One former Navy SEAL. One dedicated archeologist. One secret map to a fabulous lost oasis.
Finding undiscovered treasures is always daring, dangerous, and deadly. Perfect for the men of Treasure Hunter Security. Former Navy SEAL Declan Ward is haunted by the demons of his past and throws everything he has into his security business--Treasure Hunter Security. Dangerous archeological digs - no problem. Daring expeditions - sure thing. Museum security for invaluable exhibits - easy. But on a simple dig in the Egyptian desert, he collides with a stubborn, smart archeologist, Dr. Layne Rush, and together they get swept into a deadly treasure hunt for a mythical lost oasis. When an evil from his past reappears, Declan vows to do anything to protect Layne.
Dr. Layne Rush is dedicated to building a successful career--a promise to the parents she lost far too young. But when her dig is plagued by strange accidents, targeted by a lethal black market antiquities ring, and artifacts are stolen, she is forced to turn to Treasure Hunter Security, and to the tough, sexy, and too-used-to-giving-orders Declan. Soon her organized dig morphs into a wild treasure hunt across the desert dunes. Danger is hunting them every step of the way, and Layne and Declan must find a way to work together...to not only find the treasure but to survive.
I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love Anna Hackett's book and this one is not an exception, but for a tiny, teeny thing... well not so teeny after all!
The book started very well and I enjoyed it very much: a spunky archeologist and the alpha- security specialist! A new excavation where a golden artifacts and new burial chanber, complete with golden sarcophagus - what's not to like?! Add to that bloodthirsty artifacts' thieves, and you have a perfect mix!
So our heroes, with their friends, run from the dig and end in a violent sand storm. OK, that's OK, but what's not OK, that our two MCs are magically trabsported in the middle of the desert and while looking for a known oasis end finding a mystical one!
That was very much NOT OK!
It seemed to me that a big chunk of the story just magically disappeared! Why the author did that???!!! Couldn't that have been done differently? Without the magic part? This is NOT a paranormal or fantasy book, so this part was NOT congruent! It was so out of place that it was like a punch in the face!!!
Also the ending was rushed! They get rescued at the last second, the hero's heart stops, but he's resuscitated by a touch of the heroine hand, they bring him in the hospital and save him... Over the top!
If these things didn't happened this would have been a 5 stars book, but unfortunately they were there and took away 2 stars from the rating... :(
I ran aground on all the boilerplate. It intrigued me that Hackett wasn't making up the Egyptian stuff (bending it, but keeping the essence). Like, the hidden oasis was so specific that I looked it up only to find an actual source for it. That's rare. But the rest of this? Declan is a former Navy SEAL with his own company where they do good deeds and get paid for it. And yet his refrain is "she can do better". Oh rly?!? Oh! And also unearned guilt because when he reported the torturing madman to the British command, they just gave the guy a dishonorable discharge. So, of course, every depredation by that guy since then is all Declan's fault. For, um, not killing the man out of hand back when he discovered the atrocities? Or something?
Look, if you're going to have your guy resist his attraction to the heroine, can we at least have it make sense? And if he's got some hidden pain and/or regret, can it be founded on something real? I know it's possible. Just not in this book...
UPDATE: I purchased and listened to the audible version of UNDISCOVERED. Stella Bloom is the narrator and I enjoyed her voice and again went along for the ride. I love this action & adventure “Indy Jones style” series! ❤️
I absolutely loved UNDISCOVERED, bk #1 in the TREASURE HUNTER SECURITY series*. This read like an action-filled Indiana Jones novel but with 2 protagonists sharing the character traits of Jones - ethical archeologist Dr Layne and kick-butt security specialist Declan Ward. UNDISCOVERED was great fun - a fast reading, angst-free, high-octane adventure recommended for anyone* who has enjoyed the Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, or Relic Hunter movies/episodes. UNDISCOVERED could be read as a standalone title as there are no cliffhangers and has a complete HEA. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, UNCHARTED, featuring another co-owner and brother of the TREASURE HUNTER SECURITY business.
Declan Ward/MMC is the founder of Treasure Hunter Security. At 6’2” with a lean face and grey eyes he was a SEAL team leader, retired for the past 2.5yrs, speaks Arabic fluently, and exhibits strong defender/protector traits. Declan’s father is an esteemed college professor of ancient history and his mother, a rather well-known treasure hunter.
Dr Layne Rush’s/FMC parents both were killed during her teen years. She has straight, chocolate brown hair with a small and curvy athletic body. She is a focused, determined, smart and experienced archeologist from Rhodes U of MA - which is known for note-worthy archeological finds in recent times. Passionate about history - the finding, safe-guarding, and studying of it - Dr Layne has a number of successful excavations behind her. While heading her current Egyptian dig, Dr Layne’s team discovers a previously unknown ancient burial ground complete with artifacts and a yet unidentified tomb. Apparently news travels quickly as within hours of the fabulous find Dr Layne is attacked and a number of their precious relic items are stolen.
The FBI’s specialized Arts and Crimes unit is investigating a global black market ring known as the Silk Road. Dr Rush’s current dig, with its dusty artifacts, may overlap the Silk Road’s quest for a specific, ancient, mythical civilization. The Silk Road’s black market leader is known for enjoying unspeakable brutality. Rhodes University has called in Treasure Hunter Security to prevent additional theft and injuries, and to hopefully locate and return the stolen artifacts.
I was delighted with the light-hearted nature in UNDISCOVERED. It wasn’t grim, depressing, or violently graphic. I have previously enjoyed two additional Anna Hackett series and look forward into exploring others. Check out her website for more information if you enjoy UNDISCOVERED. She writes action-adventure romance fiction in a variety of genres - contemporary, paranormal, dystopian, and space opera/alien.
Reader Cautions* -
Violence - Yes. This is an action-adventure novel with Bad Guys - hand-to-hand battles, gun fights, people die but it’s not described in a gruesome, graphic or dark fashion. Think Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. Sexual situations - Yes. About mid-point the 2 main characters’ growing attraction develops into sexual intimacy. These episodes (2 or 3?) are mostly brief in nature and I believe could be skipped by those preferring less/no sexuality in their reading, without missing any of the adventure. Profanity - Yes. Blasphemy, unfortunately, in particular is used rather frequently by the heroine. Other strong profanity occurs somewhat less often.
Not recommended for readers who would be offended by the aforementioned, or for YAs.
Undiscovered is the first great book in the Treasure Hunter Security series and what a series it is.
Action, suspense, mystery, danger and romance are just some of what to expect when diving into one of Anna's books. The treasure hunters are called upon when protection is needed and ancient artifacts are sort after but they go into alpha mode when trying to protect.
But let's not forget the sexy, alpha men and women who protect and find their someone else even though they are players beforehand.
Stylistically, I found the prose to be simplistic and repetitive. Sentence structure tended toward short and stilted. Having said that, I'm also aware that might have been the intention--a quick page turner.
If you're in the mood for a wham, bam-blow through it-beach read, this one may be right in your wheelhouse. TBH, it really just comes down to personal preferences. I don't need super flowery, extensive descriptions, but I like more imagery in writing. Especially with a setting like Egypt. But on the other hand, you may prefer just getting right into the story instead of having to take the time to get a better feel for the world.
The heroine was wishy-washy at times, telling herself the hero was all wrong for her then abruptly making out with him. Then she'd convince herself again he wasn't for her, only to plant another surprise kiss on him? I dunno, at times it didn't feel like the relationship was carried out with any sort of natural progression.
This novella improved by the third act, but then the inclusion of a hint of the paranormal came from out of nowhere and then was immediately forgotten. Kinda felt like bit of a deus ex machina.
I enjoyed the story as a whole, but was distracted by the aspects mentioned above.
It's no secret that I enjoy this authors sci fi stories but I'm a little more hard to please when it comes to more contemporary offerings . My problem is simply that when I read I want to be transported to a different state of consciousness , I don't want my reality , I want something exciting and wild. Yet I was prepared to give this a go and I'm so pleased I did. Ok its rugged former Navy Seals (yum!) and all mixed up with discovering ancient antiquities so a rather obsessed Professor is the perfect foil. Layne has the chance of a lifetime running the dig that just might reveal a secret that many believe to be a myth. Yet she's not alone in her suspicions and when treasure hunters invade the camp it's high time to get security in but the rather demanding Declan is not getting the jump on Layne. So what if he's fit in the nicest possible way, it shouldn't make an iota of difference that he seems almost at home around Egyptian artefacts as Layne does ! Yet as things start to escalate the pair are thrown together more and more until it's just the two of them with a dangerous enemy hot on their trail! Oo this is more of a romance suspense in many ways but taken up several delicious notches . Think of a modern day Indiana Jones and you kind of understand Layne. She is passionate about history and wants to share it with everyone . I loved that with just a few words I could feel her joy at discovering relics from the past and there's a scene about a third of the way in that was amazing with detail and focus that held me enraptured . It doesn't stop there though and the author lets her imagination have free reign as this story hurtles to its conclusion . Declan is just one of the security team who we meet but he sure is made in the heroic mode. A born protector in many ways, it's something that just drives him. However as we learn of his past we see it's also almost a curse as he cannot forgive himself for any mistakes . No self flagellation but Declan will go to the wall to save those he can and obviously right now it's Layne who holds his focus. My final thoughts are as the first in a new series the author clearly wanted to introduce her characters from Treasure Hunter Security so possibly that took a little away initially from this story. Yet the adventure we go on with Declan and Layne whilst fantastical felt exciting and the pace of the romance seemed realistic. There were moments when my heart was in my mouth as I couldn't see how they could overcome what the author kept throwing at them . Yet this couple battle on relentlessly ending up with an emotional yet sweet ending I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review Four and a half from me
I usually kinda, sorta like this author, but this book isn’t working for me.
The start is slow. A lot of talk. So much talk that even the one little shred of action is like blink and you miss it.
She’s an educated idiot. After being attacked for priceless artifacts, the last thing any smart mofo would do is use a tube of lipstick as a fake weapon to confront someone you think is following you.
He’s a SEAL who acts more like a seal.
Not Fab Writing
The writing feels disjointed and like pure nonsense strung together.
Example…
Her … “A SEAL. I should have known. I knew you were Special Forces, but of course, you have to be one of the biggest and baddest of them all.”
Him He studied her. He was used to lots of reactions from women in regards to his former career. Some were intrigued in an “I’m going to drag you to bed” kind of way. Others were often intimidated. But the lovely Dr. Rush was neither. She just absorbed the information as a fact and didn’t look particularly impressed.
So saying SEALS are the “biggest and baddest” isn’t a sign of being impressed?
Example…
He is a SEAL. The archeologist FMC gets the drop on him after noticing him following her. Mmkay.
Example….
Dec must really be losing his edge. His guys joked no one could read his poker face, unless he wanted them to.
^^ So, the SEAL can’t even mask his facial expressions in front of a complete stranger? Mmkay.
Example…
She goes from suspect (ie someone who might have been in on the theft) to his partner in finding the stolen property within a couple of pages. Mmmhyeahno.
MESSAGE HEAVY
Too much attention on the PC issue of a country protecting its historic treasures verses professionals coming in to find and preserve them in museums across the world.
By 15%, I can tell this just isn’t my kind of book.
Declan is in Egypt on protection and retrieval duty after an old nemesis attacked archaeologist Dr. Layne Rush’s dig site. The ex Navy SEAL has spent the past two years, after leaving the SEALS, building Treasure Hunter Security, protecting archaeologist, artifacts and others involved in museum acquisitions. He’s closed himself off from anything remotely involving love, with the exception of his brother and his team. Of course, as soon as he lays eyes on the beautiful lead archaeologist Layne, his heart may have reason to start beating again. He just has to make sure they both stay alive. Not an easy task with a psychopath hot on their trail.
This is one of my favorite all time series! Anna Hackett combines action, adventure, romance and suspense in this out of this world book. I’m rereading the series in preparation for Unfathomed (THS, book 4) coming out on Tuesday. Can’t wait! I say this every time I review one of Anna Hackett's books, but seriously, they could all be made into blockbuster action movies. The perfect balance of romance and adventure, they take you on an epic journey that I am always sad to see end.
Declan, gorgeous, brooding, protective, possessive alpha with a heart of gold, even though he keeps it under lock and key. The dialogue is so well written for all the characters, but my favorite was the interactions between Layne and Declan. Witty and intelligent, they were perfect for each other. Like Declan, Layne had spent her entire life keeping her heart detached from getting to close to anyone after losing her parents. They both just needed someone to burst through their well construction barriers.
Another great part of AH books are the supporting characters. They are all so intriguing you can’t help but want a book for each one of them. And for the most part, you get one.
All in all, the book is a phenomenal start to an excellent series! A definite must read!
HEA, duel POV, no cheating, no triggers.
Check out more of my reviews on my blog romance2review.com
Undiscovered is book one of Treasure Hunter Security by Anna Hackett. Archeologists Dr Layne Rush was working on a dig in Egypt when strange things started to happen on site. Declan Ward was hired by Rhodes University to provide security to the excavation. On the first meeting, Dr Layne Rush and Declan Ward clashed. The readers of Undiscovered will continue to follow Dr Layne Rush and Declan Ward to see what happens.
