REVIEW: Shattered Duty by Katie Reus

In Shattered Duty (Deadly Ops #3) by Katie Reus threw me right into an action packed, tension filled romantic suspense!

Levi, a former black ops agent, has struck out on his own. His only goal is revenge. Driven by the demons that have chased him ever since his wife’s death, he vows that who ever did this to her will pay…with their own life. Even if it ends up costing Levi his.

When Levi and Special Agent Selene’s undercover paths intersect, they quickly realize they can help each other. They have the same target…even if the need they have is different they can work together. They must be able to trust each other though…is that possible for two people who trust few? On top of the mission, they are each attracted to the other. For Levi in particular this is a surprise – he never expected to feel again, it never occurred to him that he could or would. Selene makes him feel and brings out emotions long buried. Emotions that make him want to live for more than revenge. Levi will have some big decisions to make about relationships and his own needs vs the needs of many more. If the mission is completed successfully can they have a future together?

The mission itself is dangerous and at times scary. The suspense kept not only the characters on edge but me as well! There are so many different ways it could have turned out, and Katie threw in some unexpected surprises…good and bad! Does this kind of stuff really happen? I have no idea, but Katie sure makes everything believable!

I really liked Levi and Selene as the hero and heroine. They are both strong and driven. Selene is quite young, but she is very mature, having been through a lot in life. I love Levi! I felt like I really got into his mind and understood him. Despite what he does, he is a really good man and cares more than he would admit. I liked the connection they had and how they were together. There was no angst, and they didn’t work too hard to deny the feelings they had for each other. They felt real.

There are quite a few secondary characters who mix in well with the plot. Some I’ve seen in previous Deadly Ops books in this series, but make no mistake Shattered Duty can definitely be read as a stand alone.

Katie expertly combines romance, chemistry, and suspenseful, dangerous action in Shattered Duty in such a way that it works well with the characters and the plot. Her attention to detail is noticeable, the writing is smooth, and the pace is fast!

A stellar read, I’d recommend Shattered Duty to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense that will speed your heart rate up!

Book Info:

Published: June 2nd 2015 | Signet | Deadly Ops #3

When his wife was murdered two years ago, Special Agent Levi Lazaro turned his back on everything he cared about. Ever since, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. Now he’s finally uncovered the identities of those who killed his wife—and he’s ready to destroy them at any cost. He won’t let anything stand in his way—not even a beautiful NSA agent on a mission of her own.

Special Agent Selene Wolfe prides herself on being the best. Her fearlessness and quick-thinking make her the perfect person to take down a deadly terrorist cell. But she needs Levi’s help, and the moment he shows up, Selene knows her objectivity—and her heart—are in trouble.

As the two strike an uneasy alliance, Levi finds himself tormented by his desire for Selene—a feeling he thought long dead. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: either put aside his need for revenge, or save the woman who’s reawakened his soul…