From USA Today Bestselling author KL Donn comes Missing in Action, book 1 in her military romance series, Task Force 779.Ryder Morrison is a man of loyalty. To his country, his family, his team.After joining the Navy, he was secretly recruited to Task Force 779, a specialized unit that infiltrates dangerous situations when no one else can—or will. As the communications expert, it’s his job to … will. As the communications expert, it’s his job to clear the way for a smooth mission. He knows where the enemy is hidden at all times and when his team can enter a zone safely.
When things go wrong and he’s captured, declared dead before a search can truly begin, Ryder knows that when he makes his way home, his life will be different…better. He’ll live for himself from now on, instead of following where duty takes him.
Enter his elusive neighbor…
A woman of mystery and fear.
Codie Ray is a woman filled with pain. Afraid of life and locked away.
She counts to soothe the anxiety. She watches her neighbor because he’s her only lifeline to the outside world. He’s a commitment she doesn’t have to worry will break her. Until the unthinkable happens and her solace is intruded upon.
Ryder comes to the rescue and barges his way into her life, pushing past her barriers, causing Codie to rethink her reclusive lifestyle. Slowly being tormented with mind games from an unknown predator, she battles her better judgment and trusts Ryder to do what he does best…hunt down the perpetrator.
Their connection is instantaneous. Two broken people yearning to be loved but afraid to reach for it. Codie fears Ryder will leave when he discovers just how damaged she is. Ryder worries Codie will remain locked away in her mind, unable to break free.
A surprise mission brings both of their fears to life, and when the walls crumble, Ryder is Missing in Action while Codie is just…missing. Will they find each other again or will they disappear, existing only in a memory?
more
This book was so good. It will rip your heart out, take you on an emotional roller coaster, and put you back together. I had to take a minute to myself after reading this book to process, but it was totally worth it. Codie and Ryder’s story is unlike any other and when you read their story be ready with tissue and your heart. I loved it.
This story just takes you on such an emotional roller coaster. Ryder and Codie are two people who have been more than any one person should have to in their lifetime. As such they both have issues because of what has happened to them. Ryder struggles with returning to the soldier he once was and dealing with not having control. Codie is so traumatized by her past and the outside world she can’t leave her home.
These two are neighbors and as Codie pushes herself to literally step outside her comfort zone someone starts terrorizing her making her emotional state worse. For every step she takes forward, this terror pulls her back. Enter Ryder who wants nothing more than to protect Codie and provide her with a safe place but he is someone who has used control to push himself to be back on top and Codie is definitely someone/ something he can’t control.
This story is about two people pushing themselves to move forward in life despite the obstacles that come their way. Their love is strong and genuine but it isn’t in any way easy. Their story is so worth the read and this has to be one of the best K.L. Donn books I have read to date.
What a story this was. Far from what I was expecting. Flawed characters that came together in a time of need. Codie needed a Ryder in her life in order to heal from a traumatic event. Ryder needed a Codie also. Both suffering from PTSD
This was an intriguing story that was full of surprises and unexpected. There was never a dull moment.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story.
I was really torn up by this story! It was very emotionally taxing to read, and you definitely need to have a box of tissues at the ready when you do so. The things that both Codie and Ryder have to endure as their backstory are unbelievably horrible and sad. And much of their present is not a lot better. They are definitely both very justifiably damaged people.
And yet… together they are so much more than that. Practically from the moment that they meet, they are each other’s escape, refuge, and support. Which both certainly need. Between the demons in their heads and the real monsters in their lives, they have a lot to overcome. But each of them breathes easier when the other one is with them. So they find solace and comfort in one another’s mere presence.
There’s quite a bit of action in this story, from sources both obvious and some unexpected. Of course, there is romance, in a rather odd sort of fashion. And there is definitely heat. The writing is pretty good, the storyline even better, although there are some fundamental flaws in it make it hard to swallow parts of the premise.
All in all though, a good Military Suspense Romance, that I don’t hesitate to recommend. I’m of the impression that this will be the first in a planned series, and I look forward to reading other volumes in the set.
