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    Hard Target: Elite Ops - Book One
    Hard Target: Elite Ops - Book One
    Hard Target: Elite Ops - Book One
    Audiobook9 hours

    Hard Target: Elite Ops - Book One

    Written by Kay Thomas

    Narrated by P.J. Ochlan

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    The first installment in the Elite Ops series, featuring sexy ex-military men ... and the women who rescue their hearts.

    Former DEA agent Leland Hollis wasn't planning on being a hero. Recovering from an injury sustained during a drug bust gone wrong and with more personal demons than he cares to admit, he wants nothing more than peace and a chance to rebuild his life. But when Anna Mercado's crazy ex shows up wielding a baseball bat, Leland can't ignore his instinct to help. And after her son is kidnapped, Leland agrees to deliver the ransom into dangerous territory south of the border.

    Anna has no choice but to go with this stranger she's just met if she ever wants to see her son again. But getting the boy out of a violent cartel region involves risking everything. And for that Leland will have to convince Anna to do the scariest thing of all … open her heart and trust him.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateFeb 24, 2015
    ISBN9780062397355
    Author

    Kay Thomas

    Having grown up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Kay Thomas considers herself a “recovering” Southern belle. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Educational Psychology. Along the way to publication she taught high school, worked in advertising, and had a very brief stint in a lingerie store. Today she lives in Dallas with her husband, their two children and a shockingly spoiled Boston Terrier named Jack. Visit her website at www.kaythomas.net.

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    Reviews for Hard Target

    4/5

    24 ratings3 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I had a hard time putting this book down once I started it. Lots of action to keep you interested with a little romance mixed in. Very enjoyable. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
    • 4/5
      4.5 starsRomantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and Kay Thomas’ Hard Target has all of the elements of this genre that appeal to me and make the Elite Ops series one I plan to follow.Thomas has created a compelling plot with mystery, suspense, and romance that increasingly builds in complexity and tension and is chockfull of action, which made this a fast and engaging reading experience. I had a difficult time finding a stopping place because I was so eager to see what twists and turns were waiting for Leland and Anna in their endeavors to rescue Anna’s son, Zach. DEA agent LeLand Hollis is a swoon-worthy hero, a born protector who is unable to walk away from a “damsel in distress” when he inadvertently gets in the middle of Anna’s crisis with her soon-to-be ex-husband, Max Mercado. Leland has just resigned from the DEA and is still reeling from a disastrous failed bust that has left him physically injured, emotionally scarred, and uncertain about his future. He now questions his ability to intervene and keep others safe when necessary. Although Leland struggles with how involved he should become in Anna’s predicament, his honor and sense of responsibility won’t allow him to just walk away from Anna until her son is found. Furthermore, Leland has suspicions that some of his personal enemies may somehow be involved in the kidnapping of Anna’s son. Anna Mercado is a wonderful, devoted mother to her gravely ill son, Zach and is willing to do whatever is necessary to find him and get him the medical attention he needs. I was even surprised by the lengths she’s willing to go to so her son can live longer. Her unconditional love is just one reason Leland becomes attracted to her since he didn’t have that same kind of love growing up. Although Anna is aware that her husband wants her dead, both she and Leland aren’t certain that Max is behind Zach’s kidnapping after Anna gets a ransom note. Leland turns to Gavin, his former DEA partner who has just started his own personal security business for help. One of the best aspects of the book is following Leland and Anna as they journey deep into Mexican cartel country to find Zach and discover who is behind his abduction. Although Thomas subtly foreshadows the abductor’s motivations, the truth is still almost too shocking to fathom. In the midst of all this danger, Leland and Anna turn to each other for physical and emotional comfort. Although neither one plans for any serious attachments, their attraction and need for each other continue to grow as the story progresses. There are a few steamy love scenes that show two desperate people clinging to each other for hope when they feel their world is crumbling all around them. Thomas introduces readers to other characters who are part of Gavin’s security company and who will play key roles as the series develops. In addition, she sets up the next storyline before the resolution of Hard Target that has piqued my curiosity, and I’m anxiously waiting for Nick’s story, which is next – and based on the excerpt I read, it looks good!I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      The first book in the Elite Ops series is a fast action packed thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.Recovering from a drug bust gone wrong, Leeland wants nothing more than to rebuild his life. But when a woman and her son are threatened, he can’t ignore his instincts. When her son is kidnapped, Anna has no choice but to trust this stranger to protect her and her son deep in cartel territory.The author does a great job of conveying all the emotional turmoil of the characters in this intriguing book with strong captivating characters that draw the reader deeper into the story and are easily related to. The action and drama is defined in vivid detail making seem like the reader is there right along with Leeland and Anna as they fight for their lives and the life of her son.The romance between Leeland and Anna slowly build throughout the book and is appropriately paced with the events taking place. The suspense builds throughout the fast paced plot with lots of believable action and engaging characters. The book starts off with a glimpse of the major characters lives at the beginning before the major conflict of the story starts. This gives the reader a great feel for the characters personalities and motivations and adds depth to the book.This book is well written with lots of suspense and drama that keeps the reader entertained from beginning to end. The author has created an agency full of compelling characters that leave the reader wanting to know more about them and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.