She’s spent her life on the periphery of humanity.

Bree Geissenger lives by one mantra: You’re only as good as your latest creation. Tucked away in laboratories, always wanted for her brains, she’s been safe. Unseen. But the new life she has at The Arsenal has upended her carefully constructed world. Unable to cope with the threats against her friends, she fractured. Determined not to be the weakest link, she fled the safety of The Arsenal compound to heal. Regroup. Hunt.

Those she loves will no longer be prey. She’ll ferret out everyone who’s a threat to those she loves, no matter the cost. There’s no sacrifice too great in war. A smart soldier doesn’t work alone, though, which means she must work with the operative she wants more than anything.

He ran from a past he’s swore to never delve into.

Ramon Zapata escaped the underground, clandestine world his parents deemed his birthright. Military life honed him into the weapon he swore to never become and gave him the only true family he’s ever known. Life at The Arsenal was everything he’d wanted, including the brilliant, beautiful scientist who blew his world wide open. To save his new family and the woman he loves, he must reconcile his past and work with the black ops organization who spent years hunting him like an animal.

Failure isn’t an option.
Never quit.
Never surrender.

NOTE: While this book can be read as a standalone, there are numerous plot threads that continue from previous books. Reading in order will provide a better reading experience.

This book opens where the last one ends, and quite frankly if you haven’t read this series I suggest you go start at the beginning. You’ll get so much more out of every book.

Bree has been away from the Arsenal for a couple of weeks, she’s working through her issues and guilt, but still doing sessions with Sinclair and talking to Jesse as well. Her brother Lars informs her the alarms she set up were going off. She’d her phone on silent and had a bunch of missed calls from Zoey. Zoey lets her know their friendlies, ‘The Triple Threat’ is coming to retrieve her.

I got a kick out of their reaction to getting stuck because of her new invention, and how they needed to override it.

Safety is everyone’s main concern and Bree agrees her family should come to the Arsenal at least temporarily. She’s more than a little surprised when her Gram didn’t protest at all.

I love Bree’s niece and nephew, Hillary and Luke, the addition of her stories about the superheroes just makes everything more amusing. Especially when all the teams just go along with it.

It isn’t long before alarms go off at the compound, since they now have protected airspace and a helicopter is incoming. The passenger on that plane isn’t really welcome but the Arsenal will hear him out.

This is a favorite scene.

“You have done more in your short life as an elite organization than Knightwind has in decades,” Gavin said. “You’ve become the bar we must all aspire to hit. The new leaders of Knightwind recognize that and are prepared to overhaul their approach for future missions, but that will require your assistance.”

“How so?” Vi asked.

“We lack the advanced tech you have,” Gavin said. “Ours is good, but nothing compared to HERA. If we ramp up our endeavors, we’d need your assistance with information.”

“You’re information powerhouses. You said that earlier,” Bree said.

“Yes, but it’s old school,” Mary said. “They likely have significant delays between data obtainment and disbursement. A few hours or days could translate to immediate mission failure.”

“The older the intel, the deader the team,” Nolan surmised.

“So you want us to agree to an alliance in exchange for a one-time assistance with our current issue,” Marshall said.

“We wouldn’t expect an agreement. Our assistance with your current problem is a gift,” Gavin said. “No strings attached.”

“Bullshit,” Bree said. There was always a string. “What are you really wanting for this? Forget the so-called alliance and all the pretty promises you’re throwing at the wall. It’s not going to stick. What. Are. You. After?” She punctuated every word of the question and willed her breathing to calm.

Ram ran his hand down her back. “Talk it out with us, Bree. You know them better than we do.”

“There’s always a string. A condition. My work was supposed to be a quick, one-month assignment, but they dragged it out, adding parameters that were supposedly integral to my original objective. A month turned into two. Then three. On and on.” She glanced at Addy. “I got a coded message to Addy four months into my so-called one-month contract and begged her to get me out.”

“I don’t know this prick, but whoever’s running Knightwind isn’t trustworthy,” Addy said. “Not based on what we saw when I was extracting Bree.”

“We have a new owner, someone who’s worked hard since then to put Knightwind back on the right path,” Gavin said. “It doesn’t excuse what happened back then, but I assure you we have changed.”

“None of that matters,” Jesse said. “Not now. Answer Bree’s question. What are you after in exchange for your help with our issue? What will those assets you have cost us?”

Gavin’s jaw twitched. “Nothing. If you don’t wish to assist with our request, it won’t be an issue.”

“But there is a request,” Bree said. She shook her head. “You’re talking out of both sides of your mouth and contradicting yourself.”

“When we came under new ownership, there was a significant civil war of sorts within our organization. Some high-up leaders who were about to be terminated betrayed Knightwind,” Gavin said. “Their inside intel gave what our enemy needed to take over a detainment facility we ran.”

Bree held her breath. No. Hell no. She shook her head and focused on the table. She didn’t want to think about that horrible place, the one she’d been forced to make impenetrable. God, this was not happening.

“You want our help to get it back,” Vi said. “Why would we be able to do that if you can’t?”

“We have focused on the informational side of the arena while you’ve already made yourselves known as being formidable in all aspects,” Gavin said. “Only one operative has ever broken into that facility and extracted someone. I have it on good authority she’s now an Arsenal employee.”

Mia. It had to be Mia. Right? Or Addy. No, they would have known if Addy broke into that vile place. She’d gotten Bree out of Knightwind after she’d left that facility.

As if reading her mind, Addy said, “I didn’t break into any detention facility.”

“No. You didn’t.” So it was Mia they were talking about. Damn.

The private paramilitary arena was small. Everyone knew everyone else. Bree had accepted that long ago, but all these horrible pathways converging left her wishing she’d stayed at Grams’ cabin.

“And all the impenetrable defenses of this facility were created by Bree,” Gavin said. “If anyone can break them, it’ll be The Arsenal and whatever tech she’s created for you.”

Damn. Damn. Damn. She hadn’t wanted anyone to know about the work she’d done for Knightwind. Addy hadn’t ever asked. Neither had Mary, Vi, or Rhea.

“No,” Addy said quickly. “She’s not working with you ever again. I’ll personally hunt every last one of you down before that happens.”

That’s why Bree loved Addy. She was the protective big sister. Okay, she was apparently younger than Bree, but still. Vi shut her laptop and glanced at Mary, who shook her head.

“This is your call, Bree,” Mary said.

“How do we know your assets are who we need?” Bree asked. Focusing on The Arsenal’s mission to find the financial backers behind Carlisle Industries kept her brain from spiraling. “We need proof you can help.”

“Fair enough.” Gavin pulled out a thumb drive and tossed it to Vi. “That should be a good start. You’ve been looking into the secretary of defense. We’ve been unable to figure out exactly what is happening with him, but we suspect he’s in trouble. That’s surveillance footage from the past week, taken within his home and office— both of which you’ve been unable to get coverage of so far. No one can.”

The large overhead screens along the walls came to life, as did the monitors on the table’s surface. Images of a bald man with Bob filled the screens.

“We’ve been unable to identify him, but this man has become a daily part of his routine. Our asset only sees the secretary of defense a couple times a day, but this individual is with him often, yet is not part of his official entourage.” Gavin motioned toward the screen. “We suspect your HERA system will find his identity even though we’ve failed to do so.”

“So a test within a gift,” Zoey muttered. She, Vi, and Mary all typed away on their laptops.

Bree heard the distinctive chime of an identity match through the room’s speakers, but no visual appeared. She smiled. They weren’t sharing that HERA had already found out who the asshole with Bob was.

“Will that suffice as proof?” Gavin asked.

“Perhaps,” Mary said. “It’s up to Bree.”

“If we agree to this, Edge and Quillery command your assets. They are solely within their operational governance while this operation takes place,” Bree said. “We will allow one Knight asset to work with our teams, but The Arsenal will have full control of the mission.”

“That’s preposterous,” Gavin argued.

“Take it or leave it,” Vi said.

“What else, Bree?”

Damn. They wanted more. Okay… She took a deep breath. “We have full access to your databases, both those online and those tucked away while we’re working together on this mission. In exchange, we will agree to run facial recognitions through HERA for you, but no more than six. That will include locating the targets, if we choose to do so. We’ll require the full mission debrief on why you’re seeking them, though, since we don’t trust your moral code.”

“If they even have one,” Addy muttered.

Mary grinned.

“In exchange for this mutual cooperation,” Bree said with another deep breath after, “we will review your mission file on Facility Six. Full disclosure on your objective and who you are specifically wanting to extract will be required. We make no promise to assist, but we will review the material you provide, and I will make recommendations on approach regardless of The Arsenal’s decision.”

“Add in recommendations from the operative who’s been successful, and I can make this work with my superiors,” Gavin said. “When did you become such a ballbuster?”

“When you chained me to a wall and told me my work wasn’t done until your bosses said it was,” Bree shot back.

“What the fuck?” Ram stood.

“Sit down,” Gage ordered. He glared across the table. “There’s a room across the hall. Make your call to the people with the balls to make a decision before we change our mind.”
Cara Carnes. Lethal Echo (Kindle Locations 673-738).

Now Bree’s taken on a lot of guilt that really isn’t hers and while she’s still getting herself together she still has bouts of feeling unworthy.

A shortfall of the group is revealed when attempting the plan to get eyes on Bob (the Secretary of Defense), Bree has new tech and she’s hesitant to share. She was very busy while everyone was working on the Russia thing. It’s Ram, Pierce and Doug who notice her tell and calls them out on it. Then Bree finally says something and immediately they recognize what they’d been doing and the apologies start flying. More important is they now have a solution they didn’t know they had.

This whole book is multiple levels, between family, friends, missions, new tech and the simmer to sizzle romance between Bree and Ram, I just couldn’t put it down.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

She fights for those who can’t fight back…

Jennifer Davenport vowed to never back down from a fight. Raised in a violent home, she’d survived her share of nightmares and monsters lurking in the shadows. She’s made it her life mission to help all of Counterstrike’s clients start a new life. Her former Delta force brothers get them out, and she paves the way to a better future. Easy, right?

Yeah, no. She’s used to threats, but when they turn deadly, she finds herself turning to mysterious, sexy leader of the local MC. The Scythe MC’s President is everything she shouldn’t want yet can’t resist.

Banner “Razor” Nilon left military service wrongly branded as “dishonorably discharged.” Rather than walk away, he chose to fight within the shadows. The Scythe MC was formed for one purpose: redemption. The goal was simple: operate off the radar and prove he and his club brothers were all innocent.

But the club hit Counterstrike’s radar in a big way and the beautiful, brilliant attorney has shaken his entire world up. Walking away when she’s in trouble isn’t possible, especially when the little spitfire defends his club. Yeah, taking on her war to find whoever wants to kill her might not be the smartest plan, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if it means playing nicely with her protective, billionaire do-gooder big brothers and all their former military operatives. They may not always play by the rules, but Razor’s never met a rule he wouldn’t break.

Banner “Razor” Nilon is President of the Scythe MC, the members are all former military that had in one way or an other been forced out due to political circumstances beyond their control.

When we first meet Razor he’s with his VP Frenzy and his SoA Sandman meeting with Counterstrike’s Ethan, Milo and Jen at Cholo’s restaurant. While the Scythes have kept under the radar, they are also cleaning up the gangs in the area with new rules about what they can and cannot do. If they don’t like it they can leave or face the consequences.

Counterstrike wants to know why they are here and unfortunately even Tex can’t smooth over the tension. The is the first time we see Jen’s reaction to the bad boy biker.

We get to see Jen’s true colors when the Scythes save the day after many Counterstrike personnel have testified in the Guerillo case. The AG wants all the media coverage he can get totally unaware of the danger he’s putting the others in. Jen was truly impressive as she gets the Scythe’s out of handcuffs.

It’s later on as some of those waves have settled that Counterstrike finds itself in need of more operatives. Women having to wait too long for extraction putting them even more at risk. Jen decides to take things in her own hands and goes to meet with Razor alone on his turf.

This is just one of my favorite scenes.

Too many people needed their help and wouldn’t get it. She clutched the two folders she’d put together as she made her way toward the back of the small club. If Cholo was right, the higher ups in the Scythes frequented this establishment.

This is so stupid.

Yep. Ethan and Milo would kick her ass if they found out she was here, but someone needed to help these two women. If Counterstrike didn’t have the time, then maybe the Scythes would.

Face it. You just wanted an excuse to see Razor again.

Ugh. She couldn’t deny that part of her brain. She’d become a bit obsessed with the sexy biker. He exuded the same lethal badass vibes as the Counterstrike operatives but, unlike them, he made her entire body heat with an awareness she hadn’t felt in ages. When he looked at her, she felt…

Exposed.

No, she felt like a woman, one stripped bare of her legal persona and overprotective big brother armor. Razor didn’t strike her as a man who’d shy away from going after what he wanted and, unless she’d read him entirely wrong the few times their paths had crossed, he wanted her.

Feminine laughter echoed from the darkened corner she approached. Dread curdled her bravery a few beats. This was a terrible idea. Turn around. Soft shafts of life fractured the darkness when she took another step forward. Long, red hair bobbed up and down as a large hand gripped the curly mass.

“Looking to join in or take her place?” The husky whisper against her ear jolted her half a step forward. Her arms scissored out to prevent a fall, but a firm grip steadied her at the waist. “Sorry, beauty. Couldn’t resist.” A husky sigh rushed warm heat against the shell of her ear. Tingles ignited across her skin. “Fuck, you smell good.”

“Razor.” Her back pressed against a hard chest. “Sorry. They told me you were in the back.”

“Someone’s got a sense of humor. They won’t ever give my location away, but they will send wayward little lambs to my VP or SoA.” Amusement filled his voice as his hand stroked along her hip. “You here looking for an adventure? I doubt your brothers would approve of you dirtying yourself by showing up here all alone.”

Jen gulped. Getting dirtied up sounded a bit fun, thrilling even. “You make that sound like a bad idea.”

“Oh, it isn’t.” He chuckled, bathing the heated skin along her ear with another bout of breath once more. “I’m sure it would be one hell of a ride.”

Images assailed her as the visual cue “ride” took on a life of its own. This wasn’t why she’d come here, but maybe it should’ve been. Face it, Jen. You wanted to see the dirty-minded biker again. Alone. “We need to talk.”

“Is that right?” He huffed and loosened his grip. “If that’s what you want.”

She wanted far more than talk but took a steadying breath and turned to face Razor. Scruff covered his masculine jaw, adding another layer of don’t-fuck-with-me to his already lethal vibe. Would the scratchy whiskers feel good against her skin?

“Keep looking at me like that and we’ll have a problem,” he warned. “There’s talk, and then there’s talk, beauty. You aren’t ready for the kind of conversation I want to have.”

Oh, she was. So ready.

“Come on, little lamb. Let’s go into my lair.” He took her hand. Warmth seeped into her skin as he guided her to an empty booth across from the one the man and the redhead occupied.

Razor steered her into the booth, facing her away from the couple. Amusement broadened his full lips into a grin when their gazes locked. “What can I get you? Whatever you want.”

Jen shivered at the implication and squeezed her thighs together. Focus. Razor reached over the narrow table and ran his hands through her hair, which had lost most of its curl during the day. Warmth spread through her, pooling between her legs as his fingertips glided from the tips of her hair and across to the button just above her cleavage.

Intensity resonated within his dark gaze as he flicked it open. She leaned forward into the feather soft contact as he traced along the exposed skin. Stroking up and down a couple times. His gaze wandered to the newly opened area. Although it was still a modest amount of skin, the fact her cleavage now showed just enough to be scandalous in a work environment quickened her pulse.

“That’s better.” He leaned back in the booth. “What can I do for you?”

So much. Jen shifted against the leather bench. “We have more cases than we can work right now. A few medium priority ones have fallen through the cracks.” She shoved the two folders toward him. “I think these are two the Scythes could handle, if you’re willing.”

She intentionally referenced the Scythes, needing the distance it offered. It’d be too simple to tumble into his sexy gaze and let the sexual attraction between them take over.

Amusement glinted across his handsome face a moment. He opened the first folder. Jaw clinched, he flicked through the papers. “Fuck.” Leaning forward, he slammed the folder shut, then went to the next. “Define handle. My idea of dealing with these fuckwits probably won’t match Counterstrike’s.”

Jen suspected it would. Ethan and Milo never messed around when it came to abusers. None of the operatives did, which was why she was always one of their first calls after they’d addressed an issue. It’d taken a few trips to the county jail to bail a few of them out to find the acceptable line. They couldn’t help people in need if they were in lockup, after all.

“As long as they make the first strike and do enough damage to be photographed afterward, I can explain away reasonable damage on an operative’s part,” she explained. “You are all highly trained. Bruising and some blood are well within the limits. Broken bones and anything requiring a trip to the emergency room before they’re hauled into jail, not so much.”

His mouth upturned into a half-grin. “I’m thinking you could explain away a lot.”

“I can and I have.” She motioned toward the files. “These two women are wanting assistance relocating. They both have family in the area, so this is more of an escort detail than a problematic extraction.”

“The jargon is cute coming from you.”

Cute? She wrestled with the word because it was the last thing she wanted to be when around Razor. Her gaze darted toward the couple still writhing within the shadows. “Travis and the other new operatives he took down to The Arsenal should be returning in a few days. I can see if they can handle these two requests.”

“We’ll handle them. That’ll free them up to take on the other cases you’ve likely set aside for them.” His lips thinned. “How long’s the waiting time between initial contact and action?”

Too long. Even a few hours was too many in Jen’s opinion. “It’s improving. Forty-eight hours if there’s only a minimal threat level. We’re working on securing more safe houses. Anyone in immediate danger is taken to one upon leaving our office. We don’t take risks with their lives.”

“Even though you’re covered over with cases. Tell me you don’t participate in these removals.”

“On occasion I do,” she said. “Never alone, though. I can handle myself.”

“I’m sure you can.” His gaze swept across her. “You shouldn’t have to, though.” He tapped the files and let out an ear-piercing whistle. A wince flashed across his face. “Sorry, should’ve warned you.”

He held the files up as the shadow in the booth across the way surfaced. Frenzy glanced down at her, then directed his attention to the folders.

“Get with Sandman. Organize two groups, one for each file. Roll out in an hour,” Razor ordered. “Make contact with them first.”

Frenzy nodded. He perused each folder’s contents a few moments. His lips thinned.

“Nothing broken. No need for emergency rooms. No physical contact unless they attack first.” Razor glanced up at Frenzy. “Assign a prospect to each final location for forty-eight hours afterward. Phone me once each woman is secured.”

“On it. Gladly.” Frenzy charged through the bar, motioning to tables of Scythes as he went.

“You’ve done this before,” Jen commented. “Or something similar.” The club members reacted too calmly, with precision. They filed out of the bar in an organized fashion, tossing money on the tabletops as they departed.

“We adapt quickly.” He set both hands palms down on the tabletop. “Do your brothers know you’re here?”

“No, but it was the right thing to do.”

“It was.” He leaned forward. “You have any more, let me know. Give me your phone.”

Jen’s hand shook slightly as she offered her phone. He smirked and held it up toward her so it would open with her facial scan. Then he made himself at home as he leaned back and tapped away. Awareness zinged through her as she watched him. His cell chimed. He put hers in her hand, then pulled his out and repeated the process. Hers chimed.

“Call me anytime, beauty.”

Jen nodded. “Thank you.” She stood, pausing long enough for her legs to not wobble. “Have a good night, Razor.”
Cara Carnes. Fighting For Jen (Special Force: Operation Alpha): Counterstrike, Book 5 (Kindle Locations 320-393). Aces Press, LLC.

Things really heat up when a client dies trying to give her husband another chance leaving her son under Counterstrike’s protection.

There’s something weird with the grandparents and the father is charged with murder and Jen becomes even more protective of the child. The Scythe’s are helping with protection and when we least expect it things start to go boom!

I love this series and the slow burn between Jen and Razor is fun to read. There’s plenty of action and we get some awesome surprises as the Arsenal gets involved.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

This is a short, free read bridging Hostile Ground and Lethal Echo.

I love these free short stories between books. We get to see the whole crew in between operations and what they are dealing with at home.

In this one we have several things, Bree is off on her own for a couple of weeks, they’ve cut off communication with the Secretary of Defense their friend Bob, Riley has her first case and so much more. I’m going to just say a bit about Riley’s case since all this goes down while Kamren is in labor.

This case is cooperation with the local police and it’s gonna get a bit hairy even before Riley gets out of the house.

This is a favorite scene.

Riley ran her finger along the scar on her neck. She’d survived her best friend trying to kill her. She could handle anything— assuming she managed to get out of the house. She had six big brothers and a score of other badass commandoes to get through first. Oh, yeah, and none of them knew what tonight’s case was because she and Jud had been sworn to secrecy by the Nomad police department detective in charge of the case. She wasn’t even sure if Kristof knew yet.

Good times.

She grabbed her purse, triple checked that her pepper spray and small .22 were there, then exited the bathroom and made her way downstairs. The temptation to check in on Kamren first rode her hard, but she’d heard Dallas say just moments ago that she was trying to rest a bit.

She was halfway up the stairs when she heard the first “What the fuck?”

She took a deep breath and steeled her spine for the incoming arguments. If the people downstairs, most especially her brothers, knew what she was about to do, they’d lock her up for eternity. The fact they had an entire floor underneath one of the buildings for precisely that purpose didn’t help the unease pricking the back of her neck.

But she was a Mason same as them and she’d be damned if she backed down from a hard case. Jud trusted her to get the job done, and she trusted him to have her back. Too many people would be hurt if she didn’t.

“What the fuck?” The repeated inquiry forced her attention to the third stair from the bottom. Gage Sanderson’s wide eyes and pissed off expression didn’t bode well for how her brothers would react.

“Gage.”

“Go change. Now. There’s not enough eye bleach in the world to undo the damage seeing you in that outfit’s going to do to your brothers.”

“What’s going on?” Cord asked. He turned the corner and froze. “Sis. What the hell?”

“Enough.” Riley continued down the stairs. “I’m only saying this once, so you two lummoxes get the hell out of my way so I can get to it.”

“That’s not happening,” Cord said, stepping in her path.

“Move or I’ll make you,” she warned.

“I’d like to see you try.”

Riley sighed and kicked, slamming her stiletto heel into his thigh. Anything higher seemed like an injustice to her future nieces or nephews. “Sorry. I warned you.”

Gage shook his head but remained against the wall where he’d wisely moved. Yep. He was one smart cookie used to dealing with a headstrong woman. Hell, he was surrounded by them on a daily basis just like Cord.

Riley’s mom was thankfully not in the large living room. Neither was Dallas, which meant one less big brother to have an opinion about what she should or shouldn’t do. Her gaze swept the sofas and the walls, where the extra people had propped themselves as the wait to end all waits commenced.

Her gaze locked with Dom’s a moment. Her pulse quickened when his eyes widened, and he shoved off the wall. Raul snagged his left arm and Levi grabbed the other. Again, smart men. Too bad she already knew most of them wouldn’t be quite so wise.

“Are you ready, Jud?” Riley asked, opting for the easier avoidance option.

“Riley,” Marshall thundered. “What are you wearing?”

Okay, so much for the high road. Let the smartass commence in three… two… one.

“It’s called a dress. I realize it’s been a while since you’ve caroused the tri-county, but I assure you that’s exactly what this is.” She looked at Jud and silently hoped that he had her back for the war that was about to ensue.

“I’m thinking we need a debrief on tonight’s case,” Dylan said. “Jud?”

The man’s jaw twitched as he fisted his hands. “It’s confidential. Trust me, I’ve got her back. Kristof and I both do.”

“It’ll take an army to have her back dressed like that, particularly because there is no back. There’s barely a front,” Zoey commented.

“You aren’t helping,” Riley said.

“Sorry, just saying.” Zoey shrugged. “I’ve always got a sister’s back, but this might be a bit too much.”

“Look, I know what this looks like but it’s a simple, quick in and out case.” Riley crossed her arms.

“Quick only because no one seeing you dressed like that could last for more than a minute,” Dom snarled.

Riley gasped. Nolan growled.

“Honey trap?” Mary asked.

“Not exactly,” Jud answered.

“Okay, every male with the last name Mason is on a verbal time out,” Addy said. “You’ve all trusted Jud to have Riley’s back so far. That’s not changing just because of what she’s wearing. And, to add, you also trust your sister to be smart and handle herself.”

Riley took her first deep breath. She seriously loved Addy. The woman was as kickass as they came. Kristof chuckled. Marshall glared at him.

“What? She’s right.” Kristof shoved his hands into his black trousers and smiled. “If it helps, I don’t even know what the case is tonight. Not yet, at least.”

“That’s not helping either,” Jud commented.

“Okay then.” Mary stood. “Here’s the plan.
Cara Carnes. Breathe: An Arsenal free read bridging Hostile Ground and Lethal Echo (Kindle Locations 483-525). Heartscape Publishing, LLC.

Things get a bit crazy with the assignment and it shows once again how this family always has each others back.

There’s a lot packed into this read and it’s got laughter, tears and so much more!

Thank you Cara this was perfect!

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

She’s a magnet for trouble…

After they saved her from a violent marriage years before, Bea Stanz made a vow to fix her own problems and not rely so much on her brother and his fellow operatives at Counterstrike. Her newfound independence has been far from easy, but Bea 2.0 is determined to handle whatever comes her way. When a simple errand exposes a dangerous international kidnapping ring, she turns to the one man who’s taken her protection as a personal mission.

He swore to keep her safe…

Joe “Hazard” Santos left military service and joined Counterstrike after they rescued his sister. Protecting innocent women and children is his new mission, one he won’t fail. The beautiful, impulsive, and passionate little sister of a fellow operative is a task—one who blew into his life like a hurricane. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if she doesn’t want his help.

They will need every resource at their disposal to face this threat, but will all of Counterstrike and a Delta team be enough to succeed?

Bea has been working hard to stand on her own, she’s almost finished her courses to become a paralegal and has a great job. When she’s asked to bring some files to one of her bosses Evaline Cumberland she doesn’t hesitate. What she finds at the gated community disturbs her greatly. Evaline’s reaction to her even more so. The secret pass of of something tells her something was very wrong. Leaving the area the only person she thinks to call is Joe ‘Hazard’ Santos. Hazard has always been there for her and her son Ryan.

Hazard and a Delta force team are testing possible hires for Counterstrike. They need a specific level of expertise to handle dicey situations. They are quickly finding that many can’t make the cut. Bea’s call comes at a time when they are ready to stop for the day. When she arrives they settle in to eat and take a look at what she has.

The results of the data on the USB using HERA has flagged the Arsenal, who is shorthanded at the moment, and Tex is brought in to assist. After gathering as much intel as they can about the situation, Hazard and Bea head home. Well his home, as they’ve decided Bea could be in danger.

This is a favorite scene.

Home turned out to be his house, not hers. They’d swung by her place long enough for her to pack up a few days’ clothes and toiletries. Exhaustion had kept her from arguing too fiercely. And in all honesty, she wanted to see Hazard’s home.

While a part of her expected an apartment rather than a house, she wasn’t surprised when he pulled into the driveway of a small brick home a few blocks from where she lived. “No wonder you always show up so quick when I call.”

Amusement glimmered in his gaze, along with something deeper she didn’t want to think about. “My secret’s out. I don’t fly at the speed of light.”

Bea chuckled. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s a work in progress. The guys helped me re-floor and paint the place. The kitchen and bathrooms have been redone, but the yard is a mess and I want to redo the bedrooms.” Hazard opened the door and stepped in to deactivate the alarm. “Come in, make yourself at home.”

The pale gray walls offset the dark flooring perfectly. While the colors weren’t standard, they suited Hazard’s taste. Unique and mysterious. Different but spectacular. Dark leather furniture filled the living room.

“Marisol thinks I have something against color,” Hazard said.

“She might be right,” Bea mumbled. Splashes of bold color would go nicely with what he’d done so far. Dark red or maybe blue curtains. Green? Hmm… “You don’t strike me as the type to spend hours looking for the perfect curtains or throw pillows.”

“Throw pillows are useless.”

Hmm… she could think of very interesting ways to use throw pillows where Joseph “Hazard” Santos was concerned, but she didn’t comment. She could count on one hand the times she’d ever been alone with him the past few weeks.

And, yet, here they were alone in his home. His lair. Anticipation flared at the thought. She licked her lips as she wandered into the immaculate kitchen. Stainless steel appliances gleamed beneath the soft lighting overhead, a newer reset model she recognized because she’d hoped to one day install it in her house.

She ran her hand along the light gray marble island. “I love it. The softer hues will coordinate well with anything someone adds. You’d be good at flipping homes, you know.”

“That’s what Field said. He and Patch have flipped a couple places,” Hazard said. “This three-bedroom is a good starter.”

“Do you think you’ll need something bigger?” Bea swallowed. Her pulse quickened when he closed the distance. He braced a hand on the island behind her and leaned forward. “You know, when you settle down and have kids.”

He’d be a great dad. Heck, he was already a great one to Ryan even though he hadn’t ever asked for that. It’d just happened because her boy sucked up every ounce of love and attention he was offered.

“Yeah.” Hazard’s voice turned husky. “The backyard is too small and there’s only one bedroom for kids if the other is an office. I’d want a large, open common area for them to play in together. And my wife would need a bigger master bedroom.”

He caressed her cheek. Her skin tingled from the contact. “You’ve thought a lot about it.”

“I have,” he whispered. “Have you?”

“Yeah. I had Ryan when I was young. I want him to have a little brother, maybe a sister or two. It was just John and I growing up, but I had cousins and always pictured myself having a big family.” Bea wasn’t sure what to do with her hands. She wanted to run them along his muscular chest and enjoy the ripple of hidden contours beneath her touch.

“He’s a great kid.”

“It’s been a community effort.”

“You’re a great mom.” He stroked down her neck. “You know that. Right?”

“Most days I do. Some are more of a challenge,” she admitted. “You’ve been a huge influence on him. I think he might like you more than Ethan and Milo.”

“We’ll keep that a secret.” His voice lowered. The husky tone cast awareness through her. “Hearing that just made my day.”

Intensity registered on his face as he leaned closer and cupped her neck. She grasped his waist and pulled him forward. “I never know where I stand with you, Hazard.”

“Joe. When we’re alone, I’m Joe. I love hearing you say my name.”

“I’ll try. You’ve always been more than what you do to me, but I don’t want to risk you by using the wrong name at the wrong time. Hazard is safer, but you’ve always been Joe to me.”

He feathered his lips across hers, a tentative glide that she felt clear to her toes.

A moan escaped her as she deepened the contact. He took control of the kiss, nipping at her lips and exploring her mouth as though they had all the time in the world. She wrapped her arms around him, relishing the way her body molded against his perfectly.

He severed contact with a groan. “I love the way you taste. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Twitch will put my head on a pike if I screw this up.” “This isn’t his business. Nor is it Ethan’s or Milo’s or anyone else’s.” Bea licked her lips. “I’m scared, though. I don’t want to lose you. You’re too important to Ryan.” And me.

“You think I’d scrape you off if we didn’t work out.”

Bea shrugged. “It’s a strong possibility. Relationships are hard work and I’ve never done well with them, as you know. I’ve made a lot of bad choices. I can’t afford to make any more.”

“I’m not a bad choice, Bea,” he whispered. “But I think you know that and that’s what has you scared.”

He was right, but she wasn’t ready to voice the truth. She had to be smart about whatever happened between them. The inevitability of him and her had loomed on the horizon for a while now. “I keep thinking there’ll be a perfect time to take that leap and admit I want something more.”

“Is that what you want?” Hazard kissed her jawline. “More?”

“Yes,” she whispered. So much for not voicing the truth.

“Me, too.” He kissed behind her ear. “We’ll go slow and do this the right way because you and Ryan are the most important people in my world, and I won’t do anything to risk losing you.”

God. She loved hearing those words. She’d never felt so…

Treasured.
Cara Carnes. Loving Bea (Special Forces: Operation Alpha): Counterstrike, Book 4 (Kindle Locations 641-692). Aces Press, LLC.

The attraction between these two is off the charts steamy and as this story unfolds that only gets more intense.

With most of Counterstrike involved, the Delta team and Tex this investigation swiftly moves forward. Ethan and Milos are involved as well as Victoria as they identify the key players. Now they have to get everyone involved safe and get rid of the bad guys.

I love the way Cara weaves these stories, they are intense, suspenseful and action-packed as the level of heat between Bea and Hazard escalates.

I really hope Cara continues to contribute to this series, I love seeing Susan’s teams along with the Arsenal’s crew in these Counterstrike tales.

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

Law and order is in her blood and she bleeds blue…

FBI Agent Victoria Blevins has devoted her career to upholding the law and never shies away from a challenge. When her latest assignment leaves her wounded, on the run, and alone in a foreign country while investigating a potential leak in the Diaz cartel task force, she puts her trust in one man who can keep her alive—even if he cuts corners and the law. He may not shade within the lines, but he’s dedicated and true…

Billionaire Milo Davenport walked away from his Delta team and founded Counterstrike to help domestic violence victims who needed help fighting people like his own brutal father. A caretaker of an elaborate underground network, he’s vowed to safeguard its existence from everyone, especially governmental authorities like the FBI. But when the one woman he wants most is in danger, he’ll do anything to protect her—even if she’s someone he has no business trusting.

Figuring out who betrayed her is simple. Navigating the secrets between them is a mission neither of them are prepared for but both will do anything to accomplish.

Another witness is dead and the Agent in Charge wants the name and location of Victoria’s witness. She can’t give up this woman and her child no matter what. Victoria trusts no one as she takes her files and crosses the parking lot to her car. She has a biometric safe in the trunk and as she secures the files she pulls her weapon. She’s being watched. She sends the email regarding her investigation to Milo and the Arsenal, takes out her attackers but has been darted, the drug is starting through her system, meant to get answers not kill. She knows she’s in trouble and calls Milo who patches in Edge.

This is a favorite scene.

It wasn’t a lot of time, but Milo knew the woman worked impossible situations all the time.

Hang on, Tory. I’m coming.

His cell rang. He clicked answer after the first ring when he saw Victoria’s name flash across the screen. “Victoria?”

“Milo.” Her low, slow voice cast dread in his gut. “Someone attacked, hit me with a dart. I got away, but I’m…”

“Victoria, where are you?”

“Driving.”

“Pull over. I’m adding Edge to this call. We’ll find a safe place for you to hunker down until I can get down there. Hold on, baby.” He clicked the add button on the screen and patched Edge in without waiting for a response.

His pulse quickened. The vehicle accelerated as Chatter gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Edge. Victoria’s on the call. Someone attacked. She got away, but she was darted.”

“Victoria?” Edge asked. “Are you being followed?”

“I think so. I see headlights. He may not have been alone.”

It’d been years since he’d been in Colombia, but he knew the area around the embassy well. Narrow, windy roads and steep drop offs were a hazard— one an injured, drugged woman shouldn’t be driving, especially if someone was chasing her.

“He?” Milo asked, hating the fear in her voice.

“She sent an image,” Mary, aka the Edge, answered. “He’s a local thug for hire, works mostly with the Diaz cartel from what HERA has pulled.

“Great,” Victoria muttered. “I can’t drive faster. They’re gaining on me.”

“You can’t remain in that vehicle. I have satellite images of the area you’re in pulled up. Speed up so that when you pass the next curve, they can’t see you. Can you do that?”

“Okay. I’m not going to be awake much longer. Get Teresa secure if they take me. I won’t talk. Just keep her safe.”

“That’s not happening,” Milo growled. “They aren’t touching you. Tell me you have a plan, Edge.”

Horrors he’d witnessed while in Delta ricocheted in his brain, each one an unwanted yet potential scenario Victoria could find herself in if she was captured. How many people had he recovered while in the service?

He couldn’t let her endure any of that. There had to be a solution, some way to keep her safe until he could get down there.

“It’s not good, but it’s all we can do for now. Victoria, when you come to the next curve, I need you to jump from the car and let it drive over the cliff.”

Was she serious? What the hell? Milo stifled the rage rumbling through him.

“You’ll need to hide in the overgrown vegetation you find there until they leave.”

“That’s not a plan, it’s suicide,” Milo clipped.

“She’s drugged. If we’re lucky, they’ll assume she passed out and went over the cliff. We’ll be even luckier if the car explodes when it impacts with the ground. Either way, they won’t hang around. I activated the embassy’s alarms and put the van’s information into their system. They’ll be hunting for it.”

Milo didn’t question how the woman had managed all that remotely. He’d learned long ago to never ask questions because the answers were so far above his technical know-how, he never understood them anyway.

Silence descended, followed quickly by pained moans and rustling. Dread clawed his insides as he listened, hoping to hear Victoria’s voice. Heavy breathing and grunts filled the vehicle.

“Airport,” Milo said, glaring over at Chatter, who thankfully offered no argument. “Get the pilot ready. We’re going now. Victoria?”

“I’m here. I’m here.” She repeated the statement several more times before silence descended. “I think I’m hidden. My left foot isn’t doing well.”

“You did good,” Edge said. “Stay still and quiet. I’ll let you know when the van pulls away. Patrol cars are almost there, so they should leave very soon.”

“I can’t trust locals. Or anyone,” Victoria said. “They can’t know I’m here. Someone set me up.”

“Milo is on his way to you. It’ll take a few hours, but he will be there. I’ve already diverted a team to your location. They’ll secure you until he arrives.”

“A team?” Victoria asked.

“They aren’t Arsenal. We didn’t have anyone in the location. I’m cutting some big corners here to get help to you.”

“Corner cutting is good,” Victoria whispered. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” Edge asked.

“I’m sorry I dragged you and Milo into this. I didn’t know who I could trust. I knew he could help Teresa if I got her stateside.” Moans filled gaps between each word she spoke. What other injuries had the brave woman incurred falling out of a moving car after being drugged?

“Hang tight. We’ll get you safe. Then we’ll get some answers,” Edge said. “They’re at the cliff now. The car is on fire but hasn’t exploded. Stay quiet. I’ll let you know when they’re gone.”

Just because they left now didn’t mean she was safe. They’d likely circle back, after the authorities Edge had dispatched were gone. Son of a bitch.

Someone set me up.

They’d pay.

She’d trusted him to help. He wouldn’t fail her.

“Who are you sending, Edge?”

“A Delta team was a couple hours away, heading back to base. Their mission is done. Now they have another one,” Mary said.

“That’s more than a small corner cut.” It was more like a straight carving few could pull off. Milo knew The Arsenal had a huge network, though. Delta.

Milo didn’t know who was on the team but, as a former Delta, he knew they’d keep her safe. Hang on, Tory. I’m coming for you.
Cara Carnes. Avenging Victoria (Special Forces: Operation Alpha): Counterstrike, Book 3 (Kindle Locations 483-530). Aces Press, LLC.

From the moment the Delta Team Edge diverts reaches Tory, things start to heat up. Milo arrives soon after they have Tory secured and then they have to get her witness.

I love the way Edge and her crew managed to get the Delta team diverted and that it was the new Delta team was even more fun. A supercharged game of hide and seek ensues as they keep Tory and her witness safe and the investigation continues.

Plenty of suspense, intrigue, action and a romance that sizzles right from the start.

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

Do whatever it takes to survive…

Addy Rugers survived a treacherous, brutal upbringing after her parents died. Trained for death and seduction and forced to work for her brother’s covert ops organization, she learned to rely only on herself and chameleon her way through every mission. With him dead and his organization dismantled, she now has a new life at The Arsenal—one where she can shed her personas and be herself. Now, she must immerse herself in the nightmarish world she fled and trust the one man with the power to destroy her.

To slay a monster, you must become one…

Kristof Lavrov sank into the criminal underworld two decades ago with one objective—revenge. The sacrifices made are only outnumbered by the atrocities he’s committed under the banner of vengeance. What little of his humanity remains is now under fire when he agrees to help the one woman that he’d sacrifice anything to protect. Their lives have intersected more than once, and he’s always had the strength to walk away.

Until now.

They must work together to save those they love, but the real war is one neither of them is prepared to wage.

In this book we learn all about Addy’s past and her relationship with Kristof. A relationship that goes back to childhood and she never discusses. Her cover is Iriana, Kristof’s Enforcer. This is backed up by her underground fighting which really doesn’t make her team happy.

As her team complains she reminds them that the auction where they will acquire the missiles is only a couple of days away. Of course those days are going to be filled with other things that will surprise everyone. Kristof is sort of an unknown at least to the team, for Addy she still remembers the boy he once was and how they met.

Things get even more complicated as human trafficking gets into the mix. Even thought she’s horrified and pissed Addy keeps her cool as she realizes there’s a lot more going on. The conversation between Kristof and Gavriil has some undercurrents they need to unveil.

Then all hell breaks loose.

This is a favorite scene.

“It was less of a gift than you were going to receive. Don’t let it happen again.”

“It won’t.” Gavriil picked up his drink and took a sip. The brunette offered him a pull of the joint she held up. “I trust you’ll handle the cargo without my involvement.”

“I will, like always.”

“Always? How many times have they handled ‘cargo’? Jesus they make me sick,” Zoey said. “Marshall, you’ll likely have visitors soon.”

“They just pulled up,” someone said.

“Tag that vehicle,” Marshall ordered.

“On it,” someone replied.

Addy shifted in her seat and sipped the drink she held. Conversation on the com continued in her ear. The women were being moved. Then what? Would they be returned to whoever they’d been stolen from? What was Kristof’s definition of handling the situation?

“New targets have a tail,” someone said. “Quarter klick back, south.”

“Roger. Drone has the vehicle,” Zoey said.

A tail? Addy narrowed her gaze. As if sensing her concern, Kristof’s eyebrows rose. Addy pulled out her phone and tapped out a message.

Tail on your cargo crew.

Kristof chuckled and pulled out his cell. He cursed and tapped out a message to someone. Addy would kill to know who, but they’d been unsuccessful in cloning his phone so far— much to Zoey’s chagrin.

“Forgive me. We have an issue with the pickup.”

“Oh?” Gavriil asked.

“It seems I wasn’t trusted to handle the situation,” Kristof said. He slid his cell back into his pocket. “Thank you, Iriana. Your attention to detail is appreciated, as always.”

Interesting. He trusted Gavriil with details she’d expected him to keep quiet. Why?

“Brilliant and beautiful. Careful, friend. Those are the dangerous ones,” Gavriil said with a grin.

“You have no idea,” Kristof muttered.

Addy chuckled. Awareness beaded along her skin as she peered into his intense gaze. Although the scantily clad blonde writhed against him, Kristof ignored the woman altogether and kept his attention fully on Addy.

Her pulse quickened as she severed eye contact and took a long pull from the cocktail. She didn’t know what it was, but it was good and filled with more Vodka than mixer. The alcohol burned the back of her throat with just enough sting to snap her out of the hormonally-charged thoughts.

Amusement glimmered on Kristof’s face as he raised his drink and took a sip. “As much as I’m sure you’re enjoying these beautiful women’s company, we have business to discuss.”

“Of course. Give us a moment, ladies,” Gavriil said to the two women at his sides. Addy and Kristof both stood. Silence descended as the two women shimmied out of the booth and disappeared into the club. “Do we have a problem?”

“My men will take them to your safe house,” Kristof said as he and Addy both sat back down. “They’ll remain there and keep them secure until you can have someone take over.”

“That wasn’t our agreement.” Gavriil leaned forward. “I was under the impression all was forgiven with this transaction.”

“It is.”

“Perhaps I’m not the only one with rebel employees.”

“Sounds like there’s trouble brewing,” Zoey said in the com.

No shit. Addy fought the urge to reposition herself between Kristof and Gavriil. Although Kristof was likely just as good a fighter as her, Iriana was his protector.

“You’ll be compensated,” Kristof said.

“You can’t continue bleeding for this endeavor. It’s an impossible task.”

“No more so than yours was.”

“Perhaps.” Gavriil sighed heavily and leaned back in the booth. “I tire of the cat and mouse game. Who is the cat and who is the mouse and why do I feel like the bait?”

“You aren’t the bait. You’re the trap,” Kristof said. “Or the mouse.”

Gavriil laughed. “That doesn’t ease my concern.”

“It should.” Kristof finished his drink and set the glass on the table. “I’m the dog. The cat stands no chance.”

He stood and motioned for Addy to do the same. Surprised, she complied. They were leaving? Where was the money? And what the heck did the cat and mouse and dog and trap bullshit mean?

“He’s hiding something,” Zoey said.

Yes. And Addy would find out exactly what once they were alone. Bastard.

“Take care, comrade. The cat you hunt is a feral tiger.” Gavriil smiled at Iriana. “I hope we meet again.”

Not likely. Addy coiled her arm around Kristof’s waist and settled at his side as they fell in step toward the exit. Chairs scraped when they passed Ivan’s table. The brute took point and the other three fanned out around Addy and Kristof.

Her gaze swept the exterior of the club as they stepped onto the sidewalk. Situated within a busy nightclub district, people milled about nearby. Laughter filled the area. Music drifted from a street performer down the road.

Ivan moved from his position in front of Kristof and stepped off the curb. The vehicle was parked on a neighboring street. The man fell, his head struck the curb. Addy took a step toward him, but voices shouted in the com.

“Sniper! Get down, Red!” Johnny shouted.

“Shit!” Zoey said at the same time.

Addy took Kristof down with a kick to the back of his legs. He grunted with the impact as she covered him with her body. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest as she drew out her gun from her purse.

Blood coated her hand.

What the fuck? She lifted up, peered into Kristof’s shocked gaze.

“Afraid I zigged and should’ve zagged,” he said.

“Lavrov’s hit,” Addy said.

No. No. No. She tugged his suit jacket open. The Kevlar-like lining had stopped the bulk of the damage, but the bullet had still hit. Blood poured from a wound near his left shoulder. “Shoulder wound. Applying pressure. Someone get me a fucking vehicle!”

She screamed the latter at the idiots that’d been with Ivan. One hid behind a trashcan while the other two tried to save Ivan. Since there was very little left of his face, she suspected it was too late.

“Get the car!” she screamed again.

“Where is he, Z?” Johnny asked. “Bullet came from my direction.”

“Across the street, in the same building you’re in Johnny,” Zoey said.

“Sixteenth, maybe fifteenth floor based on the trajectory HERA drones got,” Jesse said. “Cracker and Beast, close off the exits to that building. Shep, cover Addy and Kristof. Stay out of sight. Repeat, stay out of sight.”

“Stay with me,” Addy said as she pressed down on the bullet wound harder.

A group of men surged from the strip club. Gavriil’s angered shouts boomed through the area as he ordered them to fan out and provide cover. He crouched on Kristof’s other side.

“Let’s get him inside,” the man said.

“No.” Addy shook her head. “The car. Someone went to get it.”

“He’s safer inside with me until more of his men can come.” Anger filled the man’s face. “I won’t argue this with you, Iriana.”

“How the fuck do I know this wasn’t you?” She aimed her weapon at him. “Who else knew he was here?”

“That’s what we’ll find out after we tend to his injury.”
Cara Carnes. Hostile Ground (Kindle Locations 777-839). Heartscape Publishing, Inc.

Everything gets far more complicated with Kristof injured. The auction is almost upon them and now there’s even more to the puzzle.

Addy and Kristof have a lot to resolve, not only business wise but also personally. These two are explosive together and secrets that are revealed just bring them closer.

Plenty of suspense and action, with laughter, tears, interesting twists and a kindle melting relationship.

I really can’t wait for the next book in this series!

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

She’s never met a fight she couldn’t win…
until now.

After brutally murdering someone in Angie Bierman’s dojo, the killer targets her first and then people she cares about to scare her off the investigation. Determined to prevent further tragedy, she does the one thing she can to keep them safe—run.

Six months and ten cities later, she’s financially destitute, emotionally spent, and desperate for help in the relentless fight for her life. One close call too many brings her into contact with an elite organization. Their offer to help is too good to be true. The ruggedly handsome operative promising to put himself between her and the psychopath hunting her may have no intension of mixing business with pleasure, but he’s a temptation she can’t resist.

There’s no line he won’t cross…

John “Twitch” Stanz spent years serving his country and returned home to help his friends run Counterstrike—an organization created to help individuals caught up in impossible situations. Despite all the lives he’s helped save before, the fearless, beautiful woman now in his charge is a danger he’s never faced. She’s tenacious, passionate, and everything he could ever want, but the beast chasing her won’t stop until she’s dead.

Twitch will use every resource at his disposal to keep Angie alive even if that means taking the bullet for her.

Dojo owner and martial arts expert Angie Beirman has left everything behind to keep the people she cares about safe. She had been attacked several times in a short period of time following the brutal murder of a member of her dojo. Angie was looking for some kind of evidence to point to the real murderer, she doesn’t believe that Hannah’s ex Eric was capable of it. She has a suspicion of a wealthy business man but getting the police to investigate isn’t happening. They have Erik and believe the case is closed.

Unfortunately no matter where she goes she is found and attacked. She’s been in Chicago only two days when hired thugs find her again. They don’t have the answer she needs. Injured, she runs yet again and she’s helped by two women who know just who can help her.

The network Zero D (Zoey from the Arsenal) started is the perfect way to help Angie disappear but there’s a problem they don’t know about yet. Counterstrike is the branch that will start the process and the Arsenal steps in to help when necessary.

This is a favorite scene.

Ben pulled out a cell phone. “I’m going to make a call, put it on speaker. Listen to what he says, then we’ll figure out the next step. Okay? I’ve helped a lot of people in trouble thanks to this crew I’m gonna call. They can help.”

Angie wished it was that simple. Rather than argue, she leaned her head back on the pillow and willed the pain away. Ben took her hand and squeezed as the line rang.

“This is Jade.”

“Hey, man. I’ve got someone here who needs help. Angie’s been shot. Looks like there was an altercation of some sort here. A local thug was killed.” Ben paused. “She has evidence of recent injuries.”

“Angie?” The man’s voice boomed through the cell phone. “I’m Jade. I facilitate entry into a network to help people in trouble. The more information you give me, the safer I can make you.”

Angie swallowed. Remained silent.

“Who’s after you?” Jade asked.

When she made no reply, Ben squeezed her hand. “This network has never failed anyone they’ve helped, Angie.”

“Someone’s hunting me,” Angie admitted. “I can’t prove who, but he hires local thugs to capture me wherever I go. Ten cities now. Six months. I’m sorry. You can’t help me with this.”

Silence descended a few heartbeats. Jade sighed heavily. “The shit you call in isn’t ever easy, Ben.”

The man smirked. “You wouldn’t want the simple problems.”

“True that.” Jade paused. “Zero D’s restructured the network. I’m gonna route the call to Counterstrike. They’re an organization that’s helping run things now. If things are bigger than they can handle, Zero tags in her crew. I’ll be honest. There ain’t much Counterstrike can’t handle.”

“Thanks, man,” Ben said. The line went quiet several moments.

Unease pricked Angie’s skin the longer she waited. Every wasted minute increased the risk someone would find her. Exhaustion demanded she give Ben’s contacts the chance to help. Running had gotten her nowhere.

“Angie? My name is Twitch. I’m going to help you get to a secure location.” The man’s gravelly voice boomed from the speaker. “Ben, I understand she’s not alone with you.”

“No. There are three others here. Several more saw her enter this apartment,” Ben said. “She was shot, too injured to move.”

“She’s stable now?”

“As stable as I can get her,” Ben said.

“Okay, good. Can we trust those around to keep quiet about this?” Twitch asked.

“What the fuck?” Isa’s boyfriend shouted. “I ain’t no snitch.”

“I’m more worried about you talking if whoever is after her puts pressure on you,” the man said. “I determine how best to contain the situation.”

“She killed someone in a local thug’s crew,” Ben said. “At least, that’s what we’re assuming based on police activity near where she was.”

“Angie?” Twitch asked.

“I had no choice. They attacked.” She swallowed the revulsion rolling through her. It’d become too commonplace to justify the blood on her hands, the damage she’d done to stay alive. “This wasn’t the first attack, won’t be the last.”

“It will if I have anything to say about it,” Twitch replied. “Ben, someone will be in contact in a few hours. They’ll want the names of everyone there now and as much information as possible on the altercation.”

“Understood.”

“Angie, are you strong enough to leave on your own, or do I need to send someone to retrieve you?” Concern softened the man’s words. “I need an honest answer.”

“I’ll manage.” Angie sat up. Dizziness overcame her a moment. She eyed her backpack in the corner of the room, near the door.

“She’s lost a lot of blood,” Ben said.

“I’ll manage,” she repeated, her voice stronger than before.

“Very well. We’ll trust her judgment for now, but you can take her the first few steps until she’s out of Chicago, if you’re okay with the risk. You understand what that means.”

“I do.” The man’s lips thinned. “I’ll get her out safe.”

“Get her out of there. Take us off speaker. I’ll give you instructions once that’s done.”

Angie stood, leaned against Ben. “I can’t let him endanger himself any more than he has. I’ll do it alone.”

“Let him help you, girl,” Vani pleaded as she stood.