Oh Wow!!This book took me through so many emotions. KL really put her all into this one. Codie oh Codie, this woman has so much strength to grow through what she went through and come out wanting to better herself and take her life back, and with the help of Ryder she takes a step forward everyday. But, when tragedy strikes again, Codie takes her new found strength and love and leaps over her fears to be their for her man. Oh and Ryder, what a MAN, one that sees beyond the quirkiness that others just sees as weird or troubled, he sees the woman who is fighting for something, fighting to overcome something huge. And he gives her his strength and his protection to let her grow. I Love these two and I’m sure the other’s that are to come. Thank you KL for this story and your words, I know so much of you went into this one and i’m honored to have gotten to read it.
This was an emotional book because it deals with a traumatic experience that meny people have happen. Without giving any spoilers away I wanted to say that the author did an amazing job with this story both with the characters and the emotional storyline. I have not been through what the female character has but reading the story I feel like I have a better understanding and can kind of see what she went through. I also love how 2 broken people come together and help each other find the light and the end of Thier dark tunnel. So looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed absolutely cannot wait for more.
Missing in Action was quite an emotional read. You are hit with the emotions right from the start, it’s something that makes your heart hurt. I felt so sad while reading it. My heart went out to Codie. This is a slow burning romance as well, and the pairing is just beautiful.
Codie is broken, and I don’t blame her. I don’t want to go into too much as I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone. Ryder is strong but something happened that tested that for him. He is definitely Codie’s perfect match. Their connection goes deep, they understand each other in a way no one else does.
I liked this book. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Missing in Action by K.L. Donn is an emotional force, a rollercoaster ride of feels and a compelling story that will have you craving more from Ms. Donn immediately afterwards because this story is so amazing.
Without giving anything away, just know there are no words that can adequately describe Codie and Ryder perfectly. Their are so many words that I can use to describe them but I think you would best find out by reading this book. Their relationship is a deliciously tempting rollercoaster ride that will take you places. Their ride will have you going along on their journey towards heartbreak, angst but also finding joy and happiness. It is an emotional and tissue needed read. I enjoyed every moment of this story.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *******
Having never read K.L. Donn before but seeing this cover (hot) and reading the synopsis of Missing in Action, my interest was piqued. Special forces. Danger. Mystery. Growth- all things I love in a book. And the way this started had my heart just aching and wanting to see what was in store next.
However, after the emotional opening, things kind of fell apart for me. As much as I wanted to, I found it really hard to connect with Codie and Ryder. And while I understood their connection, born from shared feelings of fear and inadequacy, it felt forced. And for a girl who was as terrified of the outside world, she sure was adventurous and willing to get sexy with Ryder without knowing him for long.
That being said, I liked that while Ryder was focused on getting back to form, he also worked to help break Codie out of her shell. And heal his own demons. It took a lot of patience and reassurance but little by little, Codie let some of her walls down. It was when a job went sideways and Ryder was at his most vulnerable, that really forced Codie to face her fears. I let out a sigh of ‘yes girl’ when she didn’t let them keep her away.
Overall, Missing in Action was ok. I found the way things wrapped up a little anticlimactic and overly mushy. Especially with Ryder being such an alpha. While I wanted more of Codie and Ryder’s connection, I liked how much they both grew and overcame the horrors of their past. It was a decent start to a series that has a lot of interesting players.
All I can say is I wasn’t ready for this book. Usually reading is an escape for me and I don’t want triggers or too much emotion when that’s not the mood I’m in. It took me a couple of days to prepare myself because once I starting reading it, get your tissues ready cause I know I wasn’t ready. After reading this beautifully told story I wish I started sooner because it has blown my mind. Codie and Ryder the demons they have both had to endure is devastating and you can’t help but feel for them. When they come together it’s healing and makes you root for them. This story was original and told so wonderfully that it leaves you enchanted and wanting more, I know I do and you will to after reading it!!!!
OMGoodness. Tissues are a must when reading this wonderful book. Both tears of sadness and tears of happiness will be shed. Codie and Ryder will take you on a journey of pain, healing, love and courage. Definitely a five star book.
Missing In Action is a story I have been waiting for. Ryder always peaked my interest and I wanted his story when I read his sister’s story. KL Donn didn’t disappoint, if anything she literally poured herself into the book and you can feel it deep in your soul.
The turmoil that Codie went through and the strength that Ryder and Codie needed to make it through… I was crying while reading, just hurting for her and what she went through. There was so much emotion within the pages that it overwhelms you at times. But, the story is felt not read with this one. The stomach dropping, heart stopping, soul wrenching emotion built this story up so much that Ryder and Codie live within me now.
The story is amazing and there is really nothing that can explain this story to do it justice. When someone’s heart and soul are in a story the story will take off on its own. Codie is so raw and real, there is no sugar coating that type of devastation. So be prepared to bawl but also open your heart for a whole new level of experience with Missing In Action.
This was a heart breaking beautiful love story about Codie and Ryder. What they both go through is devastating and heart wrenching. The pain and loss was so realistic. KL Donn shattered my heart but by the end of the story was able to put it back together so beautifully. I read this highly emotional story in one sitting. This was a great start to an awesome new series and I can’t wait to read more about the heroic guys from this Task Force.
This book was fantastic! It was very emotional and well written. I fell in love with codie and Ryder at the very beginning. They are both amazing characters that overcame astronomical odds. Love this book!!!
S
This story is emotional in so many ways! We have all been waiting for this story since Hayes opened that door! It’s hard to hear about what both Codie and Ryder had to go through. Great story that handled all of the emotions so well.
wow this book blew me away reading it! he was on a mission and now is presumed dead. only he makes it home. now his new neighbor could use his help. see she cant leave the house cause of something that happened years ago. a must read for sure!
This book is everything I wanted and so much more!!! It’s an emotional and heart wrenching story. Codie is abandoned by her family when they find out she is pregnant as a teenager and barely making ends meet. The only upside to this heartbreaking situation is Ryder is her neighbor but he is fighting demons of his own. Ryder is used to the battlefield but can he fight Codie’s battles as well as his own? I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!!!
I can’t even describe how I feel about this. There are so many emotions. KL Donn has a way about bringing real life emotions into a story that pulls at your heartstrings and gives you hope and love at the same time. Codie and Ryder are two people fighting their own demons and through that, find their soul mates with each other. Codie’s heartbreak just pulled at me as I went through something similar to her but had people around me for support while she didn’t. Ryder pushing through her barriers is exactly what she needed. Their love is as real as it gets after all they’ve been through. I love that we also get a glimpse of Hayes and Levi from One Choice, where we first met Ryder. We are able to see their closure and them coming to terms with what Ryder went through. I can’t wait for the next story in this series and to hopefully get more glimpses into how Ryder and Codie are doing.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Love Colbie and Ryders Emotional intense broken beautiful heartstopping love story.more more more
What an emotional start to a new series full of some hot alpha soldiers with big hearts. Two main characters who have been through hell and back but still manage to find some beauty in life in the end.
Cobie had me practically in tears by the end of the first chapter. The pain and loss this young lady goes through in such a quick time is beyond crazy. Nobody should have to deal with all those things all by themselves. When she slowly looses touch with the outdoors and her fears keep her captive. When you get past that though she is a loving girl starving for some human interaction and affection.
Ryder loved his job with the task force, helping people. When he finds himself recovering from a long stay in captivity after being caught on a mission, he seems a little lost. Trying to work his way back to active duty and the trust of his team.
Sure they have all been there for him through this recovery but he is ready to work. He has noticed the shy woman next door who sneaks glances out her windows but doesn’t make it out the door. When he sees trouble her way he can’t help but push his way in to help her. When he discovers the hurting woman behind the door she has him, hook line and sinker. Even when she doesn’t know it.
Can these two dig their way out of the painful hell they are in? Could they be what each other needs to truly move forward to the next stages of life, with love and happiness included?
I look forward to more from this series. There are some good men that need to find their match.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***