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Shadow Ops #2
Ultimate Sanction: Shadow Ops Bravo
Mac, a 42 year old veteran of the SAS, is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo learning to live without his closest friend Jacob Hayes after being forced into ‘retirement’.However, a spat with an African warlord brings the SAS, British Military Intelligence and Jacob back into his life.Mac soon discovers his enemies are more dangerous than he ever considered possible. While Mac, Jacob and Unit 12, the elite arm of British Military Intelligence, strive to prevent North Korea gaining a WMD of terrifying proportions. They also fall deeper into a global conspiracy set to disrupt the delicate balance of power in the world. During their battles, Jacob forces Mac to confront the one truth he finds too hard to face alone. Mac’s sexuality is long denied, hidden in the dark by his brutal father before he ever had the chance to understand it. Is Special Forces operative Jacob strong enough to fight for the heart of the man he’s always loved?This is a military gay romance with, off-screen torture (not BDSM) a high death count and a lot of action. It can be read as a stand-alone.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2019
15 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Luddington
51 books146 followersSarah Luddington is the author of historical gay romance and contemporary gay romance. She is a gay rights activist, holds three martial arts black belts, a degree in Medieval History and far too many dogs. She lives on a mountain in Spain and in her spare time writes and reads LGBTQ fiction.
Come and visit her website at www.romanticadventures.net or Facebook for more information. She always welcomes contact with her readers.
Many thanks.
If you want to comment on my work then do get in touch: sarah@fictionwriter.co.uk
Come and visit her website at www.romanticadventures.net or Facebook for more information. She always welcomes contact with her readers.
Many thanks.
If you want to comment on my work then do get in touch: sarah@fictionwriter.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2019
4.5 stars Read as a standalone and a first for the author with this book.
I've been looking for books like this for ages and I knew I had to read it.
A great start to the book and I enjoyed Mac and Jacob's re-meeting up, although Jacob's asking Mac a lot of questions "why" but you find out later into this story for Mac's answers.
Told in Mac's Pov with first person written. Poor Mac he was older but his life wasn't what he want to live it. Now out of military and trying to be himself as a gay man he needs a bit of help. This is a book that's never boring and dramas are happening kept me glued. A great finish with drama right to the ending.
Includes closeted MC, past hurts, war casualties deaths and bad scenes, secrets and withholding information with much more in this book.
Mac 42 was back from his service in the military in civilian life but not without memories. Three years of not being near a very straight, Jacob still haunts him.
Mac is the chief of security at the museum in the Congo but not just any ol museum.
*I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I've been looking for books like this for ages and I knew I had to read it.
A great start to the book and I enjoyed Mac and Jacob's re-meeting up, although Jacob's asking Mac a lot of questions "why" but you find out later into this story for Mac's answers.
Told in Mac's Pov with first person written. Poor Mac he was older but his life wasn't what he want to live it. Now out of military and trying to be himself as a gay man he needs a bit of help. This is a book that's never boring and dramas are happening kept me glued. A great finish with drama right to the ending.
Includes closeted MC, past hurts, war casualties deaths and bad scenes, secrets and withholding information with much more in this book.
Mac 42 was back from his service in the military in civilian life but not without memories. Three years of not being near a very straight, Jacob still haunts him.
Mac is the chief of security at the museum in the Congo but not just any ol museum.
*I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 27, 2021
More blood and mayhem.
I enjoy reading g this kind of military, black-ops, political conspiracy stuff. I sort of got confused at times with all the countries and double dealing and whatnot. It’s nice and gritty plus a little sexy time in spite of injuries that would make it highly improbable. Mac’s sexual awakening was sort of sweet. I look forward to more of this series.
I enjoy reading g this kind of military, black-ops, political conspiracy stuff. I sort of got confused at times with all the countries and double dealing and whatnot. It’s nice and gritty plus a little sexy time in spite of injuries that would make it highly improbable. Mac’s sexual awakening was sort of sweet. I look forward to more of this series.
November 13, 2019
This is the second book in the Shadow Ops series. I didn't find the sentence structure as odd this time around, but that could be because I was more used to the British phrasing and dialogue. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the storyline flows smoothly.
Sergeant Phillip Macalister, better known as Mac, has been living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a little over two years. He's the head of security for the national museum that holds more than just a bit of history. The training of his men has given him a sense of purpose since his unexpected and unjust removal from the SAS.
When the latest warlord attacks the museum, a dream from Mac's past shows up unexpectedly, bringing an avalanche of emotions over Mac's soul; confusion, joy, horror, love...panic. Mac can tell almost immediately that the man Jacob used to be might be in there somewhere, but a hardened soldier, angry, hurt, and betrayed is standing in front of him.
Mac leaves the protection of the museum in the hands of his second in command, Danny, against Danny's objections. He and Jacob need to get to Jacob's team, but as they near, and Jacob informs him of their identities, Mac freezes inside. Before they know what is happening, all he11 breaks loose, and they must retreat through the streets of Kinshasa. Once they arrive at a safe location, they take care of business, but Mac is so consumed by his past and the fear it instilled, he refuses to hear what Jacob is trying to say. Mac contacts Colonel Brant from Unit 12, and off they go for another rendezvous point.
The action takes off from there. This is again a book about seasoned veterans, not hot young heroes, although Jacob is a bit younger than Mac. Brant and Lydia return to do what they excel at, and even Aria makes the occasional mention and a brief appearance. The plotline revolves around biological warfare, a "Bug Lady" geneticist altering mosquito DNA to create WMDs and search for cures; a seriously sordid spy, who meets a very unhappy ending; and the nations that want control of the DRC as well as the WMDs. The mission takes one turn after another, and some truly impressive "battle" scenes take place.
As for Mac and Jacob, it's a hard road they have to travel. Mac has allowed his past to consume the man he is supposed to be, while being naive to the machinations of men already bought and paid for. Jacob lost more than just a brother in arms when Mac disappeared, and little by little, he lost pieces of himself as well. His guilt over actions during their time apart has broken him down a little more with each mission. His willingness to do anything to find Mac was a direct result of his dwindling resources. But the love between them is undeniable and beautiful.
I expect we will see more from these two men with the way this story wrapped up. And I'm hoping for some coverage of Luke and Sam, as their special day might be approaching soon. Maybe a side story? Hint, hint. But, for now, we have a happily ever after until next time ending. I really am enjoying this series.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Sergeant Phillip Macalister, better known as Mac, has been living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a little over two years. He's the head of security for the national museum that holds more than just a bit of history. The training of his men has given him a sense of purpose since his unexpected and unjust removal from the SAS.
When the latest warlord attacks the museum, a dream from Mac's past shows up unexpectedly, bringing an avalanche of emotions over Mac's soul; confusion, joy, horror, love...panic. Mac can tell almost immediately that the man Jacob used to be might be in there somewhere, but a hardened soldier, angry, hurt, and betrayed is standing in front of him.
Mac leaves the protection of the museum in the hands of his second in command, Danny, against Danny's objections. He and Jacob need to get to Jacob's team, but as they near, and Jacob informs him of their identities, Mac freezes inside. Before they know what is happening, all he11 breaks loose, and they must retreat through the streets of Kinshasa. Once they arrive at a safe location, they take care of business, but Mac is so consumed by his past and the fear it instilled, he refuses to hear what Jacob is trying to say. Mac contacts Colonel Brant from Unit 12, and off they go for another rendezvous point.
The action takes off from there. This is again a book about seasoned veterans, not hot young heroes, although Jacob is a bit younger than Mac. Brant and Lydia return to do what they excel at, and even Aria makes the occasional mention and a brief appearance. The plotline revolves around biological warfare, a "Bug Lady" geneticist altering mosquito DNA to create WMDs and search for cures; a seriously sordid spy, who meets a very unhappy ending; and the nations that want control of the DRC as well as the WMDs. The mission takes one turn after another, and some truly impressive "battle" scenes take place.
As for Mac and Jacob, it's a hard road they have to travel. Mac has allowed his past to consume the man he is supposed to be, while being naive to the machinations of men already bought and paid for. Jacob lost more than just a brother in arms when Mac disappeared, and little by little, he lost pieces of himself as well. His guilt over actions during their time apart has broken him down a little more with each mission. His willingness to do anything to find Mac was a direct result of his dwindling resources. But the love between them is undeniable and beautiful.
I expect we will see more from these two men with the way this story wrapped up. And I'm hoping for some coverage of Luke and Sam, as their special day might be approaching soon. Maybe a side story? Hint, hint. But, for now, we have a happily ever after until next time ending. I really am enjoying this series.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
November 11, 2019
Military action and romance, what else can you ask for?
The military has always had a different stance towards homosexuality, they didn’t allow it. Even now, there are still descrimination targeted towrds the LGBTQ+ personnel in the military, in all branches, in all countries. Although there have been laws establish to protect them, there are still a lot of homophobia. It is a very slow process, let us hope that it gets more and more better for everyone everywhere!
Add to that, homophobic comments from your own family can destroy someone’s person, diminishing what dignity they have because it is ingrained in their psyche that what they are and what they feel is an abomination, unnatural.
Mac was force to retire in the SAS, and that is why he is in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a private Security Contractor spearheading security for the national museum, which doubles as the facility for the country’s servers.
Jacob was trained by Mac, they were a team for more years in the SAS until Mac disappeared after his “forced retirement.” He tried to contact Mac but Mac refused to respond until they saw each other again in the DRC. He is determined to tell Mac who he is and what he feels.
I have always loved tropes like this, love stories involving military teammates is one of them. This is a very descriptive story of two men who have denied who they truly are, afraid of ramifications from their employers. They have kept their real person because they are afraid of being hurt, physically and psychologically. I love the story! But there are triggers like being ambush, espionage, homophobia (discussed but it happened in the past), but the storyline is really good.
The military has always had a different stance towards homosexuality, they didn’t allow it. Even now, there are still descrimination targeted towrds the LGBTQ+ personnel in the military, in all branches, in all countries. Although there have been laws establish to protect them, there are still a lot of homophobia. It is a very slow process, let us hope that it gets more and more better for everyone everywhere!
Add to that, homophobic comments from your own family can destroy someone’s person, diminishing what dignity they have because it is ingrained in their psyche that what they are and what they feel is an abomination, unnatural.
Mac was force to retire in the SAS, and that is why he is in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a private Security Contractor spearheading security for the national museum, which doubles as the facility for the country’s servers.
Jacob was trained by Mac, they were a team for more years in the SAS until Mac disappeared after his “forced retirement.” He tried to contact Mac but Mac refused to respond until they saw each other again in the DRC. He is determined to tell Mac who he is and what he feels.
I have always loved tropes like this, love stories involving military teammates is one of them. This is a very descriptive story of two men who have denied who they truly are, afraid of ramifications from their employers. They have kept their real person because they are afraid of being hurt, physically and psychologically. I love the story! But there are triggers like being ambush, espionage, homophobia (discussed but it happened in the past), but the storyline is really good.
May 10, 2020
Oh well done Ms Luddington! This was a great action M-M read ... up there with the best of them (e.g. Marquesate, Aleksandr Voinov & Tal Bauer) Even though there were parts which I had to skim through because of the brutality, it was a fully entertaining (if at times hair-raising) ride. Readers get taken through seedy Kinshasa warlord territory, bleak Russian landscapes with flashbacks to Syrian war-zones. There's gun-showdowns (with some seriously big guns involved!), helicopter chases, booby-trap bombs, international espionage with double-crossing factions within factions of the UK secret services, with two very complex but interesting MCs (with a past) in Mac and Jacob. Somehow the author manages to fit in a few M-on-M bedroom scenes amidst the mayhem and carnage - which provided some welcome 'hawt' relief to the go-go-go drama of rescuing a kidnapped top UK scientist from being smuggled into North Korea. I also appreciate having the addition/presence of a couple of well-armed and dangerous female secondary characters on both the good and bad sides! 4.5 stars.
March 27, 2025
His North Star
Former SAS veteran Mac is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo trying to get his life back on track after being forced out due to corruption. More even than the regiment the thing he misses most is Jacob Hayes, his best friend, and the only man he has ever had feelings for. Feelings that he can't acknowledge due to an abusive childhood.
During a firefight at the Museum where he is head of security, Jacob makes a reappearance which is the beginning of a nightmare. With the help of Unit 12, the elite arm of British Military Intelligence, Mac and Jacob strive to prevent North Korea gaining a WMD of terrifying proportions. And along the way they fall deeper into a global conspiracy set to disrupt the delicate balance of power in the world.
As they fight to save the world the two men grow closer but Mac's demons threatens any chance of a future unless Special Forces operative Jacob is strong enough to fight for the heart of the man he’s always loved. Can he be Mac's North Star or will everything blow up in their faces.
Sarah has written another excellent book in the series. Great characters and a gripping plot make this Free Kindle Unlimited book a must read.
Former SAS veteran Mac is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo trying to get his life back on track after being forced out due to corruption. More even than the regiment the thing he misses most is Jacob Hayes, his best friend, and the only man he has ever had feelings for. Feelings that he can't acknowledge due to an abusive childhood.
During a firefight at the Museum where he is head of security, Jacob makes a reappearance which is the beginning of a nightmare. With the help of Unit 12, the elite arm of British Military Intelligence, Mac and Jacob strive to prevent North Korea gaining a WMD of terrifying proportions. And along the way they fall deeper into a global conspiracy set to disrupt the delicate balance of power in the world.
As they fight to save the world the two men grow closer but Mac's demons threatens any chance of a future unless Special Forces operative Jacob is strong enough to fight for the heart of the man he’s always loved. Can he be Mac's North Star or will everything blow up in their faces.
Sarah has written another excellent book in the series. Great characters and a gripping plot make this Free Kindle Unlimited book a must read.
November 13, 2019
Ultimate Sanction by author Sarah Luddington is the second book in this series I like the title here Shadow Ops: Bravo I thought that was very clever way to say second book in the series. I liked many things about this book. I usually am not a fan of first person, but in this case, it works very well. The story is told from Mac’s point of view. He has a lot of turmoil in his soul and it does show in his perspective.
Mac has been in the army for 23 years. He is out now and lives in the Congo. He left his best friend three years ago. He though Jake did not feel the same way he did about him. I personally think Jake just thought Mac would always be there. Till well he wasn’t.
Jake has a lot of pain to get past with Mac. He also needs Mac in a way he never really expected to. He just has to get Mac to see it too. Jake is strong, and very determined.
I liked this story. There is a 12-year age gap between Jake and Mac, but you really do not feel it. They both seem to be at the same level of maturity. I liked how this story ends too. I cannot wait for more from this series in the future. I want to know what happens next.
Four twinkling Stars
Mac has been in the army for 23 years. He is out now and lives in the Congo. He left his best friend three years ago. He though Jake did not feel the same way he did about him. I personally think Jake just thought Mac would always be there. Till well he wasn’t.
Jake has a lot of pain to get past with Mac. He also needs Mac in a way he never really expected to. He just has to get Mac to see it too. Jake is strong, and very determined.
I liked this story. There is a 12-year age gap between Jake and Mac, but you really do not feel it. They both seem to be at the same level of maturity. I liked how this story ends too. I cannot wait for more from this series in the future. I want to know what happens next.
Four twinkling Stars
July 19, 2020
Honestly exactly what I'm looking for anytime I pick up another military themed M/M book. It's grimy, violent, heavy on the action and still manages to throw enough steam and smut into the mix to make me a very happy reader. I can't remember why I DNF'd the first part of the series but I will be checking it out again after reading part three.
I loved this and can absolutely recommend it to anyone even slightly into this kind of story. The only two things keeping this from a full five stars were some issues with the writing. I can't put my finger on it but between some really beautiful turns of phrase there were some parts that made me head-tilt a little.
The other things is the setting. It's always tricky to set your story in a foreign country, doubly tricky if you are writing about a country with as complicated a history as the Congo. I personally think the author did the complexities of the situation justice but I'm going to reserve final judgement until I find someone more knowledgeable on the subject to illuminate me.
On to the next one!
I loved this and can absolutely recommend it to anyone even slightly into this kind of story. The only two things keeping this from a full five stars were some issues with the writing. I can't put my finger on it but between some really beautiful turns of phrase there were some parts that made me head-tilt a little.
The other things is the setting. It's always tricky to set your story in a foreign country, doubly tricky if you are writing about a country with as complicated a history as the Congo. I personally think the author did the complexities of the situation justice but I'm going to reserve final judgement until I find someone more knowledgeable on the subject to illuminate me.
On to the next one!
November 1, 2019
The second Shadow Ops book can easily be read as a standalone. The characters of the first book are only mentioned briefly and have no real bearing on the plot.
If you enjoy military operations-type books give this one a try .With tons of action alongside an age-gap, friends-to-lovers romance, Shadow Ops had me hooked from the beginning. Note that these are British soldiers in and around the British military, the author is British, and the language is British English. I loved that Sarah Luddington didn't try to Americanize anything, but some people in the US may have difficulty following along. (Pro tip: Google is your friend!).
I have a feeling this series will be on my re-read list! *I was given an arc of thsi book.*
If you enjoy military operations-type books give this one a try .With tons of action alongside an age-gap, friends-to-lovers romance, Shadow Ops had me hooked from the beginning. Note that these are British soldiers in and around the British military, the author is British, and the language is British English. I loved that Sarah Luddington didn't try to Americanize anything, but some people in the US may have difficulty following along. (Pro tip: Google is your friend!).
I have a feeling this series will be on my re-read list! *I was given an arc of thsi book.*
November 6, 2019
Mac is minding his own business, protecting a building, with a treasure trove of information in its basement. While fighting off armed men intent on capturing the building, he see a man who shouldn’t be there.
Jacob finds Mac in the middle of a firefight. They were best friends and teammates when Mac disappeared. Mac had been forced out of the service without being able to tell Jacob goodbye.
As with the first one in the series I can’t speak to the authenticity of the weapons or military maneuvers. But that’s ok. The story stood on its own. I loved the slow burn between Mac and Jacob. Their care of each other was sweet. The conflict Mac had with reconciling his fathers abuse and his feelings for Jacob was well done. I liked this story.
I received an arc of this book.
Jacob finds Mac in the middle of a firefight. They were best friends and teammates when Mac disappeared. Mac had been forced out of the service without being able to tell Jacob goodbye.
As with the first one in the series I can’t speak to the authenticity of the weapons or military maneuvers. But that’s ok. The story stood on its own. I loved the slow burn between Mac and Jacob. Their care of each other was sweet. The conflict Mac had with reconciling his fathers abuse and his feelings for Jacob was well done. I liked this story.
I received an arc of this book.
November 12, 2019
This should have been right up my alley, with military, action, intrigue, etc. I struggled with it tho. I could put it down, and didn’t feel compelled to rush back to it. I expected with how fast paced it was, for it to be a page turner, but while it was good, it didn’t do it for me. I did enjoy it, and overall a solid book, well researched and explained. Mac and Jacob were lovely together, and I really liked their romance. Also, I didn’t realize this was the second book in the series, and even though they say they can all stand alone, it might have helped me with this one. I may check out the first one eventually.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
November 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this M/M military romance. It's a serious, fast-paced read with plenty of surprises, twists and turns, secrets, betrayal, and danger around every corner. It's also a story of two men who loved each other from a distance but never spoke of it getting a second chance to support each other, heal, and love. In addition to the MCs Mac and Jacob, I really liked the character of Colonel Brant. She was straight-shooting and no-nonsense, but she was also supporting and caring.
Possible triggers: This book has violence and deals with PTSD and other military stress fall-out.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Possible triggers: This book has violence and deals with PTSD and other military stress fall-out.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 12, 2019
If you like action packed, suspenseful military books then this is the book for you. I am giving this four stars because it was very well written and lots of attention to detail were paid however I just could not get into Mac's character. At all. I just did not connect in any way.
I still enjoyed the book because it was extremely well written so my not liking the character is on me, not the author.
I still enjoyed the book because it was extremely well written so my not liking the character is on me, not the author.
November 12, 2019
This is for me a new author, and the boook is a first for me. It's military ops, and british-english. I was a bit unsure before I got a hang of this, but after jumping a little bit forward and backward, I really lied it.
This one is on my tbr list.
I like the characters, and the settings, and of course a good plotline to follow. I enjoyed the age gap, friendship and good ending to it all.
ARC provided by LesCourt ArcTeam
This one is on my tbr list.
I like the characters, and the settings, and of course a good plotline to follow. I enjoyed the age gap, friendship and good ending to it all.
ARC provided by LesCourt ArcTeam
October 29, 2019
Reading Ultimate Sanction was like watching a military action movie. Fast paced plot,with gun fights,tactical moves and exciting spy work. All with the added bonus of the emotional connection between Jacob and Mac.
The book was a gripping, thrilling experience from beginning to the end,and I couldn't put it down.
I really recommend it
The book was a gripping, thrilling experience from beginning to the end,and I couldn't put it down.
I really recommend it
November 5, 2019
This was my first book by Sarah and she did not disappoint me at all.
I loved Mac and Jacob and them reuniting was great. This book was full of action and drama that kept my nose to the pages. LOL.
Great friends to lovers. Discovering oneself and an overall emotional tie with each other.
Jump on in and enjoy this book
I loved Mac and Jacob and them reuniting was great. This book was full of action and drama that kept my nose to the pages. LOL.
Great friends to lovers. Discovering oneself and an overall emotional tie with each other.
Jump on in and enjoy this book
November 11, 2019
Wow!!
This was an amazing book! It kept my attention from the very first page! I love this author's writing and the emotions that were pulled from the characters onto the page! Very well written, will definitely be looking Into other works by the author!! 10 stars
This was an amazing book! It kept my attention from the very first page! I love this author's writing and the emotions that were pulled from the characters onto the page! Very well written, will definitely be looking Into other works by the author!! 10 stars
November 17, 2019
Really well written!
I enjoyed this book so much! It was such a wonderful feeling when Mac found Jacob. There was so much intrigue but still time for love. Hopefully they will have future adventures.
I enjoyed this book so much! It was such a wonderful feeling when Mac found Jacob. There was so much intrigue but still time for love. Hopefully they will have future adventures.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews