Challenging Love

Black Swan #3.5

by KaLyn Cooper

Can love withstand the challenge when secrets threaten their new relationship?

Even though Katlin and Alex are hiding from a terrorist and there’s a price on their heads, life seems perfect in the Costa Rican paradise. But once they return to their normal lives, secrets from their pasts threaten to tear them apart. They are thrown into a web of temptations, lies and deceit, testing their fragile connection.

Challenging Love is a novella in KaLyn Cooper’s popular Black Swan series of active duty military women and the men who dare to love them. If you enjoy books by Susan Stoker, Elle James and Cristin Harber, you’ll enjoy this fast read.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2017

About the author

KaLyn Cooper’s romances blend fact and fiction with blazing heat and heart-pounding suspense. Twenty-two years as a military wife has shown KaLyn the world, and thirty years in PR taught her that fact can be stranger than fiction. She leaves it up to the reader to separate truth from imagination. She, her husband, and bird dog live in Tennessee on a micro-plantation filled with gardens, cattle, and quail. When she’s not writing, she’s at the shooting range or on the river.

Reviews

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading and catching up on Alex and Katlin's life.

I have adored this couple since the first book I read about them. I like that even though they both have very busy lives and very stressful jobs they can make it work. They both understand the demands each other has and is willing to work with it.

This book had outside forces trying to tear them apart, some were accidental and others were deliberate. I loved that the two of them were willing to fight for each other. One of them has a moment of weakness but I am glad the other stayed and fought for them.

I just have to say, I HATE Jack. He is so well written that when I read scenes he is in, I literally feel like I need to take a shower. I don't trust him and I am glad that Katlin and Alex don't either.

This is a must read.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging Love by KaLyn Cooper is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Cooper has delivered a well-written book loaded with outstanding characters. Katlin is the leader of the Black Swan Unit, operating under the Department of Homeland Security. Alex is the head of Guardian Security and sometimes plays backup to the Black Swan. Their story is packed with love, trickery, trust and sizzle. I loved reading Challenging Love and look forward to my next book by the talented KaLyn Cooper. Challenging Love is book 3.5 of the Black Swan Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have finally against all odds reconnected and it is going to be a battle to stay that way. I love this power couple both with lives that keep them mobile and not always in contact especially since they have an outsider trying to wreak havoc. With loads of passion and yes a strong belief in the strength of their relationship they will be fine. But they better watch out for Jack, because he isn't going away anytime soon.

This is a standalone read in the series. I haven't read any of the other books in the series and had n o problem jumping right in. There is no cliffhanger. Great read full of passion and excitement.

[warywolf3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It filled in some missing details. I really felt bad for Kat's look alike. From some of the previous books you can tell she actually does love Jack the ass. For her alone I would hope that she could find a happily ever after with Jack the ass just as soon as he could that enormous head of his out of his behind. I really do love this series. You know the writer is good when you wonder about secondary characters that you know won't get there own books.

I did receive a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read by Kalyn Cooper. This is a novella to catch us up on Kat and Alex and the team that had to go into hiding. We get to learn more about her brother and see that Jack is still obsessed and trying to break up our major couple. I hate Jack but also feel sorry for him. I hope he later gets redeemed.
A quick read that you don't want to miss. I received this book as an Advanced Review Copy and the opinion is my own.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Short Read
Catch up with the love life of Kat and Alex (with the ever present Jack scheming in the background). No description of any Black Ops in this story but if you are invested in the characters from Unrelenting Love you will love this novella.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging Love

WOW! This is an intriguing novella on the continuing story of Alex and Kaitlin. I enjoyed this story but I really hope Kaitlin out a kabosh on Jack's attempts to break up these two. However, I don't think that will ever happen with Jack. I am happy that these two found their way back to each other and found their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job KaLyn! I would recommend this book.

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the dedications now I know why book 3 seemed like half a story. This was suppose to be part of book 3 but someone suggested it would be best if the author split it up into a novella... which I can understand since it was mainly a story about Alex and Katlin but I think the parts of the beginning should’ve been kept as part of Grace and Griffins story.

Oh well, what’s done is done and I did enjoy this backstory on a Jack Ashford and his crazy obsession with Katlin.

[Angie Bengston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love visiting my favorite people, and Alex and Kaitlin are two if my favorites. KaLyn has once again brought us a beautiful story with a wonderful ending. I won’t tell you why I loved it because it would spoil the book, but what a fantastic read. Sapphires are my favorite and my birthstone so I really loved this book. I read this as an ARC for my honest review of the book.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging Love

Challenging Love is a great quick catch up on Katlin and Alex's relationship. It is great to see that Katlin has really moved on from her first marriage even though some of the insecurities and anger still bother her. Alex is truly a great guy and totally in love with her. This novella is a great addition to the Black Swan series.

[Debbie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness KaLyn Cooper just makes the words come alive Katlin and Alex I am so happy to catch up with them they have a strong good relationship they LOVE each other even though Katlins job takes her away on missions they are always there for each other.Just can’t say enough about this series just that it’s MUST READ!!

[Lisa B. Lovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Jack is up to some pretty horrible tricks. Katlin and Alex have it well in hand though. I loved the plot of this book, the writing is spectacular and I adore these characters. This was a fabulous insight into Alex and Katlin's relationship. I can hardly wait to read the next story. Great job KaLyn Cooper!

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Test of Love💚💙
Loved reading about Kat and Alex a bit more in detail. All the drama, suspense and heat is so good. Their journey is so exciting, taking me along all the way thru ups and downs and all around.
This ends on a good note, but we all know there's way more to these magnificent Black Swans.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack, Katlyn's boss is determined to cause trouble between her and Alex. He goes as far as tapping his phone and his ex lovers phone. When she shows up of course Katlyn thinks the worse. Book not to bad to read. If you don't have trust the relationship is doomed. Was given this book for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my FAV book that KaLyn had written in this series BUT I need closure with Jack. That’s the only reason it’s 4 instead of 5 stars. I am NOT a fan books that don’t have any ending. Definitely worth a read though if you are a fan of these characters (which i am)

[Stacy Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Black Swan series. A strong group of women. This book is more of Kaitlyn and Alex's story. Lots of action and drama can't wait for more.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review

[Abby G. Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!

Another Great Read that I just can't get enough of! I love Katlyn and Alex! They just click! I know everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book to others!

[karn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military

Jealousy...intrigue....secrets....guns.....military......downtime....missions.....kills. Yes it has all that and more. Loving catching up with this series. So well written the book pulls me in.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

What a great addition to Alex and Kat relationship. They twist and turns kept you turning oages. KaLyn brings you characters that are strong well like and Women who is Alpha but yet so caring for the men who love them

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

See book continuing that enhances a subplot (no teasers here).Another great romance from Ms Cooper following up on Kat and Alex. This Novella builds their characters.
Not one for a gentler reader as it contains sex, swearing and blasphemy.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katlin and Alex will forever be my favourite Black swan couple! I love their individual personalities and their love and attraction is just explosive. The obstacles they face is nothing for them because of their trust, love and commitment to one another. I just love these to characters so much!

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. Great addition to this series!

Kat and Alex are both great characters that I love! These two have hot chemistry with lots of love. Jack not so much.

[Beckie Johnson Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the addition to Alex and Kaitlin story. Thanks again KaLyn.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very addicting series. I love when an author revisits characters.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review

Another great book from KaLyn. I love this series. The love between Katlin and Alex is so strong and the bond is unbreakable. I can't believe what lengths her boss Jack will go to to try and break them up. I am so glad that Katlin believes Alex when he says that he is not cheating on her like Jack wants her to believe. Will Jack finally get the message this time that Katlin loves Alex an even if she didn't would not be turning to Jack or will he continue to try to make Katlin his like his demented mind thinks she is? I am waiting to see if she will hold true to her promise to Jack that if he doesn't leave her personal life alone that she will shoot him in one of the other books. LOL.

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging Love

Alex and Katlin fell in love 15 years ago but life came along and they had gone their separate ways. A couple of months ago, they rekindled their love and have been together since. Jack wants Kat as his own and will stop at nothing to have her. Alex and Alerts had had a friend's with benefits relationship for awhile. After Alex told her they were over, Jack set them up. Kat put the pieces together. Kat told Jack if he didn't back off, everything would come to light. Now Alex just needed her to agree to a life together forever.

[Angie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by KaLyn Cooper. This is a fabulous series and I love how the two teams mesh so well, whether on a mission or in hiding.