It’s Rome. It’s August. It’s early morning. It’s going to be a perfect day. Rex and Digger, his former military dog and best friend, are in Rome. They are at a trattoria not far from the famous Spanish Steps. Rex is hoping that Catia Romano, the woman he fell in love with four years ago, would make an appearance. It’s been two years. Rex’s memory stirs. He can see her auburn curls fall across her … fall across her face, her blue eyes sparkling beneath her lashes, and he wonders if her smile still reaches them.
But then her image fades from his mind’s eye as his hand reaches for the vibrating phone, and within seconds he knows that his plan to see Catia will come to nothing, as he listens with growing alarm to Rehka, his IT expert in India, telling him that former CRC colleagues of his came to her apartment and wanted to know where they could find him.
My cover is blown, my extended vacation is over, and John Brandt could be in perilous danger.
John Brandt, the CEO of CRC, whom they all referred to as the Old Man, has been abducted, and CRC needs Rex’s help. It’s a matter of life and death.
Do I have a duty of care?
Just when he puts the phone down, Catia is there. Stunning as ever, breathtaking, more beautiful than in his most romantic dreams.
His eyes flick to her hands, no rings.
Damn!
“Come on Digger.” He stood, grabbed Digger’s leash, and walked away.
Damn!
Thus, begins another nerve-wracking quest for Rex and Digger to save someone. This time, someone from Rex’s past. A past which he is trying to escape from.
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Good story but my copy had 40% redundancies before the story kicked in.
Duty of Care #8 – For the first forty percent of this book, I though Gabaldon wrote it since it was like the later books of her Outlander Series. I have no problems with referencing a past event in the present book, but repetitiously and continuously? Every previous book was covered complete with redundant mentions. OK, we got it the first mention, especially the many of us have read all those books and remember each book. OK, before I get redundant….
If you can hang on until chapter 31 a.k.a. the 40 percent mark, the story takes off and it’s all about the DoC. Again, it’s well thought out, fast paced and action packed. Toss in a bit of romance in the blossom from several fronts to add something different. There’s originality with some items, along with the standard SOP for other items. I won’t say what happens with CRC and Rex, but there’s plenty of avenues for this series to continue.
I have to admit I loved the revenge aspect; reminded me of Bronson’s Kirsey, whom I supported back then, too. But Rex’s targets are worse, especially the higher up the food chain they’re found. And Mr. Ryan, through his character, does make a statement that surprised me: no one cares about the American People; this is on our national level, not about global opinion.
I contacted Mr. Ryan about reviewing his books. Sadly, because of the badly edited first thirty-nine percent of the book, I can only give this book a 3 star rating. I’d say start with chapter 31, but there are some bits that are important to story, so just skip the redundancies, you won’t miss anything, while you search for what belongs to DoC. 3*
Rex Dalton series:
No Doubt – I read The Fulcrum (#1) before I read this short story. I enjoyed the writing style of the beginning chapters and the presentation of the island’s natives and tourists. Quite comical until the murder, then the style changed similar to The Fulcrum. There’s a bit of maturity in the character and dialog missing in this short, but it’s still an interesting and entertaining story. This is introduction to Rex and Digger’s histories, as well as bits and bobs about Rex’s purpose for being on the island. The Fulcrum actually did a great job with Rex and Digger, which makes this short unnecessary, but still a good read. 4*
The Fulcrum #1 – My first read by this author and I couldn’t put the book down! Mesmerized by the writing style, the vivid descriptions and the storylines, I read without stopping. Fast paced, action packed and interesting on several facets. Rex is a good example of what many Americans used to be, the masses who made this country great. Now after the decades of the Dark State (read chapter 15 for clarification) at work molding the brainwashed and dumb downed younger American generations with Mickey Dees and smartphones, our future and security is at stake. This is not a political agenda on part of the author, but part of the description of what we’re facing; the reasons Rex became driven. The truth of what we’re actually facing with cartels, terrorists and the havoc and destruction caused by the corruption and ineptness of our government’s screaming chimps. Oh, sorry, our politicians. I thought our Founding Fathers voted English (by one vote over German) as our Country’s language? A point that caused me concern was his blacking out and thinking he was rescuing his sister. Not sure he would have been allowed to continue, but I’m not in that world and maybe he has special talents that were in dire need. As for mental testing, as determined as he was, he probably had the ability to pass them. Of course there’s clarification later concerning those tests. While the ending was not a cliffhanger, the job was accomplished, plus; the ending gives the opening to the next book of the series. Ludlum is my favorite author, but I’ve found another one that I look forward to reading more of his work. The only editing needed was Internet, somehow everyone thinks this proper noun and place is lower case. I found this book on authorsxp.com. 5*
