I always look forward to reading the next in the 'X-Ops" series as the action and suspense is nonstop for each couple. In this one, we see Zarina and Tanner get their story. Tanner leaves for the opposite side of the country as he has yet to come to terms with his PTSD as well as how to control his shift. With action and bad guys at every turn, Zarina follows Tanner, as they both fight to save the preppers and each other. The core of their story is filled with twist and turns as Zarina helps Tanner finally comes to terms with who he is and his control as they get their HEA. Zarina and Tanner's story can be read as a standalone book as can all of the stories in the series. However, there is an HFN in the core story of the series, as there are things in the series that as yet unresolved. I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me "X-Ops Exposed". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 5 Stars!

Since I'm reading Paige Tylers' SWAT books and her X-OPS series mixed, I sometimes get a bit mixed up in the stories. But part 8 of X-OPS picks up after the betrayal within the DCO, which left Landon leaving his operatives behind, to save the lives of his family. Tanner Howland also fled the civilization to make sure his temper doesn't cause any casualties. Since he was a product of a scientist gone crazy, his shifter tendencies and rages have gotten the better of him. Afraid that he will hurt someone, especially the kind doctor Zarina, he hides in the woods.

But Zarina has been hell bent on creating a cure for the bred shifters, and especially Tanner. So when she is certain she can cure him, she follows him into the woods. But Tanner doesn't want to take the antidote. And he certainly doesn't want Zarina around. Especially when people are kidnapped around them and they are sure it has something to do with the scientist who experimented on Tanner.

Can Tanner overcome his urges to kill everything and everyone around him? And will Zarina be able to help him? Find out in this fastpaced story of Paige Tyler. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This is my favorite series that Paige writes, and it is because of the great story-telling evidenced in this book. Paige has never played it safe with this series and takes her reader on a very fast paced ride. This is the 8th book in this series and again has placed the reader topsy turvy (or as my niece says - caddywampus).

Zarina and Tanner have been around for a while and finally get their story. They are both very strong and damaged characters, and you immediately fall in love with them. The emotional journey Tanner goes through sets the tone for this story.

If you like shifters, suspense, and intense love stories, then this is the book for you.

Received as an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.

This is Book 8 in the X-Ops series. It can be read as a stand-alone but makes better sense if you have read the others in the series. You know more about what and why of things that happen in the book. Zarina is a doctor who has been trying to help Tanner with his hybrid side. It starts off with her trying to locate Tanner and she’s almost mauled by a bear. Tanner scares him off and she insisted on staying with him. There’s a lot of things going on that keeps your interest in the story and you can’t help but enjoy seeing their friendship turn into a sweet romance. I really enjoyed seeing them come together. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book that I received from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

X-Ops Exposed by Paige Tyler is an exciting paranormal romantic suspense read. I was thoroughly engaged, hooked, and in love with this book. It was full of danger, excitement, risks, and hot steamy scenes too.

I couldn't get enough of Tanner Howland. He is the kind of man every woman wants in her life and every man wants as his best friend and backup. Tanner is a tough soldier who went through a lifetime of hellish situations. But somehow he's managed to keep living and moving forward. Sure, he still struggles with real-life issues that all men could relate to him, but he is still the perfect hero. Tough yet kind as hell, Tanner is irresistible.

Dr. Zarina Sokolvo is Russian. I can see and hear her speