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Hostage Rescue Team #7
Seized
She’s strictly off limits.
Carmela Cruz has wanted the same man for over a year, and now that he’s finally free, he’s fair game. But just when it seems like everything is about to click into place for them, he puts on the brakes. For her, the decision is simple. He either wants her or he doesn’t. She’s tired of his mixed messages and done with waiting for him to make up his mind. An unexpected, all-expenses-paid luxury cruise to get over her broken heart sounds like just what she needs—until her vacation turns deadly.
But some rules were made to be broken…
HRT member Sawyer Vance wants Carmela more than anything. There’s only one problem—she’s his best friend’s sister, and that makes her officially off limits. He’s already learned the hard way the disastrous consequences that come from breaking that rule. But when she’s caught up in the biggest terrorist attack to hit the West Coast and her life is in imminent danger, the truth hits home hard. He realizes too late that nothing should have kept him away from her. When the terrorists begin killing hostages, Sawyer and his team must take the ship back at all costs. Now they’re in a fight for their lives against an enemy willing to die for its cause, and time is running out to save the surviving passengers.
Including Carmela…if she’s still alive.
Carmela Cruz has wanted the same man for over a year, and now that he’s finally free, he’s fair game. But just when it seems like everything is about to click into place for them, he puts on the brakes. For her, the decision is simple. He either wants her or he doesn’t. She’s tired of his mixed messages and done with waiting for him to make up his mind. An unexpected, all-expenses-paid luxury cruise to get over her broken heart sounds like just what she needs—until her vacation turns deadly.
But some rules were made to be broken…
HRT member Sawyer Vance wants Carmela more than anything. There’s only one problem—she’s his best friend’s sister, and that makes her officially off limits. He’s already learned the hard way the disastrous consequences that come from breaking that rule. But when she’s caught up in the biggest terrorist attack to hit the West Coast and her life is in imminent danger, the truth hits home hard. He realizes too late that nothing should have kept him away from her. When the terrorists begin killing hostages, Sawyer and his team must take the ship back at all costs. Now they’re in a fight for their lives against an enemy willing to die for its cause, and time is running out to save the surviving passengers.
Including Carmela…if she’s still alive.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2015
129 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
98 books1,801 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 25, 2019
Carmela Cruz has had it pretty bad for FBI Agent Sawyer Vance, her brother’s best friend and fellow Hostage Rescue Team member. It’s been a year and now that he’s permanently severed his last relationship, it’s their time. Unknown to her, Sawyer is crazy about Carmela but her whole family is precious to him and he doesn’t want to risk losing all of them, a real possibility since it happened before. But when he makes a first move, she believes it was calculated and steps away.
That’s the initial setup for the story but it eventually escalates to something much more chilling when the cruise ship Carmela and her mother are booked on for an Alaska excursion becomes the target of a terrorist cell. Carmela and Sawyer’s relationship blossoms in the midst of this threat and when it comes to fruition, I was riveted and horrified at the same time. The author didn’t hold back, presenting a horrible reality of this kind of attack, also offering us the point of view of the leader, which made my blood run cold. Everyone was at serious risk. Ethan (Carmela’s brother) and Sawyer’s angst had to be checked because they had to do their jobs despite knowing family was in the middle of the chaos.
This is my favorite in the series, hands down. By now, we know the author has exceptional skill in writing suspenseful and tension-filled action scenes. Here, she weaves a strong, mature romance throughout without taking shortcuts or providing easy solutions. I loved everything about this story and I mean everything...the characterizations, action, plotting, romance and overall story. I flew through this one. 4.5 stars
That’s the initial setup for the story but it eventually escalates to something much more chilling when the cruise ship Carmela and her mother are booked on for an Alaska excursion becomes the target of a terrorist cell. Carmela and Sawyer’s relationship blossoms in the midst of this threat and when it comes to fruition, I was riveted and horrified at the same time. The author didn’t hold back, presenting a horrible reality of this kind of attack, also offering us the point of view of the leader, which made my blood run cold. Everyone was at serious risk. Ethan (Carmela’s brother) and Sawyer’s angst had to be checked because they had to do their jobs despite knowing family was in the middle of the chaos.
This is my favorite in the series, hands down. By now, we know the author has exceptional skill in writing suspenseful and tension-filled action scenes. Here, she weaves a strong, mature romance throughout without taking shortcuts or providing easy solutions. I loved everything about this story and I mean everything...the characterizations, action, plotting, romance and overall story. I flew through this one. 4.5 stars
November 9, 2017
Another good installment in the HRT series. Lots of action on a cruise ship.
I was a bit disappointed with this one ***mostly due to personal preferences*** - DO NOT think this means this is not a good book. I did not connect to the characters like I usually do because they spend so much time apart. The time they are together in the beginning is spent "in their heads" a lot - them thinking, but not talking to each other. Example - Everyone is together eating dinner, he dances with Mama Cruz & she is at the bar with Schroder. They leave to talk but are caught up in a situation that takes hours to resolve. We get some of Blackwell's POV. Then they stop for coffee, go to the park...... I was frustrated wanting them to just freaking TALK. I also was thinking Cruz was too oblivious to what was going on and I wanted to skip the POV of the terrorist to get to the "good stuff".
We have Carmela, who I think slightly overreacted to the whole kiss. He said he didn't do it just to shut her up, but she was PISSED.
Her impatient words were cut off when he suddenly took her face in his hands and kissed her... He cradled her face between his big hands like he needed her. Cherished her... When he lifted his head a moment later they were both breathing faster. But then she noticed his eyes were clear, his gaze too sharp and alert for someone who’d supposedly just been so overcome with the need to kiss her that he hadn’t been able to contain himself. The romantic fog instantly cleared from her brain, and she narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion as a humiliating possibility hit her right in the face.
“Wait. Did you just kiss me to shut me up?” she demanded, completely insulted that he would do such a thing. If he’d kissed her to stop her questions, it had definitely worked. But if it was true then she was embarrassed on top of being mad and worried about Ethan.
“No, now listen to me.” ....
She didn’t know what to think, except that he’d clearly taken advantage of her feelings for him.
We have Sawyer who thinks he cannot cross the line to be with his best friend's sister because if things blow up, he will lose them all and they are his family. After the kiss, they do not communicate for 2 months or so.
He let his mind drift to thoughts of Carmela. He missed her like hell, felt like he was living with a hole inside him since he’d ruined their relationship with that kiss. As much as he’d been dying to kiss her and holding back his true feelings for her, he couldn’t say that one moment of bliss had been worth it. Not when the consequence was losing her. He had to fix it somehow.
Shi^, he’d hurt her. More than he’d realized, and hurting Carmela was the last thing he’d ever intended. Even if he’d been the one to allow the distance between them to grow to this extent. That bothered him. He wanted back what he’d lost—her trust and friendship. She was important to him, he missed being able to talk to her, missed the way they used to be so comfortable around each other. You blew that all to hell when you put your mouth on hers.
I really did like the fun moments and the way he was so protective of her. He was respectful and sweet with her. She can hold her own though since she grew up in a less than great neighborhood. I highlighted the crap out of this book and I think Cross fans will enjoy it. I always love the banter of the HRT guys.
Some more favs:
Schroder filled a syringe and turned to him with an evil grin. “Drop your drawers, soldier.”
“You just said my shots were up to date.”
“Yeah, well, this is antibiotics. Lose the pants, my friend.”
Sawyer scowled at him and undid his jeans, then rolled them and his boxers down a little on one side to expose the side of his hip. “That’s all you’re getting. Perv.”
“What, you shy with me all of a sudden? I’ve already seen everything you’ve got, more times than I wanted to, trust me.”
“So you were into me up until that kiss?”
Shi*, he knew he shouldn’t have said anything. “Carm—”
“No, seriously, I want to know. Were you?”
“It doesn’t matter whether I was or not.”
“It does to me.” Her voice had a slight tremor to it.
