Emotionally charged story about women not merely in armed service but in the capacity of combat responsibilities. And we are not talking about administrative work or equipment handlers although any role is crucial to operations. We are talking front line actually sniper distance from targets. These folks come into contact with the worst of our enemies. They survive by the strength of their conviction, training and bravery beyond measure. And let's not forget their willingness to put their personal lives on a back burner while in life threatening locations. The people these Seals and military ops folks target have put a target on our collective backs. This is our front line defense against these demons whose objective is simple and straight forward. Didn't 911 speak volumes about their intention?

It was the luck of the draw or more precisely a computer selection that teamed Captain Morgan Borland with Navy Seal Jake Ramsey. Computers know zeroes and ones, machines know nothing about feelings and personal histories. If it did these would be the last two people selected to head up this dangerous op but in the world of Seals and snipers there is no room for personal history. What happened in the past needs to stay there. The goal is what is important and in order to survive you can't let anything cloud your focus.

Morgan and Jake have had an on again off again relationship of sorts. You can't really call it a relationship when all that is involved is random encounters with a great deal of really good sex. No feelings just passionate release for these two highly charged individuals. No promises ever made and none expected. Adult consensual sex with hardly a good bye in the morning after. Morgan and Jake go back many years and life hasn't necessarily been all that fair for them as a couple or individually. It has left Morgan with serious trust issues where Jake is involved. She is reluctant to ever let him back into her life even on the periphery. This is one time where she is resolved to protect her heart. But in a military capacity Morgan knows there is no one she would trust with her back then this consummate soldier.

That was always true with Jake, his job came first. There was no room in his life for anything remotely resembling a family. But over the last several years that had changed for Jake. He had let someone in but unfortunately lost in that gamble with his heart. But it did teach him that there were people out there who could gain entry into what he protected with his stony demeanor. Morgan was one of those who breached his security but he is determined to give her the leeway she requires. She is doggedly protective of her heart where Jake is concerned. There is no wiggle room there, or is there?

This operation is deadly and requires all their skill and focus. Hopefully it will turn out successful and when completed Morgan and Jake will return to civilization, back to their separate lives. But there is a connection between Morgan and Jake that will never be severed. This is going to be one of their most personal challenges. Surely these two paramilitary soldiers can zero in on the most important part of their lives and execute a well thought out strategy.

The amount of research Lindsay McKenna did for this book is just amazing. Her gift of detail is unsurpassed. And her writing has an edginess to it that hooks you in and doesn't release you till the end. McKenna did a great job describing the topography of the area where this military op takes place. You certainly feel as if you are right there in the heat and grit of the sandy barren landscape. Her description of the lives of the people our military come into contact with can't help but make you pause and thank goodness for our good fortune.

McKenna has us experience all this through the eyes and ears of Morgan and Jake. It is their story and it's a great one. This is not a slam bam story. McKenna makes sure we understand the populace and the effect all this has on their lives. Without our presence the future of entire villages and families is dire. People like Morgan and Jake give them hope. McKenna writes an honest appraisal of military's role and is equally brutally honest about the plight of not only the soldiers but the people they are charged with protecting. Her handling of detail amazed me.

Book Summary

Trained to kill, but built for love…

Captain Morgan Boland is at the top of her game, as is her former lover, Navy SEAL Jake Ramsey. Then a military computer selects them to partner in a special op. The mission can't be compromised by their personal history—and they have truckloads of it.

But the Afghan assignment might provide the discipline they need to finally get it together—outside the bedroom, that is. A lot has happened over the two years since they last went their separate ways. And there's way more to Morgan than Jake has ever given her credit for….

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