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Black Sky Ops #1

Call Sign: Thunder

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He’d already killed to keep her safe, but what does he do when he’s the one hurting her?

Zach
Flying choppers was what Zachary ‘Thunder’ Garrett lived for, but when he’s shot down over cartel country, he’ll have to decide between completing his mission and trying to save an innocent American woman. His elite team had been sent in to retrieve dangerous weapons and deadly drugs, not kidnapped tourists. But ruthless drug lords were hurting her — bad — and he won’t leave her behind, even if it gets him court martialed or worse — dead.

Allie
She’s waited her whole life to escape the limelight of being a powerful US Senator’s only daughter. Spending a semester as an exchange student in Colombia was her big chance to let her hair down, away from her overprotective father and prying cameras. But when she’s stolen off the streets of Bogata in broad daylight, she realizes just how dangerous the world could be. The only thing standing between her and continued torture is a lone warrior — her hero.

Surviving life and death danger may have brought them close, but the realities of their different worlds was determined to keep them apart. Could an undercover job opportunity with an elite team of mercenaries be the answer to all of their problems?

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2022

122 people are currently reading
227 people want to read

About the author

Livia Grant

53 books1,347 followers
USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia's readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.

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5 stars
156 (58%)
4 stars
70 (26%)
3 stars
23 (8%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Harlow.
15 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2019
What makes Call Sign: Thunder so awful is Zachary's vile treatment of women.
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,148 reviews197 followers
December 14, 2022
This story took me out of my living room and into the heat in Colombia where we continued on to Washington and Texas, and it was a spectacular trip!
Thunder is a helicopter pilot and is on a mission to Colombia. His helicopter is shot down and he finds himself trekking to the rendezvous point when he witnesses an American woman being dragged off to somewhere. His conscience will not allow him to keep going in his direction, he follows the convoy and is devastated by what he sees happening in this rundown shed.
Allison is a young woman trying to find her way in the world but finds herself in a bad situation in a seedy area in Colombia. But her hero comes to the rescue!
A gripping story with some emotional moments and some light happy moments but always captivating.
And I loved the appearance of characters from Black Light Rescued ❤️
Profile Image for Leslie OBrien.
757 reviews14 followers
December 14, 2022
Call Sign: Thunder is book 1 in a new Livia Grant Black Sky Ops series and it was exciting, entertaining, emotional, enterprising, and romantic, with downright smexy times. And yes, I ran out of e-words. Zach “Thunder” Garrett is a hotshot pilot who was in the right place at the right time. Allison Benson is a naïve young woman wanting to break away from daddy’s (er, her father’s) smothering protection. Except, daddy was right and bad things happened. What develops is an electrifying relationship between two people who should have never met. And if you’ve read even one of Ms. Grant’s other books, then you know about her ability to get you to fall in love with her characters and fast. This is a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read what comes next.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.3k reviews165 followers
December 13, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this hot, thrilling and emotional read. Allie and Zach's story and romance gets off to an intense start that quickly pulls you in and keeps you on the edge. The sparks, chemistry and tension between this couple is exquisite. They have many outside and inside challenges to overcome as their story unfolds. This is my frank freely posted review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,684 reviews84 followers
May 12, 2023
Livia Grant's "Black Sky Ops" series starts with "Call Sign: Thunder". It follows Captain Zachary Garrett, aka Thunder, who is a skilled helo pilot for the Marines. Thunder's team is trying to retrieve or destroy weapons and military warheads from the Blanco crime family in Columbia. Unfortunately, their helicopter is hit and goes down while trying to relocate due to their cover being blown. While trying to stay undercover and continue the mission, Thunder witnesses a woman fleeing from a caravan of cars and screaming in English that she's an American. Thunder decides to change his mission and save the girl. The story is intense and captivating, with a great appearance from Ryder, also known as The King, from the Black Sky Ops team. For those who don't know Ryder, he was introduced in book seven of the Black Light Anthology called "Rescued". This story is full of drama, emotions, and chemistry and kept me hooked from start to finish. I'm thrilled to have read it.
Profile Image for Chasity.
688 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2023
Call Sign: Thunder - 5 Stars!!!

I have been exited and waiting for this series to start. Ms. Grant didn’t disappoint. Zach and Allie’s story was totally engrossing, kept me flipping pages, then finally left me dying to get on to Ryder and Khloe’s book. Which, thanks to Black Light, I already love them, so I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.3k reviews165 followers
March 8, 2019
I liked this fast, hot and emotional read. Allie and Zach's relationship gets off to an intense start that has you hooked very quickly. I thought Allie came across as a bit immature, but she was not even twenty-two yet and had a way overprotective father. I liked her and really felt for her. Zach was a bit too arrogant for my own personal taste. I will give him this; he was upfront about his intensions towards women. For me though, his actions and cavalier treatment was a turn off. Still I did enjoy this book and wish that it had been longer. I feel the added length would have let these characters fully develop, the emotional connection between characters deepen and tie-up some of the factors in the story that seemed to be unresolved. This is my voluntary, sincere review.
Profile Image for Dennis.
959 reviews26 followers
December 15, 2022
This is Call Sign: Thunder which is book one of The Black Sky Ops series and the second book should be forthcoming not long from now. This is a Romantic Suspense, with a bit of Spanking.

Main Characters: Zach AKA Thunder AKA Zachary Garrett and Allie AKA Allison Benson.

The book starts with Zach and his mission to Bogota Columbia. This particular mission is to destroy some arms a Criminal Organization has at their remote compound.

Zach is a Ace Helicopter Pilot and his part of the mission is to fly the troops in and out, only the mission does not go as planned.

Meanwhile Allie, who is the daughter of a US Senator, is in Columbia as an Exchange Student at the University of Bogota, but she ends up a prisoner of the same Criminal Organization that Zach’s Mission involves.

Fortunately for Allie, Zach sees what is happening to Allie and manages with some difficulty to rescue her. Afterwards Allie us not dealing with the aftermath very well and Allie makes it clear that she needs Zach and so eventually her father the Senator allows Allie and Zach to be in contact so that Zach might help Allie.

Thus Allie and Zach connect with each other and spend some time together, during which time Zach does an intervention that involves some spanking, because Allie is being self destructive. Also there is plenty of smutty goings on as well.

Zach wants to be with Allie, but he is not willing to ask her to be with him just yet, instead he takes a new job that will pay him enough to be able to provide Allie with the sort of lifestyle that she is accustomed to, in the process of Zach changing jobs we meet with someone who is familiar to those who have read another series by Livia. I love ❤️ it when writer do this! Ehh I am going to let you all discover this mystery guy on your own. 😂 😂 Note he is due to appear in the next book in this series.

This story has a lot of action and danger and I really loved it. I read it straight through in one day without putting my iPad down very much and I think you all will feel the same if you like Romantic Suspense with a lot of action and good details.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,347 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2023
“His rescue mission was the kind of scene dreams were made of.”

I’m one of the ones who have been waiting what seem like forever for this series and I can tell you this, it was worth the wait! I was a little disappointed that the book wasn’t going to be about Ryder but that disappointment was quickly tossed aside as I began to read. I immediately fell head over heels for Zach. What a fantastic hero! I mean in the first few chapters he literally rescued Allie, the heroine, from the bad guys, saving her life and getting her to safety. And it just got better and better. I loved them together, they were just so right for each other.

There is a lot of plot in this book as it’s setting up the entire upcoming series, although a few characters were already familiar to readers of Ryder’s first book, Rescued. And of course Ryder himself showed up in the last few chapters, just as wonderful as ever, which was an extra special treat. To be honest my only complaint was that I felt a little like Zach and Allie’s story got pushed to the back near the end and their final resolution seemed kind of short, almost an afterthought. But I reminded myself that they will be back in future books in the series so that helps me not let it bother me so much.

Book two is going to center around Ryder and Khloe. It’s the book I’ve been waiting for since the semi-cliffhanger end of Rescued and I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. That being said, Call Sign: Thunder is a wonderful start to what promises to be an amazing series and Zach has taken his place on my bbf list. I can’t wait to see him again in the future.
733 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2023
The Black Sky Ops series was teased in the end of _Black Light: Rescued_. In that ending, Ryder's time as an undercover spook were brought to a dramatic end. His new gig running a well-funded black operations unit was begun.

In this, Jake (call sign Thunder), a Marine helicopter jockey saves Allison, the (very rich) daughter of an influential Senator from a horrendous kidnapping and drugging and torture session. After they make it back to safety, she finds that she absolutely can't live without him. He gets a job offer (through the Senator) with Black Sky Ops.

And the plot goes from there and ends (of course) with an HEA.

The plot somewhat dragged in showing the operation and the headquarters and introducing all sorts of characters (and, wow, they certainly are characters). Some of that is inevitable in the first book of a series. But, yeah, some dragging. There also was a setup for one more peril/rescue situation with the last bad guy brother coming after Allison or Jake -- but then that setup was simply burned. (Was the book getting too long?).

