Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hard Target by Pamela Clare Series: Cobra Elite #1
Published by Self-Published on April 25, 2019
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 261
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Derek Tower has spent his life at war, first as a Green Beret and then as the owner of a private black-ops company, Cobra International Security. When a high-ranking US senator asks Cobra to protect his daughter, a midwife volunteering in Afghanistan, Derek’s gut tells him to turn the senator down. The last thing he wants to do is babysit an aid worker. But Jenna isn’t just another assignment. She’s also the younger sister of his best friend, the man who died taking bullets meant for him. There’s no way Derek can refuse.
Jenna Hamilton doesn’t need a bodyguard, especially not one hired by her intrusive and controlling father. She knew the risks when she signed on to work in rural Afghanistan, and the hospital already has armed security. She also doesn’t need the distraction of a big, brooding operative skulking about, even if he is her late brother’s best friend—and sexy as hell. As far as she’s concerned, he can pack up his Humvee and drive into the sunset. And, no, nothing her hormones have to say about him will change her mind.
From the moment his boots hit the ground in Afghanistan, Derek does his best to win Jenna over, posing as her brother so the two of them can spend time alone. Except that what he feels for her is anything but brotherly. Stolen moments lead to secret kisses—and an undeniable sexual attraction that shakes them both to the core. But events have been set into motion that they cannot escape. When a ruthless warlord sets his sights on Jenna, Derek will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it costs him his heart—or his life.
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ever read from Pamela Clare. She’s a knowledgeable author who writes amazing romantic suspense. Hard Target is the first in a related series to the I-team. It looks like the new Cobra Elite series will be about former special forces operatives who now work private security and government operations.
These guys are away a lot on business. They also often have issues from their military service, seeing things no one should see. Some of those things happen in this story. Derek and Jenna are good people. They work hard, put care of others before themselves. Jenna’s brother served with Derek and saved his life, so they have known each other awhile but not closely.
Sadly, Jenna has a controlling A-hole for a father, a politician. Also, unfortunately, she is not as knowledgeable about the political and cultural environment of Afghanistan where she is working. She causes some serious issues which could easily get herself and / or others killed. Luckily, Derek is both smart, well-trained and well-informed.
In a war torn country, with lots of danger, and plenty of people to help and protect, somehow that just ups the sexy attraction in a forbidden sort of romance. Derek is posing as her brother, to be able to speak with her privately. If anyone learns the truth, it will be another big problem. The energy of this fast-paced, sexy danger is electric!
I’d willingly read everything by this author. I’m sure I will continue with this series. It was great to see many of the I-team folks briefly as well. Holly and Nick were a little more present than others since they are part of Cobra Elite, also.
About Pamela Clare
USA Today best-selling author Pamela Clare began her writing career as a columnist and investigative reporter and eventually became the first woman editor-in-chief of two different newspapers. Along the way, she and her team won numerous state and national honors, including the First Amendment Award and the National Journalism Award for Public Service. This year, she was honored by the Colorado Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists with their Keeper of the Flame Lifetime Achievement Award for her work. A single mother with two college-aged sons, she writes historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense within view of Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountains. She is a two-time RITA finalist (Surrender, Defiant) and a three-time Daphne du Maurier finalist (I-Team series). She loves history, having studied archaeology in college, and has traveled extensively, living for almost three years in Denmark, which feels like home to her. She attributes her love of historical romance with the years she spent visiting ruins and castles in Europe.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I’m like you in that I’ll read anything Clare writes. I’m in the middle of this book right now and am already liking Derek. Excellent review, Anne?
Poor Derek, she is a handful and he is trying to do all the right things. She doesn’t want to be controlled, of course, but there ARE things she doesn’t know/understand.
I haven’t read this author but this sure sounds like a book I might enjoy. Thanks for the great review.
I love all her books. The Iteam books are related to this and honestly I would start with those. There is also another Colorado series but I have only managed to read the first one.
I’ve read and enjoyed her historicals, but still need to try her contemporary modern suspenses. Shari loves her I-Team series and I’ve been meaning to read it at some point.
I agree the Iteam series is the bomb! Start there. This one is related. The Iteam folks in this one will mean nothing to you without having read that series. You could read here but the other series is amazing so I would read in order