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Team Zulu #1
The Hit
The Hit is a spicy, enemies to lovers romance featuring an ex-special forces protector hero, and a feisty, no-nonsense heroine.
He’s her one chance for survival.
She’s his last hope for salvation.
Former member of Team Zulu, a clandestine black operations unit, Elias “Shep” Shepherd believes the only use he has nowadays is taking out human scum on home soil. After years of harrowing military deployments, the one place he finds peace is at his remote Appalachian Mountain cabin, far from civilians and the world he doesn’t fit in anymore.
When Shep accepts a Mafia contract, he doesn’t expect his mark to be a woman, or the sexiest thing in grease-stained overalls he’s ever laid eyes on. She stirs something inside Shep’s battle-hardened heart. Despite the risks, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means breaking his no visitors rule at the cabin.
Muscle car mechanic Cameron McKenzie only needs one look at the towering wall of muscle who’s abducted her to know he’s a killing machine. Too bad for him, she’s not going down without a fight. Hidden away in his isolated mountain home, Cameron is reluctant to admit Shep might not be the heartless beast she thought he was. And as their mutual trust builds, so too does an intense attraction for her unlikely savior.
If the Mafia discovers Cameron is still alive, Shep will need every one of his elite skills to keep them both safe. Although he’s no longer sure which is more dangerous—The Mob’s demand for merciless retribution, or the woman who makes him wish he was worthy of her love.
He’s her one chance for survival.
She’s his last hope for salvation.
Former member of Team Zulu, a clandestine black operations unit, Elias “Shep” Shepherd believes the only use he has nowadays is taking out human scum on home soil. After years of harrowing military deployments, the one place he finds peace is at his remote Appalachian Mountain cabin, far from civilians and the world he doesn’t fit in anymore.
When Shep accepts a Mafia contract, he doesn’t expect his mark to be a woman, or the sexiest thing in grease-stained overalls he’s ever laid eyes on. She stirs something inside Shep’s battle-hardened heart. Despite the risks, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means breaking his no visitors rule at the cabin.
Muscle car mechanic Cameron McKenzie only needs one look at the towering wall of muscle who’s abducted her to know he’s a killing machine. Too bad for him, she’s not going down without a fight. Hidden away in his isolated mountain home, Cameron is reluctant to admit Shep might not be the heartless beast she thought he was. And as their mutual trust builds, so too does an intense attraction for her unlikely savior.
If the Mafia discovers Cameron is still alive, Shep will need every one of his elite skills to keep them both safe. Although he’s no longer sure which is more dangerous—The Mob’s demand for merciless retribution, or the woman who makes him wish he was worthy of her love.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
1991 people are currently reading
9688 people want to read
About the author
Julie Weaver
7 books395 followersJulie Weaver is a RWAus Emerald Award winner and author of spicy, action-packed romantic suspense novels.
Her Team Zulu series features morally gray, ex-elite military heroes and the feisty, kick-ass heroines who challenge them.
Get your free Team Zulu Christmas novella here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hvreeguzny
Find me here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/juliewe...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.weave...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieWeaverA...
Website: https://www.julieweaverbooks.com/
Her Team Zulu series features morally gray, ex-elite military heroes and the feisty, kick-ass heroines who challenge them.
Get your free Team Zulu Christmas novella here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hvreeguzny
Find me here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/juliewe...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.weave...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieWeaverA...
Website: https://www.julieweaverbooks.com/
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May 20, 2022
R A T I N G: 4.5 stars to The Hit! ★ ★ ★ ★
The Hit is the second full-width debut romance novel I've read in the span of a few months and its reading became a demonstrative prompt that calls forth something worth these words: firstly, that indie lit continues to abound with dazzling handiwork and written wares, and secondly, that debut writers are evincing their place, summoning their fictionalised best and sidling amongst a community of writers like birds of a feather. In the regurgitating world of debuts, The Hit is a wonderful accomplishment. The first thing I have to say about it is it's an excellently written action-romance. I had such a positive first impression, and not even a domestic irritation could have disrupted where I anticipated the story of a target of a kill and her contract killer would go. The plot itself isn't a pioneering piece of fiction (and that's not what I look for In a read). I do, however, look for quality and connection, and the author ties first with a fantastic effort on that front. The foremost pull is a top-tier pull!
Within a genre that doesn't always follow up with the 'suspense' part of a romantic suspense, I think Julie Weaver is one such author who understands the delicacy of this romantic sub-division, because well-paced and developed as this story is, I was happily monopolised by a sense of dramatic tension that coloured me as abuzz as I am when I watch a suspense sequence in a feature-film. And in the final chase of the book - which keyed up the action-obsessed seeker in me - I definitely got my eager-beaver dose of that. While some of the best stories start with scandal, some of the best stories also start with peril, as in life-changing, kidnapped-by-a-hitman peril. And that's exactly where female mechanic Cameron McKenzie finds herself. Being told by a hitman who has been tasked with your murder that your life is no longer yours as he details a world of organised crime and corruption is a shock to the system. Held in the humble abode of a mountaintop terminator, knowing her life has been gravely endangered by a careless brother and the spearhead of a criminal syndicate, she's the easy pickings of a dicey countdown.
It's as worst-case as a worst-case scenario could get and Cam's in full crisis mode. Namely, trying to evade a specialist-scourge cabin companion who carries out the contract killings for the very mob boss who placed a hit on her. As Cam takes stock of a situation far from civilisation that feels too big and too quick to contemplate, she doesn't know how to trust the word of man who's currently holding her hostage, because how magnanimous can a man made for murder really be? Shep took a massive risk by abducting a hit instead of closing the deal without a sound, but while his job usually facilitates the clean up of people worth the kill, he's floored that his newest target is completely innocent, by every account. In his eyes, he's not a saviour, but ridding the world of bottom-barrel scum feels worth making the difference. Cameron doesn't realise that while her own fate is damned, her hitman sealed the same for himself the moment he double-crossed a crime lord to spare her life. And that's the just first in a line of duty Shep does to protect his protectee.
Thankfully (for me), The Hit doesn't subscribe to the scenario of a sinister Stockholm syndrome that has a desperate heroine willing to be manhandled/mistreated as she falls to the knee and accepts a world of accepted abuse by a true assailant who doubles as the story's hero. The author balances the weights with her protective, dominant hero: he's all hard-bitten guardian, a willing shield between his heroine and the scent of peril on the wind, and a sweet supporter. Only in fiction would we romance reading enthusiasts open our hearts to dangerous men with unethical practices, but despite a past that has had Shep in the lane of bloodshed, war, loss and dissociation he's such a shoulder to Cam when she needs him. If you can't scent the sea of swoon already, I assure you, its ripple is mighty.
The Hit's leading man is also a surprising emotional support for Cam. For an anti-social man removed from society and content to remain alone, he leans into Cam with every chance he gets, which goes a long way in surfacing the hope in his heart and developing their slow-build (trust included). Every time this wounded hero patched up a wound, comforted his heroine, let her lean on him, cooked her a meal, aimed to make her feel better, wanted her to think the best of him even as he thought the worst of himself, I had decided that one can't not adore him. And let's not forget that incidental effort of subliminally setting the scene for an intimate date. If we're taking the adage of actions being louder than words seriously, then this hulking man wants it all.
Cam's character was also really well received! Setting up a booby trap that proves fully effective on a hitman and standing her ground with an never-before-used shotgun screams a good sense of self-preservation to me. Almost as much as not swooning over her kidnapper. I think the author made the right (and realistic) choice to have her oppose and defy Shep initially, despite his assurances of safety. If I were suddenly cuffed and found myself in the company of a strange man in a remote place, I'd deeply doubt his intentions were anything short of menacing as much as I'd thwart any chance of happily indulging a spot of tea with him. After all, a healthy dose of suspicion is positively survivalist. Cam really holds her own in a scary situation and displays an admirable shade of inner strength. There's a lot to come to terms with but she shows a lot of bravery and moxie as she faces up to the people who want her dead. Can you imagine facing a powerful crime lord? And let's not overlook the unswerving loyalty she has to a low-on-life, addiction-dependent brother who's responsible for jeopardising them all - one who always brings trouble to her door without fail. What I can say about The Hit's heroine is she's genuinely faithful to the people she cares about. Even when a frustratingly set-in-stone Shep does his utmost to refuse a life with her, even after all the near-death scrapes faced together, Cam, without pride, only shows him two things: vulnerability and love.
