Delayed Redemption

DAG Team #3

by Kel O'Connor

Reunited by a dark twist of fate, they find treachery and betrayal lurking in every corner. Can they piece together the clues before their time and luck run out?

Mateo will do anything to escape his former life of crime. One last undercover assignment for DAG will ensure his freedom and put a major drug dealer out of business. But when things go sideways, he must choose between his op and the only person who ever believed in him.

Janey clawed her way out of an abusive home to make a safe, and better, life for herself. But when a gang kidnaps her to get to her brother, she’s thrust back into a dangerous world. More devastating though, is discovering that Mateo, her teenage crush, is still involved with the gang. She’s torn between trusting him to save her and living out her long-ago fantasies about the one who got away.

Janey and Mateo give into their feelings before all manner of secrets come to light. Can they work through their issues while searching for the last piece of the puzzle Mateo needs to be free? Or is it one betrayal too many to be overcome?

Meanwhile, the mole continues to endanger ops and personnel at DAG. Can they discover who is undermining their mission before anyone else gets hurt?This is a steamy romance for readers 18+

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

About the author

Winner of the Pencraft Award and The Chill Award and a finalist for The Book Buyers Best Award, The Maggie Award for Excellence and The Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, Kel lives with her family in the mountains of North Carolina. In addition to reading and writing, she loves coffee, loud rock music, subversive humor and the smell of old books. You can find her online on Instagram, Facebook and at keloconnor.com.

3 Random Facts about Kel:
* She will buy almost anything if it is a hot pink color
* She watches any and every show/movie about crime-fighting, spies, detective work or secret agents
* She and her husband once owned a humor store

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed Redemption is the third instalment and great addition to the DAG Team Series by Kel O'Conner. The books can all be read as standalones, but I encourage you to start with the first book and work your way through as the books.

This romantic suspense is exciting and has plenty of drama, danger, action, adventure, and of course just the right amount of steam as the DAG team once again pull together to protect their own.

Mateo has one more assignment and then he is free, but things just may take a deadly turn. Will he risk it all for someone from his past? Do they finally find the mole?

Janey has suffered more than most, but she finds herself hoping for the best but thinking the worst when she is confronted with someone from her past when she is kidnapped.

Delayed Redemption is well plotted and is as thoroughly engrossing as it is engaging. Kel’s narrative, world building, and character building is exciting and makes it hard to leave because you want to know what is coming. The characters are complex, have depth and feel realistic.

I look forward to seeing what comes next.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Delayed Redemption is the third book in the DAG Team series by Kel O’Connor. As with the first two books, this is a Special Ops romantic suspense with a bit of a second chances element, plenty of tension, intrigue, secrets, action, adventure, drama, challenges, danger, chemistry, steam, angst, and emotion.
As expected from Ms. O’Connor, the characters are well-crafted individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws- making it easy to connect with them and get fully invested in their story.
Things aren’t exactly as they seem and as past and present collide the tension rises, all while danger circles, chemistry sizzles, sparks fly, secrets are revealed, as all the dramatic and intriguing developments keep you glued to the pages as everything unfolds.
Can’t wait for more of DAG Team- bring on Archie’s story!!!

Thank you, Kel O’Connor!

[Mel Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received this book as an ARC from the author***

What I liked:

It’s a second chance, learn to trust again, once friends - now kinda not - lovers. The FMC is pretty average but in a believable non pick-me girl way, just your normal girl in the apartment across the hall. The MMC is also just kinda normal in a I’m a cinnadom ‘bad boy’ but not F-boy way (which I think is a good thing).

The romance is seasoned well, but I wouldn’t rate this as spicy against my bookshelf. The plot the romance is set against is actually pretty exciting, and it kept my interest peaked; informants, gangs, kidnapping etc.

What I did NOT like:

If I could, I would actually rate this 3.75 because I feel like it could’ve moved a bit quicker for my taste. There is a ton of lead up in the beginning and we’re just waiting in court side seats watching them dribble the ball back and forth without ever taking a shot. Meaning, it’s super clear that there’s something between these two and all the additional angst isn’t providing anything to the story.

Overall a nice read worth checking out.

FOLLOW ON TWITTER @ReadWatchDNF

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the DAG Team Series. This is the first one that I have read and I didn't feel like I was lost so it can be read as a stand alone. It did make me want to go back and read the first 2 books. Mateo wanted out of his life of crime. Janey had finally got her life on track after escaping her abusive home life. Neither of them expected to see the other again. He had saved her before, could he do it again? Would the twist of fate that brought them together destroy them both? The dynamic between Mateo and Janey is sweet and spicy. I absolutely loved the characters in this story.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2023)! 🎁

[Kirsten Berkebile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo is the body guard of a top drug lord. He is desperately trying to leave this world behind. However He runs into an old female “friend”, named Janey. She is a little bit older than him but doesn’t know the dangers that surround him as well as she thinks she does. Can Mateo leave the gang life and be okay with working for a government agency? Can Janey look past Mateo’s old life that she knows all to well and be able to spend the rest of her life with him? These are questions that I am asking myself as I continue to read this book. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I am hoping that it won’t be my last.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was out of my normal storyline choice (gangs/mafia type), but I ended up enjoying it and I am glad I branched out. Great found family, forced proximity, second chance tropes. Janey is shy and wary, overthinks everything she says and does due to her past trauma. Mateo helps show her her hidden strengths, and protects/saves her many times along the way. He's also battling his past and overcomes his doubts that Janey could love him for who he is. It was a great fast read with twists and turns, especially toward the end.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janey and Mateo grew up as neighbours in a poor Puerto Rican neighbourhood but each took a very different path in life. Mateo joined a gang along with Janey’s brother, Scott and rose through the ranks in ever more brutal activities. Janey left for college, tried to be brave and chase her dreams while keeping an eye over her shoulder for her abusive brother. Scott betrays the gang by stealing key information and the gang retaliate kidnapping Janey. As events unfold Janey clings to the hope that the kind boy she knew still lives inside the ruthless gang member. But not all is at it seems in this fast paced action packed romantic suspense book that was hard to put down. I received an early copy from the author. My review is voluntary.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. The storyline was interesting and kept me entertained the whole time. It works great as a standalone although I’m sure the characters would be even better if the other two books are read before.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Joy Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, engaging plot!

Exciting expectations, twists & turns in this engaging tightly plotted suspense! A shy, but gutsy heroine & compromised gang leader - it’s hard to guess who will save who in the end! Highly recommend!

[Barbara S. Sturdivant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo and Janey

This is a true love story between two long-time friends. Janey has loved Mateo since she was a teenager and now she can be with him.

[Debra Johnson]

Amz Purch. June 7, 2023

[Kim Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me on the edge my seat and kept the pages turning!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mateo didn’t grow up with many choices. After his parents brought him to the US from Puerto Rico, he wound up living with his grandmother who was in poor health. When Mateo’s grandmother died, he didn’t have much choice and gave into the neighborhood gang. Mateo moved up fast. Mateo was willing to do almost anything. Only one person in his life thought he was worth anything. Janey was his best friend’s sister.

Janey didn’t have things easy either. After Janey’s mother died, her father became abusive and neglectful. Her brother, Scott, wasn’t much better. When Janey got the chance to get out of the neighborhood, she took it and never came back. The only person she missed was Mateo.

Mateo thought he saw a pregnant Janey one day in a prison visiting room. Mateo realized he wanted to be a better person. Mateo decided to take the opportunity presented to him to join the other side. He secretly joined DAG and learned to become an agent for them. Mateo was determined to take down the gang from the inside out. And his plan was working until he showed up at the gang bunker and found Janey.

Janey had been kidnapped because Scott took something that belonged to the gang leader, Saw. Saw wanted the item back. Mateo had to change his plan to get the information he needed to truly be free of the gang while managing to keep Janey safe. Janey just had to play her part without falling for Mateo again. That part was not going to be easy.

Neither Janey nor Mateo want to admit their feelings for the other. After all the truths are revealed, Janey and Mateo find another again.

There are still questions to be answered. They came thiiiiiiiiiisssss close to revealing the mole. Janey and Mateo’s story is a perfect place to start if you aren’t already reading this series. And, you should be reading this series.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mateo is one DAG operation away from leaving the gang he joined as a kid but all he must do is help bring down one of the biggest drug dealers and that’s it. Sounds simple but when things go sidewards and get complicated can he keep his head on and get the job done, but there is a twist that when a blast from his past comes into play, he must work with them to find out what is really happening.

Janey got herself out of the house, neighbourhood and tried to get herself a better footing in life but when her brother steals information from the gang he is with she becomes embroiled in the danger when she is kidnapped, scared and alone she meets a blast from her past who is determined to help her, but when they discover they must work together to uncover the mole and escape there attraction to each other increases.

This story is full of suspense and romance which will have you engrossed from the first chapter. Mateo’s character although involve in the heinous world of gangs and violence has decided a while ago to leave but you see his strength of character to want to get his life together. Janey characters although you find her start in life not to good is a perfect mirror to Mateo and you get to see of beautiful relationship blossom in the dark depths of the story.

The story is full of action and with the twist and turners makes this a compelling read and wanting to get to the bottom of the mysterious it unveils throughout. The story is well written, and the characters are full and rounded and I enjoyed reading this story. Although this is part of a series, I read this as a stand alone story but would love to go back and read the two books before.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the DAG Team Series. The books can be read as standalones however I feel you will get a better understanding and more enjoyment if you read them from the beginning.
This story is a action packed Special Ops romance. It is full of danger, intrigue, suspense, and a second chance meeting which could change the lives of our too main characters forever.
This is definitely a story that I couldnt out down and I was gripped from the start as the action hits you from the first page. With drug gangs and a kidnapping right at the start you have not choice but to buckle up for the ride ahead.
I have to admit I do love Mateo's character, he is trying so hard to leave the drug gang behind and is almost free by putting the main man behind bars until Janey comes back into his life. Now he is torn, does he keep up the charade and stick to the plan to gain his freedom from the drug gang or does he risk it all to save Janey? Can he do both?

Janey has escaped her past or so she thought until her brother turns up. As a member of a drug gang she knows nothing good can come of him turning up and she right when she finds herself kidnapped as the drug gang try to get to her brother.
Imagine her surprise when her teenage crush Mateo turns up and is part of the gang who have her captive. What is he doing there? Could he really be part of such a ruthless gang? And can she even trust what he is telling her?

This is a story of second chance romance with lots of hurdles for Mateo and Janey to overcome. Secrets will be revealed and stories come to light as they both fight for their freedom and each other. I loved this story and look forward to what comes next.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed Redemption is Book Three in the DAG Team Series. It is a romantic suspense with drama, danger, action, suspense, tension, mystery, angst, romance, chemistry, secrets, the mafia, and Special Ops. The story centers around the characters of Janey and Mateo who are thrust together by fate and circumstances. Janey has worked hard to overcome more than her fair share of tragedy, abuse, and trauma. Leaving everything behind she went to college in pursuit of fulfilling her dreams. When she gets kidnapped and thrust into danger there is only one person who may be able to help her. Mateo is attempting to free himself from the life of crime and turn his life around but to do he must perform one last job for his drug lord boss. When his latest job involves an old childhood friend named Janey, he is forced to confront his past and make decisions for his future. Can that future involve Janey? Can he save her from the danger that lurks around them? Will Janey be able to love Mateo for the kind man he is under that gruff exterior? I loved the character of Janey because she was strong, determined, kind, and smart. She overcame numerous obstacles and never gave up which I found admirable. Mateo was tough, street smart, and led a life of crime but deep down was kind, loving, and cared for Janey. A great read full of twists and turns that will keep you riveted until the final pages.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this romantic suspense story to be a real page turner. Mateo is determined to escape his former life of crime and has one last undercover assignment for DAG and then he’s free. The assignment will also result in putting a major drug dealer out of business. When things don’t go to plan Mateo has to choose between his op and the only person who has ever believed in him. Having escaped an abusive home Janey is now living a much safer and better life. She is then kidnapped by a gang who want to get at her brother, and suddenly she’s thrust back into her old dangerous world. Janey is devastated when she comes face to face with Mateo, believing that he is still a member of the gang.
She wants to trust him, after all he was her teenage crush. Meanwhile, there is a mole who is endangering ops and personnel at DAG, and the team are working hard to discover who it is before anyone else gets hurt. Janey and Mateo work together to find the last piece of the puzzle that Mateo needs to be free. They also can’t help but give into their feelings as secrets on both sides are shared. This was a fast-paced story with great characters and plenty of drama and suspense which kept me hooked throughout. I loved the character’s, especially Mateo and Janey and their chemistry sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. An enjoyable and engaging read.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Delayed Redemption is Book 3 in the DAG Team Series ...while this book could be read as a standalone I still highly recommend reading this series from the beginning. I loved the story-line with romance suspense, danger, suspense and drama...this book was fantastic from beginning to end.

Mateo is leading a bit in two different lives, one of gang life and crime the other going undercover to DAG team...but when his dark world comes to a halt when someone from his past is taken and brought into his world...Janey. Unfortunately, Janey is taken hostage due to her brother...that is whom they want. When Janey realizes that Mateo is still part of the gang life...a lifetime ago she really like Mateo. Secrets are kept...Mateo wants to keep Janey safe....but in order for him to do so, Janey must trust Mateo...but does she....

Will Mateo and Janey be able to be safe at the end....definitely read and find out....

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accidentally picked this book up without realizing it was part of a series, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless! I didn’t feel lost when reading so you could pick it up as a standalone, but you’ll end up doing the same as me and run to get the remaining books in the series. The author had me absolutely hooked from the very first chapter which is pretty difficult to do as it typically takes a bit longer for me to find my groove. Janey thinks she has finally escaped her past when she gets kidnapped. Mateo is trying to correct his past, in a way, when he suddenly finds Janey. Will he be able to help save her, or will it ruin everything that he’s been working for? The chemistry between these two is palpable, and we go on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire book. There were completely unexpected twists in this book which created even more suspense. I highly recommend picking this up while I grab the rest of the series!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delayed Redemption is the 3rd book in the DAG Team series, but the first one I read. While it mostly can be enjoyed as a stand alone, I was a little disappointed that "DAG" was not identified til almost 3/4 of the way through the book. I tried googling it so many ways, and still couldn't figure out what it was. I clearly didn't read the last line of the summary- "this is a steamy romance for readers 18+" That is a very true statement. I liked the plot of the book, but thought the romance was a little over done for my liking, and more than I expected based on the cover and the summary. The book has a good story line and good amount of suspense and danger. The friendships Mateo has with his DAG team is solid and a good family for him. I liked that Janey had moments of bravery and strength, not always being a timid girl of her youth. I want to go back and read book one of the series, since I really liked Kit.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janey is your everyday good girl. She tried to stay under the radar after her rocky childhood. But her brother...he's just about to get her into something she just might not survive.

Mateo hates his life. He was sucked into ganglife with the lure of money, respect and safety but he quickly learned that he's not willing to completely sell his soul. His bright spark has always been knowing that Janey made it out, that she's living somewhere safely. He's recently been given a chance at a new life. All he has to do is topple the gang from within. Then he realises that Janey's brother has got her in deep water. He's been working undercover to blow up the gang - can he still do that whilst protecting Janey?

OMW - Janey and Mateo are the epitome of bad boy/good girl! I'm not usually one for criminal heroes but Mateo managed to get me to cheer for him. As with most things in life not everything is black and white. Mateo did what he could to survive, and to a certain extent, flourish. But there was always a line he wasn't willing to cross.

Janey is strong than even she knows. She may think she's shy, timid and fearful but Mateo sees exactly what a strong person she is.

I enjoyed being back in the DAG world. They're not afraid to get their hands dirty and use all their resources to gain a favourable outcome but not at the expense of their people or innocent bystanders. The mole hunt has sparked all kinds of theories in my head!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed Redemption (The DAG Team Series) by Kel O’Connor. I loved this book. Its a fast paced romance about Mateo who grew up along with Janey in Puerto Rico and Mateo took the hard road in life by joining a gang along with Janey's brother. Mateo always cared about Janey unlike her brother. The two guys have gone down some dark roads and done some very dark things. Janey took the conventional road, college, not that it was super easy but she did it. Her brother Scott decides to go rogue and steals some information from the gang that they don't want him to have so they end up kidnapping Janey to get back at him thinking he will turn over the stolen info. Janey is hoping against all hope that Mateo still cares about her and will help her get back home. Lots of mysteries and surprises in the fun, fast paced romance. Be aware when you begin reading you won't want to put it down.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their writing skills as well as their attention to details that made the story come to life. This is a well written story where the twists and turns will have you coming back for more. The characters are relatable and add so much to the story’s entertainment value. Janey and Mateo are great characters. There is a mole amongst them at DAG. Will Janey and Mateo figure out who the mole is? Will they give in to feelings and work through issues they have? This is such a great story. It is fast paced and hard to put down. A story that is easy to read and one you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mateo and Janey have been friends for a long time but have only recently come back into each other's lives. They both lost someone they were close to and ended up taking different paths. Janey ends up being held by the people Mateo works for due to her brother's idiocy. He has been working on taking these people down from the inside, but now that Janey is there and in danger it makes things harder. There are old feelings there and a lot of things that were left unresolved when Janey left. Will he be able to take these bad guys down and simultaneously keep Janey safe? Will they get a happily ever after? This was a good, fast paced book with plenty of twists and turns. I haven't read the first couple of books in this series but after reading this one they are definitely on my list.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a brilliant romantic suspense that is all about the characters right at is centre. Even with everything going on around them, their connection and chemistry completely shine through. I loved that they had history between them. I think it added such a depth to their relationship and I became more invested in them.
This series is such a strong one. The books are exciting, fast paced and incredible to read. It think this one has to be my favourite so far and it has made me even more excited about what is to come. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and would high recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author. I'm looking forward to reading the previous 2 books in this series, followed by the fourth. This can be read as a standalone but I'm very interested in a deeper background on some of the characters in here.

Janey hands $300 to her brother and finds herself in a new location once the effect of the drugs she was given wear off. She wakes up in an unfamiliar place but not to completely unfamiliar voices and faces. Her captors want her brother and she has no idea where he is.

This book is super suspenseful, has some romance, lots of action and adventure, and a story that will keep you engaged throughout!

[Robin Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed Redemption: DAG Team Series: Book 3 of 4 Special Ops Romantic Suspense

Once again this series grabbed me at page one and didn't let me go until the end.

Janey has worked hard to put her old life behind her and cut off ties to her trouble making brother.

Mateo is moving forward with his life, but before he is fully able to he has to revisit the past.

The suspense starts in chapter one and doesn't let up. Thankfully I'm off work so I could binge this book in one day. Looking forward to the next one.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this romantic suspense series. Mateo and Janey had an friends/lovers to enemies relationship that works back into more. I enjoyed the suspense of the story. The romance has a touch of spicy that makes it adds to the story. The story itself is very engaging. It does work well ads a standalone. If you have read the first two books that will help enhance the story even more. It's thrilling, full of drama, and romance. An enjoyable read that I recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another smashing action packed romantic suspense story in this series! This one falls under the best friend little sister category, which I love. The characters are well done, believable and made me fall for them. We get to see a lot of the team which makes them more “known” quantities instead of just a flat one dimensional until their story pops up. This is very well done and I look forward to seeing more in this series.