What do you think?
Rate this book
Elite Ops #2
Personal Target
an elite team of ex-military men working under the radar of most governments. If you have a problem no one else can handle, they can help.A former SEAL and Black Ops specialist who left the CIA, Nick Donovan gave up a life on the edge to work in the private sector. But that didn't stop his enemies from coming after him--or his family. In a case of mistaken identity, a drug cartel kidnaps his sister-in-law's best friend ... a woman from Nick's past.One minute Jennifer Grayson is housesitting and the next she's abducted to a foreign brothel. Jennifer is planning her escape when her first "customer" arrives. Nick, the man who broke her heart years ago, has come to her rescue. Now, as they race for their lives, passion for each other reignites and old secrets resurface. Can Nick keep the woman he loves safe against an enemy with a personal vendetta?Books in #1 Hard Elite Ops-Book 1#2 Personal An Elite Ops Novel #3 Easy An Elite Ops Novel (on sale 6/9/15)
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
16 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Kay Thomas
98 books464 followersI didn’t grow up burning to be a writer. As a child I wasn’t even much of a reader until fourth grade. That’s when I was stuck at home with the flu and my big sister read THE BLACK STALLION aloud to me. For hours I was enthralled—shipwrecked in a foreign land and riding an untamed horse across the hot desert sand. Then tragedy struck. My sister lost her voice. (I think she caught my flu.) But I couldn’t wait to hear what happened to Alec Ramsey—so I picked up that book, finished reading it by myself, and went in search of more adventures at the local library. Today I live in Dallas with my husband, our two children, and a shockingly-spoiled Boston terrier.
In November 2013, HARD TARGET: Elite Ops-Book 1 was released in my new series from Avon Impulse, featuring sexy ex-military men...and the women who rescue their hearts. HARD TARGET received an Award of Merit in the HOLT Medallion Contest and was also a nominee for best romantic suspense in the GDRWA Booksellers Best Awards. PERSONAL TARGET, book two in the series, released in 2014 followed by EASY TARGET (Elite Ops 3) in 2015. For excerpts, book trailers, and more—visit my website at www.KayThomas.net
And to keep up with my latest releases, sign up for my Kay Thomas "Bullet Points" Newsletter. I only send them out when I have a new book and the list is never shared, so you'll only hear from me: http://eepurl.com/Pup1
I can also be found online at Facebook: www.facebook.com/KayThomasWrites
Twitter:
www.Twitter.com/KayThomasWrites
Pinterest:
www.pinterest.com/KayThomasWrites
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/KayThomasWrites
In addition to their US releases, my national best-selling books have been published in France, the Netherlands, Estonia, Australia, the UK and South Africa. BULLETPROOF HEARTS (April 2011), won the 2012 HOLT Medallion in Short Contemporary and was a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards. My debut novel, BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF (January 2009) was a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit recipient, a Readers’ Crown finalist, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nominee.
In November 2013, HARD TARGET: Elite Ops-Book 1 was released in my new series from Avon Impulse, featuring sexy ex-military men...and the women who rescue their hearts. HARD TARGET received an Award of Merit in the HOLT Medallion Contest and was also a nominee for best romantic suspense in the GDRWA Booksellers Best Awards. PERSONAL TARGET, book two in the series, released in 2014 followed by EASY TARGET (Elite Ops 3) in 2015. For excerpts, book trailers, and more—visit my website at www.KayThomas.net
And to keep up with my latest releases, sign up for my Kay Thomas "Bullet Points" Newsletter. I only send them out when I have a new book and the list is never shared, so you'll only hear from me: http://eepurl.com/Pup1
I can also be found online at Facebook: www.facebook.com/KayThomasWrites
Twitter:
www.Twitter.com/KayThomasWrites
Pinterest:
www.pinterest.com/KayThomasWrites
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/KayThomasWrites
In addition to their US releases, my national best-selling books have been published in France, the Netherlands, Estonia, Australia, the UK and South Africa. BULLETPROOF HEARTS (April 2011), won the 2012 HOLT Medallion in Short Contemporary and was a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards. My debut novel, BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF (January 2009) was a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit recipient, a Readers’ Crown finalist, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nominee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 28, 2016
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished:Personal Target by Kay Thomas had me wishing I had started at book 1 and that book 3 was already out. It was that good!
Overall Thoughts: The action was intense! I really like when a RS is heavy on the suspense and action so this was right up my alley. Also I am partial to stories about rescue surrounding human trafficking (aka my love of the LCR series by Christy Reece). It is a global issue so the locals also were interesting (Africa, Mexico). The romance was strong and with their history easy enough to fall in love with them. My only character complaint was the middle part of the story Jennifer was edging that TSTL line and Nick was pent up angry man. They both redeemed themselves though and that is all that matters. I will be picking up book 1 and counting down to book 3!
Audio Thoughts:
Holy number of accents! P.J. did a great job considering the number of accents in this story (Mexico, African, Southern) and still managed to keep the main characters unique. His male characters were stronger than his females but didn't take me long to warm up to those. I would listen to his narration again.
Status Updates
25%: "#Listening Best Quote So Far: "As closed as a nun's knees". So far really liking it--though gotta give it up to Jenny she seems to be a little more together than the professional Nick."
50%: #Listening Oh Thanks God she realized (hopefully) that she really was being a TSTL leading lady. Though they do need to talk!"
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, Done! Reviews
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished:Personal Target by Kay Thomas had me wishing I had started at book 1 and that book 3 was already out. It was that good!
Overall Thoughts: The action was intense! I really like when a RS is heavy on the suspense and action so this was right up my alley. Also I am partial to stories about rescue surrounding human trafficking (aka my love of the LCR series by Christy Reece). It is a global issue so the locals also were interesting (Africa, Mexico). The romance was strong and with their history easy enough to fall in love with them. My only character complaint was the middle part of the story Jennifer was edging that TSTL line and Nick was pent up angry man. They both redeemed themselves though and that is all that matters. I will be picking up book 1 and counting down to book 3!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By P.J. Ochlan / Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
Holy number of accents! P.J. did a great job considering the number of accents in this story (Mexico, African, Southern) and still managed to keep the main characters unique. His male characters were stronger than his females but didn't take me long to warm up to those. I would listen to his narration again.
Status Updates
25%: "#Listening Best Quote So Far: "As closed as a nun's knees". So far really liking it--though gotta give it up to Jenny she seems to be a little more together than the professional Nick."
50%: #Listening Oh Thanks God she realized (hopefully) that she really was being a TSTL leading lady. Though they do need to talk!"
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, Done! Reviews
July 4, 2014
I loved it, it had so many heart stopping moments that I would have to tell myself to breathe. It had a lot of twists and turns. It kept me riveted. I believe this one was even better than Hard Target, and I loved that book too.
August 11, 2014
Another action packed adventure in the next chapter of the men of AEGIS. As this series has many crossover plots from the previous books I would recommend reading in order.
Nick Donavan was part of the team from the first book that went after the Vegas and Riveras cartels. Both now are looking for revenge and kidnap who they think is his sister-in-law and take her to Mexico to the largest brothel and where they gather women to sell. Problem is they got his SIL best friend and the only woman Nick has ever loved Jennifer Grayson.
Nick and Jennifer hadn’t seen each other in 10 years and they had some unresolved issues that had to be dealt with during their long run from both cartels through Mexico, the United States and Africa.
This series is like a labyrinth of twist and turns. Where there is some resolution to some things there are just as many new things introduced that we have to wait to see how they play out.
Nick Donavan was part of the team from the first book that went after the Vegas and Riveras cartels. Both now are looking for revenge and kidnap who they think is his sister-in-law and take her to Mexico to the largest brothel and where they gather women to sell. Problem is they got his SIL best friend and the only woman Nick has ever loved Jennifer Grayson.
Nick and Jennifer hadn’t seen each other in 10 years and they had some unresolved issues that had to be dealt with during their long run from both cartels through Mexico, the United States and Africa.
This series is like a labyrinth of twist and turns. Where there is some resolution to some things there are just as many new things introduced that we have to wait to see how they play out.
July 29, 2014
Review: Personal Target: An Elite Ops Novel by Kay Thomas http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1tu
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
REVIEW:
The globe-trotting action was none stop in this romantic suspense novel. I liked the storyline with all its twists and turns. It kept you wondering and engaged. I just wish Jenny and Nick’s relationship and feelings pulled me in more. It seemed like they had sex due to opportunity and not heartfelt desire. That beings said, I did enjoy the ride.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
REVIEW:
The globe-trotting action was none stop in this romantic suspense novel. I liked the storyline with all its twists and turns. It kept you wondering and engaged. I just wish Jenny and Nick’s relationship and feelings pulled me in more. It seemed like they had sex due to opportunity and not heartfelt desire. That beings said, I did enjoy the ride.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2014
First off can I just say the cover of the book had me sweating bullets and needing a cold shower! *wipes drool*
As for the book itself....Personal Target was a fast-paced, action packed,edge of your seat read! This book had twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. Jennifer and Nick's passion was off the charts hot. But, can that passion keep them together when their past catches up with them and they have to take the time to admit to mistakes made?
I love romantic suspense books and Personal Target has moved up into my list of top 10 favorites of this year! Kay Thomas is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her stories in the future.
As for the book itself....Personal Target was a fast-paced, action packed,edge of your seat read! This book had twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. Jennifer and Nick's passion was off the charts hot. But, can that passion keep them together when their past catches up with them and they have to take the time to admit to mistakes made?
I love romantic suspense books and Personal Target has moved up into my list of top 10 favorites of this year! Kay Thomas is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her stories in the future.
July 16, 2014
Great book. Lots of suspense and enough mystery to keep you wanting more. I was left wanting to know more about the "big picture" of the story. Possibly, more books to come in the Elite Ops series? I hope so!
July 21, 2014
Wow. Kay Thomas really never failed my expectations. I love how she fused different elements in the novel and I think that's the reason why I was captivated with how the story goes. I'm sure you too wouldn't want to get interrupted while reading Personal Target.
August 21, 2014
“Everything is not always as it appears.”
–Ernesto Vega, Personal Target
I found this quote spoken by one of the main antagonists to be quite accurate in encapsulating the plot of Personal Target. Thomas takes the hero, Nick Donovan and Jennifer Grayson, the woman he’s determined to protect down a thrilling, dangerous path that is filled with suspenseful action and a bit of mystery as they face down Mexican cartels, human traffickers, and a barrage of violence launched their way at every twist and turn. Needless to say, these characters don’t get much of a reprieve throughout the entirety of the book. When they aren’t dealing with these external conflicts, each is battling an inner struggle with the unresolved feelings still lingering for the other after ten years apart. Just when Nick and Jennifer think they are beginning to understand the broad scope of what’s going on, secrets are revealed that have them reconsidering everything they thought was true.
Nick is one of the AEGIS agents who was part of the action in the first book, Hard Target, and at that time, I was intrigued by his character and the mystery of his backstory, so I was excited when I learned he would be featured in this second installment of the series. At the end of the first book, Nick was in a precarious situation and readers were left wondering what would happen to him. Personal Target picks up right after the resolution of book one, and takes readers into Nick’s private life and his worries and concerns over his family’s safety, since Tomas Rivera and Ernesto Vega, leaders of two major Mexican cartels are out for revenge after AEGIS invaded their corrupt world to rescue a woman and her son. In the aftermath of the violence and destruction from this last mission, the cartels have formed a tenuous alliance to seek justice, and Nick has become a target for their vengeance. Although I think you could follow the story on its own, I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series. Both books are well-written, sexy page turners with just the right blend of romance, mystery, and action.
Nick is a former SEAL and CIA agent who joined AEGIS, a private security firm after he noticed that his working environment had contributed to the emotional numbness that now defines him, and he fears he may never be able to be come back from it and feel normal again. Thomas has created a great hero in Nick’s character, one who’s honorable, cool under fire, a quick thinker under pressure, and very persuasive in the most dubious of circumstances. He’s also fiercely protective of the ones he loves, and once he discovers his family has been personally targeted, he’s determined to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. One of his greatest fears is that his loved ones will suffer because of the work he does, and that fear is realized when his former love is kidnapped and sent to a Mexican brothel because of a case of mistaken identity. No matter his conflicting feelings for the woman who disappeared from his life and married another man years ago, his loyalty to her is unwavering. Nick will do whatever it takes to get her back, with or without AEGIS’s assistance.
Jennifer just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when a quick grab and snatch places her in right smack in the prostitution capital of Mexico. Held captive and forced to work in the brothel where she’s held, she realizes Nick, the man who walked away from her long ago, may be the only one who can save her now. Nick’s spur of the moment rescue attempt brings her right back into his arms, and she’s not so sure she’s comfortable with that anymore. Her reluctance to let him back into her life and desire to escape his offer of protection led me to believe she’s has secrets she doesn’t want Nick to know about. Besides the great action scenes, the mystery of what caused the abrupt end to Nick and Jennifer’s romance captured my interest and wouldn’t let go until I learned the truth.
In the interim, their reunion arouses all those dormant feelings they had thought long forgotten. When Nick and Jennifer are together, it’s obvious their attraction for each other hasn’t faded the least bit, and this scares both of them. While it would be so easy for them to just go their separate ways, rather than deal with the emotional turmoil of being around each other, Nick is honor bound to keep Jennifer safe when it becomes obvious someone is targeting her as well for some reason that has yet to be disclosed. Unfortunately, Jennifer doesn’t make it easy for Nick to protect her. However, when she’s not trying to run away from him, their passion slowly rekindles, and the intimate scenes between them are sensual but not overly graphic in description. I also like the fact that Thomas carefully places the few love scenes between this couple in places where they have a brief respite from the looming danger, and it is actually believable that they can lower their guard for just a little while to reconnect physically.
As I read the story, I had mixed feelings about Jennifer. She’s stubborn and naively believes that after her kidnapping she can just pick up and resume her life as if nothing has happened. She lets her emotions rule over logic. Her connection to Nick and now the cartels have placed her life in danger, and even though she keeps getting attacked, she refuses to believe anyone would have any interest in her. She naively thinks if she can just keep her distance from Nick, then she’ll be left alone. At times, her actions frustrated me and I just wanted to yell at her to get her head out of the sand and accept her new reality. Furthermore, when Jennifer does finally get the nerve to tell Nick the truth about the secrets she’s been keeping from him, I had a hard time empathizing with her situation, and I could completely understand why Nick feels so betrayed and his reluctance to forgive her. On the other hand, even though Nick is devastated by Jennifer’s revelations, ironically, her truth begins to poke a hole in the numbness that surrounds Nick’s heart. I think Jennifer’s character and her present and past actions would make for a great book discussion. Needless to say, she’s not one of my favorite heroines, but that’s okay because she’s a complex flawed character who can’t easily have a label affixed to her.
Through Nick and Jennifer’s journey, Thomas takes us from Texas to Mexico, and then to a remote region of Africa, and she uses great description to help give readers a sense of each setting. She also brings awareness to the ongoing and increasing worldwide problem of human trafficking. She explores themes of trust and betrayal and the power of love to overcome the bleakest of situations.
Although Thomas provides a satisfying resolution to Nick and Jennifer’s story, the larger plot has gotten much more complicated and left me wondering about the stability of AEGIS and exactly who else may also be involved in attempting to sabotage the firm. Is there a traitor in the mix? Although the larger plot is still evolving and I’m still not sure of what the end game is, Thomas has given me plenty of incentive to want to continue the series.
I found this quote spoken by one of the main antagonists to be quite accurate in encapsulating the plot of Personal Target. Thomas takes the hero, Nick Donovan and Jennifer Grayson, the woman he’s determined to protect down a thrilling, dangerous path that is filled with suspenseful action and a bit of mystery as they face down Mexican cartels, human traffickers, and a barrage of violence launched their way at every twist and turn. Needless to say, these characters don’t get much of a reprieve throughout the entirety of the book. When they aren’t dealing with these external conflicts, each is battling an inner struggle with the unresolved feelings still lingering for the other after ten years apart. Just when Nick and Jennifer think they are beginning to understand the broad scope of what’s going on, secrets are revealed that have them reconsidering everything they thought was true.
Nick is one of the AEGIS agents who was part of the action in the first book, Hard Target, and at that time, I was intrigued by his character and the mystery of his backstory, so I was excited when I learned he would be featured in this second installment of the series. At the end of the first book, Nick was in a precarious situation and readers were left wondering what would happen to him. Personal Target picks up right after the resolution of book one, and takes readers into Nick’s private life and his worries and concerns over his family’s safety, since Tomas Rivera and Ernesto Vega, leaders of two major Mexican cartels are out for revenge after AEGIS invaded their corrupt world to rescue a woman and her son. In the aftermath of the violence and destruction from this last mission, the cartels have formed a tenuous alliance to seek justice, and Nick has become a target for their vengeance. Although I think you could follow the story on its own, I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series. Both books are well-written, sexy page turners with just the right blend of romance, mystery, and action.
Nick is a former SEAL and CIA agent who joined AEGIS, a private security firm after he noticed that his working environment had contributed to the emotional numbness that now defines him, and he fears he may never be able to be come back from it and feel normal again. Thomas has created a great hero in Nick’s character, one who’s honorable, cool under fire, a quick thinker under pressure, and very persuasive in the most dubious of circumstances. He’s also fiercely protective of the ones he loves, and once he discovers his family has been personally targeted, he’s determined to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. One of his greatest fears is that his loved ones will suffer because of the work he does, and that fear is realized when his former love is kidnapped and sent to a Mexican brothel because of a case of mistaken identity. No matter his conflicting feelings for the woman who disappeared from his life and married another man years ago, his loyalty to her is unwavering. Nick will do whatever it takes to get her back, with or without AEGIS’s assistance.
Jennifer just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when a quick grab and snatch places her in right smack in the prostitution capital of Mexico. Held captive and forced to work in the brothel where she’s held, she realizes Nick, the man who walked away from her long ago, may be the only one who can save her now. Nick’s spur of the moment rescue attempt brings her right back into his arms, and she’s not so sure she’s comfortable with that anymore. Her reluctance to let him back into her life and desire to escape his offer of protection led me to believe she’s has secrets she doesn’t want Nick to know about. Besides the great action scenes, the mystery of what caused the abrupt end to Nick and Jennifer’s romance captured my interest and wouldn’t let go until I learned the truth.
In the interim, their reunion arouses all those dormant feelings they had thought long forgotten. When Nick and Jennifer are together, it’s obvious their attraction for each other hasn’t faded the least bit, and this scares both of them. While it would be so easy for them to just go their separate ways, rather than deal with the emotional turmoil of being around each other, Nick is honor bound to keep Jennifer safe when it becomes obvious someone is targeting her as well for some reason that has yet to be disclosed. Unfortunately, Jennifer doesn’t make it easy for Nick to protect her. However, when she’s not trying to run away from him, their passion slowly rekindles, and the intimate scenes between them are sensual but not overly graphic in description. I also like the fact that Thomas carefully places the few love scenes between this couple in places where they have a brief respite from the looming danger, and it is actually believable that they can lower their guard for just a little while to reconnect physically.
As I read the story, I had mixed feelings about Jennifer. She’s stubborn and naively believes that after her kidnapping she can just pick up and resume her life as if nothing has happened. She lets her emotions rule over logic. Her connection to Nick and now the cartels have placed her life in danger, and even though she keeps getting attacked, she refuses to believe anyone would have any interest in her. She naively thinks if she can just keep her distance from Nick, then she’ll be left alone. At times, her actions frustrated me and I just wanted to yell at her to get her head out of the sand and accept her new reality. Furthermore, when Jennifer does finally get the nerve to tell Nick the truth about the secrets she’s been keeping from him, I had a hard time empathizing with her situation, and I could completely understand why Nick feels so betrayed and his reluctance to forgive her. On the other hand, even though Nick is devastated by Jennifer’s revelations, ironically, her truth begins to poke a hole in the numbness that surrounds Nick’s heart. I think Jennifer’s character and her present and past actions would make for a great book discussion. Needless to say, she’s not one of my favorite heroines, but that’s okay because she’s a complex flawed character who can’t easily have a label affixed to her.
Through Nick and Jennifer’s journey, Thomas takes us from Texas to Mexico, and then to a remote region of Africa, and she uses great description to help give readers a sense of each setting. She also brings awareness to the ongoing and increasing worldwide problem of human trafficking. She explores themes of trust and betrayal and the power of love to overcome the bleakest of situations.
Although Thomas provides a satisfying resolution to Nick and Jennifer’s story, the larger plot has gotten much more complicated and left me wondering about the stability of AEGIS and exactly who else may also be involved in attempting to sabotage the firm. Is there a traitor in the mix? Although the larger plot is still evolving and I’m still not sure of what the end game is, Thomas has given me plenty of incentive to want to continue the series.
June 1, 2017
Needed something quick to listen to before heading out of town. Got thru 50% and had to hold off to finish when returned. Nothing original at all in the story, but easy to listen to while finishing several knitting projects.
February 5, 2018
An intriguing action packed book. Well worth reading.
April 22, 2020
Jen wasn't the britghtest bulb in the bunch....going to Niger by herself ..... wow... Good thing Nick was around.
September 18, 2024
This started out really good and action-packed then slowed down just as intensely as it started.
August 6, 2014
Review originally posted at Ramblings from this Chick
PERSONAL TARGET was my first experience with author Kay Thomas’s work, but it certainly won’t be my last, and I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of her Elite Ops series. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of military romantic suspense, and the words “former SEAL” and “Black Ops” are enough to pique my interest. Throw in a ruthless drug cartel with a personal vendetta, a case of mistaken identity, a heroine with a PhD, and a cover as hot as this one, and I’m completely sold! PERSONAL TARGET delivers an action-packed story that, whilst not particularly novel in the military RS genre, is gritty and well executed—even if the heroine’s actions sometimes strayed into TSTL territory (which made for great action and gave the delicious hero a chance to play knight in shining armour, but made me want to smack her upside the head).
Hero Nick Donovan is a former SEAL who transitioned from the Navy’s most elite special ops unit to a soul-sucking job eliminating supposed national security threats for the CIA. Concerned by his emotional numbness at following orders and eliminating targets he isn’t fully convinced deserve it and the dangers to his family of payback for his government job, Nick’s traded his CIA work for the specialized security agency AEGIS. But despite his best efforts, his work has made his greatest fear a reality: seeking revenge for Nick’s perceived involvement in the death of his family, the leader of a powerful Mexican drug cartel has gone after Nick’s family, mistaking the one woman he hasn’t been able to forget for his sister-in-law and kidnapping her into the Mexican flesh trade. So now, nearly a decade after a life-changing hot summer fling with heroine Jennifer Grayson before his life imploded and she dropped off his radar, Nick is heading into Mexico’s prostitution capital and flying nearly blind to rescue her. Nick is your typical alpha male with a mile-wide protective streak, convinced that he’s a danger to his loved ones and that it’s best to keep his distance from Jenny—regardless of how much he wants her and how perfectly his body remembers hers from that long-ago summer. He has some serious issues stemming from his father’s highly-publicized alleged embezzlement and suspected car accident-suicide to avoid prosecution, and he’s never really gotten over that summer with Jenny—particularly when she drops a bombshell about it once they’re reunited. I don’t particularly agree with the way he reacts to the news and his subsequent behaviour [without giving anything away, that particular trope always has me wanting to smack the hero into getting over himself], but it adds some angsty drama to the relationship, and I can empathize with him to some degree. Especially since it’s clear from the get-go that that summer wasn’t just a fling for him.
For the most part, Jenny was a tougher sell for me as a character. For someone with an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, she does some really stupid things. Sneaking off to Niger, a West African hotbed for terrorists and human traffickers, on a paleontological dig days after being rescued from a Mexican brothel and with people clearly after her so she can avoid telling Nick the truth about their long-ago summer and escape the feelings he still arouses in her? Cutting off all communication with Nick and keeping a very important thing to herself for a decade? Not exactly the smartest (or bravest) moves. I get that they were both young and stupid and thought each knew best, and points for her for acknowledging she was self-absorbed and stupid that summer, but she generally rubbed me the wrong way. Not to say she’s not a well-written character—Ms. Thomas does a great job writing her and making her a flawed, realistic character we can relate to—but I didn’t particularly like her much or get why Nick had been hung up on her for a decade. But seeing the two of them together and how she makes him feel something other than the numbness that’s encased him for years, I can see how they’re perfect for each other and could root for them and their HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed PERSONAL TARGET and meeting the AEGIS blokes and look forward to all their stories.
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for honest review**
PERSONAL TARGET was my first experience with author Kay Thomas’s work, but it certainly won’t be my last, and I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of her Elite Ops series. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of military romantic suspense, and the words “former SEAL” and “Black Ops” are enough to pique my interest. Throw in a ruthless drug cartel with a personal vendetta, a case of mistaken identity, a heroine with a PhD, and a cover as hot as this one, and I’m completely sold! PERSONAL TARGET delivers an action-packed story that, whilst not particularly novel in the military RS genre, is gritty and well executed—even if the heroine’s actions sometimes strayed into TSTL territory (which made for great action and gave the delicious hero a chance to play knight in shining armour, but made me want to smack her upside the head).
Hero Nick Donovan is a former SEAL who transitioned from the Navy’s most elite special ops unit to a soul-sucking job eliminating supposed national security threats for the CIA. Concerned by his emotional numbness at following orders and eliminating targets he isn’t fully convinced deserve it and the dangers to his family of payback for his government job, Nick’s traded his CIA work for the specialized security agency AEGIS. But despite his best efforts, his work has made his greatest fear a reality: seeking revenge for Nick’s perceived involvement in the death of his family, the leader of a powerful Mexican drug cartel has gone after Nick’s family, mistaking the one woman he hasn’t been able to forget for his sister-in-law and kidnapping her into the Mexican flesh trade. So now, nearly a decade after a life-changing hot summer fling with heroine Jennifer Grayson before his life imploded and she dropped off his radar, Nick is heading into Mexico’s prostitution capital and flying nearly blind to rescue her. Nick is your typical alpha male with a mile-wide protective streak, convinced that he’s a danger to his loved ones and that it’s best to keep his distance from Jenny—regardless of how much he wants her and how perfectly his body remembers hers from that long-ago summer. He has some serious issues stemming from his father’s highly-publicized alleged embezzlement and suspected car accident-suicide to avoid prosecution, and he’s never really gotten over that summer with Jenny—particularly when she drops a bombshell about it once they’re reunited. I don’t particularly agree with the way he reacts to the news and his subsequent behaviour [without giving anything away, that particular trope always has me wanting to smack the hero into getting over himself], but it adds some angsty drama to the relationship, and I can empathize with him to some degree. Especially since it’s clear from the get-go that that summer wasn’t just a fling for him.
For the most part, Jenny was a tougher sell for me as a character. For someone with an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, she does some really stupid things. Sneaking off to Niger, a West African hotbed for terrorists and human traffickers, on a paleontological dig days after being rescued from a Mexican brothel and with people clearly after her so she can avoid telling Nick the truth about their long-ago summer and escape the feelings he still arouses in her? Cutting off all communication with Nick and keeping a very important thing to herself for a decade? Not exactly the smartest (or bravest) moves. I get that they were both young and stupid and thought each knew best, and points for her for acknowledging she was self-absorbed and stupid that summer, but she generally rubbed me the wrong way. Not to say she’s not a well-written character—Ms. Thomas does a great job writing her and making her a flawed, realistic character we can relate to—but I didn’t particularly like her much or get why Nick had been hung up on her for a decade. But seeing the two of them together and how she makes him feel something other than the numbness that’s encased him for years, I can see how they’re perfect for each other and could root for them and their HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed PERSONAL TARGET and meeting the AEGIS blokes and look forward to all their stories.
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for honest review**
August 30, 2014
Personal Target by Kay Thomas is a 2014 Avon Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This is an Elite Ops novel.
AEGIS: an elite team of ex-military men working under the radar of most governments. If you have a problem no one else can handle, they can help.
Nick Donovan has made some people very angry. When a crime boss in Mexico loses some family members he thinks Nick and his unit were responsible and he decides to make it personal. He has a woman kidnapped, believing she is Nick's sister- in – law, Angela. But, Angela is not home, she's on a vacation with her husband. So, who is the kidnapped woman?
Jennifer Grayson is staying at her friend Angela's home while she is on vacation. She never dreamed that in an instant her life would change. She is drugged and taken to a brothel in Mexico where is she about to be forced into prostitution. A text message sent to Nick showing Jennifer tied up has Nick scrambling to save the woman he once had a close bond with. But will he make there in time?
Nick and Jennifer once shared a summer together and although the timing was not right for them back then, Nick never really got over Jennifer. Rescuing her from the bordello has reawakened his yearning for her in a big way. It turns out Jennifer is not immune to those feelings either, but at the moment she is not in a good place. She survived the kidnapping, but all she witnessed has left it's mark on her.
Nick quit the CIA but is still being sucked in to situations he didn't want to be in. He is struggling with the lack of feeling he has, a feeling of being numb after all he had to do to perform his duties. He fears he is losing his humanity, but when finds out Jennifer is is deep trouble he is surprised and relieved to learn he hasn't lost his ability to feel after all. Suddenly he is a bundle of mixed feelings. Fear , anger, hurt, lust, and love all have Nick walking a tightrope.
However, the fun just never stops for Nick and Jennifer. No matter where she goes or what she does, Jennifer keeps getting shot at or is the victim of a kidnapping plot, and Nick always seems to be hot on her trail.
This couple will finally address their past with one another and it will not be easy for either of them as shocking revelations come to light. Answers as to what actually transpired that summer ten years ago between Nick and Jennifer will leave them both shell shocked. But, they won't have much time to dwell on the fall out of all that because someone has a personal vendetta against Nick and he knows getting to Jennifer is the best way to make Nick suffer.
You know, I can just imagine how hardened someone might become if they were in the CIA, Black Ops or anything else similar to these organizations. One can only guess at what acts these people must perform, what human depravity they must witness. So, Nick is at that burn out phase that has him thinking over the way he wants his future to turn out. Nick was protective with strong alpha male qualities but he was also very sensitive. I was vastly relieved to see he has a new life ahead of him now with some troubling issues from the past finally put to rest.
For Jennifer her life was sailing along as she had hoped it would all except for her cheating husband, a man she as recently divorced. The last person she expected to encounter was Nick. While she was certainly happy to see him, a time would come when she would have to explain some very painful things to him, things that she knows he will not handle well. But, if they stand a chance at happiness the truth must be told.
This book shot out of the gate and had me holding on for dear life from start to finish. The actions never slows down and the author does a wonderful job of balancing the action with the plot line, the romance and relationship issues between Jennifer and Nick. I also liked the author's choice of calling attention to the ever increasing problem of human trafficking and the sex trade especially around border towns. I also enjoyed the familiar setting since I don't live too far from the Dallas area. I recognized many of the landmarks the author spoke of which is always fun. Overall a job well done. A thrill ride, mystery, suspense, romance and an awesome HEA. 4.5 rounded to 5
AEGIS: an elite team of ex-military men working under the radar of most governments. If you have a problem no one else can handle, they can help.
Nick Donovan has made some people very angry. When a crime boss in Mexico loses some family members he thinks Nick and his unit were responsible and he decides to make it personal. He has a woman kidnapped, believing she is Nick's sister- in – law, Angela. But, Angela is not home, she's on a vacation with her husband. So, who is the kidnapped woman?
Jennifer Grayson is staying at her friend Angela's home while she is on vacation. She never dreamed that in an instant her life would change. She is drugged and taken to a brothel in Mexico where is she about to be forced into prostitution. A text message sent to Nick showing Jennifer tied up has Nick scrambling to save the woman he once had a close bond with. But will he make there in time?
Nick and Jennifer once shared a summer together and although the timing was not right for them back then, Nick never really got over Jennifer. Rescuing her from the bordello has reawakened his yearning for her in a big way. It turns out Jennifer is not immune to those feelings either, but at the moment she is not in a good place. She survived the kidnapping, but all she witnessed has left it's mark on her.
Nick quit the CIA but is still being sucked in to situations he didn't want to be in. He is struggling with the lack of feeling he has, a feeling of being numb after all he had to do to perform his duties. He fears he is losing his humanity, but when finds out Jennifer is is deep trouble he is surprised and relieved to learn he hasn't lost his ability to feel after all. Suddenly he is a bundle of mixed feelings. Fear , anger, hurt, lust, and love all have Nick walking a tightrope.
However, the fun just never stops for Nick and Jennifer. No matter where she goes or what she does, Jennifer keeps getting shot at or is the victim of a kidnapping plot, and Nick always seems to be hot on her trail.
This couple will finally address their past with one another and it will not be easy for either of them as shocking revelations come to light. Answers as to what actually transpired that summer ten years ago between Nick and Jennifer will leave them both shell shocked. But, they won't have much time to dwell on the fall out of all that because someone has a personal vendetta against Nick and he knows getting to Jennifer is the best way to make Nick suffer.
You know, I can just imagine how hardened someone might become if they were in the CIA, Black Ops or anything else similar to these organizations. One can only guess at what acts these people must perform, what human depravity they must witness. So, Nick is at that burn out phase that has him thinking over the way he wants his future to turn out. Nick was protective with strong alpha male qualities but he was also very sensitive. I was vastly relieved to see he has a new life ahead of him now with some troubling issues from the past finally put to rest.
For Jennifer her life was sailing along as she had hoped it would all except for her cheating husband, a man she as recently divorced. The last person she expected to encounter was Nick. While she was certainly happy to see him, a time would come when she would have to explain some very painful things to him, things that she knows he will not handle well. But, if they stand a chance at happiness the truth must be told.
This book shot out of the gate and had me holding on for dear life from start to finish. The actions never slows down and the author does a wonderful job of balancing the action with the plot line, the romance and relationship issues between Jennifer and Nick. I also liked the author's choice of calling attention to the ever increasing problem of human trafficking and the sex trade especially around border towns. I also enjoyed the familiar setting since I don't live too far from the Dallas area. I recognized many of the landmarks the author spoke of which is always fun. Overall a job well done. A thrill ride, mystery, suspense, romance and an awesome HEA. 4.5 rounded to 5
November 10, 2014
Review can be found here...
This is the first Elite Ops book that I have read. I am glad that I joined this book tour because I would have been missing out on something awesome. Kay Thomas manages to create a book that leaves you guessing after every chapter you finish. When you have the answer to one problem there is always a bigger one waiting for you to solve. There are always questions and if you think you know what is going on Kay throws you off the trail. There were enough heart stopping moments that you couldn’t do anything but keep turning the pages. The actions starts almost immediately. There is no waiting around for something happen. Kay starts the action and doesn’t stop until the last page.
Jennifer Grayson is housesitting for her best friend when she gets abducted and forced to work in a brothel in Mexico. She has to keep up the appearance that she is Nick Donovan’s sister-in-law to stay alive. She is trying to keep her eyes open so that she can make an escape. She has prepared herself as much as she can for the things she is going to be forced to do before she can escape. When her first costumer walks in it’s the last person she ever though she would see again. Jennifer is a puts up a pretty strong front against the situation that she is in. She keeps hope that she will survive no matter how many times her life is in danger.
Nick Donovan has been working for the CIA until about a year ago and now he is working for a private company called AEGIS. He is on vacation when he gets a photo of what is supposed to be his sister-in-law being abducted. He learns that it is the one woman he hasn’t been able to forget and now he is going to give everything he has to get her back. Once they are together again they are running for their lives. Someone has betrayed Nick he just doesn’t know who yet. Nick was a great leading man. He was sexy, protective, and bad ass. He has always had to numb his emotions for his job but now he wants them back. Seeing Jenny again and learning why they never moved past a summer fling is bring them back and it was heartbreaking to watch him go through the struggle of controlling his emotions.
We got to watch Nick and Jennifer work through their problems and realize they never stopped loving each other. This was a great book. The only thing I didn’t like was the ending. Not only did we get left hanging but it was really abrupt. I thought that I had a few more pages but it kind of just ended. I was really confused. Other than that this book was great and I would recommend it to anyone that likes action with their hot and steamy romances.
This is the first Elite Ops book that I have read. I am glad that I joined this book tour because I would have been missing out on something awesome. Kay Thomas manages to create a book that leaves you guessing after every chapter you finish. When you have the answer to one problem there is always a bigger one waiting for you to solve. There are always questions and if you think you know what is going on Kay throws you off the trail. There were enough heart stopping moments that you couldn’t do anything but keep turning the pages. The actions starts almost immediately. There is no waiting around for something happen. Kay starts the action and doesn’t stop until the last page.
Jennifer Grayson is housesitting for her best friend when she gets abducted and forced to work in a brothel in Mexico. She has to keep up the appearance that she is Nick Donovan’s sister-in-law to stay alive. She is trying to keep her eyes open so that she can make an escape. She has prepared herself as much as she can for the things she is going to be forced to do before she can escape. When her first costumer walks in it’s the last person she ever though she would see again. Jennifer is a puts up a pretty strong front against the situation that she is in. She keeps hope that she will survive no matter how many times her life is in danger.
Nick Donovan has been working for the CIA until about a year ago and now he is working for a private company called AEGIS. He is on vacation when he gets a photo of what is supposed to be his sister-in-law being abducted. He learns that it is the one woman he hasn’t been able to forget and now he is going to give everything he has to get her back. Once they are together again they are running for their lives. Someone has betrayed Nick he just doesn’t know who yet. Nick was a great leading man. He was sexy, protective, and bad ass. He has always had to numb his emotions for his job but now he wants them back. Seeing Jenny again and learning why they never moved past a summer fling is bring them back and it was heartbreaking to watch him go through the struggle of controlling his emotions.
We got to watch Nick and Jennifer work through their problems and realize they never stopped loving each other. This was a great book. The only thing I didn’t like was the ending. Not only did we get left hanging but it was really abrupt. I thought that I had a few more pages but it kind of just ended. I was really confused. Other than that this book was great and I would recommend it to anyone that likes action with their hot and steamy romances.
May 16, 2017
I received an ARC of Personal Target for an honest review.
Nick Donovan just escaped death and now he needs to head back into the thick of it to save the only woman he’s ever loved.
Jennifer Grayson was house sitting when she was taken and smuggled into Mexico. She’s being used as a ransom but that doesn’t mean they won’t use her body while they wait for her to be saved. Step in Nick Donovan the only man Jennifer ever truly loved and truly hurt. She left him and now thrown back together Jennifer doesn’t know how to act or if she should tell him what happened all those years ago.
Jen and Nick are traveling around the world trying to figure out who is setting them up to die and why. Meanwhile trying to figure out if what they had all those years ago was truly a summer fling or much more.
Personal Target was actually a pretty fascinating book. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it but Kay Thomas actually did an amazing job at creating a great story.
Personal Target follows both Jennifer and Nick who both get POV’s in this book which is always exciting for me. Anyway Jennifer tries to stand on her own two feel in her career but someone has a hit out on her and has already tried to kill her a couple times. Going from a cheated on Archeologist to being kidnapped and almost murdered is a lot to take in for Jennifer and then we throw in Nick who is temptation on a stick. Yup this was definitely an awesome book.
Nick has a lot of training with the service, the CIA, and more. He lost his parents and all he had was Jennifer before she cut off all contact. Being thrown back together with her seems like a dream come true but given that they’re targets for the drug and sex cartel and the secret Jennifer reveals to him about all those years ago definitely leaves something to be desired for the situation.
Personal Target is action packed in all senses. Nick and Jennifer action (you know what I mean wink wink), Nick being a total bada** taking down bad guys, almost dying numerous times, and helping Jennifer stay alive and out of the way. All he wants is his family safe but that’s not an option anymore. Personal Target definitely kept me on my toes. I never knew what was going to happen next and I loved it. The suspense was high and the tension even more so. So many people died and it was tragic especially the people the characters bonded with.
This book was definitely a sizzling hard-core action novel. I loved every page and couldn’t put this book down for a minute. I fell in love with Kay Thomas’ writing right away as well as with the characters. Both Nick and Jen were strong problem solving characters I seriously enjoyed a whole bunch. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Nick Donovan just escaped death and now he needs to head back into the thick of it to save the only woman he’s ever loved.
Jennifer Grayson was house sitting when she was taken and smuggled into Mexico. She’s being used as a ransom but that doesn’t mean they won’t use her body while they wait for her to be saved. Step in Nick Donovan the only man Jennifer ever truly loved and truly hurt. She left him and now thrown back together Jennifer doesn’t know how to act or if she should tell him what happened all those years ago.
Jen and Nick are traveling around the world trying to figure out who is setting them up to die and why. Meanwhile trying to figure out if what they had all those years ago was truly a summer fling or much more.
Personal Target was actually a pretty fascinating book. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it but Kay Thomas actually did an amazing job at creating a great story.
Personal Target follows both Jennifer and Nick who both get POV’s in this book which is always exciting for me. Anyway Jennifer tries to stand on her own two feel in her career but someone has a hit out on her and has already tried to kill her a couple times. Going from a cheated on Archeologist to being kidnapped and almost murdered is a lot to take in for Jennifer and then we throw in Nick who is temptation on a stick. Yup this was definitely an awesome book.
Nick has a lot of training with the service, the CIA, and more. He lost his parents and all he had was Jennifer before she cut off all contact. Being thrown back together with her seems like a dream come true but given that they’re targets for the drug and sex cartel and the secret Jennifer reveals to him about all those years ago definitely leaves something to be desired for the situation.
Personal Target is action packed in all senses. Nick and Jennifer action (you know what I mean wink wink), Nick being a total bada** taking down bad guys, almost dying numerous times, and helping Jennifer stay alive and out of the way. All he wants is his family safe but that’s not an option anymore. Personal Target definitely kept me on my toes. I never knew what was going to happen next and I loved it. The suspense was high and the tension even more so. So many people died and it was tragic especially the people the characters bonded with.
This book was definitely a sizzling hard-core action novel. I loved every page and couldn’t put this book down for a minute. I fell in love with Kay Thomas’ writing right away as well as with the characters. Both Nick and Jen were strong problem solving characters I seriously enjoyed a whole bunch. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
August 19, 2014
Jennifer Grayson’s life has gone to the crapper, she is newly divorced and her ex has already knock up the younger model he traded her in for up. Then her house floods due to a leaky pipe, so she stays at her friend’s house while they are on a cruise for Christmas. How could life get worse?? Oh ya have a major case of mistaken identity when men storm the house and tie her to a chair then kidnap her thinking that she is her friend. She decides not to let the men in on their mistake, so as to keep her friend safe and herself alive. Then she finds out the reason as to why this is happening her friend’s husband’s brother Nick is who these men are trying to get to. And the kicker she used to be madly in love with Nick until he shipped off and cut all contact with her.
Nick knows he is in a dangerous profession that is why he cuts all ties to everyone and keeps the fact that he even has a brother out of all the paper work. But after he is undercover and things go sideways almost killing him a drug cartel marks him for revenge. While he thinks his brother and his family are safe on a vacation he paid for he has no idea Jennifer is staying at their house until he receives a message and a photo…that photo is of a women he hasn’t seen in years and he still feels the pull towards her. The photo makes him jump into action and do what he does best..Fight and fight hard.
Once Nick is able to reach Jen they start their journey on the run from men that will not think twice to end them but along the way they find out just how much they love and need each other. But Jen has been hurt too many times and Nick doesn’t want to have anyone in his life that can be sucked into the dangerous life he leads. But the passion between these two in undeniable.
I loved the suspense of this book and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I love love loved Nick. He is a true alpha that will protect what’s his without thought of his own safety. When life gets to crazy and Jen runs he runs right after her and pulls her into safety yet again. This is defiantly one of those books that every detail is intertwined and is hard to say too much about without giving it all away, so sorry if I have confused any of you..
Really all I can say is that I won’t even think twice about picking up the next book in this series because I have a feeling Hollywood (who you meet in this book) will give Nick a run for his money in alphaness and sexiness;)
Nick knows he is in a dangerous profession that is why he cuts all ties to everyone and keeps the fact that he even has a brother out of all the paper work. But after he is undercover and things go sideways almost killing him a drug cartel marks him for revenge. While he thinks his brother and his family are safe on a vacation he paid for he has no idea Jennifer is staying at their house until he receives a message and a photo…that photo is of a women he hasn’t seen in years and he still feels the pull towards her. The photo makes him jump into action and do what he does best..Fight and fight hard.
Once Nick is able to reach Jen they start their journey on the run from men that will not think twice to end them but along the way they find out just how much they love and need each other. But Jen has been hurt too many times and Nick doesn’t want to have anyone in his life that can be sucked into the dangerous life he leads. But the passion between these two in undeniable.
I loved the suspense of this book and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I love love loved Nick. He is a true alpha that will protect what’s his without thought of his own safety. When life gets to crazy and Jen runs he runs right after her and pulls her into safety yet again. This is defiantly one of those books that every detail is intertwined and is hard to say too much about without giving it all away, so sorry if I have confused any of you..
Really all I can say is that I won’t even think twice about picking up the next book in this series because I have a feeling Hollywood (who you meet in this book) will give Nick a run for his money in alphaness and sexiness;)
July 28, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
Sometimes it's better to read stories in order, and other times you're fine with reading them out of order. I'm thinking that I should have read the first book, because I believe there are somethings that are carried over from the first book. It's just a hunch, but thats my feeling. Anyway, I guess I will be going back to the first book. However, I must press forward. I wasn't completely, most the story focuses on keeping Jennifer safe and her past relationship with Nick.
I need to get this off my chest about Jennifer Grayson. Let me say she's a highly intelligent woman who has a PhD, but she makes some very unwise decisions in the story. Case in point after Nick rescues her from Mexico, she starts making plans to head to Africa for a dig that she has been wanting to participate. She figures that it would be safe place to be after some bad things happen to her. I'm all for getting away and all, but it's Africa. Bad things happen there, and the place she was heading to wasn't safe. Instead of facing the past head on, she chickens out and heads to Africa without telling Nick. I must say it takes a special kind of guy to tame this one.
I have to say that Nick is pretty awesome. I mean it takes a special kind of guy to go and rescue the one person that broke his heart years ago. Granted she thought he up and left her never to return. Don't you hate that. Anyway, Nick's a decent guy who's willing rescue someone in danger. Kind of intense, but most ex-military guys are.
Personal Target is an action packed story that will keep you on your toes. Yes, it's filled with explosions, kidnapping, and love. Nick and Jennifer share a past. Now they just need to get pass the past to survive the dangers that lie ahead. Overall, Personal Target is a pretty awesome read. So, if you are looking for that action packed read that will get your heart pumping, you might give Personal Target a try after reading the first book (don't make the same mistake and needing to back track). I have to say I can't wait to see what else lies ahead for this team.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
Sometimes it's better to read stories in order, and other times you're fine with reading them out of order. I'm thinking that I should have read the first book, because I believe there are somethings that are carried over from the first book. It's just a hunch, but thats my feeling. Anyway, I guess I will be going back to the first book. However, I must press forward. I wasn't completely, most the story focuses on keeping Jennifer safe and her past relationship with Nick.
I need to get this off my chest about Jennifer Grayson. Let me say she's a highly intelligent woman who has a PhD, but she makes some very unwise decisions in the story. Case in point after Nick rescues her from Mexico, she starts making plans to head to Africa for a dig that she has been wanting to participate. She figures that it would be safe place to be after some bad things happen to her. I'm all for getting away and all, but it's Africa. Bad things happen there, and the place she was heading to wasn't safe. Instead of facing the past head on, she chickens out and heads to Africa without telling Nick. I must say it takes a special kind of guy to tame this one.
I have to say that Nick is pretty awesome. I mean it takes a special kind of guy to go and rescue the one person that broke his heart years ago. Granted she thought he up and left her never to return. Don't you hate that. Anyway, Nick's a decent guy who's willing rescue someone in danger. Kind of intense, but most ex-military guys are.
Personal Target is an action packed story that will keep you on your toes. Yes, it's filled with explosions, kidnapping, and love. Nick and Jennifer share a past. Now they just need to get pass the past to survive the dangers that lie ahead. Overall, Personal Target is a pretty awesome read. So, if you are looking for that action packed read that will get your heart pumping, you might give Personal Target a try after reading the first book (don't make the same mistake and needing to back track). I have to say I can't wait to see what else lies ahead for this team.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
July 31, 2014
4.7 Star Review - Personal Target (Elite Ops # 2)
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book by Kay. This book includes passion, laughs, heartache, kidnappings, murder, betrayal, explosions, car accidents and a few gun fights. Everything you need for a great suspense story!!
Jennifer Grayson is mistaken for her friend and kidnapped. They take her to Mexico and put her to work in a brothel. As she is trying to figure out a way to escape she is told she has a customer.
Nick Donovan is trying to heal and keep his family safe. He get a photo of Jennifer and realizes that they took her and think she is his sister-in-law. He has to save her but first he needs to find out where she is. Once he finds her he needs to get her out before she has to turn tricks. He poses as a customer and escapes with her.
Now they are on the run. Why was she really taken? Who are they after her or him? Can they stay one step ahead of the people who are after one of them or will they get caught?
Grab the book to find out.
Lots of twists and turns in this story. Love Nick he is sweet and totally alpha. Jennifer is strong and stubborn. They fit together nicely. Love Kay's writing style. She knows how to keep a reader invested in the story. You never know what is going to happen next which keeps you turning the pages until the book is finished!!
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book by Kay. This book includes passion, laughs, heartache, kidnappings, murder, betrayal, explosions, car accidents and a few gun fights. Everything you need for a great suspense story!!
Jennifer Grayson is mistaken for her friend and kidnapped. They take her to Mexico and put her to work in a brothel. As she is trying to figure out a way to escape she is told she has a customer.
Nick Donovan is trying to heal and keep his family safe. He get a photo of Jennifer and realizes that they took her and think she is his sister-in-law. He has to save her but first he needs to find out where she is. Once he finds her he needs to get her out before she has to turn tricks. He poses as a customer and escapes with her.
Now they are on the run. Why was she really taken? Who are they after her or him? Can they stay one step ahead of the people who are after one of them or will they get caught?
Grab the book to find out.
Lots of twists and turns in this story. Love Nick he is sweet and totally alpha. Jennifer is strong and stubborn. They fit together nicely. Love Kay's writing style. She knows how to keep a reader invested in the story. You never know what is going to happen next which keeps you turning the pages until the book is finished!!
March 9, 2015
Great, fast-paced action, fantastic narrator. Story was ruined by two MCs: Nick - light's on in one but no one home; Jennifer - not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Their scene in the Mexican brothel when Nick goes in to rescue Jen was excruciating to listen to. Both kept wondering what was going on, this despite Jen already been primed to expect a rescue op and Nick being the op in question is led by his cock during the entire extremely risky operation.
Please, give me some real professionals. What a letdown after a thrilling start; what a disappointing follow-through to a reasonably first book in the series. The reviews were spot-on about the fast-paced action but failed to mention this is one of those type of romantic suspense where the emphasis is on the lusting after the other MC and filled with thickening, twitching, throbbing dicks every time the heroine is within sniffing distance; or that it's one of those I-hate-you-I-love-you; don't-touch-me-please-fuck-me type of Romantic Suspense.
If, like me, this type of book irritates you, be warned. But...many romantic suspense fans love them so if you're one, this should please. My recommendation: try the audiobooks. PJ Ochlan is a pleasure to listen to.
Please, give me some real professionals. What a letdown after a thrilling start; what a disappointing follow-through to a reasonably first book in the series. The reviews were spot-on about the fast-paced action but failed to mention this is one of those type of romantic suspense where the emphasis is on the lusting after the other MC and filled with thickening, twitching, throbbing dicks every time the heroine is within sniffing distance; or that it's one of those I-hate-you-I-love-you; don't-touch-me-please-fuck-me type of Romantic Suspense.
If, like me, this type of book irritates you, be warned. But...many romantic suspense fans love them so if you're one, this should please. My recommendation: try the audiobooks. PJ Ochlan is a pleasure to listen to.
August 27, 2015
I honestly don't think I have been this addicted to a story in a long time! No Joke, I have been so addicted to this book, I was reading it in the doctor's office, while waiting for my charges to be done in swim classes and at nap time, I am unable to put this book down it is SO good.
So the story goes as follows, Jennifer and Nick had a college romance, but fate stepped in and stopped their young love in their tracks. Fast forward many years. Jennifer is freshly divorced and is house for Nick's brother and sister-in-law, well that is until she was abducted (mistakenly) and taken as revenge against Nick. I am going to stop it there as I don't want to give away too much of the story.
Personal Target is such a fabulous book, as I said before I am addicted. I found no flaws with the characters, as they were perfectly thought out and detailed. The story was gripping and definitely kept me gripped, but also it flowed smoothly, there were no glaring mistakes and thankfully no plot holes!
I give Personal Target and Kay Thomas 10 out of 10 for such a gripping and addictive story...I actually might need a support group, I am that addicted
So the story goes as follows, Jennifer and Nick had a college romance, but fate stepped in and stopped their young love in their tracks. Fast forward many years. Jennifer is freshly divorced and is house for Nick's brother and sister-in-law, well that is until she was abducted (mistakenly) and taken as revenge against Nick. I am going to stop it there as I don't want to give away too much of the story.
Personal Target is such a fabulous book, as I said before I am addicted. I found no flaws with the characters, as they were perfectly thought out and detailed. The story was gripping and definitely kept me gripped, but also it flowed smoothly, there were no glaring mistakes and thankfully no plot holes!
I give Personal Target and Kay Thomas 10 out of 10 for such a gripping and addictive story...I actually might need a support group, I am that addicted
December 16, 2015
Reading the series in order is quite important, since the plot is quite important.
This one picks up where the first book left off.
The plot thickens!
The story in this book, compared to Hard Target, does allow some more time for character development. It's still intensely-paced, though. This, combined with characters who have some history together, make for deeper characters than before. (And without all the flashbacks, huzzah).
As with the first, I had a hard time putting the book down while reading this.
The Hero Nick is something of a beta-hero; and had been quite hurt by the rejection & loss he'd suffered as a young man.
The Heroine Jennifer seemed a bit impertinent. (Or, at least, runs off on her own without protection, after a series of people trying to kill her, so).
This one picks up where the first book left off.
The plot thickens!
The story in this book, compared to Hard Target, does allow some more time for character development. It's still intensely-paced, though. This, combined with characters who have some history together, make for deeper characters than before. (And without all the flashbacks, huzzah).
As with the first, I had a hard time putting the book down while reading this.
The Hero Nick is something of a beta-hero; and had been quite hurt by the rejection & loss he'd suffered as a young man.
The Heroine Jennifer seemed a bit impertinent. (Or, at least, runs off on her own without protection, after a series of people trying to kill her, so).
Read
July 29, 2014Review: Personal Target: An Elite Ops Novel by Kay Thomas http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1tu
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
REVIEW:
The globe-trotting action was non-stop in this romantic suspense novel. I liked the storyline with all its twists and turns. It kept you wondering and engaged. I just wish Jenny and Nick’s relationship and feelings pulled me in more. It seemed like they had sex due to opportunity and not heartfelt desire. That beings said, I did enjoy the ride.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
REVIEW:
The globe-trotting action was non-stop in this romantic suspense novel. I liked the storyline with all its twists and turns. It kept you wondering and engaged. I just wish Jenny and Nick’s relationship and feelings pulled me in more. It seemed like they had sex due to opportunity and not heartfelt desire. That beings said, I did enjoy the ride.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2014
Exciting and sexy romantic suspense! Kidnappings, drug cartels and personal vendettas bring Nick and Jenny together again, giving them a second chance at love. Action-packed from beginning to end, this story will keep you turning the pages until you reach the end.
There are unanswered questions at the end that I hope will be answered in the next book of the series. I hope Bryan's story is next, I have a feeling that his and Shelly's story will be just as exciting as this one!
eARC via Edelweiss.
There are unanswered questions at the end that I hope will be answered in the next book of the series. I hope Bryan's story is next, I have a feeling that his and Shelly's story will be just as exciting as this one!
eARC via Edelweiss.
June 29, 2015
After helping to save a family from vicious Mexican cartel families, Nick has drawn unwanted attention. Someone wants him and anyone connected to him, dead! I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Following Nick and Jennifer as they try to stay alive and still figure out who's trying to kill them and why keeps you on your toes! The twists in the story are awesome as well as watching them fall in love leads to a great story.
June 19, 2016
I am going to say only one thing regarding this book: the sequence of the unfortunate events is overkill. Every time they turn around, shing!, the men who want to kill them are there. Instead of keeping me on the edge of my seat in anticipation, it just made me wince and groan in defeat. Then there's the anticlimactic ending. I mean, seriously?
It's interesting enough to read the whole thing, though, so I guess there is that.
It's interesting enough to read the whole thing, though, so I guess there is that.
July 30, 2014
Kay Thomas writes suspense really well! You will not be able to put this book down because you are waiting to see what happens next. I am looking forward to more books in her Elite Ops Series. I would recommend this book.
July 26, 2015
This book's pacing was better with a chance to take a breather and get into the character's heads a bit. I enjoyed the mystery and the love story. By the end of the book I had to get #3 to get the resolution of the story arc.
November 26, 2014
Excellent book!! Story is action packed, you never know what is going to happen next or who is doing what...a rollercoaster of excitement. I definitely recommend this to those of you who like your love stories with hot sexy heroes, explosions, flying bullets and intrigue!!
May 20, 2015
Excellent book. The hero and heroine got into and out of more scrapes than one could guess. The author kept the plot moving and still had time to develop the main characters back stories enough to keep the interest flowing. I may read more from this series in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews