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The Arsenal #7

Hostile Ground

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Do whatever it takes to survive…

Addy Rugers survived a treacherous, brutal upbringing after her parents died. Trained for death and seduction and forced to work for her brother’s covert ops organization, she learned to rely only on herself and chameleon her way through every mission. With him dead and his organization dismantled, she now has a new life at The Arsenal—one where she can shed her personas and be herself. Now, she must immerse herself in the nightmarish world she fled and trust the one man with the power to destroy her.

To slay a monster, you must become one…

Kristof Lavrov sank into the criminal underworld two decades ago with one objective—revenge. The sacrifices made are only outnumbered by the atrocities he’s committed under the banner of vengeance. What little of his humanity remains is now under fire when he agrees to help the one woman that he’d sacrifice anything to protect. Their lives have intersected more than once, and he’s always had the strength to walk away.

Until now.

They must work together to save those they love, but the real war is one neither of them is prepared to wage.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2020

186 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Cara Carnes

67 books385 followers
Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13.

In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves travelling, photography and reading.

More information about Cara can be found at www.caracarnes.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Laz the Sailor.
1,809 reviews80 followers
August 18, 2021
After several stories set near the Arsenal home base, we're back on international duty in Russia. This story is heavy on the angst, with slightly less action, and a very slow burn romance. It is often difficult to balance and interweave the dozens of characters that CC has created )without having a receiving line to re-introduce them all), and she does it quite well. I easily remember past stories without getting a flashback data-dump. And a few new characters are introduced to propel future stories.

Which I will read.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,138 reviews57 followers
July 22, 2020
Hostile Ground is a fantastic addition to The Arsenal series. This is Addy’s story. Addy has been a fascinating character and I was thrilled to find out more about this intriguing woman. Addy is tough. She is a tough as any of the guys at the Arsenal and tougher than most. Now we find out how and why. We also find out more about the mysterious Kristof. Their tale will tear your heart out and still leave you with a smile on your face. Each book in this series just gets better and better.
6 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2020
You definitely do not want to miss this! Hostile Grounds allows us to get up close and personal with Addy and Kristof. This book has the perfect blend of action and romance. I love the in depth look we get at these two and how relatable they are. I already cannot wait for the next book to come out!!
Profile Image for Bec McQuillan.
79 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2020
What do you get when you cross a super kick-ass commando woman with an underground Kingpin Prince?

Hostile Ground - by the amazingly talented writer Cara Carnes.

Hostile Ground, has everything you are looking for in a book. Action,suspense, humour and of course love.

Addy is an experienced, kick-ass commando who has survived hell and come out on the other side. Or has she? She fights and protects those that need help while hiding the hurt from her past.

Kristof is a man who survived a brutal past and is currently living in hell. He does what he can to protect those less fortunate while fighting the blood that runs through his veins.

In order for a happily ever-after they must let go of a past full of torture and pain to find not only a fairytale ending but to find the other part of their souls.

Hostile Ground is a must read, your heart will break yet rejoice. This story like all others in The Arsenal series is a must read. Cara Carnes has given two people who desperately needed a happily ever after an adventure. From the very first sentence you are gripped. I dare you to start reading this book and see if you can manage to put it down.
Not only a highly recommended author but an awesome series.


Profile Image for Luckyreadingreviews.
168 reviews2 followers
Read
February 18, 2022
Hostile Ground is one book everyone should want to read and doesn’t want miss out on grabbing.
These awesome characters had the perfect blended between action, smarts, romance and suspense.

Everyone has waited with baited breath for this book in the series and let me tell you it was worth the wait. I have loved reading this book getting to see Addy in her element and the relationship between her and Kristof. Kristof is scary and dark like Judge but soft and romantic in all the right places like judge is with Vi and they’re daughter.

This book had everything from start to finish Mrs. Carnes I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,699 reviews27 followers
July 28, 2020
Do whatever it takes to survive…

Addy Rugers survived a treacherous, brutal upbringing after her parents died. Trained for death and seduction and forced to work for her brother’s covert ops organization, she learned to rely only on herself and chameleon her way through every mission. With him dead and his organization dismantled, she now has a new life at The Arsenal—one where she can shed her personas and be herself. Now, she must immerse herself in the nightmarish world she fled and trust the one man with the power to destroy her.

