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Shadow Ops #3
Final Play: Shadow Ops Charlie
Workplace bullying can cripple the best of people, but for a soldier, it can be the difference between life and death.
Nick Wilde, an embattled SAS soldier, finds Gabriel Cabrera, a former US Ranger, hanging by his wrists in a terrorist camp in Myanmar.
Their first battle is surviving the jungle when they are abandoned by Nick’s homophobic commanding officer and his team.
Their second battle is to survive Jupiter Section. The blackest of black ops US organisations. The small UK covert group Unit Twelve use the skill and bond of both men to fight and try to bring down Jupiter Section and save both the US and UK governments.
The final battle is how the men survive the aftermath of this conflict and learn to live with the terrible consequences.
An MM military romance with tough men who are broken and reformed by their experiences. Only love can draw them into the future they both crave – a future of peace.
Nick Wilde, an embattled SAS soldier, finds Gabriel Cabrera, a former US Ranger, hanging by his wrists in a terrorist camp in Myanmar.
Their first battle is surviving the jungle when they are abandoned by Nick’s homophobic commanding officer and his team.
Their second battle is to survive Jupiter Section. The blackest of black ops US organisations. The small UK covert group Unit Twelve use the skill and bond of both men to fight and try to bring down Jupiter Section and save both the US and UK governments.
The final battle is how the men survive the aftermath of this conflict and learn to live with the terrible consequences.
An MM military romance with tough men who are broken and reformed by their experiences. Only love can draw them into the future they both crave – a future of peace.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2020
14 people are currently reading
88 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 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 10, 2020
❤ A fantastic dramatic start to the book to get me glued. If you love reading a great military action romance this one is worth the read. The book is the 3rd of the series and can be read as a standalone. Like the second book Ultimate Sanction this includes never a dull moment with the story with characters in action.
includes a jungle of hell, tortured solider with scenes briefly described, gay & Bi curios, and more. Gabe and Nick need each other although Gabe's mind is altered from him being in prisoner but is skimmed over. But the story of Gabriel is one of more meets the eye and secrets he tolds may bring down a bad group of people. Yah Maddox is spitting chips over lossing Angel. (sorry youll have to read this to understand) Nick and Gabe form a bond after saving Gabe's life but the test would be what happens after being rescued.. The book is mostly featured with Nicks story although Gabe's includes of his sercet job objectives tale. High dramas near the ending where there in a battle with bad guys and things get hairy. This has an ending with a fantastic surprise for a mopey Nick and all ends well.
Nick from the BSAS rescues a man hanging by chains against orders. Gabriel an Ranger was in bad shape but they neeeded to flee to freedom.
includes a jungle of hell, tortured solider with scenes briefly described, gay & Bi curios, and more. Gabe and Nick need each other although Gabe's mind is altered from him being in prisoner but is skimmed over. But the story of Gabriel is one of more meets the eye and secrets he tolds may bring down a bad group of people. Yah Maddox is spitting chips over lossing Angel. (sorry youll have to read this to understand) Nick and Gabe form a bond after saving Gabe's life but the test would be what happens after being rescued.. The book is mostly featured with Nicks story although Gabe's includes of his sercet job objectives tale. High dramas near the ending where there in a battle with bad guys and things get hairy. This has an ending with a fantastic surprise for a mopey Nick and all ends well.
Nick from the BSAS rescues a man hanging by chains against orders. Gabriel an Ranger was in bad shape but they neeeded to flee to freedom.
July 3, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I was immediately drawn into the story.
This story is fast paced and action packed as Nick and Gabe are in for the fight for their lives.
I like the way they worked together and supported each other through challenging times.
Great writing that had you believing in these guys and the connection they are trying to build throughout their journey to safety.
Strong and vulnerable, Gabe and Nick are slowly building trust as their story progresses.
I was hugely invested in the outcome of the story and was begging for them to get the hea they deserve.
I read it in one sitting and stayed up far later than I should have, I just couldn't stop till I got to the end.
Happily recommend.
This story is fast paced and action packed as Nick and Gabe are in for the fight for their lives.
