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Elite Ops #5
Renegade
One Elite Opes agent is on a special assignment involving a beautiful woman. But his involvement is about to go beyond the call of duty 0 and into the realm of dangerous desire...
A HIGH-RISK MISSION
As a bridal shop owner, Mikayla Martin helps make women’s wedding dreams come true. Her own life, however, has become a nightmare since she witnessed a murder — and got an up-close-and-personal look at the killer. What’s worse: She knows she knows him. But the police, after doing an alibi check, don’t believe her. It’s up to Mikayla to prove them wrong…and do whatever it takes to solve the murder by herself.
A TO-DIE-FOR PASSION
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code name Renegade, is asked to pay an old comrade a favor. This friend swears he’s no killer—and Nik believes him — even though he’s been mistaken as one by Mikayla. So Nik goes to set her straight…but the moment he lays eyes on the fiery and determined beauty, he knows he’s in too deep. A woman this irresistible can only mean trouble and, sure enough, after sticking her nose in one too many places, someone wants Mikayla dead. Now Nik must find a way to keep her safe, clear his friend’s name, and find the real killer, who remains on the loose…
A HIGH-RISK MISSION
As a bridal shop owner, Mikayla Martin helps make women’s wedding dreams come true. Her own life, however, has become a nightmare since she witnessed a murder — and got an up-close-and-personal look at the killer. What’s worse: She knows she knows him. But the police, after doing an alibi check, don’t believe her. It’s up to Mikayla to prove them wrong…and do whatever it takes to solve the murder by herself.
A TO-DIE-FOR PASSION
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code name Renegade, is asked to pay an old comrade a favor. This friend swears he’s no killer—and Nik believes him — even though he’s been mistaken as one by Mikayla. So Nik goes to set her straight…but the moment he lays eyes on the fiery and determined beauty, he knows he’s in too deep. A woman this irresistible can only mean trouble and, sure enough, after sticking her nose in one too many places, someone wants Mikayla dead. Now Nik must find a way to keep her safe, clear his friend’s name, and find the real killer, who remains on the loose…
404 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
98 people are currently reading
3428 people want to read
About the author
Lora Leigh
190 books10.1k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
May 25, 2017
***Spoilers***
I am so annoyed right now . So I am not going to even bother with writing a real review for Renegade , because The author didn't really bother to write a real book! If she didn't bother why should I? WTH? seriously this was all filler, where's the beef? This book was so damn repetitious and tedious I had to slam My head into a wall to stay awake!!! Her innocence , little fairy, amethyst eyes, fire in his arms, Her innocence , little fairy, amethyst eyes, fire in his arms. Okay already we get it she has amethyst eyes, she is innocence, she looks like a fucking fairy she is short and she is like fire in your arms no need to say it page after flippin page all through the damn book. Then there was the whole I can't stay with her, but I can't leave her , I can't stay , I can't leave. Blah blah blah . Oh and lets not forget a virgin here , a virgin there , here a virgin there a virgin everywhere a virgin.... Really another heroine who is a virgin saving herself yet just gives it away to the hero almost as soon as they meet, even though he can't stay!
This is a book of sex after sex after sex with minimal character or relationship development. I am so over this series , I wish to God I could walk away and not read the last book Live Wire, Damn my OCD!!!!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
September 6, 2010
*sigh* I wished I could have loved this. I barely liked it. Maybe I need a long break from LL books. I read her Breeds, Nauti, Men of August, Bound Hearts, Tempting SEALs, and Elite Ops series, and maybe that's just too much Lora Leigh for me. Everything just seems the same: the characters, the plots, the dialogue, the physical descriptions, the emotions, the 'being with you is going to be the death of me', the sex scenes...everything just seems 'been there, done that' to me.
In this one, you have Nik Steele (code name 'Renegade'), big, (6'6") blond, (long, white blond hair) and super buff and wearing black leather riding in to Hagerstown, Maryland on his Harley. He's here to return a favor to a friend (construction company owner Maddix Nelson) who has been (wrongfully?) accused of murder. It's up to him to prove that the young woman who claims she saw him murder his construction foreman is lying. The only problem is that the young woman in question, 26-year-old bridal shop owner/dress designer/girl-next-door Mikayla Martin has a spotless reputation and that she never lies.
Nik gets a look at Mikayla, and is transfixed by her wheat-blonde hair, her amethyst eyes, her petite (under 5'4"), curvy figure, her fairy-like quality, and her whole air of innocence. Of course loner Nik, who has a past filled with pain, misery, and incredible loss, has closed off his heart to love. But not to lust. He wants the innocent Mikayla, even though no good will come of it. Even though Mikayla dreams of Mr. Right, marriage, and children, Nik can never give her that. All he can give her is his incredible body, which seems to be okay for Mikayla (she has serious lust for him)...until she wants more.
Since the police seem to have no interest in solving this murder (Maddix has an airtight alibi) it's up to Nik to figure out who is lying (neither?) and why, and to protect Mikayla (someone is determined to see her dead). Of course while protecting Mikayla they end up having a sexual affair, even though Nik knows he's going to hurt Mikayla and break her heart when he has to leave her. Nik doesn't do 'forever'.
Okay, the good: it started out all right, as Mikayla's character is described and we're given some background about her character, she witnesses a murder, and barely escapes with her own life. Nik comes riding into town in all his studly glory, and you know the virginal Mikayla is going to give it up to him. The plot seems pretty easy to follow--either Mikayla is mistaken (since she NEVER lies), or Maddix is lying (but why would he bring Nik in to prove he was lying?). Nik will get to the bottom of it, since the police have no intention of doing it. Why? But once Nik starts trying to put the pieces together, while arguing with Mikayla about how she needs to stay out of it so he can protect her, I started to get bored. LL starts throwing a bunch of suspects names around, and I lost interest. And got confused. Nik desperately tries not to feel anything for Mikayla, and I lost interest. This happens all..the...time. LL kept mentioning Mikayla's amethyst eyes, and I lost interest. Nik kept thinking of Mikayla as a fairy, and I really lost interest.
"One more time, little fairy, complete me."
Not even the sex scenes could save this one for me. First of all, I was a bit put off by their height differences--Nik was six and a half feet tall, and Mikayla was possibly only 5 feet tall. Many times LL described Mikayla wearing 4 inch heels and only coming up to Nik's chest. That just seemed a little "man vs. girl" to me, especially when Nik kept thinking of her as his "innocent fairy".
Second, Nik was constantly picking Mikayla up, and placing her on a table, on top of a chair back (so he could better access her without breaking his back or wrenching his neck?)...it got a little distracting to me. Maybe because I didn't really connect with these characters, but I didn't feel that there was anything particularly hot about their lovemaking either--not a whole lot of dialogue or anything unusual. And strangely enough for LL--no actual anal scene (except for a little fingering)!
The mildly suspenseful ending was out of left field. I actually laughed a little. That's all I'm going to say about that.
The epilogue? Too short, and rushed. It felt tacked on. Maybe because by that point the book was already over 400 pages?
This book could actually be read as a stand alone. I skipped the previous one Black Jack, and I don't think it mattered. Maybe I'm just burned out by LL, and someone who only reads this series will enjoy "Renegade". So if you're a die-hard fan, you'll probably want to read this one. Right now I'm on the fence with this series. I'm going to have to hear some good stuff about the next one, Live Wire, before I continue with this series. 3 stars
In this one, you have Nik Steele (code name 'Renegade'), big, (6'6") blond, (long, white blond hair) and super buff and wearing black leather riding in to Hagerstown, Maryland on his Harley. He's here to return a favor to a friend (construction company owner Maddix Nelson) who has been (wrongfully?) accused of murder. It's up to him to prove that the young woman who claims she saw him murder his construction foreman is lying. The only problem is that the young woman in question, 26-year-old bridal shop owner/dress designer/girl-next-door Mikayla Martin has a spotless reputation and that she never lies.
Nik gets a look at Mikayla, and is transfixed by her wheat-blonde hair, her amethyst eyes, her petite (under 5'4"), curvy figure, her fairy-like quality, and her whole air of innocence. Of course loner Nik, who has a past filled with pain, misery, and incredible loss, has closed off his heart to love. But not to lust. He wants the innocent Mikayla, even though no good will come of it. Even though Mikayla dreams of Mr. Right, marriage, and children, Nik can never give her that. All he can give her is his incredible body, which seems to be okay for Mikayla (she has serious lust for him)...until she wants more.
Since the police seem to have no interest in solving this murder (Maddix has an airtight alibi) it's up to Nik to figure out who is lying (neither?) and why, and to protect Mikayla (someone is determined to see her dead). Of course while protecting Mikayla they end up having a sexual affair, even though Nik knows he's going to hurt Mikayla and break her heart when he has to leave her. Nik doesn't do 'forever'.
Okay, the good: it started out all right, as Mikayla's character is described and we're given some background about her character, she witnesses a murder, and barely escapes with her own life. Nik comes riding into town in all his studly glory, and you know the virginal Mikayla is going to give it up to him. The plot seems pretty easy to follow--either Mikayla is mistaken (since she NEVER lies), or Maddix is lying (but why would he bring Nik in to prove he was lying?). Nik will get to the bottom of it, since the police have no intention of doing it. Why? But once Nik starts trying to put the pieces together, while arguing with Mikayla about how she needs to stay out of it so he can protect her, I started to get bored. LL starts throwing a bunch of suspects names around, and I lost interest. And got confused. Nik desperately tries not to feel anything for Mikayla, and I lost interest. This happens all..the...time. LL kept mentioning Mikayla's amethyst eyes, and I lost interest. Nik kept thinking of Mikayla as a fairy, and I really lost interest.
"One more time, little fairy, complete me."
Not even the sex scenes could save this one for me. First of all, I was a bit put off by their height differences--Nik was six and a half feet tall, and Mikayla was possibly only 5 feet tall. Many times LL described Mikayla wearing 4 inch heels and only coming up to Nik's chest. That just seemed a little "man vs. girl" to me, especially when Nik kept thinking of her as his "innocent fairy".
Second, Nik was constantly picking Mikayla up, and placing her on a table, on top of a chair back (so he could better access her without breaking his back or wrenching his neck?)...it got a little distracting to me. Maybe because I didn't really connect with these characters, but I didn't feel that there was anything particularly hot about their lovemaking either--not a whole lot of dialogue or anything unusual. And strangely enough for LL--no actual anal scene (except for a little fingering)!
The mildly suspenseful ending was out of left field. I actually laughed a little. That's all I'm going to say about that.
The epilogue? Too short, and rushed. It felt tacked on. Maybe because by that point the book was already over 400 pages?
This book could actually be read as a stand alone. I skipped the previous one Black Jack, and I don't think it mattered. Maybe I'm just burned out by LL, and someone who only reads this series will enjoy "Renegade". So if you're a die-hard fan, you'll probably want to read this one. Right now I'm on the fence with this series. I'm going to have to hear some good stuff about the next one, Live Wire, before I continue with this series. 3 stars
September 19, 2010
Where oh where shall I begin about Renegade, the latest book by Lora Leigh? Here we have a tortured, beats his chest angsty hero and a twenty-six year old virgin heroine who waits with bated breath for her prince charming to come along and sweep her off her feet. Instead she gets a man who constantly puts her down because of her obsession with wearing a white wedding dress and a proud V-card carrying member.
Mikayla Martin lives in a small town where everyone seems to know your name. She comes from a family full of love and cheer, as well as being independent, up to a certain point because her parents and brothers feel the need to know her whereabouts every minute of the day. Mikayla, who will spit in your eye if you dare to call her Kayla, owns her own exclusive clothing shop called where she makes wedding dresses from hand. Mikayla is obsessed with having her own white wedding to the point that she will stay a virgin until she meets that perfect man who not only can pop her cherry with such precision, but can give her that white picket fence, the mini-van, 2.5 children and most likely a dog, cat, goldfish…the whole nine yards.
But Mikayla's dreams come crashing down when she goes to pick up her irresponsible, rascally brother from work. Mikayla's brother up and left, forgetting to tell her that he found a new ride home. And while she's waiting for him, she witnesses a shooting and swears it's Maddix Nelson, this big wig in town. But no one believes Mikayla, for Maddix has an alibi with witnesses and everything.
As Mikayla runs around trying to get everyone and their dog to believe what she saw was fact, Madddix calls in a favor and Nikolai Steele aka Renegade comes vrooming into town on his "wicked black Harley." Nik is ornery, mean and dark. Maddix has been framed and because he cares for Mikayla, (but not in a dirty old man way) he wants Nik to get to the bottom of this before Mikayla is hurt, marked for death, assassinated, or something unsettling on the horizon that gives Maddix the wiles.
Broody Nik, who's a dripping orgasm, thinks Mikayla is too little Miss Mary Sunshiny. How can she be so pure and innocent? How dare she not even have one parking ticket in her past? Nick will look further into this pearl of a woman who is so not for him because she's the marrying kind and gasp- a virgin!
But then Nik and Mikayla chat and soon she's the victim of a few scary events such as a mugging that's really a warning for her to keep quiet. Nik will protect her because the lion inside of him, or perhaps his crouching tiger, hidden dragon, wants Mikayla as his mate and not even she can keep him away.
Then we have scene upon scene of incredible foreplay where Nik puts his mouth, tongue and fingers to good use. He stops from going to far, even though Nik wants to lose himself and plunge his little Nick in Mikayla's body. He'll respect her wishes to wait for some phantom prince charming to marry her. Until them he'll make her ooh and ahh much like the fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally and still be able to wave her V-card around.
After more than a few going downtown scenes where Mikayla is close to drowning in a messy river of passion, she comes to the conclusion that she'll gladly let Nik tear up her V-card because no other man makes he feel so… horny and complete; but still not the type who she'll marry. No sir, because as soon as Nik finds the villain responsible for trying to kill Mikayla, he's outtie on his wicked Harley. Just as Mikayla has her V-card status, Nik proudly has his own "I'm a loner baby card, and can only give you massive climaxes, but not my heart, soul and all that jazz where I would settle down into small town life because I was married once before and it didn't turn out well at all."
So, while Nik and Mikayla have enough sex to bring on some major chafing between the two, they figure out who is behind the murder and scary tactics against Mikayla. And let me tell you, it's a scene worthy right out of the old nighttime soaps of Dallas or Dynasty.
Renegade was ridiculously bad reading. Nik is a cringe worthy caricature of what a hero should be, and more than half the time I felt he should have gone to therapy. The man has enough resources and people on his phone, but why not a good therapist?
Mikayla kept pushing and pulling Nik every which way, and just as Nik was led around by his wee-wee, Mikayla was led around by her hoo-haa.
The love scenes border on purple prose and were written the same almost every time. Think of insert tab A into Tab B and there you go. But every so often there would be an outcry of emotion from Nik as he reflected on his lovemaking with Mikayla while in the middle of it with a deep thought such as:
"And he knew Mikayla. She would want children. She would hunger for children. And Nick knew he could never, ever allow himself to take that risk again."
Nik, why not just buy Mikayla a happy meal if she was so hungry?
Lora Leigh is insanely popular for reasons that escape me. With ho-hum love scenes that seem to be written identically each and every time, and with characters that are way too emotive and cartoonish, I can't help but wonder why.
This was my first book in a long time by Lora Leigh and after reading Renegade, I would have to say that she and I simple don't fit.
All she left me with was a bad craving for a McDonald Big Mac and plastic Happy Meal Toy.
Mikayla Martin lives in a small town where everyone seems to know your name. She comes from a family full of love and cheer, as well as being independent, up to a certain point because her parents and brothers feel the need to know her whereabouts every minute of the day. Mikayla, who will spit in your eye if you dare to call her Kayla, owns her own exclusive clothing shop called where she makes wedding dresses from hand. Mikayla is obsessed with having her own white wedding to the point that she will stay a virgin until she meets that perfect man who not only can pop her cherry with such precision, but can give her that white picket fence, the mini-van, 2.5 children and most likely a dog, cat, goldfish…the whole nine yards.
But Mikayla's dreams come crashing down when she goes to pick up her irresponsible, rascally brother from work. Mikayla's brother up and left, forgetting to tell her that he found a new ride home. And while she's waiting for him, she witnesses a shooting and swears it's Maddix Nelson, this big wig in town. But no one believes Mikayla, for Maddix has an alibi with witnesses and everything.
As Mikayla runs around trying to get everyone and their dog to believe what she saw was fact, Madddix calls in a favor and Nikolai Steele aka Renegade comes vrooming into town on his "wicked black Harley." Nik is ornery, mean and dark. Maddix has been framed and because he cares for Mikayla, (but not in a dirty old man way) he wants Nik to get to the bottom of this before Mikayla is hurt, marked for death, assassinated, or something unsettling on the horizon that gives Maddix the wiles.
Broody Nik, who's a dripping orgasm, thinks Mikayla is too little Miss Mary Sunshiny. How can she be so pure and innocent? How dare she not even have one parking ticket in her past? Nick will look further into this pearl of a woman who is so not for him because she's the marrying kind and gasp- a virgin!
But then Nik and Mikayla chat and soon she's the victim of a few scary events such as a mugging that's really a warning for her to keep quiet. Nik will protect her because the lion inside of him, or perhaps his crouching tiger, hidden dragon, wants Mikayla as his mate and not even she can keep him away.
Then we have scene upon scene of incredible foreplay where Nik puts his mouth, tongue and fingers to good use. He stops from going to far, even though Nik wants to lose himself and plunge his little Nick in Mikayla's body. He'll respect her wishes to wait for some phantom prince charming to marry her. Until them he'll make her ooh and ahh much like the fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally and still be able to wave her V-card around.
After more than a few going downtown scenes where Mikayla is close to drowning in a messy river of passion, she comes to the conclusion that she'll gladly let Nik tear up her V-card because no other man makes he feel so… horny and complete; but still not the type who she'll marry. No sir, because as soon as Nik finds the villain responsible for trying to kill Mikayla, he's outtie on his wicked Harley. Just as Mikayla has her V-card status, Nik proudly has his own "I'm a loner baby card, and can only give you massive climaxes, but not my heart, soul and all that jazz where I would settle down into small town life because I was married once before and it didn't turn out well at all."
So, while Nik and Mikayla have enough sex to bring on some major chafing between the two, they figure out who is behind the murder and scary tactics against Mikayla. And let me tell you, it's a scene worthy right out of the old nighttime soaps of Dallas or Dynasty.
Renegade was ridiculously bad reading. Nik is a cringe worthy caricature of what a hero should be, and more than half the time I felt he should have gone to therapy. The man has enough resources and people on his phone, but why not a good therapist?
Mikayla kept pushing and pulling Nik every which way, and just as Nik was led around by his wee-wee, Mikayla was led around by her hoo-haa.
The love scenes border on purple prose and were written the same almost every time. Think of insert tab A into Tab B and there you go. But every so often there would be an outcry of emotion from Nik as he reflected on his lovemaking with Mikayla while in the middle of it with a deep thought such as:
"And he knew Mikayla. She would want children. She would hunger for children. And Nick knew he could never, ever allow himself to take that risk again."
Nik, why not just buy Mikayla a happy meal if she was so hungry?
Lora Leigh is insanely popular for reasons that escape me. With ho-hum love scenes that seem to be written identically each and every time, and with characters that are way too emotive and cartoonish, I can't help but wonder why.
This was my first book in a long time by Lora Leigh and after reading Renegade, I would have to say that she and I simple don't fit.
All she left me with was a bad craving for a McDonald Big Mac and plastic Happy Meal Toy.
September 26, 2010
If ever she looked like a fairy it was now. If ever she looked like a fairy it was now. If ever she looked like a fairy it was now. If ever she looked like a fairy it was now. No now. No, now. Wait. Right now.
Her amethyst eyes... Her amethyst eyes blah blah. Her amethyst …. Ok! Enough please. We get it. Really, we do.
Oh Lora Leigh. Really? Quality over quantity honey. This book was just, well, terrible. The plot was as repetitive as the over use of key phrases. We have been there done that. Only the names have changed. The editing was just as bad as ever. I love when characters get called wrong names. This time at least you could identify the mistake. It was a little less random than usual.
I think its just time to slow down. Sit back, or go on vacation, whatever. Start up again once your creative mojo gives you something fresh.
Her amethyst eyes... Her amethyst eyes blah blah. Her amethyst …. Ok! Enough please. We get it. Really, we do.
Oh Lora Leigh. Really? Quality over quantity honey. This book was just, well, terrible. The plot was as repetitive as the over use of key phrases. We have been there done that. Only the names have changed. The editing was just as bad as ever. I love when characters get called wrong names. This time at least you could identify the mistake. It was a little less random than usual.
I think its just time to slow down. Sit back, or go on vacation, whatever. Start up again once your creative mojo gives you something fresh.
September 7, 2010
Christy’s Review
Let me just start out by saying this book is smoking hot. Lora Leigh is my favorite author in the erotic/romance world. Her books are amazing. I'm not sure if I have ever read one that I didn't like. Renegade is part of the Elite Ops series. The Elite Ops agents are strong, sexy and overall good guys. They all come with baggage from their pre-Elite Ops days.
Mikayla Martin is a sweet independent daughter, sister and great friend. She owns her own dress shop where she designs and makes custom bridal gowns and formal dresses. She witnesses a murder while visiting a construction site to pick up her younger brother. She gets an up-close look at the killer and it's someone she knows. She knows what she saw but the police don't believe her. I really liked her character. She's strong, secure in her own skin and an overall nice girl. She's also a virgin who’s saving herself for a white knight. She believes in true love and wants to give her innocence to the man of her dreams.
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele aka Nik whose code name is Renegade is asked by a friend to find out why Mikayla is lying about seeing him committing the murder. Nik lost his wife and daughter to a horrible tragedy before he became a member of the Elite Ops. He's battling strong emotions where they are concerned. He's a strong, dominate male and doesn't take kindly to being lied to.
Nik gets close to Mikayla by moving in next door to her. He's determined to find out why she is lying about who she saw. As the attraction between the two ignites things heat up quite nicely. There is a lot of sexual tension from the beginning. As things progress they find it harder and harder to stay away from each other. The sexual scenes are some of the best I have read. I experienced butterflies in my stomach each time Mikayla and Nik got close to each other. Things were that good.
There are many twists and turns throughout the story that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. The characters are believable as is the setting. Throughout the book, I was drawn to the emotions the characters were having and could relate to some of the aspects.
I would definitely recommend Renegade to those of you who love romantic suspense, bad boys, and strong sexual heat. You'll be drawn into Mikayla and Nik's world from page one. Be sure to check out the other books in the Elite Ops series.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
Let me just start out by saying this book is smoking hot. Lora Leigh is my favorite author in the erotic/romance world. Her books are amazing. I'm not sure if I have ever read one that I didn't like. Renegade is part of the Elite Ops series. The Elite Ops agents are strong, sexy and overall good guys. They all come with baggage from their pre-Elite Ops days.
Mikayla Martin is a sweet independent daughter, sister and great friend. She owns her own dress shop where she designs and makes custom bridal gowns and formal dresses. She witnesses a murder while visiting a construction site to pick up her younger brother. She gets an up-close look at the killer and it's someone she knows. She knows what she saw but the police don't believe her. I really liked her character. She's strong, secure in her own skin and an overall nice girl. She's also a virgin who’s saving herself for a white knight. She believes in true love and wants to give her innocence to the man of her dreams.
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele aka Nik whose code name is Renegade is asked by a friend to find out why Mikayla is lying about seeing him committing the murder. Nik lost his wife and daughter to a horrible tragedy before he became a member of the Elite Ops. He's battling strong emotions where they are concerned. He's a strong, dominate male and doesn't take kindly to being lied to.
Nik gets close to Mikayla by moving in next door to her. He's determined to find out why she is lying about who she saw. As the attraction between the two ignites things heat up quite nicely. There is a lot of sexual tension from the beginning. As things progress they find it harder and harder to stay away from each other. The sexual scenes are some of the best I have read. I experienced butterflies in my stomach each time Mikayla and Nik got close to each other. Things were that good.
There are many twists and turns throughout the story that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. The characters are believable as is the setting. Throughout the book, I was drawn to the emotions the characters were having and could relate to some of the aspects.
I would definitely recommend Renegade to those of you who love romantic suspense, bad boys, and strong sexual heat. You'll be drawn into Mikayla and Nik's world from page one. Be sure to check out the other books in the Elite Ops series.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
September 17, 2010
If I could give this book awards, I would. Like:
The "For the love of all that's holy" award for most virginal heroine!
The "I need a Tylenol" award for the exaggerated use of the phrase "destroy me"!
The "Buy that woman a dictionary" award for extreme usage of the word "soul"!
and last but not least
The "Queen of Contemporary Purple Prose" award to the author, for making me roll my eyes, actually gag reading the hero's thoughts and kick my own ass for spending 8 bucks on this book.
D-
The "For the love of all that's holy" award for most virginal heroine!
The "I need a Tylenol" award for the exaggerated use of the phrase "destroy me"!
The "Buy that woman a dictionary" award for extreme usage of the word "soul"!
and last but not least
The "Queen of Contemporary Purple Prose" award to the author, for making me roll my eyes, actually gag reading the hero's thoughts and kick my own ass for spending 8 bucks on this book.
D-
September 21, 2010
What is it about Lora Leigh's books that keep us coming back for more even when they frustrate us so much? Not sure...something to ponder. Because like her other books, this one had quite a few things in it that were irritating, but it wasn't a terrible book.
Series Note:
Part of Leigh's long-runnin "Tempting SEALs/Elite Ops" series. This one has a pretty singular storyline so you could possibly read it as a stand-alone.
Summary:
Clothing designer Mikayla Martin goes to her brother's job at a construction site one day to pick him up and stumbles upon a murder in progress. She recognizes the shooter and tells the police. But the killer seems to have an air-tight alibi. No on is sure what to believe.
Elite-Ops Agent Nik Steele owes a favor to a local builder and when that man is accused of murder (by Mikayla) he calls in his favor to Nik. The man wants Nik to find out what's up with Mikayla...he knows she's not the type to lie, but he also knows he's not a murderer. So Nik inserts himself into Mikayla's life.
The chemistry between good-girl Mikayla and the morose special agent is instantaneous. But whose side is Nik on? Mikayla doesn't know but she can't resist Nik. And as their digging into the murder goes deeper, Mikayla's life becomes in danger. Nik is there to save her at every step. Unfortunately, because of the life he leads, his stay is only temporary...at least that's what Nik tells himself.
Review:
Initially I was enjoying this book quite a bit. It's got a lot of romance, a nice mystery and some hot sex. But after a short while everything started to get rather repetitive. To the point that I began skimming scenes because they weren't really adding anything to the story.
At the most basic, I liked the romance. Mikayla is a good girl who works hard, doesn't swear, is a virgin and is liked by everyone. Nik is a dark special agent, part of the Elite Ops - a team of men who are dead men with new identities as bad guys. It's a total clash of images. Over used and trite maybe, but still sexy. The two have great chemistry together.
But the way LL portrayed these two, especially together, was frustrating. Much is made of Mikayla's stature. The way LL describes her makes her seem like an 80lb, 4ft tall little person when in reality she's just a little below average - 5'4" I believe, with a normal weight. But all throughout the book Nik is constantly referring to her as a little fairy, the smallest woman he's been with, etc etc etc and good grief it got really old really really fast. It was so overblown it was ridiculous and it cast an annoying vibe over the whole romance.
Plus - and this issue has bothered me in previous books - but I hate all the secret keeping re: Nik's identity and job. By the time the book ends Mikayla still has no idea who Nik really is, what he does, how he ended up that way, etc. Personally, that's a lousy way to build a relationship and it doesn't really work for me.
The suspense plot was okay...I thought I would like it a lot more, but it seemed really underdeveloped. There never seemed to be enough focus on the case, the investigating, the possibilities. It seemed like all the investigating got done behind the scenes by other characters then relayed to Nik. I just wanted more out of this plot. And the bad guy, though you wouldn't be able to name him by name at the end, it was obvious which way the story was going.
One other thing I didn't like about the book was how separate it seemed from all the other books and characters. You didn't get the Elite Ops vibe - the teamwork, the danger - and all that. I missed it.
Oh, one other thing - the editing issue LL is prone too. It was nowhere near as bad as that one book, but there were still noticeable problems. Like Nik pulling up somewhere in a hummer, but then leaving on his Harley, or a character being called a wrong name. Stuff like that. Distracting, but it wasn't too bad.
So...hmmm...it was an okay book. The diehard LL fans will probably like it, the LL critics will find the same issues as they find in other books, and the ones in the middle will still probably be in the middle.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, a little ass play, but overall it's fairly tame for an LL book.
Series Note:
Part of Leigh's long-runnin "Tempting SEALs/Elite Ops" series. This one has a pretty singular storyline so you could possibly read it as a stand-alone.
Summary:
Clothing designer Mikayla Martin goes to her brother's job at a construction site one day to pick him up and stumbles upon a murder in progress. She recognizes the shooter and tells the police. But the killer seems to have an air-tight alibi. No on is sure what to believe.
Elite-Ops Agent Nik Steele owes a favor to a local builder and when that man is accused of murder (by Mikayla) he calls in his favor to Nik. The man wants Nik to find out what's up with Mikayla...he knows she's not the type to lie, but he also knows he's not a murderer. So Nik inserts himself into Mikayla's life.
The chemistry between good-girl Mikayla and the morose special agent is instantaneous. But whose side is Nik on? Mikayla doesn't know but she can't resist Nik. And as their digging into the murder goes deeper, Mikayla's life becomes in danger. Nik is there to save her at every step. Unfortunately, because of the life he leads, his stay is only temporary...at least that's what Nik tells himself.
Review:
Initially I was enjoying this book quite a bit. It's got a lot of romance, a nice mystery and some hot sex. But after a short while everything started to get rather repetitive. To the point that I began skimming scenes because they weren't really adding anything to the story.
At the most basic, I liked the romance. Mikayla is a good girl who works hard, doesn't swear, is a virgin and is liked by everyone. Nik is a dark special agent, part of the Elite Ops - a team of men who are dead men with new identities as bad guys. It's a total clash of images. Over used and trite maybe, but still sexy. The two have great chemistry together.
But the way LL portrayed these two, especially together, was frustrating. Much is made of Mikayla's stature. The way LL describes her makes her seem like an 80lb, 4ft tall little person when in reality she's just a little below average - 5'4" I believe, with a normal weight. But all throughout the book Nik is constantly referring to her as a little fairy, the smallest woman he's been with, etc etc etc and good grief it got really old really really fast. It was so overblown it was ridiculous and it cast an annoying vibe over the whole romance.
Plus - and this issue has bothered me in previous books - but I hate all the secret keeping re: Nik's identity and job. By the time the book ends Mikayla still has no idea who Nik really is, what he does, how he ended up that way, etc. Personally, that's a lousy way to build a relationship and it doesn't really work for me.
The suspense plot was okay...I thought I would like it a lot more, but it seemed really underdeveloped. There never seemed to be enough focus on the case, the investigating, the possibilities. It seemed like all the investigating got done behind the scenes by other characters then relayed to Nik. I just wanted more out of this plot. And the bad guy, though you wouldn't be able to name him by name at the end, it was obvious which way the story was going.
One other thing I didn't like about the book was how separate it seemed from all the other books and characters. You didn't get the Elite Ops vibe - the teamwork, the danger - and all that. I missed it.
Oh, one other thing - the editing issue LL is prone too. It was nowhere near as bad as that one book, but there were still noticeable problems. Like Nik pulling up somewhere in a hummer, but then leaving on his Harley, or a character being called a wrong name. Stuff like that. Distracting, but it wasn't too bad.
So...hmmm...it was an okay book. The diehard LL fans will probably like it, the LL critics will find the same issues as they find in other books, and the ones in the middle will still probably be in the middle.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, a little ass play, but overall it's fairly tame for an LL book.
June 20, 2016
Finally I read this story. Not sure why it took me so long. Nik aka Renegade is the latest in the Elite Ops to fall for a woman. And what a woman... now we know this is a fantasy. Because she is:
1. Good and wholesome
2. Honest with impeccable integrity
3. 26 and owns her own business
4. 26 AND a virgin
5. Still goes out and dates men w/o putting out or spreading her legs
Who is this woman? Mikayla is a sweet female who definitely lives in a place that suits her best. She is in a small enough town where everyone knows her and vice versa. She is a gentle woman with compassion and smile for everyone. When she witnesses a crime and it puts her opposite of a powerful and decent man, tensions start to run high.
I read this book in one sitting because I wanted to know how it happened. I had a little guess but wasn't sure because there were not enough clues to point in the direction I was going. The ending is not too far off as I anticipated. It was the only possible answer in my head.
Now the rest of the story... the romance piece. This I confess, I just zipped through. The sex scenes didn't do it for me at all. I loved Ms. Leigh's early kinky series, bound hearts. These romantic suspense ones could really do w/o the sex. The sex in here are not on par with her other work and for me, detract from the plot. Each sexual interlude between the sexy bad ass alpha male and the wholesome sweet virgin was wince-worthy for me. Then again, I'm a bit jaded. For those who enjoy this series and like the suspense part, this story is fine. For those are all about the romance, this may or may not tickle your fancy.
1. Good and wholesome
2. Honest with impeccable integrity
3. 26 and owns her own business
4. 26 AND a virgin
5. Still goes out and dates men w/o putting out or spreading her legs
Who is this woman? Mikayla is a sweet female who definitely lives in a place that suits her best. She is in a small enough town where everyone knows her and vice versa. She is a gentle woman with compassion and smile for everyone. When she witnesses a crime and it puts her opposite of a powerful and decent man, tensions start to run high.
I read this book in one sitting because I wanted to know how it happened. I had a little guess but wasn't sure because there were not enough clues to point in the direction I was going. The ending is not too far off as I anticipated. It was the only possible answer in my head.
Now the rest of the story... the romance piece. This I confess, I just zipped through. The sex scenes didn't do it for me at all. I loved Ms. Leigh's early kinky series, bound hearts. These romantic suspense ones could really do w/o the sex. The sex in here are not on par with her other work and for me, detract from the plot. Each sexual interlude between the sexy bad ass alpha male and the wholesome sweet virgin was wince-worthy for me. Then again, I'm a bit jaded. For those who enjoy this series and like the suspense part, this story is fine. For those are all about the romance, this may or may not tickle your fancy.
April 30, 2023
This is the usual sexy, erotic, hot, steamy story by this author. If you are looking for a hot read, this is a good one. The action and suspense is as good as the sexiness.
October 30, 2010
For those who read and love Lora Leigh, Renegade was nothing new. This is Nik's story,in the Elite One group. I foolishly expected something a bit different, tho, as Nikolai Steele is Russian and an assassin. The opportunity was passed up, however, and reading about Nik was exactly like reading about any of the others in this series (he says he's from Texas, of all places!!! I guarantee I have not seen a hunky, 6'5" white/blonde Viking with ice blue eyes around here! I would notice as I am TEAM ERIC!). He's an alpha male, gorgeous, wears leather jeans (yum!) and has lived his life in the shadows since his wife and child were killed 10 years ago. Of course, EO has his written commitment for 12 years, of which he still has two more to go on his contract. Nik goes off on a side job to repay a favor garnered in the last book; of course he eventually requests EO backup and the team is reunited to help. Along the way, Nik meets Mikayla, they have hot sex, they fall for each other but the big, bad Russian/Texan tells her he can't be with her, yada, yada, yada. Same as all other EO guys. This part of the series needs to get a new groove, as the same old, same old is getting old. But it is a LL book and I'll continue to read her - even tho I much preferred her SEAL series - because she's still better than lots of authors out there.
September 3, 2010
The ending really almost ruined the book for me. I don't want to go into details, but the identity of the killer was very contrived and not what I would have expected from a Lora Leigh book.
I liked the book, but I would have to say that it is my least favorite of the series so far. I really liked Mikayla and how strong she was (although she was a little too perfect - the perfect sister/daughter, popular with everyone in the world it seemed, the list goes on). We finally learn more about Nik, who I have loved since the beginning. I think Mikayla is more than a match for him!
All in all, I was a little disappointed in this book. I love Lora Leigh and this series, so maybe my expectations were too high, but this book just didn't have that special something that Leigh's books generally have. Everything was a little too pat and sudden, and a little contrived.
I liked the book, but I would have to say that it is my least favorite of the series so far. I really liked Mikayla and how strong she was (although she was a little too perfect - the perfect sister/daughter, popular with everyone in the world it seemed, the list goes on). We finally learn more about Nik, who I have loved since the beginning. I think Mikayla is more than a match for him!
All in all, I was a little disappointed in this book. I love Lora Leigh and this series, so maybe my expectations were too high, but this book just didn't have that special something that Leigh's books generally have. Everything was a little too pat and sudden, and a little contrived.
July 3, 2015
Renegade es el quinto libro de la serie Elite Ops de Lora Leigh y tiene como protagonistas a Nik y Mikayla.
Esta historia era la que mas ganas tenia de leer cuando descubri la serie, no se si porque Nik me llamo mas la atencion o si simplemente la sinopsis me parecio mas interesante que las demas, por lo que tenia unas altas expectativas cuando empece la lectura y aunque no cumplio todas mis expectativas, si que fue el libro que mas me ha gustado de la saga.
Aun no se muy bien que pensar de la autora, en algunas historias me gusta su forma de escribir pero en otras se me hace tan aburrida, supongo que depende de lo enganchada que este a la lectura. Otra cosa que me molesta mucho es lo poco que profundiza en la historia en sí, tengo la sensacion de que solo utiliza la parte de " suspence " para " justificar " que los protagonistas de sus libros esten todo el tiempo revolcandose en cualquier lugar.
3.5 Estrellas!
September 7, 2010
This was a fun read but not that well constructed ... Fast-paced, action-packed, and full of sexual tension. We don't see a lot of the protagonists' reasoning for the actions they take, and we are not shown how the villians came together. I did guess the surprise ending many chapters before it happened, but that didn't ruin it for me, as I didn't have any support for my guess until the climactic scene.
I liked the plot, loved the spunky heroine even though she should have llistened better, and I really liked the cast of supporting characters... the parents, brothers, friend.
Auntee's review made some points I don't agree with, for an alternative view of this book I suggest reading that one.
I'm putting this on the keeper shelf with the rest of the series, but I have not yet had the impulse to re-read the series as I do much of the author's other work.
I liked the plot, loved the spunky heroine even though she should have llistened better, and I really liked the cast of supporting characters... the parents, brothers, friend.
Auntee's review made some points I don't agree with, for an alternative view of this book I suggest reading that one.
I'm putting this on the keeper shelf with the rest of the series, but I have not yet had the impulse to re-read the series as I do much of the author's other work.
September 7, 2013
I loved this book! I'm a lora Leigh fan! (And a hopeless Romantic!) Sigh...
Its like watching your favorite movie over and over! you know how its gonna end! but it makes you feel good when you watch it! thats how I felt with this book Nik and Mikayla are a perfect meld! The chemistry, passion and the smoking hot sex between these two! So good! I look forward to reading "Live Wire" the last book in this series! ;)
Its like watching your favorite movie over and over! you know how its gonna end! but it makes you feel good when you watch it! thats how I felt with this book Nik and Mikayla are a perfect meld! The chemistry, passion and the smoking hot sex between these two! So good! I look forward to reading "Live Wire" the last book in this series! ;)
July 22, 2023
Mikayla is described as his fairy and her “amethyst” eyes are discussed on repeat… the story got pretty boring - nothing happened for most of the book except her losing her virginity and multiple sex scenes. If you want a story line this book isn’t for you…
Spoilers: it’s not worth reading on to find out who killed Eddie. It was the twin brother he never knew he had.. with his son Luke. They were trying to set their dad/ brother up…
Spoilers: it’s not worth reading on to find out who killed Eddie. It was the twin brother he never knew he had.. with his son Luke. They were trying to set their dad/ brother up…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2015
Lora Leigh non mi convince più come una volta. Mykaila da vergine inesperta si trasforma in donna fatale e anche investigatrice. Nick è un gran bel manzo dal cuore prima infranto e poi indurito. Bah, niente per cui strapparsi i capelli.
May 23, 2017
I was disappointed with this one. I didn't buy the instalove between Nik and his fairy Mikayla. He was drawn to her from the very first time he saw a picture of her, and was immediately having sexual fantasies about her. This was also very repetitive. I felt like all Nik thought about was his "need" for her, his "hunger" for her. It was on every other page it seemed, so that's when I started skimming. I even skimmed some of the sexy times. For a virgin, Mikayla sure caught on quickly. Maybe that's what happens when you're a virgin at 20 lots... you know what to do, but just haven't actually done it previously. She'd been holding on to her virginity for so long, and Nik was able to be intimate with her entirely too quickly -- again, just not believable for me. The plot behind the killing was decent, but I admit, I did guess what the outcome could have been -- I didn't guess everything 100% correctly, but I was close. I just couldn't think of another explanation. And the ending, after an entire book of Nik's thoughts about all the reasons he had to walk away from her, in the end, it didn't make much sense that he would stay - not to this reader. I don't know how many books are left in this series, so I hope this one was the only "dud" as I have genuinely enjoyed the previous books in this series. You know what they say "every book can't be a blockbuster" and this is definitely not a blockbuster, unfortunately.
May 8, 2020
The total series is good, i mean good but not that really good..why? Because the author made a pattern here like after reading two books from this series i anticipated of what would the other books be liked. Why the heroes could easily say that they like the heroines but they have to leave them and destroy them? I mean all of them have the same idea. Wtf? It irritates me that they keep on saying that from beginning towards the end..and heroines? What did they do? THEY DO NOT HAVE BACKBONES. Especially this book. After the hero accuses the heroine that she is lying she still like to have sex with him? Wtf?!!!!
This is crazy. I never imagine women could be that disgusting.
This is crazy. I never imagine women could be that disgusting.
September 26, 2018
Tengo sentimientos encontrados. No ha estado tan mal como el anterior Black Jack, pero me ha dejado con ganas de más. Como que la historia se podría haber desarrollado más y mejor de lo que lo hizo; porque entre la historia de los gemelos separados al nacer, el hijo desnaturalizado, la esposa trofeo q resulta q no es tan mala, las cicatrices emocionales de Nick y el Hada Mikayla, creo sinceramente que la historia podría haber desarrollado un poco más de profundidad.
Y el final me ha resultado también bastante soso.
Y el final me ha resultado también bastante soso.
August 2, 2020
Almost every romance cliché is in this book, but I still liked it. I haven't picked up a Lora Leigh book in a while, I forgot how steamy they are...a definite guilty pleasure. If you like a macho hero, virgin good girl, and really explicit sex scenes, this is your book. They mystery was half decent too. All in all, this was enjoyable.
July 28, 2025
Perfectly fine story with decent writing, acceptable plot and pacing, and okay sp!ce. Nothing earth-shattering or new. The “twists” were predictable and the angst was fine but not spectacular. Overall this book is a solid 3 out of 5 stars. There wasn’t anything wrong with the book but there also wasn’t anything grand. It is forgettable but enjoyable.
November 29, 2018
This is the first book I ever read from Lora Leigh and it has started me on a love fest with all her books! Loved this series!
March 27, 2011
Let me preface this review by acknowledging that yesterday I did a 43km training walk with my trailwalker team that took nearly 11 hours, during which it rained the ENTIRE time. Also, that I didn't get back from the meeting that followed said walk until shortly before midnight.
You'll understand, therefore, why when I picked this book up this morning, my main requirement was light-hearted brain candy with just enough edge to keep me interested, but that in NO way demanded I think.
Lora Leigh's "Renegade" absolutely delivered. All the standard Lora Leigh characteristics were there: hot sex, gorgeous pseudo-military guy, heroine with at least some vestige of agency to her credit but who still manages to need protecting, big family with protective father and brothers. Oh, and the stalker (OK, technically it's not actually a stalker: but it's close enough to make no nevermind). I suspect I ended up not-really-taking in large tracts of it as I read... but I'm not sure I really missed anything, TBH.
There were a couple of niggles. For a start, I got really sick, really quickly of hearing how tiny Mikayla, the female lead was. Seriously. Everything about her was "little" "tiny" "petite" and of course "small". Except her curves, which were "lush" "sensuous" "womanly" and "rounded". To the point where she actually wondered a couple of times if she was "too curvy". Which makes me wonder if she had some kind of severe, shared-with-the-male-lead body dysmorphia. Why? Well, let's start with the fact that he's a trained agent with l33t observation skills who could be expected to be at least reasonably accurate when glancing at someone and estimating their height and weight. He comments that "she'd probably only be about 5'4" without her heels", and that "she looked like she wouldn't weigh more than 100 pounds soaking wet". Which, according to the BMI charts puts her well into the SEVERELY underweight category. So the only way she's going to have lush, womanly curves, is if they were surgically arranged. And if she sees herself as too curvy? Yeah, sorry sister, you lost me there.
And Mikayla did seem to manifest a lot of the annoying "hot-tempered firebrand/spitfire" trope tendencies that can annoy me. Not all the time, and she managed to keep a reasonably cool, calm head on her shoulders for enough of the book that I didn't end up wanting to shoot her for the times she didn't.
But that aside, it was a light-hearted, sometimes-steamy read that I devoured in about 4 hours flat. I don't think it was as good as some of the other Elite Ops books Ms Leigh has written, but it was still fun.
You'll understand, therefore, why when I picked this book up this morning, my main requirement was light-hearted brain candy with just enough edge to keep me interested, but that in NO way demanded I think.
Lora Leigh's "Renegade" absolutely delivered. All the standard Lora Leigh characteristics were there: hot sex, gorgeous pseudo-military guy, heroine with at least some vestige of agency to her credit but who still manages to need protecting, big family with protective father and brothers. Oh, and the stalker (OK, technically it's not actually a stalker: but it's close enough to make no nevermind). I suspect I ended up not-really-taking in large tracts of it as I read... but I'm not sure I really missed anything, TBH.
There were a couple of niggles. For a start, I got really sick, really quickly of hearing how tiny Mikayla, the female lead was. Seriously. Everything about her was "little" "tiny" "petite" and of course "small". Except her curves, which were "lush" "sensuous" "womanly" and "rounded". To the point where she actually wondered a couple of times if she was "too curvy". Which makes me wonder if she had some kind of severe, shared-with-the-male-lead body dysmorphia. Why? Well, let's start with the fact that he's a trained agent with l33t observation skills who could be expected to be at least reasonably accurate when glancing at someone and estimating their height and weight. He comments that "she'd probably only be about 5'4" without her heels", and that "she looked like she wouldn't weigh more than 100 pounds soaking wet". Which, according to the BMI charts puts her well into the SEVERELY underweight category. So the only way she's going to have lush, womanly curves, is if they were surgically arranged. And if she sees herself as too curvy? Yeah, sorry sister, you lost me there.
And Mikayla did seem to manifest a lot of the annoying "hot-tempered firebrand/spitfire" trope tendencies that can annoy me. Not all the time, and she managed to keep a reasonably cool, calm head on her shoulders for enough of the book that I didn't end up wanting to shoot her for the times she didn't.
But that aside, it was a light-hearted, sometimes-steamy read that I devoured in about 4 hours flat. I don't think it was as good as some of the other Elite Ops books Ms Leigh has written, but it was still fun.
September 7, 2010
Let me start by saying this is my first Lora Leigh book so my perspective is different then some who has read more of her work or series. That said, I enjoyed the book. Some of the things I liked were the steamy scenes and boy were they steamy! Mikayla Martin is the inopportune witness to a murder. Innocent and honest, she tells the authorities who and what she saw, except there is a problem. The man she saw has an alibi and is in a position of power. Mikayla knows she isn't crazy but people begin looking at her like she has lost her mind. Her safety comes into question as Mikayla is becoming the victim of what she calls "pranks". She doesn't want to admit that these incidents are getting closer together and more violent with each episode. And then she sees him ride into town.
Nikolai Steele, codenamed `Renegade' has come to Mikayla's hometown as a favor. He is to get to the bottom of Mikayla Martin's story and why she is accusing a very important man of murder. With one look at this beautiful woman, Nik's heart thumps in his chest and his desire for Miss Martin is almost instantaneous. He knows that someone as naïve and loyal as Mikayla would never want a killer like him. He figures he can find out why Mikayla is lying and then hit the road. But something happens to change his mind. He falls in love but a man like him can't have a girl like her or so he thinks!
Somethings I found a bit over done. Some of Nik's descriptions of Mikayla a but over done as the book progresses. "She is tiny, She is cute, She is innocent" For the love of all that is holy WE GET IT!!The story itself was good but I think it could have been a bit more concise. It seemed to ramble a bit for me.
Overall not the worst book I have ever read
Nikolai Steele, codenamed `Renegade' has come to Mikayla's hometown as a favor. He is to get to the bottom of Mikayla Martin's story and why she is accusing a very important man of murder. With one look at this beautiful woman, Nik's heart thumps in his chest and his desire for Miss Martin is almost instantaneous. He knows that someone as naïve and loyal as Mikayla would never want a killer like him. He figures he can find out why Mikayla is lying and then hit the road. But something happens to change his mind. He falls in love but a man like him can't have a girl like her or so he thinks!
Somethings I found a bit over done. Some of Nik's descriptions of Mikayla a but over done as the book progresses. "She is tiny, She is cute, She is innocent" For the love of all that is holy WE GET IT!!The story itself was good but I think it could have been a bit more concise. It seemed to ramble a bit for me.
Overall not the worst book I have ever read
November 24, 2012
I started reading this book, Renegade, the 5th in Lora Leigh’s Elite Ops Series on Nov 15 and it has taken me almost 10 days to painfully, for me that is, to actually turning the last page. It clearly shows that this was not exactly one of my favorite reads.
I am a fan of this author and have read most of her books, including this series but never have I lost interest as I did here. It almost felt that it had been written by someone else and there were so many, and I mean many discrepancies that just did not make sense to me.
Yes, I love tortured heroes but this guy named Nik takes it so beyond that I felt like telling him to get a “life” Then the 6’6”, long white hair…I am so not into that look …yes even if he rides a Harley…or a Hummer!!!!!!! And Mikayla, all of her 5’4” – hell doesn't she look light a small doll next to him????????? Sorry - not demeaning a small woman with a TALL man but these two together – couldn't feel any chemistry there. I never care enough for these two characters and felt so frustrated that to calm myself – began to skim and skim page after page – WHY???? Because I had a tiny bit of hope that…maybe it gets better…but no..it did not. It ended quickly…let’s get this over fast IMO.
There was a lot of sex – but after a few times it became boring and so so repetitive!!!!
I hate writing bad reviews on books I read but I just had to let off some steam. This is after all a Lora Leigh book and I have read such brilliant books written by her….which just by the way was the ONLY reason I did not give up and finally finished reading it. And that I give it a 2* instead of 1*
I am a fan of this author and have read most of her books, including this series but never have I lost interest as I did here. It almost felt that it had been written by someone else and there were so many, and I mean many discrepancies that just did not make sense to me.
Yes, I love tortured heroes but this guy named Nik takes it so beyond that I felt like telling him to get a “life” Then the 6’6”, long white hair…I am so not into that look …yes even if he rides a Harley…or a Hummer!!!!!!! And Mikayla, all of her 5’4” – hell doesn't she look light a small doll next to him????????? Sorry - not demeaning a small woman with a TALL man but these two together – couldn't feel any chemistry there. I never care enough for these two characters and felt so frustrated that to calm myself – began to skim and skim page after page – WHY???? Because I had a tiny bit of hope that…maybe it gets better…but no..it did not. It ended quickly…let’s get this over fast IMO.
There was a lot of sex – but after a few times it became boring and so so repetitive!!!!
I hate writing bad reviews on books I read but I just had to let off some steam. This is after all a Lora Leigh book and I have read such brilliant books written by her….which just by the way was the ONLY reason I did not give up and finally finished reading it. And that I give it a 2* instead of 1*
November 8, 2010
Mikayla was an unusual heroine for this Lora Leigh series because she believed in forever and happily ever after. She was strong in her convictions, professionally capable, and had a loving and loyal family. For Nik, Mikayla is everything that he had hoped to have, couldn't have, and he sees forever in her eyes. Unlike most in the series, this H/h have no past history, no shady dealings to hide behind. Nik quickly admits to her that he's there to figure out who is telling the truth, Maddix or Mikayla, and he quickly becomes embroiled in Hagerstown's close-knit communities clash of loyalties. While they have chemistry, there's much less of a "forces of nature" feeling as others in the series have. Mikayla isn't fighting her attraction. That doesn't mean that there aren't any hot scenes (a la Lora Leigh). The only disappointment in the book is the lack of other series regulars playing a big role; that's a personal issue, not with the plot itself - the plot is a "work alone" because it's based on Nik's owing a favor to Maddix. The one character that did play a big role is Tehya, as Nik's handler. I can't wait to read Jordan's story, next in the series, because I expect that Tehya's going to lead him a merry chase.
September 12, 2010
This book was so much better than the last ones in the series. I really liked Mikayla, she wasn't your typical virginal heroine, she actually had a back bone and wasn't afraid to use it when she needed to. Which would then drive Nik nuts as right from the start he was fighting his attraction to her.
Watching these 2 dance around each other and their feelings for each other was the fun of the story. Nik had been very hurt in his past, seems to be a running theme from this author, and Mikayla was set up to be the person everyone aspires to be, such a good girl never does anything wrong, and has the trust of her whole community. This description of Mikayla has the possibility to grate on your nerves, but she is really likable. I loved how everyone from Mikayla's family to friends to community members and Nik's team kept warning him not to hurt her.
The crime that Mikayla saw was only mildly interesting. I had figured out how it was done fairly early, just not the specific person. It looks like things will be interesting in future books with Mikayla having contacts the team can use.
Watching these 2 dance around each other and their feelings for each other was the fun of the story. Nik had been very hurt in his past, seems to be a running theme from this author, and Mikayla was set up to be the person everyone aspires to be, such a good girl never does anything wrong, and has the trust of her whole community. This description of Mikayla has the possibility to grate on your nerves, but she is really likable. I loved how everyone from Mikayla's family to friends to community members and Nik's team kept warning him not to hurt her.
The crime that Mikayla saw was only mildly interesting. I had figured out how it was done fairly early, just not the specific person. It looks like things will be interesting in future books with Mikayla having contacts the team can use.
October 19, 2010
First, I LOVED Nik. Nothing cooler than a character who isn't going to avoid confrontation by just having sex with someone. Maybe that had something to do with the heroine being a virgin and that whole aspect of things, but it was certainly a new twist from Leigh that I liked.
The one thing that bothers me with all these SEALs books is the fact that the heroes all had different lives before they were reborn. So, someone please explain to me how you can supposedly fall in love with someone when you don't really know anything about them.
I think that the only thing she got out of Nik about his past is the fact that he once had a wife that betrayed him and that both she and their daughter died.
I'm sorry, but if that's all I knew about a guy, then there is no way in hell that I would spend any private time with him. Especially if it's someone who has the ability to kill someone without being affected. If a killer is after you, then how the hell can you feel safe with another.
& i'm going to ruin the ending here, but Leigh took the easy way out by having an evil twin brother that no one knew about be the killer. I'm sorry, but I'm reading a book, not watching a soap.
The one thing that bothers me with all these SEALs books is the fact that the heroes all had different lives before they were reborn. So, someone please explain to me how you can supposedly fall in love with someone when you don't really know anything about them.
I think that the only thing she got out of Nik about his past is the fact that he once had a wife that betrayed him and that both she and their daughter died.
I'm sorry, but if that's all I knew about a guy, then there is no way in hell that I would spend any private time with him. Especially if it's someone who has the ability to kill someone without being affected. If a killer is after you, then how the hell can you feel safe with another.
& i'm going to ruin the ending here, but Leigh took the easy way out by having an evil twin brother that no one knew about be the killer. I'm sorry, but I'm reading a book, not watching a soap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2011
I'm giving Renegade 3 stars because i DID really like Nik and Mikayla and the story was pretty good but i have to agree with others that Lora Leigh DID get very repetitive with the use of her words/phrases in this one..actually, i think this might have been the worst that i have ever seen it! What's funny is that in her acknowledgements at the beginning of the book the first person she mentions is her editor.."For a wonderful editor, Monique" are her exact words. I've mentioned in past reviews that a lot of times when i'm reading a book, if the storytelling is done well i'll usually overlook a lot of the editing errors that seem to bother others..which seems to be the case w/ a lot of Lora Leigh's books..but this time it was SO noticeable!...sadly, no amount of great storytelling would have covered it. Surely the wonderful editor that is Monique must have been on vacation when this book was proof read!
I'm still curious enough about Jordan aka Livewire and Tehya that i'll def. be reading the next and final book in this series. Hopefully Monique, if she's still around, actually did her job with that one!! ;)
I'm still curious enough about Jordan aka Livewire and Tehya that i'll def. be reading the next and final book in this series. Hopefully Monique, if she's still around, actually did her job with that one!! ;)
August 29, 2010
Another great story to add to this series. Nik, oh Nik. You can't help but fall for him and feel for him. Liked the story line though at the end she kinda rushed it for me. Now I gotta wait for Jordan's downfall and I hope it's gonna be a good one. It's nice to see the other characters from her previous books to make an appearance. Hope she makes a book with all Tempting Seals/Elite Ops together soon.
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