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The Drift: Nova Force #5

Operation Sunset

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She’s the woman he can’t forget . . . and the one he can never have.

Three years ago, Crispen met the woman of his dreams, only to discover they were about to be co-workers, too.

Aria had rules against mixing business and pleasure, so he’d taken the next best option and become her best friend . . . until he had to make a decision that changed the course of both their lives.

Now, what’s left of their friendship will be tested. They’re going undercover to take down one of Nova Force’s greatest enemies, and they’ll have no one to rely on but each other.

She thought she couldn’t have it all. Had she been wrong?

Aria lost more than her leg in the explosion that nearly ended her career. She’s still counting the costs, but she’s afraid that at the top of the list is the only man who got past her walls and into her heart - Crispen.

Their new assignment puts them in enemy territory with dubious intel, no backup, and a plan that didn’t survive first contact with reality.

To finish their mission,
they’ll have to risk more than their lives . . .
they’ll have to put their hearts in the line of fire.

This is the fifth book in the bestselling, The Drift: Nova Force series.

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2022

24 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Susan Hayes

97 books466 followers
Susan lives out on the Canadian west coast surrounded by open water, dear family and good friends. She’s jumped out of perfectly good airplanes on purpose and accidentally swum with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef. If the world ends, she plans to survive as the spunky, comedic sidekick to the heroes of the new world, because she’s too damned short and out of shape to make it on her own for long.

Writing is her joy, her escape from reality and the only way she knows of to quiet the nagging harridan of a muse the universe assigned to her.

To contact her about her books or to arrange end of the world team-ups, you can email her at susanhayesromance@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews26 followers
February 1, 2022
Seeing is believing

OMG! This book is phenomenal! I love that these two characters finally got around to reaching the forever they were always meant to have. There were a few dicey situations, okay a lot, but that’s what added fuel to the fire and amped up the intensity of the story. They corrected so much wrong in this book and it was the perfect last bang for the unmated members of the team. The author outdid herself with this book, but I am absolutely looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Profile Image for Amanda Bhear.
666 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2023
I love it. The two agents have been in love for years but Aria didn't want to get into a relationship since they were working together. Now they are undercover together trying to take out the rogue AI unit that seems to be out to kill their team & take over where the grey men left off. The space station they are on is an expensive cut-throat hotel for anyone who has no morals or remorse for what they plan to do. If anything is for sale no matter how black market it is, that's where you would find it. That's where V.I.D.A., the AI's original program, is stored in a vault. While they are trying to find a way into the vault several strange things start to happen. Power outages, a voice over the speakers. They figure out it is Dr. Absolm's digital data or what's left of it. His original body had been destroyed by his own AI, V.I.D.A., so Cris believes he wants revenge. He traps him & asks it if it wants to help them destroy the AI to get back at it. He agrees. They get to the vault & meet up with 2 workers on the way but strike a deal with them. If they take them with them when they leave they will help them get in. Cris hooks up to the panel & connects himself to it. He lets the Doctor out & as the AI & doctor fight they run for the space ship. Over the speakers they can her them destroying each other, Aria gets caught in the water & Cris goes back to pull her out. They make it to the ship. While the space station is trying to get itself back under control they manage to get away without being noticed. They take the couple that helped them to Liberty. It is a place that a lot of different people have gone when they need a new start. Cris has decided he is not going back to friend mode. He has his lover & intends to keep her.
Profile Image for Daria.
1,998 reviews42 followers
January 31, 2022
Susan, bring Nova Force to you again, in this slick, fast-paced action Sci-Fi. Not only do we see Chris and Aria again, this is their story.

Now I'm not a fan of second chances, I shy away from them. But it was Susan and I read Susan. So Nova Force gets to show their stuff putting Chris and Aria undercover together the first time around the mixing business with pleasure was a no kinda thing for Aria, but what now? with The Chemistry to still there and bouncing off the charts as they work a dangerous assignment together. They're how, intelligent and good together, and when they had a bit of a near-death last time they were 'together' now ts all about the maybes and what if. Could it be just the physical attraction is smoking our kindles? No right?

As they try to stop the evil scheme that's afoot, they will have to have each other back in a world of the Greys. Danger, mystery and some good hot scenes, mix it up with the banter between these two and it makes for a great read. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Stacy .
339 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2022
very emotional

Operation Sunset is the 5th book in The Drift: Nova Force series. It features Cris and Aria. They met and had immediate chemistry and got together but the next day realized that they would be working together. Aria put a halt on things and they became close friends. After some drama where Aria got hurt and Cris had to do something drastic he feels guilty and thinks she hates him. They have to go on a mission together and while on the mission they have to overcome things and see things more clearly. The feels are all through this book and you can feel the chemistry. I really enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,918 reviews15 followers
January 22, 2022
I love that the sci-fi storyline is interesting enough that even without the romance elements I would read this book. Yes, Nova Force is still going after the Grays, specifically the AI VIDA this time, and our intrepid couple Cris and Aria have to go undercover together. The forced proximity especially after the near death experience of the previous book has them thinking about the past and what could be the future. If they live through this mission. A fast paced, witty, action thrill ride I couldn’t put it down till the final sigh.
153 reviews
February 1, 2022
Finally Cris and Aria get together. After the attack on Astec station Aria had to leave Nova force to deal with her lost leg. The one Cris had to cut off. He is overwhelmed with guilt for letting her get hurt at all, nevermind having to mutilate her perfect body.
Now that Aria is back, they have to go deep undercover to destroy the AI that almost destroyed them.
Aria is posing as his bodyguard and Cris is a pampered,rich criminal. They are going to the extremely luxurious, and evil Babylon Station. How are they supposed to stay professional after almost losing each other?
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,316 reviews
February 2, 2022
Crispin and Aria had a one night stand before finding out they were teammates. They have kept it professional however things change. Crispin has been feeling guilty ever since he had to amputate Aria’s leg and he expects that she will hate him. On top of that, he is concerned about his role on the team with everyone getting nanobots. What will they need him for.

With the return of Aria there is a new mission that sends them both undercover together. Nothing like danger to bring two people together. Plenty of action and danger to go around in this story!
778 reviews11 followers
January 24, 2022
Nova Force is back! Chrispen and Aria are now on a mission together that reignites their relationship and it is hotter than ever! I just love this couple…each wary of love yet are perfect for one another. The Greys continue to be active in their evil intent with an AI as a mastermind. The plot moves quickly and is well written. Enjoy! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,082 reviews29 followers
February 1, 2022
An incredible story!
What a dangerous mission! I love seeing Aria and Cris working out their long-standing issues. This story kept me on the edge of my seat as these intrepid warriors seek to decommission VIDA in a virtually impossible setting. You’ll be amazed to see how this works out. I loved every single moment! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
1,039 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2022
OMG, An awesome story. Aria is back and she has a mission with Crispan. They will work undercover together. He's afraid that she hates him since he had to remove her leg. The close proximity to each other brings them together. Will they survive the mission. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,229 reviews70 followers
February 3, 2022
This was such a great read and a fab second chance romance. Danger and mystery abound, along with fun banter and steamy romance. I enjoyed these two finding their way together, finally, and found the entire read fast paced, full of action and wit. There's so much to enjoy in this story and I can't wait for what's next by this author :D
Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
February 9, 2022
FRAX! This book... wow.. I did not put it down! So many things going on that there was not a slow part in it. Cris and Aria have a second chance, that is if they survive the mission and their past. I loved the interaction between these two. I loved the mystery and suspense of the mission. I loved that not everything is as it appears. No spoilers... but the ending was PERFECT!
4,497 reviews24 followers
January 21, 2022
I enjoyed reading this entertaining,, action packed, Intriguing storyline. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Karen.
337 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2022
Totally in love with Cris and Aria.

Nova Force is back and Crispen and Aria are heading undercover. There is lots of intrigue, action, and sexy scenes. Plenty of banter and previous characters, hot chemistry, and a rekindled love affair.
1,143 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2022
Finally. Trip and Aria.

Riddled by guilt over his decision about Aria, Trip worked hard to make himself stronger and more useful. Aria adjusted to her new cybernetics. She was confused by Trip and his distance.. Once their new assignment started they hashed out. It was good.
3,323 reviews30 followers
June 14, 2022
Operation Sunset

Trip and Aria parted by more than circumstances and yet the feelings continue. Both are changed by surgery to look completely different for the op. Possibly a suicide mission but hope springs eternal.
701 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2024
Great afternoon book

Cris and Aria finally find each other and their HEA. Exhilarating mission to Babylon Station supposedly brings VIDA's reign of terror to an end. I just wish Cris' promotion and transfer was addressed before the end of the book.

Well worth my time and $$.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,009 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2025
The Last Book in Nova Force For Now

This was a great story. Nova Force goes after the last of Absalom and VIDA.
The next book to read following the timeline is from Haven Colony: Her Cyborg Rangers.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,138 reviews57 followers
February 3, 2022
This story throws Crispen and Aria back together and gives them a chance to get it right. Love and danger makes this an exciting read.
1,122 reviews
August 17, 2023
This was another great read. The characters and storyline made this a page turner.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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