The Power of Three #2 – I absolutely enjoy this author’s books. If you’re Ludlum and company fan, you will like Ryan, too. If you haven’t read The Fulcrum, the first book, it isn’t necessary since this book gives background from the first. But I recommend reading it anyway; it is a good foundation for the series. Well written, fast paced with intriguing and suspense filled storylines. The characters range from good to despicable, with many characters from the previous book. The emotions run the gamut. The terrible truth about America’s governing leaders will dishearten many, but there’s still hope the Dark State won’t win completely. After all, not all Americans want donuts and circuses; the proof of that lies with the current elected president, instead of the increased circus clowns being elected. The relationship between Rex and Trigger develop, but at a great cost to both. Part of the cost brings Rex to make decisions about their future and leaves possibilities of multiple paths to be taken in their journeys. While not a cliffhanger, the story is complete, but the series does continue. There’s an overview, which I appreciate knowing what a story is about before I read nowadays. I contacted the author to review his books and found this book on authorsxp.com. Minor editing needed. 5*
Unchained #3 – As good as all the other books were, this one tops them. Mr. Ryan has become one of my favorite (new) authors in my all time favorite genre. This is another well written and fast paced adventure. The intrigue and planning to make all come together is great. Everything is realistic and there’s no “Hollywood poof” to make things work; the storylines have been planned and well thought out. The characters are developed as much as their roles need them to be. The main characters, of course, continue to grow in their roles as the storylines continue. The vivid and clear descriptions do not leave the reader confused or hanging, but involved with the happenings. The travels are interesting in themselves. Rex and Digger are getting better with their relationship; and Rex is gathering a family of friends to end his days alone. Both kept growing as the pages flew by. I contacted the author to review his books and received this one through AXP. 5*
Sideswiped #4 – I absolute enjoy this series and this book fits in like a charm. Fast paced and intriguing, this interesting addition keeps the reader immersed in the story until the last page. Again, we met good and interesting characters and glimpses into another culture. The characters run the gamut from braggart fool to criminal mercenary to doctors and more. The vivid descriptions place the reader in the mix and flow. There’s maybe a touch of romance, maybe not, but ask Digger his opinion about that. The emotions don’t run rampant as they did in Unchained, but there’s enough to make the story work. I contacted the author to review his books. 4*
The Inca Con #5 – I can’t wait to read a book from this series and I’m so lucky to have found this author after he released several books. I don’t have to wait long to read the next one. In Peru, chasing history and finding a whole can of whoop*** keeps Rex and Digger in their roles as guardians for several different characters plus a village and their dying children. The duo are closed to married couple status finishing each other’s thoughts; no traces of their earlier relationship since they’ve been together over a year. The storylines are interesting, the pace is steady and the action realistic. There’s no stupidity, dumb dialog or Hollywood action scenes. A special character holds Rex’s attention and she’s not a dumb dame. Read these books in order for best value. I contacted the author a while back to review his books and found this book on AXP. 5*
The French Girl #6 – I love that the author always has an overview of the story at the beginning of the book. Get ready for a whirlwind journey from country to country with Rex and Trigger saving others, yet again. The beginning, for me, started a bit slow laying the foundation about France and the main players there. But once the story started rolling, the pace never slowed down. The story lines run amok with all the different characters and agendas that occur in this book. The characters are still believable and developed enough for their roles, while there’s more to Rex and Digger. The dialog remains realistic without any stupidity. There’s plenty of emotions spilling out of the pages and the suspense is thick in many places. Mr. Ryan’s vivid descriptions place the reader in the middle of the action and still leaves plenty for the imagination. Well written and well thought out, the series continues to grow in substance and leaves the reader wondering when the past is going to cross Rex’s path. Rehka does wonders as Rex’s girl Friday. I contacted the author to review his books. 5*
Rex Dalton end.
