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Missing in Action
(Walsh Series Spinoff #2)
by
Former Navy SEAL turned covert agent Wes Halsted spent his days —and weeks and months —being someone else. But with his cover blown and his injuries requiring months of recuperation, he must learn how to be himself again.
Only …he'd rather save his issues for another day and get to know a stressed-out, suited-up businessman instead.
Tom Esbeck has everything under control. ...more
Only …he'd rather save his issues for another day and get to know a stressed-out, suited-up businessman instead.
Tom Esbeck has everything under control. ...more
Kindle Edition, 275 pages
Published
March 30th 2020
by Vesper Press
(first published March 27th 2020)
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Start your review of Missing in Action (Walsh Series Spinoff, #2)

4 Lucky Stars ⭐
In Missing in Action, we get the story of two unlikely men that couldn’t be more perfect at healing each other.
After returning from a failed mission, Wes Halsted is in a bad way. Not only is his body all torn up, his thoughts are in chaos. Now he's housebound at his brother’s home surrounded by far too many family members and memories he’s not willing to explore. And to add insult to injury, this hero who could survive many forms of torture, still can’t verbalise his biggest secr ...more
In Missing in Action, we get the story of two unlikely men that couldn’t be more perfect at healing each other.
After returning from a failed mission, Wes Halsted is in a bad way. Not only is his body all torn up, his thoughts are in chaos. Now he's housebound at his brother’s home surrounded by far too many family members and memories he’s not willing to explore. And to add insult to injury, this hero who could survive many forms of torture, still can’t verbalise his biggest secr ...more

Wes Halsted is alive...and that's the least of his problems.
Former Navy SEAL turned covert agent Wes Halsted spent his days—and weeks and months—being someone else. But with his cover blown and his injuries requiring months of recuperation, he must learn how to be himself again.
Only…he'd rather save his issues for another day and get to know a stressed-out, suited-up businessman instead.
Tom Esbeck has everything under control. Meal plans, workout plans, project plans, five-year plans. A plan f ...more
Former Navy SEAL turned covert agent Wes Halsted spent his days—and weeks and months—being someone else. But with his cover blown and his injuries requiring months of recuperation, he must learn how to be himself again.
Only…he'd rather save his issues for another day and get to know a stressed-out, suited-up businessman instead.
Tom Esbeck has everything under control. Meal plans, workout plans, project plans, five-year plans. A plan f ...more

3.75 STARS
If you're a fan of character driven romance, this one is truly cream of the crop. This is only my second book by Kate, but I can safely say that the woman knows how to write some of the most multilayered characters I've ever read.
Wes is a covert agent who's currently recovering from an almost lethal injury after his op went ...more
I want to be the man who gets to love you …
I want that job. I want the right to call you mine and I want to be yours, and I want to do this with you.”
If you're a fan of character driven romance, this one is truly cream of the crop. This is only my second book by Kate, but I can safely say that the woman knows how to write some of the most multilayered characters I've ever read.
Wes is a covert agent who's currently recovering from an almost lethal injury after his op went ...more

I waited one full day to get my thoughts together to write this review and I am sure I will not do it justice, but here it goes.
Many readers have asked this author about the ever elusive Wes Halsted. We all fell in love with Tom Esbeck, I mean how could you not, he is Shannon Walsh's right hand person. I would have been okay if the author never written this book, but like many would have always wondered, what if these two characters could somehow come together, it would make a great story. But, ...more
Many readers have asked this author about the ever elusive Wes Halsted. We all fell in love with Tom Esbeck, I mean how could you not, he is Shannon Walsh's right hand person. I would have been okay if the author never written this book, but like many would have always wondered, what if these two characters could somehow come together, it would make a great story. But, ...more

Mission Accomplished!
Missing in Action was more than I could have ever wished for Wes and Tom's story to be, but exactly what they were meant to have. This story like all of Ms. Canterbary's books is intillectual, filled with an array of family dynamics, emotional, and invigorating.
Wes and Tom. Where do I even begin...these two men are exquisitely skilled and sexy. They are fun and passionate and comforting. Their love progresses at breakneck speed yet it's cautious and thoughtful. Unfolding in ...more
Missing in Action was more than I could have ever wished for Wes and Tom's story to be, but exactly what they were meant to have. This story like all of Ms. Canterbary's books is intillectual, filled with an array of family dynamics, emotional, and invigorating.
Wes and Tom. Where do I even begin...these two men are exquisitely skilled and sexy. They are fun and passionate and comforting. Their love progresses at breakneck speed yet it's cautious and thoughtful. Unfolding in ...more

Oh, my heart! I have been through the gamut of emotions in this book. Laughing at Shannon Halstead, as she delivers her infamous one-liner comebacks, at her daughter emulating her mother so darn well, and observing the Walshes be, well, the Walshes and crying at lives laid out for me in this book. Lives that took time to grow into, and it wasn't a smooth growth.
Tom is far sassier than I remember him being, and thank goodness for that. He is full of so much sass. No wonder Tom is as close to Sha ...more
Tom is far sassier than I remember him being, and thank goodness for that. He is full of so much sass. No wonder Tom is as close to Sha ...more

This book....it really took me places. Fun places to visit old characters I love. Sexy, hot, dirty places where showers were defiled and lamps were broken. And vulnerable places where lonely boys had to figure out who they are when their life gets turned upside down. The characters surprised me and were a bit unexpected which I loved. I simply couldn’t put the book down because I was so invested in this relationship. This story was a long time coming and it did not disappoint. A fantastic and em
...more

Spoilers ahead
As a fan of the Walsh series I was utterly delighted to finally get Wes' story with our very own Tom. So quickly.........
Tom went through a lot as a youth when his mother tried to convert him out of being gay
Wes was still partially in the closet until he came out to his parents, given how long he delayed this I'd expected a much bigger deal to be made of it than actually happened. I know his dad mellowed out but I expected a heart to heart at least
Well written, delicious sexy times ...more
As a fan of the Walsh series I was utterly delighted to finally get Wes' story with our very own Tom. So quickly.........
Tom went through a lot as a youth when his mother tried to convert him out of being gay
Wes was still partially in the closet until he came out to his parents, given how long he delayed this I'd expected a much bigger deal to be made of it than actually happened. I know his dad mellowed out but I expected a heart to heart at least
Well written, delicious sexy times ...more

Oh man, Writer Lady has done it again! Get your tissues ready and be prepared for one amazing journey as you read this.
I've always wanted to get a story for Wes and one for Tom, I never thought they'd be one story though. Their story was absolutely everything. I loved it from start to finish. You get a good dose of all our favorite Walshes and you can't help but love the story even more because of that.
You get to see Shannon and Will in their element. You want to smack Wes at times, but all of ...more
I've always wanted to get a story for Wes and one for Tom, I never thought they'd be one story though. Their story was absolutely everything. I loved it from start to finish. You get a good dose of all our favorite Walshes and you can't help but love the story even more because of that.
You get to see Shannon and Will in their element. You want to smack Wes at times, but all of ...more

Well worth the wait for Wes! So many thoughts and excitement around Wes’ book! I don’t know where to begin. We’ve been waiting for Wes to come home and he finally has. Kate is amazing at her character development and Wes and Tom are no different. It feels like we get even more with Wes and Tom. They both have pasts that have shaped them into the men that they are. They are in different worlds but meant for each other if they can overcome their life obstacles. I loved getting to see snippets of o
...more

This book everything I'd hoped for and SO MUCH more than I could've ever imagined. Not only is it beautifully written, but it's filled with all the things this author is known for…family dynamics (good and bad), shenanigans, facts about topics that just make you feel smarter, witty banter, sexiness and steaminess, chemistry that leaps off the page, and so much love of all types.
Both of these characters have so much depth to them. Some aspects you expect, then the next page you are seeing a dif ...more
Both of these characters have so much depth to them. Some aspects you expect, then the next page you are seeing a dif ...more

This book can be read as a stand-alone. Therefore I’ll try to give my opinion without any reference to other Kate Canterbary’s books.
First, it’s an extraordinary story. I think it was Jean Renoir who said that what mattered was the story. Therefore if you only need one reason to read this book, you have it there.
Then, there’s also the way it is told. I am usually not into first-person writing. Often, I have trouble entering the protagonist’s mind. Here, I was right away into Tom and Wes’s head. ...more
First, it’s an extraordinary story. I think it was Jean Renoir who said that what mattered was the story. Therefore if you only need one reason to read this book, you have it there.
Then, there’s also the way it is told. I am usually not into first-person writing. Often, I have trouble entering the protagonist’s mind. Here, I was right away into Tom and Wes’s head. ...more

Readers have been asking for Wes for years. Tom has always been family. I didn’t know that I needed this book. A CIA operative with sad eyes, and stupid muscles. And Tom. A vest wearing, meal prepper who needs order and control. A man after my own heart. Wes and Tom have struggles that are specific to same sex relationships. Yet they are so relatable because many of the things they need to work through and deal with are “people problems”. I love this couple. M/M storylines aren’t my go to. Howev
...more

Feb 10, 2021
Lyn❤Loves❤Listening #AUDIOBOOKADDICT
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Audio 4.25 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars

Given all the craziness going on in the world right now, this long-awaited book could not have arrived at a better time for me.
Having met Wes and Tom in prior books, albeit briefly, it was lovely to really get to know them here. I think what I enjoyed the most was that I’ll admit I came into this with some preconceived ideas on these characters yet KC blew me away. Both Wes and Tom were simultaneously exactly what I was expecting and yet totally unexpected in so many (great) ways.
As always, KC’ ...more
Having met Wes and Tom in prior books, albeit briefly, it was lovely to really get to know them here. I think what I enjoyed the most was that I’ll admit I came into this with some preconceived ideas on these characters yet KC blew me away. Both Wes and Tom were simultaneously exactly what I was expecting and yet totally unexpected in so many (great) ways.
As always, KC’ ...more

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and it did not disappoint one bit. When we meet Wes, former Navy SEAL and covert agent extraordinaire, his latest mission has gone horribly awry, resulting in the exposure of several undercover agents and him being tortured and wounded before making his escape. Now back in States and recovering at his brother's house, Wes's whole life is in limbo while he awaits his fate to be decided by his employer, until he meets a man very much in control of
...more

5 Stars Teddy Hamilton narrator
3 stars Jacob Morgan narrator.
4 stars story. This story totally took me by surprise. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I was impressed with how the MCs first met and "connected". I thought it was going to be full of sarcasm and snark, but it wasn't. I wish the book was longer to make up for the first 20% of blah. ...more
3 stars Jacob Morgan narrator.
4 stars story. This story totally took me by surprise. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I was impressed with how the MCs first met and "connected". I thought it was going to be full of sarcasm and snark, but it wasn't. I wish the book was longer to make up for the first 20% of blah. ...more

I hate to be repetitive but I’m a reader, not an author, so maybe I have a good excuse. Anyway, I say this after I finish reading (or listening to) every book written by Kate but I just can’t help it!! Her books check all my boxes. Witty banter. Amazing characters. A family that I sometimes wish was mine. My IQ jumps a few points because of the things I learn from Kate’s writing (my family says I’m a font of useless information. I think I just have an affinity for interesting topics.) All the fe
...more

Wow! Missing in Action is extraordinary! Kate Canterbary really drilled down deep into emotions in this love story. It's not all sunshine and rainbows though. There are tough issues explored such as acceptance of your reality, who you are and how your past has shaped you. Lots of family dynamics at play here too. I think I held my breath and sat at the edge of my seat the whole time reading the first chapter. It was captivating.
Never in a hundred years would I have bet that Wes Halstead would b ...more
Never in a hundred years would I have bet that Wes Halstead would b ...more

About halfway through my heart was pounding wildly and I was tearing up from the pure beauty of the writing.
Incredibly romantic. Wes is a tortured soul who finds peace only with Tom.
It was exciting, very hot, sweetly loving and one of those books that I kept putting down so I could absorb what I had just read and so it would last longer.
Absolute perfection.
Incredibly romantic. Wes is a tortured soul who finds peace only with Tom.
It was exciting, very hot, sweetly loving and one of those books that I kept putting down so I could absorb what I had just read and so it would last longer.
Absolute perfection.

- god save me from this thunderous man -
The perfect recipe for the ultimate MM romance.
Take one bruised, battered but not totally broken spy,
Add in one sassy, snarky, organised to the nth degree man called Tom,
Blend together with enough chemistry and heat to power a volcano,
Throw in great writing, a sprinkle of Walsh goodness, some sunburn and a wedding.
Shake, stir, shake some more and then sit back and enjoy this masterpiece of romance.
Both characters who have appeared at one time ...more

From the minute you read the prologue you get an instant glimpse into the psyche of Wes. It’s heart poundingly intense. He is a survivor, he is methodical, he’s usually ahead of the game, he sees from every angle, he alone is responsible for himself, he expects nothing from anyone and he gives his all. That’s just the opening. However, there is a famous saying, “No man is an island” and let’s just say Wes is about to find that out in all kinds of ways, wether he wants to or not.
Tom Esbeck, is th ...more
Tom Esbeck, is th ...more

Missing In Action – Kate Canterbary
I’ve never read a Kate Canterbary book that I haven’t enjoyed. I didn’t just enjoy Missing In Action I loved it! I love the way that Kate has woven this story and has given us one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Knowing Tom and Wes from the Walsh series, Kate has now allowed us into their story lives. The before and the now!
Wes and Tom, yes Wes and Tom! Each of them in their own right, a man any girl would give a second glance to. Hell, any man wo ...more
I’ve never read a Kate Canterbary book that I haven’t enjoyed. I didn’t just enjoy Missing In Action I loved it! I love the way that Kate has woven this story and has given us one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Knowing Tom and Wes from the Walsh series, Kate has now allowed us into their story lives. The before and the now!
Wes and Tom, yes Wes and Tom! Each of them in their own right, a man any girl would give a second glance to. Hell, any man wo ...more

This book was everything I didn’t know that I needed in life.
I’ve been a BIG fan of Kate Canterbary’s books for a long time now and I’ve loved Wes and Tom all along but what I didn’t know was how badly I needed both of their stories. As usual, Kate gave us their stories beautifully even if they were full of heartbreak and change and not knowing what comes next. I can not recommend this book highly enough! If you’ve read the past Walsh books, you’ll love catching up with everyone and if you have ...more
I’ve been a BIG fan of Kate Canterbary’s books for a long time now and I’ve loved Wes and Tom all along but what I didn’t know was how badly I needed both of their stories. As usual, Kate gave us their stories beautifully even if they were full of heartbreak and change and not knowing what comes next. I can not recommend this book highly enough! If you’ve read the past Walsh books, you’ll love catching up with everyone and if you have ...more

3.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 15: Apr 5 – 11 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
...more
Video review available in Week 15: Apr 5 – 11 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
...more


As a fan of the Walsh family series by Ms, Canterbary, I absolutely enjoyed this little jaunt through that neighborhood in Romancelandia.
Wes and Tom have intrigued me as individuals for years, so I was always wondering if she was going to go there. Even with the teaser she left in her last book, I wondered if it was ever happening, but I’m so glad she did.
One of Ms. Canterbary’s many skills is to take a character that you think you know and really give the reader a chance to see them in a diff ...more

I'm super conflicted about this book. I swung wildly between 5 stars and DNF'ing. The rollercoaster never stopped, I finally settled on three stars with myself but it was not easy.
Tom and Wes are interesting characters that actually manage to stay interesting despite this being written in 1st person POV. The problem really is that this is an offshoot of the author's MF main series and like so many she can't resist having them all appear in some way. As an MM reader I have absolutely no interest ...more
Tom and Wes are interesting characters that actually manage to stay interesting despite this being written in 1st person POV. The problem really is that this is an offshoot of the author's MF main series and like so many she can't resist having them all appear in some way. As an MM reader I have absolutely no interest ...more

We finally get the story of Tom. And then there's Wes!
This much anticipated story of Tom (and Wes) did not disappoint in the least.
I missed the Walshes so much! Although you could probably read this book without reading the entire Walsh series beforehand, you would be doing yourself a disservice. The Walsh family is by far my favorite family of all. Tom is an extension of that wild and crazy family and he deserves nothing less than perfection in his love story. Kate Canterbary delivered witty c ...more
This much anticipated story of Tom (and Wes) did not disappoint in the least.
I missed the Walshes so much! Although you could probably read this book without reading the entire Walsh series beforehand, you would be doing yourself a disservice. The Walsh family is by far my favorite family of all. Tom is an extension of that wild and crazy family and he deserves nothing less than perfection in his love story. Kate Canterbary delivered witty c ...more

"...strong ties to the Walsh Series."

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Kate Canterbary doesn't have it all figured out, but this is what she knows for sure: spicy-ass salsa and tequila solve most problems, living on the ocean--Pacific or Atlantic--is the closest place to perfection, and writing smart, smutty stories is a better than any amount of chocolate. She started out reporting for an indie arts and entertainment newspaper back when people still read newspapers,
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“All I needed in a man was a fuzzy chest, good hands, and steady employment. If my data was in order, it appeared this guy was working with the holy trinity.”
—
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“I’m officially obsessed with your ass,” Tom said as he held himself still, his eyes closed and his lips parted. “Fucking obsessed.”
… “You should be. My ass is incredible.”
—
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More quotes…
… “You should be. My ass is incredible.”