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Shadow Heroes #4
Whatever it Takes
A woman frantic to find her child...
Laura Iglesias's young son was kidnapped by a powerful and unscrupulous San Matean ex-general turned politician in order to flush her father, his top rival, out of hiding. With a reward out for her arrest, she's masquerading as a waitress so she can get inside the estate where she believes her son is being kept--until a stranger intervenes.
A man with a mission...
CIA special ops officer Mark Williams has no idea what he's getting into when he helps a pretty waitress avoid the advances of the ex-general. When Mark realizes that she's the widow of the man whose death haunts him, he vows to help her and her child get away. But helping her puts him at odds with his mission to take down the villainous ex-general. Torn between duty and the debt to a dead man's family, Mark is forced to make decisions that tear at his soul and could end in disaster.
A country on the brink...
Pretending to be man and wife on a quest to find her son, Mark and Laura fight an overwhelming attraction and give in to desire. But when they discover where her son is hidden, the villain makes a final power play that could destroy the country. Mark's choices are stark: stop him or save Laura and the boy. And when Laura learns Mark's true identity and purpose, she must decide if she can trust this man who lied to her about everything, maybe even about the passion they shared.
Laura Iglesias's young son was kidnapped by a powerful and unscrupulous San Matean ex-general turned politician in order to flush her father, his top rival, out of hiding. With a reward out for her arrest, she's masquerading as a waitress so she can get inside the estate where she believes her son is being kept--until a stranger intervenes.
A man with a mission...
CIA special ops officer Mark Williams has no idea what he's getting into when he helps a pretty waitress avoid the advances of the ex-general. When Mark realizes that she's the widow of the man whose death haunts him, he vows to help her and her child get away. But helping her puts him at odds with his mission to take down the villainous ex-general. Torn between duty and the debt to a dead man's family, Mark is forced to make decisions that tear at his soul and could end in disaster.
A country on the brink...
Pretending to be man and wife on a quest to find her son, Mark and Laura fight an overwhelming attraction and give in to desire. But when they discover where her son is hidden, the villain makes a final power play that could destroy the country. Mark's choices are stark: stop him or save Laura and the boy. And when Laura learns Mark's true identity and purpose, she must decide if she can trust this man who lied to her about everything, maybe even about the passion they shared.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2018
69 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Kelly
35 books91 followersVirginia Kelly is the author of romantic suspense and romantic adventure novels. Her books have been nominated for several awards including the RWA Golden Heart, the Holt Medallion, the Golden Quill, the Aspen Gold and the National Reader's Choice Award.
To learn more about Virginia and her books (and her travel and iffy photographic skills), visit her website at http://virginiakelly.net.
To learn more about Virginia and her books (and her travel and iffy photographic skills), visit her website at http://virginiakelly.net.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2018
Laura Iglesias is posing as a waitress in San Mateo (South America) when the man she’s been waiting to find, Ernesto Ruiz, walks in the restaurant. He’s a corrupt ex-general who kidnapped her 6-year old son as leverage against her father, the country’s Minister of the Interior. However, when Ruiz turns out to be more than she can handle, undercover CIA special operations officer Mark Williams, who’s sitting nearby, intervenes on her behalf. That one moment provides him the opportunity to infiltrate his target’s inner circle but also jeopardizes his mission because it now includes the rescue of Laura’s son.
One of the trademarks of this author’s stories is how she gets right into the action almost at the onset. That restaurant scene begins right away and quickly turns dangerous. I had a tough time finding a breaking point because this story moves! Laura and Mark are forced into a marriage ruse because of the restaurant debacle and she’s challenged to trust him without knowing exactly who he is or his last name. He’s compromised because of a connection to her from his past that he’s withholding. There’s lots of subterfuge and intrigue along with a strong sense of culture and place.
I very much enjoyed this story, even though I haven’t read the book before it, which is connected. However, the author does a great job of filling in the backstory so that I didn’t feel I missed anything critical but did instill an urge for me to go back and read #3. This was exciting but the romance didn’t take a back seat to all that action as it’s well balanced. I’m hoping there’s more to come in this series.
(I received an advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review)
One of the trademarks of this author’s stories is how she gets right into the action almost at the onset. That restaurant scene begins right away and quickly turns dangerous. I had a tough time finding a breaking point because this story moves! Laura and Mark are forced into a marriage ruse because of the restaurant debacle and she’s challenged to trust him without knowing exactly who he is or his last name. He’s compromised because of a connection to her from his past that he’s withholding. There’s lots of subterfuge and intrigue along with a strong sense of culture and place.
I very much enjoyed this story, even though I haven’t read the book before it, which is connected. However, the author does a great job of filling in the backstory so that I didn’t feel I missed anything critical but did instill an urge for me to go back and read #3. This was exciting but the romance didn’t take a back seat to all that action as it’s well balanced. I’m hoping there’s more to come in this series.
(I received an advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review)
May 31, 2018
Assigned-InD'tale Magazine
Review information coming soon.
Review information coming soon.
February 20, 2021
This is the forth book in this series by this series. This book can be read as a stand alone read. This book has fantastic characters, a believable plot with lots of suspense and plenty of hot and steamy scenes. The characters are well written with intense chemistry between them. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
May 27, 2018
This is a great read that it action packed and filled with thrills and romance. Laura and Mark are great characters and will take you on a wild ride as Laura does whatever she needs to do to find her missing child. CIA operative Mark Williams finds himself putting his mission on the back burner after meeting Laura. He realizes right away she's desperate to find her child and worries that she will put herself in harms way to do so.
This is a quick fast paced novella and I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. I highly recommend it.
This is a quick fast paced novella and I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. I highly recommend it.
Want to read
September 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2019)! 🎁
April 17, 2018
Non-stop suspense…When General Ruiz forces unwanted attention on Laura, Mark helps her out of the situation. Even though Laura is in danger, she won't leave without her son. Mark wants to help Laura even though it's not part of his mission. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a book that I didn't want to put down. It's full of suspense, romance, and a few steamy scenes. This is the first book that I read in this series. It definitely can be read as a standalone. I loved this book.
April 7, 2018
I was curious about this book and it’s author and thought I would give both a try.
The story takes place in a Latin American country in turmoil. Laura Iglesias is a widow and the daughter of a high ranking government official. When her son is kidnapped by the opposition that wants to overtake the government, she goes to work as a waitress in order to find information of where he has been taken.
Mark Williams, a former Green Beret Captain and now an undercover CIA special ops agent, goes to her rescue when the leader of the opposition manhandles her. Later he realizes who she is but he has many secrets and though the attraction is mutual, he keeps his secrets to himself. Still, he helps her in the search of her son, even when this compromises his mission.
In the end can they save Laura’s son? Will Mark tell her his secrets and his feelings for her or will he disappear and just leave her with the memories?
The story and the characters were well developed and entertaining . For that, it gets a 4 star. But I have to confess, that at times it felt like a 3 star when I was trying to keep track of all the names mentioned not only in both governments but also in the additional characters in the story. I found it confusing and in fact I skipped some parts.
Still, a good story.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story takes place in a Latin American country in turmoil. Laura Iglesias is a widow and the daughter of a high ranking government official. When her son is kidnapped by the opposition that wants to overtake the government, she goes to work as a waitress in order to find information of where he has been taken.
Mark Williams, a former Green Beret Captain and now an undercover CIA special ops agent, goes to her rescue when the leader of the opposition manhandles her. Later he realizes who she is but he has many secrets and though the attraction is mutual, he keeps his secrets to himself. Still, he helps her in the search of her son, even when this compromises his mission.
In the end can they save Laura’s son? Will Mark tell her his secrets and his feelings for her or will he disappear and just leave her with the memories?
The story and the characters were well developed and entertaining . For that, it gets a 4 star. But I have to confess, that at times it felt like a 3 star when I was trying to keep track of all the names mentioned not only in both governments but also in the additional characters in the story. I found it confusing and in fact I skipped some parts.
Still, a good story.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 11, 2018
Laura is posing as a waitress, to evade arrest. After her father goes into hiding, his enemy, Ruiz, kidnapped her son. She will move heaven and Earth to find him. She meets CIA Mark and he is there to stop Ruiz from overthrowing the government of San Mateo. He knows who she is and who her husband was. They both get hired at the Ruiz house and Laura hunts for her son. Mark falls for her and must make a choice, his job or his heart.
I had never read this author before and wasn’t disappointed. I know it’s a short review but I didn’t want to give anything away. Plenty of suspense and action. A little sex. Crazy ex general and his wife. If you read this you won’t be able to put it down.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
I had never read this author before and wasn’t disappointed. I know it’s a short review but I didn’t want to give anything away. Plenty of suspense and action. A little sex. Crazy ex general and his wife. If you read this you won’t be able to put it down.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
June 27, 2022
While visiting her father in San Mateo with her young son, Laura Iglesia finds herself hunted, disguised, searching for her kidnapped son and working as a waitress when civil unrest erupts. CIA spec ops Mark Williams is in town to determine if General Ruiz, the thuggish face of the opposition is behind the gun and drug running operation in the country.
When Mark sees Ruiz approach Laura inappropriately, Mark intervenes claiming she is his wife. Taking jobs with Ruiz, Laura and Mark continue the search for her son. Just as Laura finds her son, Ruiz stages a coup, Laura finds her son gone when she and Mark traverse the rioting city to rescue him. Mark confesses his identity after they’re intimate causing a problem between them.
Rating: 3.75stars
When Mark sees Ruiz approach Laura inappropriately, Mark intervenes claiming she is his wife. Taking jobs with Ruiz, Laura and Mark continue the search for her son. Just as Laura finds her son, Ruiz stages a coup, Laura finds her son gone when she and Mark traverse the rioting city to rescue him. Mark confesses his identity after they’re intimate causing a problem between them.
Rating: 3.75stars
April 16, 2018
Kelly brings the heat with Whatever it Takes, the fourth in the Shadow Heroes series, although it can easily be read as a standalone novel.
The action starts on page one and the fast pace of this book does not let up until the very end. The characters are dynamic and believable while the plot is full of suspenseful intrigue and lots of steam. This book was well researched and the location of the setting for this book is more important than just a location.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romantic suspense genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complementary copy of this novel.
The action starts on page one and the fast pace of this book does not let up until the very end. The characters are dynamic and believable while the plot is full of suspenseful intrigue and lots of steam. This book was well researched and the location of the setting for this book is more important than just a location.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romantic suspense genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complementary copy of this novel.
April 10, 2018
Definitely a great read, but once again I failed to ensure that I started from the beginning of a series, Whatever It Takes is actually book four!
Never the less, this was a wonderful, action-packed story, filled with suspense, mystery and the right amount of romance too. I have now purchased the first books in print and will start the series from the beginning and then read this one again.
Never the less, this was a wonderful, action-packed story, filled with suspense, mystery and the right amount of romance too. I have now purchased the first books in print and will start the series from the beginning and then read this one again.
October 22, 2020
An extremely fascinating story to read
I really loved this book and the characters. It was non stop from start to finish and maintained my attention throughout. The flow of the story was excellent! The action and mystery involved was very compelling and made the book very believable. Great job Virginia.
I really loved this book and the characters. It was non stop from start to finish and maintained my attention throughout. The flow of the story was excellent! The action and mystery involved was very compelling and made the book very believable. Great job Virginia.
April 6, 2018
This book was right up my alley. I have never read any books by Virginia Kelly and nothing like starting with the fourth book in the series! But I loved it and plan on going back and reading the others.
April 23, 2018
My second read from author Virginia Kelly. I’d received an ARC for Whatever it Takes and since I already owned the first book in the series, I decided to read it first. A well-written romantic suspense book, I'll have to get more of Virginia Kelly's books!
July 20, 2018
“Whatever it Takes” goes from zero to a hundred in record time.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 21, 2018
Whatever It Takes is the fourth romantic suspense book in the Shadow Heroes series written by author Virginia Kelly. Thanks to NetGalley and Seasons Publishing for the advance copy.
April 24, 2018
Action packed romance. The characters are believable and have chemistry. The plot was well thought out and drives the story.
September 19, 2019
It was a nice read, but I had a hard time staying focus on the story. It took me a week to get through it.
Want to read
February 22, 2023Purchase Amazon September 9, 2019
April 24, 2018
It has been a long time since I have read a romance book like a really long time. It is really refreshing. I really enjoy that this book is more focused on more than that. They are trying to find her son and obviously fighting the obvious. I feel as of late I have been a bit of a hard critic. This book started really strong it held my attention and then somewhere along the way I just got a little lost. I found myself having a hard time staying focused and wanting to pick the book back up. I found at times that I just wanted it to get to the point. This book however is good. It may unfortunately just be me and my patience and just looking for a book I absolutely love. This book has a fantastic ending and I do love it but I feel like there could have been a little bit more to it. Maybe I have high standards after not reading a lot of books for so long. I'm not sure but I do recommend giving this book a chance. It is worth it!
April 13, 2018
A good read. I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Whatever It Takes. I really enjoyed this story. It had action , suspense , good characters , well written and great storyline. I recommend reading this story.
July 3, 2018
This was a really good action-packed read. It is the fourth book in the series but can easily be read on its own. Laura is the daughter of a politician her dad is in hiding and she is trying to find her son who has been kidnapped. Mark is a CIA agent and he offers to help her find him. With great characters that you cannot help but like and root for this is a super read and I cannot wait to try the rest of the series.
July 14, 2018
Mark was on a mission and he hadn’t anticipated meeting Laura and finding out they had a shared past. He vowed to keep her safe and help her find the one person that held her heart. With a country on the verge of a takeover he works to complete his mission and help Laura. Fighting their attraction towards one another isn’t easy and it is a fight he is more than willing to lose. Chemistry off the charts and fighting to save one another. He will be her hero in every possible way.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews