Operation Love

Rogue Mercenaries #1

by Linzi Baxter

Grim told no one about her ex-husband. He was another mark on the long list of bad choices she’d made. Now she must face her past because her ex is part of an organization she needs to destroy before he releases a deadly weapon on the world. There is only one man who can help her, except he hasn’t said one word to her since she pulled him into a mission that cost him his military career.

Casanova didn’t know who he was without the military. Grim deserved more than a broken man. His secrets were so dark she would run if she knew who he really was. He shut her out for a reason, but no matter how much he wants to, he can’t say no when she shows up on his doorstep.

Working side by side, the attraction between them is even more electric. Yet both hesitate to give in to their desires. She’s focused on the job. And he can’t get over his destroyed military career. Can they move past their physical and emotional scars for a chance at happiness? Or will old wounds cost them everything?

Warning: All bets are off in this fast-paced, second-chance romance from Linzi Baxter. If instalove, SEALs, and strong heroines aren’t your thing, look away! All Linzi Baxter’s books come complete with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Military Fiction, Contemporary

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2022

About the author

Linzi Baxter hails from Bismarck, North Dakota, but currently lives in Orlando, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Central Florida and is currently in the process of earning her MBA from the same university.

Baxter works as an IT Manager for the local government and spends her free time playing with her basset hound, watching college sports, traveling to Europe’s great cities, and reading romance. It was that last passion that inspired her to write her debut novella, Hacker Exposed.

Reviews

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grimm and Casanova have worked together in the past and both have things in their past that is holding them back. Sometimes attraction is stronger than any other excuse or reason you may have for not falling. They are on a mission that must completed. The characters are absolutely wonderful on their own and together they are just awesome. There are ups and downs and so much more than just the love story. The reading went quick because it was so good, finished in a sitting. Great book looking forward to more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Casanova and Grim have pasts they would rather forget, but an op that forces them to act as a married couple brings them both face to face with pasts they would rather forget. Can Grim learn to trust and can Casanova reconcile his past present and future to forge the life ha wants with the woman he loves. Great story with all the love, laughter, drama, and twists you expect from Linzi and the HEa all good stories have

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casanova and Grimm

This book is great! I knew Casanova and Grim’s story would be. Casanova had a horrible childhood and he has secrets. Grim had a tragic past and doesn’t trust easily. These two are still on the outs when they are thrown together on an op as a newly married couple in Casanova’s hometown. He comes face to face with his past as he and Grim discover they still care for each other. This is an action packed, suspenseful and steamy hot book and you will thoroughly enjoy it.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed all the books from this series.
I was looking forward to hearing Grim and casanovas story, and I was thrilled with it.
Full on action packed, and I could put it down.
Always so much to take in with this series you can't help but be fully absorbed.
Another great book from Linzi Baxter.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in the Rogue Mercenaries Series and a spinoff of the SEALs Secret Mission series. You don't have to read that series to enjoy this book but you do get to know Jared "Casanova" who was a SEAL and part of the team from the SEALs Secret Mission series and Angel "Grim" who works for Rogue Mercenaries. My honest opinion is read the SEALs series first, they are great books and you’ll get to know Casanova and Grim better. I have been waiting for this book since these two first met. Casanova's been chasing Grim for two years, in love with her and hoping she would give their relationship a chance. Jared doesn't think he's good enough for Angel, that his past has made him to damaged. Angels afraid to let Jared in because she's already lost one man she loved and this thing with Jared is stronger. I will say this book met and completely surpassed all my expectations. Casanova and Grim are so perfect for each other and I absolutely love how the team acts like one big family. Their antics had me laughing. All I can say is wow! Definitely my new favorite book from Linzi Baxter. Can't wait to read Lucas and Willa's story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Escape to the pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has been teased heavily in the authors other books and so it’s great that it’s finally gotten it’s start, though it’s heavily reliant on events that happened in dangerous lies, one of the authors other books and pretty much kicks off not long after those events, which will be referred to in this book also, so honestly I do think you need a little back catalogue reading before you dive into this.

Both characters are strong alpha types and either really knows how to give or take, both have difficult backgrounds and this comes out in dribs and drabs throughout so you do spend a fair amount of time in this book wondering what will come next.

A strong love story with a hea, as well as strong tears for the couplings for the rest of the books, this book does tie itself in some knots, and I admit I found myself getting confused with Sara/yara and who all the characters were at times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
I received a free copy of the steamy post- military novel Operation Love: Rogue Mercenaries: book 1: Casanova and Grim by Linzi Baxter and this review was given freely.
Linz Baxter easily relates the history of and current troubled romances of each of the Rogue Mercenaries members in this drama, action, and humor-filled story where Casanova’s abusive past and Grim’s dirty ex combined with a few plot twists, a fair amount of danger, and family surprises to make this a suspenseful and entertaining read.
Seven months after the unsanctioned mission to protect his friend Ginger’s new fiancé Rose cost him his military career, former Navy SEAL Jared “Casanova” Dawson finds himself still the target of his former stepmother/pimp Ester Rivera, working for Xavier’s Rogue Mercenaries, feeling unworthy of Grim’s love, and pushing her away until the wise council and manipulation of Xavier places them undercover as newlyweds in a mission to disarm a smart self-protective nuclear missile.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a new series it is also a spin off from the Seal's Secret mission series and it has all of Linzi's normal attributes fast paced wonderful suspense and dram a damaged hero and of course red hot romance A fast paced read that draws you in from almost the first page and doesn't let go until you turn the last page

We met Grim and Casanova in the previous series but now they will have to work together in this latest mission Grim is a member of Rogue Mercenaries and it was partly her fault that Casanova lost his military career as a Seal and he isn't handling the loss well He doesn't know who he is with the Seal's and he definitely knows he isn't the man for Grim. But her past in the shape of an ex no one knows about is closing in on her and he actually has a nuclear weapon Working together as a newly married couple may trip all of their insecurities but it may also give them the chance to get what they both want that is if they survive

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just know when the main characters have names like Casanova and Grim but until you know the reason behind those names, you cannot possibly know how this story will go. Casanova had a rough and disturbing childhood, the details he hasn't told to anyone before but when his past seems to come back into his life, he finally chooses to tell the woman he lost his heart to. Grim has her own troubled past and after she told Casanova that she loves him, and then he seems to reject her, she has kept her feeling to herself for fear of getting hurt again. Things change when they are thrown together for a mission and those feelings surface for both and this time, they can't dismiss or run from them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

💓 Friggin AWESOME!!!!

Absolutely L O V E D this book!!!! We finally get to see what happens between Grim and Casanova from the SEAL'S SECRET MISSION series. This spin off series has started off with a huge bang, packed with oodles of adrenaline, surprises, twists and turns, adventure, and oh so much more!!!! Past history from both parties emerge from the shadows.... can they conquer it and rise above, or fall? I can't wait to see what happens next...especially as there is a MASSIVE cliffhanger, so prepare yourself. I love these characters so much, and really look forward to seeing what's to come 😁💗.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5***** stars. Grim/Angel and Casanova/Jared have deep feelings for each other but are avoiding each other since a mission went south and he was seriously injured. But their boss has paired them together as a married couple to gain access to a sophisticated missile avoidance guidance system. There are several storylines for the current mission and events from the past that are intertwined with this job. This book easily stands alone. This story is rife with action, betrayal and a love story. Very busy and impossible to put down..
I voluntarily.read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book..

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Grim and Casanova love each other but need intervention to get together. Assigned to work together on a case that brings Casanova's past to light which leads to him being reunited with his brother and family he didn't know about. I liked how despite the argument they had, Grim works to help settle his past. Unfortunately there was more than they were aware of but everything does work out for both of them. I liked how Casanova gets Grim to marry him.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had made many bad choices including her ex husband which she did not discuss about. She is about to go on a mission and she needs help and there is only one person she can turn too. He lost his military career and he knows he cannot say no to her when she asks for help. The sparks fly between them but the past may stop them taking that best step forward. Can they get the job done? Will they take things to the next level? See how it all will go

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and can't wait for the next book. Grim and Casanova's pasts have caught up to them. Both have baggage from their past that the other doesn't know about and keeps them from being together. They are forced on a mission together, and they are both fighting their pasts at the same time. Can they survive long enough to be together? Must read to find out. An emotional journey with action. A fantastic story and spin-off from other series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this spin off from seal's secret mission series ... love Grim and Casanova... this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama... second chances and more... to save the world Grim must have help... and that help is Casanova... he still blames her for his lost career... and his secrets ... that will tear everything apart... can he forgive her ? is this a second chance for them ? or is all lost !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Rogue Mercenaries series by an exceptional author Linzi Baxter. I have not read a bad book by this author and this is, what a start to this series. Once I started Jared “Casanova” Dawson and Angel “Grim” Porter who work for Rogue Mercenaries, I was not putting this book down until I had finished reading it. There is suspense, drama, danger, pasts to get over, twists, turns, villains and romance. I will be reading the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Casanova and Grim's past come back to torment them. These two are hard headed and deserve to have their happily ever after, but first they have to take out the trash so to speak. Plenty of action, heat and suspense. HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Start to the Series
A great book and great start to the series, Linzi Baxter is brilliant at building a story, setting the scene and involving other characters, I cant wait for the rest of the series. You have seen glimpses of Grim and Casanova in other books but this is their Happy Ever After and it really fits them, even without the other books this is a great standalone love story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casanova and Grim's story

I loved this roller coaster story of love, angst, misunderstandings, hurt, passion, history and more. It's fabulous. Finally we get Jared and Angels story and loose ends from other stories tied up and new threads unravelling. Storyline and characterization is great and the change in both of them to their HEA is beautifully written
I can't wait for more

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read! Casanova and Grim were awesome characters with pretty emotional backgrounds. Great storyline that will hold your interest right from the start! Loved all the characters and can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casanova (Jared) and Grim (Angela) had met before on assignments, but never expanded on their relationship. Both thought they would never be in a relationship due to their pasts. Good story with complex but well developed characters with lots of action and steam. Good read!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Rogue Mercenaries, what a start to this series. Once I started Jared “Casanova” Dawson and Angel “Grim” Porter who work for Rogue Mercenaries, I was not putting this book down until I had finished reading it. There is suspense, drama, danger, pasts to get over, twists, turns, villains and romance. I will be reading the next book.

[Lori Walsh, Guaresimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series

If the main characters Fall in love why can't the authors keep them there, okay a little separation is fine but back and fourth is ridiculous is dies nothing for the storyline. Loved this book had a bit of everything like the rest of her books. You can't go wrong with this series and this is book 1.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic and had me enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flowed throughout the book and you will definitely fall in love with this book..it's filled suspense and action packed and chemistry and romance and so much more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo good

Casanova and Grim have been surrounding each other for awhile. One bad night and that changes. Then Casanova's past is standing over him.
When forced to work a mission together, Casanova and Grim get together.
While on the mission, Casanova finds out more about what he left behind and has to make it right.
Will Casanova and Grim work through their issues?

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is very good! I liked it! It is emotional and interesting, with wonderful characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy this edge of your seat, heart racing, nail biter filled with angst, murder & mayhem, steam and secrets that they don't dare share but when love comes calling will they trust or walk away? Loved it!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read a bad book from this author yet and this book is no exception! The great plot and character development kept me so engaged throughout the entire book that I had an awfully hard time putting this book down until the very last page was turned!

[Beth Althouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the chemistry between these two. The attraction these two have for each other is just what they need. Linzi writes this book with a good mix of action, drama and falling in love. 5 stars and a great start to this new series.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Love

Whew I thought things would never come to an end. I was impatient as heck for Ester to get taken care of. Casanova was hurting so much my heart hurt for him and Grim. I really, really enjoyed this book.