Ooh yes! I was looking forward to going back to Rebecca's world. Gemma has been on the run. Her life is hard, but not something she can't do. She finds herself teaching at D.C. University and has a semblance of normalcy. I enjoyed how we're given a glimpse into her world and why she's running. And who she's protecting. She doesn't allow herself to get close to people, but suddenly find herself drawn to Jethro. Soon life gets a little scary and she and Jethro and his group of friends are brought together to protect her. I enjoyed the action in this book, the sense of danger and the budding romance. This book had it all and I was completely captured. This is the 5th book of the series and while it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the other books.

This book had fantastic characters (that you would want on your side if you ever needed help) and an amazing story filled with suspense, romance, humor and danger. Dr. Jethro Hanson has left his career with M16 to become a college professor. His meeting with Gemma Falls and her daughter Trudy will change his life, in the best way. Gemma has been on the run from her abusive fiancé who has no idea that she gave birth to his child. Money is tight and this time she hopes to stay for a while before she has to run again. Jethro knows that she is in trouble, but he is dealing with his brother, Fletcher, a contract murderer. They caught him once, but he escaped and this time he wants to destroy Jethro’s life along with everyone who is close to him. He wanted to protect Gemma by staying away, but it is too late as Fletcher has made her his next target. The Deep Ops team are a “family” and protect each other, but my favorite character was Trudy. She added the endearing viewpoint of a child to this exceptional story! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Gemma Falls is on the run, hiding from someone with good reason. When she takes a teaching job at DC University, she meets Jethro Hanson, a gorgeous professor with a British accent who just won't leave her alone. He's got a past he's running from too.

When danger crosses both of their paths, Gemma and Jethro must learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.

The bad guys are revealed early on in this story, and it becomes a tale of putting them away before they can get to Gemma and her daughter. It takes all of Jethro's colleagues and plenty of tenacity on the part of Gemma to thwart the killer coming after them.

I really liked this. There was plenty of action, and sweet alphas, Even thought the killer is clear, there are many questions to be answered. Much of the story focuses a lot on the relationship between Jethro and Gemma and Trudy and I liked that. They were all looking for family and they both found it.

Unforgiven is a nice little thriller with a lovely special-ops style romance. It's a well crafted, standalone romantic suspense that I enjoyed.

This series is GREAT! My favorite character is the booze loving, Roscoe. This story has suspense, mystery, drama and of course, sexy romance! The new characters of Jethro, Gemma & Trudy are awesome additions to the "family". I look forward to the next book in the series and to finding out the sex of Wolfe and Dana's baby!

Love the action; fun stalker angle! Plus, other enemies popping up too. Entertaining suspense and danger! Not into the single parent angle or some of Jethro’s actions, but he does have good chemistry with Gemma. Sweetness and steam! An interesting, exciting addition to this great series! Really enjoy Zanetti’s writing style!

Jethro..what a guy. Sure, he had flaws that even he recognized in himself but still..what a guy ! And his skills are off the charts. He makes a huge mistake when it comes to judging Gemma when he meets her. All his flags went up just looking at her. Of course, Gemma doesn't want anything to do with him and freezes him out just making his judgement against her that much stronger. Gemma needs to keep people from getting to close to her. And I really enjoyed the surprise that she has kept hidden and how it was slowly unwrapped.

Can someone PLEASE deal with that snotty, power hungry, promotion climbing at all costs jerk, HDD pretty boy, Special Agent Tom Rutherford ?!? I really hated him in this story and then I went wait a minute. I remembered him in the previous stories but you don't have to have read the previous stories for the dislike to set in.

One of my favorite sections had to do with Jethro telling Gemma that "I'm a violent man, sweetheart. You can't forget that. " Gemma responded, "You're in control of any violence you create." That's what matters. You'd never hurt me." And that control was shown over and over in so many situations and I enjoyed that. And the sweetness and understanding that he showed towards Gemma when he got to know her was such an added plus.

This story kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat all the way through. I really enjoyed all the people who showed up to help Jethro. Funny, how Jethro kept telling them he didn't need their help. He was also worried that they would be targeted, injured or killed because of him. They continued to ignore him because hey, he was "family" whether he liked it or not. That made me smile every time that happened.

This was an ingenious plot with great people, brilliant villains and a good H.E.A. It also left me wanting more of this series.