To slay a monster, you must become one…

Kristof Lavrov sank into the criminal underworld two decades ago with one objective—revenge. The sacrifices made are only outnumbered by the atrocities he’s committed under the banner of vengeance. What little of his humanity remains is now under fire when he agrees to help the one woman that he’d sacrifice anything to protect. Their lives have intersected more than once, and he’s always had the strength to walk away.

Until now.

They must work together to save those they love, but the real war is one neither of them is prepared to wage.


What an amazing book!!!!
This one we've waited long for and true to her world and characters the author didn't disappoint us at all!
Kristoff and Addy were amazing!
So much pain and misery and love and lost hopes and dreams and fear and the chemistry between them!
So freaking happy this book is finally out and i was able to read this story!
The author did an amazing job!
I absolutely love this series and can't wait for more!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary advance reviewer's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
July 28, 2020
In this book we learn all about Addy's past and her relationship with Kristof. A relationship that goes back to childhood and she never discusses. Her cover is Iriana, Kristof's Enforcer. This is backed up by her underground fighting which really doesn't make her team happy.

As her team complains she reminds them that the auction where they will acquire the missiles is only a couple of days away. Of course those days are going to be filled with other things that will surprise everyone. Kristof is sort of an unknown at least to the team, for Addy she still remembers the boy he once was and how they met.

Things get even more complicated as human trafficking gets into the mix. Even thought she's horrified and pissed Addy keeps her cool as she realizes there's a lot more going on. The conversation between Kristof and Gavriil has some undercurrents they need to unveil.

Then all hell breaks loose.

Everything gets far more complicated with Kristof injured. The auction is almost upon them and now there's even more to the puzzle.

Addy and Kristof have a lot to resolve, not only business wise but also personally. These two are explosive together and secrets that are revealed just bring them closer.

Plenty of suspense and action, with laughter, tears, interesting twists and a kindle melting relationship.

I really can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,093 reviews
July 31, 2020
Addy Rugers has always been a bit of an enigma: calm, and capable with a lethal, fearsome paramilitary reputation. A very private person, she doesn’t reminisce about her childhood – to anyone. Now that she’s once again immersed in Kristof Lavrov’s criminal underworld, will Addy be able to keep their shared history locked in the past where she’s banished it? Not if Kristof has his way. It seems he’s got a personal mission concerning Addy.

I’ve been waiting for Addy’s story for what seems like forever, curious about what molded her into the badass commando she’s become. I can now say with all certainty that the wait was definitely worth it! I loved the deep friendship Addy and Kristof formed as children and how they managed to find their way back to one another despite the years apart and numerous misunderstandings. Cara has once again delivered a well written, intense, and deeply emotional tale. As expected, there’s some major special ops action, plenty of intrigue, suspense and numerous twists & turns, along with some humour and several steamy encounters. I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Resting Book Face.
433 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2020
I have loved Addy since the moment we were introduced to her in the first Arsenal book. She's probably my favorite female character. So, I was of course anxiously awaiting her story. I was a bit worried, though, that I would be disappointed in her pairing because I had built it up so much in my mind. Ha, silly me. Her story, and her pairing with Kristof, was absolutely perfect. We've all know that there would be more to Kristof's background, but I was not expecting the reality of it. Ms. Carnes is a brilliant writer who manages to hint at things in the previous books but hold the important things back in order to surprise and wow the readers when the characters' actual story is told. I don't know how she does it, but I'm so glad she does. Like with each book in this series that I've read so far, I now plan to go back and binge them yet again in order so that I can have those "ah-ha" moments in the tidbits of Addy and Kristof that have appeared in the previous books. I love this series, these characters, and the whole Arsenal-verse and can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Trish R. Ali.
710 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2020
Hostile Ground is Book 7 in The Arsenal series by kick@$$ author Cara Carnes. I have been waiting for Kristof story with baited breath and of course Ms Carnes didn't disappoint me. This was such an emotional ride with the low so low that I had to take a breather.

