Shadow Unit Series
Book #4 - Dying Soldier Payhip
Series Blurb
Meet Sergeant Connor Finley and Sergeant Shawn Weller - elite covert ops soldiers with Shadow Unit - a joint UK/US anti-terrorism task force.
Connor and Shawn's harrowing missions take them across the globe from London to Kuala Lumpur to India to Pakistan to Bangladesh and Sierra Leone. Fighting to stem the flow of ever-increasing terror attacks and to protect innocent civilian lives, they battle arms dealers, drug smugglers, biological weapon threats, and a madman hell-bent on revenge, facing death at every turn. Their private lives are fraught with struggles as well, both Connor and Shawn battling personal demons from their past that threaten their future.
Amidst a backdrop of guns, bloodshed and violence, Connor and Shawn's love and dedication for one another never wavers, standing resolutely side by side, drawing strength from each other to continue their never-ending fight.
Broken Soldier
Sergeant Connor Finley and Sergeant Shawn Weller are dedicated soldiers working covert ops for Shadow Unit -- a joint UK/US anti-terrorism task force.Partners in the field and out, they had been through hell together for the last four years and made it through standing side by side. But when their latest undercover op to bring down an arms dealer plunges them into a world of drugs, sex and violence, Shawn must literally get in bed with the enemy in order to complete the mission. And Connor is forced to watch, helpless, as his partner is broken into pieces.
Will love be enough to put them both back together or will this be their final mission?
WARNING: Contains scenes of drug use, graphic sex and realistic situations
Carra's Review
Whoever thought up the phrase "light reading" sure did not have Broken Soldier in mind. With subject matter that is frankly a bit disturbing and characters who you will immediately become invested in, this is a serious, dramatic read that will take you into some very dark corners and tear you up a bit while you're there.
As the story begins, our lead characters, Connor and Shawn, are headed undercover into what we already expect to be a very shady situation. The book's synopsis already lets us know there's drugs, sex and arms dealing...but what you'll also find is the destruction of not just one but two men along the way. The story fully dragged me into the depths of their situation to the point where I was deeply troubled about the circumstances Connor and Shawn-particularly Shawn-were in. Honestly, if these types of undercover operations happen in the real world, I would find it utterly unconscionable that this would occur and be condoned.
The writing and storyline really grabs a hold of you and immerses you in this world. I can't see anyone reading this and not being disturbed by what happens to Shawn as things spiral out of control for him. In addition, the way it affected Connor had my heart aching. While the op itself was full of suspense and drama, the aftermath as Shawn has to heal from what he went through is emotional, heart-wrenching and shows what not only an addict has to go through to get clean (even for a short stint of drug use), but how that also affects someone who loves them.
Both Shawn and Connor become broken by what happens, and they both help each other to overcome the consequences. Watching as events unfold had me riveted to the book, and suffering a bit of a book hangover once I was done.
4.5 disturbed stars for Broken Soldier. I'd recommend this to M/M romance fans who prefer their subject matter on the darker, more dramatic side. This is strictly for readers 18+ due to adult language, drug use and other illegal activities, and explicit M/M sexual content. This is the first time I've read one of this author's books, and I've now added her entire backlist to my TBR list...fantastic work!
As the story begins, our lead characters, Connor and Shawn, are headed undercover into what we already expect to be a very shady situation. The book's synopsis already lets us know there's drugs, sex and arms dealing...but what you'll also find is the destruction of not just one but two men along the way. The story fully dragged me into the depths of their situation to the point where I was deeply troubled about the circumstances Connor and Shawn-particularly Shawn-were in. Honestly, if these types of undercover operations happen in the real world, I would find it utterly unconscionable that this would occur and be condoned.
The writing and storyline really grabs a hold of you and immerses you in this world. I can't see anyone reading this and not being disturbed by what happens to Shawn as things spiral out of control for him. In addition, the way it affected Connor had my heart aching. While the op itself was full of suspense and drama, the aftermath as Shawn has to heal from what he went through is emotional, heart-wrenching and shows what not only an addict has to go through to get clean (even for a short stint of drug use), but how that also affects someone who loves them.
