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Rex Dalton #7

Donna Teresa

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Rex Dalton and his best friend Digger, the former military dog, are back in Rome. They are at the famous Piazza del Popolo. Seven weeks ago, Rex had to abandon his plans to contact Catia Romano, the woman he's in love with, to help rescue his former CEO, John Brandt.

Now he was back. Catia's apartment was less than a mile away.

But Rex's reverie is interrupted when he notices two women coming through the Porta del Popolo in a hurry. One of them looks familiar.

As he keeps watching them, he realizes they are fleeing. Then Rex sees the men -- three of them. One behind the women, the other two trying to outflank them, probably to head them off and prevent them from reaching the other side of the piazza.

Instinctively, Rex puts his hand out to Digger and pulls him close. "Listen buddy, we've got a situation here. Pay attention."

Thus, a chain of events is triggered that take Rex and Digger on a harrowing journey to the brink of World War III.

DONNA TERESA is a full-length novel, a nail-biting thriller by best-selling author JC Ryan. It is the ninth book in the electrifying Rex Dalton series.

582 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2019

1233 people are currently reading
332 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Ryan

48 books153 followers
J C Ryan writes spellbinding mystery suspense thrillers with an archaeological backdrop.

He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.

He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.

JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.

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5 stars
1,176 (59%)
4 stars
529 (26%)
3 stars
204 (10%)
2 stars
44 (2%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews500 followers
December 19, 2019
What a Fantastic adventure with Rex and Digger through exciting moments in Libya!! Many countries must work together to stop a terrorist plot..Revenge is best when cold..At least that is what some folks say..And after Rex and friends are able to destroy an arms deal, blowing the building and all within it sky high..The person left to take charge is a woman, the daughter of the Beneduce-Longobardi clan's leader,killed in the blast. And She does Not take No for an answer,letting it be known to specialists that she Needs to know Who caused the blast..And She Will take action to Avenge her family!!
Now there is a diabolical plot involving members of the clan,Muslims, and Russians..which Will bring World War III! Rex had plans to meet up with a woman he worked with in the past, with who his romantic fire would Not be quenched, but a quick turn of events has him helping her escape some bad men. Now they are working together, along with the amazing military dog Digger, to keep the world free of horror and undeniable terror.
A story that holds your attention from page one, you are turning pages and learning of long-time wars,seeing amazing sights, with fighting, quick action, a little romance and so Very Much at stake you will Not be able to turn away until the explosive ending!
I received an ARC from the author, who I thank for another thrilling experience, and I give You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. You may read this alone, but I encourage you to read the whole series,for you will be drawn into such an amazing world you just will Not want to leave!!
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
May 21, 2020
The Rex Dalton books are always exciting and full of suspense. This one was no exception. As usual, Digger was the smartest one in the book. Both Rex and his boss have an opportunity for romance in this story, and it adds a little warmth to the narrative. Rex begins a relationship with Catia, and Brandt renews old ties with Christelle. I received this copy through Authorsxp, a site connecting authors with readers. This is a great book with a very imaginative plot. As in the other books in this series, Ryan provides repetitive detail about all the military hardware and government organization. It is hard to believe this is the ninth book in the series, because it is as fresh as the first. I will look forward to more.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
January 10, 2020
Donna Teresa - Ryan is back! After the disappointing Duty of Care, this book makes up for DoC and brings back the action, suspense, drama and great characters for which this series is known. The author's careful background information may put off the knowledgeable reader, but the information is clear and brief and not redundant.

A few chapters of laying the foundations of all involved and then suspense, intrigue and action begin. Many old characters return and multiple countries take part in one form or another; Rehka returns to a small part.

There's a touch of romance, but most of the story is the strategies of all the involved characters and their actions. The target is surprise but a great one; success will create another world war.

The editing is much better. I contacted the author to review his books. Clean language. 5*

Rex Dalton series:
No Doubt (#7?) - 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. This is introduction to Rex and Digger's histories, as well as bits 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 governments screaming chimps. Oh, sorry, our politicians. 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. 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, 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. The relationship between Rex and Trigger develops, 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. 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, 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 continue to their growth. 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. 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, 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. 4*

The Inca Con #5 - 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. A special character holds Rex's attention and she's not a dumb dame. 5*

The French Girl #6 - Get ready for a whirlwind journey from country to country with Rex and Trigger saving others, yet again. The beginning started a bit slow laying the foundation about France and her players. 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 developed enough for their roles, while there's more to Rex and Digger. There are plenty of emotions 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. 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. 5*

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; 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. 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.
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
672 reviews16 followers
November 17, 2021
By now, anyone who has become a true fan of Rex Dalton and his war dog, Digger, will know that he’s a serious student of history and that knowledge shines through in Donna Teresa. For some. Those that haven’t read the Rex Dalton thrillers leading to this one may find that all the historical stuff in the beginning makes for slow reading, but don’t give up on this book. What may at first appear to be unnecessary information will come to play an important role in understanding the story’s plot and the characters. Ryan is a master when it comes to weaving historical fact with fiction, so much a master that it’s sometimes hard to tell where fact ends and fiction begins. Donna Teresa has one of the most intricate, tightly woven plots of all the Dalton thrillers so far.

In The Power of Three, Book 2 in the series, Rex Dalton’s team was killed in an ambush. The only survivor besides himself was Digger. Rex went off the reservation. He knew that he had been set up, but by whom he didn’t know. He had received his orders from “The Old Man,” so he didn’t know if he had known he was sending Rex into an ambush or not. Rex didn’t know if he could trust him or not. Playing dead, Rex and Digger tracked down all those that had an immediate hand in the ambush that killed all their friends. His long-range plan was to return to the United States someday to find and kill those who had set him up to be killed.

Then in Duty of Care, Book 8, John Brandt, “The Old Man.” the Director of the CRC is kidnapped and Rex Dalton has to come out of hiding to rescue him. After the rescue, Rex learns the truth about who set him up. He learns that Brandt had been used unwittingly. Trust and friendship are restored and Rex can start a new life for himself and Digger. He retires from the CRC but agrees to be open to doing work for them if needed. But Rex and Digger can’t escape their past. It keeps catching up with them in the most unexpected places, in the most unexpected ways, as we see here in Donna Teresa. In Donna Teresa, JC Ryan shows himself to be a master at interweaving the past with the present, doing it in a way that the reader hardly notices when it happens. We start out in the present and then switch to past action for almost the duration of the first half of the book, and then switch back to the present with a smooth transition.

After an explosive ending to this adventure, one is left wondering what the future holds for Rex, Digger, and Catia. Will John Brandt really retire and start a new life with Lady Proll? Well, we will just have to keep reading the remaining five books in this series to find out.
80 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
Just finished reading this latest Rex Dalton novel . I have followed this series and have really enjoyed the character build, their interactions and the Historical research thoroughly. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I believe that a series undergoes a change in development as the Ajuthor progresses in his writing labor's and begins to own the characters. This is what has happened here which has offered this reader an adventurous and pleasurable journey with Rex and Digger. As for Digger all dog lovers just know that our four leggeds can indeed read our minds and understand our language..

Just completed this latest Rex Dalton novel. I have followed this series and have thoroughly enjoyed the character build, their interactions and the Historical research . I am looking forward to the next in the series. Like all serious written work an Author progresses in his labor of character development by beginning to own each character.
This is what has happened here which has offered this reader a pleasurable and adventurous ride with Rex and Digger.
As for Digger all dog lovers realize intuitively that what we are saying and thinking our four legged compranions do indeed know and very much take to heart.
Keep up the marvelous work. These novels
should be made into a netflix series.
213 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
Another J C Ryan masterpiece!

I must admit that this one was slower read for me because I kept getting sidetracked into looking things up. That has always been my way of reading but I no longer have to hit the library for other books or rely on outdated encyclopedias! From how to pronounce certain words to reading about the Snowden fiasco and the debt we owe him for making the government acknowledge the degree of spying on Americans for no reason than they were in the wrong place and were often caught literally with their pants down when the government was investigating something else. This opened many powerful people up to blackmail. Snowden did not flee to Russia with classified data, but was forced to remain there when his passport was revoked. The most frightening part of this novel are the parallels going on in the world right now. It is scary out there! Trump took boxes of classified data when he left and he is still free. I am sure we will never know what damage he has done. Corruption, greed, and power still rule the world. Frankly I'm glad I am 80 (in a few weeks) and will not have to live through the next 30-40 years. This book can be pure entertainment or something that makes you take another look at the world we live in an how it can be fixed.
460 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2021
Unbridled Hatred Makes Fools Into Idiots!

I wondered what this book was about after reading the title. That question wasn't answered until well until the book. It wasn't until that character's obsession and extreme hatred combined to devise a plan so extreme and catastrophic as to put enemies against each other and into a World War III collision. The depth of dedication by the good guys, being lead by John Brandt, Rex Dalton and the greatest dog ever, Digger, shows us that, though these characters are merely written in reality, there are those who do every day this thing, not for themselves, but for us. The suspense in this book was palpable! I could not escape it. My heart was pounding several times as I was reading their exploits! I was so enthralled that time got way from me!! Get this book and read it! You'll be hooked on JC Ryan's writing and you, too will be a fan.
Profile Image for Elli Hunt.
Author 2 books12 followers
July 28, 2021
Donna Teresa (Rex Dalton #8) by J.C. Ryan I was unprepared for the level of hostility by the author that came through this book. I would warn you ahead of time, this book and the next one in the series are loaded with Semitism. In my opinion, it was way over the top.

The author paints a view of Muslims that portrays them as a violent group pledged of aggression towards all Jewish and non-Muslim faith. It is disheartening to see what had been a good series of spy themed stories turned into a religious platform to spread hate and prejudices.

If we have any hope of a peaceful future, we need to resolve anger issues and hostility rather than promote them.
Profile Image for Margaret.
792 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2019
J.C. Ryan continues to be one of my favorite writers. His books are long and filled with well developed characters and non-stop action. His latest, Donna Teresa (A Rex Dalton Thriller #9) is no exception. Donna Teresa rises to head the Beneduce-Longobardi clan of the Camorra in the Campania region centered in Naples, Italy (think Italian Mafia). Donna Teresa is bent on revenge and conspires to create a crisis which could undoubtedly lead to World War III.

Rex and his (usually smiling) tough military trained dog Digger are charged with an impossible mission to derail the conspiracy, along with international operatives and vacationing Seals. Very tense, exciting and quite complicated thriller.

I was given an ARC of this book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review.
237 reviews
June 10, 2021
Good But Half a Book

I like Ryan and I likevthe Rex Dalton series....but there is a bad writing habit of laziness in this book I pray does not continue... At least 50 percent of the book the author spends regurgitating scenes, events, and text from previous books in the series...instead of brevity...hey reader go back and catch up...nope instead we get all the plot lines and endings serving as part of this book. In many cases authors do this to meet a deadline. Ryan already has habit of narrating a lot of the books third hand ...I don't need the previous books repeated to me. Yes I love the ideas and plot for this book but please don't let this be a new trend for the series.
865 reviews7 followers
October 28, 2024
With all the trouble in the world right now it almost makes it frightening to read this novel. J>C>'d writing is so life like and his characters are so strong you find yourself unable to put the book down and you begin to feel the tension and fear that he is creating. You will learn more about the Mafia in Europe than you ever wanted to know, but it is the back bone of the book. How the revenge of one woman the head of a branch of an Italian Mafia is about to put the whole world in danger of a massive world wide end of peace. Just violence to follow. Well worth you time to read. I had to keep telling myself it was just a novel with a tremendous amount of research and knowledge of the world's security forces.
571 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2020
Ten stars.

I thought the last book was the best in the series, wrong! This surpassed it and some. Poor Rex, trying to get his love life going by stopping in Rome to see Catia. Within 5 minutes it all kicks off. All the threads from the previous books regarding the Naples Incident are coming to a grand finale. Everyone is involved from The Presidents of America and France, the alphabet agencies and Rex with all his cohorts. Even romance does get a look in amongst all the mayhem.
Some very good background material referring to the Comorra and a couple of the characters helps to make the understanding of this book even better. Now into the next adventure.
193 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2020
The start of this ‘meaty’ 9th book in the heart gripping Rex Dalton thriller series provides enough back story to introduce new readers to Rex to enable them to enjoy this standalone story. For everyone who loves Rome, you’ll appreciate the descriptions of this amazing city and for readers with any interest in The Mafia, you’ll be drawn in by the details of this complex, multi-faceted organisation. I read long into the night, eager to discover how events would turn out, while acknowledging the common denominator for all terrorists is pre-existing hatred. I can hardly wait to read what Rex & Digger will get up to next....
Profile Image for Laurie-Anne.
15 reviews
December 29, 2019
Off we go again!

Yet again JC has taken us along with Rex,Digger and a motley bunch of bureaucrats, manics and good guys n gals, on a rollicking good romp through the ever present geo-political nightmare that is nuclear armaments and the wackos that hold them over our heads. Digger is just sublime, I can actually visualise his expressions as he tolerates the humans around him. Its refreshing to see how far they, Rex a d Digger have come and how far they could take on.. I can't wait to start my next adventure with these two, so please keep up the fantastic work JC..
506 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2020
A Definitely could not put down read!!

Rex and Digger are in the midst of Governmental intreig throughout this book. Also, Rex has finally hooked up with the woman, he has fallen hopelessly in love with.
From country to country we go as the bad guys are hooking up, for an epic crime. Rex has gotten all the good guys to cooperate, but will they make it in time, to stop the horrible event from happening?
Clear your schedule, because you won't get anything done, until the end of this book...LOL
6,039 reviews46 followers
March 27, 2020
Intense action, adventure and psychological thriller- intelligence work with heart, soul and mind

Digger is a fabulous K9 veteran who still does great work. His human Rex is lethal, relatively bright for a human, and equipped for a variety of situations- not sure romance is one of those.

It was great to meet Catia again and to learn a bit more of her backstory. She and K9 operative Digger seem to have a strong bond. I chuckle anticipating discovery if Digger’s human Rex is as smart in the stories ahead!
258 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2021
Another Excellent “Rex Dalton” & “Digger” Thrill-ride.

Once again it is up to Our hero Rex Dalton and his best friend “Digger” to save the day in this fast paced thriller.

I found it hard to put down once I started reading it, and I’m fairly certain, should you decide to read it,tat you will share my experience.

I highly recommend this book. Read the authors blurb. Take a look inside before you purchase or downlad, then decide.

While it can be read as a standalone I suggest you read the series in order of publication. You will enjoy it more.
Profile Image for FredM2.
296 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2024
Another great REX & Digger story by J.C.Ryan. By chance a plot is discovered about a possible pending terrorist action that could change the world. Rex is pulled into the action with several from a number of countries friendly to the US. There is nonstop suspense as the many letter agencies work to avoid a colossal act of terrorism. The action takes place in several countries and is on the edge of your seat good reading.
This book is up to the authors best of the best writing, well worth reading.
2 reviews
January 24, 2026
Excellent!

I love to read, and this was perhaps the best I have read in ages. The story was captivating and well developed. The characters were solid and real. Historical and locational documentation was spot-on. It was just a great book. I should note that this was the author’s seventh in the series, so the reader would benefit by becoming familiar with the characters from earlier, but I will mention that Ryan’s books improve in each book. This book was just plain great. I am about to move on to the next.
Profile Image for Anne.
Author 1 book8 followers
December 15, 2019
Another crackin' adventure story from JC Ryan. Rex Dalton and his dog Digger get involved in a mission which, if it fails, could result in WW3. But will Rex ever get to spend time with his beloved Catia? Will the Old Man really retire? Who knew Digger could ride a motorbike?! I enjoyed reading this, as a free Kindle book as a member of JC Ryan's advance reading team, and definitely recommend it, especially if you like undercover and black ops action thrillers.
Profile Image for Deb.
179 reviews
December 20, 2019
This book is a good read, but it isn't quite what I've come to expect from a Rex Dalton story. I enjoyed previous books because they focused almost exclusively on Rex and Digger and their exploits to right the wrongs that have fallen into their path. This book seemed to spend a lot more time telling the stories of other characters and while they were essential to the story, it just had a very different feel to it.
384 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2020
Another great book in this great series! Rex and Digger, the amazing military dog, are once again hard at work to keep the world free of horror and undeniable terror. This book is full of well-developed characters, both old and new. Fast paced with action starting on the first page, it is a rollercoaster ride which I could not put down. I am anxious to see where this dynamic due will appear next!

Thank you to AXP who provided me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
575 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2020
I give this book 2.5 stars. While I really like Rex and Digger, the first half of the book really dragged a bit for me. It was part history lesson, and describing the lead up to the current action. Not bad, but slow. The last third of the book was all action. None of the story at this point was believable, but it was fast, all action, and of course the good guys win with no losses. A light, fun read.
223 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2020
I am never disappointed when I read a book by this author. They are always well written and a must to read. For anyone who wants full of action, twists and turns and surprises from start to finish then this book to add to your collection. Rex always puts his life on the line to save others and this story is no different. In this book Rex and his dog Digger are not along in their quest to 'save the world'. A great book.
59 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2021
A simply amazing book On the intricacies Of the espionage world.

A stunning work That is breathtaking in it's context. I didn't have the time to read it all in 1 sitting, But I did it in 3 with several scotch and Jack Daniels honey Blend Drinks to go with it. As an Aficionado of History and Mystery Detective books, This 1 certainly ranks in the top 10%Make that 5%Of those that I have read. I cannot wait to find the rest in the series.
1,805 reviews15 followers
July 5, 2024
Rex and Digger are expected to be the stars of this book. They are not. It would be easy to argue that the stars are the analysts plowing through the data while fueled with an overload of coffee.

Most of the book is historical background, real and fictional, to set the stage for personal interactions and the action which concludes the story.

We don’t learn much about the characters, even the story’s name sake, Donna Teresa, is left indeterminate.

Still makes a decent summer read.
326 reviews6 followers
December 25, 2019
Nice read but the author has relegated Rex and Digger to secondary characters. Too many characters in the story with excessive background and motivations for each of them. Action sequences with Rex and Digger not up to the excitement of the earlier books. Rex and Digger are really great characters and Ryan needs to bring them back to the forefront in the next adventure.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,619 reviews33 followers
April 24, 2020
I love this author and I love Rex Dalton and his wonderful friend Digger (I used to have a friend named Digger too and this is another plus). This series is awesome and the book is impossible to put down. I have enjoyed every book in this series but they keep getting better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
922 reviews11 followers
November 8, 2020
Great Characters and Plot, Too Much Filler

Unfortunately, what would otherwise would have been one of the most addictive action-packed international mysteries ever, the author used a back-in-time pile of confusing history and political information to explain the "current" scene of action. After reaching almost the middle of this book, I have up.
334 reviews
November 13, 2020
Enjoyed

As with all adventures with Rex and Digger keep the pages turning and the reader entranced. The characters add much to the story. The keeping so many facets of this action is great and keeps the reader from getting lost. Knowing something is going to go wrong has the reader on the edge of his seat.
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