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A need for justice she can’t ignore.
A need to protect he can’t deny.
An enemy out to destroy them both.

Foreign service officer Emily Dane, the daughter of a retired Navy SEAL, is determined to live life on her own terms, not under her father’s protection. When she helps two young girls escape a sex trafficking ring in Paris, she ends up in the crosshairs of a Parisian crime lord.

When Emily goes missing, it falls to former Navy SEAL Nathan Long to rescue the very woman he slept with the night of his best friend’s wedding. The one who ran away the next morning without so much as a goodbye. The one he can’t get out of his mind.

Emily is determined to bring down the crime lord. Alone, if that’s what it takes. What she doesn’t need is another overprotective Navy SEAL in her life, even if he makes her heart flutter.

Nathan’s hell-bent on showing Emily what it means to be part of a team and that wanting to keep her safe doesn’t mean stifling her spirit.

Is Emily willing to risk her life and a shot at love to prove she’s an independent woman?

Or will they both go Missing in Action?

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

139 people are currently reading
1969 people want to read

About the author

C.S. Smith

5 books88 followers
C.S. Smith writes steamy romantic suspense featuring current and former special operations soldiers. She admits to having a thing for alpha males. The bigger and badder they are, the harder they fall!

Sign up for her newsletter to get the prequel background novel, The Mission, to her romantic suspense series Dìleas Security Agency for FREE! (And get access to the latest news and other cool giveaways.) Go to HTTP://cssmithauthor.com and click on the Newsletter tab on the top menu.

While earning a Master's in National Security Studies, she worked in and around the Pentagon surrounded by good-looking men in uniform, including the one she eventually married.

Her career as a writer took off in 2018 when her youngest child learned to drive, and her days of micromanaging a family of five were coming to an end. Now she manages her husband of over thirty years and the family rescue dog - a supposed Golden Retriever that DNA tests revealed is really a lab, chow, boxer mix.

Her debut award-winning romantic suspense series, Dìleas Security Agency, focuses on three former elite special operators in a brotherhood forged by betrayal, blood, and death. If you enjoy hot alpha men and feisty women wrapped up in storylines full of danger and intrigue, be sure to look for Near Miss (Book 1), Missing in Action (Book 2), and Missed Opportunity (Book 3), coming in 2023.

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5 stars
207 (66%)
4 stars
65 (21%)
3 stars
31 (10%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Elise Larson.
Author 8 books54 followers
March 26, 2024
You'll find lots of suspense and steamy romance in this gripping tale! I love Nathan Long, a former Navy SEAL who works as a white hat hacker for Dileas Security. Beneath his gruff, formidable six-foot-six exterior lies a strong protective streak, along with the fighting skills to back it up. Nathan must utilize every one of those skills in this gripping tale, because the stubborn woman he's falling for is determined to confront the bad guys alone, believing she's perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

Emily works as a Foreign Service Officer at the US Embassy in Paris, where she gathers information about Jules Mirga, the head of an international money laundering, drug and human trafficking operation. But headstrong Emily is not content to simply gather information for the police. She takes action on her own, helping two Romanian teenage girls escape from their pimp.

Emily has no need for an overprotective man in her life, but she falls for Nathan Long at their best friends' wedding in Scotland, where mutual attraction leads to a very steamy night in his hotel room. Shaken by her unwanted feelings for Nathan, Emily quickly returns to Paris, where Jules Mirga has discovered her identity and is planning to retaliate for her interference in his lucrative business.

When one of the rescued teenage girls disappears, Emily foolishly searches for her alone, making herself vulnerable to two of Mirga's cohorts. They kidnap Emily and take her to a hidden location, where she's tied to a bed by Mirga's cousin, Constantin. When Nathan learns of Emily's disappearance, he shifts into SEAL mode in a heart-pounding rescue, proving that a Navy SEAL in action is an unstoppable force!

