Very fasted paced with tons of action and drama.

The two main characters certainly have their fair share of problems. Anna Mercado is in Mexico to give her son who needs a heart transplant one last vacation with his father before he is admitted into the hospital. Anna had left Max over his infidelities but was willing to reconcile for a short while to make her son happy. When she accidentally over hears Max plotting her death and the kidnapping of her son she takes him and goes to Dallas where he is to soon receive a LVAD to help until a donor can be found.

Leland Hollis was a DEA Agent that was part of a mission that went horribly wrong. He just turned in his resignation and is recovering from a wound sustained on that ill fated mission. Leland is also burnt out and teetering on the verge of an addiction to pain pills.

Leland and Anna happen to be in the same hotel in Dallas and when Leland overhears someone break into Anna’s room and is threatening her life. He steps in not knowing that this is going to change the course of both their lives.

Leland doesn’t want to get involved in whatever is going on in Anna’s life but when her son is kidnapped he cannot just leave her. There are so many different Mexican cartels after them both that Leland doesn’t know if it has to do with his last mission or if it has to do with her husband who is also connected to the cartel. What ends up being the real reason is so shocking and unethical you won’t believe it.

This is the first in series and we do meet what I am sure are future characters. I’m hooked and look forward to the next book in the series. ( )

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 stars

Romantic 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. ( )

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. ( )