Both Shawn and Connor become broken by what happens, and they both help each other to overcome the consequences. Watching as events unfold had me riveted to the book, and suffering a bit of a book hangover once I was done.
4.5 disturbed stars for Broken Soldier. I'd recommend this to M/M romance fans who prefer their subject matter on the darker, more dramatic side. This is strictly for readers 18+ due to adult language, drug use and other illegal activities, and explicit M/M sexual content. This is the first time I've read one of this author's books, and I've now added her entire backlist to my TBR list...fantastic work!
Rogue Soldier
Shadow Unit may have overturned the illegal arms cartel in Kuala Lumpur, but the harrowing undercover op left emotional scars on Sergeants Shawn Weller and Connor Finley. Slowly, patiently, they piece their partnership back together, closer now than ever before.Until a new mission threatens to tear them apart.
When Connor accidentally kills a civilian, he questions his job, his abilities, his worth. A timely offer of promotion seems his only way out, even though it means transferring out of Shadow Unit and away from Shawn.
The arrival of Julian Montgomery, Shawn's former CIA handler and lover, further strains their relationship. Julian knows all of Shawn's secrets as well as the past Shawn has kept hidden from Connor. Now the self-serving Julian wants Shawn back--with the CIA and with him. No one will get in his way. Including Connor.
When the joint Shadow Unit/CIA mission to stop the supplier of a deadly biological weapon goes sideways, Connor is captured, tortured, and used as a human test subject. It's a race against time to save his life. But who can Shawn trust?
And who has gone rogue?
Carra's Review
After reading the first book in this series, Broken Soldier, I was torn apart and stitched back together with Shawn and Connor's emotional, dramatic and disturbing story. When I heard the author was giving them a second book, I approached with eagerness and a bit of trepidation after how the first one put me through the wringer--but still very ready for more. While Rogue Soldier wasn't as distressing, it still had me tied up in knots on the edge of my seat-and still wrenched my emotions around until the very end.
Connor and Shawn have come out of the events from book one stronger together than before, protective of each other and each very aware of what the other goes through. Things go sideways during the op at the beginning of this story, and it's Shawn's turn to help Connor deal with the outcome. Shawn shows patience and a level of understanding that makes it obvious he knows what Connor is going through. But before everything can be worked through, Shadow Unit is pulled away for a different op with someone from Shawn's past who clearly riles him up-and not in a good way. From the moment Julian enters the picture, I had just as bad a feeling about him as Shawn did.
The action and excitement continues to build with every page, as does the passion and heat between Shawn and Connor-even when things between them become difficult. The stress on them from the ops as well as from a curveball thrown at Connor from his commander ramps the tension of the story up at the same time things are getting even more strained from the dangerous op they are on. While Julian's actions may be just what we expect, the result for Connor is devastating-and shows readers exactly how dedicated to him Shawn is.
The story is thrilling and packs plenty of action-it had me riveted to the pages, not wanting to put it down until I was done. And just when I thought I wasn't going to be torn up on the emotional front...I was. I was thoroughly invested in Shawn and Connor in Broken Soldier, and here in Rogue Soldier, I became even more so-which made my reaction to what happens to Connor that much more emotional.
Rogue Soldier was a 4.5-star read for me, and I do highly recommend it, especially to M/M military romance fans. You'll get the action you crave alongside passion and intrigue. While I suppose you could read this as a standalone, I would strongly advise you read Broken Soldier first, it really sets the stage for Shawn and Connor's relationship and will give you better insight into the two characters. This story is strictly for the 18+ crowd for adult language, violence during military operations, and explicit M/M sexual content-which is scorching hot.
Connor and Shawn have come out of the events from book one stronger together than before, protective of each other and each very aware of what the other goes through. Things go sideways during the op at the beginning of this story, and it's Shawn's turn to help Connor deal with the outcome. Shawn shows patience and a level of understanding that makes it obvious he knows what Connor is going through. But before everything can be worked through, Shadow Unit is pulled away for a different op with someone from Shawn's past who clearly riles him up-and not in a good way. From the moment Julian enters the picture, I had just as bad a feeling about him as Shawn did.
The action and excitement continues to build with every page, as does the passion and heat between Shawn and Connor-even when things between them become difficult. The stress on them from the ops as well as from a curveball thrown at Connor from his commander ramps the tension of the story up at the same time things are getting even more strained from the dangerous op they are on. While Julian's actions may be just what we expect, the result for Connor is devastating-and shows readers exactly how dedicated to him Shawn is.
The story is thrilling and packs plenty of action-it had me riveted to the pages, not wanting to put it down until I was done. And just when I thought I wasn't going to be torn up on the emotional front...I was. I was thoroughly invested in Shawn and Connor in Broken Soldier, and here in Rogue Soldier, I became even more so-which made my reaction to what happens to Connor that much more emotional.
Rogue Soldier was a 4.5-star read for me, and I do highly recommend it, especially to M/M military romance fans. You'll get the action you crave alongside passion and intrigue. While I suppose you could read this as a standalone, I would strongly advise you read Broken Soldier first, it really sets the stage for Shawn and Connor's relationship and will give you better insight into the two characters. This story is strictly for the 18+ crowd for adult language, violence during military operations, and explicit M/M sexual content-which is scorching hot.
Hunted Soldier
The hunters become the hunted when the past returns to haunt Sergeants Connor Finley and Shawn Weller with deadly vengeance. In the wake of the harrowing missions in India and Pakistan, Connor struggles to come to terms with causing the accidental death of a child, while Shawn tries to put Julian's betrayal behind him. Adding to the emotional fallout, new trials arise - the appearance of a young man from Connor's past turned stalker may have fatal consequences for him, while Shawn must confront his former heroin addiction and break free of the hold it still has on him. The challenges continue when a Shadow Unit undercover op in Bangladesh to shut down the pipeline of terrorists being smuggled into the UK draws Shawn and Connor into a web of lies and deceit from a man hell bent on exacting revenge on the two soldiers - demanding a life for a life. Will Connor and Shawn survive? Or will the jungle become their final resting place?
Carra's Review
Jamie Lynn Miller has done it again—written an exciting, intense, and action-packed story punctuated by passionate physical scenes that show just how deep the bond between Connor and Shawn runs. Hunted Soldier remains true to the series while at the same time it was pulling me further into Connor and Shawn’s powerful relationship. These two men are as serious, professional, and talented as they come while also being totally committed to each other in a truly serious, supportive partnership with a connection that has become so ingrained that it feels totally natural without even trying.
This time around, it’s Connor who gets the brunt of the pain with more than one person seemingly targeting him, and on top of the life-or-death aspect that I’ve come to expect from this series—he gets blindsided by the emotional end as well…again and again. One thing this story shows though is just how strong and courageous Connor is—on his own, but also supported by Shawn. Shawn has his own issues with which to contend when the two of them wind up undercover again, and just like he is there to support Connor, Connor is also there to support Shawn every step of the way.
What I like most about this book and series is how easily I get pulled in each time, and how it’s almost like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole as I just can’t tear myself away from the stories. With realistic scenes that make you feel like you’re right in the middle of all the action, it makes for a truly exciting read. The depravity of their enemy is downright disturbing, and the action and suspense of the jungle sequence was thrilling and had me glued to my e-reader. There’s also some additional suspense courtesy of a threat closer to home from Connor’s past, making it so no matter where they are, everything is always on edge.
Hunted Soldier is another 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend this book and series—particularly to those readers who are M/M romantic suspense/military romance fans. While you could feasibly read this as a standalone, I honestly think you’ll enjoy it a lot more if you read Broken Soldier and Rogue Soldier first so you get the full background for Shadow Unit and Connor and Shawn’s ongoing adventures. Hunted Soldier is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language, explicit M/M sexual content, and some scenes showing drug use.
This time around, it’s Connor who gets the brunt of the pain with more than one person seemingly targeting him, and on top of the life-or-death aspect that I’ve come to expect from this series—he gets blindsided by the emotional end as well…again and again. One thing this story shows though is just how strong and courageous Connor is—on his own, but also supported by Shawn. Shawn has his own issues with which to contend when the two of them wind up undercover again, and just like he is there to support Connor, Connor is also there to support Shawn every step of the way.
What I like most about this book and series is how easily I get pulled in each time, and how it’s almost like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole as I just can’t tear myself away from the stories. With realistic scenes that make you feel like you’re right in the middle of all the action, it makes for a truly exciting read. The depravity of their enemy is downright disturbing, and the action and suspense of the jungle sequence was thrilling and had me glued to my e-reader. There’s also some additional suspense courtesy of a threat closer to home from Connor’s past, making it so no matter where they are, everything is always on edge.
Hunted Soldier is another 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend this book and series—particularly to those readers who are M/M romantic suspense/military romance fans. While you could feasibly read this as a standalone, I honestly think you’ll enjoy it a lot more if you read Broken Soldier and Rogue Soldier first so you get the full background for Shadow Unit and Connor and Shawn’s ongoing adventures. Hunted Soldier is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language, explicit M/M sexual content, and some scenes showing drug use.
Dying Soldier
Serving with the elite anti-terrorism task force known as Shadow Unit, Sergeants Connor Finley and Shawn Weller have faced arms dealers, drug lords, terrorists, rogue CIA agents and biological weapons. But with the unconditional support of their team, and more importantly, their love for one another, they possess the strength to survive any challenge. But how do you fight an enemy you can’t see? When a mission in Sierra Leone takes an unexpected turn, Connor and Shawn find themselves under quarantine and in isolation, their lives hanging in the balance between life and death. This time, their team is on the outside, looking in. Have Connor and Shawn finally found themselves in a battle they cannot win?
BONUS! Includes the holiday short story How To Love Christmas Again
Carra's Review
Shawn and Connor have been through a lot already, but after recovering from their last mission they’re still ready and raring to get out there again. Dying Soldier has more of the suspense and action I’ve come to expect from this series with the requisite edge-of-your-seat sequences as they deploy on their new mission. But what really threatens the guys this time around comes from a more unexpected source—and one that they have even less control over.
While this story does have the plot point of their mission as one focus, the main focus—at least as I see it—really revolves around Shawn and Connor’s relationship and just how much they mean to each other. This is something that is slammed home to both of them once they return home and that unexpected threat comes into play (I’m so tempted to say more about it, but it will spoil things for you if I do). It’s time for them to reexamine things, grow closer, and learn even more about each other as their relationship develops even further in this story.
I do confess…I was actually a bit worried about where things might head this time around. Yes, these are fictional characters, but they’re ones to whom I’ve grown attached over the course of this series. At one point in the story, Shawn asks Connor if he thinks the universe is trying to tell them something…my unequivocal answer is YES. I don’t think I could bear it if something happened to either or both of these men.
So, yes you’ll get the action and suspense, but there’s a bit more emotion this time around when the focus of the story shifts toward the truly unseen enemy. Dying Soldier gets a solid 4 stars from me, plus some extra stardust for the sweet yet hot and sexy bonus holiday short story at the end. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content (these guys are still as hot as ever!).
Author Bio
Jamie Lynn Miller has been writing fiction since childhood and decided to take the plunge and go pro in 2008, finding to her amazement that people truly enjoyed her love stories. She’s a romantic at heart, and her tales reflect the desire we all have to find “the one,” persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending.
Jamie has a degree in fine arts and has spent the last twenty years working as a graphic designer, though she’d much rather be writing. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today with her husband and their two furry, four-footed children, er… cats.
If she’s not brainstorming story ideas, you can find Jamie at a sci-fi convention, in front of a furnace doing glass blowing, or on a mat twisted into a yoga pose.
GIVEAWAY!
August 27 - Making It Happen, Jim's Reading Room, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, August 29 - MM Good Book Reviews, September 5 - Drops Of Ink, Amy's MM Romance Reviews, Mirrigold: Mutterings & Musings, Book Review By Virginia Lee, We Three Queens
 |
| Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions |
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews, Carra! I'm very happy you enjoyed my new release Dying Soldier!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fantastic series!
Delete