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Black Ops Tag #2
Chris: Mission: Harvest Ranch Wedding
When your older brother is trained to kill--dating his best friend is a bad idea. But there's something about Chris's broken hero/tragic family background that Genny just wants to love on. Can she mend his shredded heart? Or will they be blown apart by her brother's over-protective nature?
When wedding planner Genesis Navarro is paired up as a fake wedding date for the guy she's been crushing on for years...
a guy who kissed her once upon a time--and then WALKED AWAY... she's not thrilled. But she'll do anything for her brides.
Chris Spencer would love nothing more than to make Genesis his own. But... there's a code. You don't date your buddy's ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, or sister. Which means it's hands--and lips--off Genny all week long. Genny has no idea how much she's driving him crazy. He just has to make it a week.
Laugh along as these two as they navigate a fake relationship where lines blur all too easily.
*Bonus short story. See the kiss that started it all!*
Enjoy this hilarious military romcom based around the wedding of the century from the dynamic writing duo of USA Today Bestselling Author Lucy McConnell and Ellie Thornton. Grab your copy today and start reading!
When wedding planner Genesis Navarro is paired up as a fake wedding date for the guy she's been crushing on for years...
a guy who kissed her once upon a time--and then WALKED AWAY... she's not thrilled. But she'll do anything for her brides.
Chris Spencer would love nothing more than to make Genesis his own. But... there's a code. You don't date your buddy's ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, or sister. Which means it's hands--and lips--off Genny all week long. Genny has no idea how much she's driving him crazy. He just has to make it a week.
Laugh along as these two as they navigate a fake relationship where lines blur all too easily.
*Bonus short story. See the kiss that started it all!*
Enjoy this hilarious military romcom based around the wedding of the century from the dynamic writing duo of USA Today Bestselling Author Lucy McConnell and Ellie Thornton. Grab your copy today and start reading!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2022
55 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Lucy McConnell
189 books1,595 followersPlease hit the follow button. I'd love to keep in touch!
Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!
She believes that romance books should:
Keep you up past your bedtime.
Make you laugh out loud.
Have happy endings.
With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.
If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️
Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!
She believes that romance books should:
Keep you up past your bedtime.
Make you laugh out loud.
Have happy endings.
With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.
If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 7, 2024
Black Ops Tag is a great series full of banter and the best friendship group. In this book we discover the history between Chris and Genny and this story takes you on a wave of emotions. It’s a brother’s best friend, second chance, fake dating romance and throw in a loyal friendship group and you get a wholesome story. I would highly recommend reading Andy first as you learn a lot about all the characters and it makes more sense when reading Chris. I look forward to reading the next one in the series as well. I received a complementary copy from BookSirens.
September 14, 2022
This book put my emotions through the wringer. It’s part fake relationship, part best-friend’s sibling/sibling’s best friend, and there’s a little bit of a second chance twist thrown in. My heart absolutely broke for Chris and everything he was dealing with. PTSD is a tough road, but to have trauma after trauma layered on top of one another, that’s a degree of difficulty I don’t wish on anyone. Genny has been relegated to being the “little sister” to the whole team for as long as she can remember, but her feelings for Chris are anything but brotherly. I loved watching this pair dance around their feelings for each other because I knew that no matter how hard they tried to fight it, those feelings were simply too powerful. There are some beautiful messages about what defines family in this book, and it’s made me fall even deeper in love with this band of brothers. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
October 27, 2022
The code is what it is.
Not aloud to date sisters, families or ex-girlfriends. For the band of the 76th, the rules are there for a reason. Chris is tied by it when 16 years ago Genny, his best friend’s sister, declared her love to him.
But time and distance were never enough for Chris and Genny to forget about each other.
Forced proximity, fake dating and forbidden love are tropes you'll find in this standalone sequel of the Black Ops Tag instalment by authors Lucy McConnell and Ellie Thornton.
This is a clean romance, no spice but good feelings. I laughed, but not out loud. Just enough to call it a RomCom. I got invested with the characters, even if some things felt rushed in the writing.
All in all, it’s a cute read that does what RomCom do, entertain.
I recommend this book for readers who loves sassy FMC, deeply authentic MMC, comforting and predictable ending with bonus for a band of friends that stick together no matter what.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not aloud to date sisters, families or ex-girlfriends. For the band of the 76th, the rules are there for a reason. Chris is tied by it when 16 years ago Genny, his best friend’s sister, declared her love to him.
But time and distance were never enough for Chris and Genny to forget about each other.
Forced proximity, fake dating and forbidden love are tropes you'll find in this standalone sequel of the Black Ops Tag instalment by authors Lucy McConnell and Ellie Thornton.
This is a clean romance, no spice but good feelings. I laughed, but not out loud. Just enough to call it a RomCom. I got invested with the characters, even if some things felt rushed in the writing.
All in all, it’s a cute read that does what RomCom do, entertain.
I recommend this book for readers who loves sassy FMC, deeply authentic MMC, comforting and predictable ending with bonus for a band of friends that stick together no matter what.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2022
Que caliente!
This romance was hot, but still clean, don’t worry!
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite romance tropes. I love how strong and loyal Chris is! After growing up in foster care family is really important to Chris. The family that he’s made with the guys in the 76th is crucial to him. Dating any of the guys’ exes or sisters is specifically off limits. So Chris resists for over 10 years, and Genny suffers as she tries to move on and can’t.
I loved the passion that explodes from all of that waiting. I’m surprised how long it took some people to notice! Genny and Chris were perfect for each other. It was great to see different aspects and perspectives on the wedding shenanigans, and the glimpses into Bree and Joseph’s character have me waiting excitedly for the next book.
This romance was hot, but still clean, don’t worry!
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite romance tropes. I love how strong and loyal Chris is! After growing up in foster care family is really important to Chris. The family that he’s made with the guys in the 76th is crucial to him. Dating any of the guys’ exes or sisters is specifically off limits. So Chris resists for over 10 years, and Genny suffers as she tries to move on and can’t.
I loved the passion that explodes from all of that waiting. I’m surprised how long it took some people to notice! Genny and Chris were perfect for each other. It was great to see different aspects and perspectives on the wedding shenanigans, and the glimpses into Bree and Joseph’s character have me waiting excitedly for the next book.
August 19, 2023
This is a fun series about a group of friends who served as military police together and continue to keep themselves sharp (and maintain their brotherhood) by playing an annual Black Ops Tag (aka B.O.T.s). Each book focuses on the story of a different member of the group and his love interest, but all happening concurrently during the events of Andy and America’s wedding week festivities. This instalment is a brother’s best friend, forbidden romance focused on Chris and Genny, who is Pete’s little sister as well as the wedding planner. Chris and Genny have had feelings for each other for more than a decade and a half, but Chris is afraid of losing his found family of military brothers and has shut it down. Greater weight is added to this by his history as a foster child with no family. When Chris and Genny are paired off for the wedding week, their feelings overcome all efforts at denial, but there are still issues of honesty and trust to resolve. There are heavy topics like foster care, abuse, addiction, abandonment, military action, and PTSD involved in the story, but they are mainly kept surface level to inform about Chris’ background. The one that weighs a little more is PTSD. It was very interesting to learn more about Complex PTSD and how it is different, as well as the coping strategies Chris used. Chris is a compelling character, outwardly reserved and intimidating, but with a deep well of emotion under the surface. Genny is a spicy Cuban woman with a take-charge personality. I liked them both and was rooting for them to get together. The secondary characters are great. Such a fun and committed group of friends. The text group is particularly funny, and the B.O.T.s adds another fun, but relatively small element to the story. I think the authors did a good job with trying to balance continuity and new elements, which I think is a challenge with concurrent storytelling. There may have been a few tiny problems, but nothing of note. My one issue with the story was that I felt the FMC was a little too hard on the MMC. I really think this is a series where you want to read all the stories in order for the best experience. There are so many layers with the stories all overlapping. There is also a connection to some books from another series (Brandon & Allie, and Cash & Jo’s stories), but they are less necessary to read first, although I’d suggest it for the fullest background. This is a closed door story with very slight innuendo. There is no harsh language….in English, at least. When I used the translation function it looked like one of the Spanish words might fall under harsh language.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2022
Chris! The big guy America couldn't figure out, the guy we learned that had a soft spot for a certain kitten, and the guy Genny's been crushing on for years. I couldn't have been more excited to get to read his story because what we got from America and Andy's story's version of him, the guy was really an enigma. It seriously was so good to get his POV and realize that he's had it much harder than the rest of the guys (his background includes foster homes and traumatic events from his missions, which have resulted in him dealing with PTSD). But also, this makes his found family all the more sweeter and valuable to him and to the reader! The bromance between the 76ers is my favorite and I love the banter, pranks, teasing, and BOTs, but also how they're there for each other at the drop of a pin.
Of course, this loyalty makes it all that more difficult for his romantic life when 18yo Genny asked him out, and older brother Pete included sisters in the code for "women any member of the team isn't allowed to date." Genny, being from Cuba knows what she wants/her own mind, isn't afraid of hard work, and just wants to figure out why Chris walked out on her, so all of this makes for an obvious recipe fordisaster drama, hilarious moments, as well as some really swoony ones. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the sparks flying kept things definitely interesting (#BOKT). Who knew the silent, brooding, big guy had so much below the surface (and no, I'm not talking about his muscles here)? He cares, he has deep feelings for Genny as well as for his friends, and he's torn by the having to make a decision between the two. Genny is definitely perfect for him, while also being great at her job, and it was really fun to see some events from the wedding week from their POVs while not repeating the ones we already knew from Andy's story.
I'm honestly enjoying reading these books and finally getting to know more of Brandon's buddies (yay for this being part of a series and for all the Harvest Ranch cameos), and now I can't wait to read Joseph's (and Bree's 😉) story. ~ 4.5 stars
Content:
Sex: none. Really passionate kisses between the MCs but nothing more. However there are several mentions throughout the book of them noticing each other's physique and having to force themselves to think about other things (still, there are no mentions of body parts. It's all about her curves, or his back muscles, shoulders, abs)
Language: 1 d*mn. In Spanish, several sh*ts and "holy h*ll"
Violence: flashbacks triggered by PTSD; anxiety attacks
Of course, this loyalty makes it all that more difficult for his romantic life when 18yo Genny asked him out, and older brother Pete included sisters in the code for "women any member of the team isn't allowed to date." Genny, being from Cuba knows what she wants/her own mind, isn't afraid of hard work, and just wants to figure out why Chris walked out on her, so all of this makes for an obvious recipe for
I'm honestly enjoying reading these books and finally getting to know more of Brandon's buddies (yay for this being part of a series and for all the Harvest Ranch cameos), and now I can't wait to read Joseph's (and Bree's 😉) story. ~ 4.5 stars
Content:
Sex: none. Really passionate kisses between the MCs but nothing more. However there are several mentions throughout the book of them noticing each other's physique and having to force themselves to think about other things (still, there are no mentions of body parts. It's all about her curves, or his back muscles, shoulders, abs)
Language: 1 d*mn. In Spanish, several sh*ts and "holy h*ll"
Violence: flashbacks triggered by PTSD; anxiety attacks
August 4, 2023
I don't really know what to make of this book. Individual parts are well written (I opted to ignore typos, though mixing up characters' names is a pretty significant error), but the whole just didn't gel for me. The book is part of a series—I think book 3—but begins with a "bonus" novella, which is really more of a prequel. That said, there are so many references to the other couples, and I suspect that it would have been better had I read the first couple of books. I also think the storylines run at least in part concurrently. Here, there were weird wedding things happening but only partially told; I guess they happen in full in previous books? I don't mind some overlap, but here, it weighs the story down. I found myself more interested in those storylines more than Genny and Chris'.
Speaking of Genny and Chris, oof. I didn't dislike them, but neither was I invested in their romance. In spite of knowing each other for 20 years, it doesn't really seem like they know each other. And while the protective big bro thing made sense when Genny was 18 and and even 24, it seems melodramatic at 34. And Chris at roughly 40? It just seems like they should have resolved all this sooner. We spend way too much time in their heads (third person, alternating POV), and all the spinning of wheels without forward progress gets tiresome. There are a few weak attempts at adding suspense, but they come off more as slapstick, and in some cases, they don't make sense. I suspect a few parts are really part of America and Andy's story and what we have here is just spillover. From a standalone perspective though, it just gets confusing.
The romance here is clean—the language too, come to think of it. Aside from some making out, not much happens to prove there's any chemistry. There's also a weird part, just a few paragraphs, really, that venture into Christian romance language. That's not my genre at all, and it made me uncomfortable, especially since it seems cut and pasted in, almost as if the author wanted to write a mainstream romance but just couldn't help herself.
Again, the story reads okay in a general sense. I was not drawn in, however, and nearly. DNFed it on more than one occasion.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Speaking of Genny and Chris, oof. I didn't dislike them, but neither was I invested in their romance. In spite of knowing each other for 20 years, it doesn't really seem like they know each other. And while the protective big bro thing made sense when Genny was 18 and and even 24, it seems melodramatic at 34. And Chris at roughly 40? It just seems like they should have resolved all this sooner. We spend way too much time in their heads (third person, alternating POV), and all the spinning of wheels without forward progress gets tiresome. There are a few weak attempts at adding suspense, but they come off more as slapstick, and in some cases, they don't make sense. I suspect a few parts are really part of America and Andy's story and what we have here is just spillover. From a standalone perspective though, it just gets confusing.
The romance here is clean—the language too, come to think of it. Aside from some making out, not much happens to prove there's any chemistry. There's also a weird part, just a few paragraphs, really, that venture into Christian romance language. That's not my genre at all, and it made me uncomfortable, especially since it seems cut and pasted in, almost as if the author wanted to write a mainstream romance but just couldn't help herself.
Again, the story reads okay in a general sense. I was not drawn in, however, and nearly. DNFed it on more than one occasion.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
November 4, 2022
Chris is the second book in Lucy McConnell and Ellie Thornton’s Black Ops Tag – Mission: Harvest Ranch Wedding series. Chris is a clean military romantic comedy, featuring the fake-relationship and best friend’s sister tropes. It is highly recommended that you read the first book, Andy, before reading Chris so that you are familiar with the characters and their antics. Timewise, the events in Chris occur at the same time as Andy.
Wedding planner Genesis “Genny” Navarro is paired up as a fake wedding date with Chris Spencer, one of her brother, Pete’s, close friends and colleague. Genny has been crushing on Chris since she was a teen-ager. He kissed her when she was 18 and then walked away, so she has resented him and pined for him simultaneously for the past 10 years. When bride/client America asks Genny to be a bridesmaid, she agrees so the wedding will go smoothly.
Chris Spencer would love nothing more than to have a relationship with Genesis. But the “Guy Code” says you don't date your buddy's ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, or sister. So he has to keep his hands and lips off Genny all week long. Genny has no idea how much she's driving him crazy.
All of the men in the 76th Military Police team are in their late 30s/early 40s but they act younger, in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading Chris because Genny is such a likeable, strong character. She is a type-A personality and the sparks just flew between her and Chris. I recommend this Black Ops Tag – Mission: Harvest Ranch Wedding series for readers who like clean romance, military romance, or rom-coms.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wedding planner Genesis “Genny” Navarro is paired up as a fake wedding date with Chris Spencer, one of her brother, Pete’s, close friends and colleague. Genny has been crushing on Chris since she was a teen-ager. He kissed her when she was 18 and then walked away, so she has resented him and pined for him simultaneously for the past 10 years. When bride/client America asks Genny to be a bridesmaid, she agrees so the wedding will go smoothly.
Chris Spencer would love nothing more than to have a relationship with Genesis. But the “Guy Code” says you don't date your buddy's ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, or sister. So he has to keep his hands and lips off Genny all week long. Genny has no idea how much she's driving him crazy.
All of the men in the 76th Military Police team are in their late 30s/early 40s but they act younger, in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading Chris because Genny is such a likeable, strong character. She is a type-A personality and the sparks just flew between her and Chris. I recommend this Black Ops Tag – Mission: Harvest Ranch Wedding series for readers who like clean romance, military romance, or rom-coms.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 18, 2023
Romance level: kissing🔥 (intense make outs).
This book was really good! I love to see all the friendships & connections between the 76th special investigators🕶️
Brandon & Allie were really cute🩷 but so we're Pete & Elena. I will definitely go back & read their story.
Chris was such a complex hero. He was so hurt from what he has been through since childhood & his service in the military... How he got his PTSD triggers was so enlightening.The boys were a big family & it was so sweet to see them support each other.
I liked Genny's character. She was a force to be reckoned. She knew what she deserve & was not shy of making sure that's what she got. Her relationship w/ her brother Pete was so sweet 😍.
You can't deny the chemistry between those two 👌🏻🔥. The B.O.K.T was so playful & exciting. Their kisses were just wow... So intense! You could read the longing & desire for one another.
Those cooking classes? 🔥 my oh my! It was one of my favorite moments in the book. As well as the final chapters.
This brother's best friend plot was good! Yes, there were some moments in which I was confused because it led to believe it was going one way & then bam! It went another🍾... But I was glad with how it got solved.
The grand gesture was so funny & cute😅🩷. The events on the last chapter happened so fast! But somehow it was so fitting for those two. I really want to dive into the next story💙 Joseph's book looks really promising!
⚠️TW: curse words; abuse; Complex PTSD; foster care; infertility (not MC).
🕶️
* I was kindly gifted a copy from the author through BookSirens. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
This book was really good! I love to see all the friendships & connections between the 76th special investigators🕶️
Brandon & Allie were really cute🩷 but so we're Pete & Elena. I will definitely go back & read their story.
Chris was such a complex hero. He was so hurt from what he has been through since childhood & his service in the military... How he got his PTSD triggers was so enlightening.The boys were a big family & it was so sweet to see them support each other.
I liked Genny's character. She was a force to be reckoned. She knew what she deserve & was not shy of making sure that's what she got. Her relationship w/ her brother Pete was so sweet 😍.
You can't deny the chemistry between those two 👌🏻🔥. The B.O.K.T was so playful & exciting. Their kisses were just wow... So intense! You could read the longing & desire for one another.
Those cooking classes? 🔥 my oh my! It was one of my favorite moments in the book. As well as the final chapters.
This brother's best friend plot was good! Yes, there were some moments in which I was confused because it led to believe it was going one way & then bam! It went another🍾... But I was glad with how it got solved.
The grand gesture was so funny & cute😅🩷. The events on the last chapter happened so fast! But somehow it was so fitting for those two. I really want to dive into the next story💙 Joseph's book looks really promising!
⚠️TW: curse words; abuse; Complex PTSD; foster care; infertility (not MC).
🕶️
* I was kindly gifted a copy from the author through BookSirens. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
October 29, 2022
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I loved the characters in this book and their humour throughout most of it. All the men and women were upstanding and were true ride or die friends that turned into family.
I wish there was more banter and/or communication between the FMC and MMC but I guess that is part of Chris' whole persona. Less back story and more talking would have been great. I loved the whole forced proximity between the two, and all the events that they had to appear to together; the tension was definitely there.
Also, perhaps it is just my upbringing, having brothers and with cousins in the military, but I always thought it was kind of common knowledge that there is a "bro code" where best friends don't go behind each others back and try to get with the sister. Of course there will be a risk of losing the friend to get the girl, but Genny doesn't see this problem… despite her brother being very protective of her and himself and his friends always being so harsh on her boyfriends, to the point where the boyfriend is afraid for his life.
Finally, WHO IS BREE! She is so mysterious to me, like the vibes I got from her were like, oh she must be a robot and her makers are exceptional for no one to notice. Or she is a spy trying to infiltrate the 76ers, what is her deal?! She carries and knows how to handle weapons, she is extremely intuitive to others and always secretly aware of what is happening. She spews random military knowledge, and is a wealth of information.
I loved the characters in this book and their humour throughout most of it. All the men and women were upstanding and were true ride or die friends that turned into family.
I wish there was more banter and/or communication between the FMC and MMC but I guess that is part of Chris' whole persona. Less back story and more talking would have been great. I loved the whole forced proximity between the two, and all the events that they had to appear to together; the tension was definitely there.
Also, perhaps it is just my upbringing, having brothers and with cousins in the military, but I always thought it was kind of common knowledge that there is a "bro code" where best friends don't go behind each others back and try to get with the sister. Of course there will be a risk of losing the friend to get the girl, but Genny doesn't see this problem… despite her brother being very protective of her and himself and his friends always being so harsh on her boyfriends, to the point where the boyfriend is afraid for his life.
Finally, WHO IS BREE! She is so mysterious to me, like the vibes I got from her were like, oh she must be a robot and her makers are exceptional for no one to notice. Or she is a spy trying to infiltrate the 76ers, what is her deal?! She carries and knows how to handle weapons, she is extremely intuitive to others and always secretly aware of what is happening. She spews random military knowledge, and is a wealth of information.
September 15, 2022
Loved the second book in this series.This is Chris and Genny's story.
Chris and Genny are paired up as each other's dates at America and Andy's wedding of the century.Genny is the wedding planner who America has also asked to be one of the bridesmaid's and Chris is one of the groomsmen.
Chris is also one of Genny's brother Pete's best friend.Chris and Genny have a history together.
He kissed Genny 10 years ago and has been in love with her for a long time,but she is off limits because she is his best friends little sister and he does not want to lose the friendship he has with her brother.Genny is also in love with him,but thinks he does not want her and she is not his type.
Now they both have been thrown together as each other's fake dates for the wedding,how will they keep their feelings hidden from each other.
Read this rom-com now to find out how they reach their happily ever after.
I absolutely loved this story with swoon-worthy military men who would do anything to protect their loved ones hilarious antics,lovable characters and sweet love story in amongst the chaos🥰
I had been waiting for this book since i read the first book in the series and cannot wait for Joseph and Bree's story next.
Love the combo of Ellie Thornton and Lucy McConnell together😁.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chris and Genny are paired up as each other's dates at America and Andy's wedding of the century.Genny is the wedding planner who America has also asked to be one of the bridesmaid's and Chris is one of the groomsmen.
Chris is also one of Genny's brother Pete's best friend.Chris and Genny have a history together.
He kissed Genny 10 years ago and has been in love with her for a long time,but she is off limits because she is his best friends little sister and he does not want to lose the friendship he has with her brother.Genny is also in love with him,but thinks he does not want her and she is not his type.
Now they both have been thrown together as each other's fake dates for the wedding,how will they keep their feelings hidden from each other.
Read this rom-com now to find out how they reach their happily ever after.
I absolutely loved this story with swoon-worthy military men who would do anything to protect their loved ones hilarious antics,lovable characters and sweet love story in amongst the chaos🥰
I had been waiting for this book since i read the first book in the series and cannot wait for Joseph and Bree's story next.
Love the combo of Ellie Thornton and Lucy McConnell together😁.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2022
This is book 2 in author duo McConnell and Thornton's Black Ops Tag Military Romantic Comedies series and the first I've read. I was drawn to this book for two reasons. First, my hubby's name is Chris so obviously there's that, but recently while I love all genres of romance and drawn to the rom-coms and can't seems to get enough of them. I found this book to be engaging and fun. Well written and captivating the characters really made this book for me. I loved the dynamic of this chosen family which expands from more than just the military "brothers" but includes their spouses and significants. The storyline was fun and captivating - I thought there were come cute moments but nothing that really made me laugh out loud. I also think the steam factor while implied was very tame - a clean romance read if you will. Our main characters are Chris and Genny and the angst is that Genny is the lil sister of Chris' military "brother" and there is a code that has been created and invoked - no ex's and no sisters. But the heart has already been engaged and no matter what time and space are between them the spark and longing is still just as strong as ever...read to see if Chris will continue to fight the cravings of his heart or find a way to a perfect HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
This book contains some of the classic tropes everyone knows and loves; Best friends, younger sister, and forced proximity are a recipe for a fabulous rom-com. Before I dive in, this book is part of a series ( book 2), but I read it as a standalone and did not feel like I missed anything. Our main MC is a military guy with severe PTSD but, luckily, has a close-knit family of army brothers to lean on. One of those army brothers has a little sister, which brings us to the female MC. Genny is the little sister who has been in love with Chris for a long time. However, due to the bro code, she is off-limits. This was a fast read for me, but I had some problems with it. First, there are so many side characters that it took much work to track all their backgrounds. Second, the male MC is so bad at communicating feelings that it hurt me to read. Third, Chris's adopted family drama is mentioned several times throughout the book with no resolution. Though this last one is not a problem, it is more of letting the public know there is ZERO spice in the book.. just kissing. A charming book that is a quick read.
Thank you, Booksirens and Lucy McConnell , for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you, Booksirens and Lucy McConnell , for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
February 14, 2023
I haven't read the first book of the series, but I loved this second installment and will definitely be going back to read the first. It is a clean, military romance with several different tropes such as best friend's sister, fake-relationship, and even a little bit of second chance. Chris and Genny were so obviously into each other, but because of the "code", tried to keep their feelings hidden. The men of the 76th Military Police Team were all like brothers to Chris, and he couldn't go against that code. But those feelings were just too strong, and even the time they spent apart didn't do anything to dim them at all. This story simply captivated me and I was pulled into Chris and Genny's world right from the start. I absolutely loved the characters, well-developed and endearing and you can't help but fall in love with them. Their interactions and witty banter simultaneously melted my heart and made me laugh. The chemistry really sizzled between them, and even with this closed door romance the spice was definitely strong! Adorably fun and cute, and at times emotional, this was a highly entertaining read.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 1, 2022
This book has a slow but engaging story without sex scenes. Chris had a difficult childhood as a foster child, but eventually found structure and family with a small group of military-brothers from the author’s Black Ops series. He’s recovering from PTSD. This book is set during the wedding week of one of the military brothers. The other military brothers are the groom’s best men. Genny is the wedding planner, as well as being the sister of one of this small group of military men. She gets paired up with Chris, since he was the only one without a date for events planned for the week before the wedding. Genny has had a crush on Chris for years, going back to when she was a teenager. She doesn’t know that her brother warned him away from her or that Chris has been fighting his own strong attraction to her. Their dual points of view help the reader to understand each of the character’s feelings as Chris and Genny very slowly get through misunderstandings and obstacles to their romance and get to a sweet HEA. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2022
This series follows a group of guys in the military who have served together and become like family. The second book in the Black Ops Tag Mission, is about Genny and Chris, Genny is a wedding planner, who always had a crush on his big brother's best friend. Chris is in love with Genny too, but the bro code says: You don't date your buddy's ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, or sister. To make the wedding party a success Genny is forced to be Chris's date for the various events, and this forced proximity is a struggle for both.
It was the first book I read by the authors, and I like a lot. It’s a fun rom-com with lots of wedding shenanigans, sabotage and even a crazy stalker. Genny and Chris have great chemistry. The group of guys is funny and I'm expecting more adventures in the next books of the series (Bree and Joseph are the next couple).
This was a very enjoyable read, a romantic comedy with a great group of characters. I highly recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was the first book I read by the authors, and I like a lot. It’s a fun rom-com with lots of wedding shenanigans, sabotage and even a crazy stalker. Genny and Chris have great chemistry. The group of guys is funny and I'm expecting more adventures in the next books of the series (Bree and Joseph are the next couple).
This was a very enjoyable read, a romantic comedy with a great group of characters. I highly recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2022
A fun story with a lot of tension, this book kind of forced you into a story filled with a lot of heart. The conflicts within it are enough to keep the story going without being overwhelming. I loved seeing the way these two just could not stay away from each other. Despite all that was keeping them apart, they had to find a way together and things got a little crazy after that as it moved into a hidden relationship.
I felt like I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting for everything to blow up. There were a lot of funny moments throughout that helped to break up some of the heavier things going on, and it was needed. I loved the group dynamics and getting to see all the different characters. They all have such interesting ways they add to the story. Their antics were one of my favorite parts of the book. I'm looking forward to the other books.
Overall, it was an entertaining rom-com, and it made me interested in reading more.
I received an ARC for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I felt like I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting for everything to blow up. There were a lot of funny moments throughout that helped to break up some of the heavier things going on, and it was needed. I loved the group dynamics and getting to see all the different characters. They all have such interesting ways they add to the story. Their antics were one of my favorite parts of the book. I'm looking forward to the other books.
Overall, it was an entertaining rom-com, and it made me interested in reading more.
I received an ARC for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 20, 2023
Chris is an orphan raised in the foster system from birth. At eighteen he joined the military and that’s where he met his best friends, fellow members of the 76th Investigators! They became his family. Particularly Pete Navarro, a Cuban immigrant he served with, along with his extended family and his beautiful sister!
