?
Her childhood filled with global exploration that sparked a gift for learning languages, Mira Swanson’s chosen career as a translator makes perfect sense. After she lands a position with a renowned senator, she quickly builds a reputation for being a skilled professional that doesn't miss a single detail. But she when she stumbles onto a hidden document implicating her boss in a black market arms trade, Mira’s detail-oriented life spins out of control. Headstrong and determined to put a stop to the senator’s dirty dealings before innocent lives are put in danger, Mira has no idea where to look for help. That is, until she meets Jackson Archer.
Billionaire white hat cyber security specialist Jackson Archer has been to hell and back, repeatedly. When the world-weary former Navy SEAL meets Mira, her allegations seem dubious at best and he has no problems telling her so. Mira’s complete lack of situational awareness and disregard for her own safety sparks every protective instinct he has, and the more she drives him crazy the more he wants her. But while his SEAL training prepared him for every imagined scenario in war, no exercise could have prepared him for how to deal with his growing desire for the woman under his protection. As they dig deeper and more secrets are exposed, can Jackson keep his focus on uncovering the truth about the senator and keep Mira safe or will countless lives, and their chance at love, be lost forever?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2016
450 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 30, 2016
Super-linguist meets ex-navy seal.
Mira Swanson is a super-linguist working for a U.S. senator. A very dodgy U.S. senator as she discovers. Ex navy seal, Jackson, is the billionaire founder of DARC, (digital assault and response command), an internet security firm, who she goes to for help to bring the bad guys down.
Quite frankly, it was a kinda hit and miss book. Somehow the writing style was very detached and in some places hard to follow. The characters had no fire or chemistry what so ever but 'eventually' couldn't keep their hands off each other, (so yeah, there is a heated sex scene in there!) The plot had potential but it was soooo long and drawn out...that nothing really happened. And as for the ex navy seal alpha male??? Didn't meet one of those either!
Overall it had the potential to be a hit but missed by a long shot.
Mira Swanson is a super-linguist working for a U.S. senator. A very dodgy U.S. senator as she discovers. Ex navy seal, Jackson, is the billionaire founder of DARC, (digital assault and response command), an internet security firm, who she goes to for help to bring the bad guys down.
Quite frankly, it was a kinda hit and miss book. Somehow the writing style was very detached and in some places hard to follow. The characters had no fire or chemistry what so ever but 'eventually' couldn't keep their hands off each other, (so yeah, there is a heated sex scene in there!) The plot had potential but it was soooo long and drawn out...that nothing really happened. And as for the ex navy seal alpha male??? Didn't meet one of those either!
Overall it had the potential to be a hit but missed by a long shot.
September 5, 2017
Okay, I have to say I was disappointed in this book. I thought I was going to love this series but I found it lacking. The description of what was going on with the operation was extremely well done. But the romance was just not there. It was like the characters went from being nothing but professional, to "oh, he's so hot" and the next thing you know they're having sex in a conference room and all "I think I'm falling for you" and "How can I not love her". The build up to their romantic relationship was nonexistent! I'm sorry but to me this book just turned me way the hell off of the rest of the series.
February 8, 2017
I was given this ARC for an honest review.
The first book of this series and I was excited to see what happens. I was right to be excited.
Mira is a genius when it comes to codes and Jackson is a ex navy seal. What a fun combination this turned out to be. Mira accidently decoded a file in her bosses computer that showed illegal activity and to be honest it gutted her a bit as she loved her job life before this. Her friend told her to go to Dark Ops and they will help her. That is where she meets Jackson and her dirty thoughts run wild. He doesn't believe her at first but that doesn't stop his attraction and protective instincts from surfacing. They work together in this to find the truth and stop Langthorne. Along the way they open up to there feelings for each other and there love of crosswords :)
I think these 2 as a couple are so cute. Even though Jackson is a alpha male he is still a big softy for Mira. I enjoyed the start of a new series and can not wait to see where this will go.
The first book of this series and I was excited to see what happens. I was right to be excited.
Mira is a genius when it comes to codes and Jackson is a ex navy seal. What a fun combination this turned out to be. Mira accidently decoded a file in her bosses computer that showed illegal activity and to be honest it gutted her a bit as she loved her job life before this. Her friend told her to go to Dark Ops and they will help her. That is where she meets Jackson and her dirty thoughts run wild. He doesn't believe her at first but that doesn't stop his attraction and protective instincts from surfacing. They work together in this to find the truth and stop Langthorne. Along the way they open up to there feelings for each other and there love of crosswords :)
I think these 2 as a couple are so cute. Even though Jackson is a alpha male he is still a big softy for Mira. I enjoyed the start of a new series and can not wait to see where this will go.
April 23, 2016
I loved this first book in a new series from Jamie Garrett.
I was looking forward to it as I enjoy the planning and details around this kind of story and I wasn't disappointed. It was intelligently written and assumed that the reader also was and that we could follow the facts.
I have to admit the storyline didn't immediately grab me but it did provide useful background.
I felt it really came together when the focus was more on the characters. They were all really well written with defined personalities. The main characters were superbly supported by other characters that I look forward to learning more of as the series develops.
I read this in less than a day and being picky I think the story could have been a bit longer as at times I felt a bit more could have been added to certain circumstances. That's me being picky and I couldn't deduct a star for enjoying it wanting more...now could I?
Can't wait for book 2.
I was given this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to it as I enjoy the planning and details around this kind of story and I wasn't disappointed. It was intelligently written and assumed that the reader also was and that we could follow the facts.
I have to admit the storyline didn't immediately grab me but it did provide useful background.
I felt it really came together when the focus was more on the characters. They were all really well written with defined personalities. The main characters were superbly supported by other characters that I look forward to learning more of as the series develops.
I read this in less than a day and being picky I think the story could have been a bit longer as at times I felt a bit more could have been added to certain circumstances. That's me being picky and I couldn't deduct a star for enjoying it wanting more...now could I?
Can't wait for book 2.
I was given this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2016
This rating is solely based on my irritation at the beginning. I'm just glad my interest was piqued just enough to finish!! Sometimes the time lapses were confusing but I got over that.
If you're wanting multiple hot scenes, then this book isn't for you. But that part I did like. It didn't feel rushed or wham-bam-thank you ma'am.
Thanks
If you're wanting multiple hot scenes, then this book isn't for you. But that part I did like. It didn't feel rushed or wham-bam-thank you ma'am.
Thanks
August 4, 2018
Love former Navy SEAL turned security business owner stories. This one had some decent suspense and intrigue and a brilliant translator who comes across a secret weapons smuggling ring run by her boss... Cue big, sexy former Navy SEAL Jackson who is asked to help with the situation... I just wish this story played out a little more. It wrapped up super quickly, but it was a decent read.
November 2, 2016
Suspenseful Romance
I really enjoyed this story. Having some background knowledge in some of the area the author wrote about made it more intriguing for me. You don't have to have a background in any area to understand the story though. The author does a fantastic job of explaining any technical jargon and well as immersing you into this world.
Mira - she seems like an unlikely h but at the same time is very relatable as to her as a person. You could totally see her as someone you know or even you. You can feel her fear and paranoia seeping through the pages as you read.
Jackson - he's a butthead IMO man his first impression and actions made me want to smack him. I like how he ate his words and that he ultimately was there for Mira.
This was definitely a suspenseful story and had me turning the page to find out the resolution. The author did a good job of keeping you on your toes. I didn't have concrete assumptions until over halfway through and I liked that. There wasn't actually a ton of sex so just to let others looking at this story it's not focused on that. I 100% liked that it wasn't. I think it would've taken away from the believability of the storyline and premise behind it. Now off to grab the second in the series!
I really enjoyed this story. Having some background knowledge in some of the area the author wrote about made it more intriguing for me. You don't have to have a background in any area to understand the story though. The author does a fantastic job of explaining any technical jargon and well as immersing you into this world.
Mira - she seems like an unlikely h but at the same time is very relatable as to her as a person. You could totally see her as someone you know or even you. You can feel her fear and paranoia seeping through the pages as you read.
Jackson - he's a butthead IMO man his first impression and actions made me want to smack him. I like how he ate his words and that he ultimately was there for Mira.
This was definitely a suspenseful story and had me turning the page to find out the resolution. The author did a good job of keeping you on your toes. I didn't have concrete assumptions until over halfway through and I liked that. There wasn't actually a ton of sex so just to let others looking at this story it's not focused on that. I 100% liked that it wasn't. I think it would've taken away from the believability of the storyline and premise behind it. Now off to grab the second in the series!
October 20, 2016
Jamie did it again.
Mira and Jacksons story is a good one.
With Mira's gift for language anf Jacksons dangerous and deadly background you know their story is a good one.
When Miras friend suggested she talk to an old boyfriend of hers, Mattthias, about some strange encryptd messages she found on her bosses, a senators computer she had no idea what she was getting into.
When Jackson was assigned to Mira's case he didn't think there was anything to investigate. Boy was he wrong.
I definetely enjoyed this book.
Mira and Jacksons story is a good one.
With Mira's gift for language anf Jacksons dangerous and deadly background you know their story is a good one.
When Miras friend suggested she talk to an old boyfriend of hers, Mattthias, about some strange encryptd messages she found on her bosses, a senators computer she had no idea what she was getting into.
When Jackson was assigned to Mira's case he didn't think there was anything to investigate. Boy was he wrong.
I definetely enjoyed this book.
Read
June 20, 2016DNF@ 20%
Didn't like the writing style. Too much information on a page.
Didn't like the writing style. Too much information on a page.
November 13, 2016
Great read!
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I like action with romance mixed in. This was a perfect balance. I am looking forward to the next one.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I like action with romance mixed in. This was a perfect balance. I am looking forward to the next one.
May 16, 2018
I think this story could have been a lot better had it been told only from Mira's point of view. Jackson's point of view did nothing for the story. It made the connection between them seem particularly weak. The romance is all instalove. They meet twice - he doesn't believe her and ignores her case - and then all of a sudden they're in the dark somewhere and going on a date. I feel like my copy had sections missing or something. The transition was just choppy. From Mira's point of view we at least see attraction and potential for a relationship. From Jackson's he basically goes from 0 to 150. Plus he's all distracted by the reporter chick.
It felt surreal, the way his eyebrow twisted up in confusion. This was the guy who was about to risk everything for her, who'd been so generous and protective, and... loving. And now it felt like they weren’t even in the same book, let alone on the same page.
Garrett, Jamie. Dark Secret (DARC Ops Book 1) (Kindle Locations 2007-2009). Wild Owl Press. Kindle Edition.
That really summed it up. That they're not in the same book, not on the same page. Told from one point of view only would've made it seem more consistent.
The suspense itself was somewhat interesting but it took a backseat to the romance and that made it weaker. I mean there's all this talk about how Jackson is so good at his job and the best of the best and never gives in - and then he falls asleep on a stakeout?! All of the secondary characters fell flat and weren't fleshed out enough. There was promising glimpses of the friendship between Mira and Lashay but there just wasn't enough content to develop it.
I may or may not bother with the rest of the series.
It felt surreal, the way his eyebrow twisted up in confusion. This was the guy who was about to risk everything for her, who'd been so generous and protective, and... loving. And now it felt like they weren’t even in the same book, let alone on the same page.
Garrett, Jamie. Dark Secret (DARC Ops Book 1) (Kindle Locations 2007-2009). Wild Owl Press. Kindle Edition.
That really summed it up. That they're not in the same book, not on the same page. Told from one point of view only would've made it seem more consistent.
The suspense itself was somewhat interesting but it took a backseat to the romance and that made it weaker. I mean there's all this talk about how Jackson is so good at his job and the best of the best and never gives in - and then he falls asleep on a stakeout?! All of the secondary characters fell flat and weren't fleshed out enough. There was promising glimpses of the friendship between Mira and Lashay but there just wasn't enough content to develop it.
I may or may not bother with the rest of the series.
December 30, 2017
Dark Secret is the first book in the DARC OPS series by Jamie Garrett and it has everything you need to make a good story. It is full of action and drama, suspense and thrills and of course romance. It is so easy to get caught up in the story because of the characters that Jamie has created.
Mira loves her job but it is that job that just may kill her. Finding something she should not have found sees her in more trouble than she could have ever imagined. But where can she turn? Who can she turn to? Where will she be safe? Who can keep her safe? Most of all who can she trust?
I enjoyed this story and it is a great start for this series and can not wait to see where Jamie takes it.
Mira loves her job but it is that job that just may kill her. Finding something she should not have found sees her in more trouble than she could have ever imagined. But where can she turn? Who can she turn to? Where will she be safe? Who can keep her safe? Most of all who can she trust?
I enjoyed this story and it is a great start for this series and can not wait to see where Jamie takes it.
July 27, 2019
Loved this story which was full of great characters (even the creepy one), hot chemistry between Jackson and Mira, suspense, and humor. Mira is a translator working for a Senator who accidentally translates a message that indicates a potential illegal arms deal. Jackson is a former Navy SEAL whose protective side is brought to the surface after his initial meting with Mira. In reading the story, I felt I was right there with the characters. I found Tansy to be an interesting person and am looking forward to reading his story.
August 2, 2017
Keep reading
I had trouble string started with this book. The first chapter had me a litre confused to the point I reread what it was supposed to be about. I did continue and I am really happy I did. This boo is wonderful. It has action and suspense and romance. The characters are real and believable. You get caught up in the story because it practically comes to life in your hands. I absolutely recommend you read this book.
I had trouble string started with this book. The first chapter had me a litre confused to the point I reread what it was supposed to be about. I did continue and I am really happy I did. This boo is wonderful. It has action and suspense and romance. The characters are real and believable. You get caught up in the story because it practically comes to life in your hands. I absolutely recommend you read this book.
June 14, 2022
I have to agree with the reviewer that stated "in some places hard to follow" The (h) had a tendency to day dream, however, as an example in new chapter would start and(h)is in another country. What? then after reading a few more sentences you realize she is day dreaming. Geez... maybe having those instances italicized would have given a clue, before your wondering what the heck did miss something. Somewhat disappointing and really only deserved 2 stars.
June 5, 2018
This book contains one of the most irritatingly idiotic women I have ever encountered (fictionally). She is the densest, most-one-dimensional savant I've ever read about.
Being fiction, I can overlook her character, but there are also a lot of lapses in grammar, as well as the two-point-of-view construction. Overall, this was a waste of time. I hope that the rest of the series is better.
Being fiction, I can overlook her character, but there are also a lot of lapses in grammar, as well as the two-point-of-view construction. Overall, this was a waste of time. I hope that the rest of the series is better.
July 15, 2017
Most of it decent, but it seemed to resolve too easily. Also makes no sense someone tracking her without them knowing or preventing it. That rather breaks things, especially when she'd mentioned suspicions!! Low 3 i guess
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2017
The first of the DARC Ops
What a fun and fascinating book!! I loved getting to know Jackson more. And Mira was fun. Together and they are explosive!! The book flows really well and I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Well done Jamie!!
What a fun and fascinating book!! I loved getting to know Jackson more. And Mira was fun. Together and they are explosive!! The book flows really well and I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Well done Jamie!!
November 27, 2017
Action Packed Steamy Story
This story pulls you in from the start with intrigue and keeps getting better. The attraction between Jackson and Mira is palpable and added to the suspense. Can’t wait to read the next DARC Ops book!
This story pulls you in from the start with intrigue and keeps getting better. The attraction between Jackson and Mira is palpable and added to the suspense. Can’t wait to read the next DARC Ops book!
June 27, 2018
Interesting story - a bit on the slow side initially but did pick up the pace
I received an ARC in return for an honest review
Worth a read if you are into this genre
Good main characters
Good story line
I received an ARC in return for an honest review
Worth a read if you are into this genre
Good main characters
Good story line
September 22, 2018
Every once in a while, I like to read something a bit erotic, as long as the actual story is excellent. I did like this book, but the hacker/secret ops world was confusing for me and often got very bogged down in hacker terminology. I don't know if I'll ready the rest of the series.
October 23, 2018
No spoiler here - When you just need a hero
If you're looking for a " stay up all night reading" book. This one will do it. You'll get caught up in the story with Mira - THEN the JACKSON & MIRA story - a hot little addition. Enjoy! -- Thanks for sharing.
If you're looking for a " stay up all night reading" book. This one will do it. You'll get caught up in the story with Mira - THEN the JACKSON & MIRA story - a hot little addition. Enjoy! -- Thanks for sharing.
December 1, 2019
Interesting concept...
I enjoyed this read particularly since her profession as a translater was unique. Mira was not looking for a crime but it found her and she had the courage to do something about it.
I enjoyed this read particularly since her profession as a translater was unique. Mira was not looking for a crime but it found her and she had the courage to do something about it.
January 7, 2020
This was a page turner.
This book has a great story that will keep you turning the pages. It has action, suspense and great chemistry. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a romance with plenty of suspense.
This book has a great story that will keep you turning the pages. It has action, suspense and great chemistry. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a romance with plenty of suspense.
May 12, 2017
Intriguing
Not sure what to expect going into this story but I was hooked from the start. Intrigue and romance are always a killer combination.
Not sure what to expect going into this story but I was hooked from the start. Intrigue and romance are always a killer combination.
May 16, 2017
A good read
Humorous while still having a solid story
And here is some more words just to hit the minimum needed to submit a review.
Humorous while still having a solid story
And here is some more words just to hit the minimum needed to submit a review.
July 4, 2017
2.5 stars
July 29, 2017
So good
Wow, such a great read .Full of suspense,hot sexy men, intrigue
Sexy times oh yeah and a happy ever after. Definitely recommend reading this story.
Wow, such a great read .Full of suspense,hot sexy men, intrigue
Sexy times oh yeah and a happy ever after. Definitely recommend reading this story.
December 19, 2017
Intriguing storyline. Interesting plot twists.
January 6, 2018
Really like it. I loved the mystery of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews