Former Navy SEAL turned covert agent Wes Halsted spent his days—and weeks and months—being someone else. But with his cover blown and his injuries requiring months of recuperation, he must learn how to be himself again.
Only…he’d rather save his issues for another day and get to know a stressed-out, suited-up businessman instead.
Tom Esbeck has everything under control. Meal plans, workout … plans, workout plans, project plans, five-year plans. A plan for everything and everything according to plan.
Except there’s no plan for a surprise—and shirtless—encounter with the built-for-sin spy he’d crushed on years ago.
But crushes—and spies—burn out fast.
MISSING IN ACTION is a full-length steamy contemporary romance standalone with strong ties to the Walsh Series.
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Oh, my heart! I have been through the gamut of emotions in this book. Laughing at Shannon Halstead, as she delivers her infamous one-liner comebacks, at her daughter emulating her mother so darn well, and observing the Walshes be, well, the Walshes and crying at lives laid out for me in this book. Lives that took time to grow into, and it wasn’t a smooth growth.
Tom is far sassier than I remember him being, and thank goodness for that. He is full of so much sass. No wonder Tom is as close to Shannon as he is, he’s got micromanaging on lockdown. Plus, he can appease Patrick and keep all the assistants from quitting (and keep the copier working). He’s an impeccable dresser (I’m surprised he and Sam aren’t fighting over who is the best dresser), and even matches his underwear to his outfits. Get out of town!! Who does that?? Such a match for Wes, literally the spy who came in from the cold. (Yeah I caught that–and he was in Russia). Wes, the wearer of hoodies and jeans. He was wounded inside and out. I swear at times I felt like their story was a Smith’s playlist (but then again I really dig the Smith’s), so many feelings to work through.
For both of them, it was painful growth beyond pain, fear, and lack of trust. It was both of them being brave, which is scary, really scary. There’s so much I could say, but I can’t because a massive part of the beauty of this book is watching Wes and Tom fall into lust, then fall in love, and then fall into each other. Kate, can we continue to have side journeys into the land of Walsh so that we can keep up with all these people we love?
This book can be read as a stand-alone. Therefore I’ll try to give my opinion without any reference to other Kate Canterbary’s books.
First, it’s an extraordinary story. I think it was Jean Renoir who said that what mattered was the story. Therefore if you only need one reason to read this book, you have it there.
Then, there’s also the way it is told. I am usually not into first-person writing. Often, I have trouble entering the protagonist’s mind. Here, I was right away into Tom and Wes’s head. Maybe because of the precision of the words, the perfect pace. Although it’s not a spy novel, I loved that I felt it wasn’t just a decor for the romance. I’m sure not a spy specialist, but Kate Canterbary makes sure that you feel that she does know what she is writing about, and my critical mind doesn’t have to wonder. Whatever the reason, all the emotions were felt from inside my guts, and, as I’m not a writer, I don’t have the terms to explain it. If you’ve never read a book by this author, just try.
You’ll also want to read this character-driven story because it isn’t like any regular romance book, you know, the naive girl-next-door falling for the hot billionaire alpha male. Not only because it’s an M/M romance, but because both characters have strong complex personalities. They have a very complicated past, and they are figuring out how to enter a long term relationship with it.
Mission Accomplished!
Missing in Action was more than I could have ever wished for Wes and Tom’s story to be, but exactly what they were meant to have. This story like all of Ms. Canterbary’s books is intillectual, filled with an array of family dynamics, emotional, and invigorating.
Wes and Tom. Where do I even begin…these two men are exquisitely skilled and sexy. They are fun and passionate and comforting. Their love progresses at breakneck speed yet it’s cautious and thoughtful. Unfolding in a labyrinth of internal doubts and vulnerability. The sexytimes are deliciously dirty and downright ravishing.
Wes is lost,lonely and conflicted. He is at a crossroads and he doesn’t know who he is without a cover or a mission. The only place he can breath and just be is with Tom.
Tom is a force in and of himself. But would we expect anything less from someone that Shannon has taken under her wing? His choices are intentional and aimed at emotional health, especially those regarding relationships. Wes is definitely not in his plans. He is a risk. But you know what they say…no risk, no reward.
I can’t effectively describe how brilliant this book was to experience. All I can say is that I am still in a Wes and Tom haze of glory. They set my body on fire, lit my soul with joy, and made my heart beat stronger.
“…proof choice mattered more than blood ever could…”
This amazing new story from Ms. Canterbary is a celebration of true family being a choice and not just determined by blood. This story touches on matters that are really meaningful to me and I promise you will come away with a feeling of hope and a clear voice of what matters.
This is the story that fans of Kate Canterbary have been waiting for! This is the story of the long lost Halsted brother Wesley and the complicated, sometimes shambly relationship with Tom.
Tom has been a large part of the Walshes’ life and an important piece of the machine that has become of Walsh Associates.
Wes is coming home from his last operation, bruised, broken and lost in who he really is. He knows what he wants, he knows who he wants, but he is a wreck to figure out how to navigate this new reality he’s come into.
I applaud Ms. Canterbary touching on some prickly subjects. I am in awe of her navigation of these subjects, treating them with the care and respect that they deserve.
It was absolutely amazing to see past characters making their presence known in this story. From the Walshes’ and Halsted’s to the crew from Coastal Elite, you get an update on what everyone is doing in their worlds!
Ms. Canterbary is able to write with vast knowledge, and with the talent of not making the reader feel like they are too uneducated not to keep up with her. I know I learn something new every time I pick up a new book from Ms. Canterbary. You will too!
This book everything I’d hoped for and SO MUCH more than I could’ve ever imagined. Not only is it beautifully written, but it’s filled with all the things this author is known for…family dynamics (good and bad), shenanigans, facts about topics that just make you feel smarter, witty banter, sexiness and steaminess, chemistry that leaps off the page, and so much love of all types.
Both of these characters have so much depth to them. Some aspects you expect, then the next page you are seeing a different side of both of them that just makes you fall in love with them even more. You feel what they are going through right along with them. You will just want to hug their raw and vulnerable side, and help them fight their demons. You’ll go through so many emotions in this book in the best possible way. From laughter to tears with some hot sexy times and suspense thrown in. This book is brilliant and everything you could possible want.
This book is Walsh-adjacent. Don’t let that discourage you…this is a complete standalone. You do not need to have read the other books. The appearance of previous characters only revolves around this storyline. You won’t be lost, I promise. After you read this I do encourage you to go back and read that series though if you haven’t, it’s really good. If you’ve read the Walsh series all of your favorites will make an appearance. You’ll feel like you are experiencing something new while being wrapped in the comforts of home with the Walsh/Halstead family.
This is one of the books where I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. You need this book in your life. You need both Wes and Tom in your life. You need this author in your life.
Secret Agent Story Worth Waiting For!
I always knew that this story would be a journey – Wes Halsted would not have it any other way. What I didn’t realize or consider was that his love interest in this story would be as swoon-worthy and growly as his partner. Tom Esbeck works as Managing Director of Operations for Walsh Associates, and has for many years. This is a role he was born for, what with his planning, organizing and anticipating the needs of the people he supports. They became his family because his own family threw him out when he came out to them – and at such a young age. Tom’s experience was horrific and that taught him to be cautious with his heart and feelings, not to trust when others showed care, compassion and even love toward him, for fear the bottom would fall out and he would be left devastated again.
Wes Halsted is a former SEAL, CIA and secret agent and his last mission cost him everything – his cover, his job, and almost cost him his life. He was rescued by a quiet ops group that is run by his brother and brought to Boston to recover. Wes, of course, didn’t want that, trying to shut down everything and just wanted to run away. Wes had to learn how to be himself – not a character he was playing for the agency. He had to also decide if he was going to come out to his Dad – The Commodore – and that decision scared him more than any covert operations he had run in over fifteen years.
Wes and Tom have an interaction at the Halsted home and Wes immediately connects “home” to Tom. Although these two characters met years earlier at the wedding of his sister, Wes could not recall Tom, but definitely indicated, “you’re someone I’d like to remember.” Tom could not trust those words, not yet. I didn’t expect Wes to be growly and loving and cuddly. I didn’t expect Wes to crave people and love and acceptance and his denial is part of the journey he travels within the story. When you add in Tom and his fear of rejection and you have quite the couple and dozens of insecurities between the two characters.
This author writes incredible stories, weaving in social ideas, family stories and funny situations throughout to make the characters and situations come to life in your imagination. This book is no different. If you are a fan of the Walsh series, you will see many characters weaved into this book. Some a bit more than others, and glimpses of those we all love. Moreover, the fact that the two lead characters are male is secondary to the story she shares with the readers. Heart-breaking at times, this book will definitely bring on the ugly crying toward the end. What I loved best was the loving care that those important folks – brother, father, sister and friends – took with each of these men. Together, they both filled needs the other had without realizing it – and those around them helped them see the light toward their own forever. The story is worth your time – and this author does not disappoint.
I waited one full day to get my thoughts together to write this review and I am sure I will not do it justice, but here it goes.
Many readers have asked this author about the ever elusive Wes Halsted. We all fell in love with Tom Esbeck, I mean how could you not, he is Shannon Walsh’s right hand person. I would have been okay if the author never written this book, but like many would have always wondered, what if these two characters could somehow come together, it would make a great story. But, you can’t ever rush an artist to create art or words that the characters won’t share. I respect that. Wes would not talk! Damn him and his stubborn ways, but Tom, he had lots to say and here we are with Missing in Action.
Now if you have been following this author and you read Thresholds, that was some kind of cliffy she left us. Of course, the grabby hands wanted more, again, I was okay if she left us hanging, it’s all good. But damn it in the back of my mind was hoping against all hope she would get West out of that nun’s outfit and bring him to Boston. Here we are 15 months later or so and we have Wes’s and Tom’s love story and boy you are so not ready.
Wes comes back alright, with a mission gone terribly wrong and wounds that will take months to heal and enter the hot preppy dude to keep Wes company. We get an emotional love story of healing, emotional obsticles, Monday morning Walsh meetings, Shannon and Will, even Judy and the Commodore, heck Kaisal and April make an appearance. At the end we get a beautiful story of two stubborn men meant for each other.
Yes, it took some time for Wes to come home, just like Erin, but he did and upon much reflection and possibly some sun burn (when you read the book, you will understand), we get a beautifully written love story. Oh man and there’s a wedding and possible shenanigans, but I will let you judge for yourself.
If you are a fan of Ms. Walsh and have been waiting for Wes’s story and you’re stuck at home due to the pandemic, one-click and enjoy this book
Missing In Action – Kate Canterbary
I’ve never read a Kate Canterbary book that I haven’t enjoyed. I didn’t just enjoy Missing In Action I loved it! I love the way that Kate has woven this story and has given us one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Knowing Tom and Wes from the Walsh series, Kate has now allowed us into their story lives. The before and the now!
Wes and Tom, yes Wes and Tom! Each of them in their own right, a man any girl would give a second glance to. Hell, any man would give them a second glance!! Wes, a trained SEAL and undercover CIA operative exudes control, a real draw right? Wes however, has a lot of issues; forget the injuries on the out side his biggest injuries are on the inside. Then there is Tom, someone who Walsh & Associates could never do without. On the outside he could step off the cover of a GQ magazine and you would not know what drives that man. He has fought his demons and he has won, for the most part.
In my entire reading life I don’t think I have read a book that has the amount of feelings that Missing In Action contains. Pain, regret, feeling like an outsider, anger, self protection, fear, flirting, lusting, hot crazy hot sex, trust, disappointment, flight, truths, love and understanding. All of those feelings and more split between 2 characters, once you read MIA you will understand.
As much as I love Wes and Tom together and as much as I love all the Walsh interactions and Walsh events, I have one favourite interaction oddly between two Halsted’s. Uncle Wes and Little Abby! I am giving Abby credit for helping Uncle Wes start to understand what Love really is.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would…so take that statement and know that 5 stars just isn’t enough. To Kate Canterbary, what a freaking amazing job on this book, thank you for Wes and Tom’s story (which is just beginning I hope)
To Abby Halsted…Give Love’s little girl, Give Love’s.
I was given an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book. The review states my feelings and are my words and opinion
From the minute you read the prologue you get an instant glimpse into the psyche of Wes. It’s heart poundingly intense. He is a survivor, he is methodical, he’s usually ahead of the game, he sees from every angle, he alone is responsible for himself, he expects nothing from anyone and he gives his all. That’s just the opening. However, there is a famous saying, “No man is an island” and let’s just say Wes is about to find that out in all kinds of ways, wether he wants to or not.
Tom Esbeck, is the guy who has his stuff (yeah, we’ll use that word) together. He’s a planner and a doer. Knows what he wants, has great friends and extended family that he loves and is Shannon’s right hand man. Tom has is own demons that he’s working through and knows he has to stick to his plan. However, even the best laid plans don’t always work out the way you thought they would, sometimes they’re even better or not!
Prepare yourself to feel every emotion in your reservoir and some you’re not even aware you are capable to feel.
This is such a timely story and feels so real. The author never lies or waters down anything in her books. She is truthful, educates you and her dialogue is spot on. Kate brings it’s all to the table and you can feel free to feast on every morsel that this story brings to your appetite. I am happy to report that this remains the same and then some. You will be feasting on this book long after you put it down and craving more.
The relationship between Wes and Tom is volatile, sweet, intense, funny, heart wrenching, sexy, heart pounding and leaves you wanting more. Bring your tissues. There are so many parts this applies to, both good and bad.
We are fortunate enough to get together with some of our favorite characters from past books. Don’t worry though if this is your first book by this author. It’s a standalone. I can guarantee (at least on my part) once you read this you will want to connect with all the other characters in this story. Kate Canterbary has quite the catalogue of delicious stories of which you will want to indulge.
I don’t do spoilers for two reasons; one, it’s not fair to the author, you can get the gist from the blurb and two, you deserve to read this for yourself. You don’t need me spoiling your enjoyment. Believe me, I want to discuss everything but I need to stifle myself.
So, I’ve rambled quite enough. What I know is that this is a book that is definitely on my reread list. Congratulations Kate Canterbary, you’ve knocked it out of the park yet again!
We finally get the story of Tom. And then there’s Wes!
This much anticipated story of Tom (and Wes) did not disappoint in the least.
I missed the Walshes so much! Although you could probably read this book without reading the entire Walsh series beforehand, you would be doing yourself a disservice. The Walsh family is by far my favorite family of all. Tom is an extension of that wild and crazy family and he deserves nothing less than perfection in his love story. Kate Canterbary delivered witty commentary, a wonderful love story, and all the current updates on the Walsh family.
thank you for such a fantastic read.
This book was everything I didn’t know that I needed in life.
I’ve been a BIG fan of Kate Canterbary’s books for a long time now and I’ve loved Wes and Tom all along but what I didn’t know was how badly I needed both of their stories. As usual, Kate gave us their stories beautifully even if they were full of heartbreak and change and not knowing what comes next. I can not recommend this book highly enough! If you’ve read the past Walsh books, you’ll love catching up with everyone and if you haven’t, this book will still be great (but do yourself a favor and read everything by Kate!).
Oh man, Writer Lady has done it again! Get your tissues ready and be prepared for one amazing journey as you read this.
I’ve always wanted to get a story for Wes and one for Tom, I never thought they’d be one story though. Their story was absolutely everything. I loved it from start to finish. You get a good dose of all our favorite Walshes and you can’t help but love the story even more because of that.
You get to see Shannon and Will in their element. You want to smack Wes at times, but all of that makes you love him even more. You see the complete picture of Tom and your heart can’t help but hurt for what he’s been through, bu swell at how far he has come.
These two are stronger because of each other. Their story is one you didn’t know you needed until you read it. I didn’t know I needed these two together until I read it and I honestly can’t wait to read it again.
Wow! Missing in Action is extraordinary! Kate Canterbary really drilled down deep into emotions in this love story. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though. There are tough issues explored such as acceptance of your reality, who you are and how your past has shaped you. Lots of family dynamics at play here too. I think I held my breath and sat at the edge of my seat the whole time reading the first chapter. It was captivating.
Never in a hundred years would I have bet that Wes Halstead would be attracted to Tom Esbeck. Tom is ordered, measured, buttoned down and has insulated himself from potential emotional harm after childhood trauma. Wes has lived the ‘spy life’ for years. He protects himself by planning ahead, considering all possibilities and probabilities yet knows that sometimes instantaneously changing plans is a matter of life or death. Talk about opposites! However, Wes is at a crossroads in his life and although the attraction between he and Tom is white hot, there’s a sticking point. One that could end a really good thing before it barely begins.
This is a author ARC review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Missing in Action by Kate Canterbary is the Walsh adjacent book I’d been waiting for!! Wes and Tom are the unlikely duo.
This book did not disappoint. A Kate Canterbary book always gives us a meeting that’s more than a meet-cute, complex family shenanigans, witty emails/texts, and romance that is both sweet and hot AF.
This book made me laugh and cry. It gave me all the feelings. I can’t wait for the audiobook as it will be added to my collection.
As a fan of this author, I knew I wanted Wes’s story and I knew I wanted Tom’s story, but I thought I would be waiting years for their stories to be told, but it turns out their story is with each other and I didn’t nearly have to wait as long as I expected. I’ve read so many eloquent reviews so far and I worry that mine won’t be able to do this book justice, so be sure to read plenty of other reviews.
This book reads as a standalone, but if you’re familiar with the author’s Walsh series, then you know that Wes has popped in briefly here and there, and that Tom has straddled the line of a secondary/tertiary character being Shannon’s right hand man and all. However, with that said, these characters were even greater than I imagined, and what information I already had about them did not at all prepare me for their personalities, their thoughts, and their actions. Tom was so sassy and dare I say dominate, and Wes, who I expected to be hard and cool, was tender and warm. My brain is still processing.
Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster of finding love, self acceptance, tough love, tender physical interactions, and seriously steamy sexy times. Tom spoke to me on a level that I never could have anticipated. Wes and Shannon have a particularly meaning full discussion that made me cry. And when I got to the last page, I wanted to beg for more because I just didn’t want it to end. I’m hoping future stories within the Walsh universe will bring us updates of Tom and Wes’s beautiful story.
I hate to be repetitive but I’m a reader, not an author, so maybe I have a good excuse. Anyway, I say this after I finish reading (or listening to) every book written by Kate but I just can’t help it!! Her books check all my boxes. Witty banter. Amazing characters. A family that I sometimes wish was mine. My IQ jumps a few points because of the things I learn from Kate’s writing (my family says I’m a font of useless information. I think I just have an affinity for interesting topics.) All the feels and all the happy ever after a that my romantic heard needs. Did I mention the characters??
Things occurred to me as I read MIA. Lauren has always been who I want to be when I grow up. Shannon has always been the badass that I think I am in my head (but I’m really not) and Tiel has always been the one I can relate to the most. But Tom..he’s just ME. Except for the meal prepping and healthy eating crap. “I should’ve stayed home tonight, drinking my calories and watching serial killer documentaries under my weighted blanket.” Same, Tom, same.
If you’ve read Kate’s other books in the Walsh series then you know that Tom and Wes have always been on the periphery. Just waiting for their turn. Well, they got their turn and it was AMAZING! I loved Tom’s strength and his vulnerability and Wes’ journey to discover his true self. I loved seeing my Walsh family friends and checking in with them. If you are looking for a beautiful love story, then look no further.
PS As with all of Kate’s other books, I highlighted the hell out of this book.
PSS Out of the mouth of babes, “Give loves.”
****** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ******
Missing In Action is a beautiful M/M romance by one of my favourite authors. It’s the love-story of Wes and Tom who are both part of the fabulous Walsh universe Kate Canterbary has created. This book isn’t technically a part of the Walsh family series, but to fully appreciate Missing In Action you absolutely need the full backstory that the previous books provide.
But just so you know. I’m not an impartial reader at all. Not in the least.
I’ve been waiting for this book for years. Years! I couldn’t quite believe it when I heard Canterbary would finally release Wes’ story. I got all giddy. And when I realized that Tom would be the other half of that couple, I was pretty close to swooning. Basically, I pretty much loved this read way before I even started in on it. And I was not disappointed.
Neither Wes nor Tom was what I expected. They’ve been peripheral characters in several of the Walsh-books and I’d already formed a picture in my mind about their personalities and traits. Boy was I wrong and I couldn’t have been happier. Wes is an extremely grumpy piece of man-meat with the softest of centers. That softness and the ease and comfort he had with showing affection made him utterly endearing. Tom on the other hand was way more assertive than I’d imagined him to be. Strong but in other aspects really frail. He was perfect. And they were perfect together.
It was also a real treat to get some sneak peeks of so many of the Walshes and the Halsteads. I looove sequels and overlapping stories allowing me to reacquaint myself with favourite characters. And Canterbary’s characters are the best, so of course I have many favourites.
So yes. I loved Missing In Action. This is feel-good fiction at its best. Sure, there’s some drama, but all great love-stories need that and sure, maybe I cried a bit too. But I’d still call it a low-angst story that’ll leave you feeling all warm and happy. There were a couple of less than likely events happening, and the conclusion of the story was a bit too quick and easy for my taste. But hey, this is romance, and it didn’t distract from the warm fuzzies, so it’s all good.
I did miss the epilogue though. There was no epilogue! I live for those bonus, happily-ever-after scenes – and not just because they usually include one last naughty romp. I can only hope and pray that Canterbary will release a Tom-Wes epilogue in the near future. Hopefully one including a dog.
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blog.se/
Well Wes and Tom were worth the wait! Their whole story was perfect and getting to know them both, always loved both Tom and Wes, was just amazing. The things that they both experienced had me in tears!
I received an ARC of this book but I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book….it really took me places. Fun places to visit old characters I love. Sexy, hot, dirty places where showers were defiled and lamps were broken. And vulnerable places where lonely boys had to figure out who they are when their life gets turned upside down. The characters surprised me and were a bit unexpected which I loved. I simply couldn’t put the book down because I was so invested in this relationship. This story was a long time coming and it did not disappoint. A fantastic and emotional journey. Loved Wes + Tom so much.
A Million Times, YES!!!!!!
From the time of Kate Canterbary’s announcement, I have been waiting with baited breath for Tom & Wes’ story. Spoiler Alert – It was soooooo worth the wait. It has a very long time since I have jumped into a book the minute it hit my device and read it until my sleepy brain and eyes conspired against me. Missing in Action is just that bloody great that I let them have their victory so that I could give it all my fresh focus today.
Honestly, putting my focus into a new book has been next to impossible. I haven’t read a new book in over five weeks. It’s been a lot of comfort reading for me, which has my favorites in the Walsh series.
I love Tom and Wes, both as individuals and as a couple. They have a divine chemistry that just pops off the page. Getting to know these two amazing people who have been on the periphery in the Walshdom is one of the many joys of this book.
Yes, the Walshes, Acevedos and Halsteds are here in force. It is a reminder that the bonds of a chosen are even thicker than blood. FACT: Shannon Walsh-Halsted is the BAB ally that we should all aspire to be. She is heart of this big loud family and here her legend grows even larger.
I am still all fizzy and dizzy after finishing MiA, so I am sure that I this review isn’t it’s most coherent. I guess I need to go back and read it AGAIN!!
Happy reading!