The delightful fact that Cam's walk of life was that of a mechanic was an additional draw for me. As much as I wish to request that more writers consider gender-challenging roles for their heroines, I was troubled by the fact that Cam's profession doesn't play into the story at all (sans one small scene in the very beginning). Throughout the book, a delirious me imagined up all manner of ways her skillset could have been blended and made use of in the story. Unfortunately, my delirium was met with a brick wall because my dreams of seeing a woman putting such capable hands to use was as mythical as her brother's choice-making ability. On Cam's part, this can be called an enemies to lovers take, but on Shep's part this can be called a strangers to instant protector romance. While Shep might run the gamut of military, special forces expertise, and is confident with brutality on a battle front, his perspective easily makes a reader feel a fondness to this closed-off hero who dares to be more and want more with his heroine. A hardened hero with a generous heart will always be a deep-dish delicacy to me; it's just amazing to me to see a man who doesn't believe he's fit for civic life be the biggest comfort to his protectee. Can you call a hitman adorably thoughtful? I go against the conventionally couth grain and say yes, yes you can.
The plot and the romance have a nice equivalence; the romantic connection has a great pull but neither outweighs or is outweighed by the plot. A balanced marriage of both, paired with the tense topic of Cam and Shep's safety, their individual inner struggle and obstacles pertaining to immediate and forthcoming danger creates a focussing and refocussing lens fit for fun engagement. One of the reasons I really enjoy this genre is you wouldn't expect that the lane of love and its many avenues could be found within a taut situation, - one of criminality, pride and retribution - so the romance and the thrill combined, affiliated with the fact that action/thrill is a seventh heaven for me and well...you could call me truly made up. And when it's done well, I'm proud to say it's the sum of all sweet spots. I generally struggle with conclusions because they don't gingerly tie up a read, and in the same fashion I would have liked a stronger follow up that focuses on a few more developmental details/finishings for the two-years-later epilogue. A few areas could have been touched on and chased up.
Another pet peeve of mine is when either one MC takes it wholly upon themselves to control a situation. In this case, that situation is Cam's safety, so I while I was thrilled when Shep sees it as his role to make decisions that pertain to their safety, I wasn't thrilled when he did the same from a feelings perspective. He made a choice that belonged to them both away from Cam. I loved it for the necessary protector situations, but didn't when Shep pushes Cam away 'for her own safety' and then establishes a one-way-only communication where he can both check in on her whenever he desires it and also keeps tabs on her through Kane. Taking away someone's option and right to act upon how they feel never particularly sits well with me, and I did feel that with Shep deciding to kill contact between them, with it not being acceptable for Cam to ask over or about him through Kane, was a bit rob-some. And can sometimes indulge the idea of thievery of personal choice.
The Hit is a full-length captive/captor turned protector/protectee romance with a heroine who finds herself in a world of trouble and a hero who'd risk a war with a powerful mafioso if it meant she'd remain unharmed without a hair out of place. Cam shoulders the responsibility of her brother's addiction with every trouble he brings to their door, but with no other living family worth knowing, he's all she has left. A recent offense brings a penalty that's as absolute as a gun shot. Or would have been had a hitman decided against orders to take a blameless woman's life. Shep's smart enough to keep his berth and avoid rattling a man who's power stretches father than the Wolf Street construct but all's moot when his loyalty builds a steady oath to defending a woman that's not his to think about. It happens. It's inevitable. And it's as inescapable as the current status of their predicament. While Cam might be pronounced fallen to the world, she's alive to him, and yet this brooding lead doesn't think he's worth her salt. I scoff and swoon in equal measure.
You'll get a mountain man hitman with a crush, a gutsy heroine, an abduction, a mountaintop cabin with a view, forced proximity, an action/suspense plot, and the threat of organised crime with a side of criminal underworld activity. Guardians come in all shapes and sizes so I must give a proud mention to a stallion of a furry hunting companion who's as valiant his owner (and had me on tenterhooks when I thought a certain woodlands scene would end terribly). A planned hit turned rescue mission opens up the humanity in a hitman with The Hit. I'm much braver at taking chances on new book and a new author than I am at taking chances within more personal avenues. If bravery goes a long way, then consider yourself courageous within a safe space because, while it's unusually uncommon for a full length debut to become a frontrunner for one's enjoyment, I can say without preamble that the The Hit definitely was!
Content Warning: Drug addiction/drug dependence. Mentions money laundering, drug distribution, and human trafficking. Also mentions/describes murder, violence and torture. Unconsented captivity/handcuffing. Talks a bit about war and the horrors that accompany it. Army life. Mentions childhood abuse. Also mentions overdose/possible suicide. Attempted/suggested assault. Descriptions of injury.
Extra Thoughts:
1) There was a largely loony part of me that really wanted Cam to call Shep by his first name, and not only because 'Elias' is one of my favourite names and I wanted Cam to hold the honour of calling him that, but also because it might definitely have something to do with a certain - favourite - hero written by the brilliant Sabaa Tahir. And any reminder of him is far from unwelcome :D
2) Just personally? I would have liked a bit more grovel
-----------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
-----------------------------------------------
The Hit is the second full-width debut romance novel I've read in the span of a few months and its reading became a demonstrative prompt that calls forth something worth these words: firstly, that indie lit continues to abound with dazzling handiwork and written wares, and secondly, that debut writers are evincing their place, summoning their fictionalised best and sidling amongst a community of writers like birds of a feather. In the regurgitating world of debuts, The Hit is a wonderful accomplishment. The first thing I have to say about it is it's an excellently written action-romance. I had such a positive first impression, and not even a domestic irritation could have disrupted where I anticipated the story of a target of a kill and her contract killer would go. The plot itself isn't a pioneering piece of fiction (and that's not what I look for In a read). I do, however, look for quality and connection, and the author ties first with a fantastic effort on that front. The foremost pull is a top-tier pull!
Within a genre that doesn't always follow up with the 'suspense' part of a romantic suspense, I think Julie Weaver is one such author who understands the delicacy of this romantic sub-division, because well-paced and developed as this story is, I was happily monopolised by a sense of dramatic tension that coloured me as abuzz as I am when I watch a suspense sequence in a feature-film. And in the final chase of the book - which keyed up the action-obsessed seeker in me - I definitely got my eager-beaver dose of that. While some of the best stories start with scandal, some of the best stories also start with peril, as in life-changing, kidnapped-by-a-hitman peril. And that's exactly where female mechanic Cameron McKenzie finds herself. Being told by a hitman who has been tasked with your murder that your life is no longer yours as he details a world of organised crime and corruption is a shock to the system. Held in the humble abode of a mountaintop terminator, knowing her life has been gravely endangered by a careless brother and the spearhead of a criminal syndicate, she's the easy pickings of a dicey countdown.
It's as worst-case as a worst-case scenario could get and Cam's in full crisis mode. Namely, trying to evade a specialist-scourge cabin companion who carries out the contract killings for the very mob boss who placed a hit on her. As Cam takes stock of a situation far from civilisation that feels too big and too quick to contemplate, she doesn't know how to trust the word of man who's currently holding her hostage, because how magnanimous can a man made for murder really be? Shep took a massive risk by abducting a hit instead of closing the deal without a sound, but while his job usually facilitates the clean up of people worth the kill, he's floored that his newest target is completely innocent, by every account. In his eyes, he's not a saviour, but ridding the world of bottom-barrel scum feels worth making the difference. Cameron doesn't realise that while her own fate is damned, her hitman sealed the same for himself the moment he double-crossed a crime lord to spare her life. And that's the just first in a line of duty Shep does to protect his protectee.
Thankfully (for me), The Hit doesn't subscribe to the scenario of a sinister Stockholm syndrome that has a desperate heroine willing to be manhandled/mistreated as she falls to the knee and accepts a world of accepted abuse by a true assailant who doubles as the story's hero. The author balances the weights with her protective, dominant hero: he's all hard-bitten guardian, a willing shield between his heroine and the scent of peril on the wind, and a sweet supporter. Only in fiction would we romance reading enthusiasts open our hearts to dangerous men with unethical practices, but despite a past that has had Shep in the lane of bloodshed, war, loss and dissociation he's such a shoulder to Cam when she needs him. If you can't scent the sea of swoon already, I assure you, its ripple is mighty.
The Hit's leading man is also a surprising emotional support for Cam. For an anti-social man removed from society and content to remain alone, he leans into Cam with every chance he gets, which goes a long way in surfacing the hope in his heart and developing their slow-build (trust included). Every time this wounded hero patched up a wound, comforted his heroine, let her lean on him, cooked her a meal, aimed to make her feel better, wanted her to think the best of him even as he thought the worst of himself, I had decided that one can't not adore him. And let's not forget that incidental effort of subliminally setting the scene for an intimate date. If we're taking the adage of actions being louder than words seriously, then this hulking man wants it all.
Cam's character was also really well received! Setting up a booby trap that proves fully effective on a hitman and standing her ground with an never-before-used shotgun screams a good sense of self-preservation to me. Almost as much as not swooning over her kidnapper. I think the author made the right (and realistic) choice to have her oppose and defy Shep initially, despite his assurances of safety. If I were suddenly cuffed and found myself in the company of a strange man in a remote place, I'd deeply doubt his intentions were anything short of menacing as much as I'd thwart any chance of happily indulging a spot of tea with him. After all, a healthy dose of suspicion is positively survivalist. Cam really holds her own in a scary situation and displays an admirable shade of inner strength. There's a lot to come to terms with but she shows a lot of bravery and moxie as she faces up to the people who want her dead. Can you imagine facing a powerful crime lord? And let's not overlook the unswerving loyalty she has to a low-on-life, addiction-dependent brother who's responsible for jeopardising them all - one who always brings trouble to her door without fail. What I can say about The Hit's heroine is she's genuinely faithful to the people she cares about. Even when a frustratingly set-in-stone Shep does his utmost to refuse a life with her, even after all the near-death scrapes faced together, Cam, without pride, only shows him two things: vulnerability and love.
The delightful fact that Cam's walk of life was that of a mechanic was an additional draw for me. As much as I wish to request that more writers consider gender-challenging roles for their heroines, I was troubled by the fact that Cam's profession doesn't play into the story at all (sans one small scene in the very beginning). Throughout the book, a delirious me imagined up all manner of ways her skillset could have been blended and made use of in the story. Unfortunately, my delirium was met with a brick wall because my dreams of seeing a woman putting such capable hands to use was as mythical as her brother's choice-making ability. On Cam's part, this can be called an enemies to lovers take, but on Shep's part this can be called a strangers to instant protector romance. While Shep might run the gamut of military, special forces expertise, and is confident with brutality on a battle front, his perspective easily makes a reader feel a fondness to this closed-off hero who dares to be more and want more with his heroine. A hardened hero with a generous heart will always be a deep-dish delicacy to me; it's just amazing to me to see a man who doesn't believe he's fit for civic life be the biggest comfort to his protectee. Can you call a hitman adorably thoughtful? I go against the conventionally couth grain and say yes, yes you can.
The plot and the romance have a nice equivalence; the romantic connection has a great pull but neither outweighs or is outweighed by the plot. A balanced marriage of both, paired with the tense topic of Cam and Shep's safety, their individual inner struggle and obstacles pertaining to immediate and forthcoming danger creates a focussing and refocussing lens fit for fun engagement. One of the reasons I really enjoy this genre is you wouldn't expect that the lane of love and its many avenues could be found within a taut situation, - one of criminality, pride and retribution - so the romance and the thrill combined, affiliated with the fact that action/thrill is a seventh heaven for me and well...you could call me truly made up. And when it's done well, I'm proud to say it's the sum of all sweet spots. I generally struggle with conclusions because they don't gingerly tie up a read, and in the same fashion I would have liked a stronger follow up that focuses on a few more developmental details/finishings for the two-years-later epilogue. A few areas could have been touched on and chased up.
Another pet peeve of mine is when either one MC takes it wholly upon themselves to control a situation. In this case, that situation is Cam's safety, so I while I was thrilled when Shep sees it as his role to make decisions that pertain to their safety, I wasn't thrilled when he did the same from a feelings perspective. He made a choice that belonged to them both away from Cam. I loved it for the necessary protector situations, but didn't when Shep pushes Cam away 'for her own safety' and then establishes a one-way-only communication where he can both check in on her whenever he desires it and also keeps tabs on her through Kane. Taking away someone's option and right to act upon how they feel never particularly sits well with me, and I did feel that with Shep deciding to kill contact between them, with it not being acceptable for Cam to ask over or about him through Kane, was a bit rob-some. And can sometimes indulge the idea of thievery of personal choice.
The Hit is a full-length captive/captor turned protector/protectee romance with a heroine who finds herself in a world of trouble and a hero who'd risk a war with a powerful mafioso if it meant she'd remain unharmed without a hair out of place. Cam shoulders the responsibility of her brother's addiction with every trouble he brings to their door, but with no other living family worth knowing, he's all she has left. A recent offense brings a penalty that's as absolute as a gun shot. Or would have been had a hitman decided against orders to take a blameless woman's life. Shep's smart enough to keep his berth and avoid rattling a man who's power stretches father than the Wolf Street construct but all's moot when his loyalty builds a steady oath to defending a woman that's not his to think about. It happens. It's inevitable. And it's as inescapable as the current status of their predicament. While Cam might be pronounced fallen to the world, she's alive to him, and yet this brooding lead doesn't think he's worth her salt. I scoff and swoon in equal measure.
You'll get a mountain man hitman with a crush, a gutsy heroine, an abduction, a mountaintop cabin with a view, forced proximity, an action/suspense plot, and the threat of organised crime with a side of criminal underworld activity. Guardians come in all shapes and sizes so I must give a proud mention to a stallion of a furry hunting companion who's as valiant his owner (and had me on tenterhooks when I thought a certain woodlands scene would end terribly). A planned hit turned rescue mission opens up the humanity in a hitman with The Hit. I'm much braver at taking chances on new book and a new author than I am at taking chances within more personal avenues. If bravery goes a long way, then consider yourself courageous within a safe space because, while it's unusually uncommon for a full length debut to become a frontrunner for one's enjoyment, I can say without preamble that the The Hit definitely was!
Content Warning: Drug addiction/drug dependence. Mentions money laundering, drug distribution, and human trafficking. Also mentions/describes murder, violence and torture. Unconsented captivity/handcuffing. Talks a bit about war and the horrors that accompany it. Army life. Mentions childhood abuse. Also mentions overdose/possible suicide. Attempted/suggested assault. Descriptions of injury.
Extra Thoughts:
1) There was a largely loony part of me that really wanted Cam to call Shep by his first name, and not only because 'Elias' is one of my favourite names and I wanted Cam to hold the honour of calling him that, but also because it might definitely have something to do with a certain - favourite - hero written by the brilliant Sabaa Tahir. And any reminder of him is far from unwelcome :D
2) Just personally? I would have liked a bit more grovel
-----------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
-----------------------------------------------
January 26, 2022
The issue with these books is they are conditioning me to run into the arms of any potential kidnappers.
Shep is a former special forces member who is now working as a contract assassin. He is sent to kill Cameron, whose brother has landed himself in hot water with the mafia, but Shep doesn't feel right about killing an innocent woman so he falls in love with her instead. This complicates things. If he fails to complete his task, he will become the mafia's next mark and he won't be able to keep her safe.
This is a medium-burn, mafia-lite romantic thriller. The pace in the beginning is slow as they get to know one another through a series of sweet encounters as they pass the time trapped in a small cabin tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Shep is thoughtful and caring towards Cam, but he was also the weapons specialist of his Black Ops team, so he definitely exudes 'touch her and you die' energy. Cam holds her own as well. She is strong and capable and fights back for her freedom and for the safety of her brother. The pace in the back half of the book is fast and action-packed. The events introduce us to the characters in the next book and I love nothing more than cameos.
This book has:
- forced proximity (kidnapping will do that)
- former military male MC
- feisty mechanic female MC
- dual POV
- 2 spice pepper rating
Thank you Julie Weaver for sending me a copy of this book! I'll definitely be reading Brandon and Sage's story next.
Shep is a former special forces member who is now working as a contract assassin. He is sent to kill Cameron, whose brother has landed himself in hot water with the mafia, but Shep doesn't feel right about killing an innocent woman so he falls in love with her instead. This complicates things. If he fails to complete his task, he will become the mafia's next mark and he won't be able to keep her safe.
This is a medium-burn, mafia-lite romantic thriller. The pace in the beginning is slow as they get to know one another through a series of sweet encounters as they pass the time trapped in a small cabin tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Shep is thoughtful and caring towards Cam, but he was also the weapons specialist of his Black Ops team, so he definitely exudes 'touch her and you die' energy. Cam holds her own as well. She is strong and capable and fights back for her freedom and for the safety of her brother. The pace in the back half of the book is fast and action-packed. The events introduce us to the characters in the next book and I love nothing more than cameos.
