Ethan’s Obsession

Tactical Operations #2

by Anna Blakely

A former SEAL who wants what he can’t have. An artist who’s afraid to follow her heart. Danger lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Ethan “Apollo” McAllister’s world is filled with controlled chaos. As a former Navy SEAL and member of Tac-Ops, he’s used to running headfast into danger. He’s also damn good at keeping secrets. The biggest one of all? Being in love with his best friend’s girl. Artist Nicki Castille has made something of herself. The small-town girl from Illinois is now one of the most in-demand civilian contractors for the Department of Defense. But when her work on a top-secret mission inadvertently places her in danger, she must put her trust—and her life—in the hands of the one man who destroyed her belief in true love. Forced together, Ethan and Nicki quickly begin mending the broken fences that has kept them apart for nearly ten years. Soon old wounds are healed, and misunderstandings are rectified, giving these two childhood friends a second chance at love. But just when they’re on the brink of happily-ever-after, a Tac-Ops enemy strikes back in the worst way imaginable. With Nicki’s life hanging in the balance, Ethan is forced to make a choice. Either trade the woman he loves for the one thing that would mean certain financial ruin for the United States…or watch her die. For Ethan, there is no choice. Nicki is his, and he’ll stop at nothing to save her from hell.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Second Chance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2023

About the author

Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.

Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.

Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.

Reviews

[✩ layla ✩]

The heroine wasn’t enough for the hero to even attempt a relationship with. Instead, the hero left and went off to live his best life. The heroine did marry, but of course the other man was just a placeholder for the hero. You know…the same hero the heroine pined after since forever 🙄 Oh and the best part? She hasn’t had sex in 7 1/2 years. The same can’t be said for the hero (typical).

But the hero assures her they were made for each other lol

D-N-fucking-F.

[Lorianna Marchese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young love, filled with misunderstandings and a little naivety in decisions made…
Ethan and Nicki drifted apart but they were always in each others mind…there was regret.
What I really enjoyed was how Anna wrote Ethan and Nicki… when they finally meet each other again after years apart they weren’t foolish or needed vengeance or acted with hate. They each owned their part in the past with honesty and hearts on their sleeves, but also with so much respect for each other.
They had lived a life, gained great occupations and were individuals who stood on their own merits!
When it got tough for each of them and they had to make the toughest of decisions, they stood tall with resilience strength and determination to get through. I loved how Ethan was written in that he was shown to have such a soft vulnerable side and he wasn’t ashamed to show his true feelings.
It was not smooth sailing and when it all went to pieces, They had the team at their back who worked together.
Old friends and new friends worked side by side to do what they do best protect!!
Bones was hilarious even in the most tense of times… I can’t wait for his story
Anna each word on the pages drew you in… a story of love, forgiveness, friendship, interspersed with the usual angst and mystery. A a story that allows you to really feel and see the characters and for a moment in time you you’re right there with them!

[Jane A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth the wait for more Tac-Ops action, Ethan’s Obsession is excellent romantic suspense from Anna Blakely!
Nicki and Ethan were childhood best friends with undeclared feelings for each other, Nicki put her feelings for Ethan on the line as he was about to leave for BUDS, but not willing to risk their friendship Ethan broke both her heart and his in the process and lost her anyway. Ten years later they unexpectedly meet on a Tac-Ops mission but it seems 10 years haven’t healed the hurt and neither is willing to open up to each other but fate isn’t willing to give up on them yet and when TacOps employs Nicki to build a 3D model of a mansion that is their next mission walls tumble down and the pair both finally open up their hearts and confess their feelings for each other.
Just as they seem set to finally embark on their long awaited HEA, a target of Tac-Ops last mission decides to exact revenge and uses Nicki as a bargaining chip by kidnapping her to get what he wants. It has taken Ethan 10 years to reconnect with the love of his life only to have her cruelly snatched away, he will stop at nothing to save her as losing her again is not an option.
Great story, love the characters and once they reconnect Ethan and Nicki are all in, no wasting their second chance, no recriminations just forgiveness and love. Can’t wait for more Tac-ops adventures!
I received an arc from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Nicki have been friends since elementary school. When they made it to high school, they both had feelings for each other but, neither one said anything. Ethan didn't want to risk losing her as one of his best friends. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings tore them apart for a decade. Present day finds Ethan working for a security company and Nicki works for the Department of Defense. Imagine how surprised they both are to run into each other in Greece. They meet again at Ethan's work. She is tasked with helping them with a mission. Not willing to risk losing her again, Ethan invites her to dinner. One thing leads to another and before they know it, they make plans to go out together. Ethan is going to be sorely tested when the worst happens and Nicki is taken. Can he and his team get her back in time to save her? Get this book ASAP and find out. Sorry, no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ethan and Nicki’s second chance romance. Ethan’s Obsession is the second book in the Tac Ops series. Anna Blakey writes great characters, and the story is full of suspense and all of the feels. It was so good. I couldn’t put it down. Ethan and Nicki have been friends since childhood. She felt more for him, and she got brave enough to tell him. He really messed up, and they haven’t seen each other for 10 years. That didn’t stop them from thinking about each other though. A case brings them together, and Ethan and his team have to keep her safe. When she is taken the team goes in to save the love of his life. The team gets some help from Ghost’s team and Tex. This was an exciting story, and I can’t wait for more!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are finally back home....

Home is not a place for Ethan, it is a person, having Nicki in his arms means he is finally home and she is where she should be.....but he has not had home for 10 years. His own fault, he made one wrong decision and it cost him his future, his home, but second chances exist and I love that both Nicki and Ethan know that tomorrow is not guaranteed and they embrace their second chance fully. But a dangerous enemy has other ideas and Ethan has to fight all his natural instincts and remain in warrior mode to save the woman he loves, easier said than done when your heart is on the line.....again
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Sharon Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Nicki were best friends when they were younger and they both fell in love with one another but it was not the time for them. Ethan thought that Nicki was married to his best friend and Nicki thought that Ethan did not want to ruin their friendship. Thats just the beginning, and now in the present Oh wow does it get good. There is so much tension, passion and suspense going on that i guarantee that you will not be able to put it down. As always Anna Blakely writes a story that draws you in and you never want it to end. I highly recommend this story and encourage that you read the first story of this new series Tactical Operations. Great Job Anna!

[Lori Tremain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ethan and Nicole, Childhood friends that grow apart as Ethen joins the Navy and becomes part of a SEAL team. 10 years later, Ethan is on a mission that ends up with the 2 coming back together... ok book, but the amount of talking during a mission is concerning and not believable.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by our amazing Anna Blakely. I just love Ethan an Nic‘s Story. I couldn‘t stop reading it, it was so exciting and thrilling. A book about Friends, Second Chance, Misunderstandings, Love and Trust. Our badass hero who does everything to get it right this time all the while taking care of the bad guy. And we do get to meet up with a Team from Susan but you have to read it to find out which one.

[Monique Westwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ethan and  Nic together.  I especially loved that they were able to show their emotions so realistically and intensely.   Lots of action and intrigue and amazing character interactions.   I felt drawn in from the beginning.  I'm so excited to see Susan's Deltas.   I somehow missed the first book (off I go to download it) but it did not impede my enjoyment or understanding of this story. 

[MN Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was worth the wait. I loved Ethan & Nikki.

[Yvonne S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacks a few things but otherwise okay-ish

Anna Blakely’s second book in her Tactical Operations series, Ethan’s Obsession, follows the same formula as book one: a focus on the operational aspects of the TAC-OPS team’s job, with minimal attention to the relationship elements. Like its predecessor, it wasn’t a “wow”—just okay.

Ethan made a mistake ten years ago when he walked away from Nicki, the only woman he’s ever loved. Now, on a mission in Greece, he runs into her again, and it’s clear his feelings haven’t faded. Ethan believes Nicki is married, but hopes to reconnect as friends. Nicki, shocked to see him after all this time, is still upset about their past and brushes him off. Later, Nicki—who works for the DoD—is assigned to assist on a case Ethan and his team are working on. Ethan invites her to dinner, where they reconnect, and she reveals she’s been divorced for eight years. After the mission, Nicki asks Ethan to attend a gala as her plus-one, and the two finally connect post-event. But all is not as it seems: the villain from Ethan’s previous mission wants a stolen program returned and uses Nicki as leverage.

The writing was passable, but riddled with issues—misspelled words (e.g., not instead of naught, melencholy instead of melancholy), missing words, misplaced punctuation, and basic errors a competent proofreader should have caught. There was also far too much telling versus showing. We’re told Ethan is relentless about Nicki’s safety, yet we never see that in action. The storytelling was serviceable—I managed to finish the book—but I had to skim through several sections that dragged. For example, the initial mission spans two chapters filled with excessive dialogue and detail. It detracted from what this story was supposed to be at its core: a romance.

I appreciated that Ethan knew what he wanted and valued his second chance with Nicki. However, his reasons for rejecting her a decade ago were underdeveloped. Yes, he didn’t want her to endure the life of a military wife, but his rejection felt cold, selfish, and uncaring. He gave her no indication of mutual interest and left without reciprocating when she bared her soul. Only later, upon reconnecting, does he confess to having had feelings for her. If that was true, the author failed to convey it convincingly. Also, while I understand the push for emotionally expressive male characters, Ethan’s frequent crying felt excessive.

Nicki started strong. I thought, “Finally! An FMC who isn’t swayed by pretty words or quick to forgive.” But that resolve didn’t last. She soon morphed into a sweet-as-sugar-pie heroine whose entire existence revolved around the man she loved. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t understand how female authors consistently write their male characters with more depth than their female ones. Unless, of course, these portrayals reflect the author’s own beliefs about how women should behave and what they should want?

As in book one, the relationship arc was flimsy. We’re told Ethan and Nicki were best friends in their youth, but as readers, we’re given no insight into that history. They reconnect, have a few conversations, and suddenly they’re all in—complete with one uninspiring sex scene. The relationship lacked development and emotional depth. There were contradictions too: Nicki muses about her “burgeoning” feelings for Ethan, despite having loved him since their youth. Her ex-husband and Ethan’s best friend, Trey, seemed introduced solely to create conflict. He never appears and is never mentioned again after Ethan and Nicki reconcile. Similarly, Ethan claims he can’t bear to be apart from Nicki, yet he spent a decade living his life and sleeping with other women. I couldn’t suspend disbelief enough to buy into his “obsession.”

Then there’s the near-virgin trope. Nicki married Trey by “mistake,” divorced him two years later, and hasn’t been with anyone else in the eight years since. Meanwhile, Ethan presumably racked up his share of conquests. Why do female authors cling to this outdated mindset? I’m not saying she should have been promiscuous, but this trope is tired. Even her food choices—“veggie” pizza and salad—felt like a wink to the purity stereotype. And then, this same near-virgin FMC becomes the aggressor in the bedroom. Contradiction much? Don’t worry, though—the author assures us Nicki isn’t usually this bold. It’s all Ethan’s fault. And for some inexplicable reason, Nicki feels compelled to tell Ethan she’s only “been with one man” right as things heat up. Cue eyeroll.

The suspense was thin. We get two chapters of a short mission, followed by pages of inner monologue and relationship buildup. The second suspense arc features a one-dimensional villain and a resolution that’s far too easy. Some suspense elements were implausible; others were unintentionally comical. Imagine this: the FMC wakes up to a break-in. Instead of fleeing, she lies back and reminisces about a mouse she once trapped with her father—describing it as “adorable.” Then, realizing the danger, she hides under the covers and dials 911. Really? Even a child would know to find a better hiding spot.

In conclusion, the romance lacked heat and emotional depth, just like the first book in the series. The FMCs feel outdated in both outlook and behavior, and they forgive far too easily. Too much narrative space is devoted to mission procedures, while the emotional core—the romance—is left underdeveloped. I’m honestly not sure if this series is meant to blend suspense and romance because right now, the missions have more chemistry than the characters.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ten years ago, former SEAL Ethan ‘Apollo’ McAllister and artist Nicolette ‘Nicki’ Castille were two in a trio of inseparable best friends stepping into adulthood and careers away from their small town. Nicki felt compelled to tell Ethan she loved him before he left, Ethan cared for Nicki but wanted to preserve their friendship despite a mind-blowing kiss and left Nicki behind.

The pair moved on with their lives and used shared memories to work through difficult periods, Ethan realizing how much he cared for Nicki. When Ethan’s team goes to empty the embassy in Greece, he’s stunned to see Nicki there working. Ethan wants to clear the air but Nicki’s marriage to their friend makes that difficult and above all Nicki wants to protect her heart.

Back in their lives, Ethan gets a chance to make things right with Nicki when her job has a task to help his team thwarts a dastardly duo set to let their nefarious plot loose on the world by eliminating one of the two. Meanwhile, Nicki’s caught in the sights of the remaining madman determined to get Ethan to do his bidding. All Ethan wants is to keep Nicki safe!

I liked but didn’t love the outing. To my taste, the leads were likable but Ethan was flat, Nicki had layers but no outlet, together they had no chemistry. Also, the whole marriage thing should’ve been left out or fleshed out, it felt like a dangling thread; the villains weren’t very sinister leaving the read with unfulfilled potential but villain #2 swung for diabolical.
Rating: 3.25stars

[Amanda Zook · Rating 5 out of 5]

He may have broken her heart all those years ago, but his was just as broken in the process.

Ethan and Nicki: best friends for years, until they weren't. One night threw a wrench in their friendship and neither was the same since. Ten years later, a mission has them meeting again. Unfortunately, neither of them was willing to open themselves up to the other to renew their friendship. But then, the Tac-Ops group hires Nicki to build a scale model of a home where they had a mission to accomplish. Ethan and Nicki open their hearts and minds and confess their true feelings for each other which are just as strong as they were ten years ago.

But someone wasn't happy with the successful outcome of the mission and wanted revenge. Nicki is kidnapped and Ethan risks everything to get her back. He will not lose her a second time.

A story about love and forgiveness, Ethan's Obsession hit all the feels. They didn't waste time with pointless grudges. They had the difficult conversation they both needed in order to be able to move on. It was beautiful to watch them move on together. Can't wait for more from the Tac-Ops team.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2.
Ethan and Nicki were childhood friends, they were the best of friends. But when she puts her heart on the line, the timing just isn’t right. He’s heading to BUD/S training, so he can’t give her what she needs, right? He thinks he cant ask her to wait and she thinks he doesn’t care for her that way and she walks away. He returns to let her know that she is all he wants, but its too late. She’s with someone else. It isn’t him.

Fast forward ten yeara and Ethan “Apollo” McAlister is on a mission in Greece and who should he run into, his one true love. They never kept up their friendship, so reconnecting after 10 years, is all he wants. Can they mend their friendship? Do they really still have those feelings from when they were just kids?

Well nothing like a bit of drama and rescue to answer those questions. I like Ethan and Nicki together, they just gel. I’m glad they could pick up their friendship and turn it in to their HEA.

[Gina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Tac-Ops series, brings us a sweet second chance romance for Ethan and Nicki. Childhood best friends go their separate ways when Ethan decides to take on Buds training for the Navy Seals, and leaves Nicki with a broken heart after she laid it at his feet. Ten years later, they both still think about each other, they both have regrets, and they both are just trying live their lives. A mission to safely evacuate an embassy back to the USA brings them together again. It’s awkward, stilted and they say their goodbyes, but a few weeks later, fate intercedes again. This time neither of them want to walk away and will do whatever necessary to make it work. That is until a madman kidnaps Nicki to get what he needs to finish his crazy plan. Did they wait too long? Will they get Nicki out alive? Will the ever get their happy ever after together?
Read the book to find out, I did and loved it all!!

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing that I enjoy more than a good second chance romance but add to that a thriller and I am hooked! Ethan McAllister and Nicki Castille grew up together and Nicki tried to make her feelings known to Ethan but he rebuffed her. Now it has been years and Ethan regrets the choices that he made but what is done is done or is it? They both have gone on to lead very full lives but now circumstances and fate have brought them together. Will Ethan finally get his priorities straight and realize that he has been living half a life? So with a Tac-Ops enemy after Nicki he has a chance to spend time with her and learn more about the woman she has become and if he can keep her safe maybe have the future that he could have had all along? Ethan's Obsession was told from dual POV and had action, laughter, a bit of angst and plenty of heat. Looking forward to more books in this series.

[Mechelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan has been Nicki’s best friend since elementary school along with one other person. But by high school, she was hopelessly in love with him and took a shot at telling him before he left for his SEAL training. Despite Ethan feeling the same, he told her they were just friends to try and keep from hurting her. Instead they both suffer the loss of one another for a decade until their paths cross again and neither can deny how they feel. When Nicki’s job brings her to Ethan’s team to help them prepare for a mission, he decides it’s time to let her know his true feelings and see where things go. But when Nicki is taken by an enemy of this team, he’ll stop at nothing to save her, even if it means handing over something that could be a financial disaster to the world. This is a beautiful story with all the right pieces to make it a winner!

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan “Apollo” McCallister a former Sealm and now works for TAC OPS.
Nicki Castile she is an artist and works for Department Of Defense.

Nicki nd Ethan have been friends, since school and before he leaves for the military. Nicki confesses how she feels for Ethan, he messes up and they go
Their separate ways. 10 years later they meet up on a mission, Ethan and Nicki
Work things ou until there is a backlash from a mission of Ethan’s
and she is kidnapped.

Can Ethan and his teammates save her and have a Happily Ever After?

It was good to meet old friends ( Tex, Ghost and his Delta team)

This book has suspense, intrigue, second chance at love, twists, turns,
and lots of emotions.

Great Job Anna Blakey !!!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forever

Ethan/Apollo and Nicolette. She has a cool job. The TAC op team is back and we see the Delta team with Ghost and Truck and Hollywood back as well. The couple grew up together and because of a misguided action didn’t date and fell out of touch. Now forced together for safety they talk and realize what went wrong. Danger comes forth from a mission they both had a role in and so does the emotions and connection between the two. The danger element was fairly obvious and surprising as someone in her role would have more security I would think? The ending was technologically neat as Shadow and Tex saved the day and included a cute proposal. I enjoyed the read and am excited for more of this series, especially Shadows story!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy he messed up at first, but I reckon he punished himself enough for that. These two were sweet together, a strong friendship base that honestly even with a gap still flowed easily. Several action scenes which were full of suspense and edge of the seat moments. Some sizzle and heat and romance. Characters I loved, Nicki stayed strong and firm and Ethan pushed when he needed too. Wonderful supporters and even a villain that had a little bit of a heart at times. Exciting and interesting plot with twists and a happy ending. Held my attention throughout, had me internally screaming at times and smiling at others, definitely left me wanting more from these guys. One of my favourite authors.

[Alibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing ride with heartbreak turned into an happy ending when these two former best friends get their second chance after finally clearing the air. Ethan and Nicki belonged together almost 10 years ago, but youth and misunderstandings derailed their path. Luckily fate wasn't done with them and set their paths to diverge again, but just when everything is looking perfect Nicki becomes a target for revenge. Ethan will destroy anyone to get her back though, and after some harrowing suspense and help from one of our favorite Delta teams, the threat is neutralized, leaving the two lovebirds to seize their HEA.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Nicki have history. Childhood friends, growing up they both had feelings for each other but it never ended up becoming more and they drifted. Now 10 years have passed, life brings them back together but this time, given both of their jobs, Nicki's life is in danger. I loved the dynamic between these two given their background and already-there chemistry. Seeing them get to know each other again was so sweet, and I adored the tender and heated moments between the two. Add in some great action and the tension from what could happen as they both try to survive, and Ethan's Obsession was an incredible read! I cannot wait to dive more into this world and these characters.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow great story!!
Nicki, a model maker for the DoD is tasked to make a model for Ethan's team to infiltrate a target. Their history comes to a head.
I loved their chemistry and how Nicki was mad at Ethan. Kind of not real sure why she was so mad when he was going off to BUDS training. But their anger and understanding did come.
Loads to suspense, danger and intensity comes with this story and how great were those characters. His team were amazing and great getting to know.
Well written with a great story line. A highly recommended read!!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second chapter in this Tac Ops Series. I found this one more intense and utterly delightful. I'm still thinking about it even after I've finished. Ethan is all in, he's realized his mistake and will do anything to fix it. Nicki doesn't want to get burned again, but how can she resist the one love of her life, even after all this time. Ms. Blakely always creates relatable characters that you feel like they are part of your family and you can trust them. Sweet, strong, Sexy and Superman, how could a girl go wrong?

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Annette Reavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing ride with heartbreak turned into a happy ending when these two former best friends get their second chance after finally clearing the air. Ethan and Nicki belonged together almost 10 years ago, but youth and misunderstandings derailed their path. I love how they found each other again and were able to quickly put the past behind them and move toward their future. Ethan has to save Nicki and of course, being the protective hero he brings his girl home. I loved this story and would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a one-that-got-away story? What would you do if you had the opportunity at another chance with them? Ethan knows this feeling first hand, and when his chance comes he's taking the chance to see if they can reconnect.
Nicki took that chance years ago and knows the feeling of humiliation and regret. Humiliation that her love wasn't returned and regret because she lost her best friend in the process.
Now that Ethan and Nicki are both on the same page there's someone who wants to tear them apart to equal a score.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan's Obsession is every bit as fast paced, suspenseful, hard hitting and spicy as Garret's Destiny was. Anna Blakely really knows how to weave a captivating tale. Longtime childhood friends Nicki Castile and Ethan McAllister were inseparable until the day she declared her feelings. He walked away thinking it was the best for her because his life was going to be wrapped up for years as a Navy SEAL. By the time he gets his head out, she's marrying someone else. Now ten years later they're thrown together because of a mission. He's determined to talk about the intervening 10 years and if nothing else rekindle their friendship. She's reluctant to say the very least. It takes working together on a different mission that brings them close again. Having her getting caught up and put in harm's way drives him to the brink. He will do whatever it takes to get her safety and vanquish the enemy.

[Cheryl A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Anna Blakely’s books. She writes awesome suspense, mystery and romance novels. When I’m in the mood to read hot military alphas with great suspense she is the one I turn too. She has great characters and plots. This is a second chance for Ethan and Nicolette. They were best friends growing up and he leaves for the Navy after graduation with the idea Nickie Will have a better life without him. 10 years later they reconnect in an op when he is sent to rescue diplomats and her. This is well worth the read.

[Stacy Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author, the way she tells a story pulls you right in. Well written with great characters. Full of action and suspense. 2people who grew up being best friends but circumstances had them apart for years. Ethan is on an Op to get people to safety when one of the people is Nikki his childhood best friend and someone who has always loved. Can they get there friendship back can they have more.
Definitely would recommend reading this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.