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Cobra Elite #5
Hard Line
A woman dragged into danger…
Dr. Samantha Park’s life is shaken when her best friend and research partner dies barely two months into their eight-month stretch at the South Pole. She hasn’t begun to face her loss when men from Cobra International Security arrive to recover sensitive military components from a crashed satellite—and ask her to come with them. As a scientist, she has always been suspicious of the military, and flying across Antarctica in austral winter is more like suicide than a rescue mission. But when she hears what’s at stake, she agrees to help and is forced to put her trust in Thor Isaksen, the tall, broad-shouldered Dane who leads the Cobra team.
The only man who can keep her alive…
Thor served as an elite soldier in Afghanistan and spent two years as part of a Danish spec-ops unit patrolling sea ice in the Arctic. He’s used to the cold and constant darkness. That’s why he’s been tapped to lead this mission. Under orders to do whatever he must to keep a dangerous weapon from falling into enemy hands, he’s prepared for every scenario—except one. Samantha, with her blue eyes and brilliant mind, takes him by surprise. She’s confident in her abilities as a scientist and yet so unsure of herself as a woman. Stuck at the station with his team until the weather clears, he can’t ignore the growing attraction he feels for her even if she’s the last thing he should be doing on the job.
A killer who will destroy them all…
As temperatures drop to one hundred below, the heat between Thor and Samantha flares out of control. But a killer is lurking on station, someone with an agenda that threatens not only the lives of every person there, but also global peace. It will take all of Thor’s skill and strength to stop the murderous traitor—and keep himself and the woman he loves alive.
Dr. Samantha Park’s life is shaken when her best friend and research partner dies barely two months into their eight-month stretch at the South Pole. She hasn’t begun to face her loss when men from Cobra International Security arrive to recover sensitive military components from a crashed satellite—and ask her to come with them. As a scientist, she has always been suspicious of the military, and flying across Antarctica in austral winter is more like suicide than a rescue mission. But when she hears what’s at stake, she agrees to help and is forced to put her trust in Thor Isaksen, the tall, broad-shouldered Dane who leads the Cobra team.
The only man who can keep her alive…
Thor served as an elite soldier in Afghanistan and spent two years as part of a Danish spec-ops unit patrolling sea ice in the Arctic. He’s used to the cold and constant darkness. That’s why he’s been tapped to lead this mission. Under orders to do whatever he must to keep a dangerous weapon from falling into enemy hands, he’s prepared for every scenario—except one. Samantha, with her blue eyes and brilliant mind, takes him by surprise. She’s confident in her abilities as a scientist and yet so unsure of herself as a woman. Stuck at the station with his team until the weather clears, he can’t ignore the growing attraction he feels for her even if she’s the last thing he should be doing on the job.
A killer who will destroy them all…
As temperatures drop to one hundred below, the heat between Thor and Samantha flares out of control. But a killer is lurking on station, someone with an agenda that threatens not only the lives of every person there, but also global peace. It will take all of Thor’s skill and strength to stop the murderous traitor—and keep himself and the woman he loves alive.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
125 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Clare
57 books4,313 followersUSA Today best-selling author Pamela Clare began her writing career as a columnist and investigative reporter and eventually became the first woman editor-in-chief of two different newspapers. Along the way, she and her team won numerous state and national honors, including the First Amendment Award and the National Journalism Award for Public Service. In 2011, she was honored by the Colorado Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists with their Keeper of the Flame Lifetime Achievement Award for her work. A single mother with two grown sons and two cats, she writes historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense within view of Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountains. She is a two-time RITA finalist (Surrender, Defiant) and a three-time Daphne du Maurier finalist (I-Team series). She loves history, having studied archaeology in college, and has traveled extensively, living for almost three years in Denmark, which feels like home to her. She attributes her love of historical romance with the years she spent visiting ruins and castles in Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 18, 2024
I finished this book and went off to find more Pamela Clare books to add to my TBR because this was such an engaging suspense read that actually struck a decent balance between the romance and the thrills. Some moments were cheesy and there was some repetition in places (the H's thoughts about her breasts constantly irked me by the end, I'm sorry), but I thought this book did a lot very well.
Thor (H) is a mercenary/security expert who's former Danish military now working with an American company. He's not just a strong, capable dude, Thor's intelligent, compassionate, uses reason, and keeps his cool (sometimes literally cause he's a beast when it comes to working in the cold). Plus, in his first POV chapter, he thinks about how his fist works just fine for him instead of hooking up randomly with women *applauds*. He's called to go on a mission to retrieve a downed satellite with sensitive military equipment on it. Samantha (h) is an astronomer doing research at the Antarctica station who's the introvertiest introvert to introvert. She knows her science, but has significant peopling hang-ups from past negative bullying and relationship experiences. I liked her, but I did feel like she was immature at times. Unfortunately, she's not only just lost her best friend and research partner unexpectedly, but she's also been tapped to assist Thor and his team to retrieve those satellite components...on the ice...right before a storm hits...and that's not even the worst coming their way.
Written in third person, multi-POV (including the villain's POV once they're revealed). No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (H was experienced but clearly not a manwhore and h had very little experience, plus it wasn't good).
Thor and Samantha pretty much instantly connect and I actually was here for it in this book since they were so likable together. He's caring and protective of her. He also loves her intelligence and the passion she has for her work. She was prepared to dislike the military-like men all up in the science community's space, but then she's willing to adjust to who they actually are, esp who Thor is. Samantha listened to the experts (thank you!) and was fascinated with Thor as a person, not his big gun…though there’s that too, she absolutely checks him out on a naked fun run (but man, if scientists really do that, they’re crazy). There's insta-attraction but they also connect and form a sense of intimacy with each other. Thor's not supposed to be hooking up with anyone he’s working with, very frowned upon, but he also can’t resist Samantha. They have some very steamy scenes, I was honestly surprised how much spice this book had given the danger around them, Samantha losing her best friend, and that this was a suspense read.
Samantha did have a hard time believing the perfection that is Thor would be interested in her for those that are sensitive to negative body image. He’s only ever about Samantha thankfully and appreciative of her body (see the earlier comment about all the mentions of her breasts). He does have a moment where he mentally lists the attributes of another female scientist there after the naked cold run, but it's not in a sexual way, more of a mentally trying to work out why Samantha would think the other lady was more attractive than her.
For the thriller plot portion, there are many suspects and shady characters. It’s when the villain reveal occurs that the suspense ramps up and the intensity truly takes off. This is a life and death struggle on a couple of fronts and had me clinging to the edge of my seat. I liked the explanation of how everything tied together and the ultimate resolution. One part was a little contrived for me, but I still enjoyed it because I’d been hoping it would go that way.
The ending is HEA and super sweet. Both Thor and Samantha are unsure at the end of the investigation how a relationship possibly would work for them so they discuss it, like adults. And the conclusion of the book has them continuing to bond and then being reunited and cementing their status. The start of everything for them is fast and within a tight timeline so the additional months of communication and then once the epilogue gets there made me feel more solid about where they were. I was very satisfied with the ending and just the book as a whole. It has some unbelievable moments but I thought those balanced out with the rest and I’d recommend this.
Thor (H) is a mercenary/security expert who's former Danish military now working with an American company. He's not just a strong, capable dude, Thor's intelligent, compassionate, uses reason, and keeps his cool (sometimes literally cause he's a beast when it comes to working in the cold). Plus, in his first POV chapter, he thinks about how his fist works just fine for him instead of hooking up randomly with women *applauds*. He's called to go on a mission to retrieve a downed satellite with sensitive military equipment on it. Samantha (h) is an astronomer doing research at the Antarctica station who's the introvertiest introvert to introvert. She knows her science, but has significant peopling hang-ups from past negative bullying and relationship experiences. I liked her, but I did feel like she was immature at times. Unfortunately, she's not only just lost her best friend and research partner unexpectedly, but she's also been tapped to assist Thor and his team to retrieve those satellite components...on the ice...right before a storm hits...and that's not even the worst coming their way.
