Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Whenever I pick up a book by Rebeca Zanetti, I know I am guaranteed a thrilling, steamy, emotional, action packed read that will inevitably still take me by surprise in unexpected ways. Driven, the fourth book in her Deep Ops series, is no different. It is a crazy intense read filled with non-stop action, suspense, steamy and emotional romance, humor, unbelievable twists and turns, and all the characters you love and “love to hate” from the series. What an amazing read! I think this with each book in the series, and yet I was definitely not expecting to feel this way about Angus’ book. Even though it may be the darkest yet, it just might be my favorite of the series.
In this fourth outing we get up close and personal with Deep Ops’ understandably moody, tortured team leader Angus Force and their empathetic, mysterious psychologist Nari Zhang neither of whom we know nearly enough about. Angus’ search for the serial killer he had once pursued and shot to death, has been given new life with an anonymous tip that “the Surgeon” is somehow still alive. Watching and waiting for Lassiter to strike again, Angus is determined to find, stop, and make Lassiter pay for murdering his sister and all his innocent victims once and for all. Trouble is, everyone else is convinced he is dead. When a woman is found murdered and brutally mutilated, Angus is convinced it’s Lassiter’s doing even though the MO is not exactly the same. This murder is only the beginning of a string of brutal murders that creep threateningly closer and closer to the Deep Ops team, leading to a dangerous obsession with Nari and a deadly battle for survival for Angus, Nari, and the Deep Ops team as they work to solve the murders together.
The characters, their motivations, and their interactions with each other are creatively and skillfully developed. Even the love scenes, which are both sexy and emotionally intense, further the development of the characters and their story. Angus and Nari have a combative relationship with scorching chemistry they are determined to resist. So far in the series, they have been able to avoid each other and their attraction quite well. But with the events in Driven it’s impossible for them to continue hiding from their attraction and avoid each other anymore, though they do try their best. When that fails, they try to pretend it’s not serious. I loved the interactions between them. They cover the full spectrum of emotions, sometimes all in the same scene. Angus may be alpha and the leader of his team, but he learns he cannot control Nari. She can match him any day. Nari kind of steals the show in Driven. There is so much more to her than the mild mannered, intelligent, empathetic psychologist. She can hold her own and is quite the bad ass in her own right. While she is technically the team’s therapist and not Angus’ she can’t help but want to help him. Especially as he is in a bad place, submerged in guilt, drowning himself in alcohol. But he refuses to be helped, especially be a psychologist, particularly Nari. It’s all part of the push-pull of their relationship.
As always, the action sequences, are plentiful, exciting, and deftly conceived. They along with the exposition benefit from Zanetti’s vivid description which effortlessly brings the characters and the story to life, drawing you into the story and the character’s lives and world so quickly you’re invested in these characters and the novel before you know it. Excellent character development, lush description, on point pacing, well-plotted and wonderfully executed action scenes, and emotional and steamy romance kept me engrossed in this gripping novel. I kind of want to start all over again from the beginning of the series with the first book, which I have not read yet, just so I can read this one again. Readers who love romantic suspense that is steamy, action packed, and a little darker will love this one.
Note: I initially started reading the e-book ARC but switched over to the audio narrated by Roger Wayne, which I highly recommend listening to as well as reading the book. Wayne’s voice for Angus captures the weariness, determination, frustration, and anger driving his pursuit of Lassiter, but also his sarcasm and wry sense of humor. His voice for Nari captures her strength and kindness. Best of all her voice and other female characters’ voices are also nicely done because they are not exaggerated and fit each character. He does a great job of capturing the different voices of each of the characters – Deep Ops’ team members, the villain, new characters, HDD officers, etc. Wayne is the perfect narrator for the Deep Op series, bringing Zanetti’s amazing characters and stories to life with ease.
In this fourth outing we get up close and personal with Deep Ops’ understandably moody, tortured team leader Angus Force and their empathetic, mysterious psychologist Nari Zhang neither of whom we know nearly enough about. Angus’ search for the serial killer he had once pursued and shot to death, has been given new life with an anonymous tip that “the Surgeon” is somehow still alive. Watching and waiting for Lassiter to strike again, Angus is determined to find, stop, and make Lassiter pay for murdering his sister and all his innocent victims once and for all. Trouble is, everyone else is convinced he is dead. When a woman is found murdered and brutally mutilated, Angus is convinced it’s Lassiter’s doing even though the MO is not exactly the same. This murder is only the beginning of a string of brutal murders that creep threateningly closer and closer to the Deep Ops team, leading to a dangerous obsession with Nari and a deadly battle for survival for Angus, Nari, and the Deep Ops team as they work to solve the murders together.
The characters, their motivations, and their interactions with each other are creatively and skillfully developed. Even the love scenes, which are both sexy and emotionally intense, further the development of the characters and their story. Angus and Nari have a combative relationship with scorching chemistry they are determined to resist. So far in the series, they have been able to avoid each other and their attraction quite well. But with the events in Driven it’s impossible for them to continue hiding from their attraction and avoid each other anymore, though they do try their best. When that fails, they try to pretend it’s not serious. I loved the interactions between them. They cover the full spectrum of emotions, sometimes all in the same scene. Angus may be alpha and the leader of his team, but he learns he cannot control Nari. She can match him any day. Nari kind of steals the show in Driven. There is so much more to her than the mild mannered, intelligent, empathetic psychologist. She can hold her own and is quite the bad ass in her own right. While she is technically the team’s therapist and not Angus’ she can’t help but want to help him. Especially as he is in a bad place, submerged in guilt, drowning himself in alcohol. But he refuses to be helped, especially be a psychologist, particularly Nari. It’s all part of the push-pull of their relationship.
As always, the action sequences, are plentiful, exciting, and deftly conceived. They along with the exposition benefit from Zanetti’s vivid description which effortlessly brings the characters and the story to life, drawing you into the story and the character’s lives and world so quickly you’re invested in these characters and the novel before you know it. Excellent character development, lush description, on point pacing, well-plotted and wonderfully executed action scenes, and emotional and steamy romance kept me engrossed in this gripping novel. I kind of want to start all over again from the beginning of the series with the first book, which I have not read yet, just so I can read this one again. Readers who love romantic suspense that is steamy, action packed, and a little darker will love this one.
Note: I initially started reading the e-book ARC but switched over to the audio narrated by Roger Wayne, which I highly recommend listening to as well as reading the book. Wayne’s voice for Angus captures the weariness, determination, frustration, and anger driving his pursuit of Lassiter, but also his sarcasm and wry sense of humor. His voice for Nari captures her strength and kindness. Best of all her voice and other female characters’ voices are also nicely done because they are not exaggerated and fit each character. He does a great job of capturing the different voices of each of the characters – Deep Ops’ team members, the villain, new characters, HDD officers, etc. Wayne is the perfect narrator for the Deep Op series, bringing Zanetti’s amazing characters and stories to life with ease.
Obsessed, semi-intoxicated and very irritated that he keeps getting shot at and possibly arrested - the last thing he needs is feelings for the tiny shrink that has haunted him for the last year. But after one night with her and the fact that they are definitely in the crosshairs of a serial killer - Angus Force knows he can't stay away from Nari Zhang.
Wow. Honestly - I devoured this in a single sitting (and it isn't a short read) This was everything that is brilliant in a Zanetti book. Fast-paced, intriguing, and flawed characters and not to mention - so freaking steamy! Angus is the dark and tortured bad boy who is really sick of being accused of things he didn't do. Nari is brilliant and beautiful and badass from page one. And after watching these two dance around each other for the last few books - it was a blast to watch them actually have to confront them! Not to mention - fun to see the rest of the misfit island that is Deep Ops (and pets!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Wow. Honestly - I devoured this in a single sitting (and it isn't a short read) This was everything that is brilliant in a Zanetti book. Fast-paced, intriguing, and flawed characters and not to mention - so freaking steamy! Angus is the dark and tortured bad boy who is really sick of being accused of things he didn't do. Nari is brilliant and beautiful and badass from page one. And after watching these two dance around each other for the last few books - it was a blast to watch them actually have to confront them! Not to mention - fun to see the rest of the misfit island that is Deep Ops (and pets!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
OMG I did not see that coming!!
➵ Hero: Former FBI profiler, Angus Force is Driven to catch the serial killer who murdered his sister no matter what. Not when every other agency believes the killer is dead, not when he’s no longer part of the Homeland Defense Department, especially not when bodies resembling the female members of his HDD team start appearing at an alarming rate with the killer’s M.O.
➵ Heroine: Nari Zhang is the Deep Ops’s psychologist who has been attracted and at odds with Angus right from the start. She’s a total badass and since I had an image of her right from the start I could imagine all the action sequences with her clearly.
➵My opinion:I had been wanting to read Angus’s book from the moment I met the surly and tortured man who loved his crazy dog. This book is thrilling roller coaster ride complete with shootouts, humor, explosions, romance, law enforcement agencies butting heads, drama and a really cray-cray villain that kept me my heart pumping at full Force(See what I did there?) and guessing until the very end. I could totally see this book and series made into a TV show or movie.
If I liked Wolfe before, I absolutely ADORED him in this one. He stole the show more than once added welcome comedy relief. I can’t wait for Jethro’s book!
➵ Facts: Driven is book #4 of the Deep Ops series by Rebecca Zanetti. It is a thrilling suspenseful romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a standalone book, told from both points of view, with a happy ending. No cliffhanger. Possible triggers: graphic descriptions of the serial killer’s homicide scenes.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/35oeIcA
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
➵ Hero: Former FBI profiler, Angus Force is Driven to catch the serial killer who murdered his sister no matter what. Not when every other agency believes the killer is dead, not when he’s no longer part of the Homeland Defense Department, especially not when bodies resembling the female members of his HDD team start appearing at an alarming rate with the killer’s M.O.
➵ Heroine: Nari Zhang is the Deep Ops’s psychologist who has been attracted and at odds with Angus right from the start. She’s a total badass and since I had an image of her right from the start I could imagine all the action sequences with her clearly.
➵My opinion:I had been wanting to read Angus’s book from the moment I met the surly and tortured man who loved his crazy dog. This book is thrilling roller coaster ride complete with shootouts, humor, explosions, romance, law enforcement agencies butting heads, drama and a really cray-cray villain that kept me my heart pumping at full Force(See what I did there?) and guessing until the very end. I could totally see this book and series made into a TV show or movie.
If I liked Wolfe before, I absolutely ADORED him in this one. He stole the show more than once added welcome comedy relief. I can’t wait for Jethro’s book!
➵ Facts: Driven is book #4 of the Deep Ops series by Rebecca Zanetti. It is a thrilling suspenseful romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a standalone book, told from both points of view, with a happy ending. No cliffhanger. Possible triggers: graphic descriptions of the serial killer’s homicide scenes.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/35oeIcA
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
Finally we get a resolution of a year of circling and a serial killer! Nari and Angus, with Roscoe the ridiculous dog.
Bad dad, kidnapping, murders, torture, explosions, injuries on injuries.
Bad dad, kidnapping, murders, torture, explosions, injuries on injuries.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
More Roscoe.. where can you possibly go wrong
So this is (I guess) the last of the Deep Ops series - we finally find out if Angus is going crazy or if serial killer Lassiter is still alive... (three guesses which and you only really need one)
We see plenty of the characters from the rest of the series - and meet some new ones too - but Angus finally makes his move!
Lots of twists and turns and who-dunnits this was a fitting conclusion to an entertaining series... i mean an alcoholic dog who likes to wear high heals because he feels short should really been in every series
More Roscoe.. where can you possibly go wrong
So this is (I guess) the last of the Deep Ops series - we finally find out if Angus is going crazy or if serial killer Lassiter is still alive... (three guesses which and you only really need one)
We see plenty of the characters from the rest of the series - and meet some new ones too - but Angus finally makes his move!
Lots of twists and turns and who-dunnits this was a fitting conclusion to an entertaining series... i mean an alcoholic dog who likes to wear high heals because he feels short should really been in every series
I gave this book five stars instead of the four it deserved because, as far as I could tell, there was no spanking scene. I haven't read everything by Ms. Zanetti, but this is the first ever book of hers I've read without the hero spanking the heroine. The spanking is always because the heroine wants to do something and the big, alpha male doesn't want her to do it. Seriously, it's in every book but this one. If someone reading this says I just missed it, I'm going to be sad. I kind of read this book in a pre-cringe state because I knew the spanking scene is in every book and I hadn't passed it yet in this one.
Back to this book. At this point basically everyone has partnered up and we're following the boss, Angus Force. He personal nemesis is back and is messing with him by killing women who resemble Angus' team members. The baddy, Lassiter, set up Angus and both the HDD and the police think he killed the women. Their theory is that he went crazy when he couldn't capture the bad guy and started killing people because he went nuts and wants to be Lassiter.
Back to this book. At this point basically everyone has partnered up and we're following the boss, Angus Force. He personal nemesis is back and is messing with him by killing women who resemble Angus' team members. The baddy, Lassiter, set up Angus and both the HDD and the police think he killed the women. Their theory is that he went crazy when he couldn't capture the bad guy and started killing people because he went nuts and wants to be Lassiter.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved seeing Nari and Force finally get together. Also seeing Lassiter be a real threat finally was great. Like force isnt crazy! But Nari's family drama was unexpected.