⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was an edge of your seat thriller. Jethro and Gemma were both having worst case scenario lives, betrayal, fear, and death seemed to be chasing them. So glad they found love. The Deep Ops guys were there to show them both about friendship and family. Little Trudy and Roscoe were such cute characters to help bring some light into this very dark world.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

This is my first Deep Ops book, and I LOVED it. Definitely going to be digging in to this serious to read all the books that came before this one that I missed. When the story opens, Gemma has just landed in her friends home, taking her place as a professor for a period of time. She has been on the run for several years now with her young daughter, trying to escape the monster from her past. While settling in to her teaching gig at the university she runs into Jethro, another professor in her department. Jethro finds himself intrigued by and drawn to Gemma, but at the same time finds himself caught up in a deadly situation when the brother he helped to put behind bars escapes and seemingly starts on a deadly path with his sights set on Jethro.

This was a very layered mystery/thriller with a slow burn romance and I loved how as it went on and we met more and more people from Jethro's life and past and got to know them as well as Gemma and Jethro and Gemma's daughter, Trudy. I can't wait now to go back and read all the earlier books in this series, as well as get to the next one to come!

Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 5 of the Deep Ops series. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order as each progressive book will have previous characters and relationships develop throughout.
Gemma is hiding from an abusive ex. She knows better than to trust coworker Professor Jethro but he continues to be helpful after a flat tire and smashed car window.

Gripping and intense. A bit of dry humor and a couple of steamy romantic encounters after slow burn start. Friendships and made family that continues to grow. Favorites Roscoe and Wolfe make the story rich and fulfilling.

Excerpt: “Jethro partially turned to take the hit of several toddlers ramming him head on with happy cries of his name. He fell over and then rolled around, gently wrestling and letting the kids use him as a jungle gym.” — this was Jethro, not Roscoe the dog.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I’ve also purchased all formats of the book to keep and enjoy again in the future.

Gemma Falls is on the run with her young daughter from a serious danger. Hiding under a pseudonym, living in the apartment and job of a friend, she is suspicious of everything and anything out of the ordinary and does her best to stay under everyone’s radar. But protecting her daughter is her priority and she knows she has to stay one step ahead of her past at all times. As she tries to settle into her friend’s apartment and learn the courses she will be teaching, she finds the interference of a coworker a little close for comfort.

Jethro Hanson is a professor in game theory who has put his past as an MI6 operative in his rearview until a sociopath he helped put in prison escapes and comes after him. He is curious about the new member of his department, as well as the sudden leave of absence of his good friend (whose position is now being filled by the newcomer). The new member reminds him of his cold, image-focused mother, which has him immediately wary of her presence.

These two are so perfect together - matched intellectually, they are each hiding secrets about their past that create dangerous situations. Their romance is tentative and cautious, as Gemma is slow to trust, but is a warm spot in an otherwise suspenseful story.

I loved the addition of Gemma’s daughter to this story. Not only is she a bright spot of innocence in this tense situation, but watching her build a relationship with Jethro was so sweet. The rest of the Deep Ops team rallies around, refusing to allow Jethro to face his past alone (even if they have to force him to accept their help at times).

This was an entertaining continuation of the Deep Ops series, though it would also stand alone nicely. I loved the combination of romance and suspense throughout this book and enjoyed learning Jethro’s secrets along with Gemma’s.

I'm fairly new to Zanetti's books but I've yet to be disappointed.
Unforgiven is about a woman (Gemma) trying to out smart/outrun her stalker. She gets an opportunity to move due to a job offer. She takes the chance, bringing her daughter with her, hoping her stalker won't follow.
That's where she meets Jethro. Jethro is an ex Deep Ops member who now teaches at a university. Initially these two do not like each other, but when Gemma's stalker looks like he's back, Jethro is determined to save her.
What I like most about Unforgiven are the characters. They felt very real and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed from dislike to love. Each have their own agency and it helps make the story feel realistic.
The plot is exciting and suspenseful. I couldn't turn the page fast enough!
I read this as a standalone and was fine.

I have loved this series and was delighted when Ms Zanetti decided to continue with Jethro. The mystery/suspense in this one is amazing and keeps you interested even when you know who dunnit.
I wouldn't have expected Jethro to have a insta connection (and i am not a fan of that trope) so that is the only thing that didn't work for me.

Unforgiven is the fifth book in the Deep Ops series. Although this one could technically be read as a stand alone you are going to have a bunch of spoilers to the previous books, so I recommend you read them in order.
Jethro Hanson is former MI6, but he's left that life behind for the academic pursuits. As a Professor of Philosophy he's working to answer that she is question, good vs evil. Can you atone for acts done for Queen and country? And now his past is determined to wreck havoc on his carefully constructed life once bodies start appearing with cryptic notes. It's not long before the HHD team decide its time for them to claim Jethro as their own and provide backup when he needs it most.
Gemma Falls is trying to find a place she feels safe and teaching is a quick opportunity for her to make some money before she might have to run again. This time it's different she meets Jethro with an instant spark and she wants to grab on for more. She has to consider more than just her safety, her daughter whose never known fear is her number one priority and making the wrong choice could expose them. But danger comes from more than one source and now the games are potentially deadly.

This series has been fun, exciting, and surprising. I adore it!

Jethro Hanson is a former MI-6 agent, who now teaches philosophy at a university in Washington D.C. He also occasionally moonlights as a consultant for his friends in the Deep Ops unit. He's trying to put some good into the world after all the evil he's seen, and bad things he's done while performing his duties. But, when a killer he previously captured escapes, he wonders if he'll ever really be able to leave his old life behind.

Gemma Falls and her young daughter Trudy are on the run from her psycho abusive ex. Luckily she's smart, and she's done everything right to stay off the radar. Her friend Serena helps her out by letting her sub as a professor for her classes this semester in D.C. She can make some money and be off again. But she doesn't count on Jethro and his delicious accent affecting her plans.

Gemma and Jethro had a bit of a rough start, because he was judgmental, due to childhood issues, and she was ice cold, in order to hide her true self. But, as they continued to run into each other, things began to thaw between them, and then they heated up quick! I loved their flirty dynamic, and I ADORED how much he loved her kid from the jump. Trudy was an adorable addition to the story, and I loved how she bonded with our favorite pup, Roscoe, and with Jethro too.

The suspense plot here was exciting and surprising, and kept me guessing as to what would happen next, which is exactly what I look for in a great romantic suspense! The fact that the killer was already known to Jethro made the dynamic a little different than your typical whodunit, and I enjoyed that too.

A few awesome new side characters were introduced here, which I'm hopeful means that this series will have even more stories to come. I never want to leave this rag-tag crew behind, and I definitely want to move into their cul-de-sac!

Another great book by this author. I am really enjoying this series. A woman hiding from a abusive ex and a man who a murderer is after come together in this romantic suspense. It has a great supporting cast and loved the main characters.

Unforgiven is the fifth book in Rebecca Zanetti’s Deep Ops Series. This is a romantic suspense novel that is suspenseful, action packed, and filled with intense passion and fantastic characters.

Gemma Falls and her daughter, Trudy are hiding and on the run from her violent ex-fiancee when she meets Jethro Hanson while working at D.C. University. She needs to stay hidden and hanging out with the gorgeous British professor will draw too much attention. Jethro never expected that his attraction and curiosity about Gemma would draw her into a deadly cat and mouse game that he was unaware he was a part of. Now he will do anything in his power to keep Gemma and Trudy safe, even if it means facing his past mistakes. Will he succeed, despite the odds against him? Read it and find out!

The tension and chemistry between Gemma and Jethro was evident right from the start. It was as if they were inexplicably drawn to each other and yet both did everything possible to push the other away. The couple was fantastic together and I enjoyed how they grew closer together as they learned to open up to and trust each other about their pasts.

