Finally Angus and Nari get deep into their sexual tension. Of course we have to deal with Angus's nemesis jerking their chains but we're at the finish line for this rag-tag team of crime fighters.

I must say, Roscoe the pup really stole the show! He is just one of the many reasons I enjoyed Driven. Angus Fierce is a former FBI profiler who is pulled out of hiding to hunt a pathological killer. He is joined by his team of highly skilled 'misfits' who are in a race against time to stop him from hurting a member of their team.

The characters of Angus and Nari are well developed, likable characters, each with their own unique quirks and flaws. They become very close during their hunt, complementing each other during this fast paced hunt. Throughout the myriad of twists and turns, you never know what is going to happen next or who is going to be targeted. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book.

I recommend this to anyone who likes high paced, unexpected thrillers. Great novel. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Whenever I pick up a book by Rebeca Zanetti, I know I am guaranteed a thrilling, steamy, emotional, action packed read that will inevitably still take me by surprise in unexpected ways. Driven, the fourth book in her Deep Ops series, is no different. It is a crazy intense read filled with non-stop action, suspense, steamy and emotional romance, humor, unbelievable twists and turns, and all the characters you love and “love to hate” from the series. What an amazing read! I think this with each book in the series, and yet I was definitely not expecting to feel this way about Angus’ book. Even though it may be the darkest yet, it just might be my favorite of the series.

In this fourth outing we get up close and personal with Deep Ops’ understandably moody, tortured team leader Angus Force and their empathetic, mysterious psychologist Nari Zhang neither of whom we know nearly enough about. Angus’ search for the serial killer he had once pursued and shot to death, has been given new life with an anonymous tip that “the Surgeon” is somehow still alive. Watching and waiting for Lassiter to strike again, Angus is determined to find, stop, and make Lassiter pay for murdering his sister and all his innocent victims once and for all. Trouble is, everyone else is convinced he is dead. When a woman is found murdered and brutally mutilated, Angus is convinced it’s Lassiter’s doing even though the MO is not exactly the same. This murder is only the beginning of a string of brutal murders that creep threateningly closer and closer to the Deep Ops team, leading to a dangerous obsession with Nari and a deadly battle for survival for Angus, Nari, and the Deep Ops team as they work to solve the murders together.

The characters, their motivations, and their interactions with each other are creatively and skillfully developed. Even the love scenes, which are both sexy and emotionally intense, further the development of the characters and their story. Angus and Nari have a combative relationship with scorching chemistry they are determined to resist. So far in the series, they have been able to avoid each other and their attraction quite well. But with the events in Driven it’s impossible for them to continue hiding from their attraction and avoid each other anymore, though they do try their best. When that fails, they try to pretend it’s not serious. I loved the interactions between them. They cover the full spectrum of emotions, sometimes all in the same scene. Angus may be alpha and the leader of his team, but he learns he cannot control Nari. She can match him any day. Nari kind of steals the show in Driven. There is so much more to her than the mild mannered, intelligent, empathetic psychologist. She can hold her own and is quite the bad ass in her own right. While she is technically the team’s therapist and not Angus’ she can’t help but want to help him. Especially as he is in a bad place, submerged in guilt, drowning himself in alcohol. But he refuses to be helped, especially be a psychologist, particularly Nari. It’s all part of the push-pull of their relationship.

As always, the action sequences, are plentiful, exciting, and deftly conceived. They along with the exposition benefit from Zanetti’s vivid description which effortlessly brings the characters and the story to life, drawing you into the story and the character’s lives and world so quickly you’re invested in these characters and the novel before you know it. Excellent character development, lush description, on point pacing, well-plotted and wonderfully executed action scenes, and emotional and steamy romance kept me engrossed in this gripping novel. I kind of want to start all over again from the beginning of the series with the first book, which I have not read yet, just so I can read this one again. Readers who love romantic suspense that is steamy, action packed, and a little darker will love this one.

Driven is the fourth book in the Deep Ops series which follows a rag tag grip of agents working for a secret branch within Homeland Security. This is finally Angus Forces story. If you've read the other books you know he's a disenchanted former FBI profiler who's convinced that a serial killer that he caught six years ago is still alive. Of course now as bodies start showing up it may appear that he is right. However the authorities are seeing this a different way thinking that he's creating the murders in a similar way to make it appear as if his Nemesis is still alive. To make matters more interesting the victims all have a remarkable resemblance to his team. And we finally get to see Angus lose his control when dealing with Nari. She is his weakness and he's done fighting the pull.

