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Hera Force #1
Mockingbird's Cry
Five years ago, Josephine "Mockingbird" Caruso belonged to an all-female black-ops military group named Hera Force—a team tasked with bringing down terrorists like the enigma dubbed the Chessmaster. But the faceless criminal mastermind had other plans and single-handily destroyed the operation, ruining the women’s military careers and their lives.
Ex-Delta Force operative Detective Lincoln Sullivan reports to the scene of a mass-murder, learning all too quickly he knows the victims. The killer has left behind a deadly missive just for him: Find the Mockingbird or more will die.
Lincoln flies to New Orleans where Jo lives with her twin brother. Lincoln and Jo had once been co-operatives and lovers, however the fallout from Hera Force's destruction left what little relationship they had in tatters. Jo has no desire to work with Lincoln again, but the threat to her life and the remaining two operatives, Nadia “Phoenix” Roth and Jade “Dragon” Delacour, force her hand. The four former teammates are thrust together once more. There are unknown forces moving in the background and an old enemy is about to return with a vengeance.
Tensions between the ex-lovers come to a head when Lincoln learns his partner is an Army agent working under Hera Force’s top general, a man who's not all that he seems. With each step Lincoln and Jo take, they are met with death and destruction. Buried lies and half-truths begin to unravel Jo’s shaky trust in Lincoln until all is brought to light.
When the killer strikes, Jo is faced with a hard choice, be the leader she was born to be, or lose Lincoln forever.
Ex-Delta Force operative Detective Lincoln Sullivan reports to the scene of a mass-murder, learning all too quickly he knows the victims. The killer has left behind a deadly missive just for him: Find the Mockingbird or more will die.
Lincoln flies to New Orleans where Jo lives with her twin brother. Lincoln and Jo had once been co-operatives and lovers, however the fallout from Hera Force's destruction left what little relationship they had in tatters. Jo has no desire to work with Lincoln again, but the threat to her life and the remaining two operatives, Nadia “Phoenix” Roth and Jade “Dragon” Delacour, force her hand. The four former teammates are thrust together once more. There are unknown forces moving in the background and an old enemy is about to return with a vengeance.
Tensions between the ex-lovers come to a head when Lincoln learns his partner is an Army agent working under Hera Force’s top general, a man who's not all that he seems. With each step Lincoln and Jo take, they are met with death and destruction. Buried lies and half-truths begin to unravel Jo’s shaky trust in Lincoln until all is brought to light.
When the killer strikes, Jo is faced with a hard choice, be the leader she was born to be, or lose Lincoln forever.
Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2021
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Winter Austin
26 books267 followersAs a Note, I do not use AI in any way to write my books. Lots a sweat equity goes into my writing, not computer generated.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 18, 2021
Yum. Not just one, but three kick-butt heroines. Action-packed and exciting. Full review to follow.
4 stars
“Mockingbird’s Cry” by Winter Austin is the first book in the ‘Hera’s Force’ series and features three very capable and efficient female operatives and one male, who were all involved in a horrific final op while they were in the military together that has left both mental and physical scars. Their estrangement from each other is abruptly terminated when a killer sets sights on “Mockingbird”, and they join forces in a race against both time and an unknown enemy determined to destroy them all.
This romantic suspense and military thriller is tension filled and action packed, and it grabs one’s attention with the very first page and keeps getting more intense. There are lots of nice twists and turns but also a lot of questions that remain unanswered, as this is the first in a series. I love strong heroines, and the trio of warriors that star in this story made me cheer and kept me invested in the action and in their lives. A couple of the developments seemed a little forced to me, and I admit to being disturbed by one of the revelations, but I still enjoyed the overall story and anxiously await the sequel.
A copy of this title was provided for review
4 stars
“Mockingbird’s Cry” by Winter Austin is the first book in the ‘Hera’s Force’ series and features three very capable and efficient female operatives and one male, who were all involved in a horrific final op while they were in the military together that has left both mental and physical scars. Their estrangement from each other is abruptly terminated when a killer sets sights on “Mockingbird”, and they join forces in a race against both time and an unknown enemy determined to destroy them all.
This romantic suspense and military thriller is tension filled and action packed, and it grabs one’s attention with the very first page and keeps getting more intense. There are lots of nice twists and turns but also a lot of questions that remain unanswered, as this is the first in a series. I love strong heroines, and the trio of warriors that star in this story made me cheer and kept me invested in the action and in their lives. A couple of the developments seemed a little forced to me, and I admit to being disturbed by one of the revelations, but I still enjoyed the overall story and anxiously await the sequel.
A copy of this title was provided for review
October 9, 2021
Mockingbird’s Cry is the first installment in the Hera Force Series was everything that I love in a mystery, action pack book. From the very beginning it starts with murders that will bring Hera Force back into action.
Detective Lincoln “Fenrir” Sullivan has not been living he has been just going with the flow of each day. His passion has always been in the military and from the moment that he and the rest of the Hera Force were discharged things have not been the same. The last mission that him and his team were in didn’t go as planned. Now he has to find the person that he betrayed and fell in love with but he has no choice the note said it all, “Find the Mockingbird or more will die.”
Josephine “Mockingbird” “Jo” Caruso hasn’t been the same since being out of the military group. The last mission in Pakistan went horribly wrong and people died that shouldn’t have died. She let the command center know that they should have hold off the mission but instead mission went forward. Now living in New Orleans, she did what she did best and keep investigating why Hera Force was shut down and they were discharged. While investigating she was getting closer to a break but that would have to wait because the last person she ever wanted to see was knocking at her doorstep.
Jade “Dragon” Delacour is a ruthless ex- Delta Force woman that didn’t take crap from anyone. She knew from the moment that he met Lincoln that he was lying about something there was only one problem Jo couldn’t see it. Her K-9 while in the mission was killed when he stepped on the IED in order to save his handler. She now had a new K-9 Thor and he didn’t care for men but a complete softy on women. Now yes, she was a complete hot-head but they recruited her for a reason. Jade’s character is just lethal but deep down I believe she is caring and doesn’t want the people she trusts hurt even if it’s only her K-9, Jo and Nadia.
Nadia “Phoenix” Roth ex-CIA and a seductress/ assassin when she needed to be. She was injured in the last mission and suffered a brain injury. She has some severe headaches and with that comes with maybe memory loss. I like her character because she seems so bubbly and fun but then she becomes serious and lethal. I love how she shuts Jade up when Lincoln and Jo are trying to work out their relationship and she just lightens up the room. I was surprised with how her character ended in this book and the connection she made I never did see that happening.
Lincoln and Jo are going to be tested but Jo is ready to fight. I love how she has a safehouse/war room ready and does she have ammunition. I was floored but then again, she had the best connection with firearms, her twin brother, Eric. Lincoln is digging himself in more and more and now with the General calling and the Hera Force ready to see him he is nerves. He should have been truthful with Jo if she is the one that he loves and wants to build a future with. Things are about to explode on him and Jade is going to get a kick out of it because she called it. Now as for Jo I felt sorry for her because she has lost so much when Lincoln came back into her life. The home that she shared with her brother is gone and now when she is back in Quantico everything shatters. The three women end up leaving and will face their fate together and they will prevail. Now as for Lincoln I was shocked with the revelation that happened in Quantico I didn’t know what to think.
Mockingbird’s Cry was an exceptional read with a storyline that was addictive, heart-breaking and suspenseful. Lincoln and Jo had this intense chemistry that sparks flew every time that they were in the same room together. This story was brilliantly written and it just seemed like a natural development in which I was transported into the story. Now as far as the ending I never saw that coming it was something that just blew my mind.
I totally recommend this read you will not regret it; it will have you at the edge of your seat with each chapter that passes.
Received ARC from the author in exchange for an Honest Review
Detective Lincoln “Fenrir” Sullivan has not been living he has been just going with the flow of each day. His passion has always been in the military and from the moment that he and the rest of the Hera Force were discharged things have not been the same. The last mission that him and his team were in didn’t go as planned. Now he has to find the person that he betrayed and fell in love with but he has no choice the note said it all, “Find the Mockingbird or more will die.”
Josephine “Mockingbird” “Jo” Caruso hasn’t been the same since being out of the military group. The last mission in Pakistan went horribly wrong and people died that shouldn’t have died. She let the command center know that they should have hold off the mission but instead mission went forward. Now living in New Orleans, she did what she did best and keep investigating why Hera Force was shut down and they were discharged. While investigating she was getting closer to a break but that would have to wait because the last person she ever wanted to see was knocking at her doorstep.