Genny Navarro had always been a little sister to him, until her eighteenth birthday party when she voiced her attraction to Chris! He was nonplussed, but realized he liked her too but she was much too young!
Several years later he kissed her at Pete’s wedding, then tried to distance himself from her, not wanting to lose the only family he’d ever known. But now they are paired up for another wedding and all bets are off! Chris finds he can’t resist her any more!
A beautifully written book filled with love, shenanigans on the part of a bunch of servicemen, and the trials our servicemen and women face everyday.
Heartwarming and real sums up this book!
I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Genny Navarro had always been a little sister to him, until her eighteenth birthday party when she voiced her attraction to Chris! He was nonplussed, but realized he liked her too but she was much too young!
Several years later he kissed her at Pete’s wedding, then tried to distance himself from her, not wanting to lose the only family he’d ever known. But now they are paired up for another wedding and all bets are off! Chris finds he can’t resist her any more!
A beautifully written book filled with love, shenanigans on the part of a bunch of servicemen, and the trials our servicemen and women face everyday.
Heartwarming and real sums up this book!
I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is book 2 in the series and you should definitely read them in order. This series is based on a group of guys who were in a military unit together and now they are family. This book focuses on Chris and takes place mostly during the same week as book 1. There is a bonus short story in the beginning that is 10 years prior to give you some background on Chris and Genny. Genny is Pete’s little sister (Pete is part of the military crew with Chris) and therefore is off limits to any of the guys. However, Genny has had a crush on Chris for a long time and Chris feels the same way….but knows she’s off limits due to the “code”. This book, even though it goes through the same events as book 1, you’re now hearing it from Chris and Genny’s point of views instead of America and Andy who the first book was about. I am already on book 3 which is from Joseph’s point of view. I am loving this series and this group of guys and their significant others! There are currently 5 books in the series. I will definitely be reading all of them!
October 1, 2022
Chris Spenser is a highly trained military man, Black Ops training along with fairly controlled PTSD which stems from his military service as well as an abusive father. Genesis, aka Genny Navarro is the little sister of one of Chris’s best friends and military brothers, so she is off limits
Except, Genny is all grownup with a mind of her own no she has always crushed on Chris. A wedding for one of the other ‘brothers’ brings them into constant contact as they are paired up in the wedding party.
The overall storyline is good, it’s been done before, but adding in the PTSD and the stalker angle make this one unique. With that said, the whole stalker, ‘cosplay’ wannabe could have been left out of the entire story; it added no value to the relationship and only distracted from all the other relationships and their underlying issues.
There is a happy ending, and you clearly want to know what happens to the next couple.
Except, Genny is all grownup with a mind of her own no she has always crushed on Chris. A wedding for one of the other ‘brothers’ brings them into constant contact as they are paired up in the wedding party.
The overall storyline is good, it’s been done before, but adding in the PTSD and the stalker angle make this one unique. With that said, the whole stalker, ‘cosplay’ wannabe could have been left out of the entire story; it added no value to the relationship and only distracted from all the other relationships and their underlying issues.
There is a happy ending, and you clearly want to know what happens to the next couple.
October 13, 2022
A delightful brother's best friend romance. Genny Navarro has known Chris Spencer for many years as her brother's (Pete) best friend. Unfortunately, he's stomped on her feelings. Chris has always been interested in Genny but the stupid guy code forbade him from acting on it. They turned out to be in the good company of many observant people who care for both of them.
Parts of the story are full of heightened, suspenseful emotions to the point it seems like a thriller at times. There's even a cosplay stalker who makes appearances at random times. Nonetheless, the story is enjoyable. And the romance is inviting. A worthwhile story.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Parts of the story are full of heightened, suspenseful emotions to the point it seems like a thriller at times. There's even a cosplay stalker who makes appearances at random times. Nonetheless, the story is enjoyable. And the romance is inviting. A worthwhile story.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
February 7, 2023
What a beautiful story of an unrequited love between Chris Spencer and Genny Geneses Novarro. These two characters have been in love with each other since Genny was 17, but because of the bro code, Chris had to deny his love for her. Her brother Pete, invoked the bro code, which meant that Chris had to keep his hands off her. Chris and Pete were part of the 76th special investigators, Pete and the rest of the team were family to Chris and he was afraid to lose them if he pursued his love for Genny. What follows is a beautiful story. You’ll need your tissues to wipe your tears when things seem to go a way that Chris and Genny don’t plan. There is a happy ending for this couple, but there’s lots of drama and action along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2023
I have read most of the books in this series and this was a great addition. I just loved Genny and Chris' story. Like Kenny, I just wanted to love on Chris and make it all better. He had such a tragic life story and hadn't really experienced a healthy relationship with any one other than his military family and Pete and Genny's family. He wanted that so badly, that he was almost willing to give up a promise of a forever kind of love just to keep the kind of adopted family he had created. Chris' struggles with PTSD were sad and hard but I liked his coping skills to try and keep the demons at bay.
The story had some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud and there, of course, was a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
The story had some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud and there, of course, was a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
September 16, 2022
More fun and Black OPs Tag!
In this novel we revisit the wedding of the century! This time it's from the wedding planner and the sister from one of the groomsmen's view. Once again from the first page love and laughter abounds until the very end.
We have our tried and true Black OPs Tag, another view of the epic spa day; don't forget the infamous salsa dancing lesson, semi makeover and the infamous rock, paper, scissors.
Will Chris finally forget about the code? Will Genny and Chris become a permanent couple? All look this will be answered with more fun than I mentioned when you read the book.
I laughed out loud and even shed some tears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this novel we revisit the wedding of the century! This time it's from the wedding planner and the sister from one of the groomsmen's view. Once again from the first page love and laughter abounds until the very end.
We have our tried and true Black OPs Tag, another view of the epic spa day; don't forget the infamous salsa dancing lesson, semi makeover and the infamous rock, paper, scissors.
Will Chris finally forget about the code? Will Genny and Chris become a permanent couple? All look this will be answered with more fun than I mentioned when you read the book.
I laughed out loud and even shed some tears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
Handsome, muscular Chris who was shuttled from one abusive foster home to another finally found his family among his military brothers. He didn’t plan to break the bro code and fall in love with his best friend’s little sister, Genny, but that’s what happened. If you like a story with a tortured but honorable and lovable hero, then this “slow burn” story is for you. This series revolves around the wedding of Andy and America and each book recounts the same events told from a different person’s perspective. I recommend you read Andy’s story first but it is quite possible to enjoy this book as a standalone if you can’t. It kept my attention throughout and I enjoyed it. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
January 16, 2023
I have to admit that I have not read the books in order in this series, and I am wondering if that might have led to a little bit of my confusion as I was reading. Some of the scenarios depicted reference things that I had not read prior to them being mentioned, and that led to me backtracking to see if I had missed something, only to realize that the scene must have played out in the first book, and not the book that I was reading, which is book two in the series. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed Chris and Genny's story and will definitely be reading all the books in this series as they become available!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2022
A first read of a story by these authors and they had me amused. There are lots of elements of this story and I think I missed a lot not having read the earlier book and getting acquainted with the characters.
I liked the characters and the way the story flowed. It was amusing the way both Chris and Genny denied their feelings, even more amusing was the way everyone else knew except Genny's brother.
My laugh out loud moment was the repercussion for being horrible to Genny and threatening her business.
I'll gladly read more from these authors.
I received an ARC for an honest review through Hidden Gems and yet another review of mine that Amazon refuses to accept.
I liked the characters and the way the story flowed. It was amusing the way both Chris and Genny denied their feelings, even more amusing was the way everyone else knew except Genny's brother.
My laugh out loud moment was the repercussion for being horrible to Genny and threatening her business.
I'll gladly read more from these authors.
I received an ARC for an honest review through Hidden Gems and yet another review of mine that Amazon refuses to accept.
September 14, 2022
This was a great second book about Chris and Genny's relationship, I would recommend that you read the first book before this one as it will make more sense. Ginny and Chris have liked each other for years but she is his best friends little sister. His team is the only family that he has ever had and does not want to lose that. However when he realizes that he can not lose her either he will do what ever he has to to get her back.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2022
Chris grew up in the foster system. Except for two foster siblings, Beth and Brian, the only true family he has had are his military brethren and their families.
He sadly harbored a crush and a connection with the much younger sister of Pete.
Is the connection Chris shares with Genny more than unrequited lust? Is it worth risking his connection to Pete and his men?
Bittersweet humorous romance much delayed with funny, dangerous and sad twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He sadly harbored a crush and a connection with the much younger sister of Pete.
Is the connection Chris shares with Genny more than unrequited lust? Is it worth risking his connection to Pete and his men?
Bittersweet humorous romance much delayed with funny, dangerous and sad twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2022
Slow burning passionate read.
This book was a pretty fun read. The military squad that becomes family is always a dream goal and this unit was written well. The characters were thoroughly developed and the hijinks were such fun twists.
I felt the end was rather rushed- not necessarily anticlimactic but on the verge. There were some reoccurancea throughout the book that also seemed implausible given who these people are- but overall it was a fun read.
I am bothered by Bree throughout the whole book though and am happy to read about that situation when the book releases in December.
This book was a pretty fun read. The military squad that becomes family is always a dream goal and this unit was written well. The characters were thoroughly developed and the hijinks were such fun twists.
I felt the end was rather rushed- not necessarily anticlimactic but on the verge. There were some reoccurancea throughout the book that also seemed implausible given who these people are- but overall it was a fun read.
I am bothered by Bree throughout the whole book though and am happy to read about that situation when the book releases in December.
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