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Some rules are meant to be broken. Will breaking the ones that aren't cost them everything?
Finding an American civilian in a cave in Syria was not part of his mission brief. Zenko Marks, former Navy SEAL and member of the JSOC Task Force, has no idea who the mysterious man is, but he knows one thing for sure: he's never left a man behind and he's not about to start now-particularly one who looks at him with those stunning eyes.
Shaun Jacobson thought his number was up. Getting captured while undercover was never supposed to happen but getting rescued was a statistical impossibility, especially when he technically doesn't exist on paper. The last thing he expected was a knight in shining Kevlar to ride in to save the day. Zenko is like no one he's ever met before and while Shaun knows he should keep his distance he can't help but want the man who rescued him from hell.
Can covert agents from two of the United States' most secret teams allow their hearts to rule or will a joint mission between the teams cost them everything, their brothers and, worst of all, each other?
Finding an American civilian in a cave in Syria was not part of his mission brief. Zenko Marks, former Navy SEAL and member of the JSOC Task Force, has no idea who the mysterious man is, but he knows one thing for sure: he's never left a man behind and he's not about to start now-particularly one who looks at him with those stunning eyes.
Shaun Jacobson thought his number was up. Getting captured while undercover was never supposed to happen but getting rescued was a statistical impossibility, especially when he technically doesn't exist on paper. The last thing he expected was a knight in shining Kevlar to ride in to save the day. Zenko is like no one he's ever met before and while Shaun knows he should keep his distance he can't help but want the man who rescued him from hell.
Can covert agents from two of the United States' most secret teams allow their hearts to rule or will a joint mission between the teams cost them everything, their brothers and, worst of all, each other?
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2018
594 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Annabella Stone
82 books974 followersAnnabella Stone and Bella Stone are the alter egos of a wife and mom, who was lucky enough to find happy ever after with her own personal hero.
Annabella loves to write Military Romance and Romantic Suspense where warriors love harder when bullets fly. She believes in love at first sight and wants everyone to have the happy ever they deserve. Even if they have to dodge bullets and fight with everything that they are to get it.
Born and raised in Ireland, Annabella has a Grá for a good story and the breakfast blaa, but funnily enough, prefers Jack Daniels to Irish whiskey. Having lived across 7 countries and 3 continents over the last thirty years, she loves to explore new places and cultures. In her world, coffee is king, and she is 100% sure it deserves it's own food group.
Annabella is owned by a pack of malamutes, whom she loves to both work and show. If you can't find her at the computer writing, chances are she and her woofers have escaped to enjoy at day at a dog show, or they are on a mountain trail with the dryland rig or the sled, depending on the time of year.
Annabella's motto is "Live life like a malamute who found the gate open, but take the time to enjoy the sights while you're running."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
dnf
November 21, 2018Aaand I'm out. The problems just kept piling on and at 25% I called this one.
- There is absolutely no realism to the military aspects of this story, which is a shame because I think the idea for the story is great
- There is absolutely no care given to the team members. I have no idea what they look like except that they're all more than 6 feet tall which gets mentioned A LOT
- The relationship development goes beyond insta-love. The only way this would make sense is if this were a/b/o because Zenko and Shaun behave like shifter smelling their mates
- I was ready to overlook all of this for hot smutty action - which this did not deliver. The first sex scene was mechanical and unfortunately not hot at all. It takes more to make a sex scene hot than having your characters mutter curses while jerking each other off.
So, sadly this was a disappointment.
- There is absolutely no realism to the military aspects of this story, which is a shame because I think the idea for the story is great
- There is absolutely no care given to the team members. I have no idea what they look like except that they're all more than 6 feet tall which gets mentioned A LOT
- The relationship development goes beyond insta-love. The only way this would make sense is if this were a/b/o because Zenko and Shaun behave like shifter smelling their mates
- I was ready to overlook all of this for hot smutty action - which this did not deliver. The first sex scene was mechanical and unfortunately not hot at all. It takes more to make a sex scene hot than having your characters mutter curses while jerking each other off.
So, sadly this was a disappointment.
November 24, 2018
I finished this one but it wasn't all that great. Another instalove under severe circumstances that wasn't very believable and really didn't make much sense. I had so many questions.
We get some implied HEA in the epilogue but how they got there is totally, completely, massively skipped over and it's a disservice all the way around to the investment already made by the reader. ... but before that .... the author throws in a serious cliffhanger for others of the group that piled onto that inadequate epilogue and left me irritated as hell.
We get some implied HEA in the epilogue but how they got there is totally, completely, massively skipped over and it's a disservice all the way around to the investment already made by the reader. ... but before that .... the author throws in a serious cliffhanger for others of the group that piled onto that inadequate epilogue and left me irritated as hell.
January 30, 2022
DNF at 30%
The premise for this one sounded neat, but boy was it a miss.
1. There is no accuracy to the military part. Absolutely none. One example: the MC talks back to his CO - uh, no. Honestly, their CO (Noble) had no control over this "team" of supposed highly trained military men. They sounded like a bus of middle schoolers.
2. Instalust beyond instalust. Another review mentioned this, but this level of instalust belongs in a/b/o or fated mates universes. Zenko has to fight his attraction to Shaun immediately after they rescue him. Shaun has been a captive and tortured in a cave for three weeks, and Zenko is like "this man is hawt". What the fuck, dude.
3. The POV changes at random. It started off with entire sections being either Shaun or Zenko, and then it was paragraphs, and then maybe even switching between sentences...and then we get POV from Noble. It was impossible to follow.
The premise for this one sounded neat, but boy was it a miss.
1. There is no accuracy to the military part. Absolutely none. One example: the MC talks back to his CO - uh, no. Honestly, their CO (Noble) had no control over this "team" of supposed highly trained military men. They sounded like a bus of middle schoolers.
2. Instalust beyond instalust. Another review mentioned this, but this level of instalust belongs in a/b/o or fated mates universes. Zenko has to fight his attraction to Shaun immediately after they rescue him. Shaun has been a captive and tortured in a cave for three weeks, and Zenko is like "this man is hawt". What the fuck, dude.
