Excellent continuation of the series. Trust is the theme here. Even when they know the other is lying they must have trust or face death. There is a fine line between the natural shifters and the genetically modified monsters here. Some of the experiments are trying to overcome their new instincts while others are embracing them. Families lose loved ones but few gain them back again. I can't wait to see where this story will take us next.

Trevor is one of the few natural shifters allowed to remain after the director is killed. His loyalty is in question so he is given a partner. Alina has some serious trust issues and has a reputation for sniffing out traitors. Her life may be in her partner's hands but how can she build trust when they both know why she was hired.

A new shifter species is discovered and hopefully his book will come next.

With everything that happened in the previous book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Her Dark Half to see just how my favorite characters old and new would handle the fallout.

The setup is that after the murder of his former boss, Coyote shifter Trevor Maxwell doesn’t know who to trust outside of the now branded “rogue” shifters accused of murdering said boss. Trevor certainly doesn’t trust his new human partner Alina Bosch, a former CIA agent secretly hired to spy on Trevor. But they’re definitely attracted to each other and they don’t have much time to learn to trust each other before their real enemies close in on them.

From the very start, Her Dark Half hit the ground running and kept up a pretty fast pace which I appreciated because there was a definite sense of urgency and a small window of time that Trevor and Alina had to work with. I could almost hear the clock ticking in my mind as the plot progressed and it seemed like Trevor and Alina would put the puzzle pieces together too late. All of Tyler’s books have that “can’t put it down to save my life” feel but this book totally got my blood pumping and had me biting my nails for real with how narrowly these two escaped with their lives.

As a couple though, Trevor and Alina’s romance kind of took a back seat because, hello! There were a few more important things to get done and lives to save but that didn’t mean that there wasn’t a romance. I loved how Paige Tyler made their romance seem natural even though they started off not trusting each other. The timeline was pretty quick for a romance but I felt it was more of a this is a great beginning to something real kind of love for Trevor and Alina. If that makes sense.

The big plot twist that occurred in the previous book is resolved here which okay I thought was a bit quick but at the same time there were a lot of loose ends that could keep the series going for a long time (Oh please let it keep going for a long time, it’s one of my favorites). I did love the twists and turns that happened towards the end because it made me feel like while the Big Bad was down, he wasn’t the only Big Bad, in fact there are bigger, badder ones out there that this tight knit group may not be prepared for. That uncertainty makes for very exciting possibilities and again, more books.

Her Dark Half can technically be read as a standalone BUT I wouldn’t suggest it. Start at the beginning of the series so that the build up to this point leaves you with the best feeling. I kid you not it is worth the time.

Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler is the 7th book in the X-ops series. Not having read the previous books in the series and having zero experience with the author I did not know what to expect. You may wonder why I chose to read this book. Well, the story is a combination of two (2) of my favourite genres, paranormal and suspense, which was enough incentive for me to grab this book.

What the story is about.
Alina Bosch left the CIA after a botched mission left her entire team dead. The current head of the DCO recruited her to spy on Trevor Maxwell, her new partner.
Trevor, a coyote shifter and a covert operative for the DCO is not keen on working with Alina. He suspects the reason for her being hired and believes she could not be trusted.
However, when the mission to which they were assigned became deadly, they had no choice but to trust each other if they wanted to survive.

What I Loved.
As you can see, I began the series with the seventh book. I thought I would have trouble following the story line, however, my worries were for naught. There was sufficient information to help me understand what transpired in the previous instalments that led to the current events. I like that each book is about a different couple and after reading Her Dark Half; I became curious about the other couples mentioned. That being said, I will be reading the remaining books.

I loved the couple in this installment. Before I continue, I should warn you that this was not a slow burn romance. Their attraction to each other was instant in spite of the circumstances under which they met, which was riddled with hostility and mistrust. However, I enjoyed watching them move past these feelings and embracing the attraction that sizzled between them.

I adored Trevor. I found his sense of humour endearing and contagious. I loved his take-charge attitude and his determination. He takes crap from no one and tells it likes he sees it. Behind of all of this laid a caring heart. Alina is a snarky, blunt, kick ass and determined female. Together she and Trevor made a perfect team not only in the field but also on a personal level.

This fast-paced story held my attention from the first page. I had a hard time putting my kindle down. The suspense, action and romance was well-balanced. Well-written fight scenes, loads of action and a sizzling romance made for an exciting and thrilling read. There were a few stunning twists and turns. Tyler created a world, which for me was unique and captivating. I enjoyed every moment spent in this world and I am eager to learn more.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was an exciting read. I was happy with how the events unfolded and how the story ended. Fans of paranormal romance and romantic suspense should definitely check this out.

Her Dark Half is a gripping, intense story that only adds to the allure of Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series.

Normally I’d be willing to talk about this book in some acceptable, without spoilers, detail but I made a choice to not do that with this one. Truth is I’d love to talk about Her Dark Half as it is such an amazing adventure for all of those characters we’ve come to love… and hate in this series. Yet I don’t believe I can do that without inadvertently giving away twists and turns and surprises that are better left for you to discover yourself.

So, I’m going to go with emotions, reactions and leave it at that. Alina and Trevor make a strong couple, perhaps not quite the enemies to lovers style, but close enough in their mistrust of each other. Finding a common enemy usually does wonders for trust issues, especially when your life is on the line. They work well as a couple, Trevor deserved a strong mate and he’s found her in Alina.

The surprises are powerful, the twists and turns will have you on the edge of your reading chair. I’ve loved this series and after the jaw dropping events of the last story Her Dark Half wrapped up so many things nicely… but left that opening for more to come.

I’d highly recommend this story and the entire series to any Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance or Romantic Suspense reader. Simply put… it was amazing.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Spotlight, Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: HER DARK HALF (X-Ops) by Paige Tyler http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-9GT
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars

I enjoyed this rollercoaster ride of a story. It never let up on the intensity so that I could catch my breath. Between the dangerous action and heated romance, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Although it would be easy enough to figure out what was going on, it isn’t a stand-alone novel, even though Alina is a new character. Reading the others in this series will help you know the players and the why of their actions. Trevor and Alina make a believable pair, and the lead-in to the next book has me waiting impatiently.

*Review copy provided NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Her Dark Half

X-OPS - Book 7



By Paige Tyler

Sourcebooks Casablanca - September 2017

Paranormal Romance



Her Dark Half is the seventh full length novel in Paige Tyler's X-OPS series. I highly recommend reading these books in order, starting with the prequel to the series, Her Secret Agent.

Working at the Department of Covert Operations wasn't what it used to be for Trevor Maxwell. It was difficult for all the shifters. The longtime director, John Loughlin, had been murdered. The new leadership, and many of the operatives, had a disdain for all the shifters. Trevor knew he had a bullseye on his back, one for simply being a shifter, and two, it was possible that others knew he was in contact with former operatives, people close to John, and determined to find justice.

When he was ordered in to see the new director, Trevor was surprised to learn that instead of being detained or questioned, he was actually going to be assigned to search for the traitors. Trevor was more than happy to take the assignment, he could search for the real traitors, not his friends who were in hiding. The only problem was that he had been assigned a partner.

Shifter and non-shifter pairings were common, but Alina Bosch was ex-CIA, and a new recruit. Trevor might be told that she was his partner due to her experience, but he knew the truth. She would only be assigned to him in order to keep an eye on him, and possibly betray him.

I eagerly anticipated reading Her Dark Half for multiple reasons. First, I needed resolution for the whopper of an ending in Her True Match. Was John, who'd had his own romance novella, really dead? Would they find the evidence to bring those who were involved in the bombing to justice? How long would the other couples be on the run? Second, I had simply come to adore Trevor during the series, and was eager for him to have his own story. And finally, which is why this review must have a disclaimer, knowing that the heroine would be Alina... who just happens to be named for a friend of mine.







Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

A series that has been building to a showdown and finally it came. Both sides step out of the shadows where suspicion, betrayal, lust, and opportunity for something passionate and exciting had me gripped by Her Dark Half.

As book seven of the X-Ops series, this one has plot threads that have been building through the whole series so it is not a good place to begin the series or a good choice for a standalone.

Coyote shifter, Trevor Maxwell, was a prominent minor player in the last book and now this is his story beside new coming, former CIA operative, Alina Bosch. I loved how this one read like a spy thriller with paranormal elements. Alina is out for revenge and betrayal is the nastiest word in her thinking so it was especially irresistible that she thinks Trevor is a murderer who betrayed his boss.

See, something big went down at the end of the last book that left a series fan like me nearly gutted. This book picked up the pieces and kept things strong. I would daresay this is possibly the most impactive one for me save the first book, Her Perfect Mate. It just felt a fantastic balance of all the elements that make a book special. It was action-packed, but it was well developed in overall plot, world, and characters as well. It brought things to a culmination here that delivered after all the expectation.

As to the romance pair, they were great partners on and off the job. I loved how it started so mistrusting and hostile, but then slowly they moved forward- together. A sizzling attraction buzzed beneath the surface and didn't culminate in anything until much later which was well-timed for all that was going on.

The stakes were pretty high in this one and there were a few shocks and twists. It felt like a worthy series finale- though, good news, there is more to come with a new series arc. I am so curious to get the deets on a certain new player's agenda and what it will mean for the DCO shifters and their people.

All in all, this one rocked my X-Ops loving mind. Those who love military/black ops style romantic suspense blended with the paranormal really should not pass up this series.

OMG THIS BOOK!! Book seven of Paige Tyler's X-Ops series answers all the questions. It's an epic conculsion to the continuing story arc that has been asking the big question why? But it's not over!

Trevor is a coyote shifter who chose to stay behind after the events of the last book and keep an eye on Dr. Dick and Thorn and see what they have planned for the DCO, then reporting back to Adam. DDr. Dick and Thorn know they don't have Trevor's loyalty and assign him an ex-CIA operative who expertise is tracking down traitors. After Alina's own experience with a turncoat that got her team killed she vowed she would track him down and kill him if it was the last thing she ever did, but her determination and one track mind was not what the CIA had planned for her. When she was approached by Dr. Dick he lured her to the DCO by telling her she would have a chance to go after her target.

Trevor and Alina don't trust each other they have no reason to trust each other, yet. Trevor knows Alina is there to spy on him for Dr.Dick and Thorn while Alina was told that he is conspiring with the team of X-Op teams that, well the events of the last book. But the more Trevor takes her on leads the more she realizes that it didn't happen the way Dr. Dick said it did, the truth is so much more frightening. Their gut feeling is telling them to trust the other, along with their libido. They are strongly attracted to each other and after one life threatening lead they give into the attraction. Together they unravel the mystery.

Overall, this was jaw dropping, screaming YES! out loud book. That tells all and then hints to even more mysteries to come.

Another awesome book from Paige Tyler. Her Dark Half is the seventh title in the X-Ops series. Trevor is a shape shifting Coyote and Alina is a former CIA agent together they are partnered up to catch a killer. I really enjoyed their interactions.

In "Her Dark Half", the surprises just keep coming! It is really hard to review this one without giving too much away, so I will say that it is a stand alone book even first time readers of the series can enjoy. Trevor, the coyote shifter is hooked up with CIA agent Alina, but trust is not automatic. With both of their pasts with other partners, trust has to be earned. There has been so much going on at the DCO in the past, is it any wonder that so many are suspicious and on edge? Trevor stayed at the DCO after John's death, but is still working behind the scenes in trying to find evidence against those responsible. Some favorite DCO operatives from previous books visit to aid Trevor and Alina. Those old friends from previous books enhances the depth of the story for X-OPs readers. Seeing Trevor and Alina getting their HEA, you will want to go back to the first book and read them all to see how the other couples got theirs as well. If paranormal romantic suspense is your genre, or if you just love to read really good books, this is one for your bookshelves. I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me "Her Dark Half". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 5 Stars!

Her Dark Half, by Paige Tyler is an intense paranormal action-suspense romance.

As a coyote shifter, Trevor Maxwell works at a secret government organization, and his new partner is Alina Bosch, who has been hired to spy on Trevor. Due to her past and former co-worker's betrayal, Alina is hesitant to trust anyone. Despite their differences, Trevor and Alina form a tentative bond and romantic relationship, while searching for the people trying to destroy all the shifters.

Since it's the seventh book in the X-Ops series, it's recommended to start with the first book, Her Perfect Mate. Readers will be able to meet the shifters and various characters mentioned, as well as properly follow the overarching series plot.

Her Dark Half is geared towards those who enjoy reading paranormal suspense romances, particularly stories involving shifters.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Great story line, magnificent characters. She's been through a horrific betrayal in which she lost many of her friends. Trust? No longer will she give her trust to anyone, even if she's unexpectedly drawn to them. He's lost his mentor to betrayal and can't trust those he works for. Now he has this insanely beautiful woman working with him and he's sure she's been put there by the one he thinks killed his friend. Many secrets coming to light in this book, along with thrill, suspense and sexy encounters. I won't even mention the surprise towards the end of the book; dang I just mentioned it. Don't miss this story, it wraps up a lot of loose ends and the interaction between the two top characters is exciting. What the heck are you waiting for, pick it up and get lost within the pages of this terrific story.

Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler is the 7th book in her wonderful X-Ops series. When we last left off in the last book, our heroes throughout this series were all on the run. The man they trusted who ran DCO (Department of Covert Operations) was killed, and the two major villains were out to arrest and kill them all. It was a huge game changer.
In Her Dark Half, Trevor Maxwell, our hero, was still working with DCO, but he was acting undercover helping his former teammates in hiding. The goal was to find evidence to prove that Thomas Thorne, who was now in charge, was behind all hybrids being created to build his own army. Trevor is forced to accept a new partner, who was new to DCO.
The story starts off a few years prior, where we meet our heroine, Alina Bosch, who is a CIA agent leading a mission that goes bad. Alina lost her whole team because her partner betrayed them and had set up a trap. Alina has spent this few years wanting revenge, but has not been able to find her ex partner. Alina leaves her job with the CIA and accepts a job with DCO, having been tempted by DCO that they will help her find her ex partner. Alina is told by Dick (one of the two villains) that she needs to spy on her new partner…Trevor. She finds it hard to trust anyone, but she sees something about Trevor that makes her suspect that there is more than she has been told. Trevor, at first also doesn’t trust Alina, but pretty quickly they are in the middle of some attacks, and Alina begins to realize that Dick is using her information to kill those that they have interviewed.
Trevor and Alina will also become very attracted to each other, and in a short time a romance will begin. Alina will realize that Trevor is a good guy, and also learn about him being a shifter; they will join hands to fight off hybrid attacks. What follows is an intense, fast paced, exciting and dangerous attempt to reveal the truth about Thomas Thorne and those now in charge at DCO. It was great and fun to see all our former heroes, such as Landon, Ivy, Tanner, Declan, Kendra, Danica, Adam, Braden, Dreya, just to name a few. It will take the entire team to band together to fight these ultra powerful hybrids, who are impossible to kill. Of course, one of those powerful hybrids, is the man Alina has been trying to find all these years.
The last half of the book was very suspenseful, with a few twists, and a thrilling ride to the finish. Paige Tyler, as always, gives us another terrific story, with another wonderful couple. I do not know what she has in store of us next, but the game has changed and I can’t wait to see how this will affect our team. Her Dark Half should not be read out of order; this is not a standalone. You need to start from the beginning, in order to enjoy all the wonderful characters and the continuing story line.

My oh my! Talk about high octane! Paige Tyler outdid herself in "Her Dark Half" as she closes Season 1 of the X- Ops Series. (Season 1? Let me explain.)

I said Season 1 because I see these 7 books as a new type of miniseries wherein every episode has new lead characters with a subplot as the tie that binds all episodes. But before I go on, I have to mention that there will be spoilers. So, if you don't want to read it, you know what to do. Let me just say that this is the best book yet in the series! Trevor and Alina are just awesome! Their story is a must-read for X-Ops fans.

That said… SPOILERS ALERT! SPOILERS ALERT

In all 7 X-Ops books, Thomas Thorn and Dick Coleman are the dominant baddies. And quite frankly, it's very clever of Paige Tyler to make them the constant in the series. Of course, there is John Loughlin in the good side but we know what happened to him.

Because I think of the 7 books as a miniseries, "Her Dark Half" which is Book 7 acts as the season finale from my point of view. The mystery surrounding Thomas Thorn and Dick Coleman was resolved. But, don't believe for one moment that the story has ended. Author Paige Tyler put another twist as she gave Alina and Trevor their happily ever after.

Yes, "Her Dark Half" is a romantic suspense. Paired by Dick Coleman so that Alina will spy on Trevor, the unexpected happened. The two agents were attracted to each other. And they did not fall easily. In between fighting bad guys, treachery and explosions, Alina and Trevor had to learn to trust each other as partners even before they can be lovers.

A pulse racing read, it is hard to put down "Her Dark Half" once you start. And then, you will be at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The book is Rated M for Mature due to violence and sexual content.

Now, don't think that this is the last book in the series. Like what I said, Paige Tyler placed an interesting twist in the end which basically means that there will be more books forthcoming.

Having read and enjoyed book 5 I thought I would read another book in the Paige Tyler X-Ops Series.
Paige Tyler is able to keep readers up to date on all the different characters from each of her first 6 book.
Each of Paige Tyler's stories are different but are all in the same world working with the same ops group. The books are about to be read as a stand alone or as a series.
Her Darker Half reader like a spy thriller with paranormal characters which makes the story exciting to read from first to last page.
Readers will find a well thought out plot mixed with actions, suspense and sexual chemistry between Trevor and Alina.
For those who have been reading the series will finally have the answers they have been looking for from book 1 Her Perfect Mate.
If Paige Tyler was to end the series this book would be the perfect topping to the series. However for those who can never get enough of Paige Typers X-Ops series do not fear there is more to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and Casablanca Publisher for the advance copy.

WOW! Just WOW! This one is for the fans of this series. We get answers to a lot of questions and of course we get new ones to worry over. We find out who set the bomb in John’s office. We find out a bit more about Adam. We find out a whole lot more about Thorne. And we get to watch snarky coyote shifter Trevor fall for a former CIA agent Alina. This is high energy fun that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I really loved this series but this book was somehow flat. I enjoyed the conclusion of this part of the series, and felt the action was very fast-paced. It was the main characters that did not work for me. They just never seemed to come together (other than physically of course). And a silly side note - why did the female lead have a dog when she was never home to take care of that dog. Alina's neighbor Kathy was annoying she seemed to just be there to take care of the dog, Why was she even in the book? It was fun seeing the previous characters and having a reunion of sorts.

I will definitely continue to read this series as I enjoyed all of the other books. This book just did not work for me.

Received as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler continues the X-Ops series a few weeks after the previous book, Her True Match.

This is Trevor's story as he has stayed behind at the DCO to hunt for the person behind John's death. He's assigned a new partner, Alina who left the CIA. Neither one trusts the other but there is a powerful attraction between them. They soon are on the hunt and the trust develops slowly between them. There's some snarky banter between them and I enjoyed watching this relationship develop.

A fast paced plot with plenty of action and suspense as many unanswered questions are brought to light. It was great to see many of the previous DCO crew back together at the finale. I was even more intrigued by Adam than ever before. As the ending leaves it open as to where the DCO will be going from here, I'm already looking forward to the next book.

Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler

Love reading this author.
Fast, engaging and thrilling.
7th book in the X-OP series. Kind of stands alone, but will mean more having read the previous books. There is an underlying storyline through the whole series of a political heavyweight with his own agenda.
This book wraps up a few things, brings back many of the previous central characters and hands us a few surprises as well.

A tad slow and predictable for me in the middle, but the last 80+ pages at the end made it a winner.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also will purchase a copy to gift to a friend to read.

Trevor Maxwell
Coyote shifter with an attitude
Covert operator
Trusts no one, especially his devastatingly beautiful new partner

Alina Bosch
Former CIA, newest operative on the covert team
Hired to spy on her partner
Motto: "Never be deceived again."

Coyote shifter Trevor Maxwell is teamed up with CIA agent Alina Bosch to catch a killer. But when the mission becomes much more dangerous than they expected, they're going to have to ignore the attraction between them and learn how to trust one another to come out on the other side...

Alina was working for the CIA when she was recruited to the DCO (Department of Covert Ops). She was hired by the director, Dick Coleman, and partnered with Trevor Maxwell specifically to keep an eye on him and report back to the Dick. She didn’t realize that would be her mission when she took the job and frankly doesn’t feel all that great about it.

Once Alina starts working with Trevor she starts to think that something isn’t right. Dick told her that Trevor was one of the shifters that killed the former director, John, but she’s starting to think he’s got it wrong. She doesn’t necessarily trust Trevor but she thinks he might be more on the up and up than the Dick is.

Trevor doesn’t trust his new partner. He certainly isn’t going to tell her that he thinks that Dick had something to do with John getting killed. He’s trying to investigate without anyone knowing – especially Alina. His instincts are telling him to trust her but he just doesn’t know. The longer they work together the more he realizes that Alina can be trusted. He ends up telling her everything and not only do they work better as partners but they finally act on the sexual tension that’s been brewing between them since day one.

This was a wonderful semi-conclusion to the on-going story arc. We learn so much about all of the bad guys and what they’ve been up to. The shifters that went on the run in the last book show up again and then of course we have the relationship between Alina and Trevor.

The romance in this book really took a back seat to everything else, imho, but that was actually ok. I think if the author had tried to work too much of the romance into the story it would have been imbalanced as there was SO much going on. The story really needed to focus on finding John’s killer and outing the bad guys. That being said, the parts with Alina and Trevor and their romance were made all the sweeter when it was just the two of them. I really liked both characters and thought they were perfect together.

I truly liked the book a lot until I got to the epilogue. I wanted to scream and tear my hair out after reading it as I found it so frustrating. I can’t even give you a hint as to what it was but if you have been reading the series and then read this book you’ll understand what I mean. I really wish the author would have just laid that particular issue to rest but she didn’t. Hopefully the storyline won’t get too monotonous with the same stuff happening.

I really enjoy reading the X-Ops series and recommend it if you like shifter romances.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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