Written in third person, multi-POV (including the villain's POV once they're revealed). No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (H was experienced but clearly not a manwhore and h had very little experience, plus it wasn't good).
Thor and Samantha pretty much instantly connect and I actually was here for it in this book since they were so likable together. He's caring and protective of her. He also loves her intelligence and the passion she has for her work. She was prepared to dislike the military-like men all up in the science community's space, but then she's willing to adjust to who they actually are, esp who Thor is. Samantha listened to the experts (thank you!) and was fascinated with Thor as a person, not his big gun…though there’s that too, she absolutely checks him out on a naked fun run (but man, if scientists really do that, they’re crazy). There's insta-attraction but they also connect and form a sense of intimacy with each other. Thor's not supposed to be hooking up with anyone he’s working with, very frowned upon, but he also can’t resist Samantha. They have some very steamy scenes, I was honestly surprised how much spice this book had given the danger around them, Samantha losing her best friend, and that this was a suspense read.
Samantha did have a hard time believing the perfection that is Thor would be interested in her for those that are sensitive to negative body image. He’s only ever about Samantha thankfully and appreciative of her body (see the earlier comment about all the mentions of her breasts). He does have a moment where he mentally lists the attributes of another female scientist there after the naked cold run, but it's not in a sexual way, more of a mentally trying to work out why Samantha would think the other lady was more attractive than her.
For the thriller plot portion, there are many suspects and shady characters. It’s when the villain reveal occurs that the suspense ramps up and the intensity truly takes off. This is a life and death struggle on a couple of fronts and had me clinging to the edge of my seat. I liked the explanation of how everything tied together and the ultimate resolution. One part was a little contrived for me, but I still enjoyed it because I’d been hoping it would go that way.
The ending is HEA and super sweet. Both Thor and Samantha are unsure at the end of the investigation how a relationship possibly would work for them so they discuss it, like adults. And the conclusion of the book has them continuing to bond and then being reunited and cementing their status. The start of everything for them is fast and within a tight timeline so the additional months of communication and then once the epilogue gets there made me feel more solid about where they were. I was very satisfied with the ending and just the book as a whole. It has some unbelievable moments but I thought those balanced out with the rest and I’d recommend this.
October 12, 2020
A crashed satellite has the Cobra Elite team, led by Thor Isaksen, headed to the South Pole in Antarctica to retrieve sensitive data before enemy forces reach it. When they arrive at the Amundsen-Scott station, they learn one of the astronomers has died under strange circumstances so they make a quick decision to return her body with their transport. Her best friend and fellow astrophysicist, Dr. Samantha Park works with the team on their satellite retrieval mission. However, they have to alter their plans and extend their stay when they learn that the astronomer’s death wasn’t accidental.
I absolutely love that this series takes me to places I’ve never even imagined and vividly creates settings that have me feeling as if I’m there. I know it’s cold in Antarctica but it’s described in a way that goes beyond just illustrating subzero temperatures. Thor is of Danish descent and served on an elite dog sled patrol so he was a perfect choice for the assignment. He and Samantha made a striking couple, both having an appreciation for all things intelligent and thought provoking. Their romance was skillfully meshed with the mission and subsequent investigation, which was extremely dangerous and confounding.
Thor and Samantha were wonderfully developed characters and may just be my favorites in the series, which is surprising as I had zero interest in him before this story. It speaks to the great writing and character development. The mystery kept me guessing and the climax was thrilling. I had a hard time putting this one down. It was a perfect balance of suspense and romance.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I absolutely love that this series takes me to places I’ve never even imagined and vividly creates settings that have me feeling as if I’m there. I know it’s cold in Antarctica but it’s described in a way that goes beyond just illustrating subzero temperatures. Thor is of Danish descent and served on an elite dog sled patrol so he was a perfect choice for the assignment. He and Samantha made a striking couple, both having an appreciation for all things intelligent and thought provoking. Their romance was skillfully meshed with the mission and subsequent investigation, which was extremely dangerous and confounding.
Thor and Samantha were wonderfully developed characters and may just be my favorites in the series, which is surprising as I had zero interest in him before this story. It speaks to the great writing and character development. The mystery kept me guessing and the climax was thrilling. I had a hard time putting this one down. It was a perfect balance of suspense and romance.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 1, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This is a mystery with a finite suspect list (about 50 people) in a place no one can leave. Should be a piece of cake, right? Well, it gets complicated and when you have former Spec Ops operators acting as detectives, it can make the whole deal more complicated. When messy emotions get involved, it is even more complicated. I really like books set in unusual locations. They have a whole different feel and character.
Cobra is called to recover components from a downed satellite. At the South Pole, in the middle of the Antarctic winter with temperatures dropping to minus 100 degrees and below. The mission is extremely dangerous, but the recovery is vital to national security. The skill set needed for this mission is specialized and Cobra just happens to have the operator who is best suited to this mission. Thor Isaksen, is the human embodiment of his Norse god name. Tall, rugged and off the charts hot. He is a former spec ops operator for the Danish military with experience in both Afghanistan and in the harshest of frigid climates. This tall, handsome Dane is just the man to lead the Cobra team.
The day Dr. Samantha Park finds her best friend and research partner at the Amundsen-Scott Station in Antarctica unresponsive in her room, her life changes. When Patty dies, Samantha grieves deeply. As an outgoing personality, Patty was not only Samantha's best friend, she was the one who dragged Samantha out of her shell and encouraged her to experience life. Now, she is being drafted to assist the Cobra Team in the high risk recovery of sensitive satellite components. Not a fan of the military to begin with, Samantha is even more unsure of the hot team leader. Her experience with the jock type has been nothing less than abysmal, but Thor soon shows her that her prejudices are wrong when it comes to him.
Working to recovering and secure the top secret military components from the satellite is just the beginning. Thor finds Samantha's mind just as sexy as her body. Their forbidden passion is as hot as the artic clime is cold. When Patty's death is found to be murder, Thor will not stop until they find the murderer. With a multimillion dollar payday in jeopardy, the killer will stop at nothing, even more murder, to escape with the secret components. It will take every ounce of Thor's mighty strength to stop that and keep Samantha alive.
This is a mystery with a finite suspect list (about 50 people) in a place no one can leave. Should be a piece of cake, right? Well, it gets complicated and when you have former Spec Ops operators acting as detectives, it can make the whole deal more complicated. When messy emotions get involved, it is even more complicated. I really like books set in unusual locations. They have a whole different feel and character.
Cobra is called to recover components from a downed satellite. At the South Pole, in the middle of the Antarctic winter with temperatures dropping to minus 100 degrees and below. The mission is extremely dangerous, but the recovery is vital to national security. The skill set needed for this mission is specialized and Cobra just happens to have the operator who is best suited to this mission. Thor Isaksen, is the human embodiment of his Norse god name. Tall, rugged and off the charts hot. He is a former spec ops operator for the Danish military with experience in both Afghanistan and in the harshest of frigid climates. This tall, handsome Dane is just the man to lead the Cobra team.
The day Dr. Samantha Park finds her best friend and research partner at the Amundsen-Scott Station in Antarctica unresponsive in her room, her life changes. When Patty dies, Samantha grieves deeply. As an outgoing personality, Patty was not only Samantha's best friend, she was the one who dragged Samantha out of her shell and encouraged her to experience life. Now, she is being drafted to assist the Cobra Team in the high risk recovery of sensitive satellite components. Not a fan of the military to begin with, Samantha is even more unsure of the hot team leader. Her experience with the jock type has been nothing less than abysmal, but Thor soon shows her that her prejudices are wrong when it comes to him.
Working to recovering and secure the top secret military components from the satellite is just the beginning. Thor finds Samantha's mind just as sexy as her body. Their forbidden passion is as hot as the artic clime is cold. When Patty's death is found to be murder, Thor will not stop until they find the murderer. With a multimillion dollar payday in jeopardy, the killer will stop at nothing, even more murder, to escape with the secret components. It will take every ounce of Thor's mighty strength to stop that and keep Samantha alive.
September 1, 2020
A really nice romantic suspense set in an unusual setting – in Antarctica.
Every so often I like to read a book set in an unusual place. There aren't that many romantic suspense books set in Antarctica, at the research station at the South Pole. And that was the first thing that interested me in this book. I sincerely wish I had started reading this book the week before, during the heatwave. In such weather, I like to read stories that happen during a cold winter or at the Pole. And here the weather and climate of Antarctica play a significant role in the story.
The characters are well-written. Both Samantha and Thor are intelligent and behave rationally. I would prefer Samantha to be a little more confident and different from the stereotypical nerdy heroine, but she is okay. Her insecurity and low self-esteem are well explained by her past experiences, so in the end it wasn't that much of a problem for me. Thor is fine too, he is a capable and determined man, but he doesn't have to display his alpha and macho nature. Which I really appreciate.
The plot is also fine. The beginning definitely got me hooked. Then the story slowed down a bit, but luckily in the second half it speeds up again and a lot is happening. I really appreciate that I did not predict who would turn out to be the villain. Reasonable suspicions were distributed very well between the different people.
The only thing I don't like is that Thor does something rather foolish and utterly unprofessional when confronted with the villain. But luckily at the end of the story this gets addressed and pointed out and Thor has to explain himself for his decisions. And although I am not convinced that he did the right thing, I am glad that it was emphasized in the book.
I definitely recommend this to all who like romantic suspense in an unusual settings or looking for a book in a frosty climate during a heatwave.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Every so often I like to read a book set in an unusual place. There aren't that many romantic suspense books set in Antarctica, at the research station at the South Pole. And that was the first thing that interested me in this book. I sincerely wish I had started reading this book the week before, during the heatwave. In such weather, I like to read stories that happen during a cold winter or at the Pole. And here the weather and climate of Antarctica play a significant role in the story.
The characters are well-written. Both Samantha and Thor are intelligent and behave rationally. I would prefer Samantha to be a little more confident and different from the stereotypical nerdy heroine, but she is okay. Her insecurity and low self-esteem are well explained by her past experiences, so in the end it wasn't that much of a problem for me. Thor is fine too, he is a capable and determined man, but he doesn't have to display his alpha and macho nature. Which I really appreciate.
The plot is also fine. The beginning definitely got me hooked. Then the story slowed down a bit, but luckily in the second half it speeds up again and a lot is happening. I really appreciate that I did not predict who would turn out to be the villain. Reasonable suspicions were distributed very well between the different people.
The only thing I don't like is that Thor does something rather foolish and utterly unprofessional when confronted with the villain. But luckily at the end of the story this gets addressed and pointed out and Thor has to explain himself for his decisions. And although I am not convinced that he did the right thing, I am glad that it was emphasized in the book.
I definitely recommend this to all who like romantic suspense in an unusual settings or looking for a book in a frosty climate during a heatwave.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2020
Pamela Clare delivers another powerfully suspenseful romance, from the deft, real descriptions of the severe Antarctic conditions to a deliciously unlikely romance, that it’s hard to know where to start.
♕Plot: When a satellite crashes at the South Pole, Thor Isaksen and two other men from Cobra International Security are sent to retrieve sensitive components. For their mission to succeed they need Dr. Samantha Park’s help, an astrophysicist stationed at the South Pole’s research facility who is not only wary of military men, but is also mourning the death of her best friend and colleague.
But keeping the weapon secure and the woman Thor is quickly falling for safe turns out to be life threatening when a killer is loose and they’re trapped in the station until the one hundred below weather clears.
♕Hero: Aptly nicknamed Viking by his friends, Thor is Danish ex-military, he’s keeps to himself and is as tough as they come. He’s also incredibly caring and patient and I loved how he saw Samantha’s inner beauty and helped build her confidence as a woman.
♕Heroine: Even though Samantha had some self doubts about her allure, she’s a badass smarty-pants. I don’t believe I’ve read many books with book smart woman and I love it. Not only because the hero has to be man enough to appreciate this, but also because the heroine sets a great example.
♕Sexiness: There was no below zero temperature problem where Thor and Samantha were concerned. The two burned up the pages and I loved every interaction between the two. I especially loved how Thor gave her confidence in the areas in which she was lacking. They made the perfect couple.
♕Feels: So many emotions were brought expertly to the fore. ”Grief. Fear. Rage. Lust. Fascination.” I was at the edge of my seat reading without being able to put this story down.
Hard Line is book #5 of the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare. This was an incredible addition to Pamela Clare’s collection. I highly recommend this standalone romantic suspense, which is told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2QEpXGh
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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“Anyone else feel like we’re stuck in a three-dimensional game of Clue? … It’s someone with a xxx[edited to avoid spoilers] at the South Pole. But who?”
♕Plot: When a satellite crashes at the South Pole, Thor Isaksen and two other men from Cobra International Security are sent to retrieve sensitive components. For their mission to succeed they need Dr. Samantha Park’s help, an astrophysicist stationed at the South Pole’s research facility who is not only wary of military men, but is also mourning the death of her best friend and colleague.
But keeping the weapon secure and the woman Thor is quickly falling for safe turns out to be life threatening when a killer is loose and they’re trapped in the station until the one hundred below weather clears.
♕Hero: Aptly nicknamed Viking by his friends, Thor is Danish ex-military, he’s keeps to himself and is as tough as they come. He’s also incredibly caring and patient and I loved how he saw Samantha’s inner beauty and helped build her confidence as a woman.
♕Heroine: Even though Samantha had some self doubts about her allure, she’s a badass smarty-pants. I don’t believe I’ve read many books with book smart woman and I love it. Not only because the hero has to be man enough to appreciate this, but also because the heroine sets a great example.
♕Sexiness: There was no below zero temperature problem where Thor and Samantha were concerned. The two burned up the pages and I loved every interaction between the two. I especially loved how Thor gave her confidence in the areas in which she was lacking. They made the perfect couple.
”Samantha had lit a fire in him that he couldn’t put out with her intelligence, her directness, those blue eyes, her dancer’s body.”
♕Feels: So many emotions were brought expertly to the fore. ”Grief. Fear. Rage. Lust. Fascination.” I was at the edge of my seat reading without being able to put this story down.
Hard Line is book #5 of the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare. This was an incredible addition to Pamela Clare’s collection. I highly recommend this standalone romantic suspense, which is told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2QEpXGh
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook ♕ Instagram ♕ More reviews
August 29, 2020
Once again Pamela Clare has brought us on an exciting adventure of romance and intrigue! I almost feel like I have traveled the globe with this series. These Cobra Elite men are going from one country to another, out to save and protect a wide variety of people.
I feel like this author has done such a great job of research to accommodate each individual story and where it's based off of. In Hard Line we get to travel to the Antartica. I was so intrigued by this new environment and the researchers on the assignment that I pretty much devoured the book.
I read for the romance but I can honestly say I would have enjoyed this just as much even if there was no romance in it. I don't get to travel much in my life so when an author can take me with her in a book, I'm deeply grateful.
I am glad there was romance because we got Thor. I'm pretty sure I drooled over this fictional character. I loved is physical description, his honorable character and I especially loved how tough he was. This guy could endure extreme temperatures and was so level headed in very dangerous situations. He's exactly what I think a guy in a Danish Special Forces would be.
Samantha was another positive to the story. I really like smart heroines. Frankly, you don't get a lot of heroines in romance books who are highly successfully in either business or in a specialized field like Samantha is. In fact that has been the case in every book of this series. It's why I'm such a fan and will keep reading them until the end.
I feel like this author has done such a great job of research to accommodate each individual story and where it's based off of. In Hard Line we get to travel to the Antartica. I was so intrigued by this new environment and the researchers on the assignment that I pretty much devoured the book.
I read for the romance but I can honestly say I would have enjoyed this just as much even if there was no romance in it. I don't get to travel much in my life so when an author can take me with her in a book, I'm deeply grateful.
I am glad there was romance because we got Thor. I'm pretty sure I drooled over this fictional character. I loved is physical description, his honorable character and I especially loved how tough he was. This guy could endure extreme temperatures and was so level headed in very dangerous situations. He's exactly what I think a guy in a Danish Special Forces would be.
Samantha was another positive to the story. I really like smart heroines. Frankly, you don't get a lot of heroines in romance books who are highly successfully in either business or in a specialized field like Samantha is. In fact that has been the case in every book of this series. It's why I'm such a fan and will keep reading them until the end.
May 15, 2025
While I used to read a lot of action thrillers, I’ve not read many action thriller romances so I can’t say whether this book is better or worse than the genre as a whole. But for my taste, it was mainly readable for the setting: austral winter in Antarctica. Brrrr.
The romance was okay, nothing special. The author really didn’t establish much of a basis for the relationship other than Samantha was blonde and had the body of a dancer and Thor found intelligence attractive (I found Samantha’s intelligence questionable), Thor was good looking, kind, and hung like a horse, and they enjoyed each other in bed. I needed to see a few quiet conversations about hopes and dreams or shared laughter, or allowed to see the characters’ tender thoughts about each other.
About Samantha’s intelligence: when she got upset that Thor didn’t leap up and defend her when she was being interrogated, I doubted it.
About Thor’s intelligence: when he didn’t immediately confiscate a murder victim’s daily journal to see if it might contain clues, I doubted it.
And every time during sex that Samantha moaned, “Oh, Thoooor…” I was secondhand embarrassed for them both and laughing my ass off. “Oh, Thooor…” 🤣🤣🤣
The action thriller aspect was better but not stellar: the danger of extreme cold was effective, with or without human evil. The author did keep the reader guessing who the bad guy was until all hell broke loose, and the action when that happened kept me on the edge of my seat. But the plot had some major loopholes, among them: On top of all that, the villain had a flimsy motivation, and his dialogue and inner thoughts were hokey and cartoonish.
And while I appreciated a glimpse of Thooor (snigger) and Samantha as a couple off Antarctica, I wasn’t invested enough to really care and it dragged out too long.
So thumbs up to the depiction of life on Antarctica and the image of Thor crossing the frozen tundra naked. And “it’s good enough” and a shrug for everything else.
The romance was okay, nothing special. The author really didn’t establish much of a basis for the relationship other than Samantha was blonde and had the body of a dancer and Thor found intelligence attractive (I found Samantha’s intelligence questionable), Thor was good looking, kind, and hung like a horse, and they enjoyed each other in bed. I needed to see a few quiet conversations about hopes and dreams or shared laughter, or allowed to see the characters’ tender thoughts about each other.
About Samantha’s intelligence: when she got upset that Thor didn’t leap up and defend her when she was being interrogated, I doubted it.
About Thor’s intelligence: when he didn’t immediately confiscate a murder victim’s daily journal to see if it might contain clues, I doubted it.
And every time during sex that Samantha moaned, “Oh, Thoooor…” I was secondhand embarrassed for them both and laughing my ass off. “Oh, Thooor…” 🤣🤣🤣
The action thriller aspect was better but not stellar: the danger of extreme cold was effective, with or without human evil. The author did keep the reader guessing who the bad guy was until all hell broke loose, and the action when that happened kept me on the edge of my seat. But the plot had some major loopholes, among them: On top of all that, the villain had a flimsy motivation, and his dialogue and inner thoughts were hokey and cartoonish.
And while I appreciated a glimpse of Thooor (snigger) and Samantha as a couple off Antarctica, I wasn’t invested enough to really care and it dragged out too long.
So thumbs up to the depiction of life on Antarctica and the image of Thor crossing the frozen tundra naked. And “it’s good enough” and a shrug for everything else.
February 11, 2021
Por desgracia, mi menos favorito de la serie. Creo que la ambientacion en la que se desarrolla la historia hizo que esta se sintiera un tanto lenta y poco dinamica, lo que es una pena puesto que la trama es original y la pareja protagonista derrocha quimica y pasion por los cuatro costados.
La trama como ya digo tiene un aire poco visto ( leido ) que es uno de los mejores aspectos de la novela, resulta muy interesante leer sobre la vida y trabajo de estos personajes en la Antartida, y aunque reconozco que algunas partes de el trabajo de Samantha se me hicieron un tanto aburridas, hay que admitir que ella es una protagonista femenina diferente y que su personalidad esta muy bien definida.
Thor no era el miembro de Cobra Elite que mas me intrigaba, y sin embargo, no puedo mentir y decir que fue un protagonista olvidable o soso, todo lo contrario, fue mejor de lo que imagine, y eso que tengo la sensacion de que quedaron detalles que no conocimos realmente de su personalidad, por lo demas, fue un digno protagonista provocador de suspiros, justo como nos tiene acostumbradas Pamela Clare.
Resumiendo, Hard Line fue una lectura amena, que me cautivo y muy del estilo de la autora, si disfrutas con sus creaciones no puedes dejar sin leer este quinto tomo.
A terminar el sexto y ultimo ( por el momento ) libro que voy, pero ya adelanto que Jones me tiene loquita perdida. 😍
3.25 Estrellas!
August 25, 2020
Sometimes a girl just needs to read a romance about a strong alpha-male type to take her mind off things. This is how I’ve been feeling with all that’s been going on in the world plus having trouble completing any of the books on my TBR. When I saw this morning that one of my favorite authors, Pamela Clare, had a new book out, I knew it was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. Ms. Clare is the author of one of my top five series of all times, the very engaging I-Team Series. All her books are excellent, but that particular series will always hold a special place in my heart.
Hard Line is the fifth book in the Cobra Elite series, and you don’t have to read any of the earlier books to follow what is going on. I can attest to this as I have not read any of the previous books in the series, which I intend to rectify, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This story takes place at a scientific research facility at the South Pole. The mysterious death of her best friend, the arrival of the Cobra International Security team to recover a crashed satellite, and other strange happenings are all things shy, nerdy, Dr. Samantha Park is not equipped to handle, but handle she must. Immediately drawn to the head of the team, the Danish soldier Thor Isaksen, it seems he is just as attracted to her. They quickly realize a traitorous killer is in their midst, and they are fighting against time to discover his or her identity.
Hard Line was a fantastic book, and I plowed through it in one day. Clare’s writing is always mesmerizing, and I have missed her writing style. I have already gone back and purchased the first four books in the series. Although I described the male lead as an alpha-male, our hero was not an over-the-top type alpha but had a sensitive side, which was very enjoyable. I enjoyed this book and gave it four stars.
Hard Line is the fifth book in the Cobra Elite series, and you don’t have to read any of the earlier books to follow what is going on. I can attest to this as I have not read any of the previous books in the series, which I intend to rectify, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This story takes place at a scientific research facility at the South Pole. The mysterious death of her best friend, the arrival of the Cobra International Security team to recover a crashed satellite, and other strange happenings are all things shy, nerdy, Dr. Samantha Park is not equipped to handle, but handle she must. Immediately drawn to the head of the team, the Danish soldier Thor Isaksen, it seems he is just as attracted to her. They quickly realize a traitorous killer is in their midst, and they are fighting against time to discover his or her identity.
Hard Line was a fantastic book, and I plowed through it in one day. Clare’s writing is always mesmerizing, and I have missed her writing style. I have already gone back and purchased the first four books in the series. Although I described the male lead as an alpha-male, our hero was not an over-the-top type alpha but had a sensitive side, which was very enjoyable. I enjoyed this book and gave it four stars.
August 27, 2020
This was a solid 4 star read for me. It makes me wonder why I haven't read Pamela Clare's books in a while. I loved to I-Team series when I was first getting into reading years ago. But for someone reason, I haven't picked up one of her books in forever.
So I was so happy to get an ARC of this series. Sadly I haven't read the first few, but it did not hinder this book at all. I never felt lost or confused. But it definitely made me want to go back and start with book one to get to know all these characters better.
Thor was such a great character. He is Danish, an extreme badass, and has done it all. While he loves what he does he is feeling like he can't find the right woman who can tolerate him and his job. He definitely wanted to fight his draw to Samantha, but he just couldn't do it. I loved all the times he tried to say English words, but was just a hair off on the pronunciation. Then his witty sayings like "Don't paint the devil on the wall".
Samantha was a great heroine. Even though she had some insecurities because of past bastard boyfriends she was so level headed and great. It is truly refreshing to read about what I would believe is a normal chick. Don't get me wrong, she had some time locked in her head, but she figured her shit out and got on it with. She had a lot of shit thrown at her, but she still didn't take any shit from Thor.
I truly forgot how much I loved reading suspense/mystery style romances. Where the angst is about who did it and not just drama between the couple. Super refreshing.
I'm curious if Jones and Kristi will meet back up later in this series.
ARC kindly provided by NetGallery and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review.
So I was so happy to get an ARC of this series. Sadly I haven't read the first few, but it did not hinder this book at all. I never felt lost or confused. But it definitely made me want to go back and start with book one to get to know all these characters better.
Thor was such a great character. He is Danish, an extreme badass, and has done it all. While he loves what he does he is feeling like he can't find the right woman who can tolerate him and his job. He definitely wanted to fight his draw to Samantha, but he just couldn't do it. I loved all the times he tried to say English words, but was just a hair off on the pronunciation. Then his witty sayings like "Don't paint the devil on the wall".
Samantha was a great heroine. Even though she had some insecurities because of past bastard boyfriends she was so level headed and great. It is truly refreshing to read about what I would believe is a normal chick. Don't get me wrong, she had some time locked in her head, but she figured her shit out and got on it with. She had a lot of shit thrown at her, but she still didn't take any shit from Thor.
I truly forgot how much I loved reading suspense/mystery style romances. Where the angst is about who did it and not just drama between the couple. Super refreshing.
I'm curious if Jones and Kristi will meet back up later in this series.
ARC kindly provided by NetGallery and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
3.5 stars
HARD LINE is book five in the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare. With this particular book, we have a Danish hero and for me, this was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Thor is more of a cold hero, which I didn’t really mind all too much. I like having a variety of different heroes in a series, so I thought that he was easy to fall for.
Samantha, on the other hand, required a little more time for me to warm up to. It’s funny because this book is set in a really cold climate, so I felt like even the characters had some coldness to them. But whether or not that was intentional by the author or not, Samantha didn’t completely win me over. I found her narration to be quite repetitive, especially in the first few chapters. The repetition really got me out of reading this, so it took me much longer than usual to finish.
I enjoyed the setting. It provided a great backdrop for the action and also the suspense. It actually reminded me of another I-Team novel of Clare’s that I enjoyed with cooler climates too. So while it wasn’t a total win for me, I did like several aspects of this book. I’d maybe even say that it was one of the better ones of this series.
HARD LINE is book five in the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare. With this particular book, we have a Danish hero and for me, this was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Thor is more of a cold hero, which I didn’t really mind all too much. I like having a variety of different heroes in a series, so I thought that he was easy to fall for.
Samantha, on the other hand, required a little more time for me to warm up to. It’s funny because this book is set in a really cold climate, so I felt like even the characters had some coldness to them. But whether or not that was intentional by the author or not, Samantha didn’t completely win me over. I found her narration to be quite repetitive, especially in the first few chapters. The repetition really got me out of reading this, so it took me much longer than usual to finish.
I enjoyed the setting. It provided a great backdrop for the action and also the suspense. It actually reminded me of another I-Team novel of Clare’s that I enjoyed with cooler climates too. So while it wasn’t a total win for me, I did like several aspects of this book. I’d maybe even say that it was one of the better ones of this series.
August 30, 2020
ARC received for review
Another great book by Ms. Clare. I've never read a book written in this locale. It was amazing and fascinating. There was intrigue, action, freezing cold, romance, and lots of sexy times. Loved see lots of the previous peeps again. I can't wait to see who falls next.
Another great book by Ms. Clare. I've never read a book written in this locale. It was amazing and fascinating. There was intrigue, action, freezing cold, romance, and lots of sexy times. Loved see lots of the previous peeps again. I can't wait to see who falls next.
May 13, 2021
When her best friend and research partner dies just two months into their eight-month tenure at Antarctica’s Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Dr. Samantha Park is completely unnerved. She’s grieving when three strangers arrive from Cobra International Security and ask for her assistance in recovering sensitive components from a crashed satellite. She’s suspicious of the military and flying in austral winter is almost a death wish, but when she learns of the lives that could be lost if the components wound up in the wrong hands, she knows she must help. She’s just surprised at how readily she comes to trust the Cobra leader, Thor Isaksen.
Danish native Thor is a veteran of combat in Afghanistan and a former member of the elite Sirius Dog Sled Patrol. He’s used to dealing with the cold and isolation after two years spent in northeast Greenland so he’s the ideal choice to lead this mission. He’s prepared for everything he must do to protect the potential weapon once it’s recovered, but not for his attraction to Samantha. Even though he can’t afford the distraction, he and his team are stuck in Antarctica until the weather clears and he knows he can’t resist her allure that long.
When it becomes apparent that the death of Sam’s partner was not due to natural causes, Thor finds himself in charage of a murder investigation and wholly out of his depth. In such a contained environment, the killer is bound to get desperate and Thor will be hard-pressed to keep himself, his team, and his newfound love safe.
When I saw this book was set in Antarctica, a setting I’d never read before, I knew I had to try it and I was not disappointed. I loved this book. Thor was a fantastic hero and Samantha was smart without arrogance or the awkward, literal logic that seems to be so popular to use right now with brainy heroines. Instead, her brand of awkward was charming and utterly relatable, so her winding up with the hot guy was extremely satisfying. The forced proximity and elements of danger and suspense here were excellent and enough to keep me hooked even after I’d figured out who the killer must be. This book was unlike anything I’ve read before and I loved that. I definitely plan to keep up with this unique and enthralling series as it reminds me of my first literary love, romantic suspense.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Danish native Thor is a veteran of combat in Afghanistan and a former member of the elite Sirius Dog Sled Patrol. He’s used to dealing with the cold and isolation after two years spent in northeast Greenland so he’s the ideal choice to lead this mission. He’s prepared for everything he must do to protect the potential weapon once it’s recovered, but not for his attraction to Samantha. Even though he can’t afford the distraction, he and his team are stuck in Antarctica until the weather clears and he knows he can’t resist her allure that long.
When it becomes apparent that the death of Sam’s partner was not due to natural causes, Thor finds himself in charage of a murder investigation and wholly out of his depth. In such a contained environment, the killer is bound to get desperate and Thor will be hard-pressed to keep himself, his team, and his newfound love safe.
When I saw this book was set in Antarctica, a setting I’d never read before, I knew I had to try it and I was not disappointed. I loved this book. Thor was a fantastic hero and Samantha was smart without arrogance or the awkward, literal logic that seems to be so popular to use right now with brainy heroines. Instead, her brand of awkward was charming and utterly relatable, so her winding up with the hot guy was extremely satisfying. The forced proximity and elements of danger and suspense here were excellent and enough to keep me hooked even after I’d figured out who the killer must be. This book was unlike anything I’ve read before and I loved that. I definitely plan to keep up with this unique and enthralling series as it reminds me of my first literary love, romantic suspense.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2020
I have enjoyed this series, and this entry is a little different: no warlords, no bombs, no battle scenes. It's really a closed-room mystery with interesting characters. Plus it takes place at the South Pole - in winter!
Starring a tall Dane named Thor - must be good. It's really a nice slow-burn (well it takes a few days) romance, with immediate challenges and dangers. The rest of the Cobra team is in the background. There are not many sex scenes, and they are passionate, detailed more than clinical. It's good to be warm in the Antarctic.
Some parts of the mystery were a bit thin, as red herrings were required. There are more moving parts than a standard PC story, which is good, but also provided some weak moments. The confrontation at the end wasn't necessary. But the story and the romance held together and the emotional tension of both rang true.
I'm hoping that the suggested couple becomes reality in the next book.
Starring a tall Dane named Thor - must be good. It's really a nice slow-burn (well it takes a few days) romance, with immediate challenges and dangers. The rest of the Cobra team is in the background. There are not many sex scenes, and they are passionate, detailed more than clinical. It's good to be warm in the Antarctic.
Some parts of the mystery were a bit thin, as red herrings were required. There are more moving parts than a standard PC story, which is good, but also provided some weak moments. The confrontation at the end wasn't necessary. But the story and the romance held together and the emotional tension of both rang true.
I'm hoping that the suggested couple becomes reality in the next book.
August 28, 2020
3.5 stars rounding up...
What starts out as sabotage - with vague implications for world security that's not brought any further than that - turns into a murder mystery in the brutal cold. Set mostly in the deep, chilly region of Antarctica, 'Hard Line' was interest-grabbing from the start--but then again, I tend to gravitate towards extreme environments and an author's ability to make use of such settings to craft a tale.
It's the big Dane Thor Isaksen's turn here (complete with the endearing foreign-language mistranslations from time to time) as the Antarctic environment makes the most use of his skills and his growing attraction to Dr. Samantha Park. Thor and Samantha are generally likeable good guys who are dedicated to their own fields of work: both genuinely care about each other after a short time together, are straight with each other and don't take each other for a ride like many romantic pairings are wont to do.
Pamela Clare's Cobra Elite series continues its run as books that that focus equally on romance and straightforward suspense plot-lines, as elite operatives from Cobra International fall one by one, into their HEAs in diverse contexts and wildly different environments.
And like most RS books, there's always a part that demands the suspension of belief and it wasn't surprising that there were a few moments here as well, where I had to shut an eye to several unlikely situations. Still, 'Hard Line' was an easy read and an engaging one: I liked it for the setting mostly and didn't have too many issues at all with the characters, but it did in the end, lack some kind of chutzpah that would propel a book to a 5-star rating.
*ARC by the author via Netgalley
What starts out as sabotage - with vague implications for world security that's not brought any further than that - turns into a murder mystery in the brutal cold. Set mostly in the deep, chilly region of Antarctica, 'Hard Line' was interest-grabbing from the start--but then again, I tend to gravitate towards extreme environments and an author's ability to make use of such settings to craft a tale.
It's the big Dane Thor Isaksen's turn here (complete with the endearing foreign-language mistranslations from time to time) as the Antarctic environment makes the most use of his skills and his growing attraction to Dr. Samantha Park. Thor and Samantha are generally likeable good guys who are dedicated to their own fields of work: both genuinely care about each other after a short time together, are straight with each other and don't take each other for a ride like many romantic pairings are wont to do.
Pamela Clare's Cobra Elite series continues its run as books that that focus equally on romance and straightforward suspense plot-lines, as elite operatives from Cobra International fall one by one, into their HEAs in diverse contexts and wildly different environments.
And like most RS books, there's always a part that demands the suspension of belief and it wasn't surprising that there were a few moments here as well, where I had to shut an eye to several unlikely situations. Still, 'Hard Line' was an easy read and an engaging one: I liked it for the setting mostly and didn't have too many issues at all with the characters, but it did in the end, lack some kind of chutzpah that would propel a book to a 5-star rating.
*ARC by the author via Netgalley
August 29, 2020
Cette série est superbe et bien faite. Avec des situations inédites. On imagine le travail de recherche que Pamela a dû faire entre la technique (astrophysique, chimie, rien que ça) et la minutie des détails de la vie à -40° / -60°.
Thor, c'est déjà un nom, un physique et une force de caractère qui plantent le décor. Samantha est une héroïne introvertie et d'apparence fragile. L'histoire d'amour se met en place en douceur sans trop de chichi, mais avec beaucoup de sensualité.
Comme dans les autres volets de la série Cobra Elite, l'action et l'adrénaline sont au centre du livre.
Thor, c'est déjà un nom, un physique et une force de caractère qui plantent le décor. Samantha est une héroïne introvertie et d'apparence fragile. L'histoire d'amour se met en place en douceur sans trop de chichi, mais avec beaucoup de sensualité.
Comme dans les autres volets de la série Cobra Elite, l'action et l'adrénaline sont au centre du livre.
September 24, 2020
Wow, I'm really digging these Antarctic romantic suspense stories. I've learned more about what goes on down there near the South Pole in the last few weeks than I ever did in 18 years of schooling.
The twisty turns in this one were especially good. I was jumping from suspect to suspect and second guessing everyone. A few little moments of disbelief, but totally forgivable in a work of fiction.
It works as a stand alone with very little mention of previous dramas. I hate it when a book has to spend 10% giving every previous couple some back story and page time. The author threaded the needle perfectly for me here.
I definitely enjoyed this one and would recommend it. Gonna give the previous book a shot, too.
The twisty turns in this one were especially good. I was jumping from suspect to suspect and second guessing everyone. A few little moments of disbelief, but totally forgivable in a work of fiction.
It works as a stand alone with very little mention of previous dramas. I hate it when a book has to spend 10% giving every previous couple some back story and page time. The author threaded the needle perfectly for me here.
I definitely enjoyed this one and would recommend it. Gonna give the previous book a shot, too.
August 30, 2020
Hard Line was a pretty suspenseful read! I loved the setting-Antarctica seemed appropriate for Thor, Danish Cobra operative and cold climate survival guru- to work his skills. Samantha was also a treat with her intelligence and Astrophysicist job. Jones and Malik were great sidekicks too. I loved seeing previous characters pop up from the series to lend a helping hand. The suspense and mystery with the satellite crash left me curious to how everything would play out. My only hiccup was that Thor and Samantha’s hook ups didn’t always hit the mark in terms of timing, but I was too engrossed in the mystery to let that ruin things for me.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
March 6, 2024
Hard Line
4 Stars
Thor Isakson, a former member of the Danish special forces and Sirius Dog Patrol, is familiar with the risks of working in cold environments. Thus, he is the perfect choice to lead a mission to Antarctica to retrieve classified satellite components. Dr. Samantha Park, an astrophysicist at the Scott-Amundsen base, is none too pleased to be seconded to the team to provide her technical expertise not only because she is distrustful of military types but also because her research partner and best friend has recently died. With Russian operatives in play, Thor and Samantha must work together in deadly conditions and with a potential killer on the loose...
Series note:While each book focuses on a different member of the Cobra Elite team, the plots are not interconnected and there is no ongoing story arc. As such, the books can be read as standalones.
Similar to book #3, the focus in this installment is more on the mystery than the military operations as Thor is tasked with investigating the death of Samantha's friend. The case is pretty straightforward, and it is possible to guess the killer. Nevertheless, the original setting, exciting action scenes and nail-biting climax and resolution make for very entertaining reading.
Thor and Samantha's romance is sexy and sweet. Samantha is a compelling mix of intelligence, spirit and vulnerability. She has been hurt in the past and is somewhat socially awkward. Thor sees past her reserved facade to the lonely woman eager to love and be loved. Thor has his own demons, but Samantha is patient and loving - they are a perfect match for one another.
Malik Jones and Lev Segal accompany Thor Antarctica and their playful camaraderie is wonderful, especially the teasing of one particular scene between Malik and his love interest, Kristi - who will be the focus of the next book.
All in all, another engaging addition to the series.
4 Stars
Thor Isakson, a former member of the Danish special forces and Sirius Dog Patrol, is familiar with the risks of working in cold environments. Thus, he is the perfect choice to lead a mission to Antarctica to retrieve classified satellite components. Dr. Samantha Park, an astrophysicist at the Scott-Amundsen base, is none too pleased to be seconded to the team to provide her technical expertise not only because she is distrustful of military types but also because her research partner and best friend has recently died. With Russian operatives in play, Thor and Samantha must work together in deadly conditions and with a potential killer on the loose...
Series note:While each book focuses on a different member of the Cobra Elite team, the plots are not interconnected and there is no ongoing story arc. As such, the books can be read as standalones.
Similar to book #3, the focus in this installment is more on the mystery than the military operations as Thor is tasked with investigating the death of Samantha's friend. The case is pretty straightforward, and it is possible to guess the killer. Nevertheless, the original setting, exciting action scenes and nail-biting climax and resolution make for very entertaining reading.
Thor and Samantha's romance is sexy and sweet. Samantha is a compelling mix of intelligence, spirit and vulnerability. She has been hurt in the past and is somewhat socially awkward. Thor sees past her reserved facade to the lonely woman eager to love and be loved. Thor has his own demons, but Samantha is patient and loving - they are a perfect match for one another.
Malik Jones and Lev Segal accompany Thor Antarctica and their playful camaraderie is wonderful, especially the teasing of one particular scene between Malik and his love interest, Kristi - who will be the focus of the next book.
All in all, another engaging addition to the series.
March 27, 2024
This was an insta-purchase following reading a fellow GR friend's review and I was not disappointed. I loved the two MCs and how organic their relationship development felt. They were both characters and it was an easy read in that there wasn't any contrived drama as far as the relationship.
It's obvious that the author put thought and effort into some of the technical details so I really appreciated that. The details and mystery of who the culprit could be was quite thrilling and made this hard to put down. I look forward to reading more from this author.
It's obvious that the author put thought and effort into some of the technical details so I really appreciated that. The details and mystery of who the culprit could be was quite thrilling and made this hard to put down. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Want to read
September 8, 2020💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
January 2, 2021
Another great addition to this Cobra Elite series. Really enjoyed this one. I find I like the ones more where they are stationary and aren't running for their lives. Not that I dislike those but I feel less...anxious, I guess.
Loved how sweet Thor was with Samantha and the way he protected her. Just an overall sweet story.
Very much enjoyed.
Loved how sweet Thor was with Samantha and the way he protected her. Just an overall sweet story.
Very much enjoyed.
August 20, 2020
Just wow......this story kept me guessing, freezing and totally engaged in the story. Ms. Clare has done it again. Full review to follow.....
September 7, 2020
HARD LINE is the fifth instalment in Pamela Clare’s contemporary, adult COBRA ELITE romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Cobra International Security. This is former Danish spec-ops solider Thor Isaksen, and astrophysicist Dr. Samantha Park’s story line. HARD LINE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Samantha and Thor) HARD LINE follows in the aftermath of a downed military satellite in the remote regions of Antarctica. Thor Isaksen, and several members of Cobra International Security had been tasked with the recovery of the US satellite before it fell into the hands of a potential enemy. Staying at one of the South Pole science stations, Thor would come face to face with astrophysicist Dr. Samantha Park, the woman with whom Thor would fall in love but all was not well at the research station when a young woman dies under mysterious circumstances, and everyone including Samantha become suspect in her death. As Thor and several members of the Cobra Elite team are quickly deputised as US Marshals, an investigation would reveal a killer was closer than anyone could have imagined. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Samantha and Thor, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted and left alone to die in the Antarctica cold.
The relationship between Samantha and Thor begins as a working assignment when Thor discovers Samantha was the victim’s best friend. Working together to retrieve the important parts of the military satellite, Thor and the agents from Cobra Elite would encounter a Russian Team hoping to take back what didn’t belong. As Samantha and Thor’s relationship begins to build, Samantha quickly realizes that their relationship comes with an end date, a date coming all too soon. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and animated secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Antarctica mission: site manager Steve Hardin, astrophysicists Greg Martin, Bai Zahang Wei and Kazem Hamidi, Kristi Chang RN, cook Jason Huger, Lance, and coms manager Charli ; Cobra Elite Team members including co-owner Derek Tower, Malik Jones, and Lev Segal; as well as several Russian agents with questionable pasts.
HARD LINE is a story of betrayal, greed, survival, power and control. The premise is intriguing and imaginative; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic and spirited. HARD LINE is a startling and energetic addition to the Cobra Elite series.
copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Samantha and Thor) HARD LINE follows in the aftermath of a downed military satellite in the remote regions of Antarctica. Thor Isaksen, and several members of Cobra International Security had been tasked with the recovery of the US satellite before it fell into the hands of a potential enemy. Staying at one of the South Pole science stations, Thor would come face to face with astrophysicist Dr. Samantha Park, the woman with whom Thor would fall in love but all was not well at the research station when a young woman dies under mysterious circumstances, and everyone including Samantha become suspect in her death. As Thor and several members of the Cobra Elite team are quickly deputised as US Marshals, an investigation would reveal a killer was closer than anyone could have imagined. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Samantha and Thor, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted and left alone to die in the Antarctica cold.
The relationship between Samantha and Thor begins as a working assignment when Thor discovers Samantha was the victim’s best friend. Working together to retrieve the important parts of the military satellite, Thor and the agents from Cobra Elite would encounter a Russian Team hoping to take back what didn’t belong. As Samantha and Thor’s relationship begins to build, Samantha quickly realizes that their relationship comes with an end date, a date coming all too soon. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and animated secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Antarctica mission: site manager Steve Hardin, astrophysicists Greg Martin, Bai Zahang Wei and Kazem Hamidi, Kristi Chang RN, cook Jason Huger, Lance, and coms manager Charli ; Cobra Elite Team members including co-owner Derek Tower, Malik Jones, and Lev Segal; as well as several Russian agents with questionable pasts.
HARD LINE is a story of betrayal, greed, survival, power and control. The premise is intriguing and imaginative; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic and spirited. HARD LINE is a startling and energetic addition to the Cobra Elite series.
copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 2, 2021
From The Physical Discomfort Of Frigid Cold To The Warmth And Pleasure Of The Bedroom, Thor And Samantha Make A Meaningful Connection.
This is one story I should have read in the sweltering heat of summer instead of the cold, damp, windy Chicago weather this late Fall. Pamela Clare is always a master at in-depth storytelling and I could just feel the bone chilling cold of the South Pole right along with the characters.
In my opinion, this story wasn’t as action packed as some of the other books in this great series, but it was an interesting read. I love the physical and emotional connection that Thor and Samantha exhibited. Samantha struggled with body image and self esteem allowing past relationships to define who she is. The fact that she was also a highly intelligent astrophysicist did not help her situation when men were intimidated by her gifts. Thor, however, was the perfect man for her, turned on by her intelligence and worshiping and appreciating her body during their tender lovemaking.
Ms. Clare gave us insight into life at the Amundsen-Scott Station in the South Pole. Severe cold and perpetual darkness make life extremely difficult, but these men and women thrive for months on end.
Cobra sent Thor, Malik, and Lev to retrieve a vital satellite that was deliberately blown up, traced to someone in the station by way of hacking. After the men arrive they not only retrieve the satellite components but are on a “whodunnit” quest throughout the story. They also try to find out who was responsible for the death of Samantha’s colleague and close friend Patty at the station.
Things go along without much action until the last quarter of the book. That is where your adrenaline surges. The conclusion, was somewhat predictable but there was also an element of surprise.
I can’t wait to delve into Malik and Kristi’s story. They’ve already begun their “no strings” relationship and ‘noisy’ lovemaking 😂 during this book.
This is one story I should have read in the sweltering heat of summer instead of the cold, damp, windy Chicago weather this late Fall. Pamela Clare is always a master at in-depth storytelling and I could just feel the bone chilling cold of the South Pole right along with the characters.
In my opinion, this story wasn’t as action packed as some of the other books in this great series, but it was an interesting read. I love the physical and emotional connection that Thor and Samantha exhibited. Samantha struggled with body image and self esteem allowing past relationships to define who she is. The fact that she was also a highly intelligent astrophysicist did not help her situation when men were intimidated by her gifts. Thor, however, was the perfect man for her, turned on by her intelligence and worshiping and appreciating her body during their tender lovemaking.
Ms. Clare gave us insight into life at the Amundsen-Scott Station in the South Pole. Severe cold and perpetual darkness make life extremely difficult, but these men and women thrive for months on end.
Cobra sent Thor, Malik, and Lev to retrieve a vital satellite that was deliberately blown up, traced to someone in the station by way of hacking. After the men arrive they not only retrieve the satellite components but are on a “whodunnit” quest throughout the story. They also try to find out who was responsible for the death of Samantha’s colleague and close friend Patty at the station.
Things go along without much action until the last quarter of the book. That is where your adrenaline surges. The conclusion, was somewhat predictable but there was also an element of surprise.
I can’t wait to delve into Malik and Kristi’s story. They’ve already begun their “no strings” relationship and ‘noisy’ lovemaking 😂 during this book.
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September 24, 2020
While it wasn’t a total win for me, I did like several aspects of this book. I’d maybe even say that it was one of the better ones of this series.”
~ Under the Covers
HARD LINE is book five in the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare. With this particular book, we have a Danish hero and for me, this was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Thor is more of a cold hero, which I didn’t really mind all too much. I like having a variety of different heroes in a series, so I thought that he was easy to fall for.
Samantha, on the other hand, required a little more time for me to warm up to. It’s funny because this book is set in a really cold climate, so I felt like even the characters had some coldness to them. But whether or not that was intentional by the author or not, Samantha didn’t completely win me over. I found her narration to be quite repetitive, especially in the first few chapters. The repetition really got me out of reading this, so it took me much longer than usual to finish.
I enjoyed the setting. It provided a great backdrop for the action and also the suspense. It actually reminded me of another I-Team novel of Clare’s that I enjoyed with cooler climates too. So while it wasn’t a total win for me, I did like several aspects of this book. I’d maybe even say that it was one of the better ones of this series.
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 27, 2020
I always am intrigued to read about books set in Antarctica, it's a place not many people ever will get the chance to go and it seems so exotic. Then you read about how cold it can get and my head can hardly comprehend it, especially when it's winter there.
The Cobra guys seemed odd in Antarctica, sort of like on Sesame Street where they show how one of these things isn't like the other. Even while doing their secret mission they managed to fit in, in their own way, while keeping an eye on everyone. It didn't help that they had extra people to watch in the Russians and weren't sure who they could trust. I was glad that Thor was able to get Samantha off the suspect list quickly. The two of them were cute together, their awkwardness part of their charm.
When the bad guy was revealed, I sort of wanted to slap my own head, because of course it was this person, it made sense with everything that happened. The action at the end had me holding my breath, between the guns, running for safety and the Antarctica cold there were a lot of place for people to get hurt and worse.
I really loved how this one ended, loved that Thor and Samantha made the effort to keep their relationship going and are spending some time in the sun.
The Cobra guys seemed odd in Antarctica, sort of like on Sesame Street where they show how one of these things isn't like the other. Even while doing their secret mission they managed to fit in, in their own way, while keeping an eye on everyone. It didn't help that they had extra people to watch in the Russians and weren't sure who they could trust. I was glad that Thor was able to get Samantha off the suspect list quickly. The two of them were cute together, their awkwardness part of their charm.
When the bad guy was revealed, I sort of wanted to slap my own head, because of course it was this person, it made sense with everything that happened. The action at the end had me holding my breath, between the guns, running for safety and the Antarctica cold there were a lot of place for people to get hurt and worse.
I really loved how this one ended, loved that Thor and Samantha made the effort to keep their relationship going and are spending some time in the sun.
February 26, 2024
I enjoyed this story a lot, it was exactly was I was looking for rn. I loved that this was a true romantic suspense, equal parts romance and suspense, not just a romance with something shady that happens in the latter part of the book. This was a solid romance with a mystery unfolding throughout. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because of the following conversation between the two main characters:
"I also like that you're real."
"I'm real?"
"You don't wear makeup or talk about clothes or waste time on things that don't matter. You're not [superficial]."
"Thank you. For some reason, I've never had an interest in any of that. I thought most men like women who do all the girly stuff."
like??? what in the "I'm not like other girls" is going on here?! This was SO disappointing, and also totally random bc neither one of these characters had any other misogynistic thoughts so it just felt like the author's personal commentary coming through for literally no reason? Idk, personally it just rubbed me the wrong way.
"I also like that you're real."
"I'm real?"
"You don't wear makeup or talk about clothes or waste time on things that don't matter. You're not [superficial]."
"Thank you. For some reason, I've never had an interest in any of that. I thought most men like women who do all the girly stuff."
like??? what in the "I'm not like other girls" is going on here?! This was SO disappointing, and also totally random bc neither one of these characters had any other misogynistic thoughts so it just felt like the author's personal commentary coming through for literally no reason? Idk, personally it just rubbed me the wrong way.
November 15, 2020
Samantha is dealing with the loss of her friend while working at the South Pole. Cobra team is led by Thor to retrieve a satellite before it falls into the wrong hands. The team finds out Samantha's friend died under suspicious circumstances and decide to return the body when they leave. Samantha ends up going with the team. Thor is attracted to her even though he knows he shouldn't be and Samantha feels the same way. A killer is lurking and will do anything to destroy them. Can the couple make it through this mission?
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
This is a fast moving story that had me turning pages just as quickly as possible. I loved the story and the way the environment almost became a character as it was so integral to the story. In addition to being an engrossing story, it was fascinating to read about such an unusual environment.
If you enjoy romantic suspense at its best, you will love this book. I stayed up way too late reading it as I couldn't put it down. This one is a must read for fans of the genre. The author is on my must read authors' list.
If you enjoy romantic suspense at its best, you will love this book. I stayed up way too late reading it as I couldn't put it down. This one is a must read for fans of the genre. The author is on my must read authors' list.
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