The government made Chloe Wilson an explosives expert, trained to take out a target with a precise, controlled hit. But there’s nothing controlled about her current situation—or the danger coming after her. When a good-looking stranger is sent to watch her back, she’s not impressed. This mission is personal, and it’s liable to get her killed. The former Valkyrie can’t afford any mistakes or attachments, but this time she has no choice, and soon her new partner proves his worth.
One explosive situation.
When former Pararescueman Heath Barrett gets a call from his best friend asking him to keep tabs on a woman in danger, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. Far from a helpless civilian, Chloe holds him at knifepoint the first time they meet. She’s a deadly operative being hunted by lethal enemies and by the time he realizes the extent of the danger, it’s too late to walk away. Now they’re both targets, and he and Chloe must face the threat head on—and if they want to survive, they’ll have to do it together.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Hot damn, Explosive Vengeance surely lives up to it’s title! It starts out with a bang and goes full-throttle until the very last word!
I loved Chloe and Heath’s romance. Loved their meet-cute—or not so meet-cute if you asked Heath. Their connection was immediate—their attraction too. I loved how Heath brought out the soft side of Chloe. That he so desperately wanted to protect her—even from herself. And that Chloe brought out the want for more—more of a life, more of a desire for a family and love—in Heath. And herself.
And I loved the fierce friendship between Chloe and Megan. And the quickly developing friendships between the rest of the Valkyries. Their bond. Their trust.
And I cannot wait for more in this fantastic Vengeance Series. It’s truly romantic suspense at its finest! ~ Missy, 5 stars
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This is not the best book in this series, by far. Here you get a lackluster romance with anemic suspense. Missing in this book are the trademark action scenes that are what Kaylea Cross is famous for. You get a boy scout hero and a vengeance driven heroine, who is borderline crazy, that make this opposites attract story really hard to take. Chloe goes out of her way to test Heath by putting herself in needless danger by not staying with the plan.
Chloe Wilson is a Valkyrie demolitions expert who is on a one-woman mission to take out sex traffickers and find the persons behind the black ops program that the government has now disavowed leaving the women in it twisting in the breeze. She is angry, she is focused and she is a touch crazy. Making a target personal is an easy way to get killed.
Heath Barrett is a former Air Force Pararescueman who is now working security in the hottest spots in the world. But, right now, he's in Paris for some much needed R&R. That is until his best friend, Ty, calls him needing a favor. Just follow a woman and make sure she doesn't get into any danger. Sure, no problem. Well, it turned out to be a very big problem. This is no clueless civilian Heath has been asked to track and from their first face to face he knows that dangerous and driven is what she is. 3 1/2-Stars
EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE was a fast paced romance with Kaylea Cross’s usual brand of action, suspense, and romance. I loved Chloe’s confidence and her flirtation personality and the way she enjoys pushing Heath’s buttons. At the same time she also frustrated me with some of the completely reckless and selfish decisions she makes and Heath and the rest of the team really forgave her too fast. Heath was a great hero and I loved how protective he was of Chloe; he has a huge heart.
Content Warning: sex trafficking; references to Chloe’s mom dying of cancer and Heath’s mom being killed by an abusive boyfriend; on page death of a friend
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
This series, Vengeance has an overall story of finding all the Valkyries who have been burned and keeping them from being killed, bringing them into the team. There is also the goal of finding out who is hunting them to extinction, a mole in the covert ops family. Each book has a new couple as each new Valkyrie is found and brought into the new group.
The setup in each book is similar as the woman is used to being alone, an orphan trained as an assassin without family or friends, working on her own. The guy, usually military, is from a more normal family so he is often the one to promote a relationship. The guy is a bit insta-love, admiring the highly skilled Valkyrie, and seeing her in danger makes him protective.
In Explosive Vengeance, Chloe borders on TSTL with putting herself in danger to save the women being sold, but she also endangers others in the team. I am happy to see Heath call her out on that shit. Like the other Valkyries, she is crazy skilled, but it is an adjustment for her to work with a team.
We get to see Megan and Ty, and Jesse and Amber again as they join Chloe, bringing along Ty's friend Heath. We also see other Valkyries who may be the focus of future stories. I would read this series in order as the overall story arc and couples progression are easier that way. They are fast paced, dangerous and sexy!
Chloe was a kick-a$$ woman determined to even the justice scales. This lone Valkyrie was soon anything but as she had a whole team suddenly behind her, and they had her back…
Each woman in this deadly group had skills and talents to get themselves out of almost any situation. Chloe fit right in, using any advantage she had to complete her missions. Having a partner was something she never had, and didn’t want, but Heath knew his way around the battlefield, and soon found his way into her mind and her heart…
Chloe and Heath were like two halves a whole, not realizing they needed anyone until they found each other. Surprising, shocking, but no less cherished, they were living on borrowed time and both felt the relentless tick of the clock. Their chemistry, the dialogue, the heat… It came together seamlessly beside a story filled with action and suspense.
Vengeance may be the key that brought the entire crew together again but this story also brought high octane tension, supportive family and, of course, love… Another great addition to the series!
The government made Chloe Wilson an explosives expert, trained to take out a target with a precise, controlled hit. But there’s nothing controlled about her current situation—or the danger coming after her. When a good-looking stranger is sent to watch her back, she’s not impressed. This mission is personal, and it’s liable to get her killed. The former Valkyrie can’t afford any mistakes or attachments, but this time she has no choice, and soon her new partner proves his worth.
One explosive situation.
When former Pararescueman Heath Barrett gets a call from his best friend asking him to keep tabs on a woman in danger, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. Far from a helpless civilian, Chloe holds him at knifepoint the first time they meet. She’s a deadly operative being hunted by lethal enemies and by the time he realizes the extent of the danger, it’s too late to walk away. Now they’re both targets, and he and Chloe must face the threat head on—and if they want to survive, they’ll have to do it together.
•••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is the second instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE romantic suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret CIA government project. This is explosive specialist and Valkyrie Chloe Wilson, and former para-jumper Heath Barrett’s story line. EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an ongoing arc throughout. The VENGEANCE series is a spin-off from the author’s HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but it is recommended to read DISAVOWED (Hostage Rescue Team #4).
SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, an unsanctioned, secret CIA run project ‘stole’, brainwashed and trained a number of orphan girls in an effort to design the perfect killing machine known as the Valkyrie. The project was disbanded but the Valkyrie have since found themselves targeted by someone high in the organization, someone who is willing to kill to protect the secrets they know. Deadly operatives trained to work alone, each a specialist in a different field, the Valkyrie struggle when they find themselves losing their heart and falling in love. Told from several third person perspectives including Chloe and Heath EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE follows the building relationship between explosive specialist and Valkyrie Chloe Wilson, and former para-jumper Heath Barrett. Chloe Wilson is determined to stop a human trafficking ring centered in Paris, France by first taking down Dominic Dubois, the current man in charge, but her love of pyro-technics has caught the eye of the women once known as the Valkyrie, women who are desperate to protect the sisters of their heart. After leaving a trail of death and destruction in her wake, Chloe journeys cross country in an effort to track down Dominic’s brother Guillaume, a man whose own crimes against humanity rivals his now dead brother’s. Hoping to protect one of their own, Tyler Bergstrom and his Valkyrie girlfriend Megan, call in reinforcements to cover our story line heroine. Enter former para-jumper Heath Barrett, and the man with whom Chloe will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Chloe and Heath; the potential fall-out as Chloe goes rogue in an effort to take down Guillaume Dubois, and Heath’s time in Europe comes to a close.
Chloe Wilson is on a mission to take down the men currently operating a human trafficking ring but first Chloe must rescue the women who are about to be sold to the highest bidder. Killing Dominic Dubois was easy but taking down his brother Guillaume finds Chloe working with her former Valkyrie sisters, woman Chloe hasn’t seen in a number of years. Heath Barrett had no idea the mess he was about to encounter when his best friend Tyler Bergstrom asked for a favor. Meeting Chloe Wilson stirred something deep and protective in our story line hero, something Heath refused to look at knowing he was about to be deployed on another mission.
The relationship between Chloe and Heath is one of immediate attraction but Chloe doesn’t want a babysitter or protection, and Heath struggles with a lack of information regarding his current assignment. Ever the protector, Heath battles between head and heart when it comes to the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Megan Smith and Tyler Bergstrom (Stealing Vengeance #1), Amber Brown and Jesse Cordova (Covert Vengeance #2), former SAS veteran Marcus Laidlaw, retired SF and NSA agent Alex Rycroft; former Valkyrie Trinity Durant, and Kyiomi; sex traffickers Dominic and Guillaume Dubois.
EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is a story of family, friendship, vengeance and love; a story of women who have been trained in the art of assassination, women who have little to no memory of a time before, who have lived an unconventional and destructive life. The premise is engaging and suspenseful; the characters are strong, intelligent and colorful; the romance is seductive and hot. EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is an intriguing and enthralling addition to the author’s VENGEANCE series.
Great read. These stories keep getting better and better. This is Chloe and Heath's story. Another great read, filled with action, hot loving and humorous moments. Enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next one! 4.5 stars*****
******I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley******
As the series goes on, for me personally the books get better and better and even more engrossing. Had a total girl crush with the female main character as crazy always attracts crazy. This book had non stop action exploding from the pages, and I couldn't get enough. My reviews have been really short for this series as I can't wait to dive immediately into the next book, this one is no different!
It took me 3.5 months to read this book which was partially due to real life and partially due to how boring it was for most of the book. I’m shocked by how well reviewed it is. Chloe is an explosives expert, and Heath is a former pararescueman. She’s reckless and used to working alone. She has a fun side, but her lack of thought in the moment for her teammates is potentially disastrous. I’ve liked other things by the author and I love the concept of this series but for some reason, the books haven’t hooked me. That said, the excerpt for the next book at the back of this one does interest me. So while I considered quitting this one and thought I’d never read anymore in this series, now I think I’ll try the next one. I hope it is better! I read the ebook. 2.5/5
Chloe Wilson, a Valkyrie like those we've met in the past and present (Briar, Georgia, Trinity, Megan, Amber and Kiyomi (COVERT VENGEANCE)). She was also a detonation expert, despite the program being shut down, she went out of her way to help those in needs especially women who were taken advantage of by some evildoers. On one her rescue missions, she figured out that there was a mole, someone gave the enemy her true identity and she was no longer safe in the place she was. She wanted to find out who the culprit was and she wouldn't stop until she find him/her. She just never expected her fellow Valkyries to reach out to her first in the form of a sexy as sin man who came to her rescue. He was there to keep her safe but she wasn't impressed plus she didn't have time for distractions.
Heath Barrett, a former Pararescueman and best friend of Tyler Bergstrom (STEALING VENGEANCE). When he received a call from the latter asking him to look after a woman in danger. He didn't know what he'd agreed to, the woman was badass and damn right crazy...His kind of crazy and he liked her.
She didn't want his help but he wasn't going to walk away especially not when there were some dangerous people after her. He updated her about what was really going on. The man she took out on her last rescue mission brother was gunning for Chloe. What he'd planned for her was inhuman and cruel.
Chloe had Heath, Megan, Ty and the rest of the Valkyries looking after hed six. She had one last job to do before she joined the rest of the team in UK. There was also movement regarding another Valkyrie named Eden, who was an expert in toxicology. Something went wrong on one of their ops and she lost one of her friends. She was devastated by Heath was by her side every step of the way.
EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is the third book in Kaylea Cross' VENGEANCE series. What a combustible, adventurous and fascinating ride. Magnificent job by Kaylea Cross. 5 Golden Stars!
P. S. Loved the bond that was forminv between Marcus and Kiyomi. Looking forward to what comes next! ;)
Chloe is a Valkyrie who is a specialist when it comes to incendiaries. Even though the group has disbanded she continues to work independently to help those who can’t help themselves. When her past actions place her in danger her fellow Valkyrie’s send Heath to protect her, but she isn’t about to give up her quest and refuses to leave and return to her friends.
When Heath agreed to help out a friend he didn’t expect that it would involve the most stubborn and determined woman that he has ever met. She is no damsel in distress and definitely doesn’t need a white knight.
This story takes you on a wild ride filled with intrigue, twists and action as two people who meet under the most trying of circumstances find a love that conquers all.
I am going to be heart broken when this series ends. I hope Kaylea finds a way to incorporate the Bitchilanties into another series or keep it going with awesome stories and a few missions here and there. It is suspenseful and romantic. Write On K!
Good writing but I find I get bored if the relationship progressing in a predictable way and the angst is barely there. I did like the sound of the dude with the dodgy leg and the girl he met in the garden maybe?
Another great read from Ms. Cross! I love the Valkyries women, but Chloe is such a badass woman. Like her "sisters", she is tough and great with her skills. Trained to be one of the best, Chloe, like the others, lead a solitary life. Up until recently, she worked alone.
The story picks up from the last book, where the rest of the remaining Valkyries are searching for the other women still out there. Chloe is on a mission to destroy the group responsible for women trafficking. She was able to locate the man responsible for the dirty business of selling women and to eliminate him from repeating such terrible crimes. Her explosives was able to achieve the goal, but also began a new chapter in her life. The man responsible for those crimes had a brother who is determined to seek revenge. In addition, her method was clearly heard loud enough to garner worldwide news and so the newly formed team of former Valkyries were able to locate her in France.
Heath Barrett, a former Pararescueman, was on vacation in Paris, when he gets contacted by his best friend Ty Bergstrom (Stealing Vengeance #1). Ty has been living in England with his new girlfriend, Megan. Ty had called in for a huge favor, to follow a woman and to keep her safe. Without getting into any details, Heath accepts since, Ty has saved his life plenty of times. What he thought was a simple favor, had brought Heath into a special op involving secret government teams, that involved women assassins and more intrigue than normal. The particular woman who he thought was a civilian, was actually a Valkyrie assassin.
I love the relationship between Chloe and Heath. She was used to working alone and not relying on anyone for help. Heath was also known to have tendencies to rescue others. They had so much in common, yet, different. I enjoyed the formation of trust and friendship between them from the beginning. The physical attraction was there, but the friendly banter and dialogue was entertaining to watch.
The story is action packed and fast paced. Like previous books, this one did not disappoint. Both main characters balanced each other out and their romance was a good simmer, before it hit boiling point. Loved Chloe and Heath!
kickass heroine, tough hero, full of action and suspense. and not to forget the friendship and beautiful and not so forceful romance
Chloe, one of the remaining Valkyrie with specific skill in explosion and demolition. Hard headed, tough chick, no nonsense, a good operative with a soft spot for the people who can't defend themselves. Meets Heath a PJ, security contractor and a Boy Scout. He join the PJ to help others and save lives. Such a kind-hearted man but will not hesitates to use his gun in needed.
They never in a such a serious relationship because Chloe wouldn't allow attachment and Heath doesn't believe in long commitment. When they meet, all change. Heath admires Chloe's purpose to save the captured woman and vows to always has her back. At first, Chloe doesn't like it because she always operates solo and never been had a team to watch her back.
Slowly, they open up and surrender into their feelings for each other. However, she holding back because Heath has to go to Syria for a job.
Chloe with the team's helps, successfully freed the victims and killed the criminal and she finally accepted their offer to join the team. She is the firecracker with lots of energy and sometimes lets the emotion ruled her which cause some damage and Heath is there to knock some sense into her and calm her. They are such a compatible couple.
I need more Chloe and Heath. It's not enough. They're flirting is so cute and refreshing. Behind the tough as nail characteristics, they need each other to keep themselves safe and do the mission together.
definitely my favourite series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have mixed feeling about this book. I always love Kaylea Cross’ books, even her second chance stories (I’m not fond of second chance stories). This book, like her other books, was full of action, with thoughtful theme. Her way of storytelling was also impeccable, as usual. However, I found myself not rooted for the heroine, and the heroine character is always the biggest part of my consideration for book rating. Yes, Chloe was a strong woman, a very skilled one. And as she was trained to work alone, she worked best by herself. But! Her action was bordered on thoughtless. I mean, as a skilled, ruthless, government-made assassin, some of her actions were not reflecting that. A more level-headed actions would be more suitable for her upbringing I think. Other than that, the book was great.
I was provided a complimentary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
Explosive is the right title for this one, certainly a few big bangs at certain points. Great characters and a twisted plot keep this a nonstop action read. Lots of suspense as well as some hot steamy moments. Chloe struggles with the team aspect of working with and planning the ops, to the point she nearly ends up getting people hurt that shouldn't, not just herself. I felt for Heath as he got pulled in knowing nothing, then with sparks and chemistry finds himself involved in a whole lot more than just following someone. Exciting and enjoying the little clues and interest that slowly slip in to continue into the next book. These women are strong but also very vulnerable due to the way they have been raised and more or less alone their whole lives, designed to be without feelings almost and certainly no attachments to other people or belongings, that's tough enough without always working on one op or another. Can't wait to see where this goes in the next one.
