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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Kate Canterbary is one of those authors I just preorder the book. I don’t have to think about it because I know the book will be great. This one was excellent. I have a couple of ideas that would have made it perfect, but it’s pretty darn close to perfect right now.
I went in blindly and I fell in love with these characters ASAP!
What an amazing story!
It’s a story of love, acceptance and hope.
I was unfamiliar with these characters or the Walsh Series where they were born, but that didn’t take away from following and enjoying the story.
This is a unique, and intriguing story between Wes Halsted and Tom Esbeck as they come to terms with their feelings for each other following tragic events.
This story just swept me into their world and made me curious to read more about the characters from the Walsh Series.
4.5 stars!
If you are looking for a new read, look no further. A great new read from a favorite author. DAMN this book is incredible, much more than I bargained for and oh so good!
Missing In Action …Wes is finally home and his story is so much more than I could have wished for from Kate. I may be biased but I love Kate’s books and the world she imagines for the Walsh family .
Wes is a bit shall we say aloof and being injured and coming back to lick his wounds is certainly not his cup of tea. He may have many secrets and is not willing to let them out just yet! When he and Tom meet it begins as friends but you know that their is so much more to uncover ! To be once again as the reader surrounded by this wonderfully loving, funny, opinionated family was such a fabulous experience . I loved their witty banter, snarky comments, brutal honesty and passion for one another.
A beautiful story !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
There is something about a big, masculine, SEAL/CIA agent who is really a sensitive soul who loves to cuddle that makes me swoon. I have wanted Wes and his story since I read the Walsh series. I also wanted Tom’s story. Together, they did not disappoint. This is a M/M story told with dual POV. The writing is stellar. Their story has so many layers to appreciate and one of the things I loved the most was when they were cuddling in bed just talking. The vulnerability they share with each other is captivating. The physically intimate scenes are hot, and I really enjoyed how they fought for control at different times as that also applied to other aspects of their relationship. It was a tangible symbol of the give and take required in a successful relationship. The book also addresses the issues of acceptance, rejection, and loss associated with coming out. Wes has certainly been through a lot physically and mentally as an operative, and has a hard time trying to figure out who he is when he is not pretending to be someone else. Tom has a history of abuse and abandonment that affects how he responds to others. The struggle he has to allow himself to be vulnerable to Wes while still keeping the boundaries he has learned to have through self work and while maintaining his sense of self protection is really touching and relatable. I loved the book and I did not want it to end.
Kate Canterbary does it again. Walsh fans will love this multi- layered story where you get a fantastic glimpse into the crazy Walsh family. This multilayered story is full of banter and emotion. We have all been dying to meet Wes properly and he doesn’t disappoint. He is injury , sexy , very complex and the life he knows and loves is falling apart. In steps Tom – his life has been hell but he is now in a good place in his life that he won’t compromise. The chemistry is off the chart but can they find the middle ground to be able to have a life forever.
Absolutely superb and was sad when it finished . More please.
Someone please tell me how this is my first book from Kate Canterbary?? I have been missing out big time (and I will be rectifying that situation for sure) because holy wow did I devour Missing In Action.
Wes was great. I really liked the big broody hero who deep down just wanted to be himself but didn’t know how to let go. Didn’t know who he was without the job that consumed him for half his life. What he did know was he wanted Tom. Mmm mmmm mmm Tom! He was refined and enjoyed the ruled he made for himself inside his well structured life. But then Wes came along in all his shirtless glory and the rules changed.
Though their histories were vastly different, they were both still lost and searching. Yearning for acceptance. Not just from their families but of themselves. Of who they truly were. And in each other they found that safe place to land. Until their fears took hold and sent them running to their corners.
I loved the family dynamic in this book (obviously I was missing things but not having met the Washes sooner but I digress). The love was pure and deep and unconditional and you could feel it pouring off the pages. Though, at its heart, Missing in Action was a journey of self discovery. Tom and Wes grew so much in who they were as individuals and as a couple. A tip of the hat to Kate Canterbary as it was so refreshing to see a MM romance where both characters were so strong but also so vulnerable with each other. And that ending…sigh. I’m glad that the door is open for more of them in the future.
I love this book, the author and her characters! Just when I thought Kate Canterbary couldn’t possibly write a better story or a more endearing couple, another one grabs my heart!
Missing In Action starts with the long awaited, heart pounding & very narrow escape of spy Wes Halsted from an undercover assignment gone terribly wrong. While on the mend he becomes involved with the handsomely suited, always in control Tom Esbeck. Their developing relationship is not only insanely hot, but also smart, funny and vulnerable. I was moved by this couple and the personal growth they achieved to be together.
Along with the unforgettable romance we also get to revisit ALL the Walshes in this book! Heartbreakingly protective Shannon and swoony Will, who will literally go to the ends of the earth to make his wife happy, really shine in their supporting roles. Add in a few adorable babies & a gorgeous wedding- it doesn’t get much better than this!! A loving escape into the Walsh/Hasted universe is the perfect book in these tumultuous times.
5 Stars
Missing In Action is the latest stand-alone novel by Kate Canterbary and OMGosh it was so incredibly amazing! I had such high expectations going in and I can say with 100% certainty, Ms. Canterbary blew this story out of the water.
Wes and Tom were EVERYTHING! They were so unbelievably different but it just worked for the story. Underneath Wes’ persona was this shy, soft, and caring man that was unexpected. I absolutely loved that he had so much growth throughout the story. Tom was his polar opposite. He is set in his ways and is extremely guarded. Neither were expecting the other.
Sparks flew off the pages when in came to Wes and Tom’s chemistry. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I highly recommend reading this book!
Wes is finally home!!! This story was one of self discovery and living your ultimate truth. I absolutely adored Tom. He and Wes were made for each other. Their growth and backstories left me teary eyed at times but their ending was beautiful. I was so happy to see glimpses of the old gang, give me the Walsh crew any day. Overall I’d highly recommend giving this book a read. Ms. Canterbary never ever fails!
I wasn’t sure if Wes was ever going to talk loud enough to have his story told. I am so glad that he did. His journey and struggles with finding his true self are relatable in so many ways. It was great to visit with the Walsh-Halstead crew. Wes’ story allows us that we all works in progress, evolving as situations and circumstances change, and that is okay.
4.5 “Give Loves” stars
I just fell in love with Wes and Tom.
Missing In Action was a beautiful story about a man who had to pretend to be someone else for so long and the other who had to survive to become the man he was today.
I didn’t know Wes Halsted but I was glad to read his story and how he had to start over. After so many years serving his country and being an undercover agent. When he blew his cover, everything turned out of control.
Tom had his life planned, his routine was working perfectly until the man had a crush on came back in his life, all broody, sexy and handsome more than ever, temptation with a capital T.
I adored the chemistry between Wes and Tom, off the charts and smoking hot.
I’d like to read about how the spy could lose any sense of control when it came to him and couldn’t help to be closer when he shouldn’t. He was a well trained agent helpless when it came to the matters of the heart.
Their connection was almost palpable, this little something in the air, so powerful and sinfully hot. It was more than physical, they fell fast and hard, and oh my they just captured my heart.
I appreciated the characters’ depths, their sensibility and how they truly shone together.
It was just magical and every moment just melted my heart, accepting the other entirely and pushing the other when he had to.
This emotional, heart wrenching read will make you fall in love with Kate Canterbury even more!! If you loved the Walsh series books before, you get another glimpse into Shannon and Will. It is a steamy, emotional book that will have you begging for more!!
Kate always makes her characters look real! I fell in love with this family, and only wish I was part of it. That’s what her writing does. It makes me long to be part of the emotional, witty banter between this family. An absolutely MUST READ, along with every other book she’s written. Another amazing book!!
Wes has been mentioned, but never been in the spotlight. I’ve been wanting his story for a long time. Tom has been shown, but it’s always left you wanting more. This story is full of emotional and second guessing what you want. I absolutely fell in love with these two and the constant struggle to get what you want regardless of the circumstances. A stand-alone, but a great addition to her Walsh series!! 5+ stars like always!
I really, really loved this story.
When opposites attract and find common ground.
When two halves make a whole.
There was so much vulnerability from both sides.
I cheered when they took a chance.
Everyone can relate to this story because even in the best of circumstances, we can let doubt in.
Its been a while since I’ve read something by Kate. And I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Tom and Wes seem like the complete opposites, but they have more in common then they realize. Wes was a very stubborn man that didn’t know who he was inside. He just needed Tom to find it.
I didn’t connect with the characters on a deep emotional level, but it didn’t take away from the story. What they had wasn’t the fairytale, but it was real.
I have missed the Walshes, and I love still getting those glimpses into their lives. They will always remain my favorite families.
Overall, I give this Four Boundless Stars.
I don’t know when I’ve ever been so sad that a book ended. I could have read 1000 more pages about the most mundane things, as long as those pages were about Tom and Wes. Anyone who has read the Walsh series has been anticipating Wes getting his own book forever – Missing in Action was even more delightful than I expected. I opened the book at 12:45 AM and told myself I’d just read the first chapter but ended up spreading until 2 AM. I woke up at 7:15 ish and finished it this morning and might go back and reread it after a quick nap. If I was an emoji, I’d be the one with heart eyes.
Oh Kate Canterbary has finally delivered the book I have been waiting for. The elusive Wes Halstead’s story. He has always intrigued me and now I get to see him.
I have loved Tom Esbeck, we have met him in previous books as Shannon’s right hand man so was happy he was going to be linked to Wes.
Wes has returned from a mission that had gone terribly wrong. His partner is dead and he is badly injured as well as burned as an operative. He has come to his brothers to be able to heal he just never expected to find Tom there.
Soon as these two meet the connection is instant and hot as hades. They just both need to get over their emotional baggage and accept that what the want and need is right in front of them.
Of course in true romancelandia fiction the path of true love never does run smooth and it takes Wes walking away for him to open his heart and soul to the fact that his new life is Tom. TBH I felt quite ragey at both of them for being stubborn male idiots with this one.
This was one book that was easy to read in a sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. I needed to know how this was going to play out.
No one can write a book that hurts so good like Kate Canterbary. Missing in Action is no exception. She gives you what you never knew you needed and always takes you on a journey to get you to the happy ending. If you need an escape and to loose yourself completely this is the book for you.
Tom and Wes are both so complex and so need each other in their lives they just don’t know it. Wes is at a crossroads in his life and career. His body is a wreck and whole life is out of his control. Tom has everything neatly boxed, completely controlled and buttoned up tighter than the suit vests he favors . When they come back into each others lives years after their first meeting (which Wes doesn’t remember and Tom can’t forget), they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Craving each other and everything about them. They help each and complete each other in a way they never knew they needed.
I loved this book. I loved the emotions and feels it brought me. Even if you have never read a M/M this book is one to read. It is really a love story that heals .
I received an advanced readers copy for a honest review.
Kate Canterbary is the reason I love M/M romances so when the opportunity to read an ARC of “Missing in Action” presented itself, I jumped at the chance. In this book we meet Wes. He’s one hell of a complicated man. Shrouded in mystery and full of secrets he will win you over with his boyish charm. Tom on the other hand, appears to be beautifully put together and in charge, and he is, to a certain extent. When these two meet, the sparks fly. Their chemistry is off the charts and your Kindle will start to steam up when things heat up between the two of them. Nothing worth having in life is easy, these two beautifully damaged but perfect for each other souls, prove that. Watching them fall in love and work their way towards their happily ever after is a pleasure to read. TBR and enjoy.
“He was a mess of rum favored feelings and it was proof we were getting somewhere”
I feel like this quote right here sums up the overall feeling of this book, and yet somehow doesn’t even touch it. I went into this book, knowing i’d be reviewing it, and planning on taking notes and jotting down my thoughts as I went, then I got sucked into the story and that whole plan went out the window. Kate’s books have a way of doing that, one minute you’re casually reading and the next thing you know you’re 75% through the book and it’s 2 in the morning.
Missing in Action is a book that was a long time coming, and after meeting Wes Halsted, I understand it know. I don’t think I’ve met a more stubborn, dramatic character, ever. And yet no part of this felt forced. Wes is a mess from the beginning all the way through to the end, but he’s real. Love isn’t easy, its messy and frustrating and wonderful and filthy ( in all the best ways) and difficult, but ultimately worth it and Kate captured that so amazingly well here.
Tom Esbeck, he’s a special one, this one. I’ve loved Tom and his sassy sarcastic comments from the first time we meet him, all the way back at the start of the Walsh series, and he really did not disappoint once we got to know him better. He’s still sassy and sarcastic, but he also has a huge capacity for love, to the point of self destruction. Throughout the book we see Tom struggle, balancing his people pleasing, smothering with love tendencies, with self care, and it’s one of the hardest things to do in life. He’s so real and gritty with a surprising dominate side, which in all honesty after working for Shannon Walsh for a decade, should really not be that surprising.
Another thing I loved about this book, one of my favorite things in all of Kate’s books, is the glimpses of the expanded world that we always get. Specifically Will and Shannon’s kids. Wes’s relationship with the oldest Halsted offspring, Abby, is the most precious thing in the entire world. Abby, like most kids, have the clearest outlook on life, and GIVE LOVES, is one of my favorite quotes. The appearances of the other Walsh family members are perfectly balanced with the main story, and succeeded in making me want to revisit the entire series for possibly the millionth time since discovering them.
This book is a huge 5 out of 5 stars for me. I’m already planning a re-read because, even though I finished the book about 8 hours ago, I already miss the characters. If you’re looking for a book, with dramatic, stubborn, grumpy growly bitey boys, that also has a lot of heart and is perfectly filthy, this is the book from you.
An ARC of this book was provided to me by the Author, Kate Canterbary, in exchange for an honest review!