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The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn #3
Secret Agent Surrender
This undercover agent can't disguise his true desire!
Undercover DEA agent Marcos Costa is shocked to see Brenna Hartwell—his very first crush—cozying up to the brutal drug lord he’s about to bust! He hasn’t seen her since childhood, but he never imagined she’d turn to a life of crime. What the hunky agent doesn’t know is that Brenna’s working her own bust as a rookie cop undercover.
Brenna didn’t think she’d ever see Marcos again, especially not on her first undercover mission! She knows she has to keep her distance…but while she and Marcos play out their daring ruse, their youthful passion reignites. One wrong move could blow their covers. Can two loners used to self-reliance trust their lives—and hearts—to each other?
Undercover DEA agent Marcos Costa is shocked to see Brenna Hartwell—his very first crush—cozying up to the brutal drug lord he’s about to bust! He hasn’t seen her since childhood, but he never imagined she’d turn to a life of crime. What the hunky agent doesn’t know is that Brenna’s working her own bust as a rookie cop undercover.
Brenna didn’t think she’d ever see Marcos again, especially not on her first undercover mission! She knows she has to keep her distance…but while she and Marcos play out their daring ruse, their youthful passion reignites. One wrong move could blow their covers. Can two loners used to self-reliance trust their lives—and hearts—to each other?
- GenresRomantic Suspense
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
17 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Heiter
98 books848 followersPublishers Weekly bestselling author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and eight languages; they've also been shortlisted for the National Readers' Choice, Daphne Du Maurier and Booksellers' Best awards and won the HOLT Medallion and the RT Reviewers' Choice award.
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. She’s a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. You can also find Elizabeth on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elizabeth.heiter.author , on Instagram at www.instagram.com/elizabeth_heiter/ and on Twitter @ElizabethHeiter.
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. She’s a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. You can also find Elizabeth on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elizabeth.heiter.author , on Instagram at www.instagram.com/elizabeth_heiter/ and on Twitter @ElizabethHeiter.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 28, 2018
The final book in this mini-series is much better than the previous two, but the initial set-up is too hard to buy into, and the behaviour of the main characters while undercover makes it hard to believe they could have lasted an hour without their true identities being discovered!
Firstly, I had a lot of trouble believing that Brenna Hartwell would ever be allowed to go undercover to bring down a drug lord when she's basically only a rookie cop. Would never happen! I was more able to believe Marcos Costa being undercover, as he is a DEA agent with plenty of experience under his belt.
It turns out Brenna and Marcos know each other from a brief period spent together in foster care, and they have never forgotten each other. Marcos thinks that she started the fire that burnt down their foster home, but Brenna reveals that it was the foster father, and she thinks that the foster father was involved with the drug lord they're trying to bring down, Carlton Wayne White. Carlton has been using the foster care system to find the identities of kids about to turn 18, because he knows they get turfed out at that age and have to fend for themselves, and he can be there to exploit their need for security. He has built his empire on it.
However, this past connection between Marcos and Brenna suddenly turns them into the world's worst undercover agents! They keep exposing their knowledge of each others' identities and attraction to each other in front of Carlton to the point where I could no longer believe they could last this long without a bullet between the eyes! It was particularly difficult to swallow that Carlton would kill his own guards before two people he clearly didn't trust! Brenna in particular made me want to weep. After getting caught snooping in Carlton's office by Carlton's nephew, she figures the best place to go is Marcos' room and hop into his bed! Where she falls asleep! Despite their interactions and obvious attraction being what makes Carlton so antsy! It did my head in.
But at least the fast-paced, action-oriented plot kept moving along quickly so that I didn't have too much time to ponder how stupid it all was. The book probably wasn't long enough to really capitalise on Marcos and Brenna's prior connection through foster care, but I managed to buy into it. Their dash to safety through the mountains certainly upped the emotional and danger stakes in that regard.
Best of all, this avoids all the pitfalls that made the previous two books so deadly dull. While the TSTL behaviour is still at play, at least something is happening. The previous two books didn't consist of much more than the characters sitting around talking about what they were going to do, instead of doing it. Here, the action kicks off straight from the start, and was interesting enough to make me forgive how utterly stupidly and recklessly the main characters were behaving.
I wish I could have given this a higher rating, because it has got lots of action and the romance was handled well. But I had to suspend my disbelief too far that the initial set-up with Brenna being undercover would ever happen, and TSTL behaviour is a particular bug-bear of mine, and Brenna really had that in spades.
Firstly, I had a lot of trouble believing that Brenna Hartwell would ever be allowed to go undercover to bring down a drug lord when she's basically only a rookie cop. Would never happen! I was more able to believe Marcos Costa being undercover, as he is a DEA agent with plenty of experience under his belt.
It turns out Brenna and Marcos know each other from a brief period spent together in foster care, and they have never forgotten each other. Marcos thinks that she started the fire that burnt down their foster home, but Brenna reveals that it was the foster father, and she thinks that the foster father was involved with the drug lord they're trying to bring down, Carlton Wayne White. Carlton has been using the foster care system to find the identities of kids about to turn 18, because he knows they get turfed out at that age and have to fend for themselves, and he can be there to exploit their need for security. He has built his empire on it.