Heath and Chloe/Twitch/Bam Bam. What a couple. Their meeting was hilarious. I love they didn’t know it trust the other and how she took charge to get answers. The story has some sad moments and horrifying moments with human trafficking, but also some great moments of sisterhood, friendship and love. The story focused on Chloe and Heath, but we also got time with Megan and Tyler, Amber and Trinity. Jesse and Marcus are mentioned and so are Rycoft and two other Valkyrie but they are not a staple to the story. The ending was cute and I can’t wait to see what else comes out of the Bitchilanties teaming up 😂
I have to say I have loved the Vengeance Series since book one. I was super excited to read about Chloe since Megan mentioned her so much in her book. That being said this is one of the books I struggled with the most. I struggled with liking Chloe for a couple chapters which had me putting off reading this book for some time.
Chloe is a Valkryie on the run but that hasn't prevented her from seeking justice for women who need it. She's been working hard to try and take out the big spenders in human trafficking. After taking out one of the heavy hitters she has to go on the run and ends up running into Heath, one of Ty's closest friends.
Heath is supposed to be on vacation when he gets a call from his best-friend asking him to track down a woman. Said woman almost cuts off his junk, breaks his phone, and gets him hunted by a big-time crime lord. I'm sure you can imagine how he fell in love.
Chloe and Heath were fun to read about after I got over the first couple of chapters that snagged me. I loved it when reading about all of them working with the other Valkyries. I was definitely rooting for them and couldn't wait to see is Chloe got to kill the guy after her.
Very good writing. I greatly enjoyed this story despite the rocky start.
OMG!! She has a one track mind when it comes 2 vengeance but it's soooo worth it after everything that happened 2 those innocents and her friend. Those 2 fuckin g assholes deserved much more but they got what they deserved. Even though he was just doing a small favor 4 his friend he managed 2 get so wrapped up that he was willing 2 do anything 2 help her and keep her as his. She was scared about her feelings but they all realized that it's finally time 2 change their lives 4 the better, etc.
Chole and Heath explode with passion from the time they met until the last pages of this story. Like Chole an explosives expert trained by the government, she is fearless and without Heath looking out for her she would be in more danger than she usually is. Another good book in the series and adds to the Valkyries looking for who is their traitor. A good book if you have read the other books. I received this book from Netgalley.com
But, bring on four and five! I absolutely love these kick ass women warriors! Because regardless of the government did, they are not simple assassins! They are absolutely,, kick-ass warriors! Love these books, loved all your books but truly love The Valkyrie's! Bring on four and five!
This group of women are so badass it makes the word seem feeble. On their own they are one of a kind, looking danger in the eye without even flinching. Together they are dynamic, undefeatable, Toxic. Can't wait to read that one! It's waiting for me in my library, so here goes nothing!! Love you Kaylea.
Oh My Goodness, Chloe! 💣💥 She's explosive, headstrong, stubborn & impatient! The opening scene where she creeps behind Heath & stuns him is one of the best Intros u'll ever get! 😂 Fitting that she was an explosive expert! The way she killed her targets were like Stun Grenades & Flash Bangs 🔟 times exploding! 🌋👏👌 My Favorite Valkyrie! 💚💃 Chloe, The Stun-Gun! 🔪🗡🔫
Explosive is right. I think this is the best book in the series so far. I adore Chole and Heath. She is so twitchy, wild and funny to his calm, cool and Boy Scout ways. I hit all the emotional points with this book and loved every minute. I love the cast of characters for this series. They are so interesting and unique. The plot was current but interesting. I can’t wait for the next.
OK, so Chloe, she’s a character. I absolutely love her.
As much as Heath is a boy scout, Chloe is the exact opposite and she doesn’t take any gruff. I mean, none of the Valkyries do, but Chloe is in a league of her own.
Each book in this series just gets better and better. Lots of things are uncovered in this book, so I don’t want to spoil anything. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
I like all of the Valkyries . Chloe and Heath? They were explosive e on their first meet. Chloe made him so mad. Heath stuck out the favor to Ty and sat on Chloe as much as possible. Her heart breaking during a rough mission. Her love of her friends and Heath.
Kaylea Cross crafts some of the most engaging romantic suspense sto6out there. The Vengeance series is page-turning, have-to-buy-the-next book riveting. This is book 3 and I'm about to buy book 4.