Mike "Primetime" Brown
Eva Salinas
SUMMARY from Goodreads:
For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different--until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike's team--which included her husband--in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she's determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn't trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can't live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?
REVIEW
What makes a perfect romantic suspense?
Is it the drool-worthy, slightly broken, memorable hero? CHECK
Is it the pacing? CHECK
Is it the compelling story? CHECK
Is it a rock-solid, smart, kick-ass heroine? CHECK
Is it the panty-melting sex? CHECK
For eight years he'd been killing time. Taking up space. And it was wrong.
Killing Time is book one in Cindy Gerard's new One-Eyed Jack Series. If you've been following the Ms. Gerard's Black Ops, Inc. books, Mike makes an appearance or two and now he's got his own story.
One of the best parts of a Book One that gets its start in another series is the appearance(s) of favorite past characters. It is wonderful to see Archangel Gabe Jones back crotchety and no nonsense. His quintessential comment: "We all have ghosts. Nut up and get over it." Awe, Gabe, that just makes me warm all over.
Then there is Mike - Mr. Unattainable, damaged, naughty, and a hottie. Quick with the one liner. Cool. In my romantic suspense world, this is exactly how I like them. Mike has been betrayed. He was a company man, but when he was set up by an unknown enemy, he thought the military would save him. Instead, they hung him out to dry. Now he is wallowing in confusion, doubt and self-pity, numbing himself from the rest of the world.
Eva has her own personal reasons for exposing the conspiracy. She recruits a reluctant Mike in her investigation and inquiries lead to assassination attempts puts them on the run. Despite the danger that surrounds them, they can't resist the serious sexual attraction.
Mike, despite his tough-as-nails exterior, has the "sweet":
...he wanted to be important to her, strong for her, and even weak for her so she would understand how much she was giving him in return.
For me that sweet is all it takes to make me fall head over heels for this hard edged soldier.
This is the kind of read that makes you ache for more. Cindy Gerard is a master of creating intense emotion - the sexual tension, the high suspense, the desperation, the relief and the joy. I am waiting with baited breath for the next books in the series. Cooper and Taggart, we are anxiously waiting for you!
IN A NUTSHELL: Just in case it is not clear how much I adored this book, run, don't walk to get this book!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for the ARC. It was an exhilarating pleasure.
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