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved Anna Hackett description of working on an Archeologist dig I felt that I was out in the desert with Dr Layne Rush. I like Anna Hackett portrayal of her characters especially Declan Ward and Dr Layne Rush. Anna Hackett ensures that Undiscovered was action pack intertwine with romantic moments for her readers. I like that Anna Hackett was able to engage me with the story from the first chapter and I was unable to put the book down until I read the last page.
The readers of Undiscovered will learn about the problems and the importance of the work of Archeologists on a dig in Egypt. Also, the readers of Undiscovered will learn about running a security company.
This was crazy fun. It's a fast-paced romance version of Indiana Jones, and let me tell you: I am here for it. The characters were fun, the adventure was fun, and I was thrilled to be along for the ride.
Quick, fun read with a little bit of danger and some sexy times. What's not to like?
Ever since I stumbled upon the Pluto Fantastic channel I've been binge watching Tomb Raider (Angelina Jolie style) often. Naturally I wanted to see if there were books out there that match the movie vibe. Thanks to my girl Alex for introducing this book to me. Despite my 3 star rating, it definitely hit the vibe I was looking for.
Here you have an archeologist (Layne) on a dig in Egypt when she's attacked, knocked out and the artifacts stolen. She hires security and gets Declan and his team for the job. I liked that this was a pretty normal meetup --- no grumpy alpha male at the start. They are both professional and understand what's at stake. There's a treasure spot called Zerzura that Layne is desperately trying to find but an evil guy from Declan's past is trying to get them out of the way so he can take the treasure for himself even if that means killing.
The first 50% was really good. You can tell the author did research talking about locations and artifacts. It was very well written. I also liked the way the relationship between Declan and Layne steadily grew. After about 55% things started getting a bit over the top and goofy for me. It seemed like every number of things you can think of Hollywood style started happening with these two. Declan was all of a sudden an expert hieroglyphic reader and Layne was all of a sudden his therapist while they were dodging sandstorms, trying not to drown and getting shot. The ending resolution literally went paranormal on us out of nowhere.
Overall I enjoyed it enough and when I'm back in this mood again I'll probably read the next book in the series.
I loved everything about this. It was so damn fun. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of this series (although I think I’ll be reading Darcy’s book next 🙈) and some of the other books Anna has!
Treasure Hunter Security е охранителна фирма, предлагаща охрана и защита по време на археологически разкопки. Тяхна цел е да опазят археолозите и техните открития от всеки, който иска да им причини зло.
Деклан Уорд, бивш морски пехотинец, основава фирмата, заедно с брат и сестра си, след като напуска морската пехота. Носещ белези и преследван от неуспех в миналото довел до уволнението му, той е готов на всичко, за да спре най-големият си враг... подмолен убиец, който сега е решил да краде артефакти и да ги продава на черния пазар. Когато от един музей му възлагат нова задача, той е сигурен, че зад неприятностите с които се сблъскват археолозите стои именно неговият враг, затова без колебание, той заминава за Египет, но не подозира, че сред горещите пустинни пясъци ще намери нещо много по-важно от отмъщението му.
Д-р Лейн Ръш е на път да сбъдне най-голямата си мечта. Водач на разкопки в Египет, тя и екипът й откриват невиждани до сега златни артефакти. Лейн вярва, че имат шанс да открият тайната гробница на фараона Сет... докато една нощ не е нападната в лагера си, и ограбена от група мъже. Сега от университета в който работи й изпращат група охранители, начело с привлекателният Деклан Уорд, но врага е по-близо от всякога и заедно с Деклан, Лейн ще трябва да се бори със зъби и нокти, за да попречи на мародерите да откраднат най-важното откритие правено в Египет от сто години насам.
Това е първа книга от поредната изпълнена с приключения поредица на Анна Хокет. Нямаме нищо по-ново на хоризонта, екшън, напрежение, супер секси бивши военни, нахакни умни жени и горещо изпепеляващи сцени. По това, което видях от резюметата на другите книги, във всяка една книга ще се озоваваме на различни места по света, научавайки интересни истории и вниквайки в живота на археолозите. До сега бяхме в пустинята, а сега се насочваме към дълбоките джунгли <3
This is definitely one of those titles that is supposed to be a movie.The action starts on page one and never lets up.
Declan is a fabulous character. He has so many layers, and each one is finer than the last. Layne is a smart cookie, with more guts that I would have expected from a career academic. Together they make an incredible team...in and out of bed.
Speaking of beds, these two don't let the lack of available bedroom furniture keep them from doing the nasty. Hell, they don't always wait for a flat surface. And as sexy as this book is, I never felt like the author was adding sex scenes, just because. The romance was woven seamlessly into the suspense, and it was absolutely delicious.
Several secondary characters stand out, and I'm happy to see that Declan's brother, Callum's tale is up next. I'm hoping those still waters run hot and deep.
Anyhoo...if you like equal parts romance and suspense, this is the book for you.
If you like your heroes Alpha and sensitive, this is the book for you.
If you like your plots fast-paced and a little dark, this is the book for you.
If you like your heroines with beauty and brains, this is the book for you.
Hell, if you just like a well-written book with just enough twists...this is the book for you.
What a thrilling, exhilarating start to a series that I didn't think could quite match the imaginative power of the Hell Squad or the Phoenix Adventures book.
Mea culpa. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself way too much, caught up in Anna Hackett's world-building fervour.
There is no sedate moment in 'Undiscovered', when a jaded, commitment-phobic (and somewhat stereotypical) ex-military treasure security contractor teams up with a studious but intrepid archaeologist in a hunt for a lost city. I loved every moment of the journey that wound and twisted through myth, Ancient Egyptian history and archaeological digs of old simply because they nostalgically brought back memories of Indiana Jones and The Mummy and the fun, fun times these movies guaranteed.
At the same time, 'Undiscovered' is fertile seeding ground for the stories of all the other characters introduced in this book and I'm already antsy with anticipation for the rest of their stories.
Buried treasure (of a sort), brainy women, and the men who find them irresistible. OH, YEAH. This book has those things. Also, danger, sandstorms, and unexpected kisses.
So. Layne and Declan. They don't necessarily hit it off in their first encounter. Layne's a wee bit opinionated about antiquities (THEY BELONG IN A MUSEUM) and Declan is willing to bend the rules if it means getting the job done. Given the bad guy angling for Layne's find, the job soon turns very personal. As in, Declan can't bear to see Layne hurt and he'll do anything he has to do to make sure she remains hale and hearty.
(Sexy times in the desert, people. YASSSSS!)
With a intriguing set of secondary characters (Declan's group gets a big nod of approval) and a great, big world to go hunting for treasure, I'm kinda excited to see where the next story takes us. Bring on the archaeological shenanigans!
Such an enjoyable story. I was worried at first that Declan and Layne would be at each others throats, bickering and snapping at one another. But they very quickly moved past that after their first interaction and it was great watching them fall in love while hunting down a mythical oasis in the desert.
With loads of action, a good bit of humor, and a healthy dose of tension, this was a great series debut. Anna Hackett has some very interesting stories in her head.
I look forward to reading more about this group of ex-Navy SEALS and their efforts to protect treasures while avoiding falling in love with sexy treasure hunters. Haha, good fuckin' luck!
This action/adventure romance as a lot going for it - the requisite feisty brilliant heroine and hot bodyguard/security expert being at the center. Good character and romance development, it's a bit spotty on the archeological accuracy and the ending had a little to much of a 'miraculous' quality. It was free or 99c - so no complaints.
Really enjoyed this story. I love adventure books and this one hit all the right marks with a good dose of romance thrown in! Looking forward to the next.
First half was going well an interesting mix of characters and a mystery plot developing, - then about 2/3 in deteriorated into a cross between The Mummy and Tombraider. Disappointing.
Un gruppo di ex-SEAL che fornisce protezione ad archeologi e altri "lavoratori della cultura" o recupera manufatti rubati? Questa è la mia serie ideale! Appena l'ho scoperta non ho potuto fare a meno di leggere il primo libro e non sono rimasta delusa. Non sono un'esperta in egittologia, ma mi sembra che la ricostruzione dell'aspetto storico-archeologico sia buono (a parte il finale stile Indiana Jones...). Se devo trovare un difetto, penso che il libro sia troppo breve e che la storia meritava di essere trattata in più pagine. Comunque sia, attribuisco il massimo dei voti solo per aver pensato di creare una serie simile. Spero che anche i libri successivi non mi deluderanno.
I enjoyed this romantic suspense. I was a little wary at first reading about another anti-commitment hero but the second half of the story was so exciting it more than made up for it. I did like the heroine's attitude. Archaeologist Layne is beaten and robbed during the desert dig she is leading so Declan's security company comes in to protect her project.