Elizabeth Shields has always craved adventure. That’s why she went to work for the CIA straight out of college. That’s probably also the reason she feels drawn to Quinn McManus, a veteran of the British Special Air Service. The big Scotsman gives off a dangerous vibe that she can’t resist. Yet, resist she must. She and Quinn both work for Cobra International Security, which has a strict policy … against hook-ups between employees, and she’s too much of a professional to date a coworker. She and Quinn can never be more than friends. But when his best buddy from the SAS is found murdered on the streets of Glasgow, Elizabeth will do all she can to help Quinn cope with the loss ? and find the culprit. Quinn McManus escaped a life of poverty by joining the British Army. His fellow soldiers became his family, forging a bond stronger than blood. Now, with his best friend dead, he needs Elizabeth’s special skills to help track down the killer. He has no intention of getting physical with her. Rules are rules. But as their unofficial investigation heats up, so does the attraction between them. Still, he refuses to surrender. Because if they cross the line from friends to lovers, there will be no going back. But some battles can’t be won, and soon the passion between Quinn and Elizabeth ignites, hot enough to melt the cold Glasgow winter. As they move closer to the truth and to each other, they find themselves in the sights of a stone-cold killer, who won’t hesitate to destroy them both to keep a terrible secret.
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Best book of the series! I love Quinn, he is adorable and all alpha. The chemistry between Quinn and Elizabeth is a slow simmer that bursts into a flame. I thought this book was a great mix of romance, action and suspense. The characters are great, and the plot is a fast-paced race that hurdles you to the end. Can’t wait to read the next in series.
Elizabeth and Quinn work together at Cobra. Cobra discourages any dating between employees. The attraction between them has always been strong. When Quinn finds out his best friend has been murdered, he asks Elizabeth for her help with the case. The two end up in a passionate love affair while trying to catch a killer. I love romantic suspense and this author doesn’t disappoint.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
Hard Justice is the third title in the Cobra Elite series, featuring Quinn McManus and Elizabeth Shields. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Quinn and Elizabeth’s story since the beginning of the series. The attraction and chemistry between this pair was undeniable in the previous titles and I couldn’t wait to see how their relationship would evolve.
The characters are complex, well developed and endearing. I love how Pamela Clare creates female characters that are not only feminine but incredibly strong, resilient and resourceful. The chemistry and connection that was evident in the previous titles continues to grow and develop over the course of this title with lots of twists and turns to keep you completely enthralled.
For the most part this title takes place in Glasgow and there is minimal interaction with their Cobra Elite comrades. You don’t have to have read the previous titles in the series to enjoy this read, but I highly recommend Pamela Clare’s writing, particularly if you enjoy a fast paced romantic suspense full of action, intrigue, and danger.
Here it is, New Years Eve 2019 and this is my final read of the decade and it’s gone out with a bang.
What a great story, I was glued to my kindle all afternoon determined to finish.
Gotta love a man in kilt with a delightful accent.
Quinn went home to Scotland for his best mate’s funeral. He’s determined to solve the murder along with the help of his colleague Elizabeth.
There’s murder, torture, kidnapping, drugs, crooked cops and politicians. So much action and entertainment, there is no time to be bored….oh almost forgot the sizzle. These two made a great couple but it wasn’t smooth sailing. You’ll be wondering who will get killed before the end. Fantastic book, I thoroughly recommend it.
Risk-loving Elizabeth Shields can’t resist a challenge. It’s why she used to work for the CIA and now works for Cobra International Security and also a good part of her undeniable attraction to her coworker, Quinn McManus. The company’s strict policy against employees dating means nothing can ever happen between them, but when his best friend is murdered Elizabeth scraps her vacation plans and winds up in Glasgow to comfort a grieving Quinn and help him find a murderer.
Quinn McManus joined the British Special Air Service to escape a life of poverty. His fellow soldiers became his only family, most especially his best friend, Jack Murray. With Jack murdered in a Glasgow alley, Quinn calls on Elizabeth’s unique skill set to find the murderer. He doesn’t plan to get too close to her, but their attraction becomes undeniable as their investigation draws dangerous attention. As they find themselves on the killer’s radar, and at the center of a much larger criminal network, Quinn and Elizabeth can’t deny what each means to the other, if they manage to get out of this situation with their lives and freedom intact.
I’ve had this ARC sitting unread on my list for entirely too long. I had never read this author before but I’ll be looking for her other works now. This book had everything I want in a solid romantic suspense and reminded me why that genre got me into romance in the first place. I’m a total sucker for the protective hero, especially when he winds up being a big-hearted teddy bear on the inside and Quinn delivered on those fronts along with showing excellent character development. I loved Quinn and Elizabeth together and I so appreciated that once feelings were acknowledged there were no games, no dramatic separation, and no denying that they were determined to be together no matter what. That was lovely and made me really enjoy this book and now I look forward to my ARC of the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had been waiting for this for ages and it didn’t disappoint. Read this book in a day as I couldn’t put it down. Brilliant story, well written and being set in Scotland was an added bonus for me as I’m English. It’s touching, romantic, sweet, suspenseful.! Another fantastic addition to the Cobra Elite series!! I’ve loved every Pamela Clare book I’ve read and this was no exception. Every word in this hard-hitting story deserved its place on my favourite series list. Go grab your copy today! Happy reading!!
Elizabeth Shields and Connor McManus are both operatives with Cobra International Solutions (CIS), a private security firm. Two years ago, Connor saved her life during a mission that went sideways and she’s never forgotten his bravery in that moment. He’s made no secret of his attraction to “Lilibet,” his pet name for her and both have kept their distance due to the company’s fraternization ban. When Connor is notified of his best friend’s murder in Glasgow, he takes leave to be with Jack Murray’s family and try to figure out what happened. Elizabeth is set to leave for vacation but realizes quickly that Connor needs her help and arrives in Scotland instead of the beach.
I’ve watched these two dance around their attraction since the inception of the series and was glad to see them finally deal with it. What I didn’t expect was to fall for these two, especially Elizabeth who was completely different from what I’d imagined her to be. She was daring, charming, über smart and playfully uninhibited in her relationship with Connor. I knew I liked him but after learning about his origins, growing up poor and rejected in the slums of Glasgow, I came to seriously admire him and how he developed into an honorable, loyal and courageous man. These two put some serious steam in this story but it was an essential part of their relationship and the story. It’s rare for me to say that but in this case, it defined the two in ways that words couldn’t.
The investigation into Jack’s murder was interesting, though I’d figured out the bare details pretty easily. However, that didn’t detract from the excitement or the pleasure of experiencing Elizabeth in action. I’m loving this series and I loved this romance. They were something special.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I volunteered to read and review a readers copy through Netgalley of Hard Justice . Wow ! This story was sensational . I absolutely was captivated from start to finish . This is one of the most action packed and suspenseful story I’ve read . Quinn McManus and Elizabeth Shields both work together for Cobra International Security , due to the strict no dating between employees policy , they fight their attraction and feelings .
Quinn is former British Special Air Service (SAS) . Elizabeth is former CIA . Quinn’s best friend a former SAS has been found murdered . Quinn fly’s home and finds things don’t add up . Elizabeth takes time from work to help Quinn get answers . Their feelings and chemistry are hard to fight and as danger escalates so does their passion . This story is intense and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat . I couldn’t put this story down . I read this story till the wee hours of the night . Absolutely Outstanding . I highly recommend taking the time to read
Romance Rehab: book recs, author services, general badassery: https://www.romancerehab.com/
I might’ve mentioned a time or ten how much I love this author, right? Well, her record of never having let me down is still blissfully intact.
Plot overview: Cobra International security operatives Quinn and Elizabeth team up to catch a killer and make themselves targets in the process.
So, first of all, this book can be read as a standalone. (Although I don’t know why you’d read it as a standalone. The rest of the series is damned delightful)
This book has everything I’ve come to love in Pamela Clare romantic suspense novels:
1. Lots of action. And I’m not just talking about the bedroom kind of action. Ahem.
2. Strong alpha male heroes who are never alphaholes. In this case, Quinn is a sexy Scotsman who treats Elizabeth (or, Lilibet, as he calls her…how freakin’ cute is that?) like a queen at all times. He’s never anything but sweet and respectful and all kinds of HOT, and still manages to kick ass when necessary. He’s a keeper as far as book boyfriends go.
3. Strong heroines who are smart, great at their jobs (competence porn at its finest), and never TSTL, which is sometimes a problem in romantic suspense. But Elizabeth plays it smart at all times. She never rushes head-first into danger. She thinks and plots and plans ahead, and it’s super refreshing.
4. Setting descriptions that make you feel like you’re right alongside the hero and heroine on their journey. This time, Ms. Clare takes us to Glasgow, and I swear to you, I could almost taste the fish and chips and see the castles in the misty distance as I was reading.
5. Super steamy sexy times that never feel rushed, awkward, or out of place.
6. Pacing that’s darn-near perfect. The story never lags.
And on a more personal note, I love how Elizabeth didn’t hesitate to get on a plane and go to Quinn when he needed her, even though he never would’ve asked her to do it. Their friendship and their slow build from friends to lovers was awesome. It felt very…real, for lack of a better word.
So, it should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that I enjoyed the crap out of this book. If you aren’t already a Pamela Clare fan, I suggest you start 1-clicking, because you’re REALLY missing out.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author free of charge.
I was a little confused in the beginning but as I got into this story, I found it to be an entertaining romantic suspense! This is my first book by this author so the prologue confused me. It started with a bang – an action scene right from the get go. There are characters that are being held hostage, badly injured good guys, the situation is looking dire. And even though it describes Quinn saving Elizabeth there was nothing said about the other characters in this scene. Then it jumps to present day. It was only as you read more into the present day situation that the reader can deduce the ending of that scene. For a covert operative though, there were some “duh” scenes with Quinn that made me shake my head. But his devotion to Elizabeth redeemed him. Other than that, I enjoyed the action and steamy romance.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Even though this is book three in the Cobra Elite series,it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. The story really does not rely on the characters from previous books in the series although there is some mention of them. This was a fast moving romantic suspense novel centered around one of the Cobra members, Quinn, investigating the murder of his best friend, Jack. While the police suspect that Jack was involved with the drug trade, Quinn knows that his friend and fellow soldier would never get involved with drugs. So he sets out to find out the truth behind the murder. Elizabeth who also works with Cobra as an analyst decides to help him, if only to keep Quinn from doing something illegal and ending up in jail. And maybe because she’s always had a soft spot for Quinn.
Once again, Pamela Clare has written a well developed plot with very likeable characters. And who can resist a Scotsmen in a kilt? Overall, a great read that I had trouble putting down.
HARD JUSTICE is the third instalment in Pamela Clare’s contemporary, adult COBRA ELITE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Cobra International Security. This is former SAS agent Quinn McManus, and former CIA agent Elizabeth Shields’ story line. HARD JUSTICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. COBRA ELITE is a spin-off from the author’s I-Team Series.
Told from dual third person perspectives ( Elizabeth and Quinn) HARD JUSTICE follows in the aftermath of the murder of Quinn McManus’ best friend Jack Murray. Quinn and Jack were soldiers in the British Army but upon release Quinn headed to America and joined Cobra International Security, while Jack remained in Europe working as an independent contractor but Jack’s death pulls Quinn to his boyhood home, a home that brings with it too many memories of sins of the past. With the unexpected help of Cobra teammate Elizabeth Shields, Quinn goes on the hunt for a killer, a killer that will target our story line couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Quinn and Elizabeth, and the potential fall-out as Quinn and Elizabeth rattle too many cages in their search for the truth.
Quinn McManus is devastated by the loss of his best friend but days before his murder, Jack left a message for Quinn, a message that meant nothing yet so much more. Working with former CIA operative Elizabeth Shields finds Quinn in the middle of a possible terrorist threat, and the potential to uncover what the police have been unable to do but going home meant facing his past, a past he was hoping to forget.
The relationship between Quinn and Elizabeth is one of forbidden attraction. Since meeting Elizabeth years earlier, Quinn hasn’t stopped thinking about the possible future, a future cooled by the workplace policy of no office romances. Neither one wants to lose their job but time spent together meant time to explore their mutual attraction. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to the Cobra International Security Team: Co-owners Javier Corbray, and Derek Tower; Navy SEAL Dylan Cruz; Malik Jones and Thor Isaksen; as well as Jack’s wife Ava, and local Scottish law enforcement The requisite evil has many faces.
HARD JUSTICE is a story of friendship, vengeance, power and control; romance and relationships; heart break and love. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful, energetic and strong; the romance is steamy and seductive. HARD JUSTICE is a fantastic addition to the author’s Cobra Elite series.
Pamela Clare adds to her Cobra Elite series with a riveting romantic suspense centering on sexy operative Quinn McManus and the sexy strategist Elizabeth Shields.
Ever since Elizabeth met the Special Air Service Scotsman, she’s found him alluring, yet even though they’ve flirted here and there but the no fraternization rule between employees prevents them from crossing the line from friends to lovers. That doesn’t mean she’s not allowed to help him when his best friend is found murdered.
When Quinn joined the British SAS to escape life on the streets, he also formed a strong familial bond with his brothers in arms. When his best friend is found dead in a dark alley in Glasgow, he’ll need the assistance of the lovely Elizabeth to find the assassin. And while their unsanctioned investigation brings them closer together, logically they know they can’t take it further, but the heart wants what it wants.
Clare’s novel is fast paced and every aspect of it is well developed, from the characters who are strong and interesting, to the mystery which was difficult to solve, to the delicious romance and the beautiful backdrop in which it was set. I couldn’t stop reading and gobbled it up in a single sitting.
Quinn and Elizabeth’s connection is strong due to their work relationship which arouses a more emotionally rich tale. I loved Quinn’s manliness, his brogue was incredibly sexy and his protectiveness and opinion of Elizabeth was endearing. I felt for his rough childhood but rejoiced how his Lilibet saw him as her hero.
Pamela Clare writes a spellbinding romantic adventure with an exciting climax. Hard Justice is book #3 of the Cobra Elite series by author Pamela Clare. It’s written from both points of view with a happy ending and no cliffhanger.
**I received a copy of Hard Justice from Net Galley and Victory Editing in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. My opinions were not solicited in any way. **
Hard Justice (Cobra Elite # 3) by Pamela Clare is the third book in her Cobra Security series and I have to say that Quinn McManus and Elizabeth Shields story was the best yet. I mean who can go wrong with a kilt wearing Scotsman and Lilibet who finally gives into her feeling for Quinn. Let’s say the two of them are combustible together plus you add in the mystery of who killed Quinn’s best friend and you get a fantastic book. Thank you to Pamela Clare for the research into Glaswegian speak you did a fantastic job.
When Quinn McManus finds out his best friend from their SAS days Jack Murray has been killed he doesn’t hesitate to fly home to Scotland to be help Jack’s wife Ava and girls. But when he gets there and starts looking into the death things aren’t adding up plus the detective who is assigned to the case starts suggesting drugs. When Quinn asks for Lilibet’s help with trying to solve what really happened to Jack.
But when attacks start happening to Quinn and Elizabeth will need former SAS members, Cobra Security, MI6 to help find why Jack was killed. All they have to do is find out who and why and what clues Jack left them to solve the murder. When Quinn and Lilibet finally give into their feelings they become the couple that both were meant to be.
Hard Justice the story I had been waiting for by Pamela Clare. Quinn McManus, what a Scotsman, and Elizabeth Shields, smart analyst, both work for Cobra International Security. This makes any kind of romantic relationship a big no-no. However, if you have read the series you feel the attraction that these two have had for each other. If not, well, that’s okay, it will read fine as a stand-alone. Just a warning though, the opening prologue will entice you to read Hard Target.
To Scotland, home for Quinn McManus the story takes the reader. Loved the change in scenery. While there Quinn McManus must decide did he know his late friend as well as he thought. Then what is he going to do with his friendship with co-worker Elizabeth Shields. In addition there is the strong element of how the past affects the present, Quinn comes face-to-face with that too. Pretty deep for a romance suspense story.
High adrenaline story that also has much soul searching with romance, danger suspense and loyalty play out in the plot. Well-structured plot that kept this reader on her toes trying to figure out what actually had happened.
4.5 Stars
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.
Hold on for a thrilling and passionate ride:
Another amazing book by Pamela Clare. Despite being book 3 in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the previous books but was quickly able to follow along especially as the focus was on a private investigation as opposed to a regular Cobra Security operation. I enjoyed the suspense and intrigue and it had me guessing right until the very end. I especially appreciated that we were privy to Quinn and Elizabeth’s thoughts and suppositions as they investigated the murder as it made me feel as if I were investigating right along with them. There was plenty of action but also lighthearted, tender and steamy, passionate moments too. Now I can’t wait to read more from the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Hard Justice (Pamela Clare) is Book 3 in this amazing author’s Cobra Elite series.
Set in Scotland, this book tells the story of Cobra operatives Quinn McManus and Elizabeth Shields, two people who have long been attracted to each other, but who have always obeyed the Cobra “No Fraternization” rule. The story differs from the first two books in the series in that it follows Quinn and Shields on a personal mission rather than following a Cobra International project into dangerous situations.
Quinn is devastated to receive the news that his best friend, Jack Murray, has been murdered in Glasgow, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters. Quinn immediately heads to Scotland determined to track down the murderer and it is only a matter of days before Elizabeth is on her way to lend whatever support she can. As an expert trained “for sophisticated intelligence work”, she has skills that Quinn will need as they attempt to chase down the killer.
Hard Justice is not as intense as the previous two Cobra books, but is just as enjoyable and as well written. It is very much more a mystery, with a believable plot line, a good balance of mystery and romance and enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the page. I really enjoyed watching Quinn and Elizabeth working together—although there were occasions when I wanted to have a few stern words with Elizabeth. Ms. Clare’s signature mixture of mystery, romance, humour, friendship, loyalty, and some pretty hot sex is all here in Hard Justice. As with everything she writes, her in-depth research to clear to see.
Romantic Suspense is not my first chosen reading genre. Ms. Clare became an auto-buy for me years ago when I first read her incredibly written historical romance series. She is an extremely talented author whose work is outstanding, and so I followed her into both romantic suspense and into contemporary romance. I have never been disappointed. Her books are always well-balanced, well researched, and well written. I have no hesitation is recommending Ms. Clare’s work. Write on Pamela.
Thank you for your review.
Hard Justice was a bloody fantastic read and an easily earned 5 star read!
I would describe this as a friends to lovers romance. Quinn and Elizabeth work together in personal security. The company has a no fraternizing policy which has kept these two from acting on their attraction. That all changes when on their down time from work, Elizabeth flies to Glasgow to help Quinn find out who murdered his best friend.
I enjoyed the couple. I enjoyed the plot, and I especially enjoyed how it ended. This is one of those endings that will give you the feels. Plus, you really get to see how well these two work together as they investigate Jack’s murder. Then when they finally give in to their attraction, there was no awkwardness, no hesitation or pushing away. They just seamlessly became a couple and it felt real and believable.
I’ve read the first two books of this series, as well and I’m pretty impressed by this series. The author has done a great job of bringing interesting characters and interesting plots to grab my attention and keep it. If you enjoy romantic suspense, this series is one of the best I’ve read this year.
First one read in the series but I do like to read this author. With so many out there it is hard to get to read everything you want too. This one will have you drawn in it with the level of intrigue wrapping around you. Oh and Quin has you hooked being the Scotsman he is. Elizabeth is also one that will have your attention. Oh and to have to just be friends what a hard road that will be. They will have a adventurous road ahead with mystery and drama. Being chased by death can also warm you to join together to face it. Great from beginning to end.
A great romantic suspense that keeps you enthralled and tugs at you emotions all the way through Once you start this book you won’t want to put it down until you turn that last page
Quinn McManus ex British special forces and an operative for Cobra Elite has just had bad news he has lost a fellow brother in arms to a knife attack Jack Murray served with and Quinn is determined to find his killer and bring him to justice giving closure to his wife Ava and his daughters Olivia and Isla. Elizabeth is ex CIA and a fellow operative of Quinn she follows him to Scotland as she knows he will need her help These two are deeply attracted to one another but there is a no fraternisation policy in the company. Can they solve the murder can they resist one another when the spark between them finally ignites