It was a very good conclusion of the deep ops series. I have read all the other books of the series and it end have it's twist but the romance paring was not one of them,; which was was good. Both characters had great chemistry with each other. Overall, I enjoyed it.

The best one if the series. I loved Roscoe from the very first book him and Angus are great together. Nari was the strong female role i love in romances. Her and angus danced around each other in the previous stories so it was time for their HEA. This was filled with lots of twist i didn't see coming. I wish the series would continue but this was probably the last of the series. Another Hit from Rebecca Zanetti!

I loved loved loved this book! I was so excited to finally get to read Angus and Nari’s story and it did not disappoint. This has been a great series and I really hated to see it come to a end. Great, great, great book.

Nice addition to the series. Angus and Nari's story is engaging and action packed from the start. And Roscoe........you can't help but love Roscoe! This team has provided amazing stories from book 1 and this book is no exception. Thoroughly enjoy this series.

At first I struggled reading this book , however I kept reading and it started to pull me in. The suspense was great. I did not read the other books in the series and did not feel like I missed anything. I thought Nari and Austin were great together.

I am glad I kept reading because in the end it was a good book.



** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

Frankly, I’ve been waiting for Angus’ story to be told from the very first book. He is so tormented by what’s happened in the past, his pain is obviously felt through the pages in book after book. And now, finally, we have Driven. Angus’ story, along with Nari who we’ve also seen as a secondary character throughout the Deep Ops series. She’s always felt a little standoffish to me, not part of this crew yet a necessary part as well. I know, that might not make sense but often the feelings we have about characters rarely make sense to anyone else.

Putting Nari with Angus was pure genius. Two characters that I never would have believed ‘fit’ proved me wrong, big time. And don’t forget Roscoe, well, he’d never let us forget about this very unique canine friend who is so important to Angus and these stories – Roscoe (who just might be my favorite of all).

The serial killer that Angus believed he’d killed appears to be on a killing spree once again, and this time Angus won’t make any assumptions. A killer is targeting women who resemble the women on the team, and when it seems this killer is targeting Nari – well, Angus and his team, as well as Nari will do everything to take a killer down, for good.

Driven is fast-paced, intense, steamy, and just about every single thing I could ask for in a thrilling romantic suspense story. The twists will give you pause, the suspense will keep you glued to the pages needing to know more, and the sizzling chemistry between Nari and Angus adds the perfect touch. Angus needs to heal, he needs to be necessary to someone, he needs… Nari. For me, they were perfect together, and if, as I’m hoping, this series continues I hope we get more side appearances from this amazing couple.

I’m not going to give out details, you need to read Driven for yourself to experience it all firsthand for yourself. I will say I was quickly flipping pages, needing to know what happens next, and always completely entertained in this world. I love these characters and hope we have more adventures for some who have not yet found that ‘perfect one’ for themselves. This story and series are why this author is at the top of my list for romantic suspense/paranormal romantic suspense stories.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, 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.*

Another great read! I absolutely love this crew! We finally get Angus and Nari's story. Nari is the crews' psych doc and Angus a former FBI profiler, in charge of Deep Ops. The heat coming from these two, from previous books were just burning up the pages. Lol. Angus has stated all along that he knows that his old case never really died. A man filled with a torturous and guilt ridden heart that just would not give up, and thank God, he did not. This was filled with suspense, deception, betrayal, action, kick-ass fighting, all the former couples meeting up and fighting for what is right, and Roscoe! Our Czech tactical German shepherd that loves alcohol, lipstick and shoes, Lol. I loved every bit of it and as always Ms. Zanetti does not disappoint. I am looking forward to Jethro, Millie and Serena 's stories in the future! I pray they all get a book, especially Serena and Mille. I just love those two women, Lol. Angus and Nari finally, after a bloody battle, get their HEA!
5 beautiful, fantastic, action packed stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****

Angus Force gets his day to shine in the fourth book of the Deep Ops series. He still believes that the serial killer responsible for his sister’s death isn’t dead himself, but that he is out there, taunting Angus. And will Angus finally acknowledge the crazy attraction between him and Nari, the psychologist assigned to his band of misfits?