Anyways, fun read. I will be reading the next book soon.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews65 followers
December 15, 2022
This story covers the full spectrum. It starts by showing us some of the darkest things human beings can do to one another, but ends with such a positive, uplifting note. And with how dark this book starts out, please be aware that there are scenes and situations that could be triggering for some readers, so proceed with caution. However, once we’re into the book and beyond the way Zach and Allie are introduced, and actually get into the “meat” of their relationship, is where the story really shines. We see them coming to terms with their very different backgrounds, ages, and places in life. They also have to work through the mental and emotional scarring from the way they were brought together. And then we have what may be my favorite part of the book: Zach’s introduction to BSO. This was funny and angsty and adrenaline-fueled and kept me wishing for just one more page to read. I loved the ending to this book, and I already can’t wait to see what comes next in the series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,802 reviews63 followers
December 17, 2022
This is the first book in a new series and as usual, I loved it. Livia Grant is such a good author and therefore can get her readers quickly involved in the stories she tells. They are always encompassing and draw you in and before you know it, hours have passed. I really enjoyed Zach and Allison's story. He's a love 'em and leave 'em guy until he meets Allison. She's a student who is studying overseas and quickly finds herself in trouble. She just wanted to be free from underneath her father's rules but is quickly shown how she's not making good choices. The story is "on the edge of your seat" good and while it took me awhile to warm up to Allison, she finally made me like her. LOL What follows is a harrowing escape from her captures and into Zach's arms. There's a lot of action, a lot of drama and of course, a lot of sexy times. And while I wasn't wild about her father, he did redeem himself towards the end! So good and I can't wait for Call Sign: King!!! I know it's going to be awesome!!!
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,466 reviews28 followers
March 19, 2023
Zac and Allison

Just wow!! what a wonderful and exciting story this was to read. Allison was a grad student studing in Columbia when she was kidnapped, and what happened next to her was anyones nightmare. But she had a saviour in the name of Zac who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. As it happened his helicopter was shot down, and he had called for backup. Even though it was a good rescue, it seems that these two wonderful characters have more than clicked. The chemistry between them is hot.
However Alli has issues and is having a hard time coming to terms, and it is Zac who will help her though even though her Dad has reservations.
Just a side note, Zac finishes his stint in the Marines and it seems that Alis dad is more than trying to help when he gives him a number with an interview for a new job.....just up his alley? Well you will have to read more to see what happens. you really dont want to miss this exciting story and im really looking forward to the next book .
276 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
Zach and Allison

I have been waiting for this spin- off with Ryder Helms and he wasn't really involved until towards the end of this book.Everything before that was a build - up introducing the Black Sky Ops characters you will meet in upcoming books in the series.This centered around Zach,a playboy Marine pilot who gets shot down during a mission and by accident stumbles upon a kidnapped American woman( Allison, a Senator's daughter) and rescues her.The story continues with a very traumatized Allison self- destructing while her well- meaning but massively wrong Father keeps his daughter and Zach apart.Trouble ensues.Alot of emotional stuff,and sex ensues while Zach fights off his increasing attraction in a romantic way that is unfamiliar to him.There is action,conflicts to be figured out,and a growing relationship between 2 very different people.The other BSO agents are interesting and I look forward to their stories.This is a good series opener.Good book.I can't wait for Ryder and Chloe's story that is continued in Call Sign: King ( Black Sky Ops book 2)
1,316 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2022
Zach "Thunder" Garrett started flying jets for the Marines, but now was primarily a helicopter pilot, although keeps his certifications in fixed wing also...and during mission to recover Russian arms bought by a drug cartel, was shot down and then had to elude pursuers...and discovered young American woman who was being held by cartel...risking his career and a court martial to rescue the woman...finding out later that she was Allison Benson, daughter of a U.S. Senator. She had been used as a guinea to test new date rape drug for the cartel...Zach killed two of cartel family members and doctor overseeing drug use and carried her out to backup chopper, with Allie feeling like she could only feel safe with Zach...but will their connection be allowed or would he find other opportunities for his particular skill set, as the go-to guy to fly into impossible areas and get everyone out safely for Ryder Helms and company...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
760 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2022
Allie is a wealthy young woman attending a university in Bogota as an exchange student. Due to her own foolishness, she is attacked, kidnapped and drugged with an untested substance.

Zach is a highly experienced pilot leading his team into Columbia to retrieve military supplies. When his helicopter is shot down, he tries to escape the insurgents and meet up with his team. Fortunately for Allie he sees her being beaten and restrained. He sees that she is an American and needs help to escape from a dangerous cartel.

This is an exciting and enticing story of Zack and Allie’s growing relationship. Allie needs Zack’s strong and caring guidance. And Zack treasures Allie’s love.