Both of our MC's (Kristof and Addy) shared a heartbreaking and complicated background. I will not get much into it as I don't want to spoil you in case you're reading this review. Suffice to say you will finally understand why Kristof is the way he is and why Addy has an immensed reaction to him. Ms Carnes writes compelling and strong FMC and this shows with her characterization of Addy Rugers, infact I think Addy might just be one of the strongest female protagonist that Ms Carnes has ever written.

The Arsenal series are so layered and yes, one can get a bit lost in it but I have to say I enjoyed the world that Ms Carnes build. I'm looking forward to dive more.

Thank you for the copy of this book, the views above are all of my own.
468 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2020
Unexpected

The Arsenal has multiple teams in Russia looking for the missiles that left Cuba. Addy's team is primary, and she is acting as Kristof Lavrov's enforcer. She stays by his side for all business. An assassination attempt before the auction shakes things up, but after the auction, the missiles are attacked and Kristof, Abby, and another are kidnapped. Mandrake tries to get Kristof go tell them who there her was, where there money went (Zoey strikes again), and brings in an interrogator. Addy gets them free, a team arrives, and it becomes takes out Kristof's father time. But Marshall and Nolan have notices some peculiarities in Addy's behavior. They push and she tells about the link between she and Kristof over twenty years ago. That gets explored, there is a huge battle, some interesting sidelines, then after a couple of days healing, most go home. But there more going on in Texas, too. The very end is too sweet to spoil, so you will just have to read it to find out.
Profile Image for Tracie.
4 reviews
July 28, 2020
Book 7 in the Arsenal Series, we see tough and protective Addy and the not so liked Kristof. But oh do we end up loving him by the end! I have been waiting for Addy’s story and Cara did her justice. Addy has been through so much and needed someone who would not only have her back but protect her heart.

It was interesting to find out they shared a history as young kids. It was complex, heartbreaking and tragic but it made them stronger not only as individuals but as a couple. I loved their reactions to each other and I loved the interactions between her team and Kristof. Addy is well loved!!!

This is an awesome series that if you haven’t read, I urge you to do so. Start with book one, Jagged Edge which is Mary and Dillon’s story. I love the world that Cara has created. It sucks you in and doesn’t want to let go. You hurt for the characters, you cry with them. And you most definitely cheer for them.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2020
YES! A fabulous read - Addy and Kristof are combustible waiting to explode. Addy is such a strong woman and independent operative. The only way she knows to show that she cares is to protect from a distance. Kristof has such hidden baggage and a strong sense of purpose. He knows that it is war with Addy. I wish I could say Hostile Ground was one of those stayed up all night books, but it is practically impossible with how in depth and intense this book is. Every movement that Addy or Kristof made, there was intense action. Who is telling the truth, who to trust, where to turn? I loved it all, the action and the tension between all the characters.

As in previous books, all of the Arsenal family is strong and present in Hostile Ground. And family they are to each other. This book is part of the series but can be read as a stand-alone. However, you will want to read the rest of these great stories.
Profile Image for Steph.
6 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
Let’s talk Hostile Ground by the amazing Cara Carnes. It’s simple, I read the book in one day and I couldn't put it down. It absolutely amazing from start to finish. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on another epic novel of The Arsenal series. The characters that are brought to life, the way the words of this story flow will keep you turning pages until the very end. You will be transported in the lives to Addy and Kristof! Addy was trained to be a weapon and Kristof an underworld criminal, both of them coming together to face their past and the new challenges ahead of them. You will get submerge into their world and will not stop reading until you have reached the end of their journey. I cannot wait to see what other novel Cara will bring us! This is one of my favorite books in The Arsenal series! A big 5 stars!
Profile Image for Stacey Goble.
183 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2020
This is one kick ass book with an emotional kick ass story of Addison and Kristov. From Previous books you know there is some sort of history between the two, you know that something happened between them on a previous mission. What you don't realise is just how entwined their lives are together. This book takes you on an emotional journey of Addison and Kristov, forcing them to confront their past so they can move on together. It is a highly charged book with so much badass thrown in. Both are strong kick ass people, but both come from a fractured childhood that has built up high walls to protect them. Can they let those walls down to let each other in.
As usual, The Arsenal have Addy's back and Kristov finds himself with an unexpected ally. This book is amazing. It just adds to the whole Arsenal series. This is a must read.
I received this ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2020
This was one I was anxiously waiting for because this series owns me. The characters have come to life and the deeper this series gets, the more it is like my favorite drama series. They are like family so in a sense become your family. You also get to be more personal with a different character in each one so in this one it is Addy's turn to let us in. She could beat down many a man when she is in her persona with time is ticking also with their search. The heat sometimes between her and Kristof you imagine maybe. Now is their hardest challenge with us watching it all go on. Alot is on the line with unexpected hearts also. You learn their beginnings and sigh a time or two or more. Sucker for a love that burns bright I am. The best things do not come easy I do believe is very true and in this you are given the perfect illustration.
Profile Image for Allie Stewart.
156 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2020
The way I judge how good a book is, is by when the phone rings, am I startled out of a book haze that has been created by the author’s words... With “Hostile Ground”, I didn’t even hear the phone ring. HA! I lost myself completely in this book and these characters even more than I usually do with Cara Carnes’ “Arsenal” series, and that is saying a lot! Addy and Kristof’s story is intense and at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming. How these two actually met is a twist I didn’t see coming and I love how their history is woven throughout their present struggles. I also love how Cara includes all of the Arsenal characters into the book and gives us updates on characters, relationships and even previews stories to come. This is by far one of the greatest books and series I have ever read and you won’t be disappointed!
32 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2020
This was a great story and one I couldn't put down. This is Addy Ruger and Kristov Lavrov's story. They met while they were young at a Russian training camp. He took on the role of her protector, then he had to leave her behind.
Their story begins again when they work a case together, she works for the Arsenal, he is a Russian crime boss. The reader is pulled into the story with its suspenseful story line. You can't help but love Kristov for his love and protectiveness over Addy. Addy is someone you admire, she is protective of her team, friends and especially Kristov. Neither feel that they are good enough for love. It it was a great read from start to finish and you're happy that they get their happily ever after. I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
43 reviews
September 3, 2020
Finally.....

Yeah, Addy and Kristof finally get their story. Knew it would be a good one! If you are looking to start with this story, go for it but honestly, if you start at the first one Jagged Edge, and work through them, this story will resonate so much more. Cara Carnes writes real people, real stories and that also means real life so be prepared. No, it's not gratuitous but sadly violence happens soooo......that said the payoff is totally worth it. These books are to be savoured . I enjoy her books so much, I wish she could write a little quicker but then they wouldn't be so good. What a dilemma!
431 reviews
January 22, 2021
I have been waiting for Addy's book since the first book. I wanted to learn more about this strong, badass commando and I definitely got that and more from this book. It was worth the wait. This was another intense, emotional, suspenseful and exciting read. I loved Addy since Jagged Edge, but finally learning about Addy's past and what she had been through was tough, but mad me love her more. I fell in love with Kristof as well. He had been through a lot himself, but his love for Addy never wavered. I'm glad the strong, badass commando was able to find someone that matched her. Overall another amazing addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,200 reviews52 followers
December 25, 2021
Worth waiting for. Fighting for. Dying for.

Addy is a warrior and a protector, she would never want anyone to die for her, but Kristof comes close more than once. This book is packed with dark shadows, half truths, dangerous undercover missions and hideous pasts that won't stay buried. But it is also sizzlingly hot, heart warmingly beautiful and tentatively hopeful... basically it is an emotional tornado that leaves you dazed, exhilarated and exhausted all at the same time -a fantastic series but you do need to read all books in the series in order for some continuing plotlines to make sense.
Profile Image for Kelly Reese.
111 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2020
I love all the books in The Arsenal Series and up until today, I would have told you the first one was my favorite. Hostile Ground might rival that! I adore Addy. She's quickly become my favorite character of the entire series. She's a kick ass woman who doesn't take anybody's crap. I've enjoyed her through out the other books and was over joyed to see her get her own. So much is explained about her life! Kristof is the perfect man for her in so many ways. I also love the bits and pieces we get of previous character's lives. Over all, amazingly wonderful!
5 reviews
July 28, 2020
Number 7 in The Arsenal Series. This series should be read in order. This is an exceptional series of books with strong intelligent female leads and the mostly prior military men that support them. The characters reappear in the books, the situations are well written, the technology used is amazing and I love these books. Cara Carnes is an extremely talented author and I highly recommend this book as well as all the others in this series. She has also written wonderful books in the Susan Stoker universe as well other areas of fiction.
Profile Image for Becca McClintock.
50 reviews
July 29, 2020
Book 7 in the arsenal series is about Addy and Christof,I loved this book from start to finish,I loved seeing a different side to Addy as well as finding I kinda liked Christof in the end ,.This book had everything you could ever want a bit of suspense,some swooning and a lot of action ,It is emotional and heart breaking all rolled into a typical Arsenal book ,with all your favourite characters involved as well you will not be disappointed

This is definitely a great read ,I received this ARC for an honest review
175 reviews
August 1, 2020
Loved the characters! You know Addy & Kristof from previous Arsenal books but in no way could you have know the history they had. For me it was heartbreaking! The storyline was action packed, well developed and intense! I loved it! I had read a few books by Cara Carnes from the Operation Alpha sub-series & thought they were really good & when the most recent came out in April I went immediately to the Arsenal series and read them all within a week! I was hooked! I cannot wait for the next one in the series and the wait is gonna kill me! 🙂
358 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2020
A Joining as only A&K Can

Ms. Carnes always takes the reader on a raw emotional journey in her books. Be prepared to do the same here. Both of these characters were enigmas begging to be free. Their childhood through adulthood lives were totally heartbreaking yet you get glimpses of happiness that they held onto. I hope we get continuation stories on the secondary characters here. You will fall in love with Olaf and Maksim. This entire series is one that I have read several times and yes, this book makes me want to go back and read them again.
9 reviews
August 7, 2020
Awesome Continuation of the Arsenal Saga!

Author skillfully weaves past and present together while focusing on yet another team member's love relationship. Love that her strong male characters embrace, value and encourage the strengths, skills and intellect of female teammates as much as they value their own father than being threatened by them. Lots of action, tenderness and detailed story lines to hold my interest with intermittent sprinkling of humor. Sensitive subjects are handled with touching sensitivity. Telling more would give too much away!
15 reviews
September 17, 2020
Red rekindles her love!

Another amazing book in the Arsenal series. Red otherwise known as Addy shares her childhood memories and nightmares to provide more of a background. Someone who is both her memory and nightmare of her past becomes her future. Cara Carnes is a fantastic writer who enthrals her readers. The bonus stories bridge book to book. The only problem is the wait between the books. One of my new favorite authors! She also bridges between her different series. Love the Mason family and all those considered family!
Profile Image for Karyn.
211 reviews
August 30, 2024
Amazing, as always

I absolutely love this series. Each one is equally great. Often heartrending. Always amazing.

This is Addy and Kristoff’s story. We get to learn a great deal more about their history, together and apart. It’s emotional, with a great HEA.

You just can’t put down these books. The characters sweep you into their lives, so you feel as if you are one of the Arsenal family too. Cara is a fantastic writer. She’s in my “automatic buy” list now (and I’m particular - it’s very short!)
Profile Image for Vicky.
121 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2020
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Where to start??!!

In short, this is amazing.

In length, this is amazing. I really don't want to say much at all because, spoilers. Cara has knocked this out of the ball park without a doubt. The interaction, the plot, the backstory, the characters, the action, the sexual tension and the strings being pulled for the next story are so cleverly and subtly done. Cara has really done Addy justice with this book. Loved it ♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews

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