This book has:
- forced proximity (kidnapping will do that)
- former military male MC
- feisty mechanic female MC
- dual POV
- 2 spice pepper rating
Thank you Julie Weaver for sending me a copy of this book! I'll definitely be reading Brandon and Sage's story next.
May 27, 2025
This is a Dark Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Team Zulu series. I am going to start by saying this book will not be for everyone, and there are a ton of things in this book that could upset a read check out trigger warnings before reading. This book pulled me in from the beginning, and it had me not wanting to put it down. I loved it so much. The characters won my heart. There was a ton of suspense and action, but there was also a good mix of romance. I really enjoyed both the romance and the suspense/action. The big suspense/action part had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The ending was well done and I loved it so much. I won a Kindle edition of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Read
February 14, 2022Read the blurb for the premise. Straightforward.
When the storyline/characters aren’t unique, and this isn’t unique, then your writing must standout.
The writing isn’t “bad” per se. It’s just very vanilla, generic, monotone, formula, and wordy. It’s a lot of words for very little to happen. 38 of 272 pages just for the hit to be made and the guy to decide her save and kidnap her verses killing her. That’s what happens when half a page goes to shit like this…
“This room also didn’t give away that the owner was a kidnapping murderer. A large, rustic iron frame bed sat against the back wall, its mattress covered by a wrinkle-free navy quilt. A nightstand and lamp were next to the bed, and Ranger’s dog mattress lay on the floor beside it. Against one wall sat a chunky wooden dresser and wardrobe, and on the opposite side of the room was a doorway leading to a bathroom. A shaggy gray rug covered most of the floorboards, and a couple of landscape prints decorated the cedar walls. Drawn cream curtains revealed the workshop and forest beyond. The space was warm, homey… surprising.”
^^^ it’s that over-telling with every facet. 🗣
“Shep opened the top drawer of the dresser and pulled out a pair of cotton boxer shorts. From the wardrobe, he removed a red plaid shirt from a hanger. He tossed them both on the bed.” <<<—— 36 words when 14 is all that’s needed ——-> Shep tossed a pair of cotton boxers and red plaid shirt on the bed.
^^^ When you slow a reader down with useless words and info, particularly when your story isn’t a ball of excitement, you are basically offering them a sleeping pill 💤.
Add to this that the FMC isn’t very likable. Everything the MMC is doing screams that he is trying to help her, even at the expense of it jeopardizing his own life. Yet, she’s ungrateful. He makes reasonable points, and she behaves like a pouting child. I think the author was going for strength here, but it mostly comes off as bratty.
So, by 17%, I’m putting this in the DNF bin. I understand this is the author’s first book, and it’s not horrible, but it’s also not interesting nor likable enough to keep me reading.
When the storyline/characters aren’t unique, and this isn’t unique, then your writing must standout.
The writing isn’t “bad” per se. It’s just very vanilla, generic, monotone, formula, and wordy. It’s a lot of words for very little to happen. 38 of 272 pages just for the hit to be made and the guy to decide her save and kidnap her verses killing her. That’s what happens when half a page goes to shit like this…
“This room also didn’t give away that the owner was a kidnapping murderer. A large, rustic iron frame bed sat against the back wall, its mattress covered by a wrinkle-free navy quilt. A nightstand and lamp were next to the bed, and Ranger’s dog mattress lay on the floor beside it. Against one wall sat a chunky wooden dresser and wardrobe, and on the opposite side of the room was a doorway leading to a bathroom. A shaggy gray rug covered most of the floorboards, and a couple of landscape prints decorated the cedar walls. Drawn cream curtains revealed the workshop and forest beyond. The space was warm, homey… surprising.”
^^^ it’s that over-telling with every facet. 🗣
“Shep opened the top drawer of the dresser and pulled out a pair of cotton boxer shorts. From the wardrobe, he removed a red plaid shirt from a hanger. He tossed them both on the bed.” <<<—— 36 words when 14 is all that’s needed ——-> Shep tossed a pair of cotton boxers and red plaid shirt on the bed.
^^^ When you slow a reader down with useless words and info, particularly when your story isn’t a ball of excitement, you are basically offering them a sleeping pill 💤.
Add to this that the FMC isn’t very likable. Everything the MMC is doing screams that he is trying to help her, even at the expense of it jeopardizing his own life. Yet, she’s ungrateful. He makes reasonable points, and she behaves like a pouting child. I think the author was going for strength here, but it mostly comes off as bratty.
So, by 17%, I’m putting this in the DNF bin. I understand this is the author’s first book, and it’s not horrible, but it’s also not interesting nor likable enough to keep me reading.
December 5, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
Wow, what a great introduction to this author, I will certainly be reading more of her books. A suspenseful romance full of action. The hero is a former black ops war veteran who finds it difficult to live amongst people. He is a contract killer for hire. The heroine is his latest contract hit. But instead of killing her, he decides to save her from the mafia hit taken out on her because of her brother. Theirs is a rocky road to friendship, then love. Will they survive once the mafia boss realises he has been betrayed? A great story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what a great introduction to this author, I will certainly be reading more of her books. A suspenseful romance full of action. The hero is a former black ops war veteran who finds it difficult to live amongst people. He is a contract killer for hire. The heroine is his latest contract hit. But instead of killing her, he decides to save her from the mafia hit taken out on her because of her brother. Theirs is a rocky road to friendship, then love. Will they survive once the mafia boss realises he has been betrayed? A great story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2025
Kill or Be Killed
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂🤨🤣
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🛡️ Audiobook Review: The Hit
Series: Team Zulu Series
Genre: Mafia Romance
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Kai Kennicott
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Cameron Mackenzie
Cameron’s life is all grit, grease, and grit-your-teeth loyalty. As the head (and only) mechanic at a North Philly garage, she’s used to busted hoists, busted knuckles, and—most of all—her brother Justin’s busted promises. With Justin MIA for a week and fresh off a parole stint, Cameron’s gut tells her something’s wrong. When he finally calls, it’s not to reassure her—it’s to tell her to run.
She brushes it off as another drug-fueled spiral until her boss suggests something darker: maybe Justin’s tangled with the wrong people again. Maybe this time, it’s not just his life on the line. Maybe it’s hers.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Spotlight: Shep
Shep is the kind of man who disappears into shadows and reemerges with blood on his hands and a dog named Ranger at his side. A former black ops soldier turned mafia hitman, he’s haunted by his past and hardened by necessity. He doesn’t love his line of work, but it pays the bills—and guys like him don’t exactly thrive in cubicles.
When Shep gets his next assignment from mob boss Frankie, it seems like business as usual. Until he sees the mark: a woman. A mechanic. A sister. And very much not the kind of target he’s used to.
📃 Plot Pulse
Shep’s mission is simple: eliminate Cameron Mackenzie. Her brother stole from the Wolf Street mafia, and now she’s the collateral. But when Shep lays eyes on her—fierce, beautiful, and completely unaware of the danger—his instincts shift.
Instead of pulling the trigger, he pulls her into his world. Captivity becomes protection. Proximity becomes tension. And tension? Well, it combusts.
But Cameron’s not the type to sit quietly in a cabin while someone else fights her battles. Her loyalty to her brother runs deep—even when it puts her and Shep in the crosshairs of a butcher with no conscience and a boss who doesn’t tolerate failure.
💘 What Hit Home
• I’m a sucker for a good captive romance, and this one delivers the goods. The forced proximity crackles with chemistry, and the emotional stakes are high enough to make your heart race.
• The intimate scenes? 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say the cabin isn’t the only thing off the grid—so is their self-control.
• The action ramps up beautifully, with a climax that’s as explosive as it is satisfying.
🧐 What Fell Flat
• Shep’s moral compass feels a little too shiny for a man who kills for money. Yes, he targets bad guys, but his soft edges sometimes clash with the hardened assassin persona.
• Cameron, for all her strength, makes a few frustratingly reckless choices. Her determination to protect her brother is admirable, but her escape attempts put both her and Shep in danger—especially when she knows the mafia thinks she’s already dead.
🎧 Narration Notes
Told in dual POV, this audiobook is elevated by the stellar narration of Stephen Dexter and Kai Kennicott. Dexter’s gravelly, grounded delivery is pitch-perfect for Shep—equal parts menace and vulnerability. Kennicott brings warmth and grit to Cameron’s voice, capturing both her resilience and her fear. Together, they make the tension sing.
📝 Final Takeaway
If you love your romance with danger, desire, and a dash of moral ambiguity, this one’s for you. It’s a high-octane ride with a heroine who won’t quit, a hitman with a heart, and a love story forged in fire.
