Book Review: Tactical Strike by Kaylea Cross

Book reviews

15 Apr

Tactical Strike (Bagram Special Ops #2) by Kaylea CrossebookReview copy provided by publisher/ netgalleyCarina Press, March 2013 Synopsis- Gunship pilot Captain Candace Bradford has worked long and hard to earn her rank and position within the male-dominated world of Air Force Special Operations. She's not about to let anything or anyone jeopardize that, let alone one sinfully tempting man who seems determined to cause her nothing but trouble. Even if she's starting to fall for him.As an elite Combat Controller, Staff Sergeant Ryan Wentworth is used to overcoming adversity in order to complete a mission. Breaking through Candace's prickly exterior and into her heart is a challenge he can't let go. But just when he's begun to gain her trust, they're thrown together in the field facing an overwhelming enemy force.Candace and Ryan find themselves on the run, searching the skies for an emergency extraction. But one dangerous enemy has an agenda in mind and he'll use whatever means necessary to achieve it, including using American forces to do his dirty work.....Review- Wow, this novel was a very, very pleasant surprise. I was looking for an ebook to read on netgalley while waiting on a couple of others to be approved and came across Tactical Strike. I thought, romantic suspense? Why not!I'm so glad I read this because it's full of action, has well fleshed out characters and the romantic development is believable, moving and intense. Tactical Strike is actually the second book in the Bagram Special Ops series, so I'm thrilled that I have at least one book in her backlist that I can devour ASAP!Candace Bradford is a pilot in the (American) Air Force Special Operations, she's strong, determined and career-focussed. She's not prepared to let anything get in the way of the reputation she has so carefully worked toward in the Force, so when Staff Sergeant Ryan Wentworth forces his way past her defences she is at risk of losing everything, or so she believes.Against the backdrop of the Middle East, civil unrest and the high risk role of the Force in this area, there's always an element of suspense, danger and anxiety for Candace and Ryan's team. Especially, when Candace becomes the target of a local terrorist group because of her involvement in a prior rescue mission.Initially I thought Candace would be difficult to connect with as she's quite reserved, she's serious and she really won't have a bar of Ryan at all. But Cross skilfully shows Candace's vulnerabilities through her actions, the dialogue and her internal experience through the altering viewpoints of Candace and Ryan. I soon warmed to her and was cheering on Ryan to break down some of those well constructed defences that keeps her safe from the world ( and inevitably alone).Every scene between Candace and Ryan is emotionally charged, their conflict is palpable and their attraction ever so evident. Cross successfully 'shows not tells' us of the developing romance and intensity of the feelings between the hero and heroine. Even though those feelings become intense quite quickly, it's realistic against the backdrop of a fast-paced, dangerous working and living environment.I don't read much romantic suspense from international authors, so for those who enjoy Aussie romsus like that of Helene Young and Bronwyn Parry, then Kaylea Cross will be one to add to the list! Tactical Strike has all the required elements of a successful romantic suspense from danger to intrigue to an intense romance... this one is a must read for romsus fans.