Fortune's Soldier

Shadow Ops #1

by Sarah Luddington

Fortune is a fickle bastard for a soldier, Luke Sinclair knows that more than most.

As a Special Forces Operative he finished his career with an elite British black ops department in Military Intelligence. As tough as it had been, Luke loved his job and his partner, Sam Locke. Sam had once been a US Navy SEAL.

Being a mercenary gives Luke freedom of movement even if he cannot escape his memories.

When their world fell apart, Luke thought he would never see Sam again, until they are recalled to London and sent to Syria. They must transport the one person able to finish tearing them apart. A terrorist who destroyed their lives. Luke and Sam fight to save the world from imminent destruction and fight just as hard for each other.

From the deserts of Syria the men chase a nuclear bomb and weaponised virus through Armenia and into Russia, finding so much more than revenge on the way.

This is a military gay romance with a high death count, torture (not BDSM), and a lot of action.

Genres: M M Romance, Military Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, LGBT

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2019

About the author

Sarah 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

Reviews

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 2 out of 5]

***2.5 Stars***

Seems like I have a knack for picking up B-movie scripts lately... :(

I really liked the beginning and I especially liked the idea of two aged heroes who aren't at the top of their game anymore and freely admit it.

What I didn't like is to be thrown smackdown into the middle of a story that gave me a feeling I should have read book #1 first, only that there is no book #1. Yep, I actually searched for it because I was convinced there had to be one and oblivious-me just missed it.

The characters, even if I liked and felt for them for what they went through, were a bit too inconsistent for me, especially Sam. The mood swings from playing action-hero over freaking out to acting peaceful, playful and chilled only to start all over again, gave me whiplash. Maybe this should indicate PTSD, but I didn't really buy it.

The editing could have been better and the stunts these guys pulled would have made James Bond and Ethan Hunt (Mission Impossible) green with envy... ;-)

It's really a shame I didn't like it more since this story had my name written all over it. :( After considering a DNF multiple times, I'm still glad I finished it to see Luke and Sam getting some peace after all.

I'm going with the Goodreads rating of 2 stars, saying it was okay. *shrugs*

[Teal]

This is, not a review since I didn't actually read it just the sample but a note, to myself to remind me that the author's inability to use punctuation correctly especially commas renders her, prose unreadable. I only made it, through about a third of the sample before my head hurt so, badly I had to give up.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one by an author that is brand new to me. I can't say if the military process is accurate, but I did enjoy it. I think this is more of an action oriented with a strong romantic theme than a romance. I would've liked to see more of the past between the MCS, as this was also a second chance romance. I feel like it would've added a depth to the relationship storyline. I wanted to see how they met, and even when and where it fell apart. The ONE thing that was missing for me was a much needed epilogue! These two go through more shit than anyone should in a lifetime! I wanted a concrete HEA. It really would've left me more satisfied. I will be looking out for more from this author.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the prequel before the novel, it will make it so much better! This had me practically teary.

Reading free prequel! https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...

4.5 action packed stars

This won’t be everyone’s choice as a vehicle for romance but it was sure as hell mine! Military mercenaries/assassins, doing the world’s dirty work behind the scenes is the plot with middle-aged Luke and Sam as lovers to enemies to second chance lovers. Discovering the backstory of their initial romance isn’t easy as details only unfold slowly over the course of their adventures. It made the super-fast shift from enemies back to lovers hard to believe and gave a less than smooth start to the narrative. I think a prologue or prequel might have helped a lot. I still fell into it quickly with non-stop action all the way through beginning with Luke sweating it out over a kill. Gritty details along with military strategizing, descriptions of various ordnance and throwing them in the deep end of geopolitical machinations, made settings and situations feel realistic, even if some were highly improbable.

Luke and Sam’s superiors and handlers are all female too, ruthless, scary intelligent and just as prepared to go boots on the ground when needed. I love a strong female character! I will say, these guys were more resilient than I’d expect from dudes in their late forties or even if they were in their 20’s in some instances because they go through the wringer more than once in a relatively short period of time. There are some incredibly hot sex scenes squeezed into their downtime where they also have the conversations allowing me to feel the chemistry between them and become invested in their successful future. I’m hoping that this may be the first of a series, or a duology at least! I want more of these guys as a couple when they aren’t under the gun. I feel like the ending hints at it. I’d still recommend it to the military action buffs like me.

*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*

[PaperMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably not as a good a read as the second book of the series (which I've obviously read earlier) ... the best thing that can be said is the pacing - which is set on a relentless go-go-go speed. The MC's acrimonious backstory does not match their sexual reunion which happened with alacrity. Readers should also be warned there is a tremendous amount of violence, gore and death in amongst the sexual tension and M-M couplings. SO I'm not sure if I would move onto #3 of the series now - 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Luddington is amazing

First time I have read a book from this Author. I wish I was great with words to express how great the writing is. The mc's felt real, it wasnt about being gorgeous, sexy, fantastic, rich, poor. It was about war and two men being together.
Didnt like it was only Lukes POV you really needed Sam's. But the story, the facts and the characters were fantastic.
Sam wow how tragic and I loved (well not loved) how he had scars, he didnt go through what he did and was just normal like most books.
So saying all that you did need Sams pov, there pass was brushed over, you needed more. Who was Chelsea to Sam? Why did Luke have to say sorry to Sam, what Sam did was beyond forgivable and no matter they write it, Luke never has to apologise (I struggled with this the most).
But a brilliant real story of war and a love so beautiful (if you ignore what Sam did).

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading these book out of order. I first read the prequel, then book 3 and now book 1. Not that it really matters, but maybe it would have been better.😁

I love revisiting Luke and Sam, they've already been through a lot in their prequel and this one isn't much better.

After having split up five years prior, they're thrown back together to get back a nuke and stop a virus. The love between them hasn't gone away, it's still there and this time they are willing to fight for it. I like that there was any drama made out of that. Both MC are older than the average MC's in other books, and maybe that was the reason.

Of course the mission doesn't go smoothly, there's a lot of action, a lot of violence and some on page torture. But off course there's also the happy ending.

I really like military themed stories and will definitely start on book 2 now.

[DarcLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone, but not forgotten

Former British Sergeant turned assassin Luke Sinclair never thought he'd see the love of his life and the man who betrayed him ever again. When he and Sergeant Samuel Locke are asked by a secret British Intelligence Unit to retrieve someone with intel the British Government needs all the old feelings resurface. Neither man is the same, both have demons to vanquish. But with a Nuke and a Virus at play they need to reconcile the past. And maybe things weren't so cut and dried between them.

This enthralling Free Kindle Unlimited story features two strong military men who are more than a little bit broken. Filled with a lot of emotion and action I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

I love military stories and the soldiers in them. Sam and Luke’s story hit all my buttons. After breaking up for several years, they are reunited for one last job which turns into a couple of jobs but their love for one another is on the front burner. I found myself sobbing on the injustice of their separation and what led to it. GAH, my heart!

This action packed drama had me on pins and needles. War is messy and sometimes the lines are blurred between good guys and bad guys but in this tale I new who the good guys were which had me giving Luke and Sam 5 stars.

[Jacquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Written! Lots of laugh with Some Tears

This was my first book by Sarah and now I want to devour every book she has written. I found myself laughing and then the next page in tears. Not once did I found myself bored even during the tactical strategizing...Loved every minute of this book.

[Alzhis Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this!

This is one of my Fav now! It touched me so much. The whole of this story and the characters are amazing!!

[Daniel Brehm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read....

What a really good read. I would have given it 5 stars, butthurt ending feels a bit unresolved. Great plot, great characters, and a great story.

[Chaton noir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great m/m story hot sex, exciting military story. Reminds me of Aleksander Voinov, on of my favorite authors for this genre.

Definitely would recommend to others an read again.

[Doug Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her writing isn't great, but the story is engaging, and you can tell she did research on military style weapons because she uses them often.

[Sofia Boquist]

DNF@ page 62

Nothing wrong with it, if you want to read it go read it. But o got way to little time to read through just another mediocre romance.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, they loved each other, but one decision changed everything. Will Sam and Luke find their love worth saving? Will they make it out of the mission together and alive?

I loved how despite the hurt and time between these two, they worked like a well oiled machine. I do wish they had gone a little bit further into Sam's childhood just so we could understand why he was afraid of commitment, but I loved how he laid it all on the line with how he felt about Luke. I didn't blame Luke for being hesitant at first, but loved how despite everything he couldn't help wanting to protect and love Sam. Good read!

[Anja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Same ans Luke have a history and the two of them are not quite happy to be put together in a mission, that could turn out bad... It's a very fast paced story you need to concentrate to keep up to. Like a scavanger-hunt. Both of them seem to have a weak streak towards each other which doesn't quite fit a soldier, but they're only human too.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 🌟

Two things kept me from giving this a full 5 🌟 rating.

• There are a few awkward sentences, but nothing that can't be understood.
• The ease of the "start" of this second chance romance: it was just too easy IMO.

However, this is an action packed, politically charged, story about two "retired" special forces operatives who are getting up in years; at least for combat situations. I absolutely love the fact that the MCs are middle-aged men; there are not enough stories, especially highly action packed, that are not centered around young soldiers in their prime. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the storyline flows smoothly.

Luke has been working as a merc for the past five years. He is very successful, and is very selective about the jobs he accepts. But, he is miserable. He doesn't sleep, and the one offs just aren't satisfying.

When a cryptic job comes in, Luke's curiosity gets the better of him. However, when he realizes who is involved, his first instincts tell him to turn it down flat. But, when he calms down, and Sam agrees to take the insane job, he knows he will never let Sam face this demon alone.

One thing after another goes wrong on their mission, and multiple government agencies are after their goal. But, as soon as one mission seems to end, the two men and their new ally, Ibbi, get roped into yet another highly dangerous situation. Eventually, Luke has to bring in his contact who has her hands a little less clean than the boss they serve.

There are some serious situations where both MC's lives are in mortal danger; more so than in the actual mission parameters. Luke faces imminent death when a plan goes wrong, and Sam faces the things that haunt his mind when they are overwhelmed by enemy forces another time. Both men suffer tremendously from PTSD, and every step forward battles with a moment from the past.

Through all of the political intrigues, religious warfare, and extreme danger involved, our MCs pull through together and finally get to have a time for reunion, healing, and peace. They walk into their future and their own HEA.

Happy reading!

* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I can’t read more of her books. We have a story of a British special forces operative turned pay for hire mercenary, Luke and Sam an ex seal. 5 years previously, Sam broke Luke’s heart and betrayed him in the worst possible way. When they are thrown back together for a mission to get the person that was the catalyst for what happened that night, there is anger, hurt and a little bit of hate. We have a really good second chance story set in the desert of Syria while tracking down said person, trying to get their hands on a deadly virus, nuclear weapon and trying to stay alive. There was some very scary moments when I was for sure our MCs were not going to make it. My biggest issue is that the book needed an epilogue as we needed to see them in their strong HEA after all these two went through.

ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.

[Ana Nimity · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrill ride from start to finish!
I love action-adventure romance, and this book delivers. Yes, there's a good bit of suspension of disbelief but I do that whenever I pick up a book anyway.

I enjoyed the twist to the second chance trope and appreciated that while there is some hot sex, the MCs don't go overboard with it and stretch credulity too far. There's surprisingly sweet romance as well as fun banter along with the action that ratchets up tension with every chapter. This was my first time reading Sarah Luddington's work. There are a few grammatical issues but don't let them distract you - this story is too much fun to miss. I look forward to reading more of this subgenre from her.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Luke, soldiers, partners in love and war. Till Sam makes a mistake and tears them apart. Five years later they are tasked with another mission together. Getting through it is hell but getting another chance at being together makes it worth everything they have to do.

I know nothing about ordnance so can’t speak to the authenticity of that part of the book. But the writing was well done and I will be looking for more from this author.

I love action books, throw in a couple of snarky, seriously hot soldiers and it’s bound to be a hit with me.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic, action packed, fast paced, intense, gripping, gritty, fascinating, slow burning, raw, adrenaline soaked, taut, tension filled, powerful, and totally awesome tale hit the ground running and never slowed down. It's filled with mystery, mayhem, terrorists, betrayal, badass female bosses, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers again, mercenaries, chases, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster. IMHO, this new-to-me author gives authors like L.T. Ryan and Tom Clancy a real run for the money.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is action packed from the beginning all the way to the last pages of the book. If you love a good solider story this one is for you. Two strong alpha characters come together to make a go of it again. Not only do you have a little second chance romance, you have some gay-for-you telling. I also love that some of the side characters are strong as hell women too. I hope this author writes more as this book had me gripped and quickly turning pages to see what came next!

[Maria771 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Lukecand Sam. This is a first time author for me and I would read her again. I would definitely suggest that you read the prequel first before you read this book. The author takes you on an incredible adventure. It is very descriptive and has a real feeling to it even though somevofvthe stunts are unbelievable. Loved the age of them. Geat read.

I received this book as an Arc and I am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Mak · Rating 2 out of 5]

The relationship part was good, at least until the camp in Syria, then it got repetitive. The plot was preposterous and did not keep my interest. Also, how about an epilogue further in the future? They initially split due to consequences of PTSD, then they go through events that would trigger and advance their PTSD, but now we are supposed to believe a HEA. It would be more interesting to read about how they dealt with things. Finally, I did not care for most of the secondary characters.

[Violet Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling book with good writing. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters intriguing. The characters were developed and thought out. Luke and Sam are the MC’s of this book. It wasn’t a perfect book, but I can recommend it as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody hell, what a book

Sarah luddington has done for special ops what she so brilliantly did for the knights of Camelot. A brilliant read with interesting characters you care about from chapter one. Can't wait for book 2 ( hint hint).

[Av · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grand yarn and a big romance.

Sarah's work is always good but this one is special. Just loved these guys and I felt I was with them every step of the way.