“Thank you for saving me.” Angie hugged the woman. Then repeated the action with Isa. “I can’t risk any of you more than I have. I wish I could repay your kindness. Please, let me do this alone. You’ve done enough.”

Silence ticked by a few more moments. Twitch sighed heavily into the phone. “Fine. I’m going to trust that you can do this alone. But the first sign of trouble, and I’m sending someone to help you.”

“Fair enough.” Angie gritted her teeth and ignored the achy throb along her injured side.

“Call me if she gets into trouble,” Ben said.

“I will.” Confidence exuded from Twitch. Angie clicked the speaker off when she took the phone.

Determination kept her standing. She looked down, noted someone had changed her shirt. She picked up her backpack and winced as pain lanced her side. The corridor outside the apartment was empty. Thankful for the lack of witnesses, she exited the building.
Cara Carnes. Justice For Angie (Kindle Locations 328-372). Aces Press, LLC. Kindle Edition.

Right from the start of her escape with Twitch on the phone with her she somehow picks up a tail. This is going to be an issue, but ever persistent, Twitch gets her to safety and then finally on a plane to him.

This book is intense, suspenseful, page-turning, action-packed, and romantic with some sizzle too.  It is also filled with so many characters I love. It was great meeting Twitch and Angie and seeing the Arsenal folks as well as Cruz and Quint from Susan Stoker’s crew.

I can’t wait to see what Cara has in store for us next!

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.

Every action has an equal
and opposite reaction.

Rhea Strathmore creates death. Locked within her laboratory at The Arsenal, she concocts whatever’s necessary to protect those around her. She won’t ever negate her pre-Arsenal deficit, but she’ll try. Her past work now threatens everyone she cares for and exposes secrets she’s kept buried. The mysterious man tasked with keeping her alive is more lethal than anything she’s ever concocted.

Everything has a price.

Fallon Graves defies death with every assignment. He may have traded in his lone operative lifestyle for The Arsenal, but that doesn’t mean he’s a team player. He’s survived his entire life with no one. Why should he change? When Rhea’s past threatens The Arsenal, Fallon is forced to question everything he’s valued. She’s a liability in the field, but he’s not about to let anyone harm the woman who’s more dangerous than any explosive he’s ever created.

Together, Rhea and Fallon are one volatile chemical reaction away from going up in flames.

From almost the very first page I was holding my breath with this one. Rhea doesn’t go on missions, her comfort zone is her lab. Fallon knows this too, and he isn’t pleased when he’s told she has to go in order to identify bio-chemicals that are hazardous. Chemicals that she had created years ago and not with the intent Carlisle has for them.

They have gone over the plan repeatedly and although she’s ready, Fallon’s still skeptical and confronts Edge one more time, to no avail.

Rhea’s nervous, but Bree also has her back. Unknown to the others she has included a few extra items in Rhea’s backpack, just in case.

This is just one of my favorite scenes.

He listened as Zoey and Cord guided Sanchez through steps to secure the van. Sweat dampened Fallon’s skin by the time he’d placed all the charges and returned to Rhea and Donovan. The two, sans hazmat gear, were in the hallway outside the lab. The animals were each on a cart, which was fully contained within a bubble except for its handles. A secondary protective layer was around each of the sleeping animals. Small oxygen tanks sat on the lower level of the cart. The remainder of the second shelf of each was loaded down with paperwork and the computer.

Donovan grunted as he shouldered a second pack.

“You’re clear for exit,” Edge said.

“I should double-check the unsecured area of the lab, make sure I didn’t overlook anything,” Rhea said. She turned and headed toward the lab.

Fallon grabbed her arm. “We’re done.”

“But—”

“Let’s go.” Relief filled him when she moved behind him and curled her fingers through his belt loop. Donovan maneuvered both of the carts and fell into position behind Fallon and Rhea as they exited the laboratory.

Two large drones hovered in the center of the long corridor. The large, black objects were larger than any The Arsenal used.

“Shit.” Zoey’s curse quickened Fallon’s pulse as two drones he’d dispatched flew forward to intercept the enemy. “Battle Bots time, Arsenal style.”

“Engage,” Jesse barked over the com.

Fallon aimed his weapon as Donovan did the same. The two fired on the black monstrosities as The Arsenal bots moved to intercept the fiery red projectiles shooting toward them. He turned to get Rhea secured, but she was already curled exactly how he’d told her to if trouble hit.

Relieved, he refocused on the drones.

“Donovan, get her out of here,” Fallon said.

“No!” Bree’s voice pierced the coms. “The drones we have aren’t combat. Drugs won’t take those two down. Rhea, get your backpack open. Pull out the black case inside.”

“What did you do?” Edge asked, her voice quiet on the com.

“I packed a few extra things, just in case,” Bree said.

“And didn’t tell us,” Jesse added.

Fallon hauled himself and Rhea into the nearest room as Donovan fired on the drones. Bullets ricocheted off them. “Armored.”

“Of course they are,” Zoey clipped, her anger evident. “What’s in the case, Bree?”

“Move,” Bree ordered.

“You got them, Rhea?” “Yes.” Fallon crouched beside Rhea as she dragged out a black case and unzipped it. Four round balls sat in holders. Two had red streaks while the other two were coated with yellow stripes. “What now?”

“Roll one of the red ones into the hall and take cover. I’ll handle the rest,” Bree said.

“Care to share with the rest of the class?” Zoey asked.

“Is there another way out of this room?” Fallon asked.

“No,” Jesse answered. “Standby.”

Right. He settled into a protective crouch above Rhea. Donovan positioned himself along her other side. Between the two of them, she’d be safe. He looked over and noted the other man had hauled the animals in.

Fiery red beams shot out and pierced the door they’d slammed shut. Donovan rolled one of the balls into the corridor.

“It’s out,” Donovan said. “Any day now. You know, before we’re dead.”

A concussive boom shook the entire area. Bright light filled the area. What the fuck? Fallon’s ears rang. Disoriented, he blinked and shook his head.

A grenade?

What the fuck?

“Status?” Edge asked.

“You okay?” Fallon asked Rhea. His voice sounded distant, as though he’d entered a tunnel. Shit. Hearing damage was the last problem he needed.

He’d suffered from hearing loss for years. The unwanted byproduct of the life he led had proven problematic only a few times. He’d been on enough missions to know what needed to be done. As long as he kept the com turned to high in his “bad ear”— which was at a solid sixty percent hearing at his last checkup with Logan— he’d hear what the bosses ordered. That left his “good ear” to hear everything around him.

Her lips moved, he heard faint words, but nothing distinctive. Her head nodded. Yes. Rhea repeated the words in a non-ending loop as the three of them rose from their crouched positions. Donovan entered the corridor, weapon drawn.

Shock reflected on his face a moment. Lips thinned in a grim expression, he motioned they were clear.

Rhea pushed one cart in front of her and pulled the other behind her. Though he wanted to leave the animals behind and get the hell out while they could, they’d come too far to abandon the new objective now. He snatched the case and Rhea’s backpack and headed out.

Donovan grabbed the remnants of the bots in the carnage. Relieved the man was already two steps ahead, Fallon willed his breathing to slow. That’d been too close.
Cara Carnes. Impact Zone (Kindle Locations 904-945). Heartscape Publishing.

Taking down Carlisle is a complicated move and the planning has to include several different back-ups.

Throughout everything, Fallon has Rhea’s back and to his surprise she has his. She cares about him and it’s evident on every page.

These two are a bit frustrating in their dance even as the danger and suspense ramps up.

I couldn’t put this book down, the hold your breath action, plenty of suspense, laughter, tears and the romance that is both frustrating and perfect as it makes its way to a sizzle.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

5 Contented Purrs for Cara!

Cara Carnes

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13. In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves traveling, photography and reading.