Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
He ruined her career…

In twenty-one missions, CIA golden girl Ruby McKellen has failed only once. Thanks to Navy SEAL Jaxon Sloan, the man who stole her heart and forced her to choose between him and her partner Elliot, she’s on probation and Elliot is in prison for national security crimes. To prove Elliot’s innocence and save her damaged career, Ruby is running an unsanctioned mission—but the only way to get the proof she needs is to go to Jax with her tail between her legs.

She wrecked his heart…

Jaxon left the Navy after the mission with Ruby in Morocco went south, but that one hot, unbelievable night with her will haunt him forever. Working for Shadow Force International now, his new assignment has brought him full circle—the CIA operative Jax’s testimony sent to prison has escaped and Jax has been ordered to hunt him down. Just like in Morocco, the one thing standing in his way is Ruby.

A second chance at love could prove fatal…

When Ruby’s life is threatened and Jax stumbles on information that might prove Elliot is innocent, guilt over putting the man in prison compels him to join her unsanctioned mission. What really happened that night six months ago? Is Elliot an honorable spy or a mastermind at manipulation? Ruby is the only one who can help Jax navigate the world of undercover lies and betrayal to find the truth.

In a battle of wills—and of hearts—Jax and Ruby must have the courage to face the truth about themselves, their past, and what it really means to betray someone you love.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2016

121 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Misty Evans

109 books460 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Misty Evans is celebrating her 100th published novel in 2025. She loves writing urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery/suspense. Under her pen name, Nyx Halliwell, she also writes supernatural cozy mysteries.

When not reading or writing (which is most of the time), she enjoys music, movies, and hanging out with her husband, twin sons, and three spoiled rescue dogs. She’s a crafter at heart and has far too many projects to finish.

Visit www.mistyevansbooks.com to check out her online store and sign up for her newsletter.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
209 (60%)
4 stars
90 (26%)
3 stars
43 (12%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,583 reviews1,319 followers
August 21, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho

Shadow Force International operative Jaxon (Jax) Sloan finds himself assigned to a case that pairs him with CIA Agent Ruby McKellen, the woman who stole his heart during a mission in Morroco and derailed his career as a Navy SEAL. It also didn't do her career any favors as she's now on probation. Both are now trying to find her former partner who's escaped from jail. She's trying to prove his innocence, Jax...not so much as he was responsible for putting him there.

This was a real puzzler of a case as there's so much subterfuge and duplicity you never know who's telling the truth or whom to believe. It was often exciting and tension filled with one disaster after another. I was truly off balance throughout and gave up trying to figure out the true villains so I could just enjoy the ride.

I enjoyed Jax and Ruby's relationship, particularly her being the one setting the rules and pace. Their encounters were off-the-charts steamy, almost combustible. However, they often got in the way of the story as it was tough to suspend my belief system for the timing of these interludes. When they should have been on mission, they were getting hot and heavy. It just wasn't professional.

Despite my issues with the romance, this still was an exciting story with many twists, turns and adventures. It's a staple of the series and I'm enjoying the stories. 3.5 stars

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Profile Image for fleurette.
1,534 reviews161 followers
June 26, 2019
I have some mixed feelings about this story. I think that I really wanted to like it but I found it missing something.

The reason I wanted to like this whole book are the main characters. Jax and Ruby make an interesting couple. They both have strong personalities and some past that makes them even more fascinating. I do really like them. I enjoy all the details that make them unique. Like the fact that it is Ruby who underestimates the intelligence of Jax and not otherwise, like in most of the books. And that he is a bit more involved in this relationship than she is. Yes, they make a nice pair.

This is my first book in this series. The strong presence of the characters from the other books sometimes annoys me, but not this time. Maybe it’s because they are all such interesting characters (yes, again!). I don’t feel like they have stolen some “book time” from Ruby and Jax (and that’s the case with many other stories). Those secondary characters make a nice background for Jax. And now I really want to know their stories too.

Unfortunately, even though I generally like the plot-line, I find the whole story a bit boring. I’m not sure why since there is plenty of action in here and everything happens pretty fast. But still, I caught myself thinking “okay, move on, what’s next”. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood or something. The book seems longer than it really is.