---
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂🤨🤣
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🛡️ Audiobook Review: The Hit
Series: Team Zulu Series
Genre: Mafia Romance
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Kai Kennicott
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Cameron Mackenzie
Cameron’s life is all grit, grease, and grit-your-teeth loyalty. As the head (and only) mechanic at a North Philly garage, she’s used to busted hoists, busted knuckles, and—most of all—her brother Justin’s busted promises. With Justin MIA for a week and fresh off a parole stint, Cameron’s gut tells her something’s wrong. When he finally calls, it’s not to reassure her—it’s to tell her to run.
She brushes it off as another drug-fueled spiral until her boss suggests something darker: maybe Justin’s tangled with the wrong people again. Maybe this time, it’s not just his life on the line. Maybe it’s hers.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Spotlight: Shep
Shep is the kind of man who disappears into shadows and reemerges with blood on his hands and a dog named Ranger at his side. A former black ops soldier turned mafia hitman, he’s haunted by his past and hardened by necessity. He doesn’t love his line of work, but it pays the bills—and guys like him don’t exactly thrive in cubicles.
When Shep gets his next assignment from mob boss Frankie, it seems like business as usual. Until he sees the mark: a woman. A mechanic. A sister. And very much not the kind of target he’s used to.
📃 Plot Pulse
Shep’s mission is simple: eliminate Cameron Mackenzie. Her brother stole from the Wolf Street mafia, and now she’s the collateral. But when Shep lays eyes on her—fierce, beautiful, and completely unaware of the danger—his instincts shift.
Instead of pulling the trigger, he pulls her into his world. Captivity becomes protection. Proximity becomes tension. And tension? Well, it combusts.
But Cameron’s not the type to sit quietly in a cabin while someone else fights her battles. Her loyalty to her brother runs deep—even when it puts her and Shep in the crosshairs of a butcher with no conscience and a boss who doesn’t tolerate failure.
💘 What Hit Home
• I’m a sucker for a good captive romance, and this one delivers the goods. The forced proximity crackles with chemistry, and the emotional stakes are high enough to make your heart race.
• The intimate scenes? 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say the cabin isn’t the only thing off the grid—so is their self-control.
• The action ramps up beautifully, with a climax that’s as explosive as it is satisfying.
🧐 What Fell Flat
• Shep’s moral compass feels a little too shiny for a man who kills for money. Yes, he targets bad guys, but his soft edges sometimes clash with the hardened assassin persona.
• Cameron, for all her strength, makes a few frustratingly reckless choices. Her determination to protect her brother is admirable, but her escape attempts put both her and Shep in danger—especially when she knows the mafia thinks she’s already dead.
🎧 Narration Notes
Told in dual POV, this audiobook is elevated by the stellar narration of Stephen Dexter and Kai Kennicott. Dexter’s gravelly, grounded delivery is pitch-perfect for Shep—equal parts menace and vulnerability. Kennicott brings warmth and grit to Cameron’s voice, capturing both her resilience and her fear. Together, they make the tension sing.
📝 Final Takeaway
If you love your romance with danger, desire, and a dash of moral ambiguity, this one’s for you. It’s a high-octane ride with a heroine who won’t quit, a hitman with a heart, and a love story forged in fire.
---
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
November 13, 2022
THE HIT was a fantastic start to a new series and I can't wait to read more by Julie Weaver! When assassin for hire, Elias “Shep” Shepherd, realizes his new contract is for an innocent woman caught up in her brother's mistakes, he decides to do everything he can to save Cameron McKenzie even if it means kidnapping her.
I couldn't resist this set up and I loved every second of watching these two fall for each other. The writing immediately sucked me into the story but it was the characters themselves that kept me coming back for more. Both Cam and Shep were a delight to read about and I especially loved Cam and how tough she was. She never gave up and wasn't afraid to fight for herself, but she's also compassionate, level headed, and loyal. Cam was a great match for Shep and she managed to see underneath his grumpy and lonely exterior to the caring and quiet man who's just trying to survive after everything he experienced in the military.
While the middle portion of the book did slow down in terms of action and suspense, it provided a great opportunity for Shep and Cam to get to know each other. Where other books sometimes falter on the transition from kidnapping to lovers, THE HIT really excels at showing how Cam came to understand, empathize, and eventually love Shep. I really enjoyed the slower burn to their romance and once Cam finally gave into her desires for Shep it was explosive. *fans face*
The ending set up the next couple in this series and I'm really excited to read their book next!
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: on page animal injury; secondary character with a drug addiction
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
"You really are my fucked-up knight in shining armor."
- - - - -
"Stop being so damned sweet, I swear to God, you're ruining me for all other men."
"Not being sweet. I'm treating you the way you deserve."
I couldn't resist this set up and I loved every second of watching these two fall for each other. The writing immediately sucked me into the story but it was the characters themselves that kept me coming back for more. Both Cam and Shep were a delight to read about and I especially loved Cam and how tough she was. She never gave up and wasn't afraid to fight for herself, but she's also compassionate, level headed, and loyal. Cam was a great match for Shep and she managed to see underneath his grumpy and lonely exterior to the caring and quiet man who's just trying to survive after everything he experienced in the military.
While the middle portion of the book did slow down in terms of action and suspense, it provided a great opportunity for Shep and Cam to get to know each other. Where other books sometimes falter on the transition from kidnapping to lovers, THE HIT really excels at showing how Cam came to understand, empathize, and eventually love Shep. I really enjoyed the slower burn to their romance and once Cam finally gave into her desires for Shep it was explosive. *fans face*
The ending set up the next couple in this series and I'm really excited to read their book next!
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: on page animal injury; secondary character with a drug addiction
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
"You really are my fucked-up knight in shining armor."
- - - - -
"Stop being so damned sweet, I swear to God, you're ruining me for all other men."
"Not being sweet. I'm treating you the way you deserve."
December 25, 2021
3.75 stars
November 4, 2021
Weaver is a new author to watch. This being her debut novel, it’s amazing!
*First person dual POV – Enemies to Lovers – Damaged, rough hero/antihero – Feisty heroine that won’t give up – Cute, lovable sidekick*
I loved this book! The storyline is well-written and engaging and it pulls you into the drama from the start, the characters are well developed and likable, and the plot is gripping and enjoyable. The tension is palpable from the beginning between Cam and Shep and what first starts out as wariness and fear subtly turns to a sizzling attraction due to forced proximity and common goals. These two fight hard for their HEA.
Cameron is an auto mechanic who loves her job, her car, and is struggling to get by thanks to her brother whom she’s constantly having to worry over and give money to get him out of his latest jam. Justin is her older brother and always in trouble – usually involving drugs and dangerous people. But he’s her only family and he protected her when they were kids from their abusive father so she feels it’s the least she can do to help him when he needs it. However, this time he takes it a step too far and she ends up in grave danger, with a kill order placed on her head and she’s totally unaware.
After trying to reach her brother for days with no success, he calls panicked and tells her to leave immediately because she’s in danger. With no more information and unable to contact him, she thinks he’s using again and paranoid. But when a masked thug steals her from her home and she wakes zip tied in his truck, she realizes the truth of her brother’s words.
Elias Shephard (Shep) served fifteen years in Special Forces with Team Zulu before he’d bottomed out and had enough. Most of the things he’d seen had hardened his heart and damaged his soul. Now he’s a contract hitman for the mob – The Wolf Street Mafia in Philly. Usually, the contract hits didn’t give him pause – he was just taking out the trash, so to speak, but his newest one…she was an innocent unknowingly drawn into a mess of her brother’s making with a contract on her head by a ruthless man determined to make a point. She did not deserve her fate and Shep was about to make a choice that would change both their lives – for better or worse – forever.
I loved Cam and Shep. He’s not good with words or people but does have a caring nature buried under the years or horrors and evils he’s seen and had a hand in and with Cam he really tries to do right by her regardless of their rough start. She’s kind to a fault, yet has an inner strength that helps her not give up and keeps her fighting for what’s right and good. The struggles these two face trying to understand and trust each other is full of conflict and emotional turmoil. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming. And I love stories where the heroine saves the hero and saves the day! (you’ve got to read it for the details, but it’s great!)
Action, suspense, danger, kidnapping, tension, sizzling chemistry, mafia elements, and more. It’s non-stop excitement that will keep you glued to the pages and ready for more. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
*I received an advanced copy and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
*First person dual POV – Enemies to Lovers – Damaged, rough hero/antihero – Feisty heroine that won’t give up – Cute, lovable sidekick*
I loved this book! The storyline is well-written and engaging and it pulls you into the drama from the start, the characters are well developed and likable, and the plot is gripping and enjoyable. The tension is palpable from the beginning between Cam and Shep and what first starts out as wariness and fear subtly turns to a sizzling attraction due to forced proximity and common goals. These two fight hard for their HEA.