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

Gemma Falls sees her opportunity to spend a semester teaching at a university in D.C. as a chance to take a breather. For years, she and her young daughter have on the run from a crazed ex who's been stalking her. The only hitch in her plan is philosophy professor Jethro Hanson.

Jethro left behind his job with the British Secret Service for a quiet life as a philosophy professor and sometimes consultant for the Deep Ops team. When Jethro discovers that danger is coming for Gemma, he appoints himself her protector. With Jethro comes the rest of the Deep Ops team. Suddenly Gemma finds herself with a family she didn't know she needed. But a threat from Jethro's past has come back to haunt him, putting all his friends in danger, Now Jethro has to decide, is he more danger to Gemma if he stays? But will his friends in Deep Ops let him run?

A rapidly moving, suspenseful story with a new, surprising twist around every corner. Strong, thoughtful dialogue provides additional insight into the thoughts and feelings of our favorite characters. Then, of course, there's Roscoe, the alcohol loving dog, who provides a bit of humor just when it is needed most. This is a thrilling addition to the Deep Ops series. Whether you're new to the series or are familiar with the Deep Ops Team, you won't want to miss this thriller.

4.25 stars--UNFORGIVEN is the fifth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary,adult DEEP OPS romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women of the Requisition Force, Deep Ops Team, a division of the Homeland Defense Department ( HDD) of the FBI. This is former MI6 agent turned professor Jethro Hanson, and single mother/ professor Gemma Falls’ story line. UNFORGIVEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jethro and Gemma) UNFORGIVEN focuses on two intersecting pathways. Single mother/professor Gemma Falls is on the run, trying to stay under the radar in the face of her abusive ex tracking her down, and trying to destroy her life but Gemma never expected to meet fellow professor Dr. Jethro Hanson, a man whose own past is about to push Gemma and Jethro together, in the face threats against both of their lives. A UK assassin for hire has tracked down Jethro Hanson, and has set their sights on our story line couple; and Gemma’s past is seeking vengeance against the woman he lost years before. Reluctantly accepting the help of his fellow agents of the Requisition Force team, Gemma and Jethro struggle to stay one step ahead a killer but as the number of bodies amass, all evidence points towards our story line hero. What ensues is the building relationship between Gemma and Jethro, and the potential fall-out as both of their pasts collide with the present, threatening everyone connected to our story line couple.

Gemma Falls’ past is mired in betrayal and abuse. On the run, in hiding, trying to stay one step ahead of her well-connected ex fiance, Gemma struggles with Jethro’s attention, attention that is going to place our heroine in the direct line of fire. Jethro Hanson had hoped he had left his past behind but an aggressive killer with ties to our hero, is doggedly determined to destroy our story line couple.

The relationship between Gemma and Jethro begins as co-workers whose lives are about to cross paths again and again. Jethro Hanson walked away from MI6, hoping to restart as a professor in America but Jethro never expected his past to return, threatening the woman with whom he is falling in love. Gemma Falls wants her life to be free of the past but at every turn someone or something is determined to destroy any sense of peace. Meeting Jethro means the possibility of a new start but until both of their pasts are out of the picture, Gemma sees no relationships for the foreseeable future. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including team leader Angus Force and FBI psychologist Nari Zhang, computer hacker Brigid Branaghan (Fallen 2), US Navy SEAL Clarence Wolfe and his fiance /reporter Dana Mulberry (Broken 3), of the Requisition Force, Deep Ops Team, a division of the Homeland Defense Department ( HDD) of the FBI, Special Agents Tom Rutherford, and Kurt Fields, Detective Tate Bianchi, Detective Buckle, and attorney Scott Terentson. We are introduced to MI6 Agents Ian and Oliver Villan, Gemma’s daughter Trudy; her ex-fiance Monty Cameron, and his brother Jack as well as Jethro’s brother Fletcher.

UNFORGIVEN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and murder, friendships and family, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, edgy and tragic; the romance is seductive and moving; the characters are spirited and startling.



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A gripping thrill ride with a glorious HEA!

Wow! There's a lot going on in this book, and the author is an absolute genius for making it all work together so beautifully!

Gemma is on the run, living under cover and under the radar. Her newest job lands her under the scrutiny of a highly capable philosophy professor, who happens to have a past that's even more dangerous than her own. When these two pasts collide, there's non-stop action juxtaposed with an undeniably intense romance that kept me glued to this book from start to finish.

I haven't yet read any of the earlier Deep Ops stories, though the couples there are intricately involved in this book's protection and investigation. I especially loved the combination of American and British operatives. I really hope the author continues in this world and writes books for Scott, Oliver, and Ian.

This is a standalone romance and I didn't feel I was missing anything, but I was so impressed with the characters and this author's brilliant writing style that I've added each of the earlier books to my TBR. Everything I've read so far by this author has been absolute gold, and I highly recommend any of her romantic thrillers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington and Ms. Zanetti for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

I haven't read any of the other Deep Ops books, but I definitely think this could be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Perhaps it's me, and it's unfortunate for this book that I just finished a run of really excellent books, but I wasn't sold on the characterization. There needed to be either more romance or more suspense; the mix as is was not dynamic enough. It was a perfectly enjoyable book but needed a little spark to make it truly jump.

I also wasn't clear on how game theory helped Gemma escape. I think she was just doing things that most people would think to do. Maybe I just don't understand game theory well enough. IDK.

This was a decent romantic suspense but with a little pizzazz would have been great.

Jethro has been the guy in the background, he helps when needed and goes back to his own thing. His past is a secret but currently he’s the hot British professor. Gemma meets Jethro at the college while she’s protecting secrets of her own. Secrets are the only thing they have in common but that doesn’t stop the sparks. Always the guy in the shadows Jethro doesn’t think he’s part of Angus Force’s team. The Team says he’s family but he believes he’s a loner and seems content. Until someone from his past is out for revenge and the entire team steps up to help their family. The Team is a lovable bunch of trained agents with a soft spot for little kids and alcoholic dogs. The series is based off each couple, with a new mission and romance, however they usually make cameos in the other books. I’ve received an early copy and wrote this review voluntarily.

Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti is the 5th volume in her Deep Ops series. Fan of the series from the first volume, I’ve reviewed all the previous books, that is 4 long novels and two novellas.

The book features Jethro Hanson and Gemma Falls. The first has been seen in the previous books, the latter is a new character.

I must say that Jethro as a character has intrigued me from his first apparition. He’s British and a former MI6 agent. He also has an ironclad stoicism but we can feel he’s containing himself and it wouldn’t take much for him to explode. Evidently my Romantique’s heart was telling me only the heroine would be capable of such a miracle.

When I began reading Unforgiven, two elements surprised me.
The first is the hero’s unpleasant behavior toward the heroine. What’s more, Jethro is keen on one night stand. Let’s just say that for me, those are two things that didn’t work in his favor. However, against all odds, the more I was progressing in the book, the more I was taken by the story, the suspense and the action. Finally, Jethro quickly went up in my estimation.
The second surprise is about Gemma Falls, our heroine. She’s a fragile and vulnerable character, I wasn’t used to that with the author and that disturbed me during a part of the book. I was afraid Gemma would take bad decisions at some times but in fact not at all. I loved her evolution in the book, I loved her relationship with her little daughter, I loved her little daughter.

The attraction is instant between both heroes but they don’t yield immediately, on one part because of the hero’s behavior, on a second part because of Gemma’s past and the plot about Jethro.

In the book, I loved the help and support from the whole Deep Ops team, I loved seeing the interactions between each couple created in the previous volumes. There’s also a hint about one of the next couples in the series. I’m waiting to see if it will be the case or if Rebecca Zanetti will feature someone else, especially as she introduces two new characters who have all you need to become heroes themselves. There’s once again the appearance of the inspector Tate Bianchi and of the two FBI agents, the ambitious Rutherford and the soon retired Fields. The first still gets on my nerves LOL.

I don’t talk about the plot of the book on purpose because you need to read it to understand what it’s about from the start. I’ll just say Unforgiven is aptly named and it can be read totally separately from the other books. The suspense is still as well done, the action omnipresent, the fight scenes well described.

To conclude, I loved this book and I highly recommend it, and the other books of the series as well.

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was interesting, fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author.

Jethro, aka Professor Bada$$, is one amazing man. Former MI6 spy, game theory expert, philosopher, and he makes 007 look ugly… ummm, sign me up for class! He almost replaces Angus as my favorite in this series, almost…

Gemma, single mom on the run. Brilliant, but basically gave up her future to keep her daughter safe, yet kept in touch with the friend who was able to help when she needed it.

Now Gemma is hiding as a professor, she has the degree and the abilities, and being next to Jethro, well, might not be that bad. Well except for her abusive ex and and his psychotic brother. I mean, what can really go wrong with those 2 in their history and a blizzard on the horizon?

Now you know Rebecca Zanetti is going to keep throwing curveballs at you, and the murders that mimic others just for the twisted pleasure of the killer, well sit right back and watch as the Deep Ops team takes on not just the killer, but multiple law enforcement agencies. I mean, I may have actually made popcorn at one point… For Pete’s sake, how does she think this stuff up?

(I was given an ARC for a Honest review)
Unforgiven the fifth instalment of the Deep Ops Series is a great read Jethro Hanson who seems a little mysterious,aloof, and introverted Jethro turns out to be complicated, caring, and loving man who has more support that he has allowed himself to see. Gemma Falls is a intelligent, courageous woman on the run from an abusive ex all while protecting her daughter. Put them together these characters have a beautiful story of discovery,love, and courage.Mix on some of some old favorites like Wolf and Roscoe for some lol moments we also get some new Faces. This was a great read it had all the feels along with a nice balance of suspense and sexy times.

A great addition to the Deep Ops Series. I have been waiting for Jethro’s story since he was first introduced, I was not disappointed. Gemma and Jethro are strong characters! They are written well and you come to care for both Gemma and Jethro, not to mention Gemma’s cute little daughter. Each have deep secrets and are hiding from the world and themselves. No matter how hard they try to avoid each other, they still end up together! Action packed sprinkled with some humor. The entire crew is back, as an added bonus! Go Rosco!

Always a one click for me
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2022
I will never tire of reading any book by Rebecca. Her writing is never repetitive and each book in her of all her series are unique and the only problem you will have is choosing a favorite character. Jethro and Gemma are such characters. I can just hear his... See more

I have read this series and loved it. There is just something about a gang of misfits who band together for a common mission that just tugs at me. I fully expected to absolutely love this book which featured my favorite 007 Professor Jethro Hanson, a swoon worthy supporting character in the other books. But I didn't. I just couldn't get in the groove with this one.

Dr. Jethro Hanson is a real renaissance man. Educated, British, handsome and off the charts smart. He is a professor at DC University, but moonlights on Angus Force's Deep Ops Team. He had his fill of killing for Crown and Country and left MI6, but that is an organization you can never really leave. He loves teaching but is jolted back to his past when his psycho brother escapes and shows up in the good old USA murdering people and leaving evidence that Jethro is the killer. Jethro is determined to handle this little problem on his own, but the Deep Ops family isn't about to let him face this alone.

Gemma Falls has been on the run from an abusive relationship for over three years. The teaching position at DC University is her chance for some stability, at least for a while. Hiding in plain sight only works if you don't draw attention to yourself, but Gemma has drawn the attention of a gorgeous professor and as much as she wants to explore that, she is ready to run again. She wants to run, but the sexy Brit has her wrapped up in his arms and the security he and his friends can provide. Unfortunately, she and her daughter are caught up in the deadly cat and mouse game Jethro and his brother are playing out.

My thanks to Lyrical, Publisher, and Rebecca Zanetti, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

Ever since we met Jethro in an earlier book I wanted to know his story. This book did not disappoint. Gemma is on the run from an ex and when these two meet it starts a series of events that kept me on the edge of my seat. This can be read as a standalone. I am loving this series.

Unforgiven is book 5 in the Deep Ops series and I loved it from beginning to end. Jethro and Gemma had a great connection and amazing chemistry. Jethro helped Angus's team and is now basically an honorary member and considered part of the family. Gemma is a single mom running from her abusive ex, she's a great mom and her little girl Trudy was just the sweetest. Someone from Jethro's past is back and looking to ruin him and will use Gemma to accomplish it. This series just keeps getting better with each book. The family the team has created is wonderful and I loved the community they're planning for themselves and the woman they love. I loved the newest men, Scott and the twins Oliver and Ian. I really hope each one will get their own book soon.