“Sizzling.”–Kat Martin Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .
Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover … fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .
Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock . . .
“Sexy . . . packed with action and danger–a real page turner.”
—New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin
“Fast-paced romance . . . very compelling. Highly recommended.”
—Library Journal
—RT Book Reviews on Marked, 4.5 Stars Top Pick
“Sizzling sex scenes and a memorable cast.”
—Publishers Weekly on Claimed
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I’ve had this book for months and have not had a chance to read it until now. I love this author, especially her Dark Protectors series. In general, her books have me on the edge of my seat while they are also are full of humor and love. What’s not to like?
Pippa and Malcolm are both wonderful characters with interesting back stories and solid reasons why they mistrust and do the things they do. There is great chemistry between them on both a physical and emotional level that is written beautifully. Pippa’s connection to her friend Trixie and Malcolm’s growing affection for his quirky new coworkers are both things that helped draw me into this story.
While this story is chock full of suspense and intrigue and feelings, I was missing the humor Rebecca Zanetti usually includes in her books. On top of that, I was reading this book during an extremely stressful and busy time so couldn’t dive in the way I would have liked. Therefore, I was reading the book in small sections instead of bigger chunks. Which, of course, drew me out of the story through no fault of the book or the author. Which means I had to sit and truly think about the rating on this one to be sure I was being fair. I believe I’ve done that.
Regardless of all the outside issues, I felt this is a super intense start to what promises to be an action packed and intense series. I’m already invested in Malcolm’s team members and I’m looking forward to learning their stories.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/hidden-deep-ops/
Hidden is the first book in a new series (Dark Ops) that promises to be another hit by Rebecca Zanetti.
I’m a fan of the author and several of her series including the Scorpius Syndrome books, which is a mix of romantic suspense and not really paranormal, but more like science gone wild. The Dark Ops series is full on romantic suspense and as always with Ms. Zanetti’s books, on the steamy side. I wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to keep up the tension that she did so well in the Scorpius Syndrome series, but she did not disappoint. While HIDDEN did start a little slower for me as she set up the world and the players, it wasn’t boring at all. It was the perfect start to give us a chance to get to know Pippa and Malcolm, both of whom are fabulous characters.
Pippa has been running and hiding for years and even though she’s at first terrified of Malcolm, she quickly finds herself trusting him. I will admit that he won her trust a little too fast for me, but the author made it work and hey…sometimes the heart just knows and overrides all of our other senses. While the chemistry between these two burns up the sheets, it’s Pippa’s strength that really caught my attention. This poor woman has been through so much. She’s seen things no person should have to endure or watch, yet she’s still kind of sweet, and gentle, and most importantly, compassionate. She’s also got this quiet strength to her that is easy for many to overlook, but she doesn’t let them and I really admired the character for that only.
Malcolm is a cop who is burned out and looking to simply escape. Too bad life won’t let him, which is probably a good thing given Pippa’s situation. Two things I really liked about Malcolm: his faith in Pippa and his protective streak, which extended beyond her and showed us his true character.
The storyline was full of twists, turns, and moments that kept the page turning as well as a few spots that made you laugh. A perfect combination.
There were other great secondary characters that are going to make this an interesting series, especially Wolfe. And I dare you not to fall in love with Roscoe who is the coolest and most unique dog I’ve ever seen.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes romantic suspense, special ops or books with great characters and unique storylines.
A very favorite author who rarely disappoints. Well developed characters and her plots are often complex and so enjoyable.
Steamy sex scenes aside, this book is a great secret agent book. The romance is integral to the story and the cult storyline had me hooked from the beginning. This is the first of the author’s books I’ve read but it won’t be the last. She has wonderful, deep characters and an understanding of cult mentality and operations that makes the storyline very much believable.
lots of suspense
great story
So I won’t lie… I’ve been putting off writing this review for days… well actually more like weeks. Now, it’s not because it was a bad read, actually quite the contrary, I LOVED it. However, I had some vibes coming to me while I was reading and was having a hard time putting it to words, but I’ve decided to just write how I feel, cause that’s all your looking for, right?
This read reminded me of all my favorite crime/action shows all rolled into one, and while that doesn’t do it for some it does for me. Now this is where I got stuck, cause to me it was like A-Team meets Scooby-Doo (I don’t want to give spoilers but when you meet Roscoe you’ll understand me :))meets Blacklist. It had all the intense drama of Blacklist, with the awesome team of misfits from the A-Team, and the comedic relief from Scooby-Doo, and I couldn’t keep from becoming absorbed into this world. When Phippa and Malcolm think they have run far enough from their dark pasts, each one’s comes barreling into the life of the other, and both have to learn to roll with the punches, and help each other come out alive at the other side.
I will say, I am a SUCKER for a good storm in a book. Seems random, but as the storm grows in nature it can’t help but seem to mirror the storm growing in the characters lives. Whether it’s their passion for each other, which these two definitely don’t lack, or the suspenseful drama, you become swept away in the intensity of it. That is what I love about this read! You don’t want to put it down!
So be sure that you check out this amazing new series by Rebecca, and become swept away as well!
Can she stay hidden?
Malcolm is finally finished his undercover work and is looking forward to some downtime. Unfortunately, not long after he moves into his new place, an unfamiliar man shows up and sets to recruiting him for some more undercover work and it involves his beautiful next door neighbour who is almost a shut in
Pippa is scared to death when she first sees Malcolm, but as she gets to know him she starts to trust him and starts questioning whether she should tell him the truth the longer she knows him……or stay hidden?
This story was another amazing one by Rebecca and it has all the hallmarks of a fantastic series Under unconventional means, this couple meet and fall in love with the other’s persona and fight for their own personal freedom and justice Can’t wait to find out more about Raider and their computer expert
I have mixed feelings…
What worked for me:
I liked the idea of assembling a motley crew of law enforcement officials, mental health providers and yes, even convicted felons to work the most undesirable and heinous cases threatening the livelihood of society. Every single one of the assembled team has one defining screw-up in their careers/lives that’s sentenced them to this new task force. It’s equal parts exasperating and comical. I especially loved Roscoe, a whiskey drinking German Shepherd with a high-heel fetish and a plethora of other hidden quirks. I literally laughed out loud at his antics.
What didn’t work for me:
Pippa is a very delicate and damaged heroine. She’s scared of her own shadow and her character is overshadowed by the hero Malcolm—often referred to as Mal. Pippa escaped a cult after years of mental, physical and psychological abuse. She’s not strong and she is afraid of Mal for the first part of the book. I felt she was uninteresting and easily forgettable.
And then there’s Mal. He’s a very damaged undercover cop that’s perfected the art of lying. 99% of his interaction with Pippa is deceitful. I never got the sense of him having genuine feelings for her until the very end of the story. I didn’t like Mal’s character at all. Pippa’s character was also living a lie because she’s in hiding from the cult. I didn’t like that the relationship was based on lies. It rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and made it difficult to stay engaged in the story.
What also really bugged me was(view spoiler) and what kept me interested in the story were the secondary characters.
Overall, it was just an okay read. Yes, I had a lot of problems with it but that won’t stop me from reading the series. I’m looking forward to the next book. I just hope the hero/heroine are more evenly matched.
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book provided via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings expressed are my own***
New author to me thanks to Brenda Novak’s FB book group. Really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in this series!
What a great start to a new series with a motley crew of misfits who make up a newly formed Homeland Defense Unit. They even have a mascot dog named Roscoe who provides plenty of comedic moments.
Each of the members that make up the Unit was disgraced in some way. FBI Profiler Angus Force first recruit to the unit is former undercover cop Malcolm West. Malcolm last undercover op left him disheartened enough he quit. Still recovering from PTSD and injuries he just wants peace and quiet in the new house he just bought but Angus needs him to go undercover in a cult and get close to his neighbor who appears to be a shut in and scared of strangers.
This was the perfect infusion of flawed characters, compelling suspense with a twisted cult leader, smokin bedroom scenes and some seriously funny moments. By the end of the book we’ve met all of the team and I can’t wait for their stories.
Excellent book! Keeps you engaged through the whole book. I thought it was a sexy, steamy read, while keeping it intriguing.
This is my first read by Rebecca Zanetti and it definitely won’t be my last.
Hidden was the perfect beginning for her new series, a crazy canine, alpha males, feisty women, laugh out loud moments to break the tension and that wonderful feeling you get when you know this author isn’t going to stop at just one. Every one of these misfits need to have their story told!
It’s the perfect blend of suspense, comic relief and romance.
I’m hooked.
This is my first book by this author, and am reading it for a book group read. Overall I thought the book was a decent one. I know everyone seems to be loving it, but for me I just didnt enjoy the cult concept of the book. I did enjoy the interaction among the members of the misfit group Requisition Force the chemistry there was very good, and I loved the addition of Roscoe and Kat, I would give the book about a 3.5 stars.
A fantastic start to a new series. Whether Rebecca writes paranormal or suspense each one is a hit. Well written,great cast of characters. Two people who each have gone through hell,find each other and learn to trust,live and love but have a rocky road ahead. Funny,suspenseful,passionate,lots of intrigue and emotional. Rebecca has included a screwed up dog who seems to be almost human in his ways and a kitten (Kat) who make you laugh just when you need it. Book two introduction seems like it will be just as great
This series opener is riveting. The panic scenes are spot on. HDD is certainly a quirky workplace but it just worked all the same. Roscoe and the Jack Daniels bottle had my jaw dropping. This is a very well-written story that stays with you even after the last page. Highly recommend it.
Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down!
Rebecca Zanetti is a go to author for sexy engaging thrillers. The characters are always interesting and she has a knack for character development. Hidden is the first in her new series, Deep Ops, I look forward to the next installment.
HIDDEN has all the tropes I love– Can-I-trust-him, woman-in-danger, protector-to-lover–in a sexy, fast-paced story with great characters. A perfect escape after a busy day!
Wasn’t her best, but it was okay.
Great start to a new series. A plot full of suspense, intrigue, and romance. The characters were well developed and the chemistry between Malcolm and Pippa was hot from the very beginning. The dog scenes brought humor to a very intense storyline. Received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily giving this review.