3. The POV changes at random. It started off with entire sections being either Shaun or Zenko, and then it was paragraphs, and then maybe even switching between sentences...and then we get POV from Noble. It was impossible to follow.
November 21, 2018
Written in third person pov. Both MC pov, plus others, it switch every paragraph or so. Not easy to follow at all.
I like their relationship. Liked both guys. They just match. No stupid drama. No stupid pride. Sex is hot. Great story. Good balance between the action and romance.
This book isn't exactly accurate about military and how they proceed. Giving a weapon to a man you think is a civilian, during a mission, BIG NOPE.
Also lots of people are mentioned, lots of relationship, family ties.. I was confused and couldn't remember who was who and is what to whom. And things happen that aren't solved at the end of the book, about the other guys. They will have their one series, apparently. Other already have their books.
I like their relationship. Liked both guys. They just match. No stupid drama. No stupid pride. Sex is hot. Great story. Good balance between the action and romance.
This book isn't exactly accurate about military and how they proceed. Giving a weapon to a man you think is a civilian, during a mission, BIG NOPE.
Also lots of people are mentioned, lots of relationship, family ties.. I was confused and couldn't remember who was who and is what to whom. And things happen that aren't solved at the end of the book, about the other guys. They will have their one series, apparently. Other already have their books.
Read
February 22, 2021Yeah I couldn't finish this.
It had so much potential but the implementation fell flat unfortunately.
This review sums it up perfectly.
It had so much potential but the implementation fell flat unfortunately.
This review sums it up perfectly.
skimmed
October 15, 2020What even. No romance - just lust. Before the lack of a relationship killed it for me, the writing knocked it stone dead.
Every other line or paragraph. Fuck! The author couldn't help - shit! With the excessive expletives followed by an exclamation point! Fuck! My fucking god!
But seriously, the writing wasn't great. The random mentally or verbally shouted curses were weird, unnecessary, and broke the flow of the prose. Stone also used so. many. exclamation marks. Girl, edit those out. It makes it feel like you're really excited to...I don't know, invite a bunch of tweens over for your 14th birthday party.
Additionally, this was not a good military novel. Sure, there was lingo and acronyms and whatever, but again with the ten thousand characters introduced that all have edgy military nicknames, they all know each other, and there's ten different "super high classified black red ghost werewolf murder units" on covert missions. And all of these military men are man-children. Plus, Shaun is rescued from a cave and then everything pivots to this random character's daughter being kidnapped in the U.S.? And then very little comes of that? The whole thing was a whirlwind of mediocrity at best.
Every other line or paragraph. Fuck! The author couldn't help - shit! With the excessive expletives followed by an exclamation point! Fuck! My fucking god!
But seriously, the writing wasn't great. The random mentally or verbally shouted curses were weird, unnecessary, and broke the flow of the prose. Stone also used so. many. exclamation marks. Girl, edit those out. It makes it feel like you're really excited to...I don't know, invite a bunch of tweens over for your 14th birthday party.
Additionally, this was not a good military novel. Sure, there was lingo and acronyms and whatever, but again with the ten thousand characters introduced that all have edgy military nicknames, they all know each other, and there's ten different "super high classified black red ghost werewolf murder units" on covert missions. And all of these military men are man-children. Plus, Shaun is rescued from a cave and then everything pivots to this random character's daughter being kidnapped in the U.S.? And then very little comes of that? The whole thing was a whirlwind of mediocrity at best.
October 21, 2021
This one wasn't a hit for me. I found the way it was narrated a bit confusing, as it has a tendency to switch narrators every other paragarph. I missed most of the plot due to not knowing what I was reading and from whom. You could have up to four narrators in one chapter, switching every other paragraph. Add to that, some of the secondary characters were presented as if we were supposed to know them from somewhere, which was confusing as well. I did not understand the ending at all.
Pet peeve, this people get brutally wounded and are down for getting it on the next day. Pain does bad stuff for the libido, so either this are supersoldiers of marvel level, or Annabella forgot just how long wounds tend to heal.
Pet peeve, this people get brutally wounded and are down for getting it on the next day. Pain does bad stuff for the libido, so either this are supersoldiers of marvel level, or Annabella forgot just how long wounds tend to heal.
Read
August 12, 2020Overall book rating: ????
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Zenko Marks
MC2: Shaun Jacobson
First ....... I read the .5 before the 1st book.
I feel sad,
I feel mad,
I feel pissed,
I feel like stumping my feet and shouting No!!! No!!! No!!!!
I was so in the mood for something just like this book, I wanted hot military men falling in love going on missions being heroes and just being awesome!!!
I got hot men - yes
I got military men - yes
I got men JUMPING in love- yes not falling jumping it was that instant. (That I could handle, really I could..... why because of book 0.5)
What I did not get was Awesome!!!!
Batshit crazy missions without bringing all the pieces together to many loos ends still hanging !!!!!
I still dream of that scene where Zenko had to go back to snatch the documentation form the crate ...... What the Fuck did he do with it??????? (yes, I am one of those girls...Stuff like this irritates the hell out of me I still have nightmares about a book I read about 6 years ago - no one closed the tab in the bathroom ... see it still bothers me - so just imagine how that piece of paper is going to keep nagging for a purpose in my mind. WHY WRITE IT IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MENTION IT AGAIN??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? And this is not the only thing there is so many loos ends
I keep thinking these are grown men - trained men - organised men - experienced men - and that's what you came up with ?????
I am beyond mad because I could see the potential in every piece of this book and I am so sad because I can see how fucking good this could have been.
SO NO I AM NOT GOING TO RATE THIS BOOK!
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Zenko Marks
MC2: Shaun Jacobson
First ....... I read the .5 before the 1st book.
I feel sad,
I feel mad,
I feel pissed,
I feel like stumping my feet and shouting No!!! No!!! No!!!!
I was so in the mood for something just like this book, I wanted hot military men falling in love going on missions being heroes and just being awesome!!!
I got hot men - yes
I got military men - yes
I got men JUMPING in love- yes not falling jumping it was that instant. (That I could handle, really I could..... why because of book 0.5)
What I did not get was Awesome!!!!
Batshit crazy missions without bringing all the pieces together to many loos ends still hanging !!!!!
I still dream of that scene where Zenko had to go back to snatch the documentation form the crate ...... What the Fuck did he do with it??????? (yes, I am one of those girls...Stuff like this irritates the hell out of me I still have nightmares about a book I read about 6 years ago - no one closed the tab in the bathroom ... see it still bothers me - so just imagine how that piece of paper is going to keep nagging for a purpose in my mind. WHY WRITE IT IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MENTION IT AGAIN??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? And this is not the only thing there is so many loos ends
I keep thinking these are grown men - trained men - organised men - experienced men - and that's what you came up with ?????
I am beyond mad because I could see the potential in every piece of this book and I am so sad because I can see how fucking good this could have been.
SO NO I AM NOT GOING TO RATE THIS BOOK!
January 2, 2019
♥.•🌟¨)☆♡¸.•🌟´¨)☆♡¸.•♥🌟´¨)☆♡♥
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟The Protector and the Ghost
How could you not just ugh, squeeze the life out of this book? I was hooked from page one and had a hard time putting it down until I read "the end". I could just not get enough. Though secondary characters made appearances and their voices echoed to be known [yes, I WILL be reading the Delta Force: Team Panther series soon enough], this book was prime example of walking into fate.
Rescuing Shaun had not been Zenko's mission, but when the man appeared, every instinct told him this man was his to keep. Shaun was a man, a ghost, one that should not have been captured. But with his rescue came new plans, a new mission and finding out just who wanted him dead.
Join Zen and Shaun in the adventure of a lifetime as they dodge bullets, escape death time and again and fight to hang onto the love of a lifetime. Super enjoyable, heart pounding and military grade A. A definite recommendation to read.
Read through KU.
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟The Protector and the Ghost
How could you not just ugh, squeeze the life out of this book? I was hooked from page one and had a hard time putting it down until I read "the end". I could just not get enough. Though secondary characters made appearances and their voices echoed to be known [yes, I WILL be reading the Delta Force: Team Panther series soon enough], this book was prime example of walking into fate.
Rescuing Shaun had not been Zenko's mission, but when the man appeared, every instinct told him this man was his to keep. Shaun was a man, a ghost, one that should not have been captured. But with his rescue came new plans, a new mission and finding out just who wanted him dead.
Join Zen and Shaun in the adventure of a lifetime as they dodge bullets, escape death time and again and fight to hang onto the love of a lifetime. Super enjoyable, heart pounding and military grade A. A definite recommendation to read.
Read through KU.
September 15, 2021
Read for a group challenge, but I’m not sure about this one. I kept putting it off and finally got around to it. It’s easy to get into and there are so many characters. At the same time the characters all have existing connections and it feels like I’ve missed a prequel or a previous book somewhere. And it’s just as easy to put down. I liked the beginning and Shaun being the mystery man.
But then Noble got involved and the story went on at break neck speed, love declarations and more characters I had no clue about. For a quickie it was alright. I probably won’t continue the series unless I have to.
But then Noble got involved and the story went on at break neck speed, love declarations and more characters I had no clue about. For a quickie it was alright. I probably won’t continue the series unless I have to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
While I enjoyed reading this story, I definitely kept thinking that you’d have to suspend belief in reality in order to be okay with it, because I can’t imagine any military or covert operations unit totally embracing openly gay couples or being made up of mostly gay team members. I didn’t get enough buildup of the characters to make them interesting for me and was left hanging by the end of the book.
October 30, 2019
Action packed from the first word on the page, this was a fabulous read. Zenko finds himself in a precarious position when the extraction and rescue of Shaun gives of more explosions than C-4. But can he put his feelings aside and get the job done? Will they both survive the aftermath? Once again Annabella Stone takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride that they never want to get off. Not only do her characters suck you in but the storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did not want it to end and now I cannot wait to see what happens next. 5 Stars are not enough!!
Merged review:
4.5 Stars for the series - so far....
Zenko - Action packed from the first word on the page, this was a fabulous read. Zenko finds himself in a precarious position when the extraction and rescue of Shaun gives of more explosions than C-4. But can he put his feelings aside and get the job done? Will they both survive the aftermath? Once again Annabella Stone takes the reader on a roller coaster ride that they never want to get off. Not only do her characters suck you in but the storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did not want it to end and now I cannot wait to see what happens next. 5 Stars are not enough!!
Noble - When Red Squadron needs a communications specialist, Noble only wants the best, even if the best is the one man he hurt so badly and never wanted to confront again. But when Max joins the group can he let go of the past hurt? Can he really work with a team that is head by the one man who got away? Or can working together bring the two men to an understanding? I absolutely love this group of men. Every character has so many layers and the team is only stronger by being brothers together. With wonderful characters and a story filled with action, danger and true love this was another great read by Annabella Stone. I cannot wait for more in this series!!
Merged review:
4.5 Stars for the series - so far....
Zenko - Action packed from the first word on the page, this was a fabulous read. Zenko finds himself in a precarious position when the extraction and rescue of Shaun gives of more explosions than C-4. But can he put his feelings aside and get the job done? Will they both survive the aftermath? Once again Annabella Stone takes the reader on a roller coaster ride that they never want to get off. Not only do her characters suck you in but the storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did not want it to end and now I cannot wait to see what happens next. 5 Stars are not enough!!
Noble - When Red Squadron needs a communications specialist, Noble only wants the best, even if the best is the one man he hurt so badly and never wanted to confront again. But when Max joins the group can he let go of the past hurt? Can he really work with a team that is head by the one man who got away? Or can working together bring the two men to an understanding? I absolutely love this group of men. Every character has so many layers and the team is only stronger by being brothers together. With wonderful characters and a story filled with action, danger and true love this was another great read by Annabella Stone. I cannot wait for more in this series!!
October 1, 2021
It was not a good book.
The writing style is chaotic. It jumps from one POV to the next without any concept or logic. More often than not you have no clue which character is on at the moment. Riddled with missing words and grammar errors.
The world building is also not really good. It is super unrealistic and it shows that the author didn’t have an insider at hand.
The plot and the characters in itself are interesting but the execution is miserable and robs it of a fluent read and the entertainment.
Then there is the end, which is super unsatisfying. It is rushed and leaves the whole developing plot hanging like a wet sack. Only one HVT gets caught but it doesn’t explain all the other open questions like the possible terrorist attack, or the illegal weapons cash or who sabotaged the missions. There are no answers. After reading the blurbs, the following book in this series is revolving around Noble and placed in the past, before Zenko and Shaun ever met. The third book is about again not furthering the plot that has started in this book.
So, I really don’t recommend to start this book series, it is simply disappointing and the writing quality less than ok in my opinion.
The writing style is chaotic. It jumps from one POV to the next without any concept or logic. More often than not you have no clue which character is on at the moment. Riddled with missing words and grammar errors.
The world building is also not really good. It is super unrealistic and it shows that the author didn’t have an insider at hand.
The plot and the characters in itself are interesting but the execution is miserable and robs it of a fluent read and the entertainment.
Then there is the end, which is super unsatisfying. It is rushed and leaves the whole developing plot hanging like a wet sack. Only one HVT gets caught but it doesn’t explain all the other open questions like the possible terrorist attack, or the illegal weapons cash or who sabotaged the missions. There are no answers. After reading the blurbs, the following book in this series is revolving around Noble and placed in the past, before Zenko and Shaun ever met. The third book is about again not furthering the plot that has started in this book.
So, I really don’t recommend to start this book series, it is simply disappointing and the writing quality less than ok in my opinion.
November 16, 2018
I loved Zenko. From the first page to the last it is non-stop action--exactly what you would expect from military romance. Zenko and Shaun were such a good couple. I liked that there was a lot of vulnerability in both men and that they managed to overcome that. I also liked that it was more heavy on the military side compared to Panthers, as it follows a team that is on active duty.
One of the most amazing things about Annabella's books is how they are all interlinked and come together to create a very dynamic feeling world. I really enjoy that aspect of her books. Other characters from other series show up when it's needed and it makes it feel very open and real. These guys don't exist in a bubble and I love it.
These book just go from strength to strength and I can't wait to see what is coming next.
One of the most amazing things about Annabella's books is how they are all interlinked and come together to create a very dynamic feeling world. I really enjoy that aspect of her books. Other characters from other series show up when it's needed and it makes it feel very open and real. These guys don't exist in a bubble and I love it.
These book just go from strength to strength and I can't wait to see what is coming next.
April 15, 2024
3.75⭐
I love MM romance and military suspense, so I had high hopes for Zenko and I did enjoy it for the most part.
However, whether if was the way of was written or formatted some of it just didn't hit right, and it left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
Not to mention a lack of explanation as to who most of the characters were. Although I'm guessing anyone who has read previous stories will recognise the numerous names, teams and relationships mentioned.
But most of it just went over my head.
Yet, the detail was there when it came to the military and fighting aspect and that was my favourite part and what really kept me reading.
And I would recommend especially if you've read this author before.
I love MM romance and military suspense, so I had high hopes for Zenko and I did enjoy it for the most part.
However, whether if was the way of was written or formatted some of it just didn't hit right, and it left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
Not to mention a lack of explanation as to who most of the characters were. Although I'm guessing anyone who has read previous stories will recognise the numerous names, teams and relationships mentioned.
But most of it just went over my head.
Yet, the detail was there when it came to the military and fighting aspect and that was my favourite part and what really kept me reading.
And I would recommend especially if you've read this author before.
October 17, 2022
Fuck me. I read one of her other books, didnt realise it until later in this book. Its some bad mmm, dont know the title (nore care for it). All I remember is it was bad. So now I had high expectations for this one. It wasnt good. Then I realised I read another book of a related series which was also awful I wasnt surprised.
So I established the author isnt for me and I will never read a book of hers again.
Why was this book bad:
didnt like the writing style
didnt like the awful insta love
didnt like the conflicts (no reason at all for them)
didnt like the ending
I just didnt like it.
So I established the author isnt for me and I will never read a book of hers again.
Why was this book bad:
didnt like the writing style
didnt like the awful insta love
didnt like the conflicts (no reason at all for them)
didnt like the ending
I just didnt like it.
December 3, 2019
I read this after Noble, since it takes place after. It was a really confusing story of insta-love that felt like a mail merge of four other books.
Want to read
December 12, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/12/2022)! 🎁
December 24, 2018
Ok story but too insta-lovey for my liking. The end is too abrupt too.
So-so. It was merely a 3 star book to me.
So-so. It was merely a 3 star book to me.
March 15, 2025
Love it! It’s on my re-read list when I can’t find anything new I want to read. For those who say “no realism” - it’s fiction not an autobiography. First time I read it in one sitting.
July 24, 2023
Beyond the suspension of belief
Potential Plot spoilers
So, I like a good MM military romance but this series is a bit silly with the creation of 'super secret ' teams made up of personnel from SEAL teams, Delta etc who are all gay or bi.
Not saying there aren't enough personnel from both arms of the US military who are gay/bi to make up the two teams but that it's not likely to happen.
Then there is the almost twink personality twist of one of the team.
To be honest, that really grated. Does the author not understand that characters and personalities don't work that way?
That tough guy, seasoned operatives who have lived and worked for years within a highly regimented environment of almost toxic masculinity don't just turn into soft easy going characters when they fall for someone?
Despite the passing of don't ask don't tell there remains a level of secrecy to gay men within the forces, particularly at the secret team level.
Also, how insulting is it that because they are gay men entering into a new relationship the author casts them into society's preconceived version of how a gay man should sound and act.
If it wasn't the twink element it was the swearing every other word.
All without divulging any plotline.
I'm not sure if I should admire that.
There are so many plot holes the storyline is just about crochet.
I understand the book is part of what seems to be at least two other series but there is little to tie any of it together.
Who sabotaged the Turkish base?
Who sabotaged the dive equipment? (No SEAL would dive without checking his own equipment so that plot twist was just stupid)
Who is the woman in the cafe?
Who was the bloke on the rooftop?
Is it a team member giving out secrets or the CIA?
Who died?
What happened with Lexi?
Presumably at least some of these questions are answered in other books but I'm not sure I am motivated enough to find out.
The concept is good but the execution is poor.
The characterisation is almost one dimensional with most of the characters having the same personalities.
The plotline is disjointed with little joining of dots.
The writing style is stilted and the book needs a good editor, with quite a bit of mixed tense and some missing words.
I don't think I will be purchasing the next book in the series.
Potential Plot spoilers
So, I like a good MM military romance but this series is a bit silly with the creation of 'super secret ' teams made up of personnel from SEAL teams, Delta etc who are all gay or bi.
Not saying there aren't enough personnel from both arms of the US military who are gay/bi to make up the two teams but that it's not likely to happen.
Then there is the almost twink personality twist of one of the team.
To be honest, that really grated. Does the author not understand that characters and personalities don't work that way?
That tough guy, seasoned operatives who have lived and worked for years within a highly regimented environment of almost toxic masculinity don't just turn into soft easy going characters when they fall for someone?
Despite the passing of don't ask don't tell there remains a level of secrecy to gay men within the forces, particularly at the secret team level.
Also, how insulting is it that because they are gay men entering into a new relationship the author casts them into society's preconceived version of how a gay man should sound and act.
If it wasn't the twink element it was the swearing every other word.
All without divulging any plotline.
I'm not sure if I should admire that.
There are so many plot holes the storyline is just about crochet.
I understand the book is part of what seems to be at least two other series but there is little to tie any of it together.
Who sabotaged the Turkish base?
Who sabotaged the dive equipment? (No SEAL would dive without checking his own equipment so that plot twist was just stupid)
Who is the woman in the cafe?
Who was the bloke on the rooftop?
Is it a team member giving out secrets or the CIA?
Who died?
What happened with Lexi?
Presumably at least some of these questions are answered in other books but I'm not sure I am motivated enough to find out.
The concept is good but the execution is poor.
The characterisation is almost one dimensional with most of the characters having the same personalities.
The plotline is disjointed with little joining of dots.
The writing style is stilted and the book needs a good editor, with quite a bit of mixed tense and some missing words.
I don't think I will be purchasing the next book in the series.
June 3, 2024
Came real close to a DNF!
And I almost never don’t finish a book! I had so many issues with this, and it was a real struggle to get to the end even though it isn’t a long book.
1. These dudes spoke like dumb kids. The banter was ridiculous and I’ve never heard adult men, forget the fact that they’re all SEALs, Marines, seasoned military men, speak so immaturely.
2. No matter the personal relationships between them, no commanding officer would ever allow the disrespect that was written in this book.
3. We heard almost nothing about Zenko and Shaun’s romance/relationship, but they were in love. How? They hardly spoke to or interacted with each other. This book gave a whole new meaning to instalove, and it wasn’t good at all!
4. Maybe I just hate third person storytelling, but man was this confusing. There is one female the entire book, and more than 10 dudes. So “he” is used in every sentence. I had no idea who the author was talking about and had to reread sooooooo many paragraphs just to figure out what was being said. Some chapters were mostly describing Zenko, some mostly for Shaun. Then, small paragraphs were going back and forth between different men. I can’t say I even knew who was speaking or whose thoughts were being described at any one point.
5. There might have been 2 naughty scenes. Maybe. For everyone recommending this book for a smutty read, you’re ridiculous! Smut gets a quarter of a star at most.
6. Maybe I had the wrong impression, but a MM Military Romance would be the last description I would use to describe this book. 95% of the book was what felt like forced military jargon in an attempt to make it sound more real, maybe. There was next to no romance, and the average reader had no clue what was being described.
7. The writing sucked. There were so many run on sentences. Punctuation lacked!
8. Who the F was the mole???????? Did I miss something???? Dude told Shaun that a member of the Ghosts was out. But I did not catch anything that hinted at anyone. And then there was zero follow up between Noble talking to the doctor while crying, knees buckling, using the wall to hold himself up, to 6 months later when Zenko is cooking dinner. What??
And I almost never don’t finish a book! I had so many issues with this, and it was a real struggle to get to the end even though it isn’t a long book.
1. These dudes spoke like dumb kids. The banter was ridiculous and I’ve never heard adult men, forget the fact that they’re all SEALs, Marines, seasoned military men, speak so immaturely.
2. No matter the personal relationships between them, no commanding officer would ever allow the disrespect that was written in this book.
3. We heard almost nothing about Zenko and Shaun’s romance/relationship, but they were in love. How? They hardly spoke to or interacted with each other. This book gave a whole new meaning to instalove, and it wasn’t good at all!
4. Maybe I just hate third person storytelling, but man was this confusing. There is one female the entire book, and more than 10 dudes. So “he” is used in every sentence. I had no idea who the author was talking about and had to reread sooooooo many paragraphs just to figure out what was being said. Some chapters were mostly describing Zenko, some mostly for Shaun. Then, small paragraphs were going back and forth between different men. I can’t say I even knew who was speaking or whose thoughts were being described at any one point.
5. There might have been 2 naughty scenes. Maybe. For everyone recommending this book for a smutty read, you’re ridiculous! Smut gets a quarter of a star at most.
6. Maybe I had the wrong impression, but a MM Military Romance would be the last description I would use to describe this book. 95% of the book was what felt like forced military jargon in an attempt to make it sound more real, maybe. There was next to no romance, and the average reader had no clue what was being described.
7. The writing sucked. There were so many run on sentences. Punctuation lacked!
8. Who the F was the mole???????? Did I miss something???? Dude told Shaun that a member of the Ghosts was out. But I did not catch anything that hinted at anyone. And then there was zero follow up between Noble talking to the doctor while crying, knees buckling, using the wall to hold himself up, to 6 months later when Zenko is cooking dinner. What??
August 12, 2020
DNF @ 61%
This book really annoyed me, partly because I really wanted to like it and it was such a let down.
I don’t mind a bit of insta love, I can get behind that if it’s an otherwise good story. But the military aspect of this were so far from real life I’m not really sure what the point of the military setting was. Giving what you think is a civilian weapons, not taking them for medical care despite them being held captive for 3 weeks and then just letting them join your team? That’s a no from me.
On top of that, the characters had so many family ties it was impossible to keep up, and a whinier group of fictional soldiers I don’t think has ever existed. If I read once more about how they were all over 6ft I’d have pulled my hair out, that’s the only characteristic we know about a lot of the supporting characters.