As I have come to expect, Livia Grant's writing grabs your attention from page one and never lets you go. Her writing leaves me feeling like this story should never end. Read it, and see for yourself!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,289 reviews
December 18, 2022
Zach (Thunder) and Allie's initial meeting was both intense and traumatic. This book started out with a good amount of suspense. A trigger warning may be necessary for what Allie went through at the beginning of the book.

Zach was absolutely an alpha male. I'm not sure I would take it to the level of a Dom based on what I read, but definitely strong alpha tendencies. Allie needed his strength and guidance after Colombia, but it seems like she also could have used it before her ordeal.

The book really increased my level of enjoyment after Zach encountered the King and his team. A lot of interesting characters, as well as intriguing character interactions, and new storylines.

I am glad Zach and Allie got their HEA and a new beginning. This book was a definite 4.5 star read for me. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this new series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
1,860 reviews38 followers
December 18, 2022
There is so much to love about this first book in this new series. What a truly enjoyable read. Who doesn’t like to read about a hot Marine! This story is about Zach, a marine who is on a mission in a foreign country and comes upon Allison, a young woman who has been kidnapped! He makes a decision that can change both their futures, but knows in his heart it’s the right thing to do. They immediately have a deep connection and you can feel it as you read, but others are determined to keep them apart. Zach is all alpha and Allison is the perfect woman for him, she’s submissive and feisty! Can they find their way back together? Can the torment she is going thru from her experience be tamed by Zach! I highly recommend this story! This author definitely takes you on a wild ride! Absolutely brilliant!
Profile Image for Anne (Izzie).
382 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2022
I really loved this book, we’ve been waiting a long time for the Black Sky Ops series and having read this, the first in the series, it looks as though the wait has been worth it. Zach, known as Thunder is a marine helicopter pilot - his helicopter is shot down whilst on a mission and whilst trying to reach where he can meet up with his team he finds himself the only possible means of rescue for an American girl being tortured by a group of rebels. Allison is the daughter of an American senator, spending some time at university in Colombia when she was kidnapped. Zach succeeds in her rescue, and they manage to meet up with his team and reach safety and medical help for Ally. The story of how their relationship develops against the odds will keep you turning the pages, as will the change of job role that Zach is offered. I can’t wait for the next book.
1,944 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2022
Action, terror, and romance all pull together to weave the perfect storm of love!
I fell in love with the Black Sky Ops series from the previews and if doesn’t disappoint! Zach is the hotshot helicopter pilot on a mission with his team when he is shot down but when on his way on foot to the pickup location, he discovers Allie, an American kidnapped by the same cartel that they targeted. Zach goes above and beyond for a drugged Allie whose Senator father is much appreciative of and takes “father knows best” to a frustrating whole new level. Yet when Allie’s welfare wavers, her father finally brings the hero of the day to help. Will Allie and Zach be able to meet somewhere in the middle of their different lives? A special black ops team may be just what Zach needs to feel fulfilled and give Allie her Happily Ever After!
1,347 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2023
This was a very exciting and action packed read about Allie, an important senator’s daughter, being kidnapped by the cartel and Zach, helicopter pilot and member of the Black Sky Ops. Zach was shot down during a mission; he was hoofing it back to the secondary meet up local when he came across Allie and saved her from the cartel. Serious edge-of-your-seat danger and suspense. Problem was the cartel gave Allie a drug that made her so horny and Zach, trying to be professional, was at a loss on how to help her. She was all over him even as they were running for their lives. It was the strangest thing. LOL. Things progress with them, with lots of $exy times to keep your kindle burning hot. Her dad, the senator gets involved, the cartel looks for revenge and the story plays out beautifully to the HEA. I received an arc and voluntarily left an honest review. I give this story a 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,032 reviews16 followers
January 4, 2023
Livia Grant's stories always bring out the emotions, and this one is no different. I cried, I laughed, I got angry and fearful, and the ending melted my heart and left me with a smile. Zach and Allie meet under circumstances that no one would ever want to be in, and you are introduced to Hero Zach from the beginning. Allie is carefree until she isn't, and those circumstances break her. Ms. Grant does a fabulous job of expressing her pain in a way that's realistic and heartbreaking, and I wanted so badly to reach into the story and fight her demons for her. Luckily, she has Zach. He will go to any length to remind Allie that she's strong. It's a form of tough love that not only breaks down her walls but also builds her back up. It's beautiful and heartbreaking, and her pain is palpable. I loved every second of their story and can't wait for the next one.
752 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2022
YES!
She did it again!
With her usual zest Ms Grant takes us from the Colombian wilds and their most unsavory inhabitants, to the higher echelons of Washington's political elite and their families, to Bunkers, and Ranches, and secret locations, peopled with the oddest characters, and some - connoisseurs of Black Light might remember fondly.
And two people from wildly different backgrounds, thrown together by circumstances that could destroy weaker personalities, navigate their way through, around, and over every obstacle, growing individually and developing a bond against all odds.
Ms Grant narrates the total upheaval of two lives and their subsequent re-assembly into a ...
Well, we'll see what happens to them; and hopefully SOON. In the next book...
Profile Image for Saskia.
1,775 reviews52 followers
December 15, 2022
The long awaited first book in the new Black Sky Ops series.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in BSO, there was a lot of banter, interactions, friendly rivalry and a lot of quirky characters which should make this series a lot of fun to read. There were some great action scenes which made the story flow well.

I liked Zack a lot. In the grinning I wasn’t to syre about Allie because she acted like a spoilt brat. She did do some growing up after what happened to her and the influence of Zack.

Zack and Allie had a few very intense meetings, but I felt after those meetings that we didn’t really see them and their relationship grow anymore. I would have liked to see a bit more of them.
1,754 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2023
I just want to start with i love this author and everything she puts out. Her way with words and how she creates these great characters and plots. be warned our heroine in this goes through some bad stuff that might be triggering for some. Allie was there to finish school until she was kidnapped and lived through a night of heck. as the pilot zach never really saw the action until his copter is shot down and he witnesses an american being held captive. he'll do anything to free her even go against orders. once rescued he was all about helping her till he meets her father the senator. being her father he knows best right??? If youve never read a book by Livia Grant this is a great starter to show how she writes.
Profile Image for Sarah Foster .
185 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2023
Thunderous beginnings

Holy smokes what a awesome start to this new series. I didn't know what to expect, except knowing it'll be outstanding. Allie's tragic story and Zachs ability to shelter and challenge her at the same time while giving us a glimpse into this new world of Black Ops Sky was a fantastic balance and testament to Livia's writing skills. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
Reading about how Allie grows as a person from the spoiled-rich-girl persona to the perfect match for Captain Garrett, who's as real a Marine and Hero as one can envision reading about, is keeping some of the dark elements and turning them light. Fantastic series opener and I'm hooked to read them all.
353 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2023
Call Sign: Thunder is the first book in the New Black Sky Ops series. Livia Grant does an amazing job of grabbing you from the beginning! Allison and Zachary meet under some very difficult and scary circumstances. Allison and Zachary both have their faults in that Allison seems immature and Zach seems like a womanizer. However Livia does one heck of a job allowing these characters development to occur throughout the story. There is plenty of angst, suspense, and sexy times! As this story progresses you will become more and more engrossed in the story. By the end when Zach is introduced to BSO you can't put the book down and once done you will be chomping at the bit for the next book! Loved this story! Cant wait to see what Livia does with Call Sign: King!
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,817 reviews42 followers
February 3, 2023
Call Sign: Thunder is book one of The Black Sky Ops series.

The book starts with Zach on a mission to Bogota Columbia to fly the troops in and out, only the mission does not go as planned. Allie, who is the daughter of a US Senator, is in Columbia as an exchange student at the University of Bogota, but she ends up a prisoner of the same criminals that Zach’s Mission involves.

Fortunately for Allie, Zach is in the right place at the right time and rescues her. Allie is traumatized by what happened to her and Zach ends up helping her again. There is a spark between them, but will they be able to have anything more since they are living such different lives.

This was an action packed start to a steamy series and I can't wait for book 2.

#MSBB
989 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2023
Zach and Allison!

Great story!Zach came along at the right time to save Allison from being rape and probably killed and they fell for each other,even if Zach was a player and I thought she was a spoiled rich brat,but being with Zach at different times made her come out of her comfort zone and get over the hateful times that she grew up and started to stand on her own but she still needed Zach by her side and he was but at his own terms,he wasn't a yes man or a user and he c was determined to take care of his lovely lady! Can't wait to read Torch! I read King before this book before this one by mistake but I was able to put pieces together, King was a good story too!
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
3,004 reviews24 followers
December 15, 2022
This is action packed, suspense, angst romantic thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what's next! Naive Allie, escapes her Senator father`s control and is an exchange student in Columbia. On her first night , she puts her life in danger and gets kidnapped by a couple of Colombian' drug lords. Zach is in Columbia for a mission when he gets side tracked and saves Allie. She develops this hero complex towards Zach and can't stop her feelings. Zach is a love them and leave them type of guy but Allie stirs feelings he never felt before.Their story is sweet, sexy and yet the reality of what happened to them in Columbia brings forth traumas. A great story and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews