Cover Image: Broken

Broken

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Member Reviews

Wolfe is a super tough former Navy SEAL - who sometimes has a kitten in his pocket. Dana is a reporter who will follow any lead to get her story. When they run into each other while they are both undercover - suddenly they are being forced to work together.

I really enjoyed this story a lot - a fast moving romantic suspense that is heavy on both the romance and the suspense. Exactly what I came for!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy.

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I did not realise that this book is in a series I will definitely be reading more from this author I loved it

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Wolfe is a former Navy SEAL and he want to avenge for his fallen brothers and in search of the traitor. Dana is a reported who is trying to find out what happened to her friend another journalist who has gone missing. When both their search takes a same lead we have a thrilling suspense in our hands. It has adventure, passion, humour and the Deep Ops team members provide great support. Wolfe wants to keep Dana safe and Dana wants Wolfe to open up his heart.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

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Dana is a journalist who apparently will do anything to get the story. Wolfe is former military with the PTSD that affects every soldier in a romance.

The book has lots of action, good suspense, some wild times that may not be for everyone (it wasn’t quite my thing), and two characters you’ll love.

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So I fell in love with Wolfe when I crossed paths with him in the anthology PIVOT (Read My Review) – and my excitement knew no bounds when the eARC of Broken was approved and waiting for me on my kindle!

Wolfe, is one of the most unique characters/protagonists I have ever had the pleasure of reading about – he is one of the quirkiest yet stand up guy as well one of the most contrary human – I mean which hero you have read would carry around a kitten (Kat) in his pocket, yet scare off the bad guys with one withering look and at the same time bring his team mates sugar packed and sprinkled lattes as a way of telling them they his to protect and save.

Now, Wolfe charmed me even more than the alcoholic & heel wearing German Shepard, Roscoe, the team mascot – and being an animal person, more than a human person THAT should tell you something – and it doesn’t take long for the reader to understand that Wolfe had his own agenda to join this misfit and outcast deep ops team.

But when Wolfe adopts you to be his, he goes all out to do everything in his power to protect those whom he cares about! But what he forgets, is the simple fact that when you become part of this team of misfits and outcasts, you don’t just adopt them, they adopt you right back!

Dana is a freelance journalist, whose paths (like the readers) cross with Wolfe and his outcast team during on of their cases – she is intelligent, energetic and really stubborn and irresponsible about her own safety (according to Wolfe) when she gets stuck in a case. But what I really really ADORED about her is the fact she was all in with this broken yet one of the most gentle giants; who however had put her in the friend zone!
Rebecca Zanetti has written an explosive book – one that is not only intriguing, fast paced and with twists and turns that the reader WOULD NOT see coming – and an climax whose threads when they come together will give you the AHA moment a reader of thriller mystery would love!!

Especially considering that with an eclectic members of a Deep Ops team is considered to be outcasts – this team has made a family amongst themselves that I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this family; even if it was as a third party observer!

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THE DELIGHT
Wolfe the whip cream and sprinkles latte drinker with a kitten in his pocket. Who doesn’t want to know more about this tough guy with a sweet inner side he only shows to select people? Throw in the mystery surrounding him and it was a delightful ride the entire book!

REVIEW
Clarence Wolfe is going to go down. Taken out by a small in stature female, who is full of fire. This former Navy Seal is about to have his heart taken and no resistance is going to save him. But he has one big issue that he has to resolve from his past and ah oh, so big guy hot on his tail. He doesn’t have time to make friends, lovers, or more enemies. So keeping everyone at arm's length is what he does, bringing them lattes so sweet their asses pucker up. He didn’t grow up sharing and he doesn’t plan to start now and introduce people he is starting to care for into his dangerous world.

Reporter Dana Mulberry is out for a story, but one that has personal ties when her best friend disappears while investigating her own story. She is determined, scrappy and knows her own mind. When her path crosses once again with Wolfe, she knows there is something he isn’t sharing. It also becomes obviously apparent that while they each have separate mysteries to solve, those mysteries are intersecting into a big showdown. And Dana isn’t going to sit on the sidelines and be the good girl while Wolfe takes on all the danger.

Broken brings back all the quirky characters we all love: Mal and Pippa, Brigid and Raider, Angus, Nari, Agent Frost, and a duet of animals that steal the show almost as much. The author though added to the mix giving us new characters that we can see romance and rivalry blossoming. The element of danger and mystery kept me on the edge not knowing just when everything would come together.

The romance was at times sweet and others kind of scary. I don’t want to spoil that as it is a shocker when somethings happen. Wolfe is really a gentle soul that never got the affection he desperately desires, but won’t admit to needing. Dana comes from a loving family with three sisters. Even a family wedding gets thrown in to keep you invested in the story that shows the true nature of these characters.

Broken is suspenseful, lusty, shocking, and joyful. It brought out a lot of emotions that had me cheering for these two to get together. I didn’t want the story to end!

Thank you to Zebra Publishing for allowing me to read and review this story.

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I’ve loved every one of the books in this series, but I’ve been dying for Wolfe’s story and I was not disappointed!

Wolfe is an interesting character, he’s added a lot of humor to the previous books with his quirky ways and his mysterious past. Although he’s the muscle behind the team, the way he thinks has often led me to think of him as almost innocent. He’s got such a pure heart when it comes to those he loves. And he’s fiercely protective of them as well, especially Dana.

I wasn’t sure if I’d like Dana or not but I should have known better. Ms. Zanetti did an incredible job of creating a heroine that could stand up to an alpha hero who wanted to control her, all while giving her the type of personality that made me want to be her friend.

This book sizzles with adventure, danger, humor and passion. Broken starts off fast and never slows down. With all the other wild Deep Ops characters to help this couple along the way, this made for a great escape from all the things that were currently weighing me down.

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I received an advanced reader copy to leave an honest review of this book. I am a big fan of a lot of Zanetti's works and this one was another excellent read. It had the romance you come to expect of Zanetti but also very fast past and action packed. You will get hooked on the entire series.

This is the 3rd book in the series and follows "Wolfe" and Dana's story. You meet both characters in the prior two books but you don't have to read the prior two to follow this one although it is helpful. Dana is a former Seal with a lot of issues (PTSD, brain injury, etc.) and Dana is a freelance journalist. Basic synopsis is that Wolfe likes Dana but he cannot get involved with her while is past is still unfinished. Unfortunately when Dana's current story intertwines with danger from his past, all bet are off.

Overall a well written book and I would recommend this one. You will the love the dynamic of the Deep Ops team and fall in love. Cannot wait for the next one in the series!

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This book is for you if you enjoy great banter between the hero and heroine. Sexy times and misadventures at a sex club. I enjoyed this installment in this series. I've been wanting Wolfe's book for a while and it didn't disappoint. Great addition to a wonderful series.

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Rebecca Zanetti delivers another suspenseful romantic thriller with this latest release in the Deep Ops series. Rebecca Zanetti is on my auto buy list as she always delivers.

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This book was amazing. Full of twists, turns, action and steamy romance. You will go hunting for the other books in the series even though it can be read as a standalone. I cannot wait for the next installment to find out how Wolfe and Dana turn out. This is a one sitting read. You will not want to put it down.

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Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.....

Wow this read "Broke" me down to a quivering addicted mess !! How Rebecca thought up this bad boy was just genius!!
We follow Wolfe and Dana....captivating, thrills, passion, amusing and just all round fabulous read. I (todate) have enjoyed all the books that I have read from Rebecca. Her imagination is beautifully presented within her stories. This book was no exception.
You can read this book as a standalone but as characters from book 1 & 2 make cameo's I would recommend you enjoy the others as well !

"Deep"ly fantastic read Rebecca !!. Many thanks for this opportunity.

Later peeps xx

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Wolfe was as incredible as I expected him to be!
I've been looking forward to this man's story since I met him (and Kat, his kitten) in Hidden.
He was uber focused and withdrawn, but had a unique charm that was impossible to resist.
How can you not be wooed by a man who can handle any deadly situation, strategically outline a plan of action against the evil of the world, but can't live without his super sweet lattes with whipped cream and sprinkles?
And he shares his love of sweets with all of his friends.
And he would be willing to give his life to protect those he cares about.
His willingness to protect went so far that when he himself was in the most danger, he tried to do it alone. No one should have to be hurt for him.
His team had no intention of letting him handle his personal mission on his own. They were a family and he was a big part of that. And all of them are so amazing!

Wolfe lost his entire unit due to a devastating betrayal. His thirst for revenge left him with absolutely no desire to get close to someone. If no one got in, then no one got hurt. Not on his watch. And then Dana happened. Her best friend was murdered and she was hunting for the killer. As a reporter, she accepted danger as a benefit of the job and she was willing to risk it all to give her friend some justice. When her case and Wolfe's case become tangled, he finds it impossible to keep her at arms length, no matter how hard he tries. And he definitely tries. But she wasn't going to let his cold shoulder and keep-away attitude deter her. And it was fun to watch!

The suspense in this story was eerie and creepy and I had no clue how it would all turn out. I love that the author kept me guessing and on edge. It ramped up my enjoyment level to the nth degree. Then again, that's exactly what I expect from a Rebecca Zanetti novel. Well-paced with an intense plot and even more intense characters, Broken was quite entertaining and more than deserves its must-read status.

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as there are underlying plots, issues, and character details which you would enjoy all the more. The Deep Ops team is made up of a very particular (some may say peculiar) group of individuals and a crazy, alcoholic dog with a heels fetish, and a kitten! But a more loyal, intensely focussed on righting wrongs group of people you could not meet. And when they fall in love, it is just as fabulous, and often unexpected – these guys live on the edge and Wolfe, in particular, never really thought about long term.

Whilst Dana may be a journalist, she has worked with Clarence Wolfe in an investigative role before – but she had never seen him in leather pants before. Such a great first scene in this book! As their cases may interlink, and with Dana is clearly in danger, Deep Ops engages her to help out and to keep her safe. Now all her fantasies of spending time with Wolfe come true, but not quite how she hoped.

As the two of them get to know each other better, we start to understand why Wolfe holds himself apart. I love how we find this out, through his non-conversations with Nari; his private wall on Rock being found by Dana; and their cases actually being one and the same. Suddenly, Wolfe has to work out why maybe he wants a future after all – I loved this realisation for him and really, for the whole team.

Very exciting, sexy, and full of fabulous humour as well as heart-wrenching moments – this series is so very, very readable. DO be warned that once you start, it is very difficult to stop reading. You know how sometimes a book seems to end before it began, because the words just flow so easily, that you don't notice the pages turning? That!

Thank you, Rebecca Zanetti, for a totally fabulous installment!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Military Romance, Mystery

Dana is on a mission. Nobody can tell her that her good friend’s death isn’t a case of murder and Dana is hellbent on proving it. She will stop at nothing to figure out what happened to her friend and when she finds herself in a tight spot, she’ll have to rely on Wolfe to keep her safe.

Wolfe is out for blood. He was betrayed and now knows that only he can bring his team justice. He keeps people at arm’s length so that if he comes across those who betrayed him, he won’t be leaving anyone behind.

When Wolfe and Dana realize that their cases are twisted together, it will take them both to figure out the mystery. It’s a fast-paced, well-developed novel that is entertaining, sexy, and keeps you guessing.

I really enjoyed this story and have enjoyed the series as a whole. I can’t wait to read more Zanetti books.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
The third book in the Deep Ops series belongs to former special ops soldier Wolfe and journalist Dana. The book is at its best when it focuses on the characters and relationships and I feel like the Deep Ops team is becoming more engaging with each story.

I have to admit that my reaction to this book is mixed. I loved the second half, but it took me ages to get into the story. The story isn’t quite as coherent as the first two and I feel like the plot wanders a little. Some of the plot side trips are more successful than others. The sex club visits at the beginning confused me, but I quite enjoyed the family wedding. I feel like the romance element of this romantic suspense works better than the suspense elements of the story.

As always, Rebecca Zanetti’s writing is solid, and the characters are both entertaining and very loveable. I’m really enjoying the women in this series and I love that the happily ever afters aren’t entirely conventional.

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I'm new to Rebecca Zanetti's books. I know, where have I been??? After being introduced to Wolfe and Roscoe in Zanetti's novella in the PIVOT anthology, I was beyond excited for his story and, wow, did it ever deliver. Filled with set-the-sheets-on-fire passion, breath-stealing danger, edge-of-your-seat suspense, surprising sweetness, a truly evil villain, and hilarious humor (take it from me, you don't want to be drinking anything while reading the wedding weekend scenes), this book had everything I could have wanted...and then some.

I adored Wolfe. He's such a fascinating mix of contradictions, an alpha male with deadly skills and a take-charge attitude but with an underlying sweetness and vulnerability, a health nut who savors his morning latte with whipped cream and sprinkles. He truly has been a lone wolf, it's hard for him to ask for help, and he doesn't let people get close to him. Yet, on the other hand, he carries a tiny kitten in his pocket. He does care for people in his own way but it's not until he finally connects with Dana that he begins to open his heart.

Dana is the perfect match for Wolfe. She challenges him at every turn while also opening his eyes and heart to all that life has to offer. She's the type of person I'd enjoy having as a friend. I liked her determination, her strength of character, and her dedication to bringing the person responsible for her friend's murder to justice. I loved her family and the fun-loving, mischievous side of Dana that they reveal. In fact, I'd love to see more of her family.

I jumped into the series with Broken and I think readers could do that without feeling any confusion. However, after reading this book and meeting characters from earlier in the series, I immediately downloaded books one and two and will be reading them as well. I have a feeling they will give me an ever greater appreciation for all the members of the Deep Ops team. Also, reading the entire series gives me even more time with the craziest, funniest dog I think I've ever met in my fictional journeys. Roscoe is definitely one of a kind and I am here for each and every moment of his time on the page. Jack Daniels and red high heels. That's all I'm saying.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

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❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5⁣
What can’t RZ write? She does amazing paranormal, post apocalyptic and suspense romance and this book did not disappoint. I love this ragtag bunch of men and women, especially a burly hero named Wolf who carries a kitten in his pocket and drinks coffee with whipped cream (and sprinkles) on top.⁣

Our heroine is a reporter who looks into the story her friend was working on and stumbles into a case that has a hit being put out on her. Our hero is ex-special forces and part of a team working for the government and they both unknowingly wind up on the same case.... at a BDSM party 😂.⁣

I love that the alpha hero had quirks.... I melted for him so hard (probably as fast as the heroine did when he brought whipped cream into the bedroom 😏). Our heroine gives as good as she gets and calls him out on his alpha behaviour all the time and it’s perfect! Their connection is amazing but because they had met in a previous book it almost feels like I was missing out on something (even though I read it but it was ages ago). The ending has you wanting the next book BAD so read at your own peril!

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This review is not going to be long. I am not a huge fan of a review rehashing the entire plot and spoiling it for everyone.

This is the first book by Rebecca Zanetti that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a riveting story. She puts action, suspense, and love into her books. I am going to purchase the rest of her books. The story was engaging and the charters awesome.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Broken, book 3 in Rebecca Zanetti’s Deep Ops series focuses on reporter Dana Mulberry and former Navy Seal and current Deep Ops operative Clarence Wolfe, who have been dancing around the attraction that simmers between them. Dana is more than ready to act on the attraction, but Wolfe has definitively put her in the friendzone and seems determined to keep her there whether either of them likes it. Searching for a missing fellow reporter and friend believed to be dead, she chases a lead that takes her straight to a sex club and once more into the possessive protection of Wolfe who is also there pursuing an investigation. Wolfe was severely injured and devastated – both physically and emotionally – by a land mine that took out every member of his team. But that explosion may have been intentional sabotage by someone on the inside and Wolfe is determined to find him and avenge his team’s death, even if it costs him his life. Aside from being Deep Ops “muscle,” it is the only thing he cares about.

Zanetti’s exhilarating mix of action, angst, steamy and emotional romance, danger, intrigue, animated description, and fully developed and relatable characters is present from start to finish, making this another cover to cover read that you just cannot put down. Though this one does not feel quite as action packed as the previous book, and instead more emotional and relationship focused, it is just as intense. Thematically, this works perfectly to tell Dana and Wolfe’s story. No need to worry, Zanetti still does not skimp on the action.

Wolfe and Dana pretend to be partners/lovers as they go undercover in the scene to follow both their investigations. However, things at the sex club take a dangerous turn, and Wolfe takes it upon himself to put Dana in protective custody – his – especially when it begins to look like someone is trying to kill her specifically. As much as they try to keep things professional, being in close quarters slowly leads to them becoming friends, then lovers, as Dana learns more about Wolfe and begins to see beyond the façade he presents to the world. At the same time, Wolfe starts to believe that maybe there might be something more for him in this life than casual, “no strings sex” and revenge. Neither can resist the fiery chemistry between them though Wolfe tries to push Dana away at every turn until she takes a chance and pushes him on a night when he is vulnerable and in need of comfort.

The thing I love most about Zanetti’s books is how she finds just the right balance between the action, suspense, and romance. While the relationship between Dana and Wolfe takes center stage here with descriptive and well developed, sexually charged, emotional, physical and non-physical intimate interactions, the action sequences and suspense also are thrilling and the pacing will keep readers glued to the pages. Broken is another entertaining page-turner that readers will not want to miss.

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This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I was so excited when I saw that Clarence "Wolfe" was getting his story - finally!! Every book that he was in, I just kept waiting for him to be in the spotlight and we get his story so yeah!! And can't forget Kat.

This was so good and I understand Wolfe's reluctance to involve anyone else in his nemesis's sick game but he has a great team that he can draw from and I kept wanting to shake him and say "Use your team!!"

Seeing Wolfe and Dana together was great and the action was non-stop. Such a good read and just keep me wanting more especially as we get little hints to the next romance!!

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I believe that most readers who have followed the ‘Deep Ops‘ series have been waiting for Wolfe’s story – I freely admit that he’s been on my radar since I first met him and his story went beyond what I was hoping for. ‘Broken‘ gives Wolfe the chance to shine on his own while dealing with his own need to avenge his military unit who were killed in the line of duty… when in reality their deaths were murder. It’s taken time but Wolfe finally has tracked down this vile villain – only to discover that he isn’t the only one out to see this filth pay for his actions. Dana has her own agenda which follows closely to Wolfe’s plans. She is following the trail of a fellow journalist’s murder – and the last person she expected to find was Wolfe. Now it’s in both of their interests to work together, and not blow either’s cover… right up until everything changed, and the rules don’t matter anymore.

I enjoyed every moment back in the ‘Deep Ops‘ world. Always fast-paced action, intriguing clues, the sizzling chemistry between Wolfe and Dana, and a plot that flows smoothly while always keeping me on my toes waiting for what happens next. And let’s not forget the absolutely most important character in this entire series… Roscoe. There are times when I think I follow this series just to run into this wild and crazy pup’s antics for he certainly steals every single scene he’s in. I adored Wolfe and Dana together. He’s a protector who rarely lets others see his softer side. He’s got issues, well-earned issues yet Dana’s strength and equally intense need to put things right is the perfect life partner for this man. I liked them individually and most definitely together. I had a blast with ‘Broken‘, and if you love a good, intense Romantic Suspense story then you’d love not only this story but the entire series if you haven’t yet started it. There’s more to come and I’m already anxious to get back to this world to discover what comes next for this team.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Kensington Books 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.*

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