Nari is a great character. She knows exactly what she wants, and she isn’t afraid to go after it. Clearly Angus is also drawn to her many interesting facets. Angus is gruff, as you would expect, and very one-track-minded in his pursuit of Lassiter. His hunky team, who we know and love (if you’ve read the previous books) are all there in their loyal and trustworthy splendor. Along with, of course, the brilliant women by their sides.

The usual action and suspense contributed to my bad(?) habit of late-night reading. I was rooting for Angus all the way. Things did get a bit convoluted at times, and the team had to go underground, but that is where they do their best work. But I think, we can all agree that Roscoe stole the show.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this book, and the whole series so far, and Angus and Nari together as well. I definitely recommend this series if you’re interested in romantic suspense.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Driven by Rebecca Zanetti is another riveting addition to her Deep Ops series and an edge of your seat, anil biter too. I have always loved Ms Zanetti’s Dark Protectors in the paranormal genre, but this author has shown that her talent has no boundaries, and this gripping action/suspense series has definitely captivated readers with its well-written storylines and plots, danger and suspense and some utterly jaw dropping twists that you never see coming. Driven will certainly keep you glued to the pages, so get comfortable and prepare to be entertained.

Though my favorite Rebecca Zanetti series remains the Sin Brothers, she just cannot go wrong with her suspenses. DRIVEN is the fourth book in her Deep Ops series, and as expected, it’s just as thrilling as ever, with deep dives into the mindsets of her characters. We finally get around to Angus Force’s tortured crescendo, and his showdown with the Bond-level baddie, Lassiter. Angus is a great character, tortured and damaged, and fighting so hard to avenge his sister and maybe … maybe … find a little absolution along the way. Enough that he can keep his head out of the bottle and forge a new path with the woman he loves. Unit psychologist Nari Zhang has been dancing around Angus since the first book, but the stars didn’t align until now. Nari’s got her own weighty issues kicking around in her psyche, but the fog clears when her life is on the line. Sometimes the maniacal serial killer dogging you isn’t the most dangerous threat, right? This book hits a breakneck pace out of the starting gate, and you never really catch a breath until it’s over.

*Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/romantic-suspense-roundup-top-picks-for-january-2021/

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and to be honest, the one that we have all been waiting for... Angus Force has contended that Lassiter was still alive, indeed his team within Homeland Security was convened to try and prove it. I really do recommend that you read the books in order to really understand the importance of this one.

The storyline is really all you could wish for, the buildup over the last three books didn't do justice to how intense this one would be, I had to put it down a few times to take a breath! Very clever and tightly plotted. Add in the simmering fire between Angus and Nari, which finally gets to take hold of them both and phwoar, the story went to a new level. I loved that we had all been waiting for the chance to arise, and to be honest it is even more entertaining than I was expecting! And how could I forget to mention Roscoe? – Angus's quirky dog, who is a key part of all the stories, but this one features him doing his duty and his mischief in equal measure.

I am not going to reveal any of the plot but, the excellent news is that this is not the last book in the series – which I had feared it might be when I realised early on that the team had been disbanded and then with how it ended. Never have I been so grateful for a “coming next” at the end of a book!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Mystery

Angus knows that the serial killer everyone else thinks is dead isn't. He knows in his bones that his team is in danger. What he doesn't know is who might be helping the serial killer and why his team is being targeted by someone who may or may not be his serial killer.

Nari isn't one to shy away from something but keeping her dad's identity a secret is her own way of sticking it to him. She knows he doesn't really want her working near him, but she takes the job that nobody wants to prove to him that she is really good at what she does.

With their team in jeopardy, both Nari and Angus set out to figure out who is killing now and why. This story is full of family drama, romance, and twists and turns. You will want to know, but won't want the story to rush either.

This was a very entertaining story and while I didn't really think that Angus and Nari had much chemistry, they did work well together.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is an exciting, if somewhat confusing, addition to the series. After a year of improbably successful investigations, Angus Force’s crew of misfits is suddenly disbanded. With the team scattered, Angus must face the re-emergence of his old nemesis and the threat he now poses to the team.

This is the most complicated storyline in the series so far. The disbanded shadow team inside the shadow government agency inside the bigger agency feels part Matrix, part season one of 24, and part Alias. I’m glad we finally get Angus’ story, but I feel like his and Nari’s personal story gets a little lost among the layers of conspiracy, suspicion, and murder.

I don’t feel like this book has the strongest plot in the series. There are a couple of big twists and revelations which still don’t quite make sense to me. And there is far too much happening for one novel. A couple of subplots feel totally unnecessary.

The strength of this series so far has been the characters and the dynamics between team members. This book is so plot-heavy and the team so spread out that some of the camaraderie and playfulness that made the previous books so enjoyable is lost.

The one redeeming element of this book is Nari. She’s a surprisingly capable heroine with skills I didn’t even suspect until this book. I love her parents and her complicated relationship with her birth father. Nari is an unlikely match for Angus but they actually fit well as a couple. Nari kept me reading when everything else got too complicated and messy.

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
I’ve been waiting for this book ever since book 1 in the series, not only was the couple set up with definite chemistry but also the mystery plot which had me wanting to scream “hurry up and write all the books right now so I can get to this one”. So you know, I haven’t been hanging out for it at all 😂🙈.

Our hero is a former FBI profiler who lost everything when a serial killer killed his sister. For the past year he has been secretly investigating the killer’s supposed death while running a team for the Homeland Department of Defense. Our heroine is the team’s shrink and the chemistry between the two has slowly been building until it erupts.... just as a serial killer emerges with a target on their team.

As much as I loved this book, the main characters and their chemistry and the mystery plot line I did have a couple of issues with it. For starters in all the other books and at the very start of this book our hero is a HEAVY drinker and alcoholic and having seen this IRL it’s a real disease, however after the beginning of the book it’s not even mentioned again which felt the opposite of realistic. My other issue revolved around the way the hero was set up and how anyone could believe it. Nonetheless I still really enjoyed this book and it kept me on the edge of my seat till the end!

Just love this book! Angus is finally going to get a chance to go after his serial killer. But along with their unit getting closed down he also has to deal with Nari. Great chemistry and steam. Roscoe is of course right in the action along with all the other members of this team. Lots of action and suspense along with romance and humor. Twist along the way and some surprises. Loved this book! I have loved the entire series but this one was a solid 5 stars!

Finally Angus and Nari get together but not without a lot of danger and tension. Great story that leaves the gang together at the end.

Angus has always believed that Lassiter survived even when others doubted him. Even though Homeland Security is shutting him down he continues his search with the help of his former team.

Nari Zhang was put on the team as punishment as well as to keep an eye on what is going on. They have been a rag-tag bunch of rejects but she sees merit in the work they are doing. She fights hard to keep them together. Now Nari's life is in danger and Angus keeps her close to protect her.

Angus and Nari have been dancing around each other for a while. With the disbanding of their team and Nari's life being in danger, it brings them closer together and they finally give in to what they both feel. An exciting end to the series. I wasn't expecting part of the big reveal. Sorry to see the last of this group.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have been craving the story of Angus Force ever since I read my copy of Hidden. He was brooding, damaged, and full of demons. Once the FBI's top profiler, a serial killer turned his entire world upside down. A bottle of booze, his faithful hound, and an isolated spot in Kentucky were all he needed to be content. Then he's pulled right back into the world he successfully escaped and that's how the deep dark secret of the HDD, the best team to take out the world's worst nightmares, was created.

For three books, Angus has been absolutely certain that Lassiter, the serial killer who ruined his life, the abomination he had killed, was very much alive. Too bad no one believes him. When the first body turns up with a twisted form of the killer's signature, everyone believes it's the work of a copycat. Even Nari, the one woman he would love to claim as his own, doubts him. And all of those doubts start to seep in, making him question himself. Could he be wrong? If so, who is out there targeting him and the members of his team?

This book was thrilling and had my adrenaline pumping from beginning to end. It had me on edge and I was constantly trying to figure out if Angus was on the money. I've never liked Nari in the other books and while I still didn't like her in this one, I did like the ways in which she played off of Angus. Their scenes were truly intimate and their chemistry was hot. Then again, Angus could do no wrong for me so that could be why I was cool with her in the end.

There are bombs, shootouts, interrogations, dead bodies, tons of drama, bits of romance, and even moments of humor sprinkled throughout this book. If you enjoy suspenseful stories that keep you guessing, you're gonna love this. Now I cannot wait until Jethro's story!!