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Dark Ops #3
Renegade
Untamed and Third in the Dark Ops series.
Tech Sergeant Mason "Smooth" Randolph lives to push boundaries. But he never anticipated how far outside the box he would land when an in- flight accident sends him parachuting into Nevada's notorious Area 51- and into the handcuffs of sexy security cop Jill Walczak.
Tech Sergeant Mason "Smooth" Randolph lives to push boundaries. But he never anticipated how far outside the box he would land when an in- flight accident sends him parachuting into Nevada's notorious Area 51- and into the handcuffs of sexy security cop Jill Walczak.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2010
About the author
Catherine Mann
603 books1,255 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 15, 2010
Spectacular start--worthy of an action movie it was so riveting--and an almost as riveting ending, but...something was not quite right with the middle of the story. I'm trying to put my finger on what was wrong with this one, and I think it was because it wasn't long enough. I think this story should have been expanded by at least 50-100 more pages--there was so much that could have been told with more detail and wasn't, and that's what made it just "okay" for me. I loved the characters, liked the suspense plot well enough, the romance had a lot of potential, but I had way too many instances of wanting "more". It's okay to leave a reader wanting a little more, but I was starving for more about the H/h pasts and their current relationship and a little bit more detail on the whole serial killer plot--just not enough time was spent on the details, IMO.
The book starts out in a big, exciting way with Tech Sgt. Mason "Smooth" Randolph involved in a spectacular accident (that nearly takes his life) while on a test flight of a super secret military aircraft, forcing him to parachute into the inky night and into Nevada's notorious Area 51 (home of a secret military airfield with a reputation from the locals for UFO sightings). Was it really an 'accident', did Mason somehow screw up, or did someone sabotage the jet? When he crash lands he is taken into custody by a sexy security cop (Jill Walczak) who happens to be patrolling in the area. Jill's a former cop now working as a member of a covert surveillance force looking for a serial killer inside the local air force base (all the victims have ties to the air force). Mason's appearance seemingly out of nowhere raises Jill's suspicions--could he be the serial killer that they're looking for? Even though his story of being involved in an accident and having to parachute into a restricted area makes sense, and Jill recognizes him from seeing him on the base, she's not taking anything for granted. Lots of witty (from Mason) and cutting (from Jill) dialogue follows, as Jill cuffs and takes Mason down. When a smoky cloud of possible hazardous material appears on the horizon and is drifting their way, Mason and Jill must make tracks before getting contaminated. Forced into quarantine together overnight, they try to fight their physical attraction as they figure out if each can trust the other. Could this sexy, glib aviator possibly be the killer Jill is looking for? Why does Mason have a connection to all of the victims--is he an actual suspect or is someone out to frame him--and why? And why was Jill patrolling well inside of the area 51 border--could she be snooping for some classified information or is she just doing her job? When a driver-less car nearly runs down Mason and Jill as they're leaving the hospital, and Mason heroically saves the day, Jill is forced to admit to herself that despite his reputation as a smooth-talking ladies' man that maybe Mason isn't all that bad. After a break-in at Jill's home (possibly by the serial killer), Mason and Jill are forced into seclusion on the base, and they get to know each other a little better, revealing bits about their pasts, and decide to act on the attraction they feel for each other. Some hot love making ensues, helped along by a rose and a bunch of rose petals...It looks like Jill and Mason are well on their way to having some kind of relationship...but will Mason's reluctance to become emotionally intimate and Jill's expectations of being 'left' again by a man she's grown attached to get in the way? And will the person trying to frame Mason by linking him to the serial killings be caught? And what about the killer--who is he/she and why are they targeting the Air Force personnel? Things all come to a head when Mason and his crew participate in a test run of the secret hypersonic jet in front of visiting foreign generals. Will the person out to sabotage Mason be discovered, or will the jet and crew meet up with a spectacular accident? Will Mason and Jill get a chance to work on their relationship and realize that they may have a future together, or will the person out to get Mason and their twisted, petty jealousies get in the way?
This was the third book in CM's Dark Ops series, and although it's not my favorite, it was still a decent read. Fans of the series will be happy to catch up with Jimmy Gage ("Hot Wire"), Vince Deluca ("Vapor"), Chuck Tanaka, and their girlfriends again, and read about the budding romance between recent widower Colonel Rex Scanlon and the (much younger) Italian singing sensation Livia Cicero--lots of time was spent on this subplot (at times I thought it overshadowed Mason and Jill's romance) and I expect to see more of these two in future books.
So all in all not a bad read, but one that could have been a lot better with the development of certain aspects of the book (getting inside the mind of the serial killer a bit more; and more time devoted to the romance between the H/h). I'll definitely keep on reading this series, because I do like CM's style of writing and her characters. And I want to see what will happen with Rex and Livia! 3 1/2 stars.
The book starts out in a big, exciting way with Tech Sgt. Mason "Smooth" Randolph involved in a spectacular accident (that nearly takes his life) while on a test flight of a super secret military aircraft, forcing him to parachute into the inky night and into Nevada's notorious Area 51 (home of a secret military airfield with a reputation from the locals for UFO sightings). Was it really an 'accident', did Mason somehow screw up, or did someone sabotage the jet? When he crash lands he is taken into custody by a sexy security cop (Jill Walczak) who happens to be patrolling in the area. Jill's a former cop now working as a member of a covert surveillance force looking for a serial killer inside the local air force base (all the victims have ties to the air force). Mason's appearance seemingly out of nowhere raises Jill's suspicions--could he be the serial killer that they're looking for? Even though his story of being involved in an accident and having to parachute into a restricted area makes sense, and Jill recognizes him from seeing him on the base, she's not taking anything for granted. Lots of witty (from Mason) and cutting (from Jill) dialogue follows, as Jill cuffs and takes Mason down. When a smoky cloud of possible hazardous material appears on the horizon and is drifting their way, Mason and Jill must make tracks before getting contaminated. Forced into quarantine together overnight, they try to fight their physical attraction as they figure out if each can trust the other. Could this sexy, glib aviator possibly be the killer Jill is looking for? Why does Mason have a connection to all of the victims--is he an actual suspect or is someone out to frame him--and why? And why was Jill patrolling well inside of the area 51 border--could she be snooping for some classified information or is she just doing her job? When a driver-less car nearly runs down Mason and Jill as they're leaving the hospital, and Mason heroically saves the day, Jill is forced to admit to herself that despite his reputation as a smooth-talking ladies' man that maybe Mason isn't all that bad. After a break-in at Jill's home (possibly by the serial killer), Mason and Jill are forced into seclusion on the base, and they get to know each other a little better, revealing bits about their pasts, and decide to act on the attraction they feel for each other. Some hot love making ensues, helped along by a rose and a bunch of rose petals...It looks like Jill and Mason are well on their way to having some kind of relationship...but will Mason's reluctance to become emotionally intimate and Jill's expectations of being 'left' again by a man she's grown attached to get in the way? And will the person trying to frame Mason by linking him to the serial killings be caught? And what about the killer--who is he/she and why are they targeting the Air Force personnel? Things all come to a head when Mason and his crew participate in a test run of the secret hypersonic jet in front of visiting foreign generals. Will the person out to sabotage Mason be discovered, or will the jet and crew meet up with a spectacular accident? Will Mason and Jill get a chance to work on their relationship and realize that they may have a future together, or will the person out to get Mason and their twisted, petty jealousies get in the way?
This was the third book in CM's Dark Ops series, and although it's not my favorite, it was still a decent read. Fans of the series will be happy to catch up with Jimmy Gage ("Hot Wire"), Vince Deluca ("Vapor"), Chuck Tanaka, and their girlfriends again, and read about the budding romance between recent widower Colonel Rex Scanlon and the (much younger) Italian singing sensation Livia Cicero--lots of time was spent on this subplot (at times I thought it overshadowed Mason and Jill's romance) and I expect to see more of these two in future books.
So all in all not a bad read, but one that could have been a lot better with the development of certain aspects of the book (getting inside the mind of the serial killer a bit more; and more time devoted to the romance between the H/h). I'll definitely keep on reading this series, because I do like CM's style of writing and her characters. And I want to see what will happen with Rex and Livia! 3 1/2 stars.
April 7, 2010
Catherine Mann is fast becomming one of my favorite writers. While her Dark Ops boys are sexy and desirable, often that is because she has created "real life" characters. Her boys (and girls) include everyday foibles and imperfections but are ramped up by their overwhelming patriotism and belief in the team concept. I also find it refreshing to read about Air Force flyboys (like my dad!) rather than the over-the-top alpha males of the Navy SEALS, etc.
This book takes place in Area 51, that alien hotbed in the desert shared by the military for secret testing of, well, anything and everything. That in itself provides a setting for military intrigue with a few crazy touches. The characters in this novel are interesting and emotionally developed; its interesting to know the thoughts of the men in this story as they think about revealing private info to the women in their lives compared to what they reveal to their teammates.
The only complaint I had about this story was that I could never figure out why it was called "Renegade". Oh, well.
This book takes place in Area 51, that alien hotbed in the desert shared by the military for secret testing of, well, anything and everything. That in itself provides a setting for military intrigue with a few crazy touches. The characters in this novel are interesting and emotionally developed; its interesting to know the thoughts of the men in this story as they think about revealing private info to the women in their lives compared to what they reveal to their teammates.
The only complaint I had about this story was that I could never figure out why it was called "Renegade". Oh, well.
October 24, 2017
Happy to finally get hold of the only book I haven't read in this series. It's a good reminder of why I like Mann's military suspense so much. Contains a strong heroine with a weapon, hero with some (but not much) emotional damage, fast planes, dogs and Area 51.
February 19, 2010
Another good one from Catherine Mann. Third in the series about a group of black ops test pilots. The plot was clear. The writing well done. The dialog realistic. The feel of the characters was real, although Mason let go of the smooth operator persona a little soon maybe? I can't quite put my finger on what I felt about him. Maybe he just needed a few more pages to round him out. Liked Jill and how strong she was. But she maybe needed a few more pages to round her out also.
A good solid secondary plot with the Lt Colonel. Really like that guy and hope he has his own book. The bad guy was a bit too good but was a genious and since I don't know many, maybe the skills shown are feasible. Hey it's fiction so I'm okay with it. Liked the interaction with the whole crew. The comradary among men is one of the reasons I like these kinds of books.
Lots going on in this book. Plenty of flying details. It's always good when the premise of a story is used in the book. In this case that they are top secret test pilots. Plenty of words for your money.
The only thing that kept it from 5 stars is that it seemed that the actual romance between the hero and heroine was shorted just a tad.
Can't wait for the next one.
A good solid secondary plot with the Lt Colonel. Really like that guy and hope he has his own book. The bad guy was a bit too good but was a genious and since I don't know many, maybe the skills shown are feasible. Hey it's fiction so I'm okay with it. Liked the interaction with the whole crew. The comradary among men is one of the reasons I like these kinds of books.
Lots going on in this book. Plenty of flying details. It's always good when the premise of a story is used in the book. In this case that they are top secret test pilots. Plenty of words for your money.
The only thing that kept it from 5 stars is that it seemed that the actual romance between the hero and heroine was shorted just a tad.
Can't wait for the next one.
March 26, 2016
It was pretty good ,I was kinda hoping that they would show more of them in Quarantine together, it sounded like a big part of the plot of the story but it so wasn't and I was actually looking forward to seeing that part of the book.
I really liked Mason ,he's just great ,and he totally lives up to his nickname Smooth ,I loved every moment between him and Jill ,they are kinda perfect for each other.
I liked Jill ,there was only one thing I didn't care for and that was they she kept pre-judging Mason at every turn until finally she see's that there is more to him than just Smooth pick up lines ,after that their relationship takes off and they just make a great couple .
The one thing about Mann's books is that almost from the start you can tell who the villain is ,I mean she tells a good story but it's almost always a dead give away .
Still I enjoyed reading this book ,it was good ,I love the characters and the plot wasn't bad . I plan on reading the other books in the series soon.
I really liked Mason ,he's just great ,and he totally lives up to his nickname Smooth ,I loved every moment between him and Jill ,they are kinda perfect for each other.
I liked Jill ,there was only one thing I didn't care for and that was they she kept pre-judging Mason at every turn until finally she see's that there is more to him than just Smooth pick up lines ,after that their relationship takes off and they just make a great couple .
The one thing about Mann's books is that almost from the start you can tell who the villain is ,I mean she tells a good story but it's almost always a dead give away .
Still I enjoyed reading this book ,it was good ,I love the characters and the plot wasn't bad . I plan on reading the other books in the series soon.
December 22, 2013
I am a great fan of Special Ops, Dark Ops, Seals, etc, romantic suspense books and I am not adding Catherine Mann as one of my faves. I absolutely loved the way she introduced to the "bad guy" right at the beginning, however, she does not disclose too much information to give the book away. The brotherhood amongst the flyboys and their ribbing is fun and entertaining. You get a sense of the ordinary out of these extraordinary people. Sexy and steamy passion and a great adventure.
February 6, 2016
I liked this. I'm sorry the library doesn't have the rest of the series. Loved the beginning with Smooth almost falling out of the plane and the mysterious explosion. He and Jill were a good fit - good chemistry, and the actually seemed to like each other and along. Loved that he trusted her cop training and let her take care of herself in most situations but was still protective of her. I could have done without the extensive side issue of colonel Scanlon and the Italian pop star.
April 30, 2012
I've really enjoyed the books in this series so far, but for some reason this one just didn't grab me. I just didn't get a real sense of the characters, I didn't feel like I got to know them and I didn't really care if they found the killer or each other by the end. I'm not sure if it was just my mood at the time or if this installment wasn't up to the standards of the previous books.
September 14, 2013
Mason and Jill - Nevada with nuclear issues - Tech Sergeant Mason "Smooth" Randolph lives to push boundaries. But he never anticipated how far outside the box he would land when an in- flight accident sends him parachuting into Nevada's notorious Area 51- and into the handcuffs of sexy security cop Jill Walczak.
February 6, 2016
This was the slowest of these books that I've read so far. While with the others in the series, I couldn't put it down, with this one I had to remind myself to pick it up and finish it! I'm not sure what made it so slow paced or uninteresting but I was disappointed after loving the other ones so much!
March 28, 2011
I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more. The characters and situations are great and well-written and I was really happy with how the story unfolded and the conclusion. I hope to see these characters again, even if its just as secondary characters in future novels.
October 9, 2012
I'm still chuckling over the Aussie saying "Sheila". For the record hardly anyone in Australia says that word and when we do its with an over exaggerated accent. So when reading that line please, please, imagine it being said with an over exaggerated accent :)
August 18, 2013
more 3.5 stars but...
The story was good. ANd I loved meeting the whole crew again. But the couple just didn't do it for me. I never felt this passion between them. They seemed to me a bit boring.
Onto the next one!
The story was good. ANd I loved meeting the whole crew again. But the couple just didn't do it for me. I never felt this passion between them. They seemed to me a bit boring.
Onto the next one!
December 22, 2013
This was another new author to me. Loved the idea of the story, but it just tended to go on a bit to long.
Didn't really get to the serial killer until almost the end - and that was supposed to be the whole main event of the story.
Didn't really get to the serial killer until almost the end - and that was supposed to be the whole main event of the story.
Want to Read
September 2, 2009Mason (smooth) Randolph and Jill Walczak
February 11, 2010
Just didn't do it for me. I could not get settled into the story or the characters. Not a favorite from Catherine Mann this time around.
(Sent to Berta 2/10)
(Sent to Berta 2/10)
November 5, 2021
Liked it!!
February 5, 2012
Decent read but the romance was really forced/rushed. Characters weren't very well developed when you think about it. The author relied too heavily on stereotypes to characterize Mason and Jill
February 27, 2012
Can't wait for the next one
February 12, 2013
3.5 stars
Read
October 4, 2012I really enjoyed this one!
March 16, 2013
Great read by Catherine Mann
April 19, 2013
This one was a good one. Liked it nearly as much as the first in the series.
December 1, 2014
Pretty good, as an extention of the series.
February 17, 2015
Below average across the board. Romance, suspence, logic.
May 29, 2016
Great read. Non-stop action, adventure, suspense and hot romance.
August 11, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
March 15, 2011
It was an alright read. Entertaining but not one I'll read again.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews