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CSA Case Files #6
Radiant Surrender
The darkness within...
Gavin Crest has always pushed himself to the limit. After twenty-three years as a Marine Master Sergeant, he built his security agency from the ground up. He also has a predilection for the darker side of sex. He's done it all--except the one woman he can't have, an innocent who deserves more than a man whose soul is tainted with darkness.
Becomes his only ray of sunshine...
Jessie Miller has worked for Gavin Crest for years--and loved him nearly that long. She offered herself to him, body and soul. When he refused, she walked away, head held high and vowing to cut him from her heart. So why is Gavin on her doorstep, insisting that she trust him with her life?
And leads him into the light...
After a cold-blooded killer who's threatened his team members proves the FBI has enough evidence to put Jessie in jail for the rest of her life, Crest has no choice but to save her. Once he's with her, he can't keep his hands off her. As passion rises and a killer closes in, he'll have to prove her innocence, protect her, and risk his heart forever...before it's too late.
Series Description: Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense...
Gavin Crest has always pushed himself to the limit. After twenty-three years as a Marine Master Sergeant, he built his security agency from the ground up. He also has a predilection for the darker side of sex. He's done it all--except the one woman he can't have, an innocent who deserves more than a man whose soul is tainted with darkness.
Becomes his only ray of sunshine...
Jessie Miller has worked for Gavin Crest for years--and loved him nearly that long. She offered herself to him, body and soul. When he refused, she walked away, head held high and vowing to cut him from her heart. So why is Gavin on her doorstep, insisting that she trust him with her life?
And leads him into the light...
After a cold-blooded killer who's threatened his team members proves the FBI has enough evidence to put Jessie in jail for the rest of her life, Crest has no choice but to save her. Once he's with her, he can't keep his hands off her. As passion rises and a killer closes in, he'll have to prove her innocence, protect her, and risk his heart forever...before it's too late.
Series Description: Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense...
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2015
50 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
152 books636 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 15, 2025
Finished Reading December 7, 2015
5 Star's.
Even though this one has editing problems, it has all that Heart Pounding Breath Holding Intensity that I look for in a book.
Twist & turns from the start.
Action scenes that keep you on the Edge of your seat.
Curl your toes Romance & off the charts Erotic SEX.
Purchased from Amazon November 11, 2015
5 Star's.
Even though this one has editing problems, it has all that Heart Pounding Breath Holding Intensity that I look for in a book.
Twist & turns from the start.
Action scenes that keep you on the Edge of your seat.
Curl your toes Romance & off the charts Erotic SEX.
Purchased from Amazon November 11, 2015
February 18, 2015
Just finished reading Book 6 in the CSA Case files series. Now this is the long awaited story of Gavin Crest, the founder of CSA, and Jessie. I knew that once I started this book, I would not be able to put it down before I saw those horrible two words The End. I honestly don't know what hit me. Everyone who has read Kennedy Layne's first 5 books in this series was anticipating Gavin's and Jessie's story and dear God it doesn't disappoint. Gavin Crest will make you scream and tear your hair out when he gives us a glimpse into his darkness. You will pace, you will hyperventilate and you will probably shout into the night for him to stop and wish that he can hear you through your bewildered mind. Then he will turn around, gather you in his arms, kiss your forehead and make you feel safe and loved. Hell, that's how I felt page after page. Jessie loves him, no matter what, no matter who he is. She loves HIM, all of him, the dark and the darker still. Kennedy Layne has taught me a lesson here....we all can be redeemed and as Gavin found out, the darker the soul, the brighter love's light . Now breathlessly awaiting Book 7.
February 18, 2015
Kennedy Layne is a master at getting you emotionally invested with characters. They are interesting, layered, multifaceted people who you want to know more about. This makes her series especially compelling because even characters who do not "star" in a particular book are a very rich part of them. You get to know them book after book, and suddenly, they get to star in their own installment.
Radiant Surrender is *that* book, the one you have been waiting for, the characters you have been dying to see step into the forefront of a story. And boy, was it worth waiting for. In spades.
Gavin Crest is the alpha male boss of the CSA team, a savvy former marine running a top notch security firm who knows when to use brute force versus his canny political instincts and connections. He has hardened his heart and through the previous books in the series, felt he had to protect his employee Jessica from himself, denying their attraction time after time until she quits her job and moves on.
The common thread of the series is uber bad guy international assassin Ryland who has targeted CSA and their significant others book after book. Now he plays a cat and mouse game with the US government and clandestine ops factions gone rogue on one side and CSA on the other. No spoilers in saying he drags Jessica and her family right into the middle of his machinations where only Gavin Crest and CSA can save her.
In doing so, Gavin and Jessica finally take the risk and give into their attraction. What follows is scorchingly hot dominance and submission taken to the nth degree. It's about Jessica daring to explore into Gavin's deepest, darkest desires; about Gavin opening himself to believe in the light she can bring to balance his darkness, and the risks they are both willing to take for each other.
Radiant Surrender wraps up a few story arcs and teases us with intriguing new CSA team member Townes and what comes next for Ryland and even gives us a tease about the next in her Red Starr series.
You could read this as a stand alone but don't. Stop what you are doing, go buy all the CSA books and read those, in order. Trust me.....you'll be glad you did.
Radiant Surrender is *that* book, the one you have been waiting for, the characters you have been dying to see step into the forefront of a story. And boy, was it worth waiting for. In spades.
Gavin Crest is the alpha male boss of the CSA team, a savvy former marine running a top notch security firm who knows when to use brute force versus his canny political instincts and connections. He has hardened his heart and through the previous books in the series, felt he had to protect his employee Jessica from himself, denying their attraction time after time until she quits her job and moves on.
The common thread of the series is uber bad guy international assassin Ryland who has targeted CSA and their significant others book after book. Now he plays a cat and mouse game with the US government and clandestine ops factions gone rogue on one side and CSA on the other. No spoilers in saying he drags Jessica and her family right into the middle of his machinations where only Gavin Crest and CSA can save her.
In doing so, Gavin and Jessica finally take the risk and give into their attraction. What follows is scorchingly hot dominance and submission taken to the nth degree. It's about Jessica daring to explore into Gavin's deepest, darkest desires; about Gavin opening himself to believe in the light she can bring to balance his darkness, and the risks they are both willing to take for each other.
Radiant Surrender wraps up a few story arcs and teases us with intriguing new CSA team member Townes and what comes next for Ryland and even gives us a tease about the next in her Red Starr series.
You could read this as a stand alone but don't. Stop what you are doing, go buy all the CSA books and read those, in order. Trust me.....you'll be glad you did.
May 1, 2015
I was really looking forward to this one because well it was Gavin Crest's story. But unfortunately Jessie ruined it for me. She was nothing like I expected her to be from the previous books. I don't care about an age difference (although it gets old after being done in so many books I have read) but the heroine has to be mature and sensible for me to buy the age difference...Jessie was not. She was immature to the point at times I expected her to stick her bottom lip out and suck her thumb. She was immature, constantly doing stupid things no matter what anyone especially Gavin told her, and her judgmental crap about Townes appearance irritated me to no end. The whole thing about him looking like he got out of prison because he was a biker was quite rich considering what and where her parents were the entire book....
I didn't see what Gavin saw in her at all and it took away from his character for me. I did enjoy the story with Ryland and how most of that seems to be concluded. I wouldn't mind seeing some redemption and a story for Ryland actually. I also really hope that Townes gets his own story too.
I was highly disappointed that Jessie's character ruined Gavin's book for me because I couldn't relate to her stupid stunts at all and she didn't seem worthy of a man like Gavin, I didn't feel their connection like the other couples. But I will be watching to see if we get a story for Townes and maybe even Ryland.
I didn't see what Gavin saw in her at all and it took away from his character for me. I did enjoy the story with Ryland and how most of that seems to be concluded. I wouldn't mind seeing some redemption and a story for Ryland actually. I also really hope that Townes gets his own story too.
I was highly disappointed that Jessie's character ruined Gavin's book for me because I couldn't relate to her stupid stunts at all and she didn't seem worthy of a man like Gavin, I didn't feel their connection like the other couples. But I will be watching to see if we get a story for Townes and maybe even Ryland.
February 22, 2015
4.5 stars!! Finally, we get Gavin and Jessie's story and it was well worth the wait. There's never a dull moment in Kennedy Layne's book. Each page is wrought with tension, suspense, and romance. We also finally get to see the darkness inside Gavin and boy, is it dark. Of course, it's nothing Jessie can't handle. She's always loved him for better or worse. Kennedy Layne writes beautifully crafted characters who have so much depth and emotion. This was a great ending to the series. A series I can't recommend enough! I was only slightly dissatisfied with the fate of Ryland. Otherwise, a top notch book!!
February 21, 2015
There are two things that a Kennedy Layne book will always promise you. She writes to the end of the book (ahem 99%) and that you will fall in love with her characters.
I wanted the Gavin Crest book from the second one in this series, but the author held true. We needed the build for the darkness that is Gavin Crest. I am sure not many of knew just how dark that was. But oh what a fabulous ride. AND just when you think she's wrapping up the story you get more. *sigh*
I wanted the Gavin Crest book from the second one in this series, but the author held true. We needed the build for the darkness that is Gavin Crest. I am sure not many of knew just how dark that was. But oh what a fabulous ride. AND just when you think she's wrapping up the story you get more. *sigh*
February 21, 2015
Ever since I read book one in this series, I have been anxiously awaiting Gavin and Jessie's story. Gavin was as I expected him to be, dark and dominant, not one to be trifled with and one who always tells you like it is and how it is going to be. Loved this story.
September 2, 2020
This one gets my very rare five stars...
I really love this book! It was full of suspense, deeply moving characters, a great storyline, interesting, involved, developed. I’m loving this series and this is been the best book so far! BDSM included with lots of love too! I’m addicted to this series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
I really love this book! It was full of suspense, deeply moving characters, a great storyline, interesting, involved, developed. I’m loving this series and this is been the best book so far! BDSM included with lots of love too! I’m addicted to this series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
February 20, 2015
Gavin and Jessica rock
Crest and Jessie, you knew they were going to be lovers eventually but how it was going to happen was the question.
Well, thank you Ryland for matchmaking, even if you didn't think it was needed. Arch enemy Ryland, aka brother to Taryn's half sister, set Jessie up for a lifetime in prison because the FBI and the CIA, The NSA, POTUS, and plenty of others are in bed with each other. They aren't the only ones with strange bedfellows but things get heated up when Jessie's parents are found to be traitors. Crest isn't as in control of his world as normal.
Wedding, HEA, and plenty more drama rtf o surround the dark Crest.
I loved the espionage, 21st century style, the exploration of Jessica and Gavin and the new twist on what is called kink. Gavin isn't going to let a little thing like almost dying stop him from making good on his promises...red hot promises.
Hot, fun, a bit dark in a satisfying way.
Read, enjoy.
Crest and Jessie, you knew they were going to be lovers eventually but how it was going to happen was the question.
Well, thank you Ryland for matchmaking, even if you didn't think it was needed. Arch enemy Ryland, aka brother to Taryn's half sister, set Jessie up for a lifetime in prison because the FBI and the CIA, The NSA, POTUS, and plenty of others are in bed with each other. They aren't the only ones with strange bedfellows but things get heated up when Jessie's parents are found to be traitors. Crest isn't as in control of his world as normal.
Wedding, HEA, and plenty more drama rtf o surround the dark Crest.
I loved the espionage, 21st century style, the exploration of Jessica and Gavin and the new twist on what is called kink. Gavin isn't going to let a little thing like almost dying stop him from making good on his promises...red hot promises.
Hot, fun, a bit dark in a satisfying way.
Read, enjoy.
June 12, 2015
Disappointed
I waited and waited for Crest and Jessie to get their story. I was so excited until I realized where the plot was headed. The action and suspense parts of the story were spot on, but the romance wasn't for me. Crest was wishy washy and always jerking Jessie's emotions around. When it came to the sexual aspects, I expected BDSM since its the nature of the series, but this bordered on abusive to me. Yes, I realize she had a safe word and he would have stopped, but she was too in love with him to have ever asked. He treated her like a little girl instead of a woman. I was not interested in that dynamic at all. I really wanted more for them.
I waited and waited for Crest and Jessie to get their story. I was so excited until I realized where the plot was headed. The action and suspense parts of the story were spot on, but the romance wasn't for me. Crest was wishy washy and always jerking Jessie's emotions around. When it came to the sexual aspects, I expected BDSM since its the nature of the series, but this bordered on abusive to me. Yes, I realize she had a safe word and he would have stopped, but she was too in love with him to have ever asked. He treated her like a little girl instead of a woman. I was not interested in that dynamic at all. I really wanted more for them.
June 25, 2015
HIGH OCTANE !
Roller coaster!
Oh--My--God! What a Freaking read! Kennedy is one helluva BDSM writer!
Crest & Jess (FINALLY) are up and my goodness it was BRILL!
I loved how Crest's differ son what dramatically to the others in his lifestyle choice, I call it hardcore BDSM.
The Ryland thread intensifies and what I've come to love about K is that you never see certain aspects coming!
Jessie is sweet but you soon learn ALL women and can stand her own.
I can't get enough of this series! I NEED MORE
Roller coaster!
Oh--My--God! What a Freaking read! Kennedy is one helluva BDSM writer!
Crest & Jess (FINALLY) are up and my goodness it was BRILL!
I loved how Crest's differ son what dramatically to the others in his lifestyle choice, I call it hardcore BDSM.
The Ryland thread intensifies and what I've come to love about K is that you never see certain aspects coming!
Jessie is sweet but you soon learn ALL women and can stand her own.
I can't get enough of this series! I NEED MORE
October 5, 2015
Radiant Surrender(CSA Case Files Book. 6)
This is such an explosive series of books,you never know from one book to the next who is going to survive.Jessie has loved Crest for a long time,he was always pushing her away because he thought his life style was to intense for her.When Jessie needed Crest he was there for her,she found out something terrible about her parents that would affect her life and her sisters.There's an assassin that has been in every book and he is in this one too.There is a lot of action in this series you won't be able to put this down once you start.
This is such an explosive series of books,you never know from one book to the next who is going to survive.Jessie has loved Crest for a long time,he was always pushing her away because he thought his life style was to intense for her.When Jessie needed Crest he was there for her,she found out something terrible about her parents that would affect her life and her sisters.There's an assassin that has been in every book and he is in this one too.There is a lot of action in this series you won't be able to put this down once you start.
February 23, 2015
Even though I'm not comfortable with the main character's particular lifestyle, I think it doesn't clash with the way he has been developed along the series, and the author ended it adequately. I also think she got to offer some interesting surprising twists, besides achieving to avoid the trick that some authors like to use, especially in series, that is to recycle plots and characters, only changing names.
March 2, 2015
Kennedy Layne is a wonderful storyteller. Great story, enjoyed getting to understand Gavin Crest more in this story and how strong Jessica is. Now the Ryland is out of the picture and new players are being added, I am wondering what is next. Will there be books that link Red Starr and the CSA team together? Looking forward to future books in this series, it is one that will keep you coming back for more.
August 14, 2015
I am hooked
Can't wait for part seven in this series. Crest's book so did not disappoint. It was great to get his take on things. I loved how he finally managed to express himself in the end. Beautiful series,looking forward to the rest. Well done Kennedy Layne.
I'm now off to start the Red Starr series.
Can't wait for part seven in this series. Crest's book so did not disappoint. It was great to get his take on things. I loved how he finally managed to express himself in the end. Beautiful series,looking forward to the rest. Well done Kennedy Layne.
I'm now off to start the Red Starr series.
June 23, 2015
Disappointed
Having read all the CSA books, and waiting anxiously for Crest and Jessie's story, I'm disappointed. It lacks the chemistry of the other books, lacks the great love story key to the previous stories.
Having read all the CSA books, and waiting anxiously for Crest and Jessie's story, I'm disappointed. It lacks the chemistry of the other books, lacks the great love story key to the previous stories.
August 31, 2015
Worth the Wait
I loved all the CSA Case Files books but definitely could not wait for Jessie and Gavin's book. Kennedy Layne did not disappoint, this was my favorite of the series... Just wish it wasn't the last
I loved all the CSA Case Files books but definitely could not wait for Jessie and Gavin's book. Kennedy Layne did not disappoint, this was my favorite of the series... Just wish it wasn't the last
February 24, 2016
Saved the best couple for last. I knew I would love Gavin and Jessica. Crest is a tough guy to read for everyone but Jessie. Jessie is sweet and loving. I loved their story. This series was fantastic. I loved it
February 23, 2015
The wait for Gavin was not in vain. Gavin & Jessie's story was awesome. It had some tears of course. The suspense and intrigue as always is super. Don't miss this series.
February 19, 2015
I love Jessica and Gavin - there are times I wanted to smack Gavin but this book made it all worthwhile - I'm hoping this isn't the end of the CSA series
June 16, 2015
I liked the characters bit the plot was lacking....it made no sense.
March 30, 2017
YES! This is the story I was waiting for, and not a moment of disappointment! With little insights of Crest's life in every book, and the building case with Ryland all coming to a head, this was the best story ever! Strong women, stubborn men, twists and turns, and games in every corner! All the CSA boys here and there. Loved it. And it's not quite over-on to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews