Killing Game

Veritas #2

by Chandler Steele

Brannon Hardegree, a Veritas operative and former Army Ranger, finds his undercover assignment increasingly dangerous. After being forced to participate in an armed robbery—or have his deep cover blown—Brannon is ordered to take a portion of the loot on a swamp tour, one headed deep into the Georgia wilderness. There he hopes to “join up” with Quinton Ellers, the leader of a violent anti-government militia who has vowed to “water the tree of liberty” to kick-start the coming revolution. Brannon’s job is to stop Ellers before he has a chance to use his cache of military-grade explosives.

For former Marine Sergeant Caitlyn Landry, just back from Afghanistan, the swamp offers a brief respite from her debilitating flashbacks. When Cait’s former commander, now the owner of the tour operation, is injured in a mysterious car crash, she reluctantly agrees to lead the tour. Still, she knows that her time is running out, that soon she’ll stop fighting the darkness and end the pain.

What begins as a peaceful canoe ride into the swamp quickly becomes a nightmare. When the loot is stolen and the other campers taken hostage, Brannon and Cait are the only ones who can stop Ellers’s murderous plans. To defeat their ruthless enemy, they will need every bit of their courage. To fail is unthinkable, even if it means destroying their one chance for a future together.

280 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2016

About the author

Chandler Steele is sort of a mystery. There may be some truth to the rumor that she learned her espionage skills during missions for certain three-letter agencies, in particular (redacted) and (also redacted).

When Steele isn’t traveling the world, she’s writing romantic suspense-filled stories featuring hunky heroes and brave, kick butt heroines. She likes to spend time in Chicago, “the greatest city in the world.” There she can indulge in a few select vices, single malt Scotch and cigars to name two.

Okay, let's just be honest: Ms. Steele is actually Jana Oliver, an international bestselling author who loves writing romantic suspense stories.

Short of using a dead drop or a carrier pigeon, the best way to contact Ms. Steele is by visiting her website www.ChandlerSteele.com

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book on Goodreads.

I liked this story. It was mostly action and suspense with some comedy and romance strewn throughout. Both main characters have spent time in the armed forces. I liked the focus on problems veterans have returning to civilian life and how each person overcomes any obstacles and finds a new purpose. I have not read any previous books in this series, but I didn't have any trouble figuring out how the characters related to each other. The main characters in this book will probably show up as supporting characters in future books in the series. I would like to read more Veritas novels.

[Lois Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm clearing out a bookcase(!) and came across this volume, which I read years ago. I liked the way the romance was handled alongside the suspense.

[Chris Yorgason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-written story about Brannon Hardegree, a former Army Ranger who works for Veritas, who is on a mission to take down a homegrown terrorist organization. He meets up with Cait Landry, a Marine struggling to return to a normal life after a tour in combat. They work together battling the terrorist militia, the deadly swamps and at times the FBI.