Anyway, I generally enjoyed this read. I like the characters, so I will probably read some other books in this series.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,453 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2018
Fatal Courage by Misty Evans is the perfect example of why I love Ms. Evans books. Suspense, intrigue, terrorists, action and passion kept me glued to my chair. Romantic suspense is a favorite genre of mine and Ms. Evans' books never disappoint.

Jax and Ruby are both strong characters but they work well together. It's always good to see Beatrice, Cal and Trace again. Each one of the characters brings another layer to the story. Oh, I loved meeting Zeb in this one and getting to know him better. I can always count on Ms. Evans to fuel my imagination and melt my heart with the romance.

I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sue .
735 reviews34 followers
August 16, 2016
In Fatal Courage by Misty Evans, I was taken into a complex, political, multilevel plot filled with unknowns and danger. At it's center is Ruby, a CIA agent on probation, and Jax, a former Navy SEAL, now operative for Shadow Force International. Ruby and Jax have a very brief past together, but it's one that's shaped how each of their world has become. Now the past is part of the present as they are brought together again...but nothing is obvious or what it seems. Ruby and Jax are both on a mission, but their goals and believes are very different. Soon though, Ruby is in real danger, Jax is guarding her, and they are reluctantly working together. Trust is hard to have for Ruby, but as the danger to her increases and the obvious attraction that still remains between Ruby and Jax simmers, she cautiously starts to trust not only Jax, but his SFI colleagues. Can they keep her safe from the unknown as Ruby and Jax race against time to uncover a plot no one should know about?

There is a great mix of romance, suspense, danger, and politics in Fatal Courage. The plot is intricate and detailed, but at times was a little difficult to follow in the beginning. As the story progressed and the plot thickened, it was easier to fall into and become very intrigued in. I found the plot to be believable, and that was intense!

Ruby is quite single minded in her focus to start, but as she and Jax slowly form an alliance, I liked that she was able to look at what had happened and what was happening from different angles. She is not used to trusting many people, and the slow build of trust as well as a relationship was interesting to be a part of. Ruby wants to fly solo, but Jax is determined to be there for her...in any way he can. I liked both of these characters, but it was Jax who pulled me in the most. With who he was, his history, his feelings, and actions, he felt so real.

There are a lot of secondary characters in Fatal Courage. The majority of them are also with SFI, and they all play a relevant role in the plot. I really liked what they brought to the story and getting to know them all just a little bit better. Beatrice is a strong secondary character who I can't wait to find out more about!

Fatal Courage is part of Misty Evans' Shadow Force International series, and while the story stands alone, reading the previous books in this series will help you understand the SFI group as a whole. I'd recommend Fatal Courage to romantic suspense readers.
Profile Image for Chris N.
314 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2016
Ruby is trying to clear her partners name after a botched mission that involved national security crimes, lands him in jail. The man who testified against him, Jax, was hired to hunt him down when word get out that Elliot, Ruby's former partner has escaped from prison.

Ruby is the first person who Jax goes to knowing that Elliot will make contact with. Jax, Ruby and Elliot share a past and as Ruby proclaims his innocence Jax isn't convinced. After sharing a one night stand with Ruby during the mission that had gone wrong, will their feelings get in the way when their lives and the life of Elliot hangs in the balance. Ruby wants answers to what happened in the botched mission in Marrakech and is willing to do anything to get those answers.
There is much more that went on behind the failed mission that Ruby now thinks that her partner may be guilty after all.

There is a lot going on in this book, so many layers that it's hard to keep track of and who is behind what. It makes for fascinating reading and keeps you guessing up to the end. I loved how loyal Ruby was even when it seemed that everything she thought about Elliot was wrong she still stood by him. The amount of betrayal on all fronts leaves her battered but still fighting. Jax isn't willing to let her go through it alone and stands behind her even when she put herself in danger to get the answers she is so desperate for.

Misty has a way of writing that is spellbinding, it draws you in and doesn't let you go. You are transported to the world she has created and hate to see the last few pages dwindle away. The action scenes are top notch. The research that is involved and the attention to detail is incredible. She creates characters and situations that are very realistic. This series keeps get stronger with each book. Misty is my favorite action/romance writer and I always look forward to her next book, they never dissapoint!

ARC provided by author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Profile Image for Maria Mercedes .
538 reviews
August 11, 2016

Ruby is one hot chick. I got all this sister love for her. She is determined to clear Elliot’s name, her old partner and Jax is determined to catch him. Jax and Ruby had one wild night of passion then everything fell apart for both of them and neither can seem to let go of the passion they shared. Now, that her ex-partner escaped from prison in attempt to clear his own name, everyone knows he’ll return to the only person he trusts…Ruby. Ruby has very little to choice but to put her trust in Jax, the same man that put Elliot in jail. Ruby knows she’s being watched and hunted by everyone; but who is after her? Who framed her partner? Who is the terrorist? It’s up to Shadow Force International to crack the mystery and it’s a wild action packed ride all the way.
If you are a fan of action, espionage, suspense and romance then you’ll love this novel. The action scenes kept me on edge and the romance is “muy cliente”. This was an awesome addition to my collection. I was offered an ARC for an honest review and now I’m scrambling to purchase the previous two in the series. I honestly loved it and can recommend it to SusRom lovers it won’t disappoint, it will however drag you in, locking you into the action.
My reviews can be viewed on The Oracle Reviews on Facebook Good Reads & Amazon. The Oracle Reviews offers only honest reviews .
Profile Image for Susan.
1,165 reviews43 followers
August 22, 2016
What can I say other than I LOVED this book! This series keeps getting better with each book. I love Jax & Ruby and their story. It was a thrilling action packed ride from start to finish. And I've decided that Beatrice is my favorite character in this series. Got to love that woman and her no nonsense approach to everything. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Profile Image for Cherie.
19 reviews
August 11, 2016
This incredible book expresses strong and fierce female characters. The male characters are hot, hunky and down right lethal. Lots of action in this fast pace reading . Way to go Misty!!!! Keep it coming!
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,732 reviews187 followers
August 23, 2016
Misty Evans knows how to plot a book - with such élan that it’s clear it’s not her first rodeo dealing with this particular sub-genre of romantic suspense. In that shadowy world of spies, counterterrorism, misleading intelligence and double agents, she takes us for a merry ride through characters who live and thrive in the grey areas and well, sort of fall in love (or lust).

Jax's and Ruby’s story however, isn’t a simple one. There’s loads of history between them and a huge information dump that I found distracting - the first installment of SFI was an excellent example of suspense that subsequent books moved away from - and while the action merely amped up as the pages wore on, Jax and Ruby struggle to find their HEA, not least because of conflicting interests and motivations that could seem more selfish than noble.

I’m neutral about this one; there were bits I liked and bits I didn’t, so those cancel each other out fairly evenly. The action was entertaining as hell, if a little hard to believe because it inches closer to Mission Impossible or the Bourne movies complete with the special effects and superhuman feats. But for the characters and the changing POVs (why was it necessary to have one in Elliot’s POV when he’s a secondary character who faded out towards the end?) were harder to get into. Jaxon’s own personality quirks and temper issues gave him that knife’s edge, I found Ruby's insistence on prioritising the job, doing things only her way, keeping her plans secret and her quickness to shift blame onto others - to the extent where people got hurt because of it - more difficult to like. And perhaps there is nothing worse than a self-aware heroine who knows that she has treated the male lead badly (but does nothing about it), then asks in self-recrimination why he’s still being so good to her when there is only one night of unforgettable sex between them. Somehow working on the assumption that asking for forgiveness is better than giving collaboration a chance, Ruby irked me so much at times that I wondered if Jax would indeed be better off without her.

My other quibble is the rather abrupt closure...or lack thereof, rather. Loose ends didn’t seem fully tied up and while we’re given a hint of where and how things would wrap up, the ending wasn’t as unequivocally certain as i’d hoped it would be.
2,413 reviews41 followers
August 22, 2016
I have read books that I mentally compared to the speed and action of a roller coaster before, but the coaster that could keep up with Fatal Courage has yet to be invented. I absolutely loved it.

As with all of Misty Evans books, the plot and characters are outstanding and the electricity between Jax and Ruby could singe your eyebrows! Beatrice and her "family" of ex-SEAL or retired SEAL consultants create a world that I wouldn't want to live in but I loving visiting.

Jax has been assigned to find an imprisoned CIA agent who has escaped. The man's ex-partner Ruby McKellen is his best place to start but Ruby still believes that her long time partner is innocent and isn't too happy with Jax who turned him in. With different objectives the two work together to locate the missing agent and maybe to prove him innocent. Nature and man seem to to block their every effort in their race to discover man and truth.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and you got it.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,241 reviews52 followers
August 28, 2016
If you're looking for a book to suck you in and take you on one heck of a ride look no further. This one took me on twists and turns that just kept me on the edge of the seat. I'm a big fan of this series and this one is an excellent contribution to the series. I really liked how I thought that book would go one way then nope it went into a different direction. It keeps you on your toes. I liked both Jax and Ruby. They have a little history and few complications in the way. They will be tested in this one because once they learn the truth about what went down on their shared mission it will rock them. I highly recommend this one. You won't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Niken Widyastuti.
380 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2016
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor required to write a positive review.

This is the third book in Shadow Force International (SFI) series by Misty Evans. However, this book could be read as a stand alone. As a matter of fact, I haven’t read the second book in SFI series and had no problem read through this book.

The story was about Ruby, a disgraced CIA agent, who tried to find proof of her ex-partner innocence. Someone didn’t want the truth to be revealed. The one person who could help her was the one who put her partner in prison, Jaxon, an ex-Navy who now worked for SFI, whom she had a one-night-stand with. They both raced against whoever wanted Ruby dead, and find the truth.

I always love a story where the heroine was also a kick-ass one. That she could defend herself, physically (and mentally) strong, but not obnoxious nor arrogant. I also love when the alpha male hero knew how to apologize. Haha. Anyway, this one is my favorite of all Misty Evans’s book that I’ve read. Dunno, probably the heroine factor, maybe the spy factor (mysterious and all), maybe the relationship factor, or maybe the combination of all. The suspense was thrilling, why and who chased her being the main question. The romance was smoldering, frustrating yet intriguing in a way of “what would happen to them then”.

All-in-all, it’s a satisfying read.
Profile Image for Linda Rimer-Como.
1,264 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2016
This book is jam packed full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, death and spies! It is a wonderfully written story with strong characters. Jax and Ruby have a unique relationship, both are strong willed individuals. A growing love and hunting terrorists make for an exciting read. Don't miss out!

Gifted a copy for an honest review
736 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2019
Another great HFN ride in the Shadow Force World.

Jax, ex-SEAL, ex-doctor in training, and now bodyguard and secret operative, becomes Ruby, CIA operative's new bodyguard, to help her in her mission to take down a couple of terrorists. Having met previously, they were already on their way to falling in love. Between their mission, and being on the run, they complete their love story. This is definitely a HFN series that I highly recommend. On to the next book...
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,408 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the SEALs of Shadow Force series. I have not read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. I did not love all the spy stuff in this book. I also just found this book ok. I did enjoy the ending when the action really picked up. Overall, I just found this book ok.
174 reviews
June 20, 2017
Really like this series

I enjoyed this book a lot. Different spin with Ruby in the CIA needing help from Jax, the navy seal. It was so good that I am ready to read the next in the series, Fatal Vison
Profile Image for Susan.
2,439 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2018
Great action and suspense!!!

This book has great suspense through the whole book. The action scenes are awesome in the way they are presented and then, bam! I love the character development. This book is awesome. I know I will re-read it through the years many times.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,224 reviews40 followers
January 1, 2018
I seriously love this series each story gets better and better
Profile Image for Glenda.
739 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2022
Good book. I just hate the cliff hanging ending.
Profile Image for Margaret.
609 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2016
Another great read that was impossible to put down. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites – great characters and a great balance of romance, intrigue and suspense are wrapped up in some fantastic dialogue and a wonderful world that sets the stage for a fantastic read.

One thing you know is always guaranteed when you pick up a Misty Evan’s book is that there will be not only wonderfully developed main characters, but the secondary characters and even the bad guys are always well thought out and developed. And being a series, it is nice to have the chance to see many recurring characters that give each story additional depth.

Jax and Ruby are quite the pair. When they end up in bed and then have the mission they are working on together go all sorts of wrong, they may part ways, but neither can get the other out of their head. Now that Jax has left the SEALs and joined SFI he finds himself assigned to a case that leads him right back to Ruby…and he is going to help her whether she wants him to or not!

One of the things I loved most about this story was that it didn’t take long for both Jax and Ruby to admit that they wanted one another, even if they didn’t share that info right away with each other. There may have been some obstacles in the way and, especially for Ruby, there may have been some things that needed resolution first, but I liked the fact that they both knew what they wanted, which kept the angst level low and allowed the intrigue and suspense of their current predicament take the lead – which in my opinion is what made this such a great read. There were also some great lighter moments in the book which had me laughing out loud, and I especially loved when Jax and Ruby got caught in a compromising position in that B&B…too funny!

I can’t say enough about the secondary characters in this book. Beatrice is one of my all-time favorite heroines and it’s always fun to see her interact with the current hero. And of course her being 9+ months pregnant just added even more to the story. The other members of the SFI team always play some role that adds additional depth and also a bit of humor to each story as well, and I love catching up with them to see what they have been up to.

Fatal Courage is the third installment of the Shadow Force International series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting this series from the beginning to meet the other members of the team since they have all been great reads. Misty Evans always delivers an extremely well written book filled with just the right mix of romance, intrigue, suspense, and action that should appeal to just about anyone!

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia Essex.
12 reviews
August 22, 2016
The song, Play Misty for me, could have been written for Ms Evans and her wonderful books..! Her stories just keep coming and each one is better than the last, despite the first ones being pretty amazing to begin with !! Her SFI stories are an amazing series of books that hold some pretty incredible characters who work together on top secret missions that save lives, solve criminal activities, rescue political prisoners, capture international bad guys and make America and the rest of the world safer.

Fatal Courage is the newest episode in this phenomenal group of stories and primarily concerns Ruby McKellen, a CIA operative and Jaxon Sloan an ex S.E.A.L. and current Shadow Force International agent. These two have worked together once before on a mission that terminated in a one night stand that was hotter than the sun's surface. In the time apart, Ruby was punished by demotion for her part in failing her partner on that mission, choosing her night with Jax over her partner's needs which jeopardized their mission.

The past has created some delicate situations in that Ruby's ex partner, Elliot has now escaped from the prison that Jax's testimony sent him to and his behaviour has opened up some very bizarre developments that Ruby is determined to uncover to prove Elliot's innocence. In order to accomplish this she will need Jax's co-operation which not only galls, but scares her that their relationship has not yet run it's course. Jax is sent to find Elliot and bring him in. Ruby is on probation and so can only search for Elliot in a covert and unsanctioned operation and so the two form an uncomfortable alliance which slowly develops into more but just how much more they will have to wait to see once this mission is accomplished.

The trail to solve the mystery of Elliot's betrayal or to prove his innocence involves some fairly scary characters as well as some old friends from SFI's past stories and a few new ones too. Despite the serious and complicated mission, humour abounds to lighten the mood and give an insight into the deep connection shared by these ex military operatives.

Beatrice and Cal return and Beatrice is one scary Momma in this book, I can't wait to see how her story continues later, she is one strong character and keeps it all together when nerves fray and the Sh** hits the fan.

There is everything you could ask for in this story. Intrigue, camaraderie, humour, violent situations and of course romance and no-one writes a combination of these elements better than Misty Evans. Edge of your seat suspense, bad guys you don't expect until you're not sure just who you can believe in, amazing trust and reliability of colleagues all combining to solve a mystery and make their world a safer place to live and love in.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,781 reviews147 followers
August 23, 2016
**4.5 Stars**

Disclaimer: While I believe you could easily read these books as standalones, I do recommend reading them in order as previous characters tend to be mentioned and they're good stories. Background information - Rock Star Security, while legitimate, is a cover of sorts for Shadow Force International which handles the more "specialized" missions.

One mission, one night, changed everything for Jaxon and Ruby. The Navy SEAL and the CIA operative found their worlds colliding and neither would be the same again.

For Jax, during what became his last SEAL mission, he was assigned to work with two CIA agents, but Ruby herself was completely unexpected, as was their chemistry which led to one unbelievable night together. Things may have ended differently if Jax hadn't given Ruby an ultimatum.

Ruby could feel the connection between her and Jax and while scared, wanted to explore it. For once in her career, Ruby concentrated on what she wanted instead of her mission. Neither she nor Jax could deny there was something between them, but when faced with the choice of choosing between Jax or her CIA partner, Elliot Hayden, Ruby had to make a difficult decision, and knowing Jax believed Elliot was guilty while she knew he was innocent, she did what she felt was best.

A few months later, both are still haunted by their time together and the question of "what if," but they never thought if they got a second chance it would be in this way. Jax's new job with Shadow Force International, code name Megadeth, has him hunting down Elliot after he escaped from prison and he believes Ruby, who's running her own secret mission to prove Elliot's innocence, will be the first person Elliot contacts. Ruby knows she should hate the man whose testimony resulted in her partner being sent to jail and her on probation, but her heart disagrees and it's a stubborn opponent.

Will Ruby agree to work with Jax to find Elliot? Is Elliot truly innocent? Will Ruby have to choose between Jax and Elliot again? Is Elliot innocent or guilty? Is there more to the story than anyone else knows? Is Ruby safe? Will Jax and Ruby get their second chance and rekindle what they started a few months ago? Will they get their HEA? If so, how will that work with his career being in SFI and hers being with the CIA? Or is there a second career option for both of them, ensuring they can be together while still achieving their professional dreams?

One-click now to find out what happens and read along as love, and friendship, are both tested and dreams are achieved. Psst...any fellow Megadeth fans catch my use of one of their song titles as my review title? I couldn't resist using it in tribute to Jax's code name.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Becky.
3,415 reviews141 followers
December 18, 2024
Favorite of the series so far! So many twists and turns and layers of truth and lies--not to mention an off-the-charts romance--I just didn't want to put this one down.

I absolutely loved Jax and Ruby. They have a past (including a history of taking time out of their regularly-scheduled saving of the world to do [ahem] *other* things, which they continue here--it was hot, though neither terribly responsible nor believable...but did I mention it was hot? ;)) and at the beginning of the book are very much at odds. She's still on probation because of their last encounter, and he's been sent to find her former partner at the CIA and bring him in--they're not exactly enemies, but there's not exactly a lot of love floating around between them.

But oh, there is a heck of a lot of lust...

As Jax and Ruby get further drawn into the plot, trust begins to develop and lust turns into something more. Ruby is introduced to a lot of the rest of the SFI crew (OMG, I love the dynamics in this group! Absolutely fabulous; even if you haven't read the previous stories, you'd be hard pressed not to love the way they all interact with each other), especially Beatrice (heroine of Deadly Force ), who's a few days past when she was due to give birth to her and Cal's first child and just as scary as ever. Seriously. I love these people.

The last 20% of the book has to be some of the most on-the-edge-of-my-seat reading I've ever experienced--honestly, I don't think even a tornado could have made me put my ereader down once I passed the 80% mark. I mean, I was pretty sure Ruby and Jax were going to make it through, but why tempt fate by letting them out of my sight, right?

Colton's story's next, and we're left up in the air (ha! okay, so maybe *we're* not up in the air, but someone is, LOL) about Beatrice and Cal's baby. There's a link in the afterward for readers to vote on the gender--run! Though now I'm more anxious than ever for the next book in the series to come out... (Fatal Love--not until January. Sigh!)

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the series. The first book I’m reading by this author. I would recommend reading Southern California Violent Crimes Taskforce (SCVC) series first to understand some of the references and connections among the team.

The heroine knows her partner has been accused wrongly and she’s determined to find out why. She had been sent away and into an office job as punishment which is just so wrong. Hopefully she can find out the information to prove her partners innocence and get her out of the office as well. If she can prove all this and stick it in the hero’s face as just rewards as he’s the one who stick her partner in prison.

Our hero didn’t like putting the heroine’s partner in jail, but if he did something wrong then he needs to be punished for it. That’s the law. However, now someone is after the heroine and it’s his task to find out whom and why. The overall task is to find out where the heroine’s partner is and return him to prison. All this without giving into his feelings for the heroine…it’s going to be a long mission.

The plot is good and takes you places you wouldn’t have seen coming which is great. The others within the team you get to know more about and revisit them. Beatrice, one of the bosses, you will get to meet in the SCVC series and that will make you understand a bit more about her and why she does things. You get the meet some others from earlier in the series as well. The author made the hero and heroine very lifelike in how their chemistry works and in their feelings. You get to feel like you know them.

This is the 3rd from this series, glad to see the author is doing a different story and also weaving past characters into the books. Let’s see what the next book brings.
224 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2016
Whoa - this book was an amazing ride! Looking for a simple summary of the plot? Ruby McKellen, ace CIA operative now on probation, is engaging in a “shadow mission” to clear her imprisoned (and now-escaped!) partner’s name. Jaxon Sloan, a member of Shadow Force International, is given the assignment to bring in the escaped Elliot. Where to find Elliot? Possibly wherever his former partner Ruby may be. Ruby…... who is also Jax’s former one-night-stand lover. Again - whoa. Believe me, “simple” is not a word to use when describing this story! What this book gives you is an intense, complex, engrossing storyline and a hot, steamy romance! Filled with action and more twists than a pretzel, the reader tries to keep up with Ruby and Jax as they try to sort out things as well a each other (Morocco *sigh*) Bad guys, good guys, and who do you trust in the shadowy world of covert intelligence all whirl around in a storm of intrigue and desire.

As for the relationship between Ruby and Jax? As the old expression goes, the pot found its lid! Alike in so many ways, yet just different enough, I was fascinated by the dynamic between these two allies, “enemies” and lovers. Ruby and Jax’s relationship fit the theme of this book perfectly - multi-layered both physically and emotionally. Of course, some of the SFI crew make appearances, but this is a stand-alone, so do not hesitate to pick it if it’s your first Misty Evans book!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2,129 reviews46 followers
August 23, 2016
Ruby McKellen is being punished by the CIA because her partner turned traitor. She doesn't believe these charges. She's secretly working the case so she can clear Elliot, but he makes things worse when he breaks out of prison. Now Jaxon Sloan, a new Shadow Force operative, is given the job of finding the fugitive and bring him back. He tracks down Ruby and their past gets in the way. Can these two former lovers work together and find out what is going on. Ruby is a strong character. She's good at her job and doesn't need a man to save her. I love her intelligence and her confidence. Jaxon can't stop thinking about Ruby. They have a powerful emotional and physical connection. These two are amazing together. In the deadly world of covert operations they stand out. Chicago provides the perfect stage for this deadly cat and mouse game. Ruby suddenly becomes the target and Jaxon her protector as they fight to find the truth. I was hooked. I couldn't stop reading Fatal Courage until I had answers. Misty Evans has written an edgy, suspenseful story filled with unexpected twist. The characters are complex and larger than life. I enjoyed catching up with favorites from previous books. This series keeps getting better. I can't wait for the next book in the Shadow Force International series.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,326 reviews30 followers
August 9, 2016
LOVED this book! In it, Ruby was the CIA's "it" girl and shining star....until her partner was convicted of felonies and sent to federal prison. While he went to prison, Ruby was put on benched and put on probation. She never believed him guilty of the crimes he was convicted of and is trying to prove his innocence - too bad the bodies are starting to pile up and thwarting her quest.

While overseas, Ruby had a one night stand with Jax, a former SEAL. While it was just one night, it has continued to haunt both of them with questions of what could have been. Now Jax works for Shadow Force International and their public face of Rock Star Security. When Ruby finds herself in trouble, Jax is assigned to protect her. They struggle to figure out and eliminate the terrorist threat while also trying to figure out their relationship.

This is a fast paced romantic suspense that fans of the genre will love. This novel is also complex enough to be satisfying for espionage fans. While it is part of a series, it is a stand alone novel. The author has long been on my must read authors' list and would make a worthy addition to your list.
Profile Image for Cricket.
210 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2016
Fatal Courage is the third book in the Shadow Force International Series. These books always feature strong female and male leads the chemistry between the lead characters is always hot!! The stories are full of twists and move at a steady action packed pace Fatal Courage continues this tradition. This book is the story of Jax and Ruby and starts right off with action and heat between the main characters. I love that Ruby is so loyal to her partner that she will go to the one person she doesn't want to go to for help. Jax and Ruby do not agree on the innocence of Ruby's partner Elliot but Jax found out that Ruby's life is in danger and he came across information that suggests that Elliot is innocent after all so Jax agrees to help Ruby. Jax is man enough to step up and admit that he just might have helped put an innocent man in prison and now he will work just as hard to help prove that the man was innocent. (Have to love a man with strong morals and character) If you love action mixed in with your romance and you love a fast paced book then this is the one for you.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
August 24, 2016
This is a great book; this book this the third book in the Shadow Force series written by Misty Evans. Ruby McKellen is the CIA golden girl, she has been on twenty one missions and has only failed once, thanks to Navy Seal Jaxon Sloan. Jaxon stole her heart and forced her to choose between him and her partner Elliot, she's on probation and Elliot is in prison for national security crimes. To prove Elliot's innocence and save her damaged career, Ruby is running an unsanctioned mission, but the only way to get the proof she needs is to go to Jax with her tail between her legs. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.