Furious over Emily's escape and Constantin's death, Mirga vows revenge. A mole in the police department in Paris is giving vital information to Mirga, who sets a trap for Emily and Nathan. Will they survive the final confrontation? Will Emily ever learn that love is a strength, not a threat to her independence? Grab this thrilling tale to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,488 reviews39 followers
May 21, 2024
Let me start by saying that I LOVED this audiobook. The author was new to me, and this was the perfect introduction to her stories. An author I have added to by TBR list.
Emily Dane, daughter of an Admiral and former Navy SEAL, is working as a foreign service officer in Paris. This gal is gutsy, takes no prisoners, and has made it her mission to rescue girls that are being taken away to become part of a human trafficking ring.
Nathan Long is a former Navy SEAL who is in Paris for the wedding of his co-worker and best friend. When he meets Emily at the wedding , the attraction is hot and they end up having a night together.
While Nathan could see a possible future, Emily is determined not to get involved with a Navy SEAL. Between her father and her Navy SEAL brother, she’s had enough of their over protectiveness.
But when Emily gets in hot water more than once with the human trafficking lord, Nathan is determined to keep her safe.
From the first chapter to the last, this story is engaging, action packed, full of suspense, and of course, romance.
Loved seeing the portrayal of a strong female main character, and of course hunky male one as well.
Definitely a story worth your time.
Cole Robert Eubanks does a wonderful job with the narrations, bringing the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Suzy.
104 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2025
This series has quickly become one of my favorites. It checks every single box! Smith is an incredible writer, and you can tell she has inside knowledge of the military, government, and protection agencies. The terminology, the strategies, even the battle scenes feel authentic and on point. A lot of us read romance for escape, and we’re happy to forgive some over-the-top “book boyfriend” feats that no real man could pull off. But with Smith’s heroes, it doesn’t feel that way. She writes them as highly trained, believable men, and that realism makes them all the more swoon-worthy. After finishing the first book on audio, I immediately bought the rest of the series. Eubanks’ narration is absolutely superb-bringing each distinct accent to life, from the Scottish Lachlan to the British Ryder, and now the Texan Nathan. The women in these books are also a joy to read- strong, independent, and never whiny. Yes, their stubborn streaks sometimes land them in trouble, but they’re not damsels waiting to be saved.While you *could* jump in with this second book, I recommend starting with book one to really appreciate the dynamic between Nathan and Emily, as well as their best friends Lachlan and Sophia (the first book’s couple). Knowing their story made this book even more rewarding.

Bottom line: this is a must-buy series for me. I’m officially a fan for life!
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
588 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2023
Emily Dane, the daughter of a retired Navy SEAL. She knows all about alpha men, and is determined not to get involved with one. Nathan Long might be a hottie however, she’s determined to resist him. Maybe a one and done might just get him out of her system.
Emily id set on helping those poor girls that have been made sexual plaything, not realising she’s made herself an enemy in the crime lord running the show.
Nathan Long might have left the SEALs however he’s still very much a protector, and now working for the Dìleas Security Agency. He’s been enamoured of Emily ever since their first meeting, the spunky no nonsense attitude makes her just his type. If she thinks their one night together is the end of them, game on. He’s man enough to show her that being an alpha doesn’t mean stifling her spirit.
Things heat up as the crime lord makes their life hell. They just might get lucky to find out if they can make a perfect team, if they can survive his plans.
I did like this one there was plenty of action, and it had a good storyline with great characters, we will no doubt meet up with in further books. However, I did find it kind of hard to get into this story at first.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,255 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2023
I really enjoyed reading my first book by CS Smith. I loved the suspense and drama surrounding Emily’s passion for making a difference in combating human trafficking and sex slavery.

Emily was a very independent and stubborn character who early in the book frustrated me when she pushed against her attraction to Nathan. I get her father was very protective of his only daughter while she was growing up and she responded by rebelling and making some poor decisions, but she was fighting a losing battle with ignoring her attraction the the sexy former SEAL.

The storyline was both addictive and compelling, and shed light on horrible global problem. While I loved the storyline, I was a bit put off by Emily’s continued resistance to communicate her plans or upcoming changes with Nathan despite them declaring their love for the other. It seems like despite the nearly tragic consequences of her taking off without her teammate she still hadn’t learned the lesson about solo missions.