I like the way they worked together and supported each other through challenging times.
Great writing that had you believing in these guys and the connection they are trying to build throughout their journey to safety.
Strong and vulnerable, Gabe and Nick are slowly building trust as their story progresses.
I was hugely invested in the outcome of the story and was begging for them to get the hea they deserve.
I read it in one sitting and stayed up far later than I should have, I just couldn't stop till I got to the end.
Happily recommend.
January 28, 2021
Military action
I enjoyed the majority of this, since strong military action-adventure is always a favorite. The author went a little over the top with poor Nick at the crisis point, I thought. Bisexual awakening scenario was atypical with the circumstances Gabe faced, and handled well. Got rather shmoopy-sweet but a nice HEA.
I enjoyed the majority of this, since strong military action-adventure is always a favorite. The author went a little over the top with poor Nick at the crisis point, I thought. Bisexual awakening scenario was atypical with the circumstances Gabe faced, and handled well. Got rather shmoopy-sweet but a nice HEA.
July 3, 2020
As always, this author draws me into the story with incredible world and character development, an eloquent way of writing characters' thoughts and dialogue, and detailed elements that show the amount of research and/or knowledge they have about the subject matter of the book. This being said, if you aren't a fan of military action/suspense, the use of acronyms and euphemisms might leave you a bit flustered.
In this third book, the story is told from Nick's POV. Nick is in the SAS, but is having a hard term due to a homophobic officer and the lack of support from his team. The plot kicks off with a black op mission in Myanmar, but things change for Nick when he hears someone singing down a tunnel. Thankfully for Gabriel, Nick chose rescue rather than blindly following orders, even knowing the consequences.
Gabe is an American Army Ranger turned CIA agent. He had been assigned to a specific team, but then doubt started creeping into his thoughts regarding his/their actions. Eventually, he became a liability, and the rest led him into Nick's path.
Constant action fills the pages. Running through unfamiliar jungle terrain with hostiles at their back, leading inevitably to a meeting with Colonel Brandt from Unit 12. Then, the race is on again to best a different enemy before it's too late. There are significant injuries incurred during this battle, and once the danger has passed, angst and heartache take the stage for a time.
This story hits on some issues that LGBT+ people might face in the military at any time. It also focuses on the damage that bullying, or "teasing," can leave on an otherwise strong person's psyche. There is some PTSD from the early events of Gabe's involvement in the plotline, but not nearly as much as I would have expected.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and series. However, in my opinion, the romance between Nick and Gabe came a little too swiftly and without too many complications during their journey, especially knowing Gabe's history and traumas. It is a beautiful thing to watch; it is just one of those suspend reality moments for me. I guess that's why it's called fiction. In the end, our MCs finally get the chance to go after their own happily ever after.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
In this third book, the story is told from Nick's POV. Nick is in the SAS, but is having a hard term due to a homophobic officer and the lack of support from his team. The plot kicks off with a black op mission in Myanmar, but things change for Nick when he hears someone singing down a tunnel. Thankfully for Gabriel, Nick chose rescue rather than blindly following orders, even knowing the consequences.
Gabe is an American Army Ranger turned CIA agent. He had been assigned to a specific team, but then doubt started creeping into his thoughts regarding his/their actions. Eventually, he became a liability, and the rest led him into Nick's path.
Constant action fills the pages. Running through unfamiliar jungle terrain with hostiles at their back, leading inevitably to a meeting with Colonel Brandt from Unit 12. Then, the race is on again to best a different enemy before it's too late. There are significant injuries incurred during this battle, and once the danger has passed, angst and heartache take the stage for a time.