Jade “Dragon” Delacour is a ruthless ex- Delta Force woman that didn’t take crap from anyone. She knew from the moment that he met Lincoln that he was lying about something there was only one problem Jo couldn’t see it. Her K-9 while in the mission was killed when he stepped on the IED in order to save his handler. She now had a new K-9 Thor and he didn’t care for men but a complete softy on women. Now yes, she was a complete hot-head but they recruited her for a reason. Jade’s character is just lethal but deep down I believe she is caring and doesn’t want the people she trusts hurt even if it’s only her K-9, Jo and Nadia.
Nadia “Phoenix” Roth ex-CIA and a seductress/ assassin when she needed to be. She was injured in the last mission and suffered a brain injury. She has some severe headaches and with that comes with maybe memory loss. I like her character because she seems so bubbly and fun but then she becomes serious and lethal. I love how she shuts Jade up when Lincoln and Jo are trying to work out their relationship and she just lightens up the room. I was surprised with how her character ended in this book and the connection she made I never did see that happening.
Lincoln and Jo are going to be tested but Jo is ready to fight. I love how she has a safehouse/war room ready and does she have ammunition. I was floored but then again, she had the best connection with firearms, her twin brother, Eric. Lincoln is digging himself in more and more and now with the General calling and the Hera Force ready to see him he is nerves. He should have been truthful with Jo if she is the one that he loves and wants to build a future with. Things are about to explode on him and Jade is going to get a kick out of it because she called it. Now as for Jo I felt sorry for her because she has lost so much when Lincoln came back into her life. The home that she shared with her brother is gone and now when she is back in Quantico everything shatters. The three women end up leaving and will face their fate together and they will prevail. Now as for Lincoln I was shocked with the revelation that happened in Quantico I didn’t know what to think.
Mockingbird’s Cry was an exceptional read with a storyline that was addictive, heart-breaking and suspenseful. Lincoln and Jo had this intense chemistry that sparks flew every time that they were in the same room together. This story was brilliantly written and it just seemed like a natural development in which I was transported into the story. Now as far as the ending I never saw that coming it was something that just blew my mind.
I totally recommend this read you will not regret it; it will have you at the edge of your seat with each chapter that passes.
Received ARC from the author in exchange for an Honest Review
August 10, 2021
Mockingbird’s Cry by Winter Austin
Hera Force Series #1
Excellent introduction to three strong women that were the core of a black ops military team. They fascinated me. Sure, there was a bit of the feel of Charlie’s Angels in that there were three women working together to get difficult jobs done using many skills BUT these women were tougher, more determined, and more intriguing than the fluffier Angels.
What I liked:
* The first chapter grabbing me immediately
* The intensity and pace of the story/writing
* Josephine “mockingbird” Caruso: brilliant, analytical, leader, planner, strategist, team player, capable of great love, demanding, has trust issues, wants justice, good partner to Lincoln…once they work through things.
* Lincoln Sullivan: soldier, cop, team leader, spontaneous, capable of loving long term, has secrets, good partner to Jo once they work through their issues.
* Jade “Dragon” Delacour: dog handler and trainer, sniper, lethal snarky, can scent liars, MMA fighter, want to know more about her.
* Nadia “Phoenix” Roth: CIA Agent, assassin, chameleon, lethal, bubbly, TBI injury to deal with, mediator between team members, intriguing and I want to know more about her.
* Thor: Malinois service trained canine and Jade’s partner – also there for the team
* David Beckhorn: dislikable but grew on me and interested in seeing how he and Nadia get along in the next book.
* General Nathaniel Thornblade: string puller, seeking to put The Chessmaster out of business, strategist that doesn’t always get it right. I wonder what part he will play in the future…is he Charlie but seen or more of a Bosley or perhaps someone else entirely?
* The idea of Hera Force being composed of predominately highly skilled females who accomplished jobs male soldiers were unable to do. That may change in the future or not…it will be interesting to find out.
* Wondering if The Chessmaster will be dealt with eventually
* The twist…there was a big one.
What I didn’t like:
* The way the bad guy was eager to kill rather indiscriminately
* Having to wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and Tirgearr Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Hera Force Series #1
Excellent introduction to three strong women that were the core of a black ops military team. They fascinated me. Sure, there was a bit of the feel of Charlie’s Angels in that there were three women working together to get difficult jobs done using many skills BUT these women were tougher, more determined, and more intriguing than the fluffier Angels.
What I liked:
* The first chapter grabbing me immediately
* The intensity and pace of the story/writing
* Josephine “mockingbird” Caruso: brilliant, analytical, leader, planner, strategist, team player, capable of great love, demanding, has trust issues, wants justice, good partner to Lincoln…once they work through things.
* Lincoln Sullivan: soldier, cop, team leader, spontaneous, capable of loving long term, has secrets, good partner to Jo once they work through their issues.
* Jade “Dragon” Delacour: dog handler and trainer, sniper, lethal snarky, can scent liars, MMA fighter, want to know more about her.
* Nadia “Phoenix” Roth: CIA Agent, assassin, chameleon, lethal, bubbly, TBI injury to deal with, mediator between team members, intriguing and I want to know more about her.
* Thor: Malinois service trained canine and Jade’s partner – also there for the team
* David Beckhorn: dislikable but grew on me and interested in seeing how he and Nadia get along in the next book.
* General Nathaniel Thornblade: string puller, seeking to put The Chessmaster out of business, strategist that doesn’t always get it right. I wonder what part he will play in the future…is he Charlie but seen or more of a Bosley or perhaps someone else entirely?
* The idea of Hera Force being composed of predominately highly skilled females who accomplished jobs male soldiers were unable to do. That may change in the future or not…it will be interesting to find out.
* Wondering if The Chessmaster will be dealt with eventually
* The twist…there was a big one.
What I didn’t like:
* The way the bad guy was eager to kill rather indiscriminately
* Having to wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and Tirgearr Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
October 25, 2021
Mockingbird’s Cry will grab you on the opening page and not let go.
This military romance ratchets the intrigue and suspense up to impressive heights from the first chapter. Although I had just met the four members of Hera Force, I instantly bonded with them. The chemistry between all four exudes electricity. Whether it’s love, hate, or distrust, you can’t deny the bond between the members of this former military team.
The author gently drops hints of the past like the snowflakes that so mesmerize Jo. She adds layer upon layer of mystery until everyone becomes a suspect. The story's pace is intense, the collateral damage body count is high, and you need to pay attention not to miss anything.
I recommend Mockingbird’s Cry to everyone needing a fast, furious, intense, entertaining tale to occupy their mind.
5 of 5 Stars for book one of Winter Austin’s latest series. I’ll be watching for book two!
I received a copy of the book for a book blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
This military romance ratchets the intrigue and suspense up to impressive heights from the first chapter. Although I had just met the four members of Hera Force, I instantly bonded with them. The chemistry between all four exudes electricity. Whether it’s love, hate, or distrust, you can’t deny the bond between the members of this former military team.
The author gently drops hints of the past like the snowflakes that so mesmerize Jo. She adds layer upon layer of mystery until everyone becomes a suspect. The story's pace is intense, the collateral damage body count is high, and you need to pay attention not to miss anything.
I recommend Mockingbird’s Cry to everyone needing a fast, furious, intense, entertaining tale to occupy their mind.
5 of 5 Stars for book one of Winter Austin’s latest series. I’ll be watching for book two!
I received a copy of the book for a book blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
June 3, 2022
Having read Book 2 first, I was Super excited about this one! This book focuses on Jo our feature Femme Bada$$ and Lincoln her old flame and partner in Hera Force leadership.
Jo has been trying to find a way to live after everything went wrong on Hera's last OP, yet she can't let it go. She spends her free time digging into what happened until Lincoln shows up at her door. A murder scene addressed to The Mockingbird has sent him to her, and Hera is forced to regroup.
We get to see how Hera Force 2.0 comes together and the hunt for the Chessmaster really begins.
Charlie's Angels have nothing on these Ladies!
Jo has been trying to find a way to live after everything went wrong on Hera's last OP, yet she can't let it go. She spends her free time digging into what happened until Lincoln shows up at her door. A murder scene addressed to The Mockingbird has sent him to her, and Hera is forced to regroup.
We get to see how Hera Force 2.0 comes together and the hunt for the Chessmaster really begins.
Charlie's Angels have nothing on these Ladies!
October 8, 2021
“Mockingbird’s Cry: Hera Force Series #1” is an action-packed military romance that pulls the reader in from the very first page and does not let go.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 5, 2023
Plenty of action and excitement
This was enjoyable, well paced, had plenty of action and almost romance and a good plot to keep some of us guessing till the end. Lots of loose ends to keep us interested in the next book.
This was enjoyable, well paced, had plenty of action and almost romance and a good plot to keep some of us guessing till the end. Lots of loose ends to keep us interested in the next book.
October 26, 2021
Powerful thriller
Mockingbird's Cry is full of suspense, intrigue and romance, which makes a good all around read. There's plenty of action to keep you entertained.
Jo, an ex-member of Hera Force (all-female black ops group) is pulled back into the military life (that was ruined by a failed mission) working with Lincoln.... gorgeous, ex co-operative and lover from many moons ago!
Both are strong and capable, you'd need to be with all the twists, turns and lies that keep getting in their way personally and professionally.
The way that the two characters interact is well written and I really feel for them. I love how resilient Jo is.
Mockingbird's Cry is full of suspense, intrigue and romance, which makes a good all around read. There's plenty of action to keep you entertained.
Jo, an ex-member of Hera Force (all-female black ops group) is pulled back into the military life (that was ruined by a failed mission) working with Lincoln.... gorgeous, ex co-operative and lover from many moons ago!
Both are strong and capable, you'd need to be with all the twists, turns and lies that keep getting in their way personally and professionally.
The way that the two characters interact is well written and I really feel for them. I love how resilient Jo is.
October 31, 2021
There was never a dull moment in this book, and I loved it! Three awesome heroines take the lead in this suspenseful thriller. There is a bit of romance, but it's definitely not the central point of the plot. The characters had a wonderful depth, and you can't help but cheer them on. This is a great opening book for a new series, and I can't wait to read the next one. If you're looking for an intriguing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you've found it!
November 4, 2021
Mockingbird's Cry brings an all-female black-ops group named Hera Force back together for another mission after five years. Mockingbird's Cry starts out when ex-Delta Force operative Detective Lincoln Sullivan is called out to a murder scene and he soon realizes that he knows the victims.
A note was left at the scene for Lincoln saying “Find the Mockingbird or more will die”. Lincoln must contact the black-ops women and let them know what is going on as the Mockingbird in the note is one of the women.
The three women that make up the all-female black-ops group are Josephine "Mockingbird" Caruso, Nadia “Phoenix” Roth, and Jade “Dragon” Delacour. The group must come together once again to find the killer before their time runs out.
Mockingbird's Cry is a fast-paced read with plenty of action between the pages. More than one kind of spark is flying between the pages of this romantic suspense novel. The sparks from a gun battle are flying all over the place on more than one occasion.
And then there are the sparks between Lincoln and Jo. These two try very hard to keep their sparks under control, most of the time. Jo is never out of Lincoln’s thoughts for long.
Mockingbird's Cry put me in the mind of movies like The Delta Force, Predator, Commando, The A-Team, The Hurt Locker plus so many more. I could go on all day. I love movies like the ones listed here. The action and the suspense alone are enough to keep the pages rolling.
If you like movies like the ones listed above then I am certain you will love Mockingbird's Cry, an introduction to a brand new series, Hera Force. One-click your copy of this action-filled novel, Mockingbird’s Cry today!
A note was left at the scene for Lincoln saying “Find the Mockingbird or more will die”. Lincoln must contact the black-ops women and let them know what is going on as the Mockingbird in the note is one of the women.
The three women that make up the all-female black-ops group are Josephine "Mockingbird" Caruso, Nadia “Phoenix” Roth, and Jade “Dragon” Delacour. The group must come together once again to find the killer before their time runs out.
Mockingbird's Cry is a fast-paced read with plenty of action between the pages. More than one kind of spark is flying between the pages of this romantic suspense novel. The sparks from a gun battle are flying all over the place on more than one occasion.
And then there are the sparks between Lincoln and Jo. These two try very hard to keep their sparks under control, most of the time. Jo is never out of Lincoln’s thoughts for long.
Mockingbird's Cry put me in the mind of movies like The Delta Force, Predator, Commando, The A-Team, The Hurt Locker plus so many more. I could go on all day. I love movies like the ones listed here. The action and the suspense alone are enough to keep the pages rolling.
If you like movies like the ones listed above then I am certain you will love Mockingbird's Cry, an introduction to a brand new series, Hera Force. One-click your copy of this action-filled novel, Mockingbird’s Cry today!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews