A perilous mission… frightening her already traumatized witnesses. But others who’ve tried to investigate these crimes have gone missing, and Shanti doesn’t want to be the next one to disappear. Despite her misgivings, she has no choice but to accept their protection. And, no, the fact that the team’s leader is lethally sexy has nothing to do with her decision.
An undeniable attraction…
Connor O’Neal left the Unit—Delta Force—after a decade of war, scarred both inside and out. Now an operative with Cobra International Security, he’s been tasked with protecting Shanti in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. He can handle anything the bad guys throw at him, but nothing prepares him for the instant attraction he feels to Shanti. From the first moment he sees her, he wants her. Too bad, because clients are strictly off-limits, and he’s a man who follows the rules—most of the time. Besides, he can’t afford any distractions when Shanti’s life is on the line.
A merciless enemy…
But something about Shanti breaks through Connor’s defenses, forcing him to confront his demons. As their mutual desire transforms into reckless passion, Shanti discovers evidence crucial to putting a mastermind of genocide behind bars. Connor knows her life is in immediate danger, but his plan to get her out of the country comes crashing down when a traitor strikes, leaving the two of them stranded in the jungles of Myanmar. Now on the run from a ruthless killer and his army, Connor and Shanti are fighting for survival—and a chance at the love of a lifetime.
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Pamela Clare writes phenomenal stories that both entertain and educate. This one is a nail-biter and a steamy romance all rolled into one book. Highly recommend!
**I received a copy of Hard Assets from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are mine and not solicited in any way.**
Why do they only let you give a book 5 stars when they are well worth that and many more? Trust me this book is so fantastic and the plot is so important now as it was when in 2018 Myanmar soldiers and rebels decided that ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyas people.
Hard Assets brings to light how The Hague and Shanti Lahiri is determined to bring those affected some justice. With that being said this is one heck of a book that was thoroughly researched and written with care. Okay I’m taking my soapbox and writing my review now.
Shanti Lahiri is one high powered lawyer with The Hague who is in Bangladesh taking statements from survivors to and also to find proof that General Naing lead his men to murder their families and burn their homes. But her boss is determined to hire security for her while she’s in the refugee camps. Cobra Securities sends their best man Connor O’Neal who is former Delta Force (The Unit) to guard Shanti but little do they know that one of the refugees will have something that will lead Shanti and Connor on the run. I was impressed by Shanti (Who is Bengal by birth) strong will to run and trek thru the jungle to safety and also save Connor when she’s injured and offers her life so he can take the proof to the team and the Hague to prosecute General Naing.
I’m not going to give away anymore of the plot but I will say what Kathy Bates said in Fried Green Tomatoes “Tawanda” because Shanti truly is one kick a** heroine as well as Connor O’Neal would say “Hooah!!”
4.25 stars–HARD ASSET is the second instalment in Pamela Clare’s contemporary, adult COBRA ELITE romantic, military suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the Black Ops Company known as Cobra International Security. This is former Delta Force Army soldier Connor O’Neal, and prosecutor with the International Criminal Court (ICC) Shanti Lahiri’s story line. HARD ASSET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. COBRA ELITE is a spin-off from the author’s I-Team Series.
NOTE: Due to the story line content and detailed references to genocide and murder, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Shanti and Connor) HARD ASSET follows the Cobra Team as they are assigned to escort and protect ICC attorney Shanti Lahiri as she travels to Myanmar in an effort to gather information about the warlord responsible for the Rohingya massacre and genocide. But a betrayal will find Shanti and Connor on the run in the Mayanmar jungle, miles from civilization and the safety of the Cobra Team. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Shanti and Connor as they traverse a minefield of danger and death, and the potential fall-out as Connor believes himself unworthy of love and a happily ever after.
Shanti Lahiri is desperate to take down the man responsible for destroying so many lives, desperate enough to place herself at risk as well as the man with whom she is falling in love. Connor O’Neal knows that his primary concern is to protect Shanti Lahiri but trapped in the Maynmar jungle means survival at all cost.
The relationship between Shanti and Connor is one of immediate attraction but Connor knows better than to get involved with a client. On the move in an effort to stay one step ahead of the man in charge, Shanti and Connor find themselves pulled together towards their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text but I have to question $ex in a dangerous, dirty and precarious environment, $ex that could ultimately get themselves killed.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of Connor’s Cobra Elite Security Team: Derek Tower, Malik Jones, Dylan Cruz, Elizabeth Shield, Quinn McManus, Doc Sullivan, Thor Isaksen, and Lev Segal; Shanti’s boss Bram Meijer, and UN project manager Pauline Montreux. The requisite evil has many faces.
HARD ASSET is a story of war and genocide; power and control; betrayal, vengeance, danger, friendship and love. Pamela Clare pulls her story from the nightly news and dramatic headlines in an effort to show the brutality that is life for those who are trying to survive against the odds. The premise is powerful and thought provoking; the romance is captivating; the characters are strong and energetic. HARD ASSET is an information, heart breaking and detailed story line that is sure to bring your attention to the ongoing atrocities and the Rohingya massacre.
There was a lot to process in this story, and it had an emotional pain that made me want to turn away. It was needed, to understand Shanti, and her drive. To understand Connor and his internal conflict, with how he saw himself, and how he really was. To see Shanti through Connor’s eyes, and Conner through Shanti’s eyes, the world and the conflicts that shaped them needed to be understood. While parts were wrenching to read, they set the heart of our characters. They gave the backdrop for the reasons for Shanti and Connor to be who they were. It let them find love and comfort in the cruel world that exists. It told us that the reasons for fighting the fight is so much richer and meaningful when you have the person you love by your side
This is my first read by this author and it will not be my last. This is Shanti and Connor’s story. Connor is tasked in protecting Shanti on a mission and the attraction between these two is hot. However, Connor feels as if he should not act on his feelings as she is a client. This story is filled with action, detail, moments of true sadness and the human will. I loved that this story was a bit more fleshed out than others and that Connor and Shanti were able to find their way together.. I truly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by Ms. Clare. 4 solid stars.****
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*******
I am torn on this one. While I really enjoyed most of this book, at times it was a little hard to read. At times I found the story moving slowly; other times it was difficult to read about the atrocities because you know they are real. That being said, I did enjoy Shanti and Connor’s story. It is one of those stories full of romance, suspense, a fabulous hero/heroine and a villainous villain. I do recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
Connor and Shanti were on opposites on the war. The attraction between them is electric. Shanti is investigating a bad man and is in danger when she discovers things that can put him away. Connor and his team are there to protect her. The couple end up in the jungle on the run for their lives when things go wrong. Will Connor and Shanti make it through and can a relationship come from such crazy circumstances? Another awesome read by this author.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
Pamela Clare is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and this is the reason why. Her pacing in impeccable. Her characters are engrossing. The banter is witty. The storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat. And Pamela Clare does her research. By focusing on the Rohingya people, she sheds light to a travesty that is happening in our world this moment. This one feels important.
*4.5 stars*
Tension and love abound in this top-notch romantic suspense…
Shanti’s family background led her on a path and career with the International Criminal Court. Every time she successfully charged and convicted those who thrived on violence on a grand scale, meant she had won. Won for the victims and shone some light on her relatives who never got justice for themselves. Faced with an almost impossible task she soon realized how capable Cobra Elite was in protecting her. And how much Connor had grown on her…
Connor’s life was ex-military so he knew about evil and the violence that came with it. He and his team would guard Shanti with everything they had, including themselves. Little did he know the petite lawyer was going to mean so much more than a job…
I admit the beginning was a bit slow going but that may have been life just interfering in my much needed reading time. Once I got about four chapters in, though, I was hooked… Shanti and Connor were both a powerhouse in their own unique way, fighting for justice in very different ways. As they bonded over life-threatening situations, they came to understand better each other’s points of view. And realize respect soon turned to love… They were idealistic but realistic, serious but also able to savour the moments in life that made it worth living…
If you are a fan of military romance, great writing and unforgettable characters, than this story is for you!
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
**Thank you to NetGalley
Action, suspense, edge of your seat thrills along with a hot romance. The story takes place in Bangladesh where a prosecutor with the International Criminal Court is trying to gather evidence that a General is committing genocide against refugees.
Informative writing mixed with a great story and romance.. Another great one from Pamela Clare.
It took me a little bit to warm up to this, but once I got further into the story it was non-stop suspense and romance all rolled into one. Hard Asset is deep and emotional, taking you on a journey and showcasing a romance between two very different people who turn out to complement each other perfectly.
The story follows Shanti, a prosecutor gathering evidence for a human rights trial. She’s all about peace and doesn’t think highly of soldiers now that she’s seen some of the atrocities they’ve perpetrated during war. When her safety becomes a concern, Connor is tasked with watching over her. An operative and solider for more than a decade, Connor has seen his fair share of war – and done plenty of dark things in the name of keeping the peace. Fundamentally, these two couldn’t be more different, but attraction sparks between them from the very beginning. When things go awry and this pair spend time in seclusion, their beliefs are put to the test and they find they might not be so different after all.
The writing is great throughout, and these two characters are so complex that it’s easy to get drawn into the story. I will admit that the beginning of the book felt a little bleak for me – the author lays out the realities of war in black and white (triggers galore), but it’s all done in the name of understanding where Connor and Shanti stand on things. Once the book moves into the second act, I was totally immersed in the story and the beginning just laid the foundation for the things explored later in the book. This is true romantic suspense – both elements are explored throughout the book in equal measure. I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review about this sexy and suspenseful book.
I’ve read many of this author’s romantic suspense novels, and I have to say that she’s definitely ramped up the action in this new series!
Once again, I really liked the subject addressed in this story, as I felt it was one that hadn’t been addressed often. It was quite the eye opening read! However, as other reviewers mentioned, the book itself seemed formulaic. It was fast paced, sure, but nothing different, and the different is something I’ve come to expect from this author.
I liked the chemistry between Connor and Shanti, and how well thought out they were. Their romance was a bit of a different twist on the opposites attract trope, which I enjoyed. I especially liked the bits of humor injected throughout the course of the story!
All things considered, this was a very entertaining and enlightening read!
I’m not a huge romantic suspense fan these days. But there are 3 authors I make exceptions for. I 1-click these authors without questions: Scarlett Cole, Kaylea Cross …and Pamela Clare. In fact, I tend to judge all romantic suspense against Pamela Clare’s books. And I’m pleased to report that Hard Asset delivered everything I’ve come to know and love about a Pamela Clare read.
Plot overview: Former Delta Force operative Connor (now with an elite personal security firm) must protect Shanti, a prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, from a ruthless enemy who wants her dead.
Here’s what you’ll get if you decide to read this book (or any Pamela Clare read, actually):
1. A hero is ALL alpha male, but never an alphahole
2. A heroine who is brave, capable, good at her job (great competence porn), and sassy. Sassy can sometimes go wrong for me, because some authors mistake “sassy” for “bitchy”, but that never happens with Shanti or any of Pamela Clare’s characters. She does “sassy” heroines right.
3. Descriptions of settings that are so vivid, you’ll feel like you’re right there with the characters, going through everything they’re going through.
4. Sex scenes of the oh-holy-hell-that’s-hot variety
5. Realistic, snappy banter
6. Action scenes that have you biting your nails and/or sitting on the edge of your seat. The suspense is INTENSE.
7. Enough description of the bad guy’s deeds to let me know he’s an irredeemable asshole without giving me so description that I’m scarred for life. (I’m looking at you, Lisa Gardner)
8. An ending that doesn’t include the heroine giving up any of her career ambitions for love and a shot at marriage
9. No cliffhangers and a totally believable HEA.
I also loved that Connor, the hero, was a total badass, but that he showed some vulnerability. His struggles with PTSD felt so real that my heart ached for him.
So, I mean…what else do I have to say to convince you to read this book? Y’all know I don’t rave about stuff often. Reviews don’t get any gushier than this. What are you waiting for? Why aren’t you 1-clicking??
Romance Rehab: book recs, author services, general badassery: http://www.romancerehab.com/
Hard Asset was a thrilling read! I enjoyed the lusty chemistry between Connor and Shanti (and they had it in spades!), but the suspense elements were what really hit this reader’s sweet spot! Clare had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath time and time again, eagerly anticipating what would come next! Moments of thoughtful introspection, quick-witted humor, stacks of suspense, and one sizzling romance had me devouring this book in one sitting. My one complaint would be the highly sensitive international case Shanti worked on took a turn I wasn’t prepared for, however, the rest of the story more than delivered satisfying results.
Shanti is an attorney with the International Criminal Court. She is after a general who has had people killed and raped. It’s dangerous so her boss hires a security team to escort her. Connor was in Special Forces and now works for a security company. He plans to keep her in the client slot but the more he’s with her, the more he wants her. They are on their way out of the country when the helicopter crashes, then they must trek through a forest. They must dodge soldiers and forest animals while they are trying to reach the border. Can Shanti and Connor make it to the evacuation point?
Great book with lots of action. Some steamy sex scenes. A soldier who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. A woman who doesn’t believe in violence but falls for a soldier.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
Hard Asset is the second title in the Cobra Elite series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I recommend this title to anyone who enjoys an opposites attract, romantic suspense with complex and intriguing characters.
Shanti is a lawyer who has dedicated her life to fighting for human rights, and justice. She’s determined, driven, intelligent and successful.
Conner is an operative with Cobra International Security, and has been entrusted with the job of protecting Shanti whilst she investigates war crimes committed against Rohingya refugees.
Shanti and Conner’s romance is a thrilling, gritty and action packed story of survival, suspense and intrigue. It’s an emotional story of survival, bravery and love. Their banter is engaging nd entertaining and the story is overall very well paced.
The connection this pair shares is instant, yet they do their best to ignore their attraction, until they find themselves reliant on each other and stranded in the jungles of Myanmar.
Whilst i enjoyed the first title in this series, Hard Asset was very vivid and captured my interest and I cannot wait for future title in the series.
This is book 2 in the Cobra Elite series and it features Connor and Shanti. This book has it all! Hot military men, action, adventure, suspense, romance with sizzling steam and an amazing HEA. This is the kind of 5-Star story that really sticks with you when you finish the last page. There were breath-holding moments. Moments when your heart broke and after that, moments that mended your broken heart. Humanity’s worst and then a beautiful romance. The story was an amazing roller coaster ride!
Fantastic characters that I can’t wait to spend more time with. Brilliant writing!
What a powerful story, it brought out all the emotions. Shanti and Connor had a nightmare of an experience. While on the run for their lives the story gave me many heart stopping moments. I was fascinated to read the horrific history of the country they were stranded in and at the same time did not feel preached to which was good. The author interspersed some romance to lighten the mood. I really enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to see what this author does next.
Hard Asset is the second in the hard hitting Cobra Elite series written by Pamela Clare. These books are like a visit to some of the most beautiful but most dangerous parts of the world. Through these stories my eyes have been opened to how real people may be suffering. Yet there is hope, romance and love too. This is believable fiction that is compassionate, credible and sincere. It is remarkable that it can do all this without skimping on character development and the relationship between the characters.
This time it is refugee camps long the Bangladesh borders. Ethnic cleansing has long been a problem in many of the developing countries and it is brought into the stark light of day along with the many, many ways in which these victims are also exploited by others. This is a story that is not making a political statement but there is politics, along with villains and heroes. Shanti Lahiri is a true heroine with Connor O’Neal and his team by her side. Action packed story with volatile events, it is also a passionate emotional romance. Another complex extraordinary read that is equally suspense, danger and romance. Highly recommend Hard Asset.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in this series and just like the first book it is a break neck thrill ride that starts almost from the first page and never slows down until you turn that last page This led to another late night of reading for me because I just didn’t want to put it down
Shanti Lahiri is investigating an Bangladeshi general for genocide on behalf of the International Criminal Court This case is close to her heart after all her father is Hindu even if her mother is an American and she was born and raised there. The Commission knows that she will be in danger so they employ Cobra Elite to provide protection for her after all they have a reputation for been the best in the field. Connor O’Neal former Delta Force is placed in charge of her security contingent but they clash from the word go Shanti chafes at the constant monitoring and but when an attempt is made on her life she knows that she will have to except it. She knows she is also in trouble because she can’t stop watching her new bodyguard but Connor is always professional he has seen many of his friends marriages implode under the pressure of their jobs and he has no intention of been a statistic so why can’t he forget how brave and strong Shanti is and why is she burrowing her way behind his walls. As danger grows ever closer he will have to keep her safe and acknowledge just how much he has grown to love her