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DEA FAST #4
Strike Fast
A military widow reluctant to risk her heart again.
After losing her soldier husband in combat, DEA agent Tess Dubrovksi swore never to fall for another man in uniform. The last thing she anticipates is for a sexy FAST agent single father and his young daughter to steal their way into her heart. Now Tess can’t stay detached, even though he brings a ton of emotional baggage she’s not sure she’s ready for. But when an unthinkable tragedy strikes and his daughter’s life is at stake, Tess is already in too deep to walk away, and will lay everything on the line to help.
A single father who protects what’s his.
A divorce and custody battle left DEA FAST agent Reid Prentiss cynical about love. Then a sexy helo pilot walks into his life and changes everything. But his newfound happiness with Tess is too good to last. His team’s latest target is looking for an opportunity for revenge, and finds it in Reid’s daughter. When a vicious cartel lieutenant decides to make a statement by kidnapping her, Reid’s whole world implodes. Now it’s a race against time to save her, and hope is fading with each passing hour. Even with his teammates and Tess at his back, it will take everything Reid has to endure this hellish nightmare and find his daughter…before it’s too late. Because when everything you hold dear is at stake, you’ll do anything to protect it.
After losing her soldier husband in combat, DEA agent Tess Dubrovksi swore never to fall for another man in uniform. The last thing she anticipates is for a sexy FAST agent single father and his young daughter to steal their way into her heart. Now Tess can’t stay detached, even though he brings a ton of emotional baggage she’s not sure she’s ready for. But when an unthinkable tragedy strikes and his daughter’s life is at stake, Tess is already in too deep to walk away, and will lay everything on the line to help.
A single father who protects what’s his.
A divorce and custody battle left DEA FAST agent Reid Prentiss cynical about love. Then a sexy helo pilot walks into his life and changes everything. But his newfound happiness with Tess is too good to last. His team’s latest target is looking for an opportunity for revenge, and finds it in Reid’s daughter. When a vicious cartel lieutenant decides to make a statement by kidnapping her, Reid’s whole world implodes. Now it’s a race against time to save her, and hope is fading with each passing hour. Even with his teammates and Tess at his back, it will take everything Reid has to endure this hellish nightmare and find his daughter…before it’s too late. Because when everything you hold dear is at stake, you’ll do anything to protect it.
282 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2017
256 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,801 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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August 21, 2019
Read for the August prompt (random pick) in the TBR Challenge.
It took me a while to pick a book for this month’s prompt – Random Pick – which was entirely due to my having way too many un-read books to choose from! Eventually, I narrowed it down to Strike Fast, one of the books in the DEA FAST series by Kaylea Cross. I’ve read (and listened to) a couple of her other books and have enjoyed her tightly plotted stories, strong, independent heroines and heroes who respect them and their abilities. Strike Fast, the story of a widowed Blackhawk pilot and a single father DEA FAST agent is no exception; these are down-to-earth, mature characters with messy lives and difficult jobs who communicate well and work through the issues surrounding their relationship in a sensible manner. This is the fourth book in the series, and although it features characters who appear throughout, it works fine as a standalone.
Blackhawk pilot Tess Dubrovski was widowed three years earlier after her husband was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. She loved him very much and sincerely mourned him, but has decided that it’s time to move on with her life. She hopes – eventually – to find love again, although perhaps not with another man with a dangerous career, so the fact that the one man to have caught her eye in quite some time is a tall, dark and handsome DEA FAST agent is inconvenient, to say the least.
Reid Prentiss has joint custody (with his ex-wife) of his nine-year-old daughter, Autumn. Because of his job, he sees her a lot less frequently than he would like, but tonight, he’s taking her to the movies and dinner… after he stops in at DEA HQ for an important meeting. They’re both disappointed at having their together-time interrupted, and Reid arrives at the office intent on settling his daughter in the kitchen with some milk and cookies only to discover Tess Dubrovski sitting there reading the newspaper. It’s been a few months since they’ve seen each other (the last time was on a mission in Afghanistan) and Reid wonders how on earth he hasn’t noticed her before. Admittedly, the last the last time they’d met it had been too dark to see clearly, but now he can…? No question, Tess is a very attractive woman; tall with lush curves, green eyes and killer dimples – and Reid can hardly take his eyes off her. Tess offers to sit with Autumn for the duration of the meeting (she’s stuck there anyway as she’s getting a ride home from one of the analysts), and Reid gratefully accepts. When the meeting ends and he goes to collect Autumn for their movie date, Autumn asks if Tess can go with them; Tess doesn’t want to interrupt their father-daughter time, but Autumn is adamant about her joining them and to Tess’ surprise, Reid raises no objections. And at the end of the evening, Reid realises he’s enjoyed the time spent in Tess’ company more than he ever expected – and that he wants see her again and get to know her better.
The romance between the pair develops at a sensible pace given these are two people with a bit of baggage – more than a bit in Reid’s case, because not only is he having to try hard to maintain an amicable relationship with his ex-wife (who doesn’t make it easy), he’s an alcoholic (nine years dry) who carries a huge burden of guilt over the death of his best friend almost a decade earlier. And while Tess is sure that it’s time for her to start moving forward, she knows conviction isn’t going to make it any easier to do so. I appreciated that they took baby steps in their relationship and didn’t rush into anything, so that when things do heat up between them, it felt like a natural progression from the emotional connection the author had already established between them.