Cameron is an auto mechanic who loves her job, her car, and is struggling to get by thanks to her brother whom she’s constantly having to worry over and give money to get him out of his latest jam. Justin is her older brother and always in trouble – usually involving drugs and dangerous people. But he’s her only family and he protected her when they were kids from their abusive father so she feels it’s the least she can do to help him when he needs it. However, this time he takes it a step too far and she ends up in grave danger, with a kill order placed on her head and she’s totally unaware.
After trying to reach her brother for days with no success, he calls panicked and tells her to leave immediately because she’s in danger. With no more information and unable to contact him, she thinks he’s using again and paranoid. But when a masked thug steals her from her home and she wakes zip tied in his truck, she realizes the truth of her brother’s words.
Elias Shephard (Shep) served fifteen years in Special Forces with Team Zulu before he’d bottomed out and had enough. Most of the things he’d seen had hardened his heart and damaged his soul. Now he’s a contract hitman for the mob – The Wolf Street Mafia in Philly. Usually, the contract hits didn’t give him pause – he was just taking out the trash, so to speak, but his newest one…she was an innocent unknowingly drawn into a mess of her brother’s making with a contract on her head by a ruthless man determined to make a point. She did not deserve her fate and Shep was about to make a choice that would change both their lives – for better or worse – forever.
I loved Cam and Shep. He’s not good with words or people but does have a caring nature buried under the years or horrors and evils he’s seen and had a hand in and with Cam he really tries to do right by her regardless of their rough start. She’s kind to a fault, yet has an inner strength that helps her not give up and keeps her fighting for what’s right and good. The struggles these two face trying to understand and trust each other is full of conflict and emotional turmoil. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming. And I love stories where the heroine saves the hero and saves the day! (you’ve got to read it for the details, but it’s great!)
Action, suspense, danger, kidnapping, tension, sizzling chemistry, mafia elements, and more. It’s non-stop excitement that will keep you glued to the pages and ready for more. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
*I received an advanced copy and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
November 7, 2021
I’m feeling at a loss for words so I just made a list of what’s in this book:
Strong but not snarky heroine (Why is this so hard to find?!) She can kick @$$ but isn’t trying to prove anything.
Hero who loves her strength yet also longs to protect her. He’s $exy and reserved but vulnerable with her. He can’t resist, even though he feels unworthy of her. Also, he literally laughs in the face of danger. Fan me, please.
All details on point—cars, weapons, military…Like I’m half convinced Julie is a former special-ops soldier turned hitman/mechanic. It all feels so REAL!
NO instalove (but tons of instalust)—it all blossoms organically.
Realizing you’re in love because you’d do anything to ensure the other person’s survival…why does that get to me so much??
The pace, the stakes, the feelings just kept kicking up. This is the kind of book that keeps your mind stuck in the world for a long time after you finish.
Bold writing that immediately pulled me in and had me invested. It’s smooth, beautiful, even endearing. Never bogged me down, but never left me needing details.
The next book’s characters are integral to this book’s plot—I LOVE when authors do this!
Also, Ranger 💙
Honest opinions based on an ARC. I will be begging for the next one, too.
Strong but not snarky heroine (Why is this so hard to find?!) She can kick @$$ but isn’t trying to prove anything.
Hero who loves her strength yet also longs to protect her. He’s $exy and reserved but vulnerable with her. He can’t resist, even though he feels unworthy of her. Also, he literally laughs in the face of danger. Fan me, please.
All details on point—cars, weapons, military…Like I’m half convinced Julie is a former special-ops soldier turned hitman/mechanic. It all feels so REAL!
NO instalove (but tons of instalust)—it all blossoms organically.
Realizing you’re in love because you’d do anything to ensure the other person’s survival…why does that get to me so much??
The pace, the stakes, the feelings just kept kicking up. This is the kind of book that keeps your mind stuck in the world for a long time after you finish.
Bold writing that immediately pulled me in and had me invested. It’s smooth, beautiful, even endearing. Never bogged me down, but never left me needing details.
The next book’s characters are integral to this book’s plot—I LOVE when authors do this!
Also, Ranger 💙
Honest opinions based on an ARC. I will be begging for the next one, too.
November 3, 2021
When the Philly mob want a contract hit done, they call Shep, a former special Ops hitman with his own moral code. However, when it turns out his subject is Cameron McKenzie, an innocent woman whose brother has fallen foul of the mob, Shep decides to it’s time to put things right. Together, Shep and Cameron work to save her brother and rid Philly of the mob boss who controls the city.
Julie Weaver has nailed the action romance genre with The Hit. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The story has plenty of action and really rips along. Shep and Cam are both strong characters, and the chemistry that builds between them is developed masterfully. Looking forward to the next book in the Team Zulu series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author through BookFunnel and am voluntarily providing this review.
Julie Weaver has nailed the action romance genre with The Hit. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The story has plenty of action and really rips along. Shep and Cam are both strong characters, and the chemistry that builds between them is developed masterfully. Looking forward to the next book in the Team Zulu series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author through BookFunnel and am voluntarily providing this review.
February 11, 2022
DNF at 67 % Usually I would automatically 1 star a DNF, but in this case I've upgraded it to 2 because the writing wasn't bad, especially considering that this is the author's debut novel. My issue was that the book and story didn't capture or keep my interest. Everything seemed pretty generic with little chemistry between the main characters. I found the most interesting aspect was that the heroine was a mechanic, and that wasn't even used as a plot element. I started skimming around the 30% mark and finally quit reading because I just didn't care enough about the story to know how it ended.
March 2, 2024
This was okay maybe a 3.5, good storyline and stuff but I think I needed a little bit more pow, you know?
August 29, 2023
Well, okay then! This is great for anyone looking for a mob suspense/crime drama with some spice. And honestly, the spice is pretty mild - like 2 chili 🌶️ 🌶️ peppers. Meaning, it doesn't replace the plot.
So you've got an ex-military badass who's a hired hitman for the mob. You got an innocent target. You got moral dilemmas. You got vengeful "I need to make this right" inner battles. You got should-be-doomed-love. AND THE BEST DOGGO EVER!
I'm so into this series that I started book 2 immediately!
So you've got an ex-military badass who's a hired hitman for the mob. You got an innocent target. You got moral dilemmas. You got vengeful "I need to make this right" inner battles. You got should-be-doomed-love. AND THE BEST DOGGO EVER!
I'm so into this series that I started book 2 immediately!
November 17, 2021
I’ve been in a reading slump for months, and The Hit was such a breath of fresh air. I do not read romantic suspense on the regular, but The Hit is making me wonder if I’ve been missing out big time. THIS STORY. *whistles*
The Hit was everything I want in a swoony romance:
• A broody hero with a chequered past? Check.
• An alpha hero with a heart of gold? Double check.
• A sassy heroine who can hold her own? Triple check!!
• Dynamic character arcs for both the hero and heroine? CHECK.
• Forced proximity? Hoooo boyyy…. Just you waittt.
• Isolated settings? Check.
• A solid plot? A big fat CHECK.
And can we talk about the plot just a minute? From the first chapter, you'll KNOW there’s a meaty plot ahead and yet there is no info dump. And it doesn’t overshadow the romance at all. That delicious tension just builds and builds…. Also, I’ve wondered more than once if Julie Weaver is actually a mechanic, a trained military personnel, or a secret agent in real life…. but my point is, Julie’s worldbuilding is solid.
Also I need to share the point where I feel HARD in love with Shep (note this snippet has to be read in context).
“Stop being so damned sweet. I swear to God, you’re ruining me for all other men.”
I tried not to react to Cam’s words, but thinking about her with another man was as fun as a swift kick to the balls.
“Not being sweet. I’m treating you the way you deserve.”
*Insert googly eyes here*
I had the honour of reading an ARC for this one, and I am READY for the next book! Woo!
The Hit was everything I want in a swoony romance:
• A broody hero with a chequered past? Check.
• An alpha hero with a heart of gold? Double check.
• A sassy heroine who can hold her own? Triple check!!
• Dynamic character arcs for both the hero and heroine? CHECK.
• Forced proximity? Hoooo boyyy…. Just you waittt.
• Isolated settings? Check.
• A solid plot? A big fat CHECK.
And can we talk about the plot just a minute? From the first chapter, you'll KNOW there’s a meaty plot ahead and yet there is no info dump. And it doesn’t overshadow the romance at all. That delicious tension just builds and builds…. Also, I’ve wondered more than once if Julie Weaver is actually a mechanic, a trained military personnel, or a secret agent in real life…. but my point is, Julie’s worldbuilding is solid.
Also I need to share the point where I feel HARD in love with Shep (note this snippet has to be read in context).
“Stop being so damned sweet. I swear to God, you’re ruining me for all other men.”
I tried not to react to Cam’s words, but thinking about her with another man was as fun as a swift kick to the balls.
“Not being sweet. I’m treating you the way you deserve.”
*Insert googly eyes here*
I had the honour of reading an ARC for this one, and I am READY for the next book! Woo!
Read
November 2, 2021The Hit, Team Zulu Book 1, has:
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Appalachian Mountain setting 🏔
🔥 Protector hero 🔫
🔥 Brave, no-nonsense heroine 💪
🔥 Lovable sidekick 🐶
Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited from 3rd December. Pre-order now here: http://mybook.to/TheHit
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Appalachian Mountain setting 🏔
🔥 Protector hero 🔫
🔥 Brave, no-nonsense heroine 💪
🔥 Lovable sidekick 🐶
Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited from 3rd December. Pre-order now here: http://mybook.to/TheHit
dnf
November 16, 2022Ugh 50% through and I just can’t go on. I hate when the female lead is tstl. Her brother wouldn’t pay up even when they said they would kill his sister and she wants to save him? She knows she is safe with the male lead but ruins his stuff trying to escape. Nope
August 15, 2023
I think this is a 3.5 ⭐️ for me
I was a little worried that the FMC would be TSTL with the way she was acting in the beginning but she made up for it in the second half.
I really liked the MC and honestly, don’t mind having him in my list of fictional husbands.
I was a little worried that the FMC would be TSTL with the way she was acting in the beginning but she made up for it in the second half.
I really liked the MC and honestly, don’t mind having him in my list of fictional husbands.
Read
October 2, 2023DNF @31% p82/267 Chapter 9(Shep)
I really think this book is probably pretty good. The writing so far is, at least.
But I’m just not in the mood to be this patient.
There’s just not enough happening to keep my attention.
I really think this book is probably pretty good. The writing so far is, at least.
But I’m just not in the mood to be this patient.
There’s just not enough happening to keep my attention.
December 5, 2021
Just wow!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: forced proximity, enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: assault
The last thing Elias “Shep” Shepard expected when he accepted a hit contract for Cameron McKenzie was that the mechanic would turn out to be a really hot girl. And an innocent one at that. So Shep does probably the most impulsive thing he’s done in his life and kidnaps Cam in order to protect her from the hit being fulfilled. What follows goes about as well as you think, lol.
Just wow! “Female mechanic” and “hitman” are always one clicks for me. I went into this story thinking it was just going to be another hitman romance, but it ended up being so much more! What a fantastic, surprisingly emotional read! I laughed out loud, got a little teary, and totally cheered for Cam and Shep. This book was well researched and well written; the twists and turns had me gripped to the end. You would never know this was a new author! The character development was fantastic and you really fell in love with the MCs. Shep is a prior military hitman who is morally gray at best. He's not much of a talker, suffers from PTSD, and keeps himself away from the world with only his dog, coming out only to accept contracts. He is super protective of Cam from the first time he sees her, but truly believes he’s unworthy of love. Cam is just awesome. She’s hardworking and loyal - even to a brother that doesn’t necessarily deserve it. She’s strong and sassy without being snarky (not that that’s always bad, lol) and she’s willing to put herself out there - even at an emotional and physical cost. The Hitman is a medium burn. The feelings between them grow organically, but with the forced proximity helping them along keeping their attraction at a slow simmer for a while.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you’re a fan of romantic suspense. The side characters were just as wonderful and I’m really looking forward to reading the stories of the other members of Team Zulu. The Hit is the first book in the Team Zulu series. It is told in first person, dual perspective.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: forced proximity, enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: assault
The last thing Elias “Shep” Shepard expected when he accepted a hit contract for Cameron McKenzie was that the mechanic would turn out to be a really hot girl. And an innocent one at that. So Shep does probably the most impulsive thing he’s done in his life and kidnaps Cam in order to protect her from the hit being fulfilled. What follows goes about as well as you think, lol.
Just wow! “Female mechanic” and “hitman” are always one clicks for me. I went into this story thinking it was just going to be another hitman romance, but it ended up being so much more! What a fantastic, surprisingly emotional read! I laughed out loud, got a little teary, and totally cheered for Cam and Shep. This book was well researched and well written; the twists and turns had me gripped to the end. You would never know this was a new author! The character development was fantastic and you really fell in love with the MCs. Shep is a prior military hitman who is morally gray at best. He's not much of a talker, suffers from PTSD, and keeps himself away from the world with only his dog, coming out only to accept contracts. He is super protective of Cam from the first time he sees her, but truly believes he’s unworthy of love. Cam is just awesome. She’s hardworking and loyal - even to a brother that doesn’t necessarily deserve it. She’s strong and sassy without being snarky (not that that’s always bad, lol) and she’s willing to put herself out there - even at an emotional and physical cost. The Hitman is a medium burn. The feelings between them grow organically, but with the forced proximity helping them along keeping their attraction at a slow simmer for a while.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you’re a fan of romantic suspense. The side characters were just as wonderful and I’m really looking forward to reading the stories of the other members of Team Zulu. The Hit is the first book in the Team Zulu series. It is told in first person, dual perspective.
December 18, 2021
The Hit by Julie Weaver
Team Zulu Series #1
Loved it from beginning to end ~ Could not put it down!
What I liked:
* Cameron McKenzie: sister, mechanic, muscle car aficionado, bright, strong, caring, goes with the flow, more capable than she knows, communicates thoughts and feelings
* Elias “Shep” Shepherd: retired military special forces, ruthless, lethal, hitman – wrote about him that he is a “hitman with a heart of gold”, really liked him.
* Ranger: Shep’s dog…and he is a great one
* The decision Shep made regarding the hit he was given at the beginning of the book
* Cam’s concern for her brother in spite of his behaviour
* Tom: Cam’s boss and someone that might have his own intriguing story
* Ben & Sage: was up and down with them but am eager to read their story in book two of the series
* Kane: he will show up in book three with Freya and though I haven’t met his woman look forward to reading their story
* The resolution of the situation and how the relationship between Cam and Shep worked out by the end of the book
* The writing, plot, and locations
* Knowing that there will be more books to look forward to
* Reading a new-to-me author that I look forward to reading again.
What I didn’t like:
* Franky Russo: Mafia kingpin, ruthless, conscienceless, egocentric, rather a horrible man
* Franky’s men met in this book
* The reason the hit was made and thinking about how it probably happens more often than we realize
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Epic Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Team Zulu Series #1
Loved it from beginning to end ~ Could not put it down!
What I liked:
* Cameron McKenzie: sister, mechanic, muscle car aficionado, bright, strong, caring, goes with the flow, more capable than she knows, communicates thoughts and feelings
* Elias “Shep” Shepherd: retired military special forces, ruthless, lethal, hitman – wrote about him that he is a “hitman with a heart of gold”, really liked him.
* Ranger: Shep’s dog…and he is a great one
* The decision Shep made regarding the hit he was given at the beginning of the book
* Cam’s concern for her brother in spite of his behaviour
* Tom: Cam’s boss and someone that might have his own intriguing story
* Ben & Sage: was up and down with them but am eager to read their story in book two of the series
* Kane: he will show up in book three with Freya and though I haven’t met his woman look forward to reading their story
* The resolution of the situation and how the relationship between Cam and Shep worked out by the end of the book
* The writing, plot, and locations
* Knowing that there will be more books to look forward to
* Reading a new-to-me author that I look forward to reading again.
What I didn’t like:
* Franky Russo: Mafia kingpin, ruthless, conscienceless, egocentric, rather a horrible man
* Franky’s men met in this book
* The reason the hit was made and thinking about how it probably happens more often than we realize
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Epic Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 6, 2022
This book was recommended to me, and I’m so grateful to have found this new author.
The Hit book 1 of Team Zulu Series by Julie Weaver is romantic suspense at its best!
Shep and Cameron were fantastic together and the storyline kept me gripped, I even lost track of time and ended up reading through the night.