For the first time he noticed the traces of vulnerability in her, and it floored him. Carmela was one of the strongest women he’d ever met. She always had it together, always came across as composed and confident. It had never occurred to him that she might not feel that way inside. No. End this now, don’t give her any false hope. You’ve done enough damage already. Man, when his conscience decided to pull a guilt trip, it didn’t pull punches. “I don’t want to hurt you more than I already have.” Again he saw a hint of that vulnerability she’d hidden up until now, and maybe a trace of insecurity, too.
“Then put me out of my misery and just tell me the truth. I need to know I’m not crazy, that it wasn’t one-sided on my part.”
Sawyer’s heavy arms wrapped around her, cradling her, the thud of his heart soothing beneath her ear. Suddenly, tears burned her eyes. He was everything she’d been waiting for. It was heaven, being here like this with him. So perfect. Too perfect to last. And that’s when she fully realized what a colossal mistake this had been. The bittersweet goodbye she’d wanted had been far more powerful and tender than she’d bargained for. He’d let himself be vulnerable with her, had given her far more of himself emotionally in bed than she’d expected for what was technically a one-night stand. Apparently no better at hiding his feelings than she was.
“Hey.” “It’s gonna be okay, sweetheart. Promise.”
Tears formed without her permission. They’d be so good together as a couple. Couldn’t he see that? That a relationship with her would be nothing like the one with his ex? It hurt her and made her so damn angry that he refused to give them a chance because of something that happened with someone else, yet he’d been okay with sleeping with her. There was something so damn unfair about that. She fought back the surge of raw emotion.
“I want to be with you,” he blurted. “You and no one else.”
“What about Ethan?”
“I’m going to talk to him.”
Holy crap, if he was willing to face Ethan over this, then he really did mean it. She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. “What changed your mind?”
“You. Well, that and I’ve finally pulled my head out of my a$s.”
She laughed lightly. “It’s a damn fine a$s, Sawyer, but I’m glad you did.”
The door pushed open a few inches and Sawyer appeared there in jeans and a T-shirt, his wide shoulders blocking most of the light from the hallway. A look of pure relief came over his face when he saw her. He stepped inside and let the door shut behind him and she noticed his arm bound in a more secure sling.
“Hey, babygirl.”
She couldn’t hold herself back another second. With a glad cry she ran at him. Sawyer caught her around the waist with his good arm and hoisted her up. She wrapped her legs around his hips and grabbed his face between her hands, covering his mouth with a desperate kiss.
I was a bit disappointed with this one ***mostly due to personal preferences*** - DO NOT think this means this is not a good book. I did not connect to the characters like I usually do because they spend so much time apart. The time they are together in the beginning is spent "in their heads" a lot - them thinking, but not talking to each other. Example - Everyone is together eating dinner, he dances with Mama Cruz & she is at the bar with Schroder. They leave to talk but are caught up in a situation that takes hours to resolve. We get some of Blackwell's POV. Then they stop for coffee, go to the park...... I was frustrated wanting them to just freaking TALK. I also was thinking Cruz was too oblivious to what was going on and I wanted to skip the POV of the terrorist to get to the "good stuff".
We have Carmela, who I think slightly overreacted to the whole kiss. He said he didn't do it just to shut her up, but she was PISSED.
Her impatient words were cut off when he suddenly took her face in his hands and kissed her... He cradled her face between his big hands like he needed her. Cherished her... When he lifted his head a moment later they were both breathing faster. But then she noticed his eyes were clear, his gaze too sharp and alert for someone who’d supposedly just been so overcome with the need to kiss her that he hadn’t been able to contain himself. The romantic fog instantly cleared from her brain, and she narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion as a humiliating possibility hit her right in the face.
“Wait. Did you just kiss me to shut me up?” she demanded, completely insulted that he would do such a thing. If he’d kissed her to stop her questions, it had definitely worked. But if it was true then she was embarrassed on top of being mad and worried about Ethan.
“No, now listen to me.” ....
She didn’t know what to think, except that he’d clearly taken advantage of her feelings for him.
We have Sawyer who thinks he cannot cross the line to be with his best friend's sister because if things blow up, he will lose them all and they are his family. After the kiss, they do not communicate for 2 months or so.
He let his mind drift to thoughts of Carmela. He missed her like hell, felt like he was living with a hole inside him since he’d ruined their relationship with that kiss. As much as he’d been dying to kiss her and holding back his true feelings for her, he couldn’t say that one moment of bliss had been worth it. Not when the consequence was losing her. He had to fix it somehow.
Shi^, he’d hurt her. More than he’d realized, and hurting Carmela was the last thing he’d ever intended. Even if he’d been the one to allow the distance between them to grow to this extent. That bothered him. He wanted back what he’d lost—her trust and friendship. She was important to him, he missed being able to talk to her, missed the way they used to be so comfortable around each other. You blew that all to hell when you put your mouth on hers.
I really did like the fun moments and the way he was so protective of her. He was respectful and sweet with her. She can hold her own though since she grew up in a less than great neighborhood. I highlighted the crap out of this book and I think Cross fans will enjoy it. I always love the banter of the HRT guys.
Some more favs:
Schroder filled a syringe and turned to him with an evil grin. “Drop your drawers, soldier.”
“You just said my shots were up to date.”
“Yeah, well, this is antibiotics. Lose the pants, my friend.”
Sawyer scowled at him and undid his jeans, then rolled them and his boxers down a little on one side to expose the side of his hip. “That’s all you’re getting. Perv.”
“What, you shy with me all of a sudden? I’ve already seen everything you’ve got, more times than I wanted to, trust me.”
“So you were into me up until that kiss?”
Shi*, he knew he shouldn’t have said anything. “Carm—”
“No, seriously, I want to know. Were you?”
“It doesn’t matter whether I was or not.”
“It does to me.” Her voice had a slight tremor to it.
For the first time he noticed the traces of vulnerability in her, and it floored him. Carmela was one of the strongest women he’d ever met. She always had it together, always came across as composed and confident. It had never occurred to him that she might not feel that way inside. No. End this now, don’t give her any false hope. You’ve done enough damage already. Man, when his conscience decided to pull a guilt trip, it didn’t pull punches. “I don’t want to hurt you more than I already have.” Again he saw a hint of that vulnerability she’d hidden up until now, and maybe a trace of insecurity, too.
“Then put me out of my misery and just tell me the truth. I need to know I’m not crazy, that it wasn’t one-sided on my part.”
Sawyer’s heavy arms wrapped around her, cradling her, the thud of his heart soothing beneath her ear. Suddenly, tears burned her eyes. He was everything she’d been waiting for. It was heaven, being here like this with him. So perfect. Too perfect to last. And that’s when she fully realized what a colossal mistake this had been. The bittersweet goodbye she’d wanted had been far more powerful and tender than she’d bargained for. He’d let himself be vulnerable with her, had given her far more of himself emotionally in bed than she’d expected for what was technically a one-night stand. Apparently no better at hiding his feelings than she was.
“Hey.” “It’s gonna be okay, sweetheart. Promise.”
Tears formed without her permission. They’d be so good together as a couple. Couldn’t he see that? That a relationship with her would be nothing like the one with his ex? It hurt her and made her so damn angry that he refused to give them a chance because of something that happened with someone else, yet he’d been okay with sleeping with her. There was something so damn unfair about that. She fought back the surge of raw emotion.
“I want to be with you,” he blurted. “You and no one else.”
“What about Ethan?”
“I’m going to talk to him.”
Holy crap, if he was willing to face Ethan over this, then he really did mean it. She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. “What changed your mind?”
“You. Well, that and I’ve finally pulled my head out of my a$s.”
She laughed lightly. “It’s a damn fine a$s, Sawyer, but I’m glad you did.”
The door pushed open a few inches and Sawyer appeared there in jeans and a T-shirt, his wide shoulders blocking most of the light from the hallway. A look of pure relief came over his face when he saw her. He stepped inside and let the door shut behind him and she noticed his arm bound in a more secure sling.
“Hey, babygirl.”
She couldn’t hold herself back another second. With a glad cry she ran at him. Sawyer caught her around the waist with his good arm and hoisted her up. She wrapped her legs around his hips and grabbed his face between her hands, covering his mouth with a desperate kiss.
August 7, 2021
SEIZED was so intense and had me on the edge of my seat and reading as fast as possible to see what happened next. After meeting Carmela in the previous book I was excited to read her story because best friend's sibling is one of my favorite tropes. Sawyer has been attracted to Carmela for a while but he's afraid to act on his attraction because he doesn't want to lose the Cruz family who has become his everything, especially Mama Cruz. Side note to say that I love the Cruz family, they were so great! Of course, Sawyer has no chance against Carmela who isn't afraid to go after what she wants. I really liked Carmela because she knows her worth and makes it clear to Sawyer that she's all or nothing. These two were perfect together and I loved the way they cared for each other.
Interestingly enough, a decent chunk of this book has the hero and heroine apart from each other as Carmela and her mother try to survive the terrorist attack on their ship and Sawyer is on the team rescuing her. But this didn't bother me because the book's pacing is so fast and it all takes place over just a few days. Sawyer and Carmela appear to fall fast but they've known each other for a few years and frequently text and talk. Their affection for each other is obvious from the beginning even when Sawyer is trying to resist getting involved with Carmela.
It was nice to see some more of Ethan and Soli from the previous book and we also get a few hints at Blackwell's struggling marriage and I'm really curious to read his book next.
Interestingly enough, a decent chunk of this book has the hero and heroine apart from each other as Carmela and her mother try to survive the terrorist attack on their ship and Sawyer is on the team rescuing her. But this didn't bother me because the book's pacing is so fast and it all takes place over just a few days. Sawyer and Carmela appear to fall fast but they've known each other for a few years and frequently text and talk. Their affection for each other is obvious from the beginning even when Sawyer is trying to resist getting involved with Carmela.
It was nice to see some more of Ethan and Soli from the previous book and we also get a few hints at Blackwell's struggling marriage and I'm really curious to read his book next.
December 30, 2015
I really liked the flirtation that Sawyer and Carmela had in the last book. I liked even more that Carmela pushed Sawyer for an answer of why he stopped things. His reasoning was good, I was glad Carmela understood, but I was happier when she made him an offer he couldn't refuse. You knew that this situation was better than what happened to him in the past, that there wouldn't be the same outcome. I had lots of hope that given time they would be able to work things out, especially as they chatted non-stop while Carmela was on the cruise.
And that cruise, I can honestly say that is one that I would want to skip! I can't imagine being in that situation. Carmela did well keeping calm and staying together. Her reunion with Sawyer was the best thing about the book, loved that they both realized they had been wasting time. Better was Ethan's comments.
And that cruise, I can honestly say that is one that I would want to skip! I can't imagine being in that situation. Carmela did well keeping calm and staying together. Her reunion with Sawyer was the best thing about the book, loved that they both realized they had been wasting time. Better was Ethan's comments.
December 5, 2017
The plot, bold, suspenseful and thrilling. The characters, admirable, enthralling and smoldering. Easily one of the best books that I've read this year. I LOVED everything about it. The author is a HELLUVA writer!!!!
October 16, 2016
Probably my least favorite so far in this series, but I still enjoyed it for the most part! OMG, there are so many weddings happening and I can't wait!!!
September 30, 2019
Really enjoyed this story!
May 14, 2017
All right all right, I know I said each book just gets better and better but wow this one blew all the others out of the water (pun intended since this is about military/seals). Sawyer (love that name) and carmela were by far my most favorite couple, the storyline was the most dramatic and intrigue ridden so far and the excitement and gut clenching scences were amazing. As always Kaylea Cross gives us stories you can read about or have seen on tv concerning the evil things people do to one another all in the name of their beliefs. Sadly I don't understand why we can't all treat each other with dignity, respect and some semblance of human kindness no matter your race, religion or beliefs. There are always going to be those that hurt others for those reasons and there will always be those of us who try to correct their ignorance! Heavy stuff sorry, but these books not only entertain they make you Thank God you have a voice and a choice in this world!
July 3, 2019
3.5 Stars - Sawyer and Carmela's storyline kept me turning pages. The humor really brought it home as well. Sawyer does not want history to repeat itself and Carmela has distanced herself...oh heck no, she is a fighter.
The problem I had with it, were some of the grammatical errors. There were errors in Spanish as well. In Spanish, a lot of terms are gender specific (ex. Pendejo is male and pendeja is female). There were at least four other errors in Spanish. I am from the same background as Ethan and Carmela. This distracted me. I was disappointed when those came up because I was laughing out loud with the way her mother spoke and her attitude so reminiscent of my culture.
The problem I had with it, were some of the grammatical errors. There were errors in Spanish as well. In Spanish, a lot of terms are gender specific (ex. Pendejo is male and pendeja is female). There were at least four other errors in Spanish. I am from the same background as Ethan and Carmela. This distracted me. I was disappointed when those came up because I was laughing out loud with the way her mother spoke and her attitude so reminiscent of my culture.
October 12, 2018
Each story in the series gets better and better. So much action and suspense. A heart stopping, page turning thriller. A friend's to lover's story. Carmela has had feelings for Sawyer for a few years now. She is constantly flirting with him to no avail. But Sawyer has been there and done that and he's not willing to lose everything again. When Carmela and her mother are caught up in a terrorist plot, it is up to Sawyer and his team to rescue them. Will they get to them in time? Will Sawyer finally take a chance at love with Carmela? This is a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2020
It's ok. Few good scenes like the aftermath of Sawyer's attack by the drug dealers & the take-over on the cruise. Carmela contacting Sawyer about the take-over & the men get into action.
Wira's point of view was not so good & so was most of Carmela.
Danny is a bastard, breaking up with his best friend just because things didn't work out with his sister, what an asshole. That fact it took his own divorce to make him see that, serves him right. He deserves all that misery he & his family are going through.
Wira's point of view was not so good & so was most of Carmela.
Danny is a bastard, breaking up with his best friend just because things didn't work out with his sister, what an asshole. That fact it took his own divorce to make him see that, serves him right. He deserves all that misery he & his family are going through.
November 2, 2018
Not one of my favorites in the series, I thought Sawyer's willingness to push Carmela away because he didn't want to loose her family just a little too much, but I dislike that sort of theme anyway so it's my own biases coming through there.
Though I did like the Titanic like situation and found that suspenseful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Though I did like the Titanic like situation and found that suspenseful and heartbreaking at the same time.
December 10, 2016
FINALLY!!!!!! Sawyer finally pulled his head out of his ass before it was too late....and Thank Goodness Carmela was strong enough to hold enough patience for them both. This book was really good.. an exceptional read.
May 9, 2017
Seriously.....
Any book that makes me cry is a keeper, and Sawyer and Carmela did just that. An amazing, engrossing read. Amazingly how Kaylea Cross just keeps getting better, and this won't disappoint - read it
Any book that makes me cry is a keeper, and Sawyer and Carmela did just that. An amazing, engrossing read. Amazingly how Kaylea Cross just keeps getting better, and this won't disappoint - read it
March 21, 2018
I liked Sawyer and Carmela both, but the whole bit about the rest of the guys seeing her picture made me super uncomfortable/kind of a turn off of the book. The part on the boat was awesome though, go Carmela!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2018
This book in the series has lots of suspense and excitement and a developing angst filled romance that resolves into happily ever after. Great characters as always! I love the way they anticipate and work together and always have each other's backs. A very entertaining book.
October 29, 2022
Carmela and Sawyer. Wow this story was so good and lots of hold your breath moments. Gotta love when they took Sawyers phone at the wrong time. Momma Cruz is in this one and having been on a cruise make you think a little. Loved it
May 28, 2017
Excellent Book‼️
Yet another great book from Kaylea Cross. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one! 💜
Yet another great book from Kaylea Cross. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one! 💜
October 2, 2017
Another hot book in the HRT series
November 2, 2017
3.75 stars
Definitely got Titanic vibes from reading this.
Definitely got Titanic vibes from reading this.
April 12, 2018
best book of the series, gripping story
November 25, 2018
Another excellent story by Kaylea Cross.
books-boxed-sets
April 23, 2020In boxed set - "Hostage Rescue Team Series Box Set Vol. 3"
August 10, 2020
Series Continues to Please
I sincerely like this series. Ms. Cross develops both her storyline and her characters exceptionally well. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I sincerely like this series. Ms. Cross develops both her storyline and her characters exceptionally well. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 28, 2020
I loved Carmela and Sawyer. They had such a great relationship from friends to more. I absolutely recommend you read this series. So good!
Read
July 9, 2021Good book
April 28, 2025
Friends to lovers stories are so good.
August 29, 2016
A riveting and enthralling story, filled with high emotions, danger, and such an irresistibly compelling love story it had me glued to my kindle until 'the end'. What a beautifully crafted tale, I am still in awe.
And no, this wasn't my first book by the author, far from it. I have them all and I'm catching up on these couple last books of this series. Yet every story Ms. Cross writes is so fresh, authentic, and real they always manage to pull me in and give me the wow effect at the end.
Carmela and Sawyer, I met them in the previous stories, and I was looking forward to their HEA, they so deserve it. Yet the depth of the emotions, the raw feelings, the honesty and strong, basic attraction between them left me breathless. The first time they are intimate together, it is a scorching hot scene, seductive and sexy, yet so sweet, tender, and loving, so delicate, it is just beautiful, and I couldn't help but fall in love with these two.
I also love that the author has put multi-racial main characters into the story, I have wondered it before, how 'white' the romantic suspense books are, and Ms. Cross just made my day with a black man as a cowboy and a Puerto Rican heroine. The way Sawyer's childhood struggle with the bullies was told just broke my heart with the reality of it, the truth behind the scene.
The danger and action are acute and eerily real, repeatedly giving nail-biting moments, where I was holding my breath, with fear and despair, hoping for survival. The scare and concern in the life and death situations while facing the terror was actual and true. The moments when Sawyer is praying for Carmela to be alive just broke me down in tears. Yes, the story brings all the emotions to the front and center and kept me captivated throughout the book, making it impossible to put it down.
I also enjoyed the teasers to Adam and Summer's story coming up, I hope. I can't wait to get to read more about them, and see if they can salvage the marriage.
When a story is a mix of seamless teamwork, the brotherhood that comes when serving together, the importance and meaning of family and friends, undeniably dazzling love story, and suspense that has you on the edge holding your breath, fearing for the life of the characters, it definitely deserves
~ Five Spoons
And no, this wasn't my first book by the author, far from it. I have them all and I'm catching up on these couple last books of this series. Yet every story Ms. Cross writes is so fresh, authentic, and real they always manage to pull me in and give me the wow effect at the end.
Carmela and Sawyer, I met them in the previous stories, and I was looking forward to their HEA, they so deserve it. Yet the depth of the emotions, the raw feelings, the honesty and strong, basic attraction between them left me breathless. The first time they are intimate together, it is a scorching hot scene, seductive and sexy, yet so sweet, tender, and loving, so delicate, it is just beautiful, and I couldn't help but fall in love with these two.
I also love that the author has put multi-racial main characters into the story, I have wondered it before, how 'white' the romantic suspense books are, and Ms. Cross just made my day with a black man as a cowboy and a Puerto Rican heroine. The way Sawyer's childhood struggle with the bullies was told just broke my heart with the reality of it, the truth behind the scene.
The danger and action are acute and eerily real, repeatedly giving nail-biting moments, where I was holding my breath, with fear and despair, hoping for survival. The scare and concern in the life and death situations while facing the terror was actual and true. The moments when Sawyer is praying for Carmela to be alive just broke me down in tears. Yes, the story brings all the emotions to the front and center and kept me captivated throughout the book, making it impossible to put it down.
I also enjoyed the teasers to Adam and Summer's story coming up, I hope. I can't wait to get to read more about them, and see if they can salvage the marriage.
When a story is a mix of seamless teamwork, the brotherhood that comes when serving together, the importance and meaning of family and friends, undeniably dazzling love story, and suspense that has you on the edge holding your breath, fearing for the life of the characters, it definitely deserves
~ Five Spoons
December 30, 2015
I cannot believe I am about to give a 3.5 star rating to a Kylea Cross book!
Seized, the 7th book in the HRT series failed to impress.
I love all KC books and she writes like no other a combat/action/ suspense book but this time I wanted more.
The romance was, just there for me. Vance is Cruze's best friend and part of the HR Team. I barely got an idea about him from the previous books and I just couldn't connect to him now.
Carmella, Cruze's sister had nothing of the action heroines that usually KC writes. She gave me the feel of a damsel in distress and nothing more.
In this book the terrorists took over a cruise ship where Carmella and her mom happened to be. As a former crew member on a cruise liner I can appreciate some of the details that KC wrote about the ship and cruise in general but when disaster stroke, well, it was less believable.
The action as just there and not enough. A small team of seals would have huge difficulties to navigate a ship with more than 3000 people on board so for me this particular scene had no appeal.
I am used which so much more and while I have never been in a combat situation the description made me feel like I am watching a movie.
I have missed KC vivid descriptions of action and fight. Now it felt rushed and not thought through.
Vance and Carmella are my least favorite couple from all KC characters. Decent enough but they took the longest time to come together as a couple. Vance's refusal to get involved because he might lose a family if his relationship with Carmella would end had me rolling my eyes. He was hot-cold way too much for my liking.
Carmella had no strength or back bone. She promised to distance herself from Vance but she ended up making up with him in a heartbeat. And that was a scene not to my liking.
I am glad I got some laughs with the HRT guys and again, I missed them in action. Not the HRT that I am used to.
Overall was a good story but not enough for me to warrant a higher rating. Seized was shorter, had less action and barely a romantic feel. But I am still looking forward to more books from KC in the future. Maybe a new series...?
Seized, the 7th book in the HRT series failed to impress.
I love all KC books and she writes like no other a combat/action/ suspense book but this time I wanted more.
The romance was, just there for me. Vance is Cruze's best friend and part of the HR Team. I barely got an idea about him from the previous books and I just couldn't connect to him now.
Carmella, Cruze's sister had nothing of the action heroines that usually KC writes. She gave me the feel of a damsel in distress and nothing more.
In this book the terrorists took over a cruise ship where Carmella and her mom happened to be. As a former crew member on a cruise liner I can appreciate some of the details that KC wrote about the ship and cruise in general but when disaster stroke, well, it was less believable.
The action as just there and not enough. A small team of seals would have huge difficulties to navigate a ship with more than 3000 people on board so for me this particular scene had no appeal.
I am used which so much more and while I have never been in a combat situation the description made me feel like I am watching a movie.
I have missed KC vivid descriptions of action and fight. Now it felt rushed and not thought through.
Vance and Carmella are my least favorite couple from all KC characters. Decent enough but they took the longest time to come together as a couple. Vance's refusal to get involved because he might lose a family if his relationship with Carmella would end had me rolling my eyes. He was hot-cold way too much for my liking.
Carmella had no strength or back bone. She promised to distance herself from Vance but she ended up making up with him in a heartbeat. And that was a scene not to my liking.
I am glad I got some laughs with the HRT guys and again, I missed them in action. Not the HRT that I am used to.
Overall was a good story but not enough for me to warrant a higher rating. Seized was shorter, had less action and barely a romantic feel. But I am still looking forward to more books from KC in the future. Maybe a new series...?
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