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Stryker, Parts 1 & 2

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It's not just another mission. This time there's no way out.

What starts out as another undercover mission, quickly becomes a complex, twisted, and mind-bending adventure.
A sexy romantic thriller!

What happens when the woman I once loved, and had to let go because of my secret career, suddenly becomes part of the job?

What happens when the woman I once loved, and had to let go because of my secret career, suddenly becomes part of the job?

I never believed in love. No matter how intelligent and logical I was, I seemed to only attract the crazy ones, or women who latched on too tight. The ones who saw my intellect as a meal ticket, rather than wanting me for me.

UNTIL I ENCOUNTERED HER.

Valerie Carsen was beautiful, smart, and compassionate. A genuine contributor to society, who wanted to dedicate her life to helping others. She was the one I met while I was undercover on a long mission with my team, Atrox Security. But I let her get to know the real me. Stryker, the man behind all the fake names and secret tasks. Everything about me,

EXCEPT MY PROFESSION.

We were together for almost a year, when she discovered me with another woman while I was working on the assignment. Unable to explain what was really going on, I had to let her go.

Six years later, fate rears its head once again, putting Valerie in the place of my team's actual target, right in my hands - literally. It wasn't even supposed to be my mission, but after an accident leaves me being the only one left for the job, I can't help but think the stars aligned to bring us back together.

This story can be read without prior knowledge of "The Blyss Trilogy or Quinn", however some parts that are referenced will be more enjoyable if you are already familiar with J.C. Cliff's bestselling Blyss Triology.

Erotic steamy scenes, suspense, obsession, betrayal, lies, all interspersed with humor are woven together to bring you a one of a kind storyline which will eventually end in an HEA.

Warning: **Mature Audiences Only** This book is intended for adults of mature audiences only (18+).

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2017

19 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Cliff

14 books556 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
810 reviews15 followers
March 2, 2017
When your unresoved past messes with your head...
Oh Yeah... I knew it deep down in my gut that J.C. Cliff would create yet another heart stirring and thrilling novel that would rock my world! One more enigmatic tale which will have your emotions and brain spinning off kilter... just when you think you know what's happening... BOOM! you're knocked off your chair! Stryker's story works on many levels pulling out various emotions and heart strings. Take this overwhelming trip down to Panama with Stryker and Valerie and see where this insane adventure leads them. Get a taste of some manipulative, gutsy, courageous, fearless and compassionate characters... all of them help form this intriguing novel. 5 Awesomely Scheming Stars for a story that unravels so many lies, deceit and an unresolved past.
Profile Image for Elaine.
735 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2017
I started and finished this book in one day! JC Cliff has done an outstanding with this book. Stryker and his long lost love Valerie are thrown together because of an investigation but there are many twist and turns in this book. Valerie's life has been anything but easy when her husband and child were killed in an accident or so she thought. But in the end all truths come out in the open. Will they be able to get back what they lost long ago or will this be the last of them? To find out you have to read this book!
One of the best books of 2017!!
Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews64 followers
February 28, 2017
EEEEEKKK!!! Stryker... All I can say is WOW!!! From the start up to the last, I was hooked on this book!!! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!! Anyway, this book is Stryker's story.. In this book, my heart ached on some parts and of course also fell in love. The story and the characters are great! I love how I was easily pulled in into the story and got attached to the characters. There might be times that I want to kick Stryker tho - LOL. Anyway, overall this book is AMAZING! Action, drama and romance all in one!
Oh, also Quinn will also be here **wink wink**.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,311 reviews362 followers
September 13, 2019
There is a lot going on in this story.
They both say hurtful stuff at times but he can get particularly cruel.
Not sure I like the Hero very much.
There are reasons for their actions and both made mistakes.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
There is an accusation of cheating in the past that gets resolved, things are not as they seemed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sofia Almiroudis.
375 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2017
OH MY! JC Cliff has outdone herself with this one. We first met Stryker in Blyss, as the devoted friend with the medic background who kept his brothers and their loved ones alive when they needed him the most. Stryker, the sexy as sin ex-military with the body and face of a god, and the heart of gold. Finally, we get to see what makes Stryker tick and what has molded him to be the man that he is today.
Once again, Stryker has been thrown into an impossible mission, a mission that he's been uneasy about from the start. You would think with his background nothing could throw him for a loop, but it looks like Stryker has finally found his match. What he never expected was that the one woman that claimed his heart years ago would end up being best friends with his target. What a shock to both Stryker and Valerie when they find their paths have once again crossed after 6 long years. 6 years ago when Stryker ripped Valerie's heart to shreds and left her broken and alone. To his surprise, Valerie had married quickly after their break-up and had a child. Unfortunately, Valerie lost her husband and son in a tragic accident 12 months ago. Now Stryker has to get close to Valerie to see whether she is involved with what the FBI is investigating. Can Stryker separate his desires and needs for Valerie and not comprise his the mission? Will Valerie be able to resist Stryker and his advances?
I found my emotions were all of the place in this book. One minute I was laughing and the next I was crying. The emotions and feelings that both Valerie and Stryker exhume will make your heart melt. It was so nice to see the playful, arrogant, confident Stryker have a soft and extremely sweet side, especially when it came to the well being of his loved ones. It was also nice to see Valerie's strong, protective side, determined to keep anyone and anything from hurting the ones she loves.
You'll be sitting on the edge of your seat with all of the twists and turns that occurs throughout the book. Just when you think you have a grip on one thing, JC Cliff throws another curve ball. Well done JC, well done.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
March 6, 2017
If you read Quinn or the Blyss Books you got a taste of Stryker. Now we get the full enchilada and man oh man would if I could design my perfect man he would be Stryker. Good looking, sexy, tough, ex-military, faithful and a heart of gold. Pure perfection.

I laughed my head off at the beginning when Stryker was trying to get out of a mission. His team needed him to go into a sex club and pose as an erotic masseuse. His reaction was pure gold and that alone told me of his morals. I do wish we were informed more of the mystery woman's proclivities they kept hinting at and none of them men wanted to touch.

When Stryker does his duty he finds himself facing the one woman he ever loved. He has mixed feelings when seeing er again.
Valerie also was hilarious in this first meeting. Her friend Celia had taken her out and got her this massage not telling her it was erotic. Celia was even kind enough to swap rooms so she knew she got her favorite masseur. Valerie's reaction to the experience was hilarious and when she saw it was Stryker things got good.

Stryker's story is fabulous. it's funny, hot and suspenseful. I loved how he is stuck between his feelings for Valerie, trying to figure out if she is involved, what her involvement could be and the mission. There are several twists and around 2/3 in a big twist and lots of nail-biting suspense.

There is a child in the story that almost stole the show. He was so smart for his age and absolutely adorable.
I am ready for Hunter and Caleb's stories next, please!

If you like sexy men, ex-military, special ops, a touch of humor, lots of hot sex, and a fabulous second chance romance this is a must read. heck if you like romance this is a must read!
Profile Image for Christine Frieseke-Miller.
1,667 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2017
I was so excited that Stryker was finally getting his story! He has been one of the characters from the other books that I always loved. When Stryker is assigned a job that he absolutely feels he can not do, he is shocked when his ex-girlfriend happens to be the person in the room with him! Valerie and Stryker left things unfinished 6 years ago. So much has happened in those years and there have been so many lies and other things that stand in their way. Can they put the past in the past and move forward? This will be answered and so much more!

This book was like watching an action packed movie! The characters are well developed and the plot has so many twists and turns it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down. The characters are strong and I fell in love with each and every one of them. I don't know if there is a book 3 or not, but the ending definitely leaves it open. I truly hope there is. I believe Valerie and Stryker have much more to tell us! Great read!
Profile Image for TeriD.
540 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2018
Well, that clears things up

Ok, so I was right about the son! But, I've got a bone to pick with the author. Reading part one was really a waste of time. Don't get me wrong, I liked it and left me wanting to find out what happened, but you have to read it again in the begging of part two. So basically both books are in part two. WTH?!? Anyway, part two was really good, although I thought Stryker was a jerk with his hot and cold "you know you want me and I WILL have you" attitude. Did he forget how he treated her when they broke up? Did he expect her to forget? Well written suspense and romance. Kept me saying "just one more chapter" but I ended up reading the whole thing. Gotta say tho, James was a lot more grown up for his five years. Anyway, an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for K Lee.
851 reviews19 followers
April 27, 2019
Okay

I actually enjoyed Blyss and even Quinn despite some crazy bad dialogue, but this one was less. The over the top "manly man" disgust over anything remotely "gay", the mocking of anything kink, the phrasing gets really silly at times and honestly, Stryker's anger over how the heroine acted without ever accepting his own behaviour for what it was seems obnoxious.
I didn't see much redeemable about him and she's more of a doormat than anything. The side character of her friend is an unbelievable stereotype of a person and the ended seems like the author just stopped writing partway through a final chapter and decided to leave it.
A little disappointed with this one.
Profile Image for Kerry.
679 reviews29 followers
October 25, 2019
Could have been better.... if I'm honest. I found it to be too predicatable. An easy read that should have had me yearning to turn the next page and screaming with angst, but all i felt was....mehhhh! Sorry but i won't be reading anymore. I would have given it 1 star, but I liked Caleb and would have liked to have known more about his story. Perhaps if I had read the other books in the series first I may have become more invested in the characters. For that reason I am giving it 2 stars as I feel I may have missed something by skipping the previous books.
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
February 17, 2018
Good!

Part two of this series and I have to say it was even better than I expected it to be. It was full of twists and turns, some you expected, but some you most certainly didn't see coming in a month of Sundays. I liked both parts to Strykers story, and if I'm being honest I didn't want it to finish. I loved the plot, the characters, and the whole shebang. I look forward to reading more by this author.
154 reviews33 followers
March 17, 2017
I've read the Attrox Security series in the past. The first one was a darker romance and my first time ever reading a book like that. I enjoyed it. This one felt more like a contemporary romance and I found myself getting a little tired of the characters. The seem rather immature and their initial interactions with another border on tedious rather than sexually tense. Every time they come in contact with one another they wind up shouting at one another and she ends up crying. In the end, it turns out she has a secret she's been keeping from him that even I find a pretty awful thing to do. Rather than create a story to make the reader sympathize with the her, the author finds a pretty easy way of out explaining the heroine's actions. That said, if you've read the first two books, you're probably like me and want to finish out the series. It is a fun, easy read and was perfect for a vacation.
3 reviews
March 17, 2017
I absolutely loved this series.

3 days 2 books. I couldn't out it down. The story line kept me guessing. The emotions of the characters kept me reading. All of your books are amazing!!
Profile Image for Nicole.
3 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2018
Great book about lost love and finding it again.

Great book about lost love and finding it again. With the added detention of the military and the excited way Stryker finds out....
3 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2017
Loved it!

I really enjoyed the story and characters. I wish we had more story at the end. Would definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Kali McQuillen.
1,944 reviews37 followers
March 16, 2017
Oh my goodness!! I have not read a book by this author that I haven't loved!!! This one is no exception!

Valerie and Stryker fell in love and had it all until it all blew up in their faces. My heart hurt for these two. You could feel the love that they had for each other and how happy they were. Until one night when hateful words are said and can't be taken back. When feelings get hurt and hearts get broken walking away is the only answer. Misunderstandings, miscommunication are horrible things that tear them apart.

When they run into each other again, it's not all hearts and flowers. They have a lot to talk through, answers need to be had, and secrets have to be aired before they could go on.

This book had me on the edge of my chair and praying my kindle battery was going to be kind to me. This is one of those books that has your emotions all over the place and I seriously can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,510 reviews47 followers
March 5, 2017
I did receive a free ARC copy of Stryker in exchange for an honest review.

Part 2 picks up where 1 leaves us. Stryker, Valerie, & Celia are headed to Panama for a volunteer / mission program.

Valerie thinks Stryker is there to help on the support / organizational way. She doesn't realize what his real mission is.

Celia packed a bazillion clothes and items to take on this trip, she is super high maintanece. Stryker can't believe all the bags she brought. While Valerie brought 1 bag with very minimal items.

Stryker managed to upset Valerie again and she's ready to leave. He realizes that he needs to treat her more with kid gloves and to watch how he talks with her.

Valerie is trying very hard to move on with her life and this trip was to help her. However, being around Stryker is hard for her. She trying to push her feelings for him away. But at at the same she's still so drawn to him.

Of course Stryker doesn't help things when he 'arranges' with Hunter to have their room private for the two of them. Stryker says it's because he doesn't want to share a room with 30 other people and their night time habits.....hahahaha

Hunter and Stryker try to meet in private where no one will notice them. Valerie has no idea they work together or were in the military together. Celia has latched onto Hunter and she doesn't realize anything is going on with them either.

Part 2 has many exciting twists and turns. We aren't sure what is going to happen next and then something totally from left field happens.











Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2017
Stryker...Stryker...Stryker...How I have been patiently waiting for your story for so long now...lol

Stryker is a character that readers were introduced to in this authors first series, The Blyss Trilogy. A character that you were drawn to simply by his cameo appearance and Travis's description of him. The reader came across Stryker once again when reading the Undaunted Men Series. He always appeared to be a complex character, with a more than meets the eye type of persona that I was dying to know more about. FINALLY J.C. has given me what I yearned for.

Stryker is a story unlike any other that you have read, but in true J.C. fashion is a story that will keep you guessing until you turn the very last page; filled with action, angst and of course hot panty dropping men that will make you swoon with envy.

I will not fill this review with teasers or spoilers as you need to experience all that is Stryker and Valerie firsthand without preconceptions to fully appreciate the story that they have to tell. I will tell you that the story is unique, fascinating and will leave you wanting for more...Maybe wanting a book about Hunter...

4.5 stars
Profile Image for CDBW.
1,617 reviews81 followers
March 7, 2017
5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!

Oh Stryker's story is out! Yes!!!! I have been waiting for this. Before I start raving about this book, make sure to read the books previous to this one, The Blyss Trilogy and Quinn. While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the others so you will have a better understanding of everything and everyone.
I don't want to go to much into the details of the story. The spoilers just want to spew out of me right now. In true J.C. Cliff fashion she bring us Stryker and Val's story that is full of suspense, deceit, lies, heart break, scenes that will get you hot and bothered and there's even a few laughs to be had. I really enjoyed getting to know Stryker better.
This did take me a bit longer than normal to read but I chalk that up to life getting in the way of my reading time so that does not effect my rating whatsoever. I'm eager to see what is next from J.C. Cliff.
Profile Image for Stevie.
811 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2017
JC Cliff is an auto-buy for me so when I was lucky enough to be picked to receive an ARC of Stryker in exchange for an honest review, I was beyond excited. (Yay!) So here goes.

I really enjoyed this. It can be read as a stand alone, but I would strongly suggest starting with the Blyss trilogy and Quinn's books. I really like this author's ability to draw me into her stories from the first few pages. Compelling writing style and it plays well in my head. That holds true for this book. Starting from the undercover set up at the spa, which was pretty funny given Stryker's discomfort, and the ribbing he took, I was hooked. She writes a very good male protagonist. There's sex appeal, alpha-ness and the ever reluctant heart. The back story to Stryker's sister added depth to his character which I already found quite likable. It was heartbreaking and touching. Valerie took a bit more patience on my part. There was some yo-yo-ing there that got on my nerves a bit. It took a while for me to feel their connection. I would say part one was good but kind of uneventful. Part 2 however... when things took a turn, I wasn't able to stop reading, and pretty much read through the night. I forced myself to put it down at 3am so I'd be able to some what function at work. When one of the secrets is revealed, while it was pretty predictable, it was also sweet and heartwarming, and added even more to Stryker's character. The connection between Valerie and Stryker became stronger and I was quite happy with the way things wrapped up. Especially because I see at least two more possible stories coming hopefully. Now, if I could only find a spa like the one in the book....
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,647 reviews45 followers
March 7, 2017
You know, JC Cliff is the queen of keeping you on your toes! This book!!! OMG OMG! I am almost left speechless with this one. There were so many highs and lows of the characters that you are so emotionally invested in them! I love the concept. The overlapping characters. Everything. I found the bond between Stryker and Val is beyond scorching plus emotional. I love their chemistry and their banter throughout the story. Quinn will always be my man, but Stryker now has a special place in my heart. I was on the end of my seat reading it and I high recommend snagging this bad boy! But make sure you read all the other books! You will sooooo not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Josie.
473 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2017
Great book

This was a good book. I enjoyed reading about Stryker and Valerie. I can not wait to read J.C C
Profile Image for Anakalia.
1,836 reviews17 followers
March 2, 2017
Six years ... before they meet again ...
Stryker lost the love of his life, Valerie, when he allegedly deceived her on an undercover mission.