I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
6,497 reviews27 followers
Read
March 6, 2023
After reading the first book in this series and realising that this was a new author that was well worth the read I was curious to see whether she would be able to follow up on that great read and I am to say that she did it and then some We met Nathan and Emily in the first book she is Sophie's friend We also met Nathan as he is Lachlan's best friend and while you don't need to read Near Miss I would recommend that you do just for the back story of these two and because it is such a great read

Emily is working in Paris but she inadvertently becomes involved in rescuing people that have been trafficked now someone wants to shut her down and will do whatever they need to Nathan is sent to bring her home but once again she rebels after all she rebelled against a Seal father as too controlling and Nathan is an ex Seal as well. Can she learn to work with Nathan instead of against him before her crazy attitude causes her death You will have to read to see
2,907 reviews43 followers
May 22, 2024
Loved the amazing narration of Cole Robert Eubanks, who brings the emotions, angst, action and romance to your ears. Perfect

Emily works for the Foreign service and she is fighting human trafficking. While on a case finds herself not realising she’s made herself an enemy in the crime lord running the trafficking of innocent girls.

Nathan is an ex Navy Seal, who works Dìleas Security Agency. He is still very much a protector. He has always had a gentle spot for Emily. Her the spunky no nonsense attitude makes her his type. One night with her is not enough.
Things heat up when the head of the human trafficking, wants to get hold of Emily. Both Nathan and Emily team up and fight to save the girls, stay alive and fight their feelings for each other.

We have plenty of action, great characters, angst and heat.

Loved
2,564 reviews31 followers
March 8, 2023
This book really was fantastic! So good!!
Foreign service officer Emily fighting human trafficking when she gets swept up with the Paris Cartel and is up to ex seal Nathan to save her.
So full of action, suspense and danger that really grabs you and doesn't let go. I got so pulled into this story.
The relationship between Emily and Nathan is tenuous at first. Both stubborn, her fiesty and him protective. But the romance was alive and well. It was very strong once they got together.
So well written, CS Smith brings us a story you won't be able to put down even if you wanted to. Fantastic work!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,090 reviews
March 10, 2023
Gripping:
This book delivers on all fronts. It is action filled and fast paced and I loved how seamlessly the plot unfurled with the perfect mix of dialogue and drama.
Emily was feisty, head strong and fiercely independent. Whilst her heart was in the right place, she was rather reckless and it was a good thing that Nathan was there to temper her enthusiasm and protect her. I thought they made a good team and I enjoyed watching them clash (and make-up).
All in all a great addition to the series and now I anxiously await the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
1,143 reviews
March 13, 2023
I struggled. Made it about halfway and got sick of the FMC being tstl. But then I started HATE reading, hoping she would die. She put everyone else into danger after REPEATED warnings that she shouldn't work alone. Oooh, but she has daddy issues?

I'm a terrible person. I want her to be tortured and raped. She carelessly tries to "save" underage sex workers but in the dumbest goat fuck possible so they all suffer MORE. AND SHE HAS NO REMORSE.

Then she gets help/bodyguard/boyfriend and tries to ditch him because she knows better than a trained SEAL?!?!?! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME????

Fuck this woman and her privilege. I hope he dumps her and walks away into the sunset.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,477 reviews25 followers
February 19, 2025
Missing in Action: A Former Navy SEAL Protector Romantic Suspense (Dìleas Security Agency, Book 2), my first read from author C.S. Smith & the second book in the Dìleas Security Agency series. Enjoyable 12-hour 34-minute/366-page military romance. “I received a free audio copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll be reading more from this author and in this series with Near Miss: A Wounded Hero Former Military Romantic Suspense (Dìleas Security Agency Book 1) already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
791 reviews
April 1, 2025
I wish half stars were allowed as I would give this 3.5 stars if possible because the main character was often frustrating! I admired her passion for wanting to do something about human trafficking but her ways put others in danger not just herself.

I listened to the audible version and enjoyed the narration.
The story was good. There were some steamy sex scenes along with graphic violent ones. This is a second book in the series but I have only read this and did not feel I missed anything. The storyline flowed well. There were some predictable scenes but also done well.

I received a free audible copy from the author. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.


Profile Image for Peggy.
2,236 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Dìleas Security Agency Series. I had not read anything by this author but I am looking for her library now. This story revolves around Emily and Nathan. Emily comes from a family of Seals, her father, her brother and she’s not interested in having a life with a seal. She’s feisty and very independent. Emily finds her self in danger after trying to save two trafficking victims. Nathan is a very big, gorgeous ex Seal who’s now a hacker. He doesn’t want to stop her bring who she is but she’s out herself in danger and he refuses to let anything happen to her.
Profile Image for Lina.
182 reviews
Read
July 26, 2024
I didn’t finish it, its probably a really good book, but i went in thinking that the main plot was going to be that she was kidnapped and he saved her, but she was gone for a chapter? And that was in the beginning of the book, and seeing as i was expecting the main plot to be the kidnapping and things that can happen when you are kidnapped i was kinda put off.
Probably sound weird but when you expect something and you don’t get that it’s a bit annoying.

Probably a really good book if you don’t read to much of the blurb😅
Profile Image for Kel O'Connor.
Author 6 books71 followers
March 7, 2023
The last thing Emily wants is to get tangled up with a SEAL like her father and brother. She is fiercely independent and doesn't need saving until she tries to save two trafficking victims. Nathan is a giant ex-Seal now hacker who doesn't want to stifle her, but she is provoking a dangerous man. This book was filled with so much excitement, steam and heart. Poor characters can't keep their hands off each other! The ending made my heart race!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,414 reviews11 followers
December 16, 2024
This is the first book by this author that I have read, but it is book 2 in the series. The characters are well written and enjoyable for the most part. Emily got on my nerves a bit sometimes. The plot of the story is full of suspense though the subject matter of human trafficking is a tough one. The book is very entertaining and has a happy ending. I will definitely read the rest of this series.
266 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2025
Wow! What An Amazing Story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Nathan and Emily, loved the chemistry between them. How they were bickering at each other and the next minute they couldn’t get enough of each other. I was intrigued at Dileas Security Agency and how Lachlan and Ryder and the others help take out the human traffickers. This story is wonderfully written and had me from the first page to the last page!!
34 reviews
June 12, 2024
The first book in this series I loved,Missing in Action I felt it almost mirrored the first book, I thought I would really like Emily but the more I read I found her spoiled never really thought through what she was doing or how her actions would effect others I found her selfish the reason I gave the book 4stars was because of Nathan I was disappointed not sure I will read the 3rd in the series
Profile Image for Kristie Wolf.
Author 4 books155 followers
March 7, 2023
What a fun, exciting read. Missing in Action kept me entertained all weekend at my daughter's rugby tournament. I may or may not have missed her play for a few minutes because I didn't want to look up from my Kindle. Just as good as book one in this series, Near Miss.
148 reviews
Read
April 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book

I am always ready to read books about military members. Having been in the military myself I tend to see where authors go with their writing. This book did not disappoint me.
492 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2023
Great story

This story has a lot of danger,suspence, and a little romance, keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next until the very end, looking forward to reading more books from this author
Profile Image for Sheila Schwartz.
1,695 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2023
Trafficking in heartache

Great story filled with adrenalin spiked action and wondering who is bad and who is good! Emily however spends so much of the story whining that she doesn't need anyone or anything she ruins a good deal of what makes the story so important!
Profile Image for Cherie Melbourne.
1,330 reviews15 followers
October 31, 2023
Missing in Action

I love Nathan's character, the things that came out of his mouth constantly made me smile. Emily, on the other hand, made me feel frustrated. I enjoyed this story, there was plenty happening that kept me turning the pages.
85 reviews
April 13, 2024
Another 5 star story

This is the 2nd story of this series and deserves the five stars I have given. If you love romance, mystery, suspense and the stories of retired SEALS then this series will just suit you fine.
216 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2024
Loads of action & Romance

Set in the city of romance - where the nasty underbelly of trafficking rears it’s ugly head into lives of an ex Seal and a passionate Admiral’s daughter puts herself in horrific danger.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
68 reviews
November 21, 2024
Wow

I didn't think anything would top the 1st 1, but oh my.... This has more action, more heart-stopping moments, more spice, just ahhhh... Narration is done by the same as book 1, so absolutely incredible again as well!
Profile Image for Candy.
884 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2023
Good story but a little too much Angst for my taste.
Profile Image for Gail Bengston.
211 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
Emily and Nathan have sparks fly from the start. Action, suspense, conniving fathers, following dreams and risking love keeps you turning the pages.
501 reviews
November 16, 2024
Loved it can't wait for the next one to come out in this series of books.
74 reviews
April 15, 2025
Wonderful

Great book with a lot of twist and turns. Hot navy books are always a favorite.
would highly recommend. Fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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