It's Rome. It's August. It's early morning. It's going to be a perfect day.
Rex and Digger, his former military dog and best friend, are in Rome. They are at a trattoria not far from the famous Spanish Steps. Rex is hoping that Catia Romano, the woman he fell in love with four years ago, would make an appearance.
It's been two years. Rex's memory stirs. He can see her auburn curls fall across her face, her blue eyes sparkling beneath her lashes, and he wonders if her smile still reaches them.
But then her image fades from his mind's eye as his hand reaches for the vibrating phone, and within seconds he knows that his plan to see Catia will come to nothing, as he listens with growing alarm to Rehka, his IT expert in India, telling him that former CRC colleagues of his came to her apartment and wanted to know where they could find him.
My cover is blown, my extended vacation is over, and John Brandt could be in perilous danger.
John Brandt, the CEO of CRC, whom they all referred to as the Old Man, has been abducted, and CRC needs Rex's help. It's a matter of life and death.
Do I have a duty of care?
Just when he puts the phone down, Catia is there. Stunning as ever, breathtaking, more beautiful than in his most romantic dreams.
His eyes flick to her hands, no rings.
Damn!
"Come on Digger." He stood, grabbed Digger's leash, and walked away.
Damn!
Thus, begins another nerve-wracking quest for Rex and Digger to save someone. This time, someone from Rex's past. A past which he is trying to escape from.
Rex Dalton continues in this amazing series, finally tracked down by his former agency,CRC, after a beloved member is abducted and needs Rex's help!! A fast paced story with amazing action as Rex and his military dog Digger try to decide if he Should assist in the mission to rescue John Brandt, a man who Rex believes turned his back on Him!! Now Rex and Digger are on a serious hunt for the man Rex often thinks of as a second father, only this time there are some powerful people on their side!! Another amazing story in one of the most explosive series around!! You Have to read the Rex Dalton books, you will Not stop turning pages!!!
If you are a fan of this series, you may bog down in what seems to be repeat details about actions from the previous stories. Nonetheless, once you get by the intros the suspense builds and the action is heart-pounding. As in the other books, the characters are unique and very realistic. Digger remains the star of the story.
Hard to put this book down! Gives the background needed for how Rex and Digger came together. Can’t wait to start the next book! Ryan does a great job of making the jargon and technical side of things easy to understand and readable.
Good story but my copy had 40% redundancies before the story kicked in.
Duty of Care #8 - For the first forty percent of this book, I though Gabaldon wrote it since it was like the later books of her Outlander Series. I have no problems with referencing a past event in the present book, but repetitiously and continuously? Every previous book was covered complete with redundant mentions. OK, we got it the first mention, especially the many of us have read all those books and remember each book. OK, before I get redundant.... If you can hang on until chapter 31 a.k.a. the 40 percent mark, the story takes off and it's all about the DoC. Again, it's well thought out, fast paced and action packed. Toss in a bit of romance in the blossom from several fronts to add something different. There's originality with some items, along with the standard SOP for other items. I won't say what happens with CRC and Rex, but there's plenty of avenues for this series to continue. I have to admit I loved the revenge aspect; reminded me of Bronson's Kirsey, whom I supported back then, too. But Rex's targets are worse, especially the higher up the food chain they're found. And Mr. Ryan, through his character, does make a statement that surprised me: no one cares about the American People; this is on our national level, not about global opinion. I contacted Mr. Ryan about reviewing his books. Sadly, because of the badly edited first thirty-nine percent of the book, I can only give this book a 3 star rating. I'd say start with chapter 31, but there are some bits that are important to story, so just skip the redundancies, you won't miss anything, while you search for what belongs to DoC. 3* Rex Dalton series: No Doubt - I read The Fulcrum (#1) before I read this short story. I enjoyed the writing style of the beginning chapters and the presentation of the island's natives and tourists. Quite comical until the murder, then the style changed similar to The Fulcrum. There's a bit of maturity in the character and dialog missing in this short, but it's still an interesting and entertaining story. This is introduction to Rex and Digger's histories, as well as bits and bobs about Rex's purpose for being on the island. The Fulcrum actually did a great job with Rex and Digger, which makes this short unnecessary, but still a good read. 4*
The Fulcrum #1 - My first read by this author and I couldn't put the book down! Mesmerized by the writing style, the vivid descriptions and the storylines, I read without stopping. Fast paced, action packed and interesting on several facets. Rex is a good example of what many Americans used to be, the masses who made this country great. Now after the decades of the Dark State (read chapter 15 for clarification) at work molding the brainwashed and dumb downed younger American generations with Mickey Dees and smartphones, our future and security is at stake. This is not a political agenda on part of the author, but part of the description of what we're facing; the reasons Rex became driven. The truth of what we're actually facing with cartels, terrorists and the havoc and destruction caused by the corruption and ineptness of our government's screaming chimps. Oh, sorry, our politicians. I thought our Founding Fathers voted English (by one vote over German) as our Country's language? A point that caused me concern was his blacking out and thinking he was rescuing his sister. Not sure he would have been allowed to continue, but I'm not in that world and maybe he has special talents that were in dire need. As for mental testing, as determined as he was, he probably had the ability to pass them. Of course there's clarification later concerning those tests. While the ending was not a cliffhanger, the job was accomplished, plus; the ending gives the opening to the next book of the series. Ludlum is my favorite author, but I've found another one that I look forward to reading more of his work. The only editing needed was Internet, somehow everyone thinks this proper noun and place is lower case. I found this book on authorsxp.com. 5*
The Power of Three #2 - I absolutely enjoy this author's books. If you're Ludlum and company fan, you will like Ryan, too. If you haven't read The Fulcrum, the first book, it isn't necessary since this book gives background from the first. But I recommend reading it anyway; it is a good foundation for the series. Well written, fast paced with intriguing and suspense filled storylines. The characters range from good to despicable, with many characters from the previous book. The emotions run the gamut. The terrible truth about America's governing leaders will dishearten many, but there's still hope the Dark State won't win completely. After all, not all Americans want donuts and circuses; the proof of that lies with the current elected president, instead of the increased circus clowns being elected. The relationship between Rex and Trigger develop, but at a great cost to both. Part of the cost brings Rex to make decisions about their future and leaves possibilities of multiple paths to be taken in their journeys. While not a cliffhanger, the story is complete, but the series does continue. There's an overview, which I appreciate knowing what a story is about before I read nowadays. I contacted the author to review his books and found this book on authorsxp.com. Minor editing needed. 5*
Unchained #3 - As good as all the other books were, this one tops them. Mr. Ryan has become one of my favorite (new) authors in my all time favorite genre. This is another well written and fast paced adventure. The intrigue and planning to make all come together is great. Everything is realistic and there's no "Hollywood poof" to make things work; the storylines have been planned and well thought out. The characters are developed as much as their roles need them to be. The main characters, of course, continue to grow in their roles as the storylines continue. The vivid and clear descriptions do not leave the reader confused or hanging, but involved with the happenings. The travels are interesting in themselves. Rex and Digger are getting better with their relationship; and Rex is gathering a family of friends to end his days alone. Both kept growing as the pages flew by. I contacted the author to review his books and received this one through AXP. 5*
Sideswiped #4 - I absolute enjoy this series and this book fits in like a charm. Fast paced and intriguing, this interesting addition keeps the reader immersed in the story until the last page. Again, we met good and interesting characters and glimpses into another culture. The characters run the gamut from braggart fool to criminal mercenary to doctors and more. The vivid descriptions place the reader in the mix and flow. There's maybe a touch of romance, maybe not, but ask Digger his opinion about that. The emotions don't run rampant as they did in Unchained, but there's enough to make the story work. I contacted the author to review his books. 4*
The Inca Con #5 - I can't wait to read a book from this series and I'm so lucky to have found this author after he released several books. I don't have to wait long to read the next one. In Peru, chasing history and finding a whole can of whoop*** keeps Rex and Digger in their roles as guardians for several different characters plus a village and their dying children. The duo are closed to married couple status finishing each other's thoughts; no traces of their earlier relationship since they've been together over a year. The storylines are interesting, the pace is steady and the action realistic. There's no stupidity, dumb dialog or Hollywood action scenes. A special character holds Rex's attention and she's not a dumb dame. Read these books in order for best value. I contacted the author a while back to review his books and found this book on AXP. 5*
The French Girl #6 - I love that the author always has an overview of the story at the beginning of the book. Get ready for a whirlwind journey from country to country with Rex and Trigger saving others, yet again. The beginning, for me, started a bit slow laying the foundation about France and the main players there. But once the story started rolling, the pace never slowed down. The story lines run amok with all the different characters and agendas that occur in this book. The characters are still believable and developed enough for their roles, while there's more to Rex and Digger. The dialog remains realistic without any stupidity. There's plenty of emotions spilling out of the pages and the suspense is thick in many places. Mr. Ryan's vivid descriptions place the reader in the middle of the action and still leaves plenty for the imagination. Well written and well thought out, the series continues to grow in substance and leaves the reader wondering when the past is going to cross Rex's path. Rehka does wonders as Rex's girl Friday. I contacted the author to review his books. 5* Rex Dalton end.
Duty Of Care is a global thriller with Rex Dalton, and his retired military K9 Digger. JC Ryan is the master of the nonstop-action, roller-coaster thrill rides. Duty Of Care, like all Rex Dalton Thriller, will keep you glued to the edge of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster until you reach the very last page. Ryan is the master of the red herring and keeps you guessing right up to the very end what will happen next. Ryan never disappoints! Duty Of Care, like all the Rex Dalton series, is a book that gets better with each reading, and I have just read it for the third time.
Duty Of Care, book 7 in the Rex Dalton Thriller Series, has it all: double agents, traitors, illegal arms dealers, human traffickers, terrorists and kidnappers. Ride along with Rex and Digger as they take them all on and take them down with extreme prejudice. All the Rex Dalton Thrillers are complex and so convoluted that it’s har4d to describe them. They are all books that have to be read to be understood and appreciated.. Duty Of Care opens with “The Old Man,” Rex’s old CRC boss, being kidnapped and tortured. Even though Rex thinks that his old boss may have been behind the ambush that killed seven of his men, he and Digger undertake what could be a suicidal mission to rescue them. The way they pull it off, the way this story ends, will blow your mind.
Rex Dalton and Digger are back! Rex is in Rome on a personal mission to catch up with Catia Romano that he met and fell for four years ago but Rehka, his IT expert based in India rings him with bad news! Rex’s previous boss when he considered himself an employee of the Crisis Response Consultancy (CRC), has been abducted and CRC operatives are looking for his help! It looks like he will not be able to escape his past but he will have to consider the situation. Does he have a duty of care? The story expands from there and Rex, although suspicious of his former boss, John Brandt, who he suspects may have been responsible for the ambush his team died in, in Afghanistan years before, investigates and makes use of some of his many contacts before agreeing to attempt to rescue Brandt with the assistance of another CRC operative, Josh Farley. Josh has been tasked with trying to establish for Brandt whether Rex survived the ambush as further volatile actions seemed to indicate that he had. After putting together a team, John Brandt is rescued by Rex, Digger and Josh Farley, having experienced a great deal of torture. Rex is able to ascertain just who it was behind the ambush and wreaks revenge on the instigators and the foreign operatives that have assisted the New York based crime figure behind it all. Another really great story from J C Ryan. One that is hard to put down and keeps you guessing right through to the end when Rex and John Brandt reconcile their differences! Highly recommended! Moses
Rex Dalton and his dog Digger, are in Rome to try to reconnect with a love he had to leave four years ago. Rex was a special ops agent for CRC, a private clandestine organization, who works as an independent contract agency for the CIA and other intelligence agencies worldwide. On Rex's last assignment for the CRC, his whole team was ambushed and he and Digger were the only survivors, although everyone believes he was killed in the ambush. Rex is convinced he was sold out by his former boss, the head of CRC, John Brandt aka the Old Man. Being confused, Rex decides to stay dead until he can figure out what to do and begins traveling the world tourist style. When Brandt gets kidnapped in Greece, Rex is tracked down by CRC, after finding evidence he is still alive, to help rescue Brandt from his kidnappers. Rex puts together a team of his trusted former colleagues and associates and begins his search for Brandt. The book was a thriller at every step of the saga. There is a lot of action and emotion to keep the reader turning the pages and wanting more. JC Ryan did an excellent job of twisting the plotline but yet kept it within reason. There is a lot of graphic violence in the book, so be warned. I recommend JC Ryan thrillers and am on to the next.
When I began reading this book, I had no idea how much I would enjoy it. The first few chapters were a little confusing, jumping to different locations and different points in time. I guess it was all done to set the stage for the main story...which was filled with excitement and danger, friendships and enemies. Rex Dalton is an amazing man and definitely not to be messed with, especially when he is accompanied by his equally amazing dog Digger.
As part of the CRC - Crisis Response Consultancy - Rex's job is always dangerous, but he has a reputation for always achieving his goal. This story surrounds an event where his team is almost wiped out and he doesn't understand why. He must find out who set them up and why. This leads him to many different places and encountering many different people, all the time working independently because he doesn't know if he can trust CRC anymore. However, he has complete trust in Digger, who belonged to one of his friends who was killed. Together they are an unbeatable pair.
I guarantee if you like dangerous assignments, building new relationships, mixing a little love in with your business and constantly uncovering new leads, you will love this book as much as I did!
This eighth book in the Rex Dalton Thriller series by JC Ryan is definitely another high octane thrill ride of an action-adventure for both Rex and his Digger his K9 companion. The first part of the story helps the reader catch up on what has been happening in the previous books, with the main activity coming in the last 40 or so chapters as the CRC team once again races to save someone's life, only this time it is the CEO of CRC itself who needs the rescuing from his kidnappers who are torturing him for information. Once again, Digger the dog who is smarter than some humans is put to the test to help Rex in this rescue attempt. There are several instances where some of the characters develop love interests which may or may not hinder this or future CRC operations. Only some of those questions and others are answered in this book as the author wanted to leave something for the reader to look forward to in the next book in the series. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
Rex still believes he was betrayed by John Brandt (The Old Man) and CRC while on a fact-finding mission in the middle east that resulted in the death of seven operatives. He has been a one-man force of death and mayhem in that same area as he gets sucked into the plights of regular folks who find themselves in a bad situation. This time, however, it's John Brandt who needs help. Rex resolves his issues with Brandt to help. But his primary mission, now on the back burner, is still to find and eliminate those who brought about the ambush. The fact is, however, Rex already knows the person responsible, he just doesn't realize it. It's through the recovery mission to rescue the Old Man that the pieces finally fall into place. Twists, surprises and compelling writing keeps this story moving and rivets the reader to learn the truth and finish the mission.
JC Ryan's Duty of Care: A Rex Dalton Thriller is just what fans of Ryan, Dalton and Digger have been waiting for. Rex and Digger have been traveling the world incognito for 14 months while Rex decides he's ready to confront the man he believes betrayed him. But suddenly he is contacted by his assistant who let's him know she's had a visit from members of his old organization with a request that he get in touch immediately. So, he's been discovered.
What he learns is that his old boss has been abducted while in Athens and the only person capable of finding him and rescuing him is believed to be Rex. Ironically, his old boss is the very person he believes betrayed him. What to do? Does he have a duty of care? What should he do? He turns to Digger for counsel and advice.
What ensues is his and Digger's most complicated, dangerous and thrilling adventure yet.
Finally, the CRC angle of Dalton’s story is revisited. I assume the reason for the previous exclusion was the fact that this novel would wrap up all the loose ends. To my mind, that separation weakened the intervening stories but at least there is now a sense of closure.
Throughout this series, there have been occasional editorial oversights which proved distracting. Sometimes it was a grammar or syntax error, and rarely was it so distracting as to make me stop reading. Perhaps my being an English teacher and having been raised by the same it the primary reason these were distressing to me.
Good work, overall. I recommend the series heartily. Now, on to other books!
Probably the best in the series as far as I have read. The kidnapping of "The Old Man", John Brant, brings all of Rex's friends together along with DEC in a rescue bid. This is all about the drug warehouses getting destroyed and the deaths of the drug overlords that happened before. Time is of the essence to prevent John being tortured enough to give up certain information regarding Rex. A great story to keep you reading to the end, again. Now for the next in this brilliant series.
Rex had made a vow to take care of those he cared for and this is the thinking that leads his life. Although deeply hurt by his boss he goes to his rescue when he is summoned and his plus Diggie´s abilities are again praised. Another book full of action, surprises, friends reconnected and search for love and peace. Once you start reading it you want to reach the end to understand if the bad ones got everything they deserve ! Great reading! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first half of the book features a lot of review, and is sort of ho hum. Once the characters are all in the same place and time the story really takes off and is hard to put down. Digger continues to be a scene thief and the reader is treated to a little bit of his history. Due to the reintroduction of 2 characters from Rex's previous adventures in the final paragraphs of this story, the reader can be assured that the future still holds more Rex and Digger adventures.
Another JC Ryan book that I couldn’t put down. Absolutely hooked from the start. Referring back to previous books refreshes the memory, which was very helpful for me and gave more context. I was a bit disappointed at the end but after thinking more about it, I realise that it is actually way more realistic and human than what I expected. It is a better ending than I would have come up with. The inclusion of some romantic suspense was GREAT and I can’t wait for the next book.
Having read the books before this one I don’t mind a brief recap as a reminder as well as for those that haven’t read them. That being said to ouch of the book was a recap and some of it was word for word the same as previous books. Get past all that I’m glad they finally closed the loop with CRC. Hopping future books aren’t as repetitive since I do like Rex and Digger and enjoy the stories.
In this installment, Rex and Digger, of course, come full circle and revenge is their priority. The Old Man has been kidnapped, and it’s up to Rex and Digger to rescue him. Along the way, agents are recruited and we get to meet Rowena, Rex’s namesake. This book quickly retells all of Rex’s adventures, and sets up the scene for new ones. As usual, Digger’s POV is the best!
This is the best Rex Dalton thus far. His redemption and the closing of old wounds nicely wraps several story lines with the promise of future adventures. A cross between Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne, Rex is a compelling man with wonderful depth of character and an unwavering sense of right and wrong. The development of his relationships with secondary characters adds emotional layers rarely seen in adventure books. Eagerly on to the next.
This the fastest pace in the series so far. Rex and Digger outdo themselves in this complex plot. I was holding my breath the whole way through the operation. Many of the loose ends tied up but Rex off for more adventures. This is one of those series that seem to come into its own the more books you read. I already have the next one downloaded. There is enough variety in the plot to make this book interesting for both males and females.
He can't write to books fast enough. I read them cover to cover in a week while working. The story line is great and fresh in each book. This is a well thought out series of books that you just can't wait for the next one. What a great twist to the normal team of black op operators to throw a dog into. My only hope is JC can write then faster.
This is one of my best series... I just can’t wait for another story to come out! Rex keeps being ‘the Knight in shining Armor ‘ , always standing up for those in need. This book will have you guessing what will happen next or how is Rex going to act or pull off his rescue. I wish he would have took longer in getting back at the villain though.
rex and Digger are back for more adventures. This time they're needed to find and rescue Rex's old boss at CRC John Brandt. But with Rex believing he was responsible for the ambush that killed 7 of his friends will Rex even contemplate it. Another great book in this series
Another can't put down, until the very end read!! Gotta say, I'm definitely hooked on Rex Dalton books. This book, goes practically around the world, as Rex, with Digger search for the truth about how his friends, including Digger's original owner were murdered and who sanctioned the deed. A MUST READ!!
The author spent a lot of time regurgitating the previous series facts for everyone who had not read them.....grrrr. Finally it got down to business which if you read the series you knew what but not how. Then a slam literally and dunking too. I love Rex and the old man.
Another book of the series that was hard to put down , and too short! I could have been satisfied with about two hundred more pages to the book.. Oh well I guess you can tell that I enjoyed it. I hope you get the chance to read not only this book, but the whole series.
Another exciting tale from J C Ryan. Rex and Digger get into some scrapes and gather more friends to help bring the crooks down and out. Better not to be needing sleep as you have to keep reading to find out how he defeats his enemies . Gripping read!
Great Read. Fantastic character development, and unbelievable story line. Digger adds an incredible power to his stories. Superior writer. He’s the best.
Great Read. Fantastic character development, and unbelievable story line. Digger adds an incredible power to his stories. Superior writer. He’s the best.
Love this series by JC Ryan. Rex Dalton is a hero along the lines of Clancy's John Clark. But, the star of the show is Rex's K9 companion, Digger! Love the teamwork between man & dog. It is very important to the storyline & the books just would not be the same without Digger. If you like Black Ops....you'll like this series.
I didnt review previous books, like to do one review for all. I did not care for the short story prior to this one.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far. It is fun, exciting, well written, and then there is "Digger"! Been fun watching Rex and Digger muddle through early part of relationship. Great team, please write more!!!