However, this past connection between Marcos and Brenna suddenly turns them into the world's worst undercover agents! They keep exposing their knowledge of each others' identities and attraction to each other in front of Carlton to the point where I could no longer believe they could last this long without a bullet between the eyes! It was particularly difficult to swallow that Carlton would kill his own guards before two people he clearly didn't trust! Brenna in particular made me want to weep. After getting caught snooping in Carlton's office by Carlton's nephew, she figures the best place to go is Marcos' room and hop into his bed! Where she falls asleep! Despite their interactions and obvious attraction being what makes Carlton so antsy! It did my head in.
But at least the fast-paced, action-oriented plot kept moving along quickly so that I didn't have too much time to ponder how stupid it all was. The book probably wasn't long enough to really capitalise on Marcos and Brenna's prior connection through foster care, but I managed to buy into it. Their dash to safety through the mountains certainly upped the emotional and danger stakes in that regard.
Best of all, this avoids all the pitfalls that made the previous two books so deadly dull. While the TSTL behaviour is still at play, at least something is happening. The previous two books didn't consist of much more than the characters sitting around talking about what they were going to do, instead of doing it. Here, the action kicks off straight from the start, and was interesting enough to make me forgive how utterly stupidly and recklessly the main characters were behaving.
I wish I could have given this a higher rating, because it has got lots of action and the romance was handled well. But I had to suspend my disbelief too far that the initial set-up with Brenna being undercover would ever happen, and TSTL behaviour is a particular bug-bear of mine, and Brenna really had that in spades.
June 27, 2017
The third book in the Lawmen Bullets and Brawn Series;
Wow was this amazing!
When Macos finds out the truth about what really happened to him, and his
foster brothers he's shocked to say the least. He can't accept it.
Brenna was not just another foster girl. She was his first crush too.
He is going undercover and is meeting with a drug lord. No one knows
whereabouts. His partnter does. The minute he sets foot into the house he's
not sure what will happen. The last person he expects to see is the one girl who has
grown up to a beautiful women. He doesn't know what is going on, but decides to play along.
Brenna can't believe standing in the same room as her is Marcos the foster boy she
never forgot. She has no idea what he's doing. But it can't be good.
What happens is so good.
Buy the book to find out the rest..
Highly suggest..
Wow was this amazing!
When Macos finds out the truth about what really happened to him, and his
foster brothers he's shocked to say the least. He can't accept it.
Brenna was not just another foster girl. She was his first crush too.
He is going undercover and is meeting with a drug lord. No one knows
whereabouts. His partnter does. The minute he sets foot into the house he's
not sure what will happen. The last person he expects to see is the one girl who has
grown up to a beautiful women. He doesn't know what is going on, but decides to play along.
Brenna can't believe standing in the same room as her is Marcos the foster boy she
never forgot. She has no idea what he's doing. But it can't be good.
What happens is so good.
Buy the book to find out the rest..
Highly suggest..
July 24, 2017
From the very first moment, the story is filled with nail-biting tension and palpable fear for survival, that the unique, closed-off scene for the first part of the book just intensifies. There is no escape, there is no backup, there are no weapons to use to protect yourself, just your wit, your smarts, and your experience is keeping you alive in the deadly game of cat and mouse with the drug lord.
This trilogy of the three foster brothers in law enforcement, that had formed a family of a heart, has had me on the edge of my seat with each installment. They are easy to be read as standalone stories, but if you enjoy sharp romantic suspense with action and heart perfectly mixed together, you might want to check out the whole series.
Marcos Costa is the youngest of the brothers. He nearly lost his life in the foster home fire leaving him scarred for life. He is the jokester, always ready to smile and flash his dimples. His bond with his two brothers is tight, he would do anything for them. When it comes to his heart, he lost it at a young age to a girl who apparently set the fire that scarred him, Brenna Hartwell.
Brenna has been alone most of her life, ever since her mother died. She has longed for a family, for people to love and a place to belong to, yet she tends to hold her distance from others to save herself from pain and disappointment. She is brave, smart and capable, with a big heart and sweet disposition.
Brenna and Marcos's old connection and feelings spark to life immediately as they face each other in a life or death situation up in the Appalachian Mountains. I loved them together, the chemistry between them is tangible. Their past helps them understand each other, to see the strengths and weaknesses of each other, to support and survive, not only with the criminals surrounding them but in life as well.
Within the story, immersed right into the smoothly flowing tale, the author brings attention to the issue of aging out of the foster-care system, and the game of chance it is to most of the young people still needing mentoring and support to map out their lives. This concern is close to my heart, and here the best and the worst case scenarios were illustrated in vivid form.
The twists in the plot that are constant and unexpected, kept me on my toes through the tale. Just when you think there is time to gather yourself, you better think again. The crimes are harsh and savage, there is no mercy, no second chances. It is a deadly game with no real winners.
Riveting, energetic, vicious action and suspense with a side of alluring, dazzling, and sweet romance makes this story unputdownable.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
This trilogy of the three foster brothers in law enforcement, that had formed a family of a heart, has had me on the edge of my seat with each installment. They are easy to be read as standalone stories, but if you enjoy sharp romantic suspense with action and heart perfectly mixed together, you might want to check out the whole series.
Marcos Costa is the youngest of the brothers. He nearly lost his life in the foster home fire leaving him scarred for life. He is the jokester, always ready to smile and flash his dimples. His bond with his two brothers is tight, he would do anything for them. When it comes to his heart, he lost it at a young age to a girl who apparently set the fire that scarred him, Brenna Hartwell.
Brenna has been alone most of her life, ever since her mother died. She has longed for a family, for people to love and a place to belong to, yet she tends to hold her distance from others to save herself from pain and disappointment. She is brave, smart and capable, with a big heart and sweet disposition.
Brenna and Marcos's old connection and feelings spark to life immediately as they face each other in a life or death situation up in the Appalachian Mountains. I loved them together, the chemistry between them is tangible. Their past helps them understand each other, to see the strengths and weaknesses of each other, to support and survive, not only with the criminals surrounding them but in life as well.
Within the story, immersed right into the smoothly flowing tale, the author brings attention to the issue of aging out of the foster-care system, and the game of chance it is to most of the young people still needing mentoring and support to map out their lives. This concern is close to my heart, and here the best and the worst case scenarios were illustrated in vivid form.
The twists in the plot that are constant and unexpected, kept me on my toes through the tale. Just when you think there is time to gather yourself, you better think again. The crimes are harsh and savage, there is no mercy, no second chances. It is a deadly game with no real winners.
Riveting, energetic, vicious action and suspense with a side of alluring, dazzling, and sweet romance makes this story unputdownable.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
July 12, 2017
First Cole, then Andre... So of course, it must be Marcos' turn to find love... and in the most suspenseful way possible! I love the twists and turns, and the way the lingering mystery all came together in this final chapter of these books... Or is it the final chapter??? I would love to read more to follow up with these 3 adorable yet adventurous relationships.
This book, once again, starts off with a bang when you have Marcos entering the home of a major drug lord... then running into somebody from his past. They both have some real inner struggles that they have to work through and determine who to trust.
I was able to put this book down to take breaks, but not for long, I REALLY needed to find out how it all ended. But again, I felt like the ending was just an opening for another beginning! Looking forward to what may follow! Thank you for a great read Elizabeth!
This book, once again, starts off with a bang when you have Marcos entering the home of a major drug lord... then running into somebody from his past. They both have some real inner struggles that they have to work through and determine who to trust.
I was able to put this book down to take breaks, but not for long, I REALLY needed to find out how it all ended. But again, I felt like the ending was just an opening for another beginning! Looking forward to what may follow! Thank you for a great read Elizabeth!
August 3, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose : 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose : 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
March 20, 2018
This book completes Ms. Heiter's Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn trilogy. And the ending did not disappoint! She may be known for writing strong, interesting heroines (as Brenna Hartwell certainly was in this book), but I love her heroes! The three "brothers" in this trilogy were each compelling, hunky and protective in his own way. And they each had very believable vulnerabilities that made them more realistic.
Once again, the action scenes are tense and exciting, the bad guys are really bad, and the sexual tension between Marcos and Brenna was undeniable. And I appreciated the important issues raised with the foster care system. My only criticism (and with the setting of the story, it was difficult to do it any other way) is that I wished I could have seen more of Marcos's foster brothers, Andre and Cole, in the story--that they played more of a key supporting role the way the three brothers did in the first two books. But overall, it was a very satisfying read. I do recommend reading all 3 books in order to make the most of the overarching mystery.
Once again, the action scenes are tense and exciting, the bad guys are really bad, and the sexual tension between Marcos and Brenna was undeniable. And I appreciated the important issues raised with the foster care system. My only criticism (and with the setting of the story, it was difficult to do it any other way) is that I wished I could have seen more of Marcos's foster brothers, Andre and Cole, in the story--that they played more of a key supporting role the way the three brothers did in the first two books. But overall, it was a very satisfying read. I do recommend reading all 3 books in order to make the most of the overarching mystery.
July 20, 2017
A story about two orphans that grew up in a foster home long ago meet again, one as a rookie cop and the other as a seasoned DEA agent. To say sparks fly is an understatement. The third in the Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn trilogy is a fast moving story with an abundance of suspense as well as a rekindled romance. There are some answers to questions that have been pending throughout the series and of course more questions to be pondered. I recommend this author to anyone looking for a read that engages you from the first and carries you through to the end guessing and anticipating the entire way
July 27, 2017
Good book, good story! Enjooyed Marcos and Brenna!
August 17, 2017
Great ending to the series
September 18, 2017
A great ending to a fantastic series.
July 18, 2018
A little far fetched at times but still an OK read.
May 13, 2024
Amazing book and would recommend to anyone looking for some action, adventure and romance
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August 1, 2017Miniseries: The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn
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August 1, 2017Miniseries: The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews