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Base Branch #9

Variations

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Decisions split paths. Bad decisions compound and suddenly you are no more than variations of yourself.

Marina Sorensen rots in a prison of her own making. The bars are the thick arms and meaty hands of Brödraskapet thugs who make money selling her body. Her guilt is the unbreakable shackle. Loneliness is her ever tightening noose. Trading her life for the survival of another is her only salvation.​

For Base Branch operative Oliver Knight an eliminate and rescue mission in hostile territory against a brotherhood of brutal sons-of-bitches is another adventure. Downtime between missions in foreign locales with exotic women is worth dodging a few bullets. There is also the sense of duty and pride in a job well done.

He and his buddy rescue Marina and are blindsided by the striking, broken woman who mistakes them for Stronghold Tech. Before they can figure out how she knows about the elite securities team or find and eliminate their mark, the enemy discovers their hideout. Capture would be a fate worse than death and it looms so close Oliver and Marina can french it.

Betrayals meet harsh light and the fun-loving soldier is forced to face cruel reality. His damsel in distress is the one to blame, especially when Stronghold forces show, adding chaos to the kabooms. The dire situation turns deadly and Marina holds the key.

If only Oliver can stop loving and hating her long enough to get the answers.

210 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2016

6 people are currently reading
263 people want to read

About the author

Megan Mitcham

32 books456 followers
Megan Mitcham is a USA Today bestselling author who pens sizzling suspense novels that whisk you across the globe, wedge your heart in your throat, make your hands sweat and your skin tingle. Check out her special forces heroes in the Base Branch Series. If you like the darker side of suspense, try her Bureau Series.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,709 followers
October 11, 2016
This is a love story. This is a story of two damaged people who are looking for themselves and their place in the world. It's a story of betrayal and loss.

Marina is not a lily-white virgin. Thug are making money by selling her body. Guilt and loneliness keep her where she is ... until she is rescued by Base Branch Operative Oliver Knight.

This book has a lot going for it .... lots of action, violence ... spicy romantic encounters .... solid characters ...and an inspiring story line.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I was not disappointed. Variations is great as a stand-alone, in that each of her books has a new set of characters. Although I usually always recommend reading series books in order, I do not feel like there was anything I missed from previous books.

Many thanks to the author who furnished a digital ARC.
Profile Image for Signi Siemens.
175 reviews
November 12, 2016
Received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Each book in this series is such a great read and Variations continues that greatness! I love all the characters and it's nice to get to hear how the other characters are doing in each book as the series goes on. Marina and Oliver quickly realize they have fallen in love with each other, but can't freely give into it until they come to terms with their pasts and their mistakes they've made in their lives. The story flowed really well and Megan Mitcham writes such real characters and the locations and places in her books are just as real. Really loved this book and am hooked on this series!!
50 reviews
October 12, 2016
Variations, Base Branch Series Book 9, by Megan Mitcham, is truly a great read. I’ve enjoyed all of the books by Ms. Mitcham that I have read, especially the Base Branch Series, but I honestly have to say this is my absolute favorite. The action, drama, and suspense start from page one and don’t stop until the very end. The chemistry between Oliver Knight, a special operative, and Marina Sorenson, a woman held captive in a foreign land, is dynamic. Ms. Mitcham penned such depth in Oliver’s character that you can’t help but fall for him. He truly understands Marina and how to relate to her not as a damaged soul with kid gloves, but as a woman with heart and a solid back bone. Oliver and his best friend and colleague, Hunter, are sent to rescue Marina and all three get tangled in a mess not easily sorted out. The characters are put through the ringer in this action packed plot. Variations is no light romance, as there is violence and strong language, and involves the sensitive subject of human trafficking, but all are handled in a manner true to the story line and characters. Oliver and Marina each have tragic pasts, though very different in nature, and I really enjoyed reading about how they fought to learn to trust each other. I also liked reading more about Cara and other characters introduced in previous books, and learning about Marina’s feisty sister. Oliver and I both were heart broken by an event in this one, so for my sake as well as his, I hope he finds what he’s looking for in a future installment to the series. That being said, although this is part of a long running series, it can be read as a standalone as the author provides enough history without being repetitive for new readers as well as those already familiar with Base Branch. And though the future is left open, this does not end in a dreaded cliffhanger, but a HFN.
I thoroughly enjoyed Variations and highly recommend it. The suspense in this one kept me up reading late into the night as I literally could not put it down. Variations is a true page turning romantic suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
October 11, 2016
Review to come.

Marina Sorensen did a bad thing, she betrayed someone, but she did it for all the right reasons. That doesn't make her feel any less guilty, and it didn't get her anything more than tossed in a cell, used and abused, and left for dead. But Marina doesn't give up, she can't give up, she'll fight to her death, and she just might have to at that.
Oliver didn't know what to expect when he was sent on this rescue mission, sent to find a woman who had betrayed a new ally, but whose capture was being used to torment that same ally. Oliver wants the truth, he wants to know what happened that turned Marina against those who cared for her. Upon finding the broken sprite of Marina, Oliver finds himself in another predicament; something about her calls to all of the protective instincts in him.
Variations, like all books in the Base Branch series, brings us suspense and danger, a man and a woman who find a rare connection even as they battle inner demons and outside forces to survive. Secrets come to light and when the details of Marina's decision are out who knows how its going to end.
Megan Mitcham has woven an interlocking story within these last three books in the series, taking one character and connecting her through others to a grander story, to an unexpected twist that explained so much about what had happened and changing the impact her rescue had on those she was most connected too. As Marina worked through the trauma she had faced, she also found that the burden she bore while captive lifted some as she saw how those who meant the most to her had thrived despite their struggles.
The connection between Oliver and Marina was perfectly handled as well. Their interactions showed their bond and how it would grow. It's always a fun thing to watch how Mitcham will tie in the romance among all the mystery and danger of the mission these members of Base Branch go on.
Profile Image for Judes.
100 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All words, opinions and views are solely my own given freely.

This is number 10 in the series and it just does not let up!
Each story, we get so much ... action, good characters and some spicy scenarios all rolled up in a novel writing style that although the topics, situations and scenes are rather heavy the quips and dialogue among the characters have you with this smile on your face. I hope I'm not the only person who smirks and snickers while the screws are being tightened here or the thug slams one of our BB guys there, because the dialogue between Hunter and Oliver for instance crack me up, and their antics together are soooo funny.

We experienced some pretty horrendous scenarios in the last book when Tyler was tortured prompting Cara's rescue, but boy did it amp up in this one as we meet Marina, 2 plus years into some seriously unearthly horrors that would break most people just reading it. It had me queasy far less when they subject Oliver to some deep, dark moments also. Ms Megan I fear for your sensibilities because my dear where do you get these examples and you depict them so graphically one has no problem visualizing at all... We're Whoooo!!!! It's great!!!

