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She was the job and off limits, but his heart wanted so much more.

Heath Kubiak jumped at the chance when a Holt Agency job came up in the Apostle Islands. After years of working back-to-back missions all over the world, he longed to take some much-needed time off. He knew that area of Lake Superior extremely well. He’d take lead of the team this time, they’d find whoever was lost in the National Park, then he’d stay for a week or two, fishing and camping. Sounded like a perfect plan.

All Annali Frantz wanted to do for the summer was get away from teenagers, her parents, and Washington D.C. She loved teaching biology to high school students, but she also needed a break from them. When the opportunity arose for her to work at a research station—and get a full semester credit toward her second master’s degree—she couldn’t pack her bags fast enough. For the past two years, her mother had been on a mission to find her the right husband for when her father, the senator, made a run for the White House. Ali, who preferred her nickname, found trout more interesting than politics, the only subject discussed inside the Beltway. Avoiding boring first dates and spending time on the Great Lakes with other scientists and forest rangers was the perfect summer plan.

You know what they say about best laid plans. Will they work out right this time for Heath and Ali?

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2023

22 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

KaLyn Cooper

61 books527 followers
KaLyn Cooper’s romances blend fact and fiction with blazing heat and heart-pounding suspense. Twenty-two years as a military wife has shown KaLyn the world, and thirty years in PR taught her that fact can be stranger than fiction. She leaves it up to the reader to separate truth from imagination. She, her husband, and bird dog live in Tennessee on a micro-plantation filled with gardens, cattle, and quail. When she’s not writing, she’s at the shooting range or on the river.

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5 stars
102 (68%)
4 stars
33 (22%)
3 stars
12 (8%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews30 followers
May 21, 2023
When Senator Jonah Frantz's daughter doesn't call in for her weekly check-in with her mother, he immediately tries to find someone in the park service to aid him. When he gets a video and then a call from the kidnapper, it's his press secretary Susan who records the call. Her boyfriend works for the Vice President who had an issue with his son that was handled confidentially by a group in Indiana. Here begins our story.

The Holt Agency has been called in to find Annili Frantz, the problem is there are many islands, and many are isolated. However, Heath Kubiak grew up around the islands and his family still has a cabin there. That knowledge will prove to be invaluable. Afterward he plans to spend time at the cabin to regroup.

Annili Frantz was working on research in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior to complete her second master's degree when she was taken. She's currently chained in a small cabin with only enough leeway to reach the camp toilet and the food left in a cooler daily a few feet away from the door. She couldn't even reach a wall to lean on. She's figured out she's being drugged and is trying to figure out what it was in, really hoping it wasn't the water because she needed to stay hydrated. The cooler they left today had more food than usual, and it makes her wonder if they weren't coming the next day. She decided to ration the food just in case.

Heath and his team arrive with not much daylight left and a storm on the way. Storms would make the Lake impossible to navigate. They'd have to be quick to check what they could and return to the mainland before the storm hits or find shelter where they are. They were splitting up to hit the ones Heath believed were the best to hide someone. Keene would set up a command center, while Kenner questions the folks at the research camp on Stockton Island before crashing. He had flown them in so rest would be necessary, this would have Heath searching this first day alone. Ryker and Xena would be checking Manitou Island and if there is time Otter as well. Heath would search Outer Island.

The storm moves in quicker than expected and the rain began to pelt down as he found the creek he was looking for and secured the boat as best he could. After gearing up, he hid his extra gear under a fallen pine tree to get later, only taking the necessities with him now. The cabin he was looking for was straight up this creek. There he hit the jackpot, he found her. They couldn't stay there though and Keene lets them know where to go.

Once safely in the cozier cabin they Heath once again contacts Keene. Verifying the cameras were working properly at both cabins and the knowledge they would be stuck for at least another 24 hours due to the storm stalling. There is more than a little attraction between these two and staying professional is becoming difficult for Heath.

There is much yet to come as they narrowly escape without being seen by the kidnapper but were unable to identify him because of a mask. Still Annili refuses to return to DC insisting on completing her research for her degree.

Heath becomes her bodyguard as this story continues to ramp up with intrigue and potential suspects.

There is laughter and fun intertwined with the tension of the situation as well as a romance that will not be denied.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
May 28, 2023
This was a romantic suspense.

I loved this slow burn romance. The depth of detail about the main characters really helped the reader become invested in their relationship. The intrigue and suspense were spot on and kept the story moving. Highly recommend!

Annali Frantz is a high school biology teacher. She needs a break from everything and decides to work as a researcher at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore while also finishing her second Masters degree. Her father is a Senator and has plans to run for President in the near future.

Heath Kubiak is a former SEAL and works for the Holt Agency. He spent his younger years in the Apostle Islands area of Michigan with his grandfather.

They meet after the Senator received a video of Ali chained to a post in a cabin. After speaking to the kidnapper and being told not to contact any authorities, one of his staff helps him get in contact with the Holt Agency. They mount a mission to search the islands and rescue her. Heath finds her on one of the remote islands but due to a major storm they have to shelter in another cabin for a few days until his team can get them. After reuniting with her parents she tells them she will be staying to complete her work and degree. He father hires Heath to be her bodyguard. They slowly fall in love while getting to know each other. She is kidnapped again. Heath and company rescue her and they get their HEA.
246 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2023
Love when you least expect it.

Well, any fan of Kalyn Cooper would know this was going to be a love story but a match such as this is only made in heaven. When a kidnapping results in a fortuitous rescue, Holt Agent, Heath Kubiak, and a senator’s daughter, Annali Frantz are caught in a storm with ample time to get to know each other and discover that they have much in common. Still, there is impending danger until the kidnappers are apprehended.

The Holt team is highly trained, coordinated and prepared for most any emergency. Learning about the islands around Lake Superior where Annali was doing her research adds to the interest of the story.
Heath is incredible and Ali is very surprising.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it had a little bit of everything without overwhelming you with too much sex or violence. It focused more on relationships and being true to oneself and, of course, a HEA. There are humorous moments and tense unexpected moments. Best of all, there are no miscommunications to stretch the story and frustrate the reader – it all flowed together…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.

3,125 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2023
Fast-Paced Romantic Suspense!!

A fabulous Holt Agency adventure. We meet Annali (Ali), a high school biology teacher, as she embarks on a research summer at the Apostle Islands. The Apostle Islands are a group of 22 islands in Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. This will complete her second master’s degree and give her a break from the classroom.

Ali’s father is a high-profile senator who may run for president. He is sent a picture of Ali, showing her captured, and for a safe return he must vote on certain legislation. Enter the Holt Agency. The team must cover a remote, dispersed area. Exciting, rugged, and battling unknown kidnapper(s) and challenging weather, finding Ali is only part one. Finding her kidnapper, and keeping her safe continues to be a challenge.

Will keep you on the edge of your seat. Great characters and regional flavor – I personally had to look up the Apostle Islands to see if they were real (they are). I definitely recommend this story.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
3,626 reviews41 followers
May 28, 2023
This latest addition to the series belongs to Holt Agency operative Heath Kubiak and Annali/Ali Frantz. Ali is the daughter of a US Senator who is expected to run for presidency. While her family is more interested in all that DC emcompases, Ali is more interested in doing research and earning her second master’s.
When Ali is kidnapped, the Holt Agency is hired and Heath leads the search.
After her recovery, Heath stays behind as her bodyguard and more.
But the danger doesn’t stop there.
I have to confess that as much as I enjoyed the previous stories, this one was just ok. Without giving away the plot, the first third of the story was ok . Then suddenly, months go by, they are moving in together and then more action happens.
I found it a little disjointed and not flowing smoothly. Meanwhile, the antagonist acted more like a child than an adult. Thus the 3 star review.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
595 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2023
This is another story in the Holt Agency series. This book is a romantic suspense. Heath Kubiak is a former Navy Seal. Annali is a teacher with a passion for research. Heath and his team are tasked with helping find and rescue Annali Frantz. Her father is a senator. He received a phone call making certain demands.The kidnappers are threatening to hurt Annali unless her father does exactly what they say. The Holt Agency springs into action and sets out to find her without the kidnappers being aware. A storm slows things down, but not by much. Heath finds Ali and she is more than ready to leave. They are attracted to each other from the start. Heath and Annali have many obstacles to overcome in order to get the HEA they deserve. Get this book and find out what happens next. I promise you won't regret it. Sorry, no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,278 reviews35 followers
October 1, 2023
Former Navy SEAL Heath Kubiak and a high school science teacher and part time researcher, Annali Frantz are unlikely pair. At least on paper. In reality they're well match and if he wasn't on the job, first as her rescuer and then as her body guard, he'd go after her in a hot minute. She's down to earth, loves the outdoors, nows her way around a fishing pole and tent camping. In other words perfect. Being rescued by Heath may have Ali crushing a little bit on him. But the more she gets to know him the more she wants him. Spending the summer side by side on Lake Superior is idyllic but what happens when they go back to real life? Great character woven into a story with just amount the right amount of suspense, action and intrigue make this an intersting read.
372 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2023
This new addition to the Holt Agency features Annali and Heath from the Holt Agency, who becomes her love interest. Annali is a senator’s daughter and is kidnapped and rescued by Heath, which is how they met. What follows is your who did it — with not many clues to follow. I also found the research that Annali was doing very interesting, with climate change being a big part of the story. I do love how Heath and Annali communicated with each other and didn’t have any unnecessary drama. I will say that I have read most of KaLyn’s books, and this one was a bit more of a slower pace than her usual books. I received an arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,446 reviews15 followers
May 21, 2023
LIBERATED involves a twisted kidnapping scheme with Annali Frantz as the victim and Heath Kubiak as her rescuer. As Annali and Heath spend time together, they quickly come to realize they are kindred spirits and with their fast-growing feelings, passion can’t be far behind. Add in elements of excitement and suspense from the continuing potential threat of danger, not to mention surprise when the culprit is finally revealed, and you have an engaging and intriguing read that you are sure to enjoy.
2,124 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2023
When a Senator's daughter is kidnapped, the Holt Agency is brought in to find her. But finding and rescuing her is only the first step. There's still the mystery of who her kidnapper is and keeping her safe until it is resolved. While Ali's attraction to Heath might be partly as a result of her trauma, as they spend more time together the attraction grows stronger between the two of them. The story has plenty of suspense, danger, details and history of the Apostle Islands, and a love story you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,650 reviews30 followers
June 3, 2023
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Liberated by KaLyn Cooper is book 4 in the Holt Agency series by Ms. Cooper and Becca Jameson which is a spin-off of The Shadow SEAL’s books.

When Ali Frantz misses her weekly check-in with her family, they contact the park services except they get a video that she has been kidnapped. Being the daughter of a US Senator brings out the big guns, namely the Holt Agency and Heath Kubiak. Heath grew up around the islands where Ali is being held…

Rescued, suspense, kidnapping, instant chemistry, danger and so much more…
1,012 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2023
A fast-paced, suspense and danger filled story that grabbed my attention from the start. Annali's strength and fortitude shown through as danger came for her, and Heath couldn't keep from falling for her as he spent time with her after her rescue. Luckily for the two, the secrets were revealed before too much harm...or death...came and the perpetrator was caught so the could ride off into their own HEA.
1,293 reviews
May 23, 2023
Shannon is Jonah’s assistant Jonah .
Meredith is Jonah’s wife.
Jonah is a senator.
Holt Agency guys are Heath Kenner, Larson , Keene.

Annali has not checked in family for several days and people are on edge and want to know what happened.

Her father , the Senator had asked help from The Holt Agency. Can Heath and his team rescue her,kept her safe and have a Happily Ever After.

This book has suspense, intrigue twists, turns and romance.

Great Job Kayln Cooper !!!
Profile Image for Miki.
1,057 reviews43 followers
May 24, 2023
This one was so good. I loved Heath, he is the perfect man attentive, loyal, caring and the best match for Ali.
Ali may be the daughter of a senator but she is an outdoor lover, she is adventurous, she knows what she wants and is not afraid to speak her mind.

The investigation is well done, the tension is high, there are romantic moments but also some steamy ones.

If you want a great romance suspense with an ex Seal and a woman intelligent and strong willed this is a great book!
800 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2023
Okay, I fell I love with Heath – it’s impossible not to do that! From the start, the Holt Agency operatives establish themselves as strong, trustworthy – and awesome, and the rescue of the abducted Ali and Heath’s care for her, with their burgeoning relationship, make this story both gripping and nervewracking. Ali is so much more than the senator’s daughter, and this is so much more than a romance, a suspense, a story about Holt.
1,382 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2023
Another enjoyable book in the
series. It's an exciting suspense,
moving scenes, twists & turns.
Ali, has been kidnapped.
Her father, the Senator, needs
her found. Through connections,
the Holt Agency is hired.
The loved the chemistry
between Heath & Ali.
Interesting storyline,
the setting is great,
with fantastic characters.
Keeps you guessing till the end!
Profile Image for Sue.
4,426 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2023
An excellent read. There's plenty of susupense, who done it, danger and humor as well. Ali is a senator's daughter and she's targeted because of that and the kidnapper's wanting certain bills passed that affected park rangers. There's one line in the book I really loved, if your a jaws fanatic you'll pick it up really quick. You won't be disappointed in this book, it flowed really well. HEA.
1,331 reviews10 followers
May 19, 2023
Ali who's a senator's daughter has been kidnapped while doing research in the Apostle Islands. The Holt team is called in for help. Heath becomes her main protector and there's an instant attraction between the two we get suspense, danger, and who is behind her kidnapping and why. I also liked we learned more about the Apostle Island and the area around them. Great characters.
Profile Image for Courtney.
334 reviews43 followers
May 21, 2023
A Senator's daughter kidnapped during a research trip. A retired Navy SEAL on a mission to find her. It's funny how two people can be so different yet have the same interests. No one would've ever guessed how perfect Ali and Heath are for each other, but will they get the chance to explore that chemistry before the kidnapper strikes again?
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,330 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2023
The latest Holt Agency book centers on rescuing a Senators daughter. This romantic suspense also gives us a great lesson on the Apostle Islands and its rich history. Annali is a teacher working on her masters degree when she is kidnapped and Heath and his team are hired to find her. This is a wonderful read with twists, action, mystery and a shocking who done it.
Profile Image for Carol.
873 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2023
Liberated

The Holt Agency is called in when a high ranking Senator's daughter is kidnapped and held in a cabin in the middle of so.e island. Heath finds her rather quickly after they're on the job but can he keep her safe and vet her out during the horrible storms that hit Apostle Islands?
316 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2023
I absolutely loved Liberated and couldn't put it down, and you won't want to either. Heath & Ali story was so interesting. It makes me want to visit the Apostle Islands. Thanks for writing another great exciting story, KaLyn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,573 reviews66 followers
May 18, 2023
Loved everything about this action packed, heart racing romance. Grab this nail biter and enjoy the ride with Annali and Heath...to see who is the whodunnit, if they can find him/her before Annali is taken again.
68 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
Definitely the book to read if you like Military Suspence Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ali and Heath's story. KaLyn Cooper always has humor and some education about the area. Never disappoints the readers.
Profile Image for A.
804 reviews
May 24, 2023
Liberated is my favorite book of the Holt Agency so far. It was a lovely romance with a lot of suspense and excitement. I couldn’t put it down. Kalyn Cooper wrote the perfect characters with Ali and Heath. Their story was sexy and swoon worthy! I can’t wait for more books in this series.
532 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2023
LOVE AND KIDNAPPING

A surprising who-done-it, plus an equally surprising reason why. Lots of action peppered with some really nice romance.
A quick read but a very enjoyable read. Very highly recommend.
Profile Image for Madeleine.
354 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2023
Another amazing story from Kalyn Cooper.
I love Heath and Ali. The storyline flows perfectly and the characters have amazing chemistry. This story is an absolute must read.
Once you read your first Kalyn Cooper’s book you are hooked for life, because she’s an amazing author.
956 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2023
Another enjoyable read. Well written with great characters. Full of action, suspense and danger. I haven't read a book by Ms. Cooper that I haven't enjoyed. Definitely would recommend reading her books.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
21 reviews
August 18, 2023
sloppy, fluffy, inane

Not her good writing found in the Black Swan series. The characters are inane and never develop. The story line lacks gravitas and reads like a travelogue. It is a sloppy seconds book.
Profile Image for Toi.
4,322 reviews
June 16, 2024
Great Read

Great read, never would have guess who the bad guy was, and what a sweet ending . . . .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews