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Ballistic Cowboys #3
Hot Zone
A knight in shining spurs...
Army ranger Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is in Montana to consider his future, until his involvement in a car chase leaves Olivia Dawson without a foreman for her ranch. Hawkeye can't walk away from the woman in need. But tackling the role of ranch hand, horses and all, puts this soldier in a hot zone he never imagined.
Olivia needs more than just help with the cattle. The whole reason she's saddled with Stone Creek Ranch is because someone murdered her father...and now wants the ranch for themselves. Though he's considering walking away from his career, there's no way Hawkeye can leave Olivia behind. He must complete this mission for the good of the country—and his heart.
Army ranger Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is in Montana to consider his future, until his involvement in a car chase leaves Olivia Dawson without a foreman for her ranch. Hawkeye can't walk away from the woman in need. But tackling the role of ranch hand, horses and all, puts this soldier in a hot zone he never imagined.
Olivia needs more than just help with the cattle. The whole reason she's saddled with Stone Creek Ranch is because someone murdered her father...and now wants the ranch for themselves. Though he's considering walking away from his career, there's no way Hawkeye can leave Olivia behind. He must complete this mission for the good of the country—and his heart.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2017
142 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Elle James
714 books1,201 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 13, 2020
Just the right amount of mystery/suspense and romance for a beach read. Nothing to taxing about the plot and the romance was hot, although the "I am Woman, hear me Roar" heroine got a bit old.
Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is an Army Special Ranger in Montana on loan to the Department of Homeland Security. during his time in Grizzly Pass, Montana he hopes to thwart a homegrown terrorist group and make some decisions on his future. What he absolutely doesn't want to do is fall in love, especially with a pretty woman who just lost her father and has a ranch to run all on her own.
to consider his future, until his involvement in a car chase leaves Olivia Dawson without a foreman for her ranch. Hawkeye can't walk away from the woman in need. But tackling the role of ranch hand, horses and all, puts this soldier in a hot zone he never imagined.
Olivia Dawson has just lost her father to a freak riding accident and not the vulture are circling wanting to buy the ranch. On top of that the longtime ranch foreman is injured. She needs help, quick, but not from the handsome military man who is making it his business to both protect her and investigate who would have wanted to harm her father.
Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is an Army Special Ranger in Montana on loan to the Department of Homeland Security. during his time in Grizzly Pass, Montana he hopes to thwart a homegrown terrorist group and make some decisions on his future. What he absolutely doesn't want to do is fall in love, especially with a pretty woman who just lost her father and has a ranch to run all on her own.
to consider his future, until his involvement in a car chase leaves Olivia Dawson without a foreman for her ranch. Hawkeye can't walk away from the woman in need. But tackling the role of ranch hand, horses and all, puts this soldier in a hot zone he never imagined.
Olivia Dawson has just lost her father to a freak riding accident and not the vulture are circling wanting to buy the ranch. On top of that the longtime ranch foreman is injured. She needs help, quick, but not from the handsome military man who is making it his business to both protect her and investigate who would have wanted to harm her father.
June 17, 2018
When you end your book with, "They might not have all the answers to why someone would want Liv and her father dead. They hadn't solved the mystery of what was going on in Grizzly Pass," I am seriously left wondering why Elle James would bother to write the book in the first place!
Yet, I still gave it 3 stars! Why? Well, firstly, I read it in one go. I've been reading books for long enough to know that's a good sign! There was obviously something here that kept me reading. The fact the book mentions the ongoing story-line threads actually has me 25% confident that Elle James might resolve them in the final book in the series. This book is about Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh, part of the Homeland Security team, stepping in to help Olivia Dalton at her ranch, after the death of her father, and the injury to her ranch hand that puts him out of action. Although her father's death was ruled an accident, there's suspicion it was actually murder.
Of course, because this is an Elle James book, nothing gets resolved. But the romance actually works quite well. Hawkeye and Olivia talk to each other a lot, learn about each other, and I bought into their attraction to one another. Although there was a bit too much, "I don't need your help," nonsense from Olivia, she was a strong heroine able to stand up for herself and look after herself. Hawkeye had me swooning a bit. I'm a sucker for dark hair and blue eyes! On top of the believable attraction, there's a hot sex scene, and an exciting finale to the proceedings.