Ms Mitcham, I love all your books and really question why it cannot be picked up and turned into a great television series, I know I said it before but honestly each book is different from the last, with messages and emotional rides you get the full gamut. We are addicted to the BB crew, men and women with great nonstop action, well rounded characters and a decent sprinkle of spice.
Ooo so spicy!!!! Yup ladies spicy enough to fulfill what we love most... those romantic twists with sexy guys and strong female characters wrapped up in heavy duty, world relatable events (both good and bad) and enough beat downs, blood, gore and explosions to satisfy the guys. A chick flick with a testosterone punch.
Profile Image for Tammy Smith.
54 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2016
Variations is the last of the trinity of V books within the Base Branch series.
Marina Sorenson has been held captive by the Brodraskapet, a vicious gang from Stockholm, Sweden. Marina has suffered untold abuse at their hand since she gave herself up to save her younger sister. Now, Marina knows it won’t be long before she’s dead. She has been kept in a tiny cell for almost 3 years and the only way to stop the constant rapes was to stop eating; so, she did. Now Marina is a virtual walking skeleton but she hasn’t been raped for a long time!
Oliver Knight and Hunter Masters are Base Branch operatives who have been sent in to rescue Marina. They are horrified when they find her locked in the tiny cell. After they get her out, clean up her wounds and start to get some food in her system everything goes to hell. The brotherhood find them and kidnap both Oliver and Marina. They are both beaten and tortured before they’re rescued, when Hunter sees what has been done to Oliver he decides to go after the members of the brotherhood that got away. The last thing any of them remember is the warehouse Hunter went in exploding!
It takes months for Oliver and Marina to recuperate. Oliver has sunk into a severe depression over Hunter’s supposed death and makes it his mission to hunt down and kill every member of the Brodraskapet and destroy them all. Marina has been working for the group of people who were instrumental in rescuing both herself and her sister as a negotiator. She has found it great therapy to help women who have been abused as bad or worse than she herself had been.
Now, she just has to heal Oliver. Oliver is hesitant to take Marina’s offer of love and healing but he has come to realise he must do something he can’t survive the way he has been. I can’t wait for the next instalment to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,903 reviews42 followers
May 22, 2017
Gosh this is a hard one to read emotionally at times, the way Marina had been treated and her condition is quite extreme. Finding out why she is in this situation and why she betrayed her friend is also upsetting. Oliver and Hunter are both great, though Oliver feels a bit guilty at first for his attraction but he cant help it. There is extreme violence and it again is hard to read without gasping, described so vividly you almost feel the pain yourself. I did love how the guys take care of Marina not just physically but emotionally as well, it showed a deep respect for women even those they understand to be traitors. The Russian guys on the other hand, well I would have liked to castrate them for their behaviour. As always with this series there is a lot of suspense, action and tension involved with the plot as well as a few twists and turns along the way. There is a harrowing end which left me stunned and praying, completely shocked at events. Honestly if you have or haven't read and enjoyed any of this series yet then you don't know what your missing, but you do need to work through from the beginning. Sometimes it may seem that the books aren't connected but it does become clear at some point during reading that they are, but well worth it.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
October 24, 2016
Oliver Knight had been with the Base Branch for four years. He and his partner, Hunter, spotted a group of more than 30 men approaching who could mean nothing but trouble for them. Oliver and Hunter were on a recon mission to check out Marina Sorensen’s situation for potential rescue. Instead of just recon, they were ready to take action and make use of the mob around the corner in the process. So they held each other’s hands and looked lovingly at each other to infuriate the huge homophobic men standing outside the bar they were heading toward. What else can you use as a weapon when you only have a small gun and knife to defend yourself?? As expected, all hell broke loose!

I absolutely love this author’s books, and this one was no exception! They hold you spellbound from the first word and the action never stops until the last page! Suspense and danger are continuous, with human and compassion blended in -- probably to keep us sane! I wholeheartedly recommend this book – you cannot go wrong by reading it! Another awesome Base Branch story! I voluntarily reviewed this book -- I own the whole series so far -- and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gina Cihacz.
236 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2016

I received this ARC book free in exchange for an honest review. Mariana is and is not who she seems to be. Held hostage for 2 years, she has given up, but life has not given up on her yet. Though she appears to have turned on her friend in the past, help is on the way in the form of Oliver and Hunter. Friends and partners, Oliver and Hunter have a mission, but Oliver breaks mission to rescue Mariana and one look at Mariana and Oliver is hooked. They don't know who's side Mariana is on but they will protect her with their lives and Oliver falls for Mariana with every minute. When tragedy strikes though, will love see them through? Wonderful book, and I cannot wait for the next one. I hope to see Hunter again.
Profile Image for Dee Archer.
664 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2016
Marina has been captured and brutally tortured for over two years. Oliver & Hunter are on a mission of rescue to retrieve Marina. The two warriors get into a number of fights in the process. The banter between these two friends is comical and reminded me of the dialogue between Mel Gibson & Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon movie in 1987. Marina & Oliver are drawn to each other but each has heavy burdens of guilt and self-anger from their dark pasts that needs to be dealt with first. The mystery, secrets and earth-shattering actions along with the healing of two hearts makes this story captivating and entertaining. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Five stars.
308 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2016
This is actually only the third or fourth book that I have read in this series and this story gives you action, romance, humor, betrayal, great writing and wonderful characters. Marina had betrayed someone. Oliver wanted to find her and find out what prompted her betrayal. Megan Mitcham's stories are involving, interesting, and so well-written that you feel like you're not in your armchair anymore. There are twists & turns and ups & downs that make it so that you won't want to put this book down. Megan Mitcham just keeps doing what she does best over and over again...she writes a darned good book!
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
October 23, 2016
This is an intriguing and captivating book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What you will find in this book is: a tortured and abused woman (Marina), a man sent on a rescue (Oliver), drama, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns, action, mystery, some humor, torture, vengeance, a rescue, closure, befriending a young girl, information, apparent death of a friend, lust, emotional feelings, love and erotic scenes. I found the story-line to be well thought out and written. The characters have emotional feelings according to the situation they find themselves in. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a well written Base Branch Series Book with a HFN.
129 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2016
Gripping, intriguing, a roller coaster ride of pure adrenaline thrills that just leaped from the pages and held on until the end. Characters that pull you in and keep you there! This is the series to be reading right now! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and will continue to do so, because this author makes you think you're watching a mini tv series instead of reading an Ebook! A great read!❤️❤️❤️
1,167 reviews
November 11, 2016
A somewhat dark, but good read!
Oliver & his partner Hunter rescue Marina from bad guys who have held her & abused her for over 2 years. She trusts no-one, not even her rescuers. Oliver falls for her but he has his demons too. He will do anything to protect her.... at any price. A good story! Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Porchia.
439 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review. This is book 9 of the Base Branch series, it is a stand alone book with a HEA. I love this series and recommend to all suspense lovers. This is an adventure that takes you on an emotional ride. Could not put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
October 16, 2016
Book nine in the Base Branch series it is Marina Sorensen and operative Oliver Knight story which was very good . There is suspense ,danger, human trafficking, the series is just getting better but at the same time there is some hard parts to read with what Marina has had to endure. I received a complementary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shawn.
487 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2016
Another fantastic book in this series! I love how each book has its own dynamic story and new characters but also ties back into past storylines and brings in characters you already know and love. A definite winner and highly recommend, it will not disappoint!
4,497 reviews24 followers
October 8, 2016
Great book, with plenty of action and a great storyline. Enjoyed every word, can't wait for the next book. Received a FREE ARC copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,079 reviews51 followers
October 13, 2016
I felt so much for what Marina went through. I'm glad Oliver woke up and they worked things out. I received a free ARC copy of this book. The opinions and views on it are my own.
Profile Image for karen.
1,627 reviews
December 6, 2017
Wow. Lot of meanness and torcher. But pain brings people together. A surprise death . I want to learn more about Hunter and the strongs
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,581 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2018
This book is gritty, heartbreaking, and super emotional. Another great addition to what has been so far a fantastic series!
733 reviews9 followers
October 13, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.

I have loved the three books that are about Cara, Luck, and Marina. At the end of each book, I am impatiently waiting for the next one! While this book had a bit of a cliffhanger, it was more of a set up (I am hoping) for the next book.

I was so happy when I read the reason why Marina betrayed Cara, and that they were finally reunited later. I loved that she later realized that she could have trusted Cara to help her when she faced a difficult decision, and that Cara loved her enough that she understood what Marina faced and was able to forgive the betrayal.

What chemistry between Oliver and Marina, and I loved that it was love at first sight for Oliver. They both were such damaged characters and yet, they were able to help each other toward healing. He even was willing to endure torture that was meant for Marina because he loved her.

I realize that a woman who had been held captive and abused like Marina would have a long road to recovery but that really is not what I want to read about in a romance/adventure book. That is a really in-depth subject and I don't feel fits this style of story, so I felt that Marina's recover was handled well.

It was so funny when Tucker called Taylor Strong and insulted her thinking he was supposed to be talking to a man and got his secretary. Loved that part!! I thought it was also great that Stronghold was able to offer Marina a job that was so perfect for her!

I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,654 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2016
Megan Mitcham continues to deliver with each book in the Base Branch series. Variations builds upon the continuing story line from previous book(s). In this we encounter our main characters, Oliver & Marina. Oliver and his partner, Hunter, are tasked with rescuing Marina. The dynamic between Oliver and Hunter is comical, it adds some lightness to the story and you cannot help but chuckle at least once or twice. Marina is a sliver of herself, but manages to hold on through her captivity.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Oliver and Marina's story as it unwrapped. It brought me through a mix of emotions as I read and it was truly captivating. If you've enjoyed the previous books in the series, you'll love this one. And... if by chance you haven't read any yet. What are you waiting for?!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
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