Review: Last Man Standing

Last Man Standing
Cindy Gerard
Romantic Suspense
Black Ops Inc. Series/Book 7
Pocket/January 31, 2012

*Spoilers for Previous Books*

A deadly mission. 

A thirst for revenge.

One headstrong alpha hero and one daring woman will settle the score. 

Special operative Joe Green has gone vigilante. His mission: avenge his Black Ops, Inc., brother’s death during a bloody ambush years ago in Sierra Leone. He refuses to drag the BOI team or his lover, Stephanie Tompkins, into the hunt for the man responsible, so when he finds himself beaten, starving, and alone after being falsely imprisoned for the murder of a Freetown priest, he knows he’s as good as dead. 

Joe meant to protect Stephanie when he walked out on their relationship, but he can’t stop her now from executing his escape. Breaking him out of prison is the easy part. After Joe’s explosive theory pans out and his cunning enemy emerges as the front runner for a high-level presidential appointment, he and Stephanie must race to derail the traitor’s conspiracy if they are to save their loved ones, the nation, and each other.

The very last book in the series, or is it?  Actually, per Ms. Gerard's website her next series, One Eyed Jacks, is a spin-off of her popular Black Ops Inc (BOI) series.  The first book, Killing Time, has a tentative publication date of February 2013 and features a secondary character from the BOI series.  I can't tell you how happy I am to hear this news!  I know I'll be reading Ms. Gerard new series.

"Mean" Joe Green, tough on the outside, sweet on the inside.  Okay, maybe sweet is taking it a little too far but he does have a soft, tender side when it comes to Stephanie Tompkins.  That's why he is trying desperately to keep her out of the danger he finds himself in.  Joe is the strong, silent type so I didn't feel like I really knew much of him from prior books.  A little bit once he and Stephanie became intimate so it was satisfying to get his point of view as well as Stephanie's take on him.  I found I liked his quietness, his hidden sense of humor and his deep loyalty towards him team members, friends and Stephanie.

Stephanie Tompkins comes from money and power but those things can not keep pain and loss from entering her world.  She is close to the guys from the BOI but finally got her wish when she became closer to Joe Green.  It's obvious she loves him but she also understand him enough not to pressure him into talking about things he doesn't want to.  Stephanie is very smart but doesn't think of herself as kick-ass so it was fun to see her take on a physical role alongside Joe.  She's resourceful and continues to surprise Joe with her abilities.  Loved it!

The suspense is an important part of the series and would venture to say as important as the action.  Even though we know Stephanie and Joe will make it to the end alive and get their Happy Ever After, there is still much anxiety and concern for their well-being.  The romance is there, Joe and Stephanie love each other, but they are realistic when dealing with their situations and know that sex while bullets are flying isn't a good idea.  Thank god, cause one thing that will irritate the heck out of me is when the hero and heroine are running for their lives but have sex when they should be planning their next move.  

Joe wanted to keep everyone out of the mission and to a certain extent, he did just that.  But a one man team is not going to get the job done this time.  Joe's ass needs saving and Stephanie is just the one to do it.  We do get to see the rest of the team and their wives but much of this is focused on Stephanie and Joe, which worked well.   

Last Man Standing is a fitting end to a wonderful series.  The action, suspense and romance are well balanced with just the right amount of humor and passion.  It's about smart, strong and loyal men and women who go to phenomenal lengths for their brothers in arms and their families. 

Rating:  A-  

Black Ops Inc Series 

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel the Heat
Risk No Secrets
Leave No Trace novella in Deadly Promises anthology
With No Remorse
Last Man Standing

Review: With No Remorse

With No Remorse
Cindy Gerard
Romantic Suspense
Black Ops Inc/Book 6
Pocket/July 19, 2011

A DANGEROUS MAN

For Luke Colter, downtime is an illusion.  He should know better than to ever leave his gun behind, especially since now he's risking his life to save world-famous supermodel Valentina.

A REBELLIOUS WOMAN

Val thought traveling incognito through the mountains would be the perfect cure for her bruised heart ... until someone tries to kill her.  Without knowing who is after her - and why - does she dare trust her irresistible protector?

A PERILOUS MISSION THAT COULD SEAL THEIR FATE

Luke's elite military training offers little defense against his feelings for Val.  When his BOI team links her ruthless enemy to the cutthroat global weapons trade - and to a man from her troubled past - he'll do anything to save her.  So when Bal offers herself as bait, will he make the right call ... or surrender to the hold she has on his heart?

Black Ops Inc is such a intense romantic suspense series!  Ms. Gerard has a talent for creating fascinating characters, placing them in dangerous situations and putting the reader right in the thick of it, feeling everything the characters feel.   Luke and Val's story holds that same intensity throughout most of the book with only a few minor hitches in the plot.

Poor Luke "Doc" Colter can't even take a vacation with getting shot at!  If that's not enough, he gets to go all fan-boy on his teenage crush, supermodel Valentina.  It's every man's wet dream come to life, except for the bullets and bad guys chasing them.  Along with the action and suspense is Luke's trademark humor, his way of dealing with tough situations.   I've liked Luke from the beginning of the series and he holds up well in his own story.  He has a darker bent to him this time.  After nearly dying a year before, Luke's lost the love of the chase and the rush that comes from his dangerous work.  He's questioning his purpose and his abilities to not only keep himself safe but save others.

Valentina is trying to take a break from the spotlight after the breakup of her marriage.  So where does a supermodel head for rest and relaxation?  Peru - of course!  She does have her reasons but I was a little surprised at the location.  Val isn't my favorite heroine of the series but she wasn't as annoying as I was expecting a supermodel to be.  It's the one thing that would have made me skip this book had it been the first book in a series. I have a hard time getting behind a supermodel as a heroine.  But Val did prove me wrong and she came through in the most dangerous situations.

It's not a Black Ops Inc (BOI) book without the gang getting into the action.  I love how Gerard has incorporated females into the team.  Crystal and B.J (from Whisper No Lies & Feel the Heat, respectively) now hold important roles within the BOI.  They're not there as support staff, these women kick-ass - blowing up things and applying their considerable weapons skills.  The men of the team are still protective of the women but they do respect their abilities and put the women in danger because of that respect.

The sixth book in the series delivers all the action and suspense I've come to expect with smart, often fearless heroes and heroines.  With the last book in the series already out, I look forward to seeing how Gerard closes out the series - no doubt with a very satisfying bang. 

Rating: A- 

Black Ops Inc Series 

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel the Heat
Risk No Secrets
Leave No Trace novella in Deadly Promises anthology
With No Remorse
Last Man Standing

Review: Risk No Secrets

Risk No Secrets
Cindy Gerard
Romantic Suspense
Black Ops Inc/Book 5
Pocket Books/May 18, 2010

A deadly international mission reunites a sexy Black Ops, Inc. hero and his sizzling former love in Cindy Gerard's seductive romantic thriller.

A red-hot attraction...
Twelve years of chasing bad guys didn't erase beautiful Sophie Baylor from Wyatt Savage's memory. If he had another chance, he'd never let her leave. So when she tracks him down from El Salvador and begs for help, he doesn't ask questions -- he just goes.

Starts with a terrifying threat...
Sophie is grateful her daughter survived a kidnapping attempt, but she won't forgive herself until the girl who was mistakenly abducted is safe. Wyatt is the only man brave enough to take on the mysterious terrorists behind the crime; and the one irresistible man she wishes she had never let go.

...and unleashes an unforgettable adventure
Sophie knows Central America's steamy jungles and sticky politics better than anyone. Yet she refuses to hide in fear. Then she becomes the enemy's number-one target. Wyatt lost her once, and he won't lose her again -- even if he has to fight, kill, or die to save her.

Moving right along in this series. I did read the previous book, Feel the Heat but for some reason didn't review it. Probably because it was my least favorite in this series. The good news is, Risk No Secrets is a winner! It's a second chance romance, which is one of my favorite tropes. Gerard played it out beautifully with both Wyatt and Sophie showing maturity regarding their feeling and the stressful situations they find themselves in.

Wyatt Savage is reevaluating his life. He's taking a break from his high stress job as an operative for Black Ops Inc, and spending some time at his parents home in Georgia. In his words he's feeling "Battle-weary. Bone-weary. Soul-weary." I like that Gerard addresses the fact that these warriors do burn out and get to the point where they have to be realistic in their abilities. How the job not only affects their physical health but their mental and emotional health. Wyatt is smart enough to realize that while he's still in top form, he can't continue in his line of work indefinitely.

Sophie Baylor has made a life for herself and her daughter in El Salvador but it's not without it's dangers. Kidnapping is a very real fear in a country where it is becoming commonplace. When the kidnappers strike close to home, Sophie turns to Wyatt for help. After twelves years and Sophie calls Wyatt tells you something about how deep her feels for him were and still are. The fact that Wyatt doesn't hesitates to help Sophie tells you how deep his feelings still are. It's much more than friendship on both their parts whether they want to admit it or not. Sophie tends to be more cautious when it comes to her feelings for Wyatt. I didn't really get why since she is divorced so there's no reason to hold her back.

Wyatt and Sophie do have a history and Gerard shows us some of it in flashbacks. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a fan of flashbacks but these were fairly short and showed how a young Sophie and Wyatt had the beginnings of a romance before someone else came between them. The present situation doesn't allow much time for romantic interludes but Gerard made the romance work, allowing enough time for Sophie and Wyatt to get reacquainted and realize they both still had feelings beyond friendship for each other. The tenderness Wyatt shows for Sophie really came off as genuine making it easy to see why she fell for him.

One of the strengths of this series is the "band of brothers" feel each story has. The guys are there for each other, they don't let their brothers go it alone. I really like that Gerard continues this aspect of the series, it strengthens the values each of the men places on their team. The developing romance is still front and center, enhanced by the company of the men.

Risk No Secrets is another winner in the Black Ops Inc. series. There's only a few more heroes left and while I look forward to reading their stories, I know I'll miss these heroic men.

Rating: B+

Black Ops Series ~

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel the Heat
Risk No Secrets
Leave No Trace (novella in Deadly Promise anthology)
With No Remorse
Last Man Standing

Review: Whisper No Lies

Whisper No Lies
Cindy Gerard
Romantic Suspense
Black Ops/Book 3
Pocket/December 30, 2008

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL...

When a high roller at the Vegas casino where Crystal Debrowski manages security makes a scandalous proposition, she flat-out refuses, especially given rumors of his shady overseas connections. But then counterfeit bills mysteriously flood the gaming tables, and her reputation — and her life — are on the line.

REVEALS A SIMMERING DESIRE...

Despite his big, flirty grin, Texas heartbreaker Johnny Duane Reed can't get sassy Crystal off his mind. When she is abducted by an international crime lord with a threatening obsession, Reed enlists his Black Ops, Inc. team to pursue a dangerous mission to rescue her.

...WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.

Between Crystal and Johnny burns a scorching flame, but as they battle her relentless abductor, they uncover a malicious arms trafficking and white slavery ring. Together, they must destroy the tyrant's wicked enterprises or face his reign of terror themselves....

Aside from having to wonder why a very powerful international crime lord would fixate on Crystal when he could have kidnap younger, more beautiful women, this was a fantastic read. It's not that Crystal isn't attractive but compared to the other women caught in the slavery ring, she quite a bit older. I chalked it up to Crystal turning him down and not being impressed by who Mr. Big was. His ego was hurt and he needed to prove to her just how powerful he was. So he sabotaged her career and had her kidnapped. Yeah, way to win her over big guy!

Crystal and Johnny have a little history. They met through mutual friends, then had a one-night-stand while Johnny was keeping an eye on Crystal. Now Crystal is in big trouble and Johnny is about to come to her rescue. But it turns out Crystal isn't waiting for anyone to rescue her! I liked that about her. No sitting around crying and praying to be saved. She smart and doesn't suddenly get stupid when things get tough. I hate when you have a smart heroine then they find themselves in trouble and think the only way out is if the hero saves them.

Johnny is a good guy who likes adventure. He also likes women and doesn't hide the fact. When it comes to Crystal, he's had a hard time getting her out of his mind. So when he finds out she's been kidnapped, he's more than ready to save her. Johnny is a wonderful hero who knows he's good at what he does but doesn't take himself too seriously. He's the type of guy that everyone likes. He does have a serious side and Gerard does well showing it without compromising Johnny's easy going nature.

The team is also included in the mission and once again I loved the camaraderie and the sense of brotherhood these men have. They also have no problem admitting Crystal into their group. They're smart enough to realize she can be an asset. But they still maintain that alpha maleness when it comes to protecting their women.

Johnny and Crystal steam up the pages but they also have conversions! It may seem like it would be hard to get to know someone while fighting an international crime lord, but Johnny and Crystal do have some downtime and use it to their advantage. Their romance didn't feel like it was all wrapped up in the dangerous situation they were in. It may have taken them longer, but I think had they not been thrown together due to Crystal's kidnapping, they would have made their way back together.

Rating: B+

Black Ops Series ~

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel the Heat
Risk No Secrets
Leave No Trace (novella in Deadly Promise anthology)
With No Remorse
Last Man Standing

Review: Take No Prisoners

Take No Prisoners
Cindy Gerard
Romantic Suspense
Black Ops/Book 2
Pocket/October 21,2008

A Dangerous Attraction...

Abbie Hughes no longer trusts men, but despite her cool indifference, her long legs and showgirl face still draw plenty of attention. Between working as a blackjack dealer, going to school, and keeping an eye on her younger brother, Cory, there's no time for romantic adventures -- until the night a sexy, mysterious stranger places a wager at her table.

Spurred by revenge...

Sam Lang left Black Ops, Inc. when tragedy struck his family. Although he's determined to retire his M-16 rifle to lead a quiet life on his ranch, a vengeful quest will send him on a manhunt for the ruthless multimillionaire who murdered his sister.

Reveals a savage threat they can't ignore...

Though Sam suspects Abbie is in on a lucrative gem-smuggling deal her brother made with the enemy, their attraction is undeniable. Now Cory is missing, and together they search the wild Honduras back country to find him. With danger on their trail, they must trust each other completely or face certain death alone....

This time Ms. Gerard takes us into the criminal world of Honduras. It's the darker, more brutal side with Sam gunning for revenge and Abbie trying desperately to save her brother. The landscape didn't make a huge impression on me, but worked more as a backdrop for the action.

Sam Lang is pulled back into the action when information on a previous target leads him to Abbie Hughes. He's playing a role, trying to get information from her but ends up falling for the beautiful Vegas dealer. Abbie falls too and it all leads to hurt and mistrust. Then they find themselves forced to work together for a common goal. So not only do they have their issues to get past, they're also thrown into extremely dangerous situations.

Abbie Hughes has no choice but to go to Honduras and find her brother. It kind of reminded me of Romancing the Stone in that Abbie is out of her element and must rely on her wits and Sam to get her out of trouble. Abbie may not be trained in combat but she uses her brain and doesn't let the guys push her around.

There is a lot of action in this series and Sam and Abbie's story is no exception. This time around I found the action is what I liked best. It's fast paced and kept me glued to the page. The romance didn't work as well for me. I liked Sam and Abbie but it felt like a lack emotional connection between the two. The sexual chemistry was off the wall but emotionally it didn't feel like they were in sync.

Overall, a solid romantic suspense with the action taking the better part of the spotlight. There are a number of Black Ops, Inc. men just waiting for their HEA and I know I'll be right there when they find it!

Rating: B

Black Ops Series ~

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel the Heat
Risk No Secrets
Leave No Trace (novella in Deadly Promise anthology)
With No Remorse
Last Man Standing

Review: Show No Mercy

Show No Mercy
Cindy Gerard
Romantic Suspense
Black Ops Series/Book 1
Pocket/September 23, 2008

THE SULTRY HEAT...

Only two things can compel journalist Jenna McMillan back to Buenos Aires after terrorists held her captive there just months before: a rare interview with a shadowy billionaire and the memory of the dark and dangerous man who saved her....

HIDES THE DEADLIEST THREATS...

Bad guys, bombs, and bullets are Gabriel Jones's way of life. But he'll never forget the brash redhead he rescued not so long ago...or the passionate kiss they shared before he sent her packing....

AND EXPOSES THE DEEPEST DESIRES.

Now, forced together by a bombing at the National Congress, Jenna and Gabe confront the urgent longings that simmer between them. But this surprise meeting is no coincidence. A ruthless enemy stalks them with deadly precision. The question is...if they make it out alive, will Gabe turn his back on Jenna...again?

I love when I start a new-to-me series that already has a list of titles going. Such is the case with Cindy Gerard's Black Ops series. There are currently six books in the series with the seventh due out in a few short weeks. (January 31).

Gabe Jones has been in a hell of a lot of dangerous situations but nothing has scared him more than seeing Jenna McMillan again. Right off I liked Gabe a heck of a lot. He's gruff, tough and very sexy! He exudes confidences in his work but when it comes to Jenna that's when he hits a wall. It was entertaining to see Gabe in action, falling for Jenna and defeating the bad guys. He's a man's man and a hero any woman would want.

Jenna McMillan has very strong memories of her time spent in Buenos Aires. She was terrorized, captured and feared for her life. She also met a man that left a lasting impression on her. While she can't forget either, she's determined to face what happened by going back to work, in Buenos Aires. She's very surprised when she runs into Gabe, or rather he literally runs into her, rescuing her from terrorists again. Jenna is smart and strong, not willing to let Gabe face all the dangers without her.

Gabe and Jenna spend a lot of time either running, fighting or recovering from their encounters with those that want them harmed. But they do find time to reignite that flame that started months ago. Their romance, even with all the interruptions, was believable. They actually find time to talk and find out what's behind Gabe's tough exterior and Jenna's fierce determination. I found I really liked these two together and lovers and as a team.

The story isn't all just Gabe and Jenna. The guys from the Black Ops team play a role in all that fighting, running and taking down of the bad guys. I loved these guys! They have different military backgrounds, along with some former CIA operatives but they have formed a tight unit, a brotherhood. Gerard does well in making each man distinct, enough to form impressions while still leaving more to be discovered in future books. They have that camaraderie of men who have survived battle alongside each other and forged unbreakable bonds. They also show their love of each other by teasing and torment, just like brothers do.

The action is fast, the setting interesting with both an urban and jungle backdrop. The guys, along with Jenna, have their work cut out for them with an enemy that is both evil and cunning.

Being the first in the series, Show No Mercy gives the reader plenty of over-the-top action, romance and sexy men with big guns! All that left me wanting more of these Black Ops warriors.

Rating: A-

Black Ops Series ~

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel the Heat
Risk No Secrets
Leave No Trace (novella in Deadly Promise anthology)
With No Remorse
Last Man Standing (January 31, 2012)