Cover Image: Broken

Broken

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Member Reviews

Dana and Wolfe have an interesting relationship and they both have a mission to complete.  Little did they know that their missions were connected and everyone that was close to them could be in danger.  There's lots of action and suspense. I also love Roscoe and Kat.
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I think this is my favorite book of the series. Broken is such a fitting title for Wolfe and Dana’s story. I absolutely adore Wolfe and his quirks. He is so endearing and funny how can you not like him. I feel like this has a very action movie like quality about it. The suspense it continuously building with an epic final fight scene. I love the subtle plot twists and turns and cannot wait for the next one!
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3.5 Stars rounded UP

Wolfe is among my favorite characters in Zanetti’s “Deep Ops” series along with the leader of the ragtag team and their four-legged members. That being the case, when I first saw it’s his turn to be lead character in BROKEN, I shrieked in excitement. Finally!! He partnered with Dana the journalist - as expected - and the book started at the run (literally for both of them). 

I enjoyed the camaraderies between the Deep Ops team, but Wolfe with his penchant for overly sprinkled sugared lattes always got me hooted! BROKEN peeled the layers that there was more to him than his sweet tooth. The painful past as revealed through flashback was what drove him to hunt the psycho who massacred his men. The case that somehow linked to the one investigated by Dana. The chemistry between the two was off the chart since the start; expressed through banter, bickering, and - of course - smutty moments. 

Case-wise, it was a straightforward flow where reader could predict what await our protagonist in every corner. But done in Wolfe fashion, with a lot of help from the quirky doggo Roscoe and Kat the kiteh, BROKEN amused me no end. Yes, it felt rather comedic at times. But personally I thought this was the most balance humor and suspense the series had so far. Dana grated on me a bit whenever she thought everything was about her and refused to see reason. Her redemption came when she deflecting Wolfe’s ultimate wish - ironic stance, I know - that in the long run save his life. 

The other upside of this entry was the fresh face with potential for story in the future and the escalating tension between the team leader and their shrink. Overall the combo made for very entertaining read; even if I felt - for how they were being portrayed - the notorious villain didn’t live up to my expectation as the deadly invincible bad guy (I was hoping for more messy action and exertion between opposing sides than shown here). This book is easily my favorite over the series so far and I can’t wait for what await the team on the following installment!


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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After reading Taken (Deep Ops #1.5), before I even got a chance to reads books #1 and #2, when I had the chance to request an advance reader copy of Broken (Deep Ops #3), I couldn't wait to read it, and while I wish I'd started reading this series in the order it was written, it didn't hamper my enjoyment of either novel. While I didn't absolutely love Broken, quite as much as I did Taken, which I gave 5 stars, Broken was still a very good, very absorbing, very exciting, and very sexy read, and I'm giving it 4.5 stars.

Wolfe, the hero in this novel is a hard man not to fall in love with. He's a big, he's tough, he's a scarred (if you've read any of my previous reviews you already know I have a thing for wounded warriors), ex-Navy SEAL, and he's still not over losing all but two of his teammates in Afghanistan, and he has the PTSD to prove it. Now, separated from the service, and a member of the Deep Ops team, he wants to find the man responsible for those deaths, a man who was once part of his team but betrayed them all--someone I can only describe as a twisted, greedy, and evil sociopath. As bad guys go, this one is truly creepy and demented, and not someone I'd ever want to meet up with in a dark alley.

Dana, the heroine, is a feisty, independent, freelance journalist, and from the outset is obsessed with finding out who was responsible for the recent brutal death of her friend and fellow investigative journalist, Candy, who was working on an story about a very bad, very corrupt man, and one who was into the BDSM club scene. Dana and Wolfe surprisingly meet up at a very private, very exclusive BDSM club, Captive, posing as possible new members, and their attraction to one another, Wolfe in leather and Dana in not much more than a corset and mini-skirt, is off the charts. When their cover is blown and they have to leave in a hurry, the action, danger, adventure, mystery, steamy sex, and suspense kick into high gear. Kudos to Ms. Zanetti for rounding out these two characters with some backstory. They seem an odd couple from the start, and are often at odds with one another. Wolfe is usually in protective mode with Dana fighting against following his orders, but every time these two are in the same place at the same time the sparks start flying.

Add to the steamy relationship a truly interesting cast of characters in the Deep Ops team, including Roscoe, the alcoholic and sugar-addicted but protective German Shepherd, and I found it utterly impossible to find a single member of the Deep Ops team and their ladies who weren't strong, supportive of each other, intelligent and fascinating. In addition we get to meet Dana's family at her sister's wedding in what can only be described as utterly hilarious--from the hideous bridesmaid dresses, to Roscoe's shenanigans, disruptive and destructive behavior, and it was a really nice break in the action and suspense, as well as a chance to see Wolfe come out of his self-protective shell and see what a real family is all about.

There's plenty of action, mystery, danger and suspense that follows and the book was almost impossible to put down, which is why I've been up all night reading the last quarter of this novel to get to the HEA ending, and why I am finishing writing this review at 6:00 a.m. If you've not read any of the novels in this series, I recommend starting at the beginning and reading these books in the order they were written, although I didn't have a problem starting in the middle of the series. Frankly, I can't wait to read book #4.

As previously stated, I read an advance reader copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
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We’ve known Wolfe for quite a while now and Dana for just as long. It seems like they’re tired of being just friends. They each have a case they’re working on and somehow they connect. I think this is one of the more spicier books in the series. Not only is the romance hot and heavy, the bullets, drugs and bombs are intense too. Roscoe, the dog, is quite hilarious, the wedding scene will stay in my mind forever. This book can be read as a standalone but the whole series itself is full of familiar characters and a solid military type team. I received an early copy from Netgalley and offered my review voluntarily.
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The author once again does an amazing job at drawing us into the Deep Ops world!! This is Wolfe and Dana’s story. This is the third book book of the series, I’ve loved Wolfe from the start he’s like the loveable teddy bear but yet you don’t want on his bad side. The story begins with them both being on a mission but they didn’t realize each other was working on. However they have worked together plenty of times as Wolfe helps Dana on her investigative stories and she supplies him with information on cases of his. They are just friends nothing more because Wolfe doesn’t want or need any distractions and he has his kitten KAT for companionship. However things don’t always work as planned. Overall amazing story can’t wait for the next one! Love this author!
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Good read.  Plenty of action going on as they dodge assassins and a psychopath.

Wolfe is on the hunt for the man who betrayed his team and caused their deaths.  He Dow’s what he can to keep from getting close to the other Deep Ops members because he wants to keep them protected.  Too bad he doesn’t realize that he is already in too deep with them.

He and Dana have been dancing around each other since they first met.  He is forced to work with her when their two investigations cross paths.   He is unable to keep her at a distance any longer.

He is pretty straight forward.  Some of it seems to be caused from his head injury but not sure how much is his natural personality.  Dana is pretty independent and she isn’t going to be kept back and safe when she is pursuing a story.

The wedding and Roscoe have to be some of the best scenes in the book.
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Going yet again into one of these author's books whom also has the ability to captivate me with the words. Drooling also happens alot with when reading Clarence at times yes indeed. He has his plans but then runs into Dana which then has this ramped up to another level. danger and drama along with the chemistry have you panting and paying attention to what is going on especially since they are going in deep. Hang on tight until the outcome comes through then maybe you can relax but most likely will be a book coma.
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I have said in the past that Rebecca Zanetti is a master at writing wounded, back-to-the-wall heroes that you fall for totally. She has done so again with Broken a book part of the Dark Ops Series. Former Navy SEAL Clarence Wolf has an extreme case of survivor’s guilt that drives him to go it alone after the villain. Reporter Dana Mulberry also has mission to find a villain who was the cause of a friend’s death. These two friends’ goals collide at the beginning of the story but it is unclear how they are connected. Hence this hard hitting, thrilling plot progresses never slowing down as they try to discover why.

 Well structured plot allows us into the mind of Wolfe and Dana, revealing to the reader what they are unable to tell the other. The chemistry is undeniable even as Wolfe tries to keep his distance. Twists in the story bares the connections as well as the risks to Dana and Wolfe. The eccentric Deep Ops team members are there for the ride too. Riveting and intriguing. 

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Loved reading the exciting and intriguing romance story.  Dana wants to find out who murdered her journalist friend.  Wolfe wants to find the person responsible for his who team in Afghanistan being murdered.  As Dana and Wolfe work together to solve a crime, Wolfe lets Dana know up front that they cannot be anything more than friends.  Dana can't help falling for her irresistible, handsome Wolfe.  Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, full of action and suspense, and a must read love story.
I reviewed a copy of the story through NetGalley.
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I have been curious about Wolfe from the moment he showed up in the other books in the series. He is definitely broken and doesn't feel as if he can be whole again. He is on a personal mission and won't let anyone help because he believes it is a suicide mission. Dana has feelings for Wolfe but is trying to solve her own mystery. When these two get together it is hot and and sweet. One of my favorite things about this book series is the humor interjected in the story by the crazy drinking dog Roscoe. I really loved this addition to the series.
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**4.5 Stars**

I’ve been DYING for Wolfe’s book since the very start of this series, and of course, Rebecca Zanetti delivered for me! I mean, opening the book with Wolfe in leather pants?? Yes, please. Wolfe is the quirky, violent, tortured hero who has kept us laughing through each book in the Deep Ops series. He has a soft spot for extra sugary coffee drinks and keeps a kitten in his pocket. What’s not to love?? Dana, the heroine and investigative reporter, is a little more normal in comparison. But I thought her more even keel attitude and stubborn determination to solve her friend’s murder was a great foil for Wolfe.

Wolfe and Dana have been circling each other for a long time, and when they’re finally forced together through violent outside forces and Dana’s changing role with the team, the sparks between them explode into fire. The relationship between Dana and Wolfe was unexpectedly sweet and emotional at times, and sexy and intense at others. While they already had a connection before this book, it was fun to watch it deepen and develop despite their best efforts to keep each other in the friend zone.

RZ always does a great job of throwing in unexpected plot twists, and this book was no different. There were many times I actually gasped out loud. The action was crazy, and the climax of the story was INTENSE—all caps. We were introduced to two new characters who now, obviously, need their own book, and the overarching mystery continued at a nice pace.

The only part that hung me up a little bit was that everything was a little too coincidental between Dana and Wolfe’s cases. They had separate cases that tied together “unexpectedly,” and I just think that part could have happened with a little more finesse.

Overall, Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite authors for a reason! She brings the heat, the action, and the character depth every time. I can’t wait to see where the next installment takes us. As a side note, that GUARDIAN’S GRACE teaser at the end almost killed me! I need that book!

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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Oh man!  I have loved Wolfe from the get go and have been dying for his story!  Rebecca did NOT disappoint either!  From the beginning to the end, the story held me captive with all of it's craziness, action, sexiness, and friendships!  I loved the build up to Dana and Wolfe's relationship. Their backstories were good, detailed and made me feel like I really got to know them.

Dana is smart, determined, and a good match for Wolfe.  I like that she refused to be set aside while the man went to save the day.  Granted, she also knew when she needed to be safe and heed his advice.

Wolfe has been a fave of mine from the moment we first met him.  I liked his quirks, crazy love of sweet coffee, his compassion for animals, and his protectiveness.  And how we see him in the beginning of this story? HAWT!  

All in all, this was a great read.  Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this copy.  This is my honest review.
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Sexy, sweet romance and some fun suspense going on. Love Wolfe’s quirkiness; he’s a strong guy with a soft side and a bit of a sweet tooth. He’s adorable, and I love his protectiveness. Also, he’s such a sweetie with the kitten, Kat; too cute! Really most of the characters in this book are quirky characters; even the pets. I liked Dana’s sassiness and that she’s a strong woman, but she does annoy me at times. She kept arguing about Wolfe trying to keep her safe because she doesn’t want to get bossed around and she’s an independent woman that can take care of herself; which is great, but how about being an intelligent one too. There’s some very dangerous situations going on in this story, so it would’ve been better for her not to argue all the time. There’s murderous people on the loose! It’s not a time to exert your independence. Some murderous ex-friend of Wolfe’s from his past with the military is doing some very bad things; plus, this ex-friend murdered all of Wolfe’s military team, so Wolfe is out to take him out. So yeah, lots of fun going on! Entertaining read! Excited to read more in this series!
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Wowzers!! What an excellent addition to the Deep Ops series. With all the danger, intrigue, and heat it definitely held my attention throughout the whole book. And Dana and Wolfe were just so excellent together. Their chemistry fairly  lept off the pages. I loved them so hard.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and the entire series.

Thank you to the publisher, Kensington/Zebra, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
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Action and sexual chemistry explode from the pages in this newest entry in the Deep Ops series. From the quirky characters, the constant action, a growly former navy seal who's control is sorely tested by a beautiful blonde five foot nothing sassy reporter, readers are in for a wonderful thrill ride. 
Wolfe former navy seal is in a contest to the death with a former team mate who destroyed the rest of his team. He see's himself as a completely expendable member of the Deep Ops team and his assignment short term but imagine his surprise when the team turns out to have his back and in fact might be the family he's always wanted. He has a history with Dana Mulberry ace reporter from his last assignment but imagine his surprise when he finds her undercover as a submissive in a BDSM club where he himself is undercover.  Dana is on a mission to avenge her friend and fellow reporter and her case just intersected with Wolfe when their mutual contact winds up dead before their eyes.
A crazy alcoholic dog with a shoe fetish and sugar craving, a cousin who's using her wedding to get revenge and a fun wedding lotto adds a nice thread of laughter to the drama and grim reality of the unfolding drama.  Who would've thought that Wolfe could be conventional when he veers from getting married right now in the middle of the night to needing to ask Dana's father for his daughter's hand in marriage. 
For some reason it took me a while to warm up to the story but once I finally got myself going I didn't stop to take a breath. With the addition of a couple of interesting new characters we're cued up for the next case and I for one can't wait to see how that one will turn out.
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So, I didn't realize when I got this book that it was #3 in the series. I realized this was not the first in the series based on some conversations the characters were having, however, I never felt lost. I just knew I didn't know all the details. Wolfe and Dana are a complementary pair. I liked their chemistry and the banter between them. Wolfe was quite the alpha male and he had always been a loan wolf himself. He didn't want his personal life to bleed into his professional life. But he couldn't deny the pull he had with Dana. Wolfe was also a protector. And Dana had gotten herself into quite a pickle! I enjoyed the mystery and danger of the things happening around them. These friends had to trust each other to get out of the mess they were in. I enjoyed the friends and family around them as well. I especially enjoyed Roscoe! This book had me on the edge of my seat and I really enjoyed the way this couple's friendship evolved. Looking forward to go back and starting the series at the beginning.
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Engaging!

Dana and Wolfe are well written characters full of depth and heart. Their journey is gripping, action packed and beautiful. 

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
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Another great installment in this series by Rebecca Zanetti.  Loved finally getting to read Wolfe’s story and it did not disappoint!
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4 - "I’m not gonna let anybody hurt you… that’s all I have to give." Stars!

We return to the Deep Ops series, with book three Broken, finally giving us Clarence Wolfe & Dana Mulberry’s story.

I have loved Wolfe through the previous books, his quirky personality, his fondness for animals and his predilection for sweet coffee, with cream and sprinkles, all wrapped up in the usual Zannetti Alpha packaging. Dana being an investigative reporter has an equally strong personality and their clashes in the previous books have made for entertaining reading. This story for me has been the one I have been waiting for and the author did not disappoint.

"You’re not in charge here…"

"…The cuffs say otherwise."

There are many things going on in the book in general which is to be expected with all the characters that we have met in the previous offerings, we also get a few new ones in this instalment too which gives me hope for more books in the series over the next few years. But Wolfe’s motives for being on Angus’s team are finally bought to the fore, we are also given more insight into his motivations and why he is the way he is. I will say though that Wolfe’s character as the main focus didn’t feel like the Wolfe I had gotten to know as a secondary entity in the previous books, there were glimpses of him in Broken but the humour I associate with him was a little lacking.

"I’d rather have blue balls than you dead, sweetheart…"

That said it was still no struggle to read, and the author gives great POV with with other team operatives weighing in at pivotal points. Roscoe, is Roscoe, and I loved every minute of the time he spent on the page… well almost, but enough about that, read the book you’ll know what I mean.

Driven is up next, with another pair: Angus & Nari finally going front and centre. This duo have bubbling along for a while and with a serial killer added into the mix I am expecting the usual action packed, thrill a minute, sexy ride she always delivers. I just wish I didn’t have to wait until January 21 for it!
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