This story hits on some issues that LGBT+ people might face in the military at any time. It also focuses on the damage that bullying, or "teasing," can leave on an otherwise strong person's psyche. There is some PTSD from the early events of Gabe's involvement in the plotline, but not nearly as much as I would have expected.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and series. However, in my opinion, the romance between Nick and Gabe came a little too swiftly and without too many complications during their journey, especially knowing Gabe's history and traumas. It is a beautiful thing to watch; it is just one of those suspend reality moments for me. I guess that's why it's called fiction. In the end, our MCs finally get the chance to go after their own happily ever after.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
July 5, 2020
Nick and his team's mission in the jungle of Myanmar didn't include saving an American prisoner. That wasn't reason enough for Nick to leave the man behind, even if it meant being abandoned himself. Nick's commander had no qualms about that, as a matter of fact, he seemed all too happy with the thought that his soldier might not make it alive. Why? Because Nick was gay. What broke my heart, though, was Nick's resignation, his acceptance of the idea of his team members not having a problem with his possible death. Later on the story would reveal that Nick has suffered through years of bullying and discrimination. A hateful treatment that, on one hand, shattered his self esteem but on the other, strengthened his resolve to prove his worth.
This strength of his was one of the reasons I became completely enamored with Nick. He also had the gentlest of souls in a big, combat roughened body, and, altough torn by insecurities he was the bravest and the most giving, even in situations where he risked his own life. He proved it mainly when he chose to save Gabriel, the American, and subsequently all through their trials in the jungle. I have to say, Nick and Gabriel's experience was so much more than just survival. They almost didn't make it more than once, but the wonderful thing the author did was to interweave the suspenseful moments with ones filled with confessions and companionship, with instants when the two men shared a deep connection.
Feelings started to develop between them, strong and breathtaking. Nick and Gabriel together filled my heart with fuzzies, they were just so perfect for each other. Sadly, they shared a bond that, seen only from Nick's POV, seemed to have the finishing date of their salvation. He was maybe right when the jungle situation proved to be just the first of their hurdles. Their relationship has definitely put to the test and I feared they wouldn't get their happily ever after.
I admit this is the first book I read in this series. I know ,it's the last one, so it's kinda wrong. Fact is, Final Play is just so fast moving, suspenseful and the romance so wonderfully written that now I'm completely intrigued by the other installments and their characters. And maybe when I finish those I'll do a reread of Final Play, because I really, really loved it.
This strength of his was one of the reasons I became completely enamored with Nick. He also had the gentlest of souls in a big, combat roughened body, and, altough torn by insecurities he was the bravest and the most giving, even in situations where he risked his own life. He proved it mainly when he chose to save Gabriel, the American, and subsequently all through their trials in the jungle. I have to say, Nick and Gabriel's experience was so much more than just survival. They almost didn't make it more than once, but the wonderful thing the author did was to interweave the suspenseful moments with ones filled with confessions and companionship, with instants when the two men shared a deep connection.
Feelings started to develop between them, strong and breathtaking. Nick and Gabriel together filled my heart with fuzzies, they were just so perfect for each other. Sadly, they shared a bond that, seen only from Nick's POV, seemed to have the finishing date of their salvation. He was maybe right when the jungle situation proved to be just the first of their hurdles. Their relationship has definitely put to the test and I feared they wouldn't get their happily ever after.
I admit this is the first book I read in this series. I know ,it's the last one, so it's kinda wrong. Fact is, Final Play is just so fast moving, suspenseful and the romance so wonderfully written that now I'm completely intrigued by the other installments and their characters. And maybe when I finish those I'll do a reread of Final Play, because I really, really loved it.
July 10, 2020
I really liked this book. It kept me involved from start to finish. Nick Wilde goes on a mission with his team and homophobic commander. As he was completing the mission, he finds Gabriel Cabrera, a captive hanging by his writs in a hole. Even though his mission was completed, Nick ignored his commander’s order to move out and leave Gabriel in the hole, Nick refused and frees Gabriel. Nick's refusal to follow orders, left him stranded and on his own.
This was no surprise to Nick, with years of bullying by his commanding officer and team, Nick expected his team to betray him. Now, he needs to get himself and Gabe out of the jungle and back to safety. To do this, they need to survive the jungle and keep one step ahead of the terrorists hunting them. But after surviving the jungle, they have to face yet another obstacle, a corrupt black op organization determined to stop Gabe from spilling secrets.
The feelings growing between Nick and Gabe will need to survive this additional battle as well as the physical and psychological damages inflicted on Gabe during his captivity and a lifetime of psychological damage to Nick’s self-confidence and self-worth. Can their love survive all these forces working against them?
I really liked this story and the only thing I wished for was more about Nick and Gabe once they found their way back to each other. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series and more from Sarah Luddington. I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion.
This was no surprise to Nick, with years of bullying by his commanding officer and team, Nick expected his team to betray him. Now, he needs to get himself and Gabe out of the jungle and back to safety. To do this, they need to survive the jungle and keep one step ahead of the terrorists hunting them. But after surviving the jungle, they have to face yet another obstacle, a corrupt black op organization determined to stop Gabe from spilling secrets.
The feelings growing between Nick and Gabe will need to survive this additional battle as well as the physical and psychological damages inflicted on Gabe during his captivity and a lifetime of psychological damage to Nick’s self-confidence and self-worth. Can their love survive all these forces working against them?
I really liked this story and the only thing I wished for was more about Nick and Gabe once they found their way back to each other. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series and more from Sarah Luddington. I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion.
July 10, 2020
Powerful and suspenseful M/M romance – nothing comes easily…
This story is told by Nick Wilde who is in the British Special Air Service (SAS) like the US Special Forces units. He’s a big man, ugly in his mind, very capable but not liked in his unit because he is also gay. His CO (Commanding Officer) is homophobic so puts Nick in the “front” in almost every battle or conflict. Nick puts up with it b/c he thinks that is what is expected of him. On one of the SAS search and destroy missions, Nick finds a man hanging by his hands in one of the tunnels. He chooses to release him which starts a chain of events that neither he nor his “rescuee” could have imagined. Gabe who was rescued by Nick is an American, former Army Ranger and on a clandestine mission for a black ops organization.
The things these two men go through to get home will boggle your mind but in the course of all this they find an affinity they did not expect especially since Gabe is supposed to be straight. Their past lives influence their reactions to each other and the situations they come against. The beginning of chapter 25 nearly broke my heart. I wasn’t all that happy with the insinuation of politics in some parts of the book. Although the ending is beautiful, everyone does not come out unscathed.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it is recommended for those who enjoy spine-tingling suspense and M/M romance with not too many explicit scenes. I give it 4.5 riveting stars.
This story is told by Nick Wilde who is in the British Special Air Service (SAS) like the US Special Forces units. He’s a big man, ugly in his mind, very capable but not liked in his unit because he is also gay. His CO (Commanding Officer) is homophobic so puts Nick in the “front” in almost every battle or conflict. Nick puts up with it b/c he thinks that is what is expected of him. On one of the SAS search and destroy missions, Nick finds a man hanging by his hands in one of the tunnels. He chooses to release him which starts a chain of events that neither he nor his “rescuee” could have imagined. Gabe who was rescued by Nick is an American, former Army Ranger and on a clandestine mission for a black ops organization.
The things these two men go through to get home will boggle your mind but in the course of all this they find an affinity they did not expect especially since Gabe is supposed to be straight. Their past lives influence their reactions to each other and the situations they come against. The beginning of chapter 25 nearly broke my heart. I wasn’t all that happy with the insinuation of politics in some parts of the book. Although the ending is beautiful, everyone does not come out unscathed.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it is recommended for those who enjoy spine-tingling suspense and M/M romance with not too many explicit scenes. I give it 4.5 riveting stars.
July 4, 2020
A very well written military gay romance. Finished it in one go.
That was very well done! This is my first book of this author and I never thought one could find a truly epic love story filled with moments of tender love, intense emotions and swoon-worthy romance in a story line that is centered around fast paced action and escapades.
Color me all shades of wrong. This one was a true treat right from the word go.
Told entirely from Nick's POV, the story traces the tribulations and adventures of Nick and Gabriel- an US Ranger that Nick saves during a drug cartel bust, as they escape from the riot groups in Myanmar and battle their way through murky forest terrain. In the process the duo form an unshakeable bond as they bare their insecurities and vulnerabilities.Two strong, gritty men who find solace in each other. I loved the way the author wrote their budding romance.
A brilliantly executed plot with good writing that complements the fast paced nature of this story.
If you are looking for some good military action, this one has it all- action, thrill, romance, angst and hurt comfort (*yum yum*).
Will be catching up on the rest of the works in this series. ARC received in exchange for a honest review
That was very well done! This is my first book of this author and I never thought one could find a truly epic love story filled with moments of tender love, intense emotions and swoon-worthy romance in a story line that is centered around fast paced action and escapades.
Color me all shades of wrong. This one was a true treat right from the word go.
Told entirely from Nick's POV, the story traces the tribulations and adventures of Nick and Gabriel- an US Ranger that Nick saves during a drug cartel bust, as they escape from the riot groups in Myanmar and battle their way through murky forest terrain. In the process the duo form an unshakeable bond as they bare their insecurities and vulnerabilities.Two strong, gritty men who find solace in each other. I loved the way the author wrote their budding romance.
|"I knew falling in love with a man so damaged presented me with an ocean to swim but I couldn’t help it, his broken heart called to me – a siren song even with all the inherent dangers."|
A brilliantly executed plot with good writing that complements the fast paced nature of this story.
If you are looking for some good military action, this one has it all- action, thrill, romance, angst and hurt comfort (*yum yum*).
Will be catching up on the rest of the works in this series. ARC received in exchange for a honest review
July 3, 2020
This book ticked all of my boxes. Special forces military, covert opps, action, angst... you name it's there. Right from the start this fast paced and well researched read sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. Chance meet of two total strangers turns into a battle for survival of epic proportions. They are both wearing scars on outside and inside, but usually the emotional scars run deeper and are not easy to heal. In a span of roughly two weeks they forge a rare bond of mutual codependency, trust and attraction that probably wouldn't be possible in this short time in normal circumstances. Will this bond survive when they return to everyday life? I want to say so much more, but I'm afraid to spoil the book for other readers. Just some trigger warning: mentions of torture, bullying, homophobia.
It's written from the Nick's POW and really wish that I could read the story from Gabriel's POW too. If the author ever decides to write his story I'll be the first to preorder it. This is the first book I've read from this author and the third in the series, but it can be easily read as a standalone. It certainly won't be the last. I think that the fact that when I was at 30% of the book I went and bought the other books in this series says a lot. One click buy for me in the future.
It's written from the Nick's POW and really wish that I could read the story from Gabriel's POW too. If the author ever decides to write his story I'll be the first to preorder it. This is the first book I've read from this author and the third in the series, but it can be easily read as a standalone. It certainly won't be the last. I think that the fact that when I was at 30% of the book I went and bought the other books in this series says a lot. One click buy for me in the future.
July 4, 2020
Wow!! What an amazing read!! Action, intrigue, betrayal, honor, heart and finding love. This book is jam packed with an amazing story-line that will keep you on the edge of your chair. I picked this up today, planning on reading a little and then doing other things and maybe reading some more. The only thing I did was read this book. The story caught me and kept me glued to my kindle. The pacing was great, I could catch my breath for a moment and then the action continued. This is my first book by this author and I am so glad I tried them.
Nick and Gabe are amazing together! The depth of emotion, the honesty between these two men who are caught in the middle of a life and death struggle, will grip you and stay with you. The characters are really well done, i felt like i really knew the hearts of both men and i felt their pain.
This is book three of the Shadow Ops series and it can be read as a stand-alone. i have not read the previous books, however i will be reading them really soon.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Nick and Gabe are amazing together! The depth of emotion, the honesty between these two men who are caught in the middle of a life and death struggle, will grip you and stay with you. The characters are really well done, i felt like i really knew the hearts of both men and i felt their pain.
This is book three of the Shadow Ops series and it can be read as a stand-alone. i have not read the previous books, however i will be reading them really soon.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
June 26, 2020
Nick is on an op to take down a drug shipment when he hears an American voice deep in a tunnel. He’s told to leave the man there or his team will leave him behind. He can’t do that and he rescues Gabe. What follows is a harrowing trek through the jungle. One man wounded in body and the other wounded in spirit.
This the the third book in the Shadow Ops series and it’s definitely my favorite. It quickly evolves into a breakneck pace as two broken men try to get to safety. Running from drug dealing captors and a shadowy government organization. As well as having a homophobic man in charge who coldly left his man to die.
This author seems to have a good handle on the military speak so I trust all the different weapons were done right. It was a good action book as well as fairly romantic. Their romance wasn’t over the top but it was sweet to see two strangers so in sync with their feelings. I obviously liked it.
This the the third book in the Shadow Ops series and it’s definitely my favorite. It quickly evolves into a breakneck pace as two broken men try to get to safety. Running from drug dealing captors and a shadowy government organization. As well as having a homophobic man in charge who coldly left his man to die.
This author seems to have a good handle on the military speak so I trust all the different weapons were done right. It was a good action book as well as fairly romantic. Their romance wasn’t over the top but it was sweet to see two strangers so in sync with their feelings. I obviously liked it.
June 27, 2020
Oh man I loved Final Play. This is the first book I have read by Sarah Luddington, but it won’t be the last. It was fast-paced, deeply interesting, full of action and gunfire, camping, and survival. I loved it. My heart raced reading the story. There was some very thoughtful, caring sex that was sweet and hot. I loved that Nick and Gabe were both men with scars. Nick is a man anyone would be proud to love and be part of his life. Gabe has his own set of scars and the two of them help to heal each other. There was definitely an overriding theme of bullying and I liked how it was handled. I’m definitely reading the other 2 stories too. There’s definitely more to know about this Shadow Ops: Fortune’s Soldier and Ultimate Sanction: Shadow Ops. But not reading them, did not impinge on my enjoyment of this story. I definitely recommend this book.
March 31, 2021
Final Play
This action story used my favorite types of conflict. The MCs must survive the jungle of Myanmar in monsoon season. Add to that, Gabe and Nick are being pursued by armed combatants intent on killing them. Although there are two continuity errors , one involving a state of undress; the other attributing an action to two different people, both are minor niggles that most readers probably won't notice. They certainly didn't stop me from buying the book after rereading it. Luddington's descriptions of the beautiful English countryside are right on and her love scenes are wonderfully tender. FINAL PLAY is Book 3 in the series but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. Each book seems to deal with a different couple but with a military oversight group as the frame. I'm going to read the first two, hoping that they're as good as this one.
This action story used my favorite types of conflict. The MCs must survive the jungle of Myanmar in monsoon season. Add to that, Gabe and Nick are being pursued by armed combatants intent on killing them. Although there are two continuity errors , one involving a state of undress; the other attributing an action to two different people, both are minor niggles that most readers probably won't notice. They certainly didn't stop me from buying the book after rereading it. Luddington's descriptions of the beautiful English countryside are right on and her love scenes are wonderfully tender. FINAL PLAY is Book 3 in the series but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. Each book seems to deal with a different couple but with a military oversight group as the frame. I'm going to read the first two, hoping that they're as good as this one.
July 1, 2020
This was an engrossing and intense read. There's also a theme of bullying running through it, both childhood and adult. The story is obviously well researched, and the descriptive writing of the journey through the jungle was very effective. You could feel the fear and the desperation of Nick and Gabe.
There is some romance between the two men, but it is very low level. Still I enjoyed watching how their relationship development, and how protective they were of each other as their love grew.
If you like a story with a military background and a lot of action, I suspect you'll enjoy this one. It's well written, and the characters do seem very real. I hadn't read the two previous books in the series, but that didn't spoil this one for me.
July 4, 2020
I'm a huge fan of romances with couples trying to survive in the wild, and Sarah Luddington's done a crack job of it with this chapter in the Shadow Ops series.
She created nuanced characters with depth, more than just alpha-male soldiers. How realistic it is, I couldn't say, so it was easy for me to get lost in this world for a while. I cheered for these two through the whole book, with their slow-burn instalove relationship. Yes, it's instalove, and yes, it's a slow burn at the same time.
While it is the third book in the series and characters from the first two make appearances, it's not necessary to have read the first two to enjoy this one. I recommend them, but you won't be lost if you start here. Highly recommend!
She created nuanced characters with depth, more than just alpha-male soldiers. How realistic it is, I couldn't say, so it was easy for me to get lost in this world for a while. I cheered for these two through the whole book, with their slow-burn instalove relationship. Yes, it's instalove, and yes, it's a slow burn at the same time.
While it is the third book in the series and characters from the first two make appearances, it's not necessary to have read the first two to enjoy this one. I recommend them, but you won't be lost if you start here. Highly recommend!
July 3, 2020
Intense!
A swiftly moving and passionate military read full of heroic actions, a threaten jungle trek, relentless enemy tracking, betrayal from the so-called friendlies, and two men trying to understand their mutually strong male attraction, while living within their surrounding family lives or lack of familial life. Secondary characters like Colonel Brant, a continuing character from this whole series, lend a real sense of authenticity to this book and the previous ones. This is an ARC review for me but I enjoyed this book enough that I've bought the previous books in this Shadow Ops series.
A swiftly moving and passionate military read full of heroic actions, a threaten jungle trek, relentless enemy tracking, betrayal from the so-called friendlies, and two men trying to understand their mutually strong male attraction, while living within their surrounding family lives or lack of familial life. Secondary characters like Colonel Brant, a continuing character from this whole series, lend a real sense of authenticity to this book and the previous ones. This is an ARC review for me but I enjoyed this book enough that I've bought the previous books in this Shadow Ops series.
July 18, 2020
This raw, gritty, gripping, enthralling, fantastic, fascinating, powerful, intense, incredible, action packed, adrenaline soaked, nail biting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, no holds barred, slow burning, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, and totally awesome tale hit the ground running and never looked back. It sucked me in from the very first page, and I will admit that I wanted to rattle the teeth of more than one character. Filled with mystery, danger, betrayal, loyalty, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster ride, I read it in one sitting because I just could NOT put it down. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this magnificent masterpiece ASAP.
January 27, 2025
3.5 stars
this was a really sweet read. the mcs were really likeable. they didn’t let their vulnerable side die out with the suffering. i loved how the mcs trusted each other with their lives and there was lots of swoony dialogue. it was a bit insta lovey but i personally don’t mind, besides with the life and death situation the mcs found themselves in, it felt believable. it would’ve been a 4 star read for me but the key ingredient was missing. this book really suffered from not having dual pov, i really missed having gabriel’s pov especially when he fell so fast and hard for nick, being a straight man once married to a woman. i just needed more of him. i found myself skimming through certain portions but it didn’t lose my attention fully.
this was a really sweet read. the mcs were really likeable. they didn’t let their vulnerable side die out with the suffering. i loved how the mcs trusted each other with their lives and there was lots of swoony dialogue. it was a bit insta lovey but i personally don’t mind, besides with the life and death situation the mcs found themselves in, it felt believable. it would’ve been a 4 star read for me but the key ingredient was missing. this book really suffered from not having dual pov, i really missed having gabriel’s pov especially when he fell so fast and hard for nick, being a straight man once married to a woman. i just needed more of him. i found myself skimming through certain portions but it didn’t lose my attention fully.
March 27, 2025
Finding Hope
During a drugs operation SAS soldier Nick Wilde discovers a tortured man. Determined to save him, Nick knows it will be an upward battle when his team leave him behind. As the only gay man in the team and with a horrific back story, Nick is used to being abused. Now he must help former Ranger and CIA Operative Gabriel Cabrera escape Myanmar. But that is only the beginning of their troubles.
An excellent end to this Free Kindle Unlimited series. Nick and Gabe are great together, Unit 12 make a reappearance and our heroes get their happy ever after, eventually. After a lot of blood and tears.
During a drugs operation SAS soldier Nick Wilde discovers a tortured man. Determined to save him, Nick knows it will be an upward battle when his team leave him behind. As the only gay man in the team and with a horrific back story, Nick is used to being abused. Now he must help former Ranger and CIA Operative Gabriel Cabrera escape Myanmar. But that is only the beginning of their troubles.
An excellent end to this Free Kindle Unlimited series. Nick and Gabe are great together, Unit 12 make a reappearance and our heroes get their happy ever after, eventually. After a lot of blood and tears.
July 6, 2020
Nick finds Gabe in the worst shape possible and refuses to leave him behind. As they fight to get free, the two men begin to fall in love amidst the terror and fighting. As they learn more about each other as well as what is happening, you will find yourself holding your breath in what will happen next. The story has parts that will leave you breathless and others with tears filling your eyes. There is so much in this book and yet everything is well balanced between the action and the falling in love.
July 7, 2020
Nick is on an op when he hears an American voice. The higher up tells him to go but he can’t leave him. Nick must get him and Gabe to safety. I loved the action, adventure, and they way they worked and supported each other. I was a bit broken with the homophobia bull hockey that Nick dealt with. This was a really good/enjoyable story. I would definitely recommend this story but advise reading the first two in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
July 28, 2020
I think this is the best book in the series. Book 1 was all over the place and it felt like being dropped in the middle of the story, I DNFed.
Book 2 had a better story line. The MCs had great chemistry but it got a little dry in the non romantic bits.
This one managed to keep being interesting mostly because the MCs spent more time interacting with each other, there was no prior history together and they had more authenticity with their feelings and relationship.
I loved the end, it was more wholesome despite the hardships.
Book 2 had a better story line. The MCs had great chemistry but it got a little dry in the non romantic bits.
This one managed to keep being interesting mostly because the MCs spent more time interacting with each other, there was no prior history together and they had more authenticity with their feelings and relationship.
I loved the end, it was more wholesome despite the hardships.
August 1, 2020
There were complications in that time and in that setting so many conflicts were understandable as they work on surviving and loving in equal measure. That's not to say I found everything balanced, but I did find the men well written and the plot's pacing well-suited for the majority of the story. There were difficult moments and injuries which lent the story credibility and the ending happiness so hard-won and valid. Overall this was a good story that made me want to go back and read the previous stories in the series which I haven't yet read.
July 8, 2020
This is a fantastic story in the Shadow ops series. There is action, excitement, betrayal/abandonment, drug dealers, shadowy organizations, danger, and drama. I loved the characters. Two broken men fight together to escape the jungle and more, falling in love along the way. The danger feels real, and the story is gritty and violent sometimes. This is a fantastic read overall, and I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 10, 2020
This is the third book in The Shadow Ops Series. This is a heart wrenching story with great writing. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters captivating. The characters were well developed and thought out. Nick and Gabe are the MC’s of this book. While not for everyone I can recommend this a great read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
So Good
Loved this story. The storyline was intense and exciting. Loved all the in’s and out’s and intriguing problems. The characters Nick and Gabe are perfect loved them as single characters and as a couple. A most read adventure.
Loved this story. The storyline was intense and exciting. Loved all the in’s and out’s and intriguing problems. The characters Nick and Gabe are perfect loved them as single characters and as a couple. A most read adventure.
July 5, 2020
Rough stuff
I can’t get over how much these guys had to go through to find happiness at the end but I am happy with the ending a really great story the author did a wonderful job writing this book
I can’t get over how much these guys had to go through to find happiness at the end but I am happy with the ending a really great story the author did a wonderful job writing this book
July 25, 2020
A strong well crafted storyline drawing on both the american and Uk elite forces action some m/m action which leads to a love story that runs through the war scenes. It does include references to torture ,scarring,bullying and major life changing injuries.A fast paces action book .
July 3, 2020
I loved this book. I loved how after meeting that Gabe and Nick were able to work together in a tight situation.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
July 4, 2020
This was a thrilling story!
Lots of action, heartache and love. I have loved this series and Nick and Gabe's story was so touching. I loved it!
Lots of action, heartache and love. I have loved this series and Nick and Gabe's story was so touching. I loved it!
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