There’s a plot thread running throughout the series concerning the FAST team’s hunt for El Escorpion, the leader of the Mexican Veneto cartel, and their mission to shut it down. In this story, they’re searching for Carlos Ruiz, one El Escorpion’s trusted lieutenants and the man responsible for the kidnapping of a reporter. Ruiz is a vicious, sadistic bastard, and readers get a few chapters in his PoV that flesh him out into more than a pantomime villain and provide a disturbing insight into his character. He is capable of the most despicable casual violence, he displays an utter hatred of women (there are a few unpleasant scenes here featuring a young woman held captive – sexual assault is implied but not detailed or ‘on page’) – yet he rescues animals and cares for them with a compassion and respect he shows to no human. It’s a strange, chilling juxtaposition that serves to show just how unbalanced an individual he is.
When Reid and his team receive intelligence that Ruiz is holed up at a remote location in New Orleans, he can’t know that simply doing his job is going to have far-reaching repercussions. But after the raid, those are quick in coming when Autumn is kidnapped by one of Ruiz’s enforcers, and it becomes a race against time to find her before she becomes another victim of the cartel’s trafficking operation.
The author skilfully weaves the suspense plot throughout the story and builds the tension slowly until switching up a gear in the second half as the kidnap plot takes centre stage. However, the trust and understanding Tess and Reid have been building together isn’t forgotten as Tess helps Reid stay grounded and focused while the DEA and other agencies work tirelessly to find Autumn. There are some really tense, edge-of-the-seat moments during the final action set-piece - which is written vividly so it's easy to visualise - and regular readers of Ms. Cross’ novels are sure to be pleased by the cameo appearances from some of the characters from her Hostage Rescue Team series.
I had a few small quibbles with the story, such as the placement of the sex scene and the fact that ‘heroine-bonds-with-single-dad’s-kid’ is such an oft-used trope, but those didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
Strike Fast was a quick but engrossing read with a fast moving plot, interesting characters and a central romance between a couple that were easy to root for and who were clearly good for one another. I’ve been dipping into Kaylea Cross’ backlist here and there whenever I’ve felt the need for a romantic suspense fix, and fortunately for me, her catalogue is fairly extensive, so I have no doubt I’ll be reading more of her work in future.
It took me a while to pick a book for this month’s prompt – Random Pick – which was entirely due to my having way too many un-read books to choose from! Eventually, I narrowed it down to Strike Fast, one of the books in the DEA FAST series by Kaylea Cross. I’ve read (and listened to) a couple of her other books and have enjoyed her tightly plotted stories, strong, independent heroines and heroes who respect them and their abilities. Strike Fast, the story of a widowed Blackhawk pilot and a single father DEA FAST agent is no exception; these are down-to-earth, mature characters with messy lives and difficult jobs who communicate well and work through the issues surrounding their relationship in a sensible manner. This is the fourth book in the series, and although it features characters who appear throughout, it works fine as a standalone.
Blackhawk pilot Tess Dubrovski was widowed three years earlier after her husband was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. She loved him very much and sincerely mourned him, but has decided that it’s time to move on with her life. She hopes – eventually – to find love again, although perhaps not with another man with a dangerous career, so the fact that the one man to have caught her eye in quite some time is a tall, dark and handsome DEA FAST agent is inconvenient, to say the least.
Reid Prentiss has joint custody (with his ex-wife) of his nine-year-old daughter, Autumn. Because of his job, he sees her a lot less frequently than he would like, but tonight, he’s taking her to the movies and dinner… after he stops in at DEA HQ for an important meeting. They’re both disappointed at having their together-time interrupted, and Reid arrives at the office intent on settling his daughter in the kitchen with some milk and cookies only to discover Tess Dubrovski sitting there reading the newspaper. It’s been a few months since they’ve seen each other (the last time was on a mission in Afghanistan) and Reid wonders how on earth he hasn’t noticed her before. Admittedly, the last the last time they’d met it had been too dark to see clearly, but now he can…? No question, Tess is a very attractive woman; tall with lush curves, green eyes and killer dimples – and Reid can hardly take his eyes off her. Tess offers to sit with Autumn for the duration of the meeting (she’s stuck there anyway as she’s getting a ride home from one of the analysts), and Reid gratefully accepts. When the meeting ends and he goes to collect Autumn for their movie date, Autumn asks if Tess can go with them; Tess doesn’t want to interrupt their father-daughter time, but Autumn is adamant about her joining them and to Tess’ surprise, Reid raises no objections. And at the end of the evening, Reid realises he’s enjoyed the time spent in Tess’ company more than he ever expected – and that he wants see her again and get to know her better.
The romance between the pair develops at a sensible pace given these are two people with a bit of baggage – more than a bit in Reid’s case, because not only is he having to try hard to maintain an amicable relationship with his ex-wife (who doesn’t make it easy), he’s an alcoholic (nine years dry) who carries a huge burden of guilt over the death of his best friend almost a decade earlier. And while Tess is sure that it’s time for her to start moving forward, she knows conviction isn’t going to make it any easier to do so. I appreciated that they took baby steps in their relationship and didn’t rush into anything, so that when things do heat up between them, it felt like a natural progression from the emotional connection the author had already established between them.
There’s a plot thread running throughout the series concerning the FAST team’s hunt for El Escorpion, the leader of the Mexican Veneto cartel, and their mission to shut it down. In this story, they’re searching for Carlos Ruiz, one El Escorpion’s trusted lieutenants and the man responsible for the kidnapping of a reporter. Ruiz is a vicious, sadistic bastard, and readers get a few chapters in his PoV that flesh him out into more than a pantomime villain and provide a disturbing insight into his character. He is capable of the most despicable casual violence, he displays an utter hatred of women (there are a few unpleasant scenes here featuring a young woman held captive – sexual assault is implied but not detailed or ‘on page’) – yet he rescues animals and cares for them with a compassion and respect he shows to no human. It’s a strange, chilling juxtaposition that serves to show just how unbalanced an individual he is.
When Reid and his team receive intelligence that Ruiz is holed up at a remote location in New Orleans, he can’t know that simply doing his job is going to have far-reaching repercussions. But after the raid, those are quick in coming when Autumn is kidnapped by one of Ruiz’s enforcers, and it becomes a race against time to find her before she becomes another victim of the cartel’s trafficking operation.
The author skilfully weaves the suspense plot throughout the story and builds the tension slowly until switching up a gear in the second half as the kidnap plot takes centre stage. However, the trust and understanding Tess and Reid have been building together isn’t forgotten as Tess helps Reid stay grounded and focused while the DEA and other agencies work tirelessly to find Autumn. There are some really tense, edge-of-the-seat moments during the final action set-piece - which is written vividly so it's easy to visualise - and regular readers of Ms. Cross’ novels are sure to be pleased by the cameo appearances from some of the characters from her Hostage Rescue Team series.
I had a few small quibbles with the story, such as the placement of the sex scene and the fact that ‘heroine-bonds-with-single-dad’s-kid’ is such an oft-used trope, but those didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
Strike Fast was a quick but engrossing read with a fast moving plot, interesting characters and a central romance between a couple that were easy to root for and who were clearly good for one another. I’ve been dipping into Kaylea Cross’ backlist here and there whenever I’ve felt the need for a romantic suspense fix, and fortunately for me, her catalogue is fairly extensive, so I have no doubt I’ll be reading more of her work in future.
April 26, 2019
My favorite of this series so far .
November 2, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4.5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4.5
September 24, 2017
4.5 STARS CAN'T WAIT FOR KAI'S STORY
August 7, 2021
STRIKE FAST was another super intense suspense romance by Kaylea Cross and boy does this one carry a lot of emotion. There's a lot of heavy content (check my CWs below) but Cross handles it deftly. Reid and Tess's relationship is so strong throughout and the angst comes from outside sources as the Mexican cartel targets Reid's family to get back at him. I loved the way Tess cared for Reid during this time and while they develop feelings pretty quickly they also both understand loss and not letting a good thing pass you by. Overall, a really emotional but enjoyable read and I can't wait to read Kai's book next because I loved the scenes between him and his neighbor.
Content Warning: On page scenes of cartel related violence, drug use, human trafficking, sex slavery; Tess's husband died in combat several years before; Reid is a recovering alcoholic and has gone through a contentious divorce; Reid's child is kidnapped and the subsequent stress, worry, and fear is shown on page, including an almost relapse of Reid's sobriety; side plot about a female reporter who has been kidnapped by the cartel, abused, kept chained in a shed, and likely raped.
Content Warning: On page scenes of cartel related violence, drug use, human trafficking, sex slavery; Tess's husband died in combat several years before; Reid is a recovering alcoholic and has gone through a contentious divorce; Reid's child is kidnapped and the subsequent stress, worry, and fear is shown on page, including an almost relapse of Reid's sobriety; side plot about a female reporter who has been kidnapped by the cartel, abused, kept chained in a shed, and likely raped.
June 28, 2018
This book was really surprising. It had more depth, issues and realistic depictions than the previous books. I love the hero and heroine and how they worked through the complications, and there were a few, a relationship would entail. My favorite so far. These books are not standalone, but reading the of the previous books, and series, is not absolutely necessary, but highly recommended.
For three years DEA agent Tess Dubrovksi has mourned the death of her military husband. She is just now beginning to put that behind her and look to the future. It is difficult moving on, but she isn't dead. The last person she wants to become involved with is another man with a dangerous career. Not only that but, he has a ton of baggage.
DEA FAST agent Reid Prentiss has a lot of things in his past that should make any sane woman run, far and fast, from him. He has kept his relationships casual for good reasons. But when he connects with Tess, a sexy DEA helo pilot, he is rethinking that way of life.
When a nasty, drug cartel lieutenant, bent on revenge, kidnaps Reid's daughter, Tess is drawn to him as never before and both Tess and Reid realize that their relationship, as difficult as it was going to be, was worth fighting for.
For three years DEA agent Tess Dubrovksi has mourned the death of her military husband. She is just now beginning to put that behind her and look to the future. It is difficult moving on, but she isn't dead. The last person she wants to become involved with is another man with a dangerous career. Not only that but, he has a ton of baggage.
DEA FAST agent Reid Prentiss has a lot of things in his past that should make any sane woman run, far and fast, from him. He has kept his relationships casual for good reasons. But when he connects with Tess, a sexy DEA helo pilot, he is rethinking that way of life.
When a nasty, drug cartel lieutenant, bent on revenge, kidnaps Reid's daughter, Tess is drawn to him as never before and both Tess and Reid realize that their relationship, as difficult as it was going to be, was worth fighting for.
November 28, 2020
Single dad and widowed pilot!
Wow, this is book four in the DEA FAST series and it was a fantastic read. I felt for Reid in book three when they were deployed as he was struggling to talk with his daughter, as he ex was being difficult. Book four focuses on Reid and Tess, who is their Blackhawk pilot on occasion. Reid and Tes grow closer, until the Veneno Cartel's top enforcer decides to get revenge against hose responsible for a raid against his criminal activities. Last thing anyone expected was for them to take Autumn. Now in a rush to save her, all alphabet agencies kick in to help, and Tess flies to be with Reid for support as soon as he lets her know!
Great chemistry between the couple, absolutely loved them:) Looking forward to Kai's story next, I'm hoping he gets together with Abby!!
Wow, this is book four in the DEA FAST series and it was a fantastic read. I felt for Reid in book three when they were deployed as he was struggling to talk with his daughter, as he ex was being difficult. Book four focuses on Reid and Tess, who is their Blackhawk pilot on occasion. Reid and Tes grow closer, until the Veneno Cartel's top enforcer decides to get revenge against hose responsible for a raid against his criminal activities. Last thing anyone expected was for them to take Autumn. Now in a rush to save her, all alphabet agencies kick in to help, and Tess flies to be with Reid for support as soon as he lets her know!
Great chemistry between the couple, absolutely loved them:) Looking forward to Kai's story next, I'm hoping he gets together with Abby!!
March 22, 2019
A Story of Humanity’s Best and Worst Penned With Sheer Perfection!!!
Ms. Cross has written a stellar novel that reaches the depth of readers souls! The story of Reid and Tess was nothing short of heart-wrenching. Two beautiful human beings that face insurmountable experiences and obstacles throughout the story. Their budding relationship challenged by their demanding careers call for daily sacrifices which both face without hesitation.
The devastation of the kidnap and rescue attempt of Reid’s daughter was a truly emotional read. The love between father and daughter was so evident and the struggles of a divorced father with a very demanding career trying to maintain an amicable relationship with his ex-wife Sarah made me fall in love with Reid’s character even more.
This installment of the DEA FAST series continues the pursuit of capturing the leaders of the notorious Mexican Veneno Cartel with a strong emphasis on the human trafficking aspect of the cartel. The sadistic, abhorrent sexual abuse of women was graphically portrayed, beginning with detailing the treatment of the abducted reporter Victoria Gomez. Very disturbing! The rescue mission was spine tingling and an edge of your seat read.
Carlos Ruiz, a lieutenant in the cartel, was portrayed as a ruthless, cruel, sadistic man with a disturbing disrespect and hatred of women. Readers are enlightened by Carlos’s poor relationship with his mother as a young child and a failed relationship with a girlfriend in his late teens that appeared to have contributed to his attitude. We, as readers are prepared to loathe Carlos ..... and then we are given a glimpse into a contrasting personality where Carlos rescues abused animals and cares for them with tenderness and compassion. I know it blew my mind to see such patience and concern for animals knowing he commits despicable acts of cruelty and abuse of women.
The HEA for Tess and Reid was a sweet and tender read and I look forward to the next installment in this well written series! Thank you Kaylea Cross for writing a story with “feels” and substance. Your insight into the workings of drug cartels is enlightening!
Ms. Cross has written a stellar novel that reaches the depth of readers souls! The story of Reid and Tess was nothing short of heart-wrenching. Two beautiful human beings that face insurmountable experiences and obstacles throughout the story. Their budding relationship challenged by their demanding careers call for daily sacrifices which both face without hesitation.
The devastation of the kidnap and rescue attempt of Reid’s daughter was a truly emotional read. The love between father and daughter was so evident and the struggles of a divorced father with a very demanding career trying to maintain an amicable relationship with his ex-wife Sarah made me fall in love with Reid’s character even more.
This installment of the DEA FAST series continues the pursuit of capturing the leaders of the notorious Mexican Veneno Cartel with a strong emphasis on the human trafficking aspect of the cartel. The sadistic, abhorrent sexual abuse of women was graphically portrayed, beginning with detailing the treatment of the abducted reporter Victoria Gomez. Very disturbing! The rescue mission was spine tingling and an edge of your seat read.
Carlos Ruiz, a lieutenant in the cartel, was portrayed as a ruthless, cruel, sadistic man with a disturbing disrespect and hatred of women. Readers are enlightened by Carlos’s poor relationship with his mother as a young child and a failed relationship with a girlfriend in his late teens that appeared to have contributed to his attitude. We, as readers are prepared to loathe Carlos ..... and then we are given a glimpse into a contrasting personality where Carlos rescues abused animals and cares for them with tenderness and compassion. I know it blew my mind to see such patience and concern for animals knowing he commits despicable acts of cruelty and abuse of women.
The HEA for Tess and Reid was a sweet and tender read and I look forward to the next installment in this well written series! Thank you Kaylea Cross for writing a story with “feels” and substance. Your insight into the workings of drug cartels is enlightening!
September 26, 2019
4.5 Stars —
Strike Fast
is an adult romantic suspense thriller by Kaylea Cross and the 4th book in her
DEA FAST
series.
Packed with plenty of action, suspense and romance, Cross’s DEA FAST series focuses on the members of one of the DEA’s Foreign-Deployed Advisory and Support Teams: FAST Bravo. The series continues with Special Agent Tess Dubrovski and FAST Bravo member Reid Prentiss as they race against time to save his daughter after a Veneno cartel lieutenant with a penchant for human trafficking decides to make a statement by kidnapping her.
Overall, Strike Fast was a well-written, emotional, action-packed, romantic story with a satisfying HEA. Tess was a pilot commander who flew Blackhawks for the DEA, while Reid was a single father with a 9-year-old daughter … and a ton of baggage. They’d met during a deployment to Afghanistan when Tess and her crew had saved the entire FAST Bravo team after they’d bagged a famous smuggling lord known as The Jackal who’d worked for the Venenos cartel smuggling drugs and weapons out of the country. With the help of Cross’s FBI Hostage Rescue Team and the unofficial assistance of , Reid and his FAST Bravo brothers go on a heart-pumping chase across the U.S. to rescue his daughter before she can be smuggled out of the States. I look forward to reading Cross’s next book, Fast Fury!
I also recommend:
Packed with plenty of action, suspense and romance, Cross’s DEA FAST series focuses on the members of one of the DEA’s Foreign-Deployed Advisory and Support Teams: FAST Bravo. The series continues with Special Agent Tess Dubrovski and FAST Bravo member Reid Prentiss as they race against time to save his daughter after a Veneno cartel lieutenant with a penchant for human trafficking decides to make a statement by kidnapping her.
Overall, Strike Fast was a well-written, emotional, action-packed, romantic story with a satisfying HEA. Tess was a pilot commander who flew Blackhawks for the DEA, while Reid was a single father with a 9-year-old daughter … and a ton of baggage. They’d met during a deployment to Afghanistan when Tess and her crew had saved the entire FAST Bravo team after they’d bagged a famous smuggling lord known as The Jackal who’d worked for the Venenos cartel smuggling drugs and weapons out of the country. With the help of Cross’s FBI Hostage Rescue Team and the unofficial assistance of , Reid and his FAST Bravo brothers go on a heart-pumping chase across the U.S. to rescue his daughter before she can be smuggled out of the States. I look forward to reading Cross’s next book, Fast Fury!
I also recommend:
November 21, 2020
when it comes to action story, Kaylea Cross never disappointed me. She knows a lot military things and be able to write it brilliantly.
I picked up this book with no expectations because the first book was a no for me. So was surprised how good this book was.
Reid and Tess have their own ugly past. He lost his best friend and found his hanging himself, after that Reid never been the same person again. He started drinking to numb the pain and it cost him his marriage and his career. He got out from the Green Berret and Sarah divorced him. When his daughter came to the world, he gathered his shit and start a new life. He got into DEA FAST Bravo and trying to be best father for Autumn. However, Sarah still blamed him for her ruined marriage and bitch about his time with Autumn.
And there's Tess. A pilot who lost her husband in a tragic helo accident. Even after three years, she haven't been able to open up her heart again. Until she met Reid.
Their path crossed several time in an ops Afghanistan, but neither of them make a move. They meet again at stateside. Tess meets his daughter Autumn and they click instantly. Autumn told her that her parents are divorce.
They stated to get o know each other and the feeling are mutual. Tess doubt about her decision to get closer to Reid because he has so many baggage with him. His daughter, his ex, past alcoholism and let alone his dangerous job.
When Autumn been kidnapped by the a criminal who held grudge against DEA, Tess helped Reid, offered comfort and supported him. Without Tess, I believe Reid would crumble and broken beyond repair. He fight to be a better man and a better father but the world hasn't give him some slacks.
It turned out that the big bad criminal, El Scorpion (?) kinda saved Autumn. He doesn't want to hurt an innocent little girl and turn his back from Carlos who kidnapped Autumn.
Packed with a lot of action and a natural blossoming relationship, it became one of my favourite book.
I intend to give it 4.5 stars but the appearance of the El Santo Miguel Bautista, makes it a 5 stars.
I picked up this book with no expectations because the first book was a no for me. So was surprised how good this book was.
Reid and Tess have their own ugly past. He lost his best friend and found his hanging himself, after that Reid never been the same person again. He started drinking to numb the pain and it cost him his marriage and his career. He got out from the Green Berret and Sarah divorced him. When his daughter came to the world, he gathered his shit and start a new life. He got into DEA FAST Bravo and trying to be best father for Autumn. However, Sarah still blamed him for her ruined marriage and bitch about his time with Autumn.
And there's Tess. A pilot who lost her husband in a tragic helo accident. Even after three years, she haven't been able to open up her heart again. Until she met Reid.
Their path crossed several time in an ops Afghanistan, but neither of them make a move. They meet again at stateside. Tess meets his daughter Autumn and they click instantly. Autumn told her that her parents are divorce.
They stated to get o know each other and the feeling are mutual. Tess doubt about her decision to get closer to Reid because he has so many baggage with him. His daughter, his ex, past alcoholism and let alone his dangerous job.
When Autumn been kidnapped by the a criminal who held grudge against DEA, Tess helped Reid, offered comfort and supported him. Without Tess, I believe Reid would crumble and broken beyond repair. He fight to be a better man and a better father but the world hasn't give him some slacks.
It turned out that the big bad criminal, El Scorpion (?) kinda saved Autumn. He doesn't want to hurt an innocent little girl and turn his back from Carlos who kidnapped Autumn.
Packed with a lot of action and a natural blossoming relationship, it became one of my favourite book.
I intend to give it 4.5 stars but the appearance of the El Santo Miguel Bautista, makes it a 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2017
Against All Odds!!!
DEA Special Agent and helo pilot Tess Dubrovksi swore never to fall in love with another man in uniform again after losing her husband in combat. Well that was until she met the gorgeous and sexy as sin FAST agent single father Reid Prentiss.
FAST agent Reid Prentiss didn't believe in love anymore not after his divorce and custody battle left a bitter taste in his month. What he didn't expect was for the beautiful, funny and sexy helo pilot Tess Dubrovksi walked into his life.
Tess was ready to move on with her love life if her reaction to Reid was any indication. After getting him and his teammates back to Bagram after a mission that nearly got them all killed.
Fast forward four months later...they both decided to give into what they felt for each other. Reid couldn't be happier that his daughter Autumn and the woman who brought Him such happiness were close.
When one of El Escorpion's (head of the Veneno cartel and the FAST Bravo's enemy) lieutenants, Carlos Ruiz decided to take revenge against him and his team by kidnapping his daughter. Reid's world was rocked to its core.
With Autumn missing Reid nearly lost his way but his friends, teammates and Tess were there for him. They moved heaven and earth to bring her back safe and sound.
It was great to see some of the guys of HRT (Hostage Rescue Team), Miguel "El Santo" Bautista ( BETRAYED ) make an appearance. Three series blending together was wonderfully done.
STRIKE FAST is the fourth book in Kaylea Cross' DEA FAST series. It was beautiful, enthralling and action-packed. Magnificent job by Kaylea Cross. 5++++
DEA Special Agent and helo pilot Tess Dubrovksi swore never to fall in love with another man in uniform again after losing her husband in combat. Well that was until she met the gorgeous and sexy as sin FAST agent single father Reid Prentiss.
FAST agent Reid Prentiss didn't believe in love anymore not after his divorce and custody battle left a bitter taste in his month. What he didn't expect was for the beautiful, funny and sexy helo pilot Tess Dubrovksi walked into his life.
Tess was ready to move on with her love life if her reaction to Reid was any indication. After getting him and his teammates back to Bagram after a mission that nearly got them all killed.
Fast forward four months later...they both decided to give into what they felt for each other. Reid couldn't be happier that his daughter Autumn and the woman who brought Him such happiness were close.
When one of El Escorpion's (head of the Veneno cartel and the FAST Bravo's enemy) lieutenants, Carlos Ruiz decided to take revenge against him and his team by kidnapping his daughter. Reid's world was rocked to its core.
With Autumn missing Reid nearly lost his way but his friends, teammates and Tess were there for him. They moved heaven and earth to bring her back safe and sound.
It was great to see some of the guys of HRT (Hostage Rescue Team), Miguel "El Santo" Bautista ( BETRAYED ) make an appearance. Three series blending together was wonderfully done.
STRIKE FAST is the fourth book in Kaylea Cross' DEA FAST series. It was beautiful, enthralling and action-packed. Magnificent job by Kaylea Cross. 5++++
September 11, 2017
Strike Fast
This was an amazing addition to the DEA Fast series with Reid Prentiss a member of DEA Fast team finding love quite unexpectedly with Tess Dubrovski a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. She was a widow having lost her husband in a helicopter crash three years ago and she was just getting over that when they met. She extracted him and his men from a dangerous mission barely escaping with their lives but landed them safely. He was so impressed with her skill that he had to introduce himself and thank her. She was just as taken with him and his bravery. This was the beginning of their exciting adventure and love story with non-stop action and suspense after Reid's daughter was kidnapped as revenge by a drug cartel leader, Carlos Ruiz, for saving a woman reporter he was holding that the DEA team rescued. All the federal agencies worked together to free Autumn, Reid's daughter and capture Ruiz and free other women his gang held. How everything came about made for one exciting story along with Reid and Tess getting their happily ever after. Once you start reading this book it is very hard to put it down this romantic suspense thriller and I highly recommend this series. I am looking forward to the next release about Kai another team member hopefully soon.
This was an amazing addition to the DEA Fast series with Reid Prentiss a member of DEA Fast team finding love quite unexpectedly with Tess Dubrovski a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. She was a widow having lost her husband in a helicopter crash three years ago and she was just getting over that when they met. She extracted him and his men from a dangerous mission barely escaping with their lives but landed them safely. He was so impressed with her skill that he had to introduce himself and thank her. She was just as taken with him and his bravery. This was the beginning of their exciting adventure and love story with non-stop action and suspense after Reid's daughter was kidnapped as revenge by a drug cartel leader, Carlos Ruiz, for saving a woman reporter he was holding that the DEA team rescued. All the federal agencies worked together to free Autumn, Reid's daughter and capture Ruiz and free other women his gang held. How everything came about made for one exciting story along with Reid and Tess getting their happily ever after. Once you start reading this book it is very hard to put it down this romantic suspense thriller and I highly recommend this series. I am looking forward to the next release about Kai another team member hopefully soon.
September 15, 2017
WOW. Fanning myself this is series alpha action
Another amazing edition of the DEA FAST series from Ms. Cross. This is Reid Prentiss's story, HOT alpha male, spec ops, baggage not all of the good kind - guilt for a team mate, failed marriage, very angry ex. But a daughter he loves to the moon and back, means Reid isn't looking for anything romantic, long lasting. Reid has an emergency meeting, takes Autumn his daughter with him to wait, bumps into a sexy helo pilot - Tess, who steps in makes crafts and catches his attention. This journey is then their undeniable chemistry, and Reid's two worlds, professional and personal colliding badly. The journey is engrossing g, exciting, horrifying, insightful, HOT, with laughter, gasps and tears along the way. I already love this series, but I just fell deeper with Reids story. Can be read alone, but read the first three to get the full backstroke that intertwine and hold it all together
Another amazing edition of the DEA FAST series from Ms. Cross. This is Reid Prentiss's story, HOT alpha male, spec ops, baggage not all of the good kind - guilt for a team mate, failed marriage, very angry ex. But a daughter he loves to the moon and back, means Reid isn't looking for anything romantic, long lasting. Reid has an emergency meeting, takes Autumn his daughter with him to wait, bumps into a sexy helo pilot - Tess, who steps in makes crafts and catches his attention. This journey is then their undeniable chemistry, and Reid's two worlds, professional and personal colliding badly. The journey is engrossing g, exciting, horrifying, insightful, HOT, with laughter, gasps and tears along the way. I already love this series, but I just fell deeper with Reids story. Can be read alone, but read the first three to get the full backstroke that intertwine and hold it all together
April 27, 2022
My heart was in my mouth reading this one. Sarah for the most part was selfish, only thinking of her own bitterness instead of her daughter's need for more contact with her dad, in whatever way that came. Him being deployed at short notice and sometimes for longer periods meant actual scheduled visits could be hard anyway, the friction made it ten times worse. The love and the bond between them was strong though and Autumn understood way more then both her parents realised. She was a special little girl and no wonder so many adored her. Tess had her own heartbreak in her past but was now feeling ready to move on if the sparking attraction meant anything. Chemistry was off the charts, bonding between the two female characters was wonderful. Plot was scary, intense and powerful right along with the suspense. I honestly didn't take a breathe for a while there. More than once! Gosh! Talk about being on edge. Fast pace, emotional rollercoaster of a read.
August 1, 2018
This one was a little different in the fact that the two main characters didn't fall for each other because the female was in danger and the male came to her rescue. In Strike Fast, Tess and Reid were already kind of slowly falling for each other when Reid's daughter ended up getting kidnapped by the cartel. In the race to get her back, their Tess and Reid's feelings grew for each other and of course, they got their happily ever after.
I appreciated that Ms. Cross chose not to have the cartel harm Autumn in any way other than scaring her. In the real world, I'm sure things would have ended up much differently.
And once again, we have a strong female character in Tess, a Blackhawk pilot, who is more than capable of taking care of herself yet acknowledging the feelings she has for Reid and not being afraid to let him take the lead on things when necessary.
On to book 5...
I appreciated that Ms. Cross chose not to have the cartel harm Autumn in any way other than scaring her. In the real world, I'm sure things would have ended up much differently.
And once again, we have a strong female character in Tess, a Blackhawk pilot, who is more than capable of taking care of herself yet acknowledging the feelings she has for Reid and not being afraid to let him take the lead on things when necessary.
On to book 5...
September 9, 2017
Strike FAST
This is the 4th book in Kaylea Cross' DEA FAST Series and it was outstanding! A young widow pilot and divorced single dad DEA Agent have worked together on a few occasions and have begun to notice each other. When their paths cross at work, Tess meets Reid's daughter and volunteers to sit with her while Reid is in a meeting. This is just the beginning of something between them.
Not only does Reid & Tess's love story play out, but we also get to see many characters from Ms Cross' previous novels. This book can still be read as a standalone novel, but is a lot more fun if you have read them all. It was a lot of fun to read!
This is the 4th book in Kaylea Cross' DEA FAST Series and it was outstanding! A young widow pilot and divorced single dad DEA Agent have worked together on a few occasions and have begun to notice each other. When their paths cross at work, Tess meets Reid's daughter and volunteers to sit with her while Reid is in a meeting. This is just the beginning of something between them.
Not only does Reid & Tess's love story play out, but we also get to see many characters from Ms Cross' previous novels. This book can still be read as a standalone novel, but is a lot more fun if you have read them all. It was a lot of fun to read!
March 18, 2018
Exciting storyline: thrilling action and steamy romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd chance romance. The child was a joy, enhancing the sentimentality. The romance is hot and steamy in and out of the bedroom. This story represents that LDRs can become HEAs. Bravo Kaylea, for weaving personal life with work life in a believable manner that pulled me into the thrilling action of DEA agents while at the same time having characters from previous series demonstrate inter-agency cooperation. Great book, but now I'm excited to read book five of this series for Kai's love connection after the teasers about it I just read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd chance romance. The child was a joy, enhancing the sentimentality. The romance is hot and steamy in and out of the bedroom. This story represents that LDRs can become HEAs. Bravo Kaylea, for weaving personal life with work life in a believable manner that pulled me into the thrilling action of DEA agents while at the same time having characters from previous series demonstrate inter-agency cooperation. Great book, but now I'm excited to read book five of this series for Kai's love connection after the teasers about it I just read!
September 11, 2017
Strike Fast was at times a suspenseful read. With pockets of action and a storyline that had me hooked from beginning to end. Along with really likable characters including Reids 9 year old daughter Autumn and his fellow teammates. As well as brief appearances from many of my favourite characters from Kaylea Cross's other series. Including Hostage Rescue Team and Bagram Special Ops. So overall there really was plenty to enjoy and I would happily recommend Strike Fast to others. I'm also looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
September 12, 2017
Another great story by Kaylea Cross. Loved seeing Reid a strong courageous man who is a kind loving father and has a heart that hurts for those he loves. The torture he still feels so many years after the death of his friend shows how much of his heart he gives to those he loves. Tess a woman who loved and lost but finds a way to open her heart to a tortured soul. Always enjoy the deep character work that Kaylea provides the reader as well as the suspense and action along with a few surprises. Can't wait for the next book!
September 19, 2017
This had me on the edge of my seat.............. I read it straight through. Couldn't, wouldn't put it down. I really felt for Reid....... I don't even know if I'd be able to breathe if anything ever happened to my child. This world is filled with people that have the sickest minds especially when it comes to women and children. (Sick reality☹️) and Tess already had enough heartbreak........but together they could make it through anything...good or bad. Oh btw, thank you for the Sarah attitude adjustment, she needed it🙄....I loved it... I'll take more of the same😏.
September 21, 2017
Strike Fast
Wow, amazing!!!!
Reid and Tess fit together so perfectly once they noticed each other.
They met by accident through his young daughter when both were at headquarters for a meeting. Tess and Autumn hit it off instantly. Everything starts off good til Autumn is kidnapped by the drug cartel.
Reid falls apart but Tess comes to help him and find her along with his teammates. Now they just have to get to her in time .
Great story and loved Reid , Autumn and Tess along with the rest of the team..
Wow, amazing!!!!
Reid and Tess fit together so perfectly once they noticed each other.
They met by accident through his young daughter when both were at headquarters for a meeting. Tess and Autumn hit it off instantly. Everything starts off good til Autumn is kidnapped by the drug cartel.
Reid falls apart but Tess comes to help him and find her along with his teammates. Now they just have to get to her in time .
Great story and loved Reid , Autumn and Tess along with the rest of the team..
October 7, 2017
Kaylea Cross Nailed it.
I really loved Strike Fast, Kaylea Cross brought the characters of Reid and Tess fully to life for me. I felt so much for them and Autumn. It delved into the horrific world of human trafficking and I felt so scared for Autumn. She’s one hell of a kid. After both Tess and Reid’s past painful pasts, I’m so happy they found their HEA with each other. I’ll be looking forward to Abby and Maka’s story, I’m sure a few cats will be let out of the bag for them and Abby’s past will come back to haunt them.
I really loved Strike Fast, Kaylea Cross brought the characters of Reid and Tess fully to life for me. I felt so much for them and Autumn. It delved into the horrific world of human trafficking and I felt so scared for Autumn. She’s one hell of a kid. After both Tess and Reid’s past painful pasts, I’m so happy they found their HEA with each other. I’ll be looking forward to Abby and Maka’s story, I’m sure a few cats will be let out of the bag for them and Abby’s past will come back to haunt them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2018
Wonderful
DEA agent Tess is a pilot of a Blackhawk. Her husband was killed three years ago in a helicopter crash. Reid is divorced with a daughter. Reid is the first man to make Tess feel anything since her husband. But with a little girl and a bitter ex, Tess isn’t sure she’s ready until the unthinkable happens. Reid’s daughter is taken by a sadistic cartel leader and it’s imperative to find her before she’s sold.
Action and a ‘hang on to the edge of your seat’ story. Love this series. Two people not looking for love but find it anyway. Might need some tissues.
DEA agent Tess is a pilot of a Blackhawk. Her husband was killed three years ago in a helicopter crash. Reid is divorced with a daughter. Reid is the first man to make Tess feel anything since her husband. But with a little girl and a bitter ex, Tess isn’t sure she’s ready until the unthinkable happens. Reid’s daughter is taken by a sadistic cartel leader and it’s imperative to find her before she’s sold.
Action and a ‘hang on to the edge of your seat’ story. Love this series. Two people not looking for love but find it anyway. Might need some tissues.
September 18, 2017
Well worth the wait!
Have wanted to know what was in store for Reid for a while and it was so worth the wait! Autumn has featured a few times in previous books and has always come across as witty, wise and totally adorable. She was exactly that and you couldn't help but fall far her as much as her father! A brilliant read and it was also fantastic to have some old friends show their faces!!!
Have wanted to know what was in store for Reid for a while and it was so worth the wait! Autumn has featured a few times in previous books and has always come across as witty, wise and totally adorable. She was exactly that and you couldn't help but fall far her as much as her father! A brilliant read and it was also fantastic to have some old friends show their faces!!!
August 23, 2018
Oh man I sat on the very edge of my seat on this story. I get too emotionally invested in stories involving children, and this one warns of that from the beginning.
If it had been any other author than KC, I would have skipped this story, but I could not resist following on this series and I’m glad I did. It’s darker than what I’ve read of KC‘s work so far, but it’s really really good and well worth the nail biting suspense.
If it had been any other author than KC, I would have skipped this story, but I could not resist following on this series and I’m glad I did. It’s darker than what I’ve read of KC‘s work so far, but it’s really really good and well worth the nail biting suspense.
June 25, 2019
Tess and Reid's story was wonderful! Tess is a helicopter pilot and also a widow. Reid is on a mission and when he is saved by the handy manuvering of a drop dead gorgeous pilot. She stays in his mind. Reid has been struggling with struggling to overcome his demons while battling his ex in order to have a sturdy relationship with his daughter. Danger us lurking and it will rattle Reid"s very existence. This story brought tears to my eyes.
September 10, 2017
Faster than all the rest
Fantastic series which I can't put down once I get started . Could read as a stand alone but I'd recommend that you follow the sequence to improve reading pleasure. Great story with great characters who carry the story along. True to life. Could be a great tv series. Kayla never disappoints. Loved it
Fantastic series which I can't put down once I get started . Could read as a stand alone but I'd recommend that you follow the sequence to improve reading pleasure. Great story with great characters who carry the story along. True to life. Could be a great tv series. Kayla never disappoints. Loved it
September 16, 2017
5 heart stopping stars for Kaylea Cross...
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and edge of your seat action when Prentiss' daughter is kidnapped by the Veneno cartel! On top on that we are sucked in by the love story taking place between Prentiss and widowed black hawk pilot Tess Dubrovski. Kaylea Cross is a master at complex storylines and weaving in intricate details and pulling it all together at the last second!
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and edge of your seat action when Prentiss' daughter is kidnapped by the Veneno cartel! On top on that we are sucked in by the love story taking place between Prentiss and widowed black hawk pilot Tess Dubrovski. Kaylea Cross is a master at complex storylines and weaving in intricate details and pulling it all together at the last second!
October 27, 2017
Fantastic!
As always Kaylea takes us on an adventure into dark territory where criminals do terrible things. Reid and Tess are an incredible team and even more impressive couple. I loved the plot line, the action, and the especially the ending of this wonderful story. Bravo Kaylea another great book! Write on. Davia
As always Kaylea takes us on an adventure into dark territory where criminals do terrible things. Reid and Tess are an incredible team and even more impressive couple. I loved the plot line, the action, and the especially the ending of this wonderful story. Bravo Kaylea another great book! Write on. Davia
May 9, 2018
One of her Best
Cross did an outstanding DEA suspended filled story about life of an extraction team. Story line was excellent, strong characters and drug and sex trafficking was frightening. One of her better Series' delving into what these speciality trainees individuals is trained for. Excellent read.
Cross did an outstanding DEA suspended filled story about life of an extraction team. Story line was excellent, strong characters and drug and sex trafficking was frightening. One of her better Series' delving into what these speciality trainees individuals is trained for. Excellent read.
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