Shep is an ex military/hired hitman for the local mafia, he believes he’s only good at taking out bad people, likes the solitude of his house in the Appalachian mountains and enjoys his mountain life with his furry companion Ranger….this all changes when he is assigned a contract to take out Cameron McKenzie.
Cam is a local car mechanic, she lives a simple life until her troubled brother gets her involved in the ugly world of the mafia. Shep turns up to complete his contract but soon realises Cameron is innocent.
This is where the story heats up, Shep makes a decision to protect Cam, his gruffness is the complete opposite to Cam’s sunshine personality, the forced proximity tests both their personalities and they soon move from enemies to lovers. I adored Shep, he was so grumpy and gruff, but begun to open up so much with Cam, the romance was hot, the suspense built to high intensity and I loved the introduction of future characters.
Wow! I’ve rambled on about this book, when all I should have said was “Just Read It”!!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
The Hit book 1 of Team Zulu Series by Julie Weaver is romantic suspense at its best!
Shep and Cameron were fantastic together and the storyline kept me gripped, I even lost track of time and ended up reading through the night.
Shep is an ex military/hired hitman for the local mafia, he believes he’s only good at taking out bad people, likes the solitude of his house in the Appalachian mountains and enjoys his mountain life with his furry companion Ranger….this all changes when he is assigned a contract to take out Cameron McKenzie.
Cam is a local car mechanic, she lives a simple life until her troubled brother gets her involved in the ugly world of the mafia. Shep turns up to complete his contract but soon realises Cameron is innocent.
This is where the story heats up, Shep makes a decision to protect Cam, his gruffness is the complete opposite to Cam’s sunshine personality, the forced proximity tests both their personalities and they soon move from enemies to lovers. I adored Shep, he was so grumpy and gruff, but begun to open up so much with Cam, the romance was hot, the suspense built to high intensity and I loved the introduction of future characters.
Wow! I’ve rambled on about this book, when all I should have said was “Just Read It”!!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 24, 2021
The first book in Team Zulu, The Hits is a great enemies to lover romance. Shep and Cameron are engaging and well suited, the surrounding characters are intriguing and story is dynamic and well paced. I will be reading more of this new to me author and recommending this book to other readers
December 3, 2021
For a brand new author, she sure hit it out of the park with this first book! Elias “Shep” Shepherd is an assassin for hire and a former member of Team Zulu. The only place he finds peace is on his mountain. And when he is handed a contract for Cameron McKenzie, he doesn't expect her to be not only a woman but the sexiest woman he has ever seen. Something about her gets to him, and instead of performing the hit-he decides he will do whatever is necessary to protect her. Cam knows after one glance that the man who has taken her is capable of killing her. But she isn't afraid to fight for herself, even if she loses that fight. But when he takes her to his mountain in an attempt to protect her, she starts seeing things beneath the surface that he shows the world. And realizes that there is much more to him than meet's the eye.
I absolutely loved this story. Right from the start I was hooked and couldn't stop reading it. Shep comes across at first as this man that has shut off his feelings. But he really hadn't, he has just buried them in an effort to protect himself. And there is so much more to him than just being a hired killer. He has this protective and caring side that he just doesn't show to people, and I loved everything about him! Cam is this super tough woman who isn't afraid to fight for not only herself but others as well. But she is also caring and sweet with this compassion that you can't help but love her as well. The story is fast paced and intriguing all while pushing the reader to realize that there is more to people than what they show on the surface-and that everyone is not only capable of love but can be deserving of it as well. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to see what else this author writes!
I absolutely loved this story. Right from the start I was hooked and couldn't stop reading it. Shep comes across at first as this man that has shut off his feelings. But he really hadn't, he has just buried them in an effort to protect himself. And there is so much more to him than just being a hired killer. He has this protective and caring side that he just doesn't show to people, and I loved everything about him! Cam is this super tough woman who isn't afraid to fight for not only herself but others as well. But she is also caring and sweet with this compassion that you can't help but love her as well. The story is fast paced and intriguing all while pushing the reader to realize that there is more to people than what they show on the surface-and that everyone is not only capable of love but can be deserving of it as well. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to see what else this author writes!
November 3, 2021
The Hit was my first experience reading Ms. Weaver's work but it won't be the last -- I loved everything about this read. Cameron and Shep's characters were so well developed that I felt every emotion in every scene. Their chemistry was off the charts, but it was their emotional connection that I really "felt" deep in my heart. Shep is a former Black Ops member who lives a solitary life until he takes on a contract to kill Cameron. I wouldn't characterize this as a "mafia" story per se even though it has those elements. It's 100% romantic suspense that kept my on the edge of my seat practically the entire time I was reading! The story flows really well and she does an excellent job of keeping it moving at the perfect pace. Cameron is a muscle car mechanic with a whole lot of strength, physically and mentally. I loved her character and her spunk! These two had tons of heat between them that jumped off the pages. I loved everything about this book and look forward to more from Julie Weaver. A very enjoyable 5-star read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for Netgalley.
November 9, 2021
Debut novelist Julie Weaver brings her characters so vividly to life that I am just a bit in love. Quiet, tough guy and hitman to the mob, Shep has a soft side that is teased out by gutsy Cam. All the while making flannel shirts hot on both men and women.
We are emersed in the world of the Philly mafia as we watch Cam and Shep fight off her brother’s enemies. The useless brother inadvertently has dragged her into his drugged doomed world and Shep is the only one who can save them both.
The slow burn of loath to lust to love was beautifully done and a stark contrast to the fast-paced action and ever-rising stakes. It gripped me from start to finish. I can’t wait to read Brandon’s story and the rest of Team Zulu. Julie has restored my faith in romantic suspense.
There is no way my dog is as loyal as Ranger. Where can I trade in my family?
I received an ARC of this book and leave this review voluntarily.
We are emersed in the world of the Philly mafia as we watch Cam and Shep fight off her brother’s enemies. The useless brother inadvertently has dragged her into his drugged doomed world and Shep is the only one who can save them both.
The slow burn of loath to lust to love was beautifully done and a stark contrast to the fast-paced action and ever-rising stakes. It gripped me from start to finish. I can’t wait to read Brandon’s story and the rest of Team Zulu. Julie has restored my faith in romantic suspense.
There is no way my dog is as loyal as Ranger. Where can I trade in my family?
I received an ARC of this book and leave this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2022
An absolute HIT! 🌟
I am so freaking glad I heard about this story and decided to pick it up. Julie is a new author to me and I absolutely love her writing style. It's easy to read and packs an emotional punch. The story itself was crafted very well and I loved Shep and Cam (and Ranger🐾). I rooted for them the entire story and all the action scenes were a lot of fun! This is my kind of story- action, steam and a protector you can't help but fall in love with. I'm super happy to say that I just found a new favorite author and can't wait to dive into book 2 of the Team Zulu series. Bravo, Julie!
I am so freaking glad I heard about this story and decided to pick it up. Julie is a new author to me and I absolutely love her writing style. It's easy to read and packs an emotional punch. The story itself was crafted very well and I loved Shep and Cam (and Ranger🐾). I rooted for them the entire story and all the action scenes were a lot of fun! This is my kind of story- action, steam and a protector you can't help but fall in love with. I'm super happy to say that I just found a new favorite author and can't wait to dive into book 2 of the Team Zulu series. Bravo, Julie!
November 23, 2021
Shep and Cam are what romantic suspense is all about. Characters who are strong and easy to like and add in a fast paced, action filled story that just pulls the reader along. Who doesn't love an enemies to lovers trope ? I admit Shep isn't really Cams enemy but his position certainly makes him take stock and with the frequent challenges that Cam provides he certainly needs to not underestimate her.
I had fun reading this and will certainly look out for more by this author because as this ends there are characters introduced who I'd love to know more about. My only niggle is that I just didn't totally understand Cam's brother as although older than her and supposedly previously her rock he reads here as perhaps younger and more juvenile. However I did still enjoy this first book and look forward to reading more of this series.
Four and a half
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I had fun reading this and will certainly look out for more by this author because as this ends there are characters introduced who I'd love to know more about. My only niggle is that I just didn't totally understand Cam's brother as although older than her and supposedly previously her rock he reads here as perhaps younger and more juvenile. However I did still enjoy this first book and look forward to reading more of this series.
Four and a half
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
November 5, 2021
I had the opportunity to read The Hit as an early reader. I’m sure glad I did. This is my first time reading one of Julie Weavers book and it will not be my last. Cam and Shep have easily become one of my favorite couples. I was captivated from the beginning. I also love Ranger being as I have a GSP he sounds like he would be the best dog ever. I can’t wait to read more of the Team Zulu series.
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