Wow! Another fantastic addition to this amazing romantic suspense series! All the books in the Deep Ops series contain a happily ever after and can be read as a standalone. However, reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy from Netgalley.

Rebecca does it again. When I first started reading this book, I was both surprised and a little disappointed that Jethro and Serena didn't get together. From reading the other books I was so sure that was the direction it was going; instead Rebecca gave you a new heroine and she does NOT disappoint.

Gamma is a woman on the run from her abusing ex with her young daughter in tow and Jethro is looking for redemption from his time in MI6. The book wasn't the normal action from the beginning like I am used to with Rebecca's books. It took a few chapters before the action started, but once it did....WOW.

This book will have you guessing about who the bad guy is? And what is his true motive? I enjoyed getting updates on all the characters. And Wolfe is my favorite character for sure. I'm looking forward to learning more about the twins and finding out what trouble Serena and Millie have gotten themselves into.

If you enjoy mystery, romance and thriller. You will love the next installment of the Deep Ops series.

The Deep Ops team is back and this time it is Jethro’s turn. We learn more about this sexy Brit as he hunts a killer and works to help keep the woman he is enchanted by safe. All of the Deep Ops team steps up to help keep their family safe risking their jobs and freedom.

Looks like there are more characters for future books. Two new Brits have been added.

Gemma is doing everything she can to keep her daughter safe. Things get steamy between her and Jet.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Gemma Falls is on the run from something in her past (you will have to read the book to find out more). Now that she has secured a position as a professor at a D.C. University, she feels she may have finally found safety for her and her sweet daughter, Trudy. Jethro Hanson is another professor at the university who just wants to be friendly, but he dubs Gemma the "Ice Queen" due to her icy reception to his friendliness and helpfulness. She does not understand that he is a natural protector. Both of them will have to put their insecurities aside to protect each other as they have to go into hiding, which is when she finds out exactly who Jethro Hanson really is. Rebecca Zanetti makes the characters come alive and leap off the pages of the book. I felt like I was in the story with the characters running and fighting! The friends and "co-workers" of Jethro have a strong bond of friendship and protectiveness which makes them even more "human" to you as the reader, even though they can also kick some butt when necessary. I love the alcohol loving dog who will do anything for a drink! This provides a little humor in a dark mystery/thriller. If you like a thriller with a little pizzazz, you will enjoy this book. There is also a little roman brewing on the side as well. This is another installment in the Deep Ops series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.

Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti is the fifth book in her Deep Ops series. I found this book to be an intense, heart-pounding suspense thriller with a sweet yet steamy romance. In this storyline the pace is fast and full of action. The Deep Ops team and former MI6 agent Jethro Hanson have their hands full in this one. Jethro had assisted the Deep Ops team in a previous book and it seems the team has now "adopted" him into their family. Jethro's (also ex-MI6) killer brother Fletcher has escaped from prison in the UK and is murdering for pay around the area where Jethro lives. Then there's Gemma and her three-year-old daughter Trudy who are on the run from Gemma's very abusive ex-fiance and Trudy's father. I really enjoyed this page-turner and can't wait to see what Ms. Zanetti has next for her readers.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2022/06/03/unforgiven-by-rebecca-zanetti/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I'm enjoying the romantic suspense in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/227577-deep-ops" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Deep Ops</strong></em></a> series. There is a new couple in each story. The characters and situation are rather over the top, not quite realistic or believable. Although the humor is a bit ridiculous with quirky characters, the violence is gritty. There's a dog and a cat on the team.

I totally felt for Gemma.  She has been on the run with her daughter, Trudy. I hated for her how she couldn't trust anyone, even when she needs help.  She makes sure her daughter has the best, and makes sacrifices herself.  Her mother and ex-fiance are the scum of the earth.  I appreciate how Gemma is willing to skirt the law in some ways, but tries to follow it in others. Trudy tickles me pink.

Jethro is connected with the Deep-Ops team and since Wolfe has decided they are best friends, it's happening.  No matter how much Jethro wants to solve his own problems and keep his friends out of it.  The more dangerous things become, he realizes he will have to let them help, because Gemma and Trudy are at risk.   It is a sad situation for him with the bad guy.   At least he has his MI6 twins, who drop everything to come to his aid.

Jethro and Gemma come together pretty quickly which is not unusual for romantic suspense.  The danger puts them more closely together and intensifies everything.  Besides, Trudy has decided.  I enjoy the found family feeling of this team and how they protect and help each other.

*Thank you to Kensington Books, Rebecca Zanetti, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This is my first book by Rebecca Zanetti, and I really enjoyed it. But I think you need to read the other books in the series before this one. I was lost. Gemma Falls is a substituting professor at DC University for her friend, Serena. Dr. Jethro “Jet” Hanson is the professor who has for game play theory and runs into Gemma on her first day at the university. Neither of them realize the other is who they seem to be.

Gemma is on the run from her ex-fiance, a brutal doctor, whom she ran from several years ago when she found out she was pregnant with her daughter. Jethro is an ex-assassin from the UK, It was never really clear to me who he was. The author's description of the characters is really spot on. My only complaint would be there are a lot of characters to figure out, not only who they are but what their place in the story is. There is a ton of action and romance, and the pacing is perfect. Because I liked this book so much, I am definitely going to start the series from book one.

Hang on!

This story is one wild ride; it has action, drama, humor, twists and an adorable toddler. Jethro’s book was worth the wait.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Exceptional:
Wow, what an explosive ride. The fear and tension was totally palpable and seemed to leap off the pages. It was action packed yet remarkably tender and sweet too.
I enjoyed Jethro's protective side and it was nice seeing how his rough edges were smoothed out by Gemma and precious little Trudy. My heart went out to poor Gemma who'd been through so much and I was beyond thrilled that everything worked out in the end.
This was the first book I've read in the Deep Ops series and whilst I obviously missed out on some of the supporting characters back stories, I never felt as if I were on the outside looking in. I can't wait to go back and catch up on all that I have missed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Absolutely loved learning Jethros story. There was always hints about him, so it’s nice to finally know.
I love Gemma’s character, she was so relatable. You could feel the emotions between the two.
The only bad part about the book, Roscoe didn’t make me laugh as much as normal. It seemed like his antics were not really present this book. But, Trudy took his place. That little girl was hilarious and had everyone eating out of her hands.
Add in all the action and drama and you have the perfect read.

Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

Unforgiven
Rebecca Zanetti
June 7, 2022

Zanetti gives us Deep OPs #5 with Jethro Hansen’s story. His history with MI6 and the path of destruction his older brother, Fletcher has caused him. In the midst of teaching at D.C. University he still works whenever needed with Deep OPs or other top security who call for his help. It’s the end of Christmas break and he stops by the new teacher’s office. Gemma Falls is taking over for her bestie, Serena. She has moved into her apartment hoping that when the house is finished and Serena returns she can take over the lease. Gemma is teaching Statistics. It’s a first time teaching for her so she came the day before classes began to pull her act together as best as she could. Her young daughter, Trudy is at the day care while she plunders through the synopsis.
In the midst of quiet she hears footsteps. She pulls out her handgun, just in case her ex has sent someone else to try to kill her. He’s a doctor and seemed like such a perfect guy. Great looking, efficient, kind, and had money. Unfortunately, his temper was easy to fire and she was his usual target. At this point he had no idea of Trudy’s existence and hoped he never would.
Unforgiven is another of Zanetti’s incredible suspense novels that cannot be put down. Her usual characters are present in this one. It will be published on June 7, 2022 by Lyrical Press of Kensington Books. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review Unforgiven. Deep Ops is such a terrific series. Her fans, including myself, have been waiting for another episode. They can be read separately so don’t presume you won’t enjoy this one if you haven’t read the previous four.
By all means enjoy. This is a great read!!