The 3 stars is generous. Elle James needs to work on creating books within the mini-series that can stand alone better. But this was a very easy read, and actually leaves me with some faint anticipation that the final book can wrap everything up satisfactorily.
Yet, I still gave it 3 stars! Why? Well, firstly, I read it in one go. I've been reading books for long enough to know that's a good sign! There was obviously something here that kept me reading. The fact the book mentions the ongoing story-line threads actually has me 25% confident that Elle James might resolve them in the final book in the series. This book is about Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh, part of the Homeland Security team, stepping in to help Olivia Dalton at her ranch, after the death of her father, and the injury to her ranch hand that puts him out of action. Although her father's death was ruled an accident, there's suspicion it was actually murder.
Of course, because this is an Elle James book, nothing gets resolved. But the romance actually works quite well. Hawkeye and Olivia talk to each other a lot, learn about each other, and I bought into their attraction to one another. Although there was a bit too much, "I don't need your help," nonsense from Olivia, she was a strong heroine able to stand up for herself and look after herself. Hawkeye had me swooning a bit. I'm a sucker for dark hair and blue eyes! On top of the believable attraction, there's a hot sex scene, and an exciting finale to the proceedings.
The 3 stars is generous. Elle James needs to work on creating books within the mini-series that can stand alone better. But this was a very easy read, and actually leaves me with some faint anticipation that the final book can wrap everything up satisfactorily.
June 6, 2017
Guys, you have to read Hot Zone by Elle James! It is captivating and breathless from beginning to end. Danger abounds and keeps you on the edge of your seat while the hot, delicious romance between the main characters adds that extra spice to keep things flowing smoothly. Trace is sexy, broody and smart. And his protective nature makes him special. Olivia is his perfect match. She is stunning and strong as well, however, beneath her tough girl exterior is a woman who will make any man melt! In the end all I can say is that this story is a wild, thriller of a ride and the quest to bring justice is top priority!
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
November 2, 2017
Trace (Hawkeye), is an Army Ranger and sniper, currently on assignment with the DHS, specifically for the Safe Haven Task Force. While helping investigate possible homegrown terrorists, he's also using the time to decide his future. After losing his best friend, Mac, during a tour, he isn't sure if he wants to continue until retirement as originally planned. Of course, with everything going on since his arrival in town two weeks ago, he hasn't really had time to even think about his situation. His "fact finding" mission today changes immediately upon spotting a man leaving dynamite along the trail. Trace follows, determined to capture the man and hopefully get some answers.
Olivia may have left home years ago to attend college, but she'd planned on returning as soon as she graduated. Her Dad, however, wanted her to experience life and give the big city a few years before making a decision. That all changed when he died in while riding his horse. Now she's home and refuses to sell the ranch, knowing her Dad wouldn't want her to, even if being surrounded by memories is painful. As she and Abe, the ranch's long-time foreman, are returning from her Dad's funeral, the sudden appearance of a four-wheeler causes an accident, leaving Abe badly injured, and unable to work. Thankfully, help arrives just in time and he's able to free Abe. But she soon realizes the stranger is the reason they even needed help.
Hawkeye couldn't continue chasing the man after he caused a car crash, then fled the scene. He had to help the victims. Unfortunately, the pretty Olivia believes he was the dangerous driver, not seeing the other. Before he knows it, Hawkeye is promising Abe that he'll look out for Olivia. Now if only she'd let him explain what actually happened, and believe him...nope, she's not listening. Well, there's one way he can think of to occupy her mouth. *gasp* He kisses her you dirty minded people. *wink*
"I couldn't think of a better way to make you shut up long enough to listen." - Hawkeye
Olivia can't wrap her mind around what Hawkeye and his temporary boss, Kevin, are telling her. Add in that they think she's in danger, and trying to handle thousands of acres herself, and she knows she needs help, even if it is from Hawkeye. Not to mention they seem to think her family's ranch may be the perfect area for what the bad guys plan, and may have killed her father to access it.
Even with circumstances such as they are, the mutual attraction between Hawkeye and Olivia has been present almost from the beginning. Now that they'll be spending so much time together, their chemistry will be even harder to deny...if they even wanted to. But if they can't keep Olivia safe, and figure out who's trying to take her land, they may never get the chance to explore the feelings developing between the two of them.
Can Hawkeye protect Olivia while uncovering the truth behind everything that's going on? Can Olivia maintain her family's ranch? Will Hawkeye retire or re-up? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people must choose which path their lives are now going to take, and whether or not they'll do it together.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Olivia may have left home years ago to attend college, but she'd planned on returning as soon as she graduated. Her Dad, however, wanted her to experience life and give the big city a few years before making a decision. That all changed when he died in while riding his horse. Now she's home and refuses to sell the ranch, knowing her Dad wouldn't want her to, even if being surrounded by memories is painful. As she and Abe, the ranch's long-time foreman, are returning from her Dad's funeral, the sudden appearance of a four-wheeler causes an accident, leaving Abe badly injured, and unable to work. Thankfully, help arrives just in time and he's able to free Abe. But she soon realizes the stranger is the reason they even needed help.
Hawkeye couldn't continue chasing the man after he caused a car crash, then fled the scene. He had to help the victims. Unfortunately, the pretty Olivia believes he was the dangerous driver, not seeing the other. Before he knows it, Hawkeye is promising Abe that he'll look out for Olivia. Now if only she'd let him explain what actually happened, and believe him...nope, she's not listening. Well, there's one way he can think of to occupy her mouth. *gasp* He kisses her you dirty minded people. *wink*
"I couldn't think of a better way to make you shut up long enough to listen." - Hawkeye
Olivia can't wrap her mind around what Hawkeye and his temporary boss, Kevin, are telling her. Add in that they think she's in danger, and trying to handle thousands of acres herself, and she knows she needs help, even if it is from Hawkeye. Not to mention they seem to think her family's ranch may be the perfect area for what the bad guys plan, and may have killed her father to access it.
Even with circumstances such as they are, the mutual attraction between Hawkeye and Olivia has been present almost from the beginning. Now that they'll be spending so much time together, their chemistry will be even harder to deny...if they even wanted to. But if they can't keep Olivia safe, and figure out who's trying to take her land, they may never get the chance to explore the feelings developing between the two of them.
Can Hawkeye protect Olivia while uncovering the truth behind everything that's going on? Can Olivia maintain her family's ranch? Will Hawkeye retire or re-up? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people must choose which path their lives are now going to take, and whether or not they'll do it together.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
May 22, 2017
Full of mystery and suspense!
Hot Zone is the third book in the Ballistic Cowboys series. Each story can be read as a standalone – the storyline for each couple is resolved – but the underlying mystery won't be concluded until the fourth and final story (expected in July). Elle James gives you enough information that you aren't lost if you haven't read the first two books.
Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is on temporary assignment with Homeland Security. He stumbles upon someone putting dynamite near the oil pipeline in Grizzly Pass, Montana. He manages to stop the charge from being set but during his pursuit of the suspect a truck loses control and crashes. He stops his pursuit to save the two people in the truck. Olivia “Liv” Dawson returned to Grizzly Pass to assume running Stone Oak Ranch after her father is killed in an accident. She and her foreman, Abe Masterson, are in the truck that crashed.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The attraction between Hawkeye and Liv is apparent from their first meeting. Liv is very independent and doesn't think she needs help from Hawkeye or anyone else. She finally realizes that her father's death may not have been an accident after all and accepts help when Homeland Security assigns Hawkeye to watch over and help her.
Things really heat up when Liv is abducted from the local grocery store. From that point on I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put the book down.
This is a great series and can't wait to read the final book, Hot Velocity, to see how the mystery is solved.
An advanced copy was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Hot Zone is the third book in the Ballistic Cowboys series. Each story can be read as a standalone – the storyline for each couple is resolved – but the underlying mystery won't be concluded until the fourth and final story (expected in July). Elle James gives you enough information that you aren't lost if you haven't read the first two books.
Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is on temporary assignment with Homeland Security. He stumbles upon someone putting dynamite near the oil pipeline in Grizzly Pass, Montana. He manages to stop the charge from being set but during his pursuit of the suspect a truck loses control and crashes. He stops his pursuit to save the two people in the truck. Olivia “Liv” Dawson returned to Grizzly Pass to assume running Stone Oak Ranch after her father is killed in an accident. She and her foreman, Abe Masterson, are in the truck that crashed.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The attraction between Hawkeye and Liv is apparent from their first meeting. Liv is very independent and doesn't think she needs help from Hawkeye or anyone else. She finally realizes that her father's death may not have been an accident after all and accepts help when Homeland Security assigns Hawkeye to watch over and help her.
Things really heat up when Liv is abducted from the local grocery store. From that point on I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put the book down.
This is a great series and can't wait to read the final book, Hot Velocity, to see how the mystery is solved.
An advanced copy was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
April 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It had action, suspense, and romance. The heroine of the story was a strong independent lady. Her mother died when she was growing up. Her dad raised her on the family ranch. She loved the ranch, the animals, and didn’t mind the work that went along with living on a ranch. Her dad talked her into moving to the city after high school. She promised her dad she would give the city 5 years and see how things turned out. 3 years in, she got a phone call that changed her life forever. Her dad had died. They said her dad feel off of his horse and hit his head. Her dad had been riding since he was a kid. She wonders if someone killed him, and why. She came home, ready to run the family ranch. Someone was trying to run her off. She was shot at, and other stuff happened. Hawkeye was working with the Department of Homeland Security. He quickly became Olivia Dawson’s body guard and protector. The story was well written, and kept my attention.
July 31, 2020
good book. I will have to check the other's in the series out.
May 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this story! It's well written and I loved the characters. Hawkeye is chasing someone down on ATV when he sees Olivia's truck run off the road. He stops chasing his man in order to help pull Olivia and her foreman out of the truck before it catches fire. Olivia figures out that some strange things have been happening on the ranch. She's just come back to take over as her father just died. These get brought up when Hawkeye follows them into town to make sure they are okay. Hawkeye then has Olivia go to his boss's office so that both sides get the full story. Hawkeye then becomes Olivia's new ranch hand/bodyguard. I enjoyed the way that the story was written and getting to see the relationship build even though it happens quickly. I liked the characters and the way that things developed. This is the 3 book in the series and it would be helpful if you had read the others as the action does build off of the previous ones. They are after the same group in all the books and trying to figure out who all of the players are. This book can be read as a standalone though as it features a different couple and does have it's own complete sub-story within the bigger story arc. I thought it was really well done. It has plenty of action and intrigue going on to grab and keep the readers attention. The sex is fairly explicit. I can't wait to read the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 2, 2023
3. Hot Zone
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Zone: Ballistic Cowboy Book Three by Elle James and this review was given freely.
An action and drama-packed “almost instant” attraction romance where the new owner of Stone Oak Ranch is the last in her family line, which a persistent killer wants to end.
When Army Ranger Trace “Hawkeye” Walsh chases a bomber off government land, Hawkeye finds himself rescuing the grieving Olivia and her foreman from a truck fire, volunteers to be her ranch hand and bodyguard, and is instantly attracted to his client.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes. Best if read in series order. Contains an intense but happy ending.
4. Hot Velocity
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Velocity: Ballistic Cowboy Book Four by Elle James and this review was given freely.
A fitting Fourth of July novel featuring Homeland Security, national safety, the US military, empowerment, and selfless, fiercely protective main characters.
Grieving US Marine Captain Rex ”T-Rex” Trainor and newly emancipated abuse victim, divorcee’, and Mother’s Day Out Day Caregiver Sierra Daniels find themselves strongly attracted to each other, and amid one danger-filled scene after another in this action and violence-filled conclusion to the series.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Zone: Ballistic Cowboy Book Three by Elle James and this review was given freely.
An action and drama-packed “almost instant” attraction romance where the new owner of Stone Oak Ranch is the last in her family line, which a persistent killer wants to end.
When Army Ranger Trace “Hawkeye” Walsh chases a bomber off government land, Hawkeye finds himself rescuing the grieving Olivia and her foreman from a truck fire, volunteers to be her ranch hand and bodyguard, and is instantly attracted to his client.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes. Best if read in series order. Contains an intense but happy ending.
4. Hot Velocity
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Velocity: Ballistic Cowboy Book Four by Elle James and this review was given freely.
A fitting Fourth of July novel featuring Homeland Security, national safety, the US military, empowerment, and selfless, fiercely protective main characters.
Grieving US Marine Captain Rex ”T-Rex” Trainor and newly emancipated abuse victim, divorcee’, and Mother’s Day Out Day Caregiver Sierra Daniels find themselves strongly attracted to each other, and amid one danger-filled scene after another in this action and violence-filled conclusion to the series.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes.
May 23, 2017
Hot Zone is a great book. It's filled with adventure, murder, romance, ranching , intrigue, and of course-military hotties. What makes this book fun for me is that it's realistic; everything that happens is "possible". It's down to earth gritty action. Basically, something is wrong in Grizzly Pass and this book in the series focuses on Liv and her ranch's part in the mystery. Hawkeye, an Army Ranger, enters the story with a bang (literally, he is chasing a man on an ATV who just attempted to plant a bomb) and soon finds himself on Liv's ranch to help and protect her. Hawkeye also has to make a life decision, reenlist in the Army or try to make a new life for himself-possibly with Liv on her ranch permanently. One of my favorite scenes is where Liv "accidentally" catches him in the shower and gets an eyeful of naked Ranger- *oops* :) Overall this is a fun book and my favorite type to read-it has a satisfying personal ending and leaves room in the unresolved overall storyline for more adventure (and of course military hotties)!
May 25, 2017
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres. And this book fit the bill. Travis "Hawkeye" Walsh is an Army ranger on loan to the DHS because of some odd happenings in a small town of Grizzly Pass, Wyoming. A motor vehicle crash puts him in the path of Olivia "Liv" Dawson, back home to take over the ranch after her father's unexpected death. Initially thought to be an accident, but many people are questioning if that's what really happened.
I liked the book a lot, Liv drove me a bit nuts. I get being the strong independent woman, (just ask my husband); However she took it a bit to the extreme. Not one of the men were trying to belittle her ability to run the ranch, but were concerned for her safety. And sorry you claim over and over again that you can protect yourself, but yet only carry your pistol when you're on your ranch. Not in town when you may need it? That is my only problem with this book and kept me from giving it more stars.
I liked the book a lot, Liv drove me a bit nuts. I get being the strong independent woman, (just ask my husband); However she took it a bit to the extreme. Not one of the men were trying to belittle her ability to run the ranch, but were concerned for her safety. And sorry you claim over and over again that you can protect yourself, but yet only carry your pistol when you're on your ranch. Not in town when you may need it? That is my only problem with this book and kept me from giving it more stars.
May 24, 2017
The continuing mystery in the Ballistic Cowboys series picks up with a vengeance in this latest installment! I'm really enjoying this series and looking forward to more to come.
Army ranger Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is spending some time in Montana working on a task force to figure out what's been going on around the town of Stone Creek when he inadvertently causes an accident that puts Olivia Dawson's ranch foreman out of commission for awhile. He offers to step in and help her out, and the timing is perfect because strange things are happening all around her ranch!
Olivia came back to town to take over the ranch when her father was murdered recently. She's not going to let whoever is trying to get their hands on her property win. As they spend time working the ranch and the dodging the dangerous situations that keep popping up, Trace starts to wonder how he will ever be able to make himself walk away from her when this is all over.
Army ranger Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is spending some time in Montana working on a task force to figure out what's been going on around the town of Stone Creek when he inadvertently causes an accident that puts Olivia Dawson's ranch foreman out of commission for awhile. He offers to step in and help her out, and the timing is perfect because strange things are happening all around her ranch!
Olivia came back to town to take over the ranch when her father was murdered recently. She's not going to let whoever is trying to get their hands on her property win. As they spend time working the ranch and the dodging the dangerous situations that keep popping up, Trace starts to wonder how he will ever be able to make himself walk away from her when this is all over.
May 24, 2017
What's not to love about Hot Zone?!
A hot military hero and his buddies,a badass heroine,mystery and intrigue!
Something is terribly wrong in small town Grizzly Pass. A group of military men are directed by Homeland Security to go and figureout what's happening there.
Enter Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh who spys someone suspicious on government land and tries to catchup with him and gets caught up in a traffic accident. He lets the guy getaway to help the occupants of the car accident.
One of those he helps is Olivia Dawson. She's a tough young lady who goes back to Grizzly Pass after the unexpected and very strange death of her father. She stays to run her father's ranch which is adjacent to the land where Hawkeye finds the suspicious man.
It's agreed by Hawkeye,his commander and Liv that he'll go undercover as help on Liv's ranch.
The attraction between the two is undeniable and their banter is great.
Good book filled with mystery and romance.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy
A hot military hero and his buddies,a badass heroine,mystery and intrigue!
Something is terribly wrong in small town Grizzly Pass. A group of military men are directed by Homeland Security to go and figureout what's happening there.
Enter Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh who spys someone suspicious on government land and tries to catchup with him and gets caught up in a traffic accident. He lets the guy getaway to help the occupants of the car accident.
One of those he helps is Olivia Dawson. She's a tough young lady who goes back to Grizzly Pass after the unexpected and very strange death of her father. She stays to run her father's ranch which is adjacent to the land where Hawkeye finds the suspicious man.
It's agreed by Hawkeye,his commander and Liv that he'll go undercover as help on Liv's ranch.
The attraction between the two is undeniable and their banter is great.
Good book filled with mystery and romance.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy
May 28, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the ballistic cowboys series. Hawkeye and Olivia are a match made in heaven. They are absolutely in sync. This book was a page turner. The suspense started on the very first page and continued all the way to the end. I could not put this book down. I loved the way that Miss Liv helped CJ. Olivia is a person that wears her heart on her sleeve.
Olivia had recently lost her father to an accident so she thought, but the more her and Hawkeye investigate the strange things happening on her ranch she starts to think her father's death just may not have been an accident. The danger that is coming to her ranch could be coming from some many different directions it's horrifying. If you want a fast paced book to keep you well entertained then this series is definitely for you!
Olivia had recently lost her father to an accident so she thought, but the more her and Hawkeye investigate the strange things happening on her ranch she starts to think her father's death just may not have been an accident. The danger that is coming to her ranch could be coming from some many different directions it's horrifying. If you want a fast paced book to keep you well entertained then this series is definitely for you!
January 10, 2019
Hmm. I feel like nothing really significant happened in this book.
There were moments where I thought I was going to be treated with something suspenseful and mysterious, or tragic, or...something, but I wasn't. It was also super fast-paced, to the point of being completely unrealistic. The two main characters kiss far too soon, in an inappropriate situation, and to be honest if a man who was literally a stranger had kissed me like that I'd have slapped him. It was just odd, not romantic, entirely random and lacked any reason for it. Their whole connection was just random, actually.
Also, these characters were "too" nice, too vanilla. I think the only thing I was interested in was the dialogue, and not necessarily because I liked the characters because I couldn't care less about them, but because it was actually written well. But dialogue doesn't make a story, unfortunately.
There were moments where I thought I was going to be treated with something suspenseful and mysterious, or tragic, or...something, but I wasn't. It was also super fast-paced, to the point of being completely unrealistic. The two main characters kiss far too soon, in an inappropriate situation, and to be honest if a man who was literally a stranger had kissed me like that I'd have slapped him. It was just odd, not romantic, entirely random and lacked any reason for it. Their whole connection was just random, actually.
Also, these characters were "too" nice, too vanilla. I think the only thing I was interested in was the dialogue, and not necessarily because I liked the characters because I couldn't care less about them, but because it was actually written well. But dialogue doesn't make a story, unfortunately.
May 26, 2017
I really loved this book. If you like an engaging storyline, strong , complex main characters, unresolved murder, suspense , bad guys, hunky military guys, and romance, this is the perfect book for you.
The main characters are Trace "Hawkeye " Walsh, and Olivia "Liv" Dawson. Liv has returned to her fathers Montana ranch upon his death. She meets Hawkeye who is an Army Ranger sniper on loan to Homeland Security. He's part of a team trying to find out what's happening in the area which is suspected to be the bed of an anti-government group.
The secondary characters are interesting and make this story a page turner.
Another winner by this talented author.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The main characters are Trace "Hawkeye " Walsh, and Olivia "Liv" Dawson. Liv has returned to her fathers Montana ranch upon his death. She meets Hawkeye who is an Army Ranger sniper on loan to Homeland Security. He's part of a team trying to find out what's happening in the area which is suspected to be the bed of an anti-government group.
The secondary characters are interesting and make this story a page turner.
Another winner by this talented author.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 30, 2017
The third book in the Ballistic Cowboy series by Elle James, "Hot Zone" continues the saga of who is behind the recent murders in Grizzly Pass, Montana but we still don't know why. This book involves Army ranger Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh and ranch owner, Olivia Dawson who just buried her father. Descriptive phrasing of the physical setting is well done and the main characters are fairly well fleshed out, although more so on Hawkeye than on the character of Liv. There is some suspense and tension but the "sizzle" is missing. Even though the love scenes are descriptive they're lacking in real heat. I read books one and two in the series so the letdown from this one surprised me. Not sure I can articulate "why," just that it didn't quite get the job done for me.
May 10, 2017
Hot Zone is the third book in Elle James' Ballistic Cowboys series. This story follows along with the overarching theme of Homeland Security running an investigation in Grizzly Pass, WY searching for suspected terrorists. In Target Zone Army Ranger, Trace "Hawkeye" Walsh is on temporary assignment with DHS to aid in the investigation. He is assigned to protect rancher Olivia Dawson on whose ranch suspected illegal activity is occurring. I love how this author arranges the meeting of hero and heroine and the almost instant attraction she portrays so well.
This story is fast-paced, sizzlin' hot and full of suspense. I highly recommend this book!
This story is fast-paced, sizzlin' hot and full of suspense. I highly recommend this book!
May 23, 2017
Elle James did a wonderful job with this book the characters are well developed thought out storyline and a whole lot of chemistry. Trace and Olivia tried to fight that chemistry but couldn't. Trace is working with the department of homeland security to figure of some things that are going on in the mountains and Olivia is home to take care of the family ranch after her dads sudden passing that she learns later on it wasn't an accident. The story between Olivia and Trace is wrapped up at the end of this book but the mystery goes on til the next...I don't like to give spoilers in my reviews so I will go no further...Wonderful job Elle James can't wait for the next.
May 24, 2017
I love to read books by Elle James and was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy for an honest review. Hot Zone is in the Ballistic Cowboy Series. Each of the books are a stand alone book but they are all connected by a mystery. This is Hawkeye and Liz's story. Liz's father is killed & someone is trying to blow up a pipeline. They meet when Hawkeye chases a man on a 4-wheeler & the man runs out on the highway in front of Liz & Abe, her foreman, causing them to have a wreck. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a mystery, action & romance all in one book. I liked it & can't wait for the next book in this series.
December 24, 2019
Still searching for the mastermind and the money man behind the Wyoming government overthrow plot, another piece falls into place when a ranch family is targeted because of their ranch's location. Hawkeye, another of the Special Ops guys pressed into service by Homeland Security, ends up helping the rancher, Olivia Dawson, unravel the story of her father's death. Hawkeye becomes her de facto ranch hand and tries to maintain normalcy while being a target of the mysterious force attempting multiple goals. The story ends rather abruptly, so there is more to come.
May 24, 2017
One very determined woman, unexplained occurrences around town and a hot alpha male make this a truly interesting read! The characters are strong and intense in a story line full of mystery. Will the perpetrator be caught before someone else is murdered? I really loved this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions expressed are my own.
August 22, 2017
Liv has come home to bury her dad and take over the ranch. But she is in a wreck with her ranch hand Abe when they swerve off the road to miss a four wheeler...Along comes Hawkeye..he helps them get away from the truck. Liv thinks he did it but soon finds out he didn't..Many things keep happening in this small town..People are wanting her land and chasing her down..Can Hawkeye keep her protected? This is a race to the last page thriller to see how everything turns out..A thriller
December 24, 2023
The plot thickens. So many different villains, stories, revenges, senseless death, pain, greed. Hope all is cleared up in the last book. Still no reason why the want Liv’s ranch. Hawkeye comes to a realization about his career and life. Liv comes home to her father’s funeral and her life is threatened. Hawkeye is their to protect her but can he save her, CJ, the horses from a most tortuous death in time ?
May 23, 2017
I received an advance reading copy for an honest review. Hawkeye and Olivia's chapter in this series was engrossing though I felt it did little to more the story along series wise and there were too many loose ends undone at the end of the book. However it's just enough to have me waiting impatiently until next time to see how the series is wrapped up.
June 1, 2017
The 3rd book in Elle James's Ballistic Cowboys series Hot Zone has a very strong willed heroine in Liv who is perfect for Hawkeye. Looking forward to reading the rest in the series
May 29, 2017
Had this book as an arc copy. Enjoyed the book, but a quick read.
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June 2, 2017*Miniseries: Ballistic Cowboys
June 7, 2017
I am always excited to pick up a book by this author. I really enjoyed this book. The story kept me hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend it!
June 12, 2017
Another good one! Loved Trace and Olivia!
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