Six years later he meets Valerie again, once again on an undercover mission.
This time he has to investigate her.
Immediately there is this chemistry between them again, against which they fight for different reasons...

J.C. Cliff describes absolutely masterly the inner turmoil and torment of the characters, which were created, moreover, very detailed and absolutely credible.
You are instantly trapped in the story and every few pages new things are revealed, which makes it very difficult for you to put the book out of your hand even for a short time.
Stryker is a warm-hearted story, which is incredibly exciting, and takes unexpected twists and turns again and again.
Stryker is one of the best books I have read in recent years.

I would like to award more than 5 star to this book.

Profile Image for Ami Kincade.
147 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2017
Great Addition to the Atrox Series!

JC Cliff delivers another amazing book in her Atrox Security series! Strong, hot, alpha men with hearts of gold. Loved this book!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
February 27, 2017
Stryker has a new assignment and he has to meet the target at a female club, giving a special kind of massage. I was laughing at his discomfort with this task as I pictured this big, tough guy being intimidated by giving an intimate massage to a woman. What he doesn’t expect is to find the one woman he loved, Valerie, on the table. This entire mission just took a complete shift and Stryker isn’t sure if it’s a good one. Valerie is stunned that on her first night out after an incredible tragedy, she finds herself face-to-face with the one man that stole and broke her heart. She hasn’t seen him in 6 years but that fire is still there. Stryker knocks her socks off and then she flees. Stryker now has to get close to Valerie to find out if she is involved in their new assignment. I loved this story. There are amazing twists and turns as Stryker and Val go on a mission trip as part of Stryker’s assignment. One thing is for sure, there is an inferno between them that neither can ignore. I don’t want to give away any of the twists. I just recommend diving into this suspenseful romance for an incredible ride.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Corrine Pickering.
603 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2017
 photo 12516825_10208063953377144_1111376284_o.jpg

Stryker (Part 1 & 2): Atrox Security by JC. Cliff

### 5 Huge Hashtags ###

Here we have Stryker's complete story (Parts 1&2) I love this book! JC Cliff manages yet again to weave another intricate web of suspense, love, betrayal and of course it's seriously steamy too!

In Part 1, both Valerie and Stryker's stories gradually unfold it's truly heartbreaking, you will need to continue with Part2 immediately! oh and did I mention that I definitely need a trip to their spa ... omg !!

In Part 2, there are so many unexpected mindblowing twists that I didn't see coming, I devoured these books far too quickly, I love it when nothing is predictable.

I absolutely loved Quinn and The Blyss Trilogy - one of the best series I've read ...ever. I'll will be reading everything JC writes.

These books are completely captivating and totally addictive.
Profile Image for Lisa Williams.
109 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2017
Another great one!!

We finally get to see all of strykers story here! And what a ride. Miss Cliff has continued from the blyss story, but it is a standalone. I enjoyed seeing previous characters again here. I don't want to give away any plot secrets but I enjoyed how everything was written and you felt for each person and the betrayals along the way. Loved the epilogue as well.
Profile Image for Clare.
1,310 reviews42 followers
March 6, 2017
OMG what a book, I'm a very big fan of J.C I loved her Blyss trilogy so much, And she's done it again with Stryker and Valerie's book. It's a really good and gripping story and both characters were fun getting to know. I'm hoping maybe Caleb might get a book ;) but who know, This is a must read if you have read The Blyss series and Quinn.
Profile Image for Kelly Teague.
726 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2017
Wow just Wow ... this book may just be my favorite yet from J.C. .. this book was f u l l of drama, suspense, romance, alpha males, and twists and turns that kept me page flipping faster and faster.


Stryker is no nonsense ... oozing testosterone from every pore!!! Valerie poor girl has been through the ringer but she's a tough character and I liked her a lot! I love how we get snippets of Travis and Quinn some of my other favorite alpha males throughout the book ... this group of guys can rescue me any day!!
Profile Image for Kolleen Fraser.
Author 6 books43 followers
March 7, 2017
Damn! That was so freaking awesome! I'm such a JC fan. She has a brilliant way with sexy suspense. Travis, Quinn and now Stryker, these sexy men are mine!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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