I seriously lost interest when we got to the plot line including cousins and kids, it was just too much nonsense to continue.
This book really annoyed me, partly because I really wanted to like it and it was such a let down.
I don’t mind a bit of insta love, I can get behind that if it’s an otherwise good story. But the military aspect of this were so far from real life I’m not really sure what the point of the military setting was. Giving what you think is a civilian weapons, not taking them for medical care despite them being held captive for 3 weeks and then just letting them join your team? That’s a no from me.
On top of that, the characters had so many family ties it was impossible to keep up, and a whinier group of fictional soldiers I don’t think has ever existed. If I read once more about how they were all over 6ft I’d have pulled my hair out, that’s the only characteristic we know about a lot of the supporting characters.
I seriously lost interest when we got to the plot line including cousins and kids, it was just too much nonsense to continue.
November 21, 2018
Man Annabella Stone knows just how to hit you where it counts with her books. With each new book that comes out, it makes you want more immediately. This book is an extension or spin off for the Delta Force-Team Panther series. And I will tell you that it will definitely leave you breathless and with so many questions that will not be answered until the next book in either this series or the Delta Force-Team Panther Series Book comes out. And I cannot wait!! So many questions that I want answers to.
Zenko is part of Red Squadron Team. They are an elite group of service men that not only does undercover work but also extractions and top secret work. So when on a mission Zenko and his team mates happen across a cave with an American captive inside, they cannot nor will they not turn their backs on him or her. When Zenko is able to get to the captive, he is shocked at the way he is being held and the pain he must be in. But the man is alert and willing to do what is necessary to get out of the situation he is in.
Turns out that the man that has gotten rescued is a man named Shaun. But what Shaun does not offer up as information for his rescuers is he is a part of an elite military team as well and was captured while doing undercover work. The team he belongs to is known as Ghost.
Shaun knows that he has to keep this information to himself about his team but when he gets to know not only Zenko but his team better the more he wants to open up to them but he knows Rock would never allow that. Not only that but Zenko and Shaun are getting closer on a personal level as well and it is getting harder to hide who he is from him.
When on a mission, Zenko and his team, come in danger and Shaun knows that it is time to own up to who he is and bring out the big guns....The Ghosts to the rescue. What no one knows at the time is Noble and Zenko from Red Squadron and Griff and Rock from Ghost all know one another. And more over, Noble knows of Ghost as well as Rock knowing of Red Squadron. Even more unbelievable is Rock and Noble grew up together and both men are connected to each other’s team in one way or the other.
Once both teams are up to date on the other team and what has been going on they realize they are connected in so many ways that it is hard to not wonder who is trust worthy and who isn’t outside of their small circle of friends. When danger increases and lives are at stake for Ghost, Red Squadron, and Delta Force-Team Panther... someone is not going to walk away this time. And more then one life will be turned upside down.
This was such an exciting read. I honestly cannot wait for the next book for one of these series to come. Annabella Stone is quickly working her way up my list of favorites as far as authors are concerned. I would definitely recommend this read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Zenko is part of Red Squadron Team. They are an elite group of service men that not only does undercover work but also extractions and top secret work. So when on a mission Zenko and his team mates happen across a cave with an American captive inside, they cannot nor will they not turn their backs on him or her. When Zenko is able to get to the captive, he is shocked at the way he is being held and the pain he must be in. But the man is alert and willing to do what is necessary to get out of the situation he is in.
Turns out that the man that has gotten rescued is a man named Shaun. But what Shaun does not offer up as information for his rescuers is he is a part of an elite military team as well and was captured while doing undercover work. The team he belongs to is known as Ghost.
Shaun knows that he has to keep this information to himself about his team but when he gets to know not only Zenko but his team better the more he wants to open up to them but he knows Rock would never allow that. Not only that but Zenko and Shaun are getting closer on a personal level as well and it is getting harder to hide who he is from him.
When on a mission, Zenko and his team, come in danger and Shaun knows that it is time to own up to who he is and bring out the big guns....The Ghosts to the rescue. What no one knows at the time is Noble and Zenko from Red Squadron and Griff and Rock from Ghost all know one another. And more over, Noble knows of Ghost as well as Rock knowing of Red Squadron. Even more unbelievable is Rock and Noble grew up together and both men are connected to each other’s team in one way or the other.
Once both teams are up to date on the other team and what has been going on they realize they are connected in so many ways that it is hard to not wonder who is trust worthy and who isn’t outside of their small circle of friends. When danger increases and lives are at stake for Ghost, Red Squadron, and Delta Force-Team Panther... someone is not going to walk away this time. And more then one life will be turned upside down.
This was such an exciting read. I honestly cannot wait for the next book for one of these series to come. Annabella Stone is quickly working her way up my list of favorites as far as authors are concerned. I would definitely recommend this read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
February 11, 2023
DNF - vhaotic POV and paper thin world building
Not for me. The writing was a mess when it came to perspective. You'd get MC1's perspective and in the dame paragraph switch to MC2's or a.side characters terms perspective. There was an attempt to break it up visually in some spots but it always ended up blending within that section so the reader is constantly switching. Sentence structure was awkward and sloppy; lots of commas that didn't need to be there, and sentences that seemed to forget where they started and switching purpose once or twice. Time changes weren't marked in expected ways (breaks) and often things were described as having happened slightly into when the new action or section began. For example, he's standing outside the door and oh he went and Gor medical supplies across their compound vs he went and for medical supplies and was now standing in front of the door. Temporally, it was a weird experience that happened several times.
The military components of this story are poorly done, IMO. In subordinate subordinates, super casual treatment of orders and hierarchy and doing the work of extractions. It was all so paper thin it dropped me out of the story. I couldn't suspend belief because there was so little to believe in from a world building standpoint.
There were a lot of things that don't make sense. Someone as injured as Shaun wouldn't have survived without an infection. HR would have needed medical treatment including hydration, rest, and painkillers for a long while. Walking would have been excruciating, sitting in a chair or car equally so. Using his arms would have aggravated his injuries. Somehow, he runs and walks under his own power, travels by car and spends hours debriefing before he gets medical attention. And that is basically the kind of medical attention anyone can do, not a trained individual. Oh and the next day he is up and cooking? Yeah right. It was so far fetched it was ridiculous.
I started skimming around 25% and DNF a fee chapters later.
Not for me. The writing was a mess when it came to perspective. You'd get MC1's perspective and in the dame paragraph switch to MC2's or a.side characters terms perspective. There was an attempt to break it up visually in some spots but it always ended up blending within that section so the reader is constantly switching. Sentence structure was awkward and sloppy; lots of commas that didn't need to be there, and sentences that seemed to forget where they started and switching purpose once or twice. Time changes weren't marked in expected ways (breaks) and often things were described as having happened slightly into when the new action or section began. For example, he's standing outside the door and oh he went and Gor medical supplies across their compound vs he went and for medical supplies and was now standing in front of the door. Temporally, it was a weird experience that happened several times.
The military components of this story are poorly done, IMO. In subordinate subordinates, super casual treatment of orders and hierarchy and doing the work of extractions. It was all so paper thin it dropped me out of the story. I couldn't suspend belief because there was so little to believe in from a world building standpoint.
There were a lot of things that don't make sense. Someone as injured as Shaun wouldn't have survived without an infection. HR would have needed medical treatment including hydration, rest, and painkillers for a long while. Walking would have been excruciating, sitting in a chair or car equally so. Using his arms would have aggravated his injuries. Somehow, he runs and walks under his own power, travels by car and spends hours debriefing before he gets medical attention. And that is basically the kind of medical attention anyone can do, not a trained individual. Oh and the next day he is up and cooking? Yeah right. It was so far fetched it was ridiculous.
I started skimming around 25% and DNF a fee chapters later.
February 9, 2023
DNF at 78%
I tried, I really did. The blurb grabbed my attention. The bones of the story are good, the concept is a great one, and the characters are charismatic. All the pieces should be in place for a rippin' episode in the epic adventures of Red Squadron. The problem is, at this point, I am making myself keep reading. A book that should have taken me less than three hours to read has been dragging me through the last 36 hours.
Editing and proofing is my first complaint. There are so many sentence fragments, changed tenses, and misspelled words that it slowed down my reading to a crawl at times.
Next is the mesh of characters. At first glance, they seem like a great mix of personalities. Unfortunately, trying to figure out which personality belongs to which character is a huge strain especially since there are no real descriptions. Also, it would seem there is a specific reading order for the interconnected series since the characters all knew each other's history, but I was lost in book one.
Finally, credibility is stretched to the breaking point. The behavior of these teams and individuals would keep regular military in a hot zone from having a long career. We are supposed to believe that these men were, once upon a time, disciplined enough to be former spec ops, then pulled into even more elite black ops teams, but now act like frat boys playing laser tag. It just doesn't sit right. Add to that the instalove hangover the MCs are fogging up the story with and I am just done. There are only so many times the CO can tell his men to get their actual heads on straight before it becomes a drinking game for the reader, and hanging a lantern on their "odd" behavior toward each other works once but over and over, it becomes numb.
I may come back to this world because it really does look like it should be fun, but for now, it is way down on my TBR list.
I tried, I really did. The blurb grabbed my attention. The bones of the story are good, the concept is a great one, and the characters are charismatic. All the pieces should be in place for a rippin' episode in the epic adventures of Red Squadron. The problem is, at this point, I am making myself keep reading. A book that should have taken me less than three hours to read has been dragging me through the last 36 hours.
Editing and proofing is my first complaint. There are so many sentence fragments, changed tenses, and misspelled words that it slowed down my reading to a crawl at times.
Next is the mesh of characters. At first glance, they seem like a great mix of personalities. Unfortunately, trying to figure out which personality belongs to which character is a huge strain especially since there are no real descriptions. Also, it would seem there is a specific reading order for the interconnected series since the characters all knew each other's history, but I was lost in book one.
Finally, credibility is stretched to the breaking point. The behavior of these teams and individuals would keep regular military in a hot zone from having a long career. We are supposed to believe that these men were, once upon a time, disciplined enough to be former spec ops, then pulled into even more elite black ops teams, but now act like frat boys playing laser tag. It just doesn't sit right. Add to that the instalove hangover the MCs are fogging up the story with and I am just done. There are only so many times the CO can tell his men to get their actual heads on straight before it becomes a drinking game for the reader, and hanging a lantern on their "odd" behavior toward each other works once but over and over, it becomes numb.
I may come back to this world because it really does look like it should be fun, but for now, it is way down on my TBR list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 12, 2024DNF 18%
At first, the POVs are clearly delineated with breaks. But by the end of the first chapter, it starts going from one to the other with no separation and it makes for a very confusing read. By chapter 3, a third POV is added but there is still no separation and we jump from one POV to the other at random.
the story is already way too heavy with the foreshadowing. Like as soon as the two men walk into a room (they have literally just met and got back to base after the rescue), Zenko’s boss is like “anything I should know about those two” like what? Why would anyone ask that so soon? You think they were making out in the chopper or something? It makes no sense.
And then on one hand, it seems like Shaun’s injuries are really severe. His back is all whipped and raw (and for some reason Zenko thinks it’s a good idea to rip his shirt off, tearing scabs and sensitive skin, and then do they just leave the shirt in the desert? I thought they were trying to hide their tracks? Anyway…), he’s been starved and water-deprived, he has teeth that are loose from beatings and at first, he can barely stand or talk. But two minutes later he’s sprinting and jumping into a moving helicopter, then sitting in a seat with no pain from his back, riding in a car, sitting for a meeting with the boss, giving him an impressively firm handshake, etc… when is this man going to get medical attention??? Or food, water? How is he this okay?
At one point Shaun throws up (not sure what he had in his stomach TO throw up) and Zenko says “you want to tell me what that’s all about?” Like what? Who fucking says that when someone barfs? Especially if he thinks this is a civilian who just went through a traumatic abduction? Wtf?
I shouldn’t have this many issues by chapter 3 so I called it quits.
At first, the POVs are clearly delineated with breaks. But by the end of the first chapter, it starts going from one to the other with no separation and it makes for a very confusing read. By chapter 3, a third POV is added but there is still no separation and we jump from one POV to the other at random.
the story is already way too heavy with the foreshadowing. Like as soon as the two men walk into a room (they have literally just met and got back to base after the rescue), Zenko’s boss is like “anything I should know about those two” like what? Why would anyone ask that so soon? You think they were making out in the chopper or something? It makes no sense.
And then on one hand, it seems like Shaun’s injuries are really severe. His back is all whipped and raw (and for some reason Zenko thinks it’s a good idea to rip his shirt off, tearing scabs and sensitive skin, and then do they just leave the shirt in the desert? I thought they were trying to hide their tracks? Anyway…), he’s been starved and water-deprived, he has teeth that are loose from beatings and at first, he can barely stand or talk. But two minutes later he’s sprinting and jumping into a moving helicopter, then sitting in a seat with no pain from his back, riding in a car, sitting for a meeting with the boss, giving him an impressively firm handshake, etc… when is this man going to get medical attention??? Or food, water? How is he this okay?
At one point Shaun throws up (not sure what he had in his stomach TO throw up) and Zenko says “you want to tell me what that’s all about?” Like what? Who fucking says that when someone barfs? Especially if he thinks this is a civilian who just went through a traumatic abduction? Wtf?
I shouldn’t have this many issues by chapter 3 so I called it quits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
I was looking for a really good m/m romance involving military men. This was not it. I finished the book but my interesting was waning more and more. I actually fell asleep with only 30 pages left. I should have just stopped reading.
Problems:
1) all of the characters were exactly alike. They used the same vocabulary, the same sentence structure, the same references. Yes, they're all military but they're childhoods were in different locations. There would be some differences.
2) the plot took forever to build up to and then was barely resolved in a few paragraphs at the end of the book. The main plot, at least. A secondary plot got a couple of sentences. Maybe that's part of another book? I won't ever know because this is the last book I'll read.
3) There were times this seemed more like a werewolf story with sniffing/claiming of each other. It was weird. Military men live in a world the rest of us don't know and understand but they're still human.
4) The "secret" at the end of the book that was resolved with the epilogue was a stupid way to end the book. Why keep that secret? It's the end of the book!
5) and possibly the worst-the writing was dry, repetitious and uninteresting.
In case you couldn't tell--I'm not a fan.
Problems:
1) all of the characters were exactly alike. They used the same vocabulary, the same sentence structure, the same references. Yes, they're all military but they're childhoods were in different locations. There would be some differences.
2) the plot took forever to build up to and then was barely resolved in a few paragraphs at the end of the book. The main plot, at least. A secondary plot got a couple of sentences. Maybe that's part of another book? I won't ever know because this is the last book I'll read.
3) There were times this seemed more like a werewolf story with sniffing/claiming of each other. It was weird. Military men live in a world the rest of us don't know and understand but they're still human.
4) The "secret" at the end of the book that was resolved with the epilogue was a stupid way to end the book. Why keep that secret? It's the end of the book!
5) and possibly the worst-the writing was dry, repetitious and uninteresting.
In case you couldn't tell--I'm not a fan.
December 20, 2022
Story is okay, needs proofreading
Overall I very much enjoyed Zenko and Shaun’s story. It’s very instalove, but that isn’t all bad when you are in the thick of things. There are plot holes you can drive a truck through, but those are primarily in the series plot and I imagine those holes will be filled in future books.
I enjoyed seeing the banter and interactions with Zenko and his team and how quickly they adopted Shaun into their midst. There are some rocky roads in this story, but it held my attention from beginning to end. So for that reason alone it gets a 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
This book needs to be proofread in the worst kind of way. There are several minor errors in sentences that are annoying and there are a few places where the wrong word is used. I.e. retort instead of report for the sound a gun makes. Unless you have a gun full of sass that is. 😂
If you like your military romance with a lot of action and a splash of steam, with a found family dynamic, then look no further. This book is worth the time.
Overall I very much enjoyed Zenko and Shaun’s story. It’s very instalove, but that isn’t all bad when you are in the thick of things. There are plot holes you can drive a truck through, but those are primarily in the series plot and I imagine those holes will be filled in future books.
I enjoyed seeing the banter and interactions with Zenko and his team and how quickly they adopted Shaun into their midst. There are some rocky roads in this story, but it held my attention from beginning to end. So for that reason alone it gets a 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
This book needs to be proofread in the worst kind of way. There are several minor errors in sentences that are annoying and there are a few places where the wrong word is used. I.e. retort instead of report for the sound a gun makes. Unless you have a gun full of sass that is. 😂
If you like your military romance with a lot of action and a splash of steam, with a found family dynamic, then look no further. This book is worth the time.
December 5, 2018
Annabella Stone's new series, Tags of Honor, is off to a great start with Zenko.
We meet Zenko and Shaun when Zenko helps to rescue Shaun. What follows is a fantastic, action-packed story that includes secrets, lies and deceits. We are also treated to some strong chemistry, as well as comfort and support, while offering help and protection.
As with Annabella Stone's other books, this one has all the style, action, and grit we've come to expect.
I love this story. The men are always on the move, treating themselves and the readers with some twists and turns, as the danger is always present. It's thrilling, riveting, and emotional.
Be prepared for a heart-breaking moment that will probably shock you as much as it shocked me. My heart literally dropped and I was frozen for a bit.
With Zenko, Annabella Stone has once again written an amazing story, leaving me feeling like I was there the whole time. I love her books, as her writing is absolutely phenomenal.
We meet Zenko and Shaun when Zenko helps to rescue Shaun. What follows is a fantastic, action-packed story that includes secrets, lies and deceits. We are also treated to some strong chemistry, as well as comfort and support, while offering help and protection.
As with Annabella Stone's other books, this one has all the style, action, and grit we've come to expect.
I love this story. The men are always on the move, treating themselves and the readers with some twists and turns, as the danger is always present. It's thrilling, riveting, and emotional.
Be prepared for a heart-breaking moment that will probably shock you as much as it shocked me. My heart literally dropped and I was frozen for a bit.
With Zenko, Annabella Stone has once again written an amazing story, leaving me feeling like I was there the whole time. I love her books, as her writing is absolutely phenomenal.
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