An Arsenal standalone free read This is a free standalone read featuring Nikki Everly (we saw her very, very briefly in Battle Scars when she was rescued) and Sol (from Jesse's team).
It is unnecessary to read The Arsenal series to enjoy this work, but familiarity with the series will enhance the reading experience.
Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13.
In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves travelling, photography and reading.
If you are reading this series you may remember Nikki from Battle Scars, this is her story.
The book opens with the scene in Cuba, the Arsenal team was surprised to discover more than just the weapons they were expecting. A group of graduate students were working under duress there. Jesse is leading Nikki out then turns her over to Sol. They need to exfil this group safely and take care of the mission. There's a bit of chaos when Nikki and Sol reach the others but Nikki takes control of the situation.
Once home there's a lot more going on, Nikki has a lot of knowledge that is classified and everyone wants a piece of it. The work she was doing stemmed from the stolen work of Rhee and Brea as such she needs protection. Surprising even himself, Sol volunteers for the assignment.
There's also the problem of Nikki's doctorate and how to smooth over all the classified things.
There's so much in this short story and I love the relationship between Sol and Nikki. Rhea and Bree are a big part of this as is Nikki's sister Tamsyn. Crossover after crossover as this also relates to the Counterstrike series.
I truly can't wait for Lethal Echo and the next Counterstrike books.
Good grief!!! Cara Carnes can certainly pack a huge amount into a small space without losing the impact!
Loved it. Completely & absolutely. Every time I read an Arsenal tale I am giddy with joy! Honest, I really am!! There is something about them that is absolutely my bag.
Cannot believe that I had missed this free read. Thank you Cara Carnes... thank you very much!! Now just need 'Lethal Echo'... and more! ( and did we meet Marshall's HEA?! )
Jesse has found Nikki in a lab at Calisle Industies in Cuba. She was being held hostage to make biochemical weapons. Now she is on her way back to the United States. Sol has made it his mission to be Nikki's protector. Nikki has to figure out what she wants to do now. All she knows for sure is she wants to be with Sol.
Nikki Everly, was a doctoral student in biochemistry, working an internship with Charlise Industries. She as a few other students are kidnapped and forced to woke developing and manufacturing biological and other weapons. She is rescued by Jesse Mason when the Arsenal came in to shut the operation down. Nikki is put in the hands of operative Sol DeLeon, who is charged with her protection and getting her out safely. Nikki quickly proves she is more than a brilliant young scientist. Her Marine Sniper older brother and her FBI older sister trained her well in personal protection. She takes charged of her fellow students, keeping them calm to Sol and his team can get them to safety. The work Nikki was forced to do has put her in danger. Sol, impressed by the pretty scientist, volunteers to lead her protection detail. They develop a friendship that is leading to more. Looking forward to seeing how Nikki and Sol's story progresses in the main series. Marshal Mason, welcomes Kayla Dunn and her dogs to the Arsenal. I think the oldest Mason brother may be smitten.
Free Read on Cara Carnes web site. The story takes place starting in Battle Scars through Hostel Ground. While could be read as a stand alone, best if you have at least read the first book in the series to have some familiarity with the main characters and what the Arsenal is about.
The only thing I didn’t like about this was that it ended. I was fully loving every minute of the book complete forgetting it was a bit shorter. Lost myself completely, which is the sign of an excellent read. Can5 wait for Kayla‘s story and lots of puppy cuteness.
The commandos are matching up with their women and now it's Sol and Nikki's turn. She's rescued from cuba and Sol and Medina are her protection detail. I so loved Kayla and her canine therapy dogs. The scene where they were unloaded from the trailor was great. Excellent short story.
I loved Nikki and Sol’s book. Its so interesting seeing whats going on from others perspectives at the same time when i’ve read the Arsenal series. I loved both Nikki and Sol as characters and their chemistry. I’ll also never get over seeing my Arsenal crew and hearing more about them even just from an operative like Sol’s perspective and someone who’s been saved like Nikki. Now Nikki and Tamsyn are apart of the family and its just awesome. I love that last scene it embodies everything the Arsenal is- family, love, loyalty and heart.