5 stars
Once again Kaylea Cross has written an amazing story of courage, compassion, inner-strength, and the will to persevere even if the odds are all against you.
The main character Hunter Phillips is a former navy SEAL, and now the lead on a personal security detail for Titanium Security. His principal is Khalia Patterson, a high school math teacher who is in Pakistan in order to fulfill her father's last wishes of finally opening a girls school that he had been vigilantly working on before he was murdered for his efforts.
When Hunter and Khalia first meet, they are taken aback because their assumptions of each other are way off.
Hunter knows right off the bat that Khalia has no business being in such a volatile area of the world, and that being her bodyguard is going to be extremely difficult considering that the cell that killed her father will stop at nothing to make sure that Khalia is also eliminated.
Khalia thinks Hunter is too young and inexperienced to be leader of her security detail. She knows that being in Pakistan at this moment is extremely dangerous, but she couldn't live with herself if she didn't at least try to fulfill her father's wishes. Which means she has to put her life in the hands of a man who seems very wary of having to protect her.
What neither of them counted on was the immediate attraction to one another.
Hunter knows that in order to keep Khalia safe, he has to stay focused on his job which means has has to set up strict boundaries between the two of them. He tries to stay distant and remain professional, but as one dangerous situation after another occurs, and Khalia shows incredible inner-strength and courage. Hunter's walls begin to fall down.
Courage isn't about words or beliefs. It's about actions. Going ahead with this even though you're afraid, especially after what happened to your father and bombings today? That's fucking brave. That's what real courage is. You need to remember that and give yourself credit.
.. and then when they finally give into their attraction
they both realize that this thing between them more than just physical
Even though Hunter has fallen for Khalia his mission now is to get her out of Pakistan alive and in one piece, and track down the cell trying to kill her.
Hunter: I wouldn't be good enough for you if I left the rest of the guys to take care of this without me.
Khalia: That sense of loyalty and honor was a big part of why she'd fallen in love with him. Much as she was worried about him, when it came down to it she wouldn't change that part of him for anything.
LOVE this story!
The writing, characters, and story-line are amazing.
Highly recommend this story!
311 Khalia Patterson's philanthropist father had a mission to educate girls in Pakistan until he was savagely murdered in the country. Now that the school he had built is ready to open weeks later, she musters the courage to undertake the dangerous trip to represent him at the opening. Titanium Security operative Hunter Phillips is heading Khalia's security detail and isn't looking forward to going back to the site where he lost his best friend in the riotous aftermath of Patterson's murder. And, he was unprepared for his reaction to the brave and gutsy Khalia.
The action and intrigue begins on the first page so my interest was grabbed from the start. And, it just gets better. The romance between Khalia and Hunter heats up pretty quickly, seeming more like insta-lust until they actually deepen their relationship. The high tension accelerates it all but it's obvious that these two share more than body heat.
While the main plot of this story ends, there is a continuing story arc (no cliffhanger) in the series. The ending was just exhilarating and moved at a breakneck pace. There's a real sense of authenticity in the details of the story, reminiscent of some of my favorite authors in this genre. I'm definitely continuing this series. 311 Kaylea Cross never fails to give readers a well-written and smooth flowing storyline. She also continues to rev up the action and romance in an unmatched style that is truly her own in each of her military-based romantic suspense books. With the debut of her latest series, “Ignited” is a powerful introduction to the addictive world of Titanium Security and its crew of characters, action-packed drama, and supersonic romance. From start to finish Kaylea Cross plopped me down in the middle of a war where I was dodging bullets and bombs, holding on for dear life while swerving to miss each bump and change of direction in the road, breathless with each sprint towards safety, laughing at the witty and comical remarks between Gage and Hunter, and fanning myself against the heat and sizzle of a perfectly blended romance between Hunter and Khalia.
This author proves she knows her stuff and has done the research. Her writing brings to life the threat of present day turmoil and the casualties suffered daily in the fight for human rights.
I’m anxiously awaiting Gage and Claire’s story in “Singed.”
311 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
I like the intensity of the story. The actions that took place are well thought of that some of you might hold your breath while reading. I really love the scenes where the trucks plowed to the building, how Hunter protected Khalia, the scene at the swat valley with the TTP and how they fought their way out of the burning building🔥. Another thing I love about this book are the POV’s on the main characters and secondary characters. You’ll also get to know how the villains think and how they execute their plans.
I highly recommend this book. One of my favorites from Kaylea Cross. 👌🏻👍🏻
Courage isn't about words or beliefs. It's about actions. Going ahead with this even though you're afraid, especially after what happened to your father and bombings today? That's fucking brave. That's what real courage is. You need to remember that and give yourself credit. 311 Dnf
Too many terrible things happening in the world for me to enjoy a racially insensitive book about politics and terrorism, without heartache and anger!
311
When her father is murdered by a Taliban cell in the tribal regions of Pakistan, Khalia Patterson reluctantly steps into his shoes to carry on the legacy of Fair Start Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to furthering the education of girls. There she meets Hunter Phillips, the former SEAL and head of her Titanium security team, and quickly learns that coming to Pakistan might prove to be a deadly decision.
Battling demons of his own, Hunter grudgingly leads Khalia's protective detail as a favor to his boss. From their first meeting it's clear she's going to be trouble, and that the cell that killed her father is hell bent on taking her out as well. Keeping her alive is one of the toughest assignments he's ever faced, yet through one harrowing situation after another she continually impresses him with her strength and inner courage. Even though he fights his feelings for her, it's a losing battle. And when the job is over, he doesn't know how he'll let her go. Ignited (Titanium Security, #1)
When it comes to romantic suspense, no one does it better than Kaylea Cross. This read is fast paced, thrilling, with great plot and vivid characters that will have you hooked. Not to mention her wonderfully, scintillating, gorgeous, hunk-a-licious heroes that will raise your body temperature and give you hot-flushes in no time. My goodness Hunter is absolutely gorgeous, and he certainly knows how to handle a weapon and a woman. Growl!
Hunter
Loved, loved this book and for all you romantic suspense lovers, this is a must read. Enjoy!
311 4 action-packed stars.****Review completed June 18, 2013
Former SEAL and platoon team leader Hunter Phillips is plagued by bad memories after a mission gone awry when he gets a call from Tom Webster, the owner and president of Titanium Security. Tom is short on human resources and he needs the best men in Pakistan to execute a very important job. Besides, Hunter is familiar with the area and knows how to deal with the locals and officials. To top everything off, Tom wants Hunter to be team leader this time. Hunter’s task is to protect John Patterson’s daughter, Khalia. Patterson had just been kidnapped and killed by the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) because of his beliefs.
Fuck. Did that whole family have a death wish?
Hunter ran a hand over his face.
(…)
“Stupid timing.”
John Patterson’s foundation financed a new school for girls in Pakistan that will open very soon. Khalia wants to attend the opening because she is determined to carry out her father’s final wish and to continue his legacy.
“Where’s the school?”
Tom didn’t answer right away and Hunter knew the answer wasn’t going to be good. “Swat Valley.”
Of course it was. He let out a humorless laugh.
“She oblivious or something?”
Swat Valley
Once arrived in Pakistan Hunter tells Khalia very clearly how he is going to handle her personal security detail.
“So, if I don’t get chatty with you or don’t respond when you try to engage me in conversation, it’s not because I’m being an asshole. I’m doing my job, and the best way I can do that is to keep some distance from you and stay in the background. Same goes for the rest of the team. The less you or anyone else notices us, the better.”
Of course Hunter and Khalia won’t be able to keep their hands off of each other. Although I must say I really appreciated the way the author developed their romance. They didn’t fell into bed right away which would have compromised Hunter’s credibility to no end. If anything, the build-up was halting yet steady and ‘climaxed’ in a steamy sex scene after a couple of very sexy make out sessions.
It’s the first time that Hunter gets involved with a principal. Basically he is not good at the emotional stuff and he is certainly not a mean ass, however, he is definitely relationship challenged. But it comes with the territory coz serving your country in a war zone or doing private contract work in dangerous countries can be very hard on a relationship or marriage.
“Just so you know, I’ve never done this before.”
Khalia pulled her head back slightly to look up into his face. “Done what? Cuddle afterward?”
“No,” he said on a laugh, then sobered. “Getting involved with the Principal on a job.”
I won't lie I'm a pretty huge fan of Kaylea Cross's work, and I'm happy to tell you that Ignited is a promising
I have to admit, however, that I loved Gage more than Hunter. My oh my, I think the best has yet to come coz Kaylea set him up perfectly. I really cannot wait to read Singed which will be Gage and Claire's story and should be released coming August. The man is seriously hot and very swoon-worthy! Gage is a redhead with blue eyes and fully tattooed arms. Let's not forget his Southern accent either…*drool*
So, how'd it go? Gage asked as he stopped at the first traffic light.
Great. No, better than great. She couldn't stop smiling. God, they'd done it. The rest was essentially just a formality now.
Glad to hear it. He reached across the console and thumped a fist into Hunter's shoulder. Aren't we?
We are, Hunter answered dryly, staring straight ahead.
Don't mind him, he really is happy for you. I can tell because he's not scowling.
Yeah. Don't forget to use protection, son, he added when Hunter hit the door.
Hunter answered with a raised middle finger as he walked out, leaving Gage alone with thoughts and memories he'd rather not face. Was gonna be a long-ass night, but at least one of them wouldn't be alone.
If you are a fan of Kaylea’s work then I highly recommend you to read Ignited. Also, if you haven’t read anything yet written by Cross then it’s time to check out her books. She is one of the best (military) RS authors out there and definitely worth a shot.
**ARC courtesy of Kaylea Cross, author, in exchange for an honest review.**
311
4.5 stars
Hunter Phillips, former SEAL and now an operative for Titanium Security, a private security firm, is team leader hired to protect Khalia Patterson, an American carrying on the legacy of her late father's work in building schools for girls in Pakistan.
I've read quite a few authors of military romantic suspense and imo, there is no one who writes this genre as well as Ms Cross. Her research is impeccable. She writes realistic characters and dialogue. Her heroes in particular are drawn with the perfect blend of believability and fictional fantasy. Hunter is no exception.
The descriptive details of life in Pakistan, the danger and terror that Hunter and Khalia find themselves in, is intense, gripping and absorbing.
Two quibbles. Khalia's father was kidnapped and killed by militants in Pakistan. Her visit to the same region for the new school grand opening was reckless and unjustifiably put many in danger. Secondly, the ILYs came a little too quickly, but this is romantic fiction, so no biggie. Despite my scepticism that the daughter would return under these dangerous conditions amid such strident anti-American sentiment, Ignited is a very fine read.
If you haven't read Kaylea Cross before and you love military romantic suspense this would be a great place to start with this new series. Highly recommended.
Steam: 3
311 2.75
It was OK. Not sure what annoyed me about it. Maybe the political element... not going to get into it as I don't want to offend folks.
It was full on action most of them time but not sure I will continue .... will see. 311
4.5 HOLY HELL stars!
I enjoyed Kaylea Cross's Bagram Special Ops series and was thrilled to see this first in her newest, Titanium Security, being reviewed (and loved) in droves! Being slow, as I often am, to jump on board 'the latest thang' train, and even knowing I'd get a great read, I've just now finally finished Ignited and am here to tell you, it ROCKS!
Description...My review...
When her father is murdered by a Taliban cell in the tribal regions of Pakistan, Khalia Patterson reluctantly steps into his shoes to carry on the legacy of Fair Start Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to furthering the education of girls. There she meets Hunter Phillips, the ex-SEAL and head of her Titanium security team, and quickly learns that coming to Pakistan might prove to be a deadly decision.
Battling demons of his own, Hunter grudgingly leads Khalia’s protective detail as a favor to his boss. From their first meeting it’s clear she’s going to be trouble, and that the cell that killed her father is hell bent on taking her out as well. Keeping her alive is one of the toughest assignments he’s ever faced, yet through one harrowing situation after another she continually impresses him with her strength and inner courage. Even though he fights his feelings for her, it’s a losing battle. And when the job is over, he doesn’t know how he’ll let her go.
Kaylea Cross, in my opinion, takes Military Romantic Suspense to a level that no other author has taken it to - not that I've read, anyway. More often than not we're given just enough of the harsh, ugly reality of war to get our imaginations going but without pushing against the walls of our comfort zones. Ms. Cross takes her stories just a bit further and gives us more of the ugly, more of the harsh, more of the reality of war, and while I hate knowing what happens out there, I also appreciate knowing what happens out there.
Another thing I love about Ms. Cross's stories is that her characters are mature, dedicated, passionate people; heroes who are alpha and protective, but let their heroines shine, and heroines who are strong, capable, and never clueless. Both heroes and heroines can hold their own, but they're confident enough in themselves to let each other be who they are and hold their own own, when needs be.
And since so many others have written AMAZING reviews of this story, I'll stop here because I can't give you more than they already have.
Also reviewed at Blithely Bookish Reviews 311