Duty Of Care is a global thriller with Rex Dalton, and his retired military K9 Digger. JC Ryan is the master of the nonstop-action, roller-coaster thrill rides. Duty Of Care, like all Rex Dalton Thriller, will keep you glued to the edge of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster until you reach the very last page. Ryan is the master of the red herring and keeps you guessing right up to the very end what will happen next. Ryan never disappoints! Duty Of Care, like all the Rex Dalton series, is a book that gets better with each reading, and I have just read it for the third time.
Duty Of Care, book 7 in the Rex Dalton Thriller Series, has it all: double agents, traitors, illegal arms dealers, human traffickers, terrorists and kidnappers. Ride along with Rex and Digger as they take them all on and take them down with extreme prejudice. All the Rex Dalton Thrillers are complex and so convoluted that it’s har4d to describe them. They are all books that have to be read to be understood and appreciated.. Duty Of Care opens with “The Old Man,” Rex’s old CRC boss, being kidnapped and tortured. Even though Rex thinks that his old boss may have been behind the ambush that killed seven of his men, he and Digger undertake what could be a suicidal mission to rescue them. The way they pull it off, the way this story ends, will blow your mind.
Once again, I do appreciate the minimal profanity in JC Ryan’s books. This was another great tale of Rex & his dog Digger’s exploits.
This is my favorite author. His books are fast reads and can keep you up all night.
Good writing as all of JC Ryan books. Duty of care has much less action than the previous two Rex Dalton books and it is mostly packed at the end. It was, nevertheless, enjoyable to read.
It took quite a while for the action to start, compared with his other books. But it was really good. I love Digger!
Don’t like to read books that each chapter happens in the past
This book is a roller coaster ride of action, thrills, relationships, and a handful of funny scenes. If you like smart animals, the dog in this book will thrill you. I would compare it to the Bourne (books) and films. The main character is flawed, but you understand why, and the secondary character is his partner, Digger. Don’t expect reality. Don’t expect longterm “happily ever after” just enjoy it for what it is.
I always enjoy everything that JC Ryan writes
Te last 2/3 of the book was the excellence I have come to enjoy in the Rex Dalton series. Unfortunately the first 1/3 of the book was a rehash. I know some of it is necessary for people who pick this as their first Rex Dalton book. But it was too much for me. Would of easily given 5 stars if not for the beginning of the book.
This kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so glad Rex was able to exact revenge on the men who killed his team. Looking forward to the next book!
I love this series. I’ve read every one of them and really enjoyed the series. The characters are really good and I had a hard time putting them down.
Rex had made a vow to take care of those he cared for and this is the thinking that leads his life. Although deeply hurt by his boss he goes to his rescue when he is summoned and his plus Diggie´s abilities are again praised. Another book full of action, surprises, friends reconnected and search for love and peace. Once you start reading it you want to reach the end to understand if the bad ones got everything they deserve ! Great reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This eighth book in the Rex Dalton Thriller series by JC Ryan is definitely another high octane thrill ride of an action-adventure for both Rex and his Digger his K9 companion. The first part of the story helps the reader catch up on what has been happening in the previous books, with the main activity coming in the last 40 or so chapters as the CRC team once again races to save someone’s life, only this time it is the CEO of CRC itself who needs the rescuing from his kidnappers who are torturing him for information. Once again, Digger the dog who is smarter than some humans is put to the test to help Rex in this rescue attempt. There are several instances where some of the characters develop love interests which may or may not hinder this or future CRC operations. Only some of those questions and others are answered in this book as the author wanted to leave something for the reader to look forward to in the next book in the series. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
Rex Dalton and Digger are back and once again in the thick of things. Just as Rex has decided it might be time to move on with his life, he gets a call from a very upset Rehka, 2 agents of CRC have shown up at her apartment with a message for Rex, The Old Man (John Brandt) has been abducted and no one knows who took him or what they want. Rex is thrown back in time, he still doesn’t know if The Old Man was responsible for the ambush that killed 7 of Rex’s team (also considered friends). It doesn’t take Rex long to figure out he has a “Duty of Care” and he needs to help CRC find their leader. Maybe at that point he can finally look the Old Man in the eye and determine if he is innocent or guilty of treason. Although this is the 8th book in this series, JC Ryan’s writing style allows you to read these like a stand alone, he gives you just enough back ground not to feel lost. Of course, I will always recommend reading a series in order, but if you’re new to an author that doesn’t always happen. Rich descriptions and three dimensional characters make you feel like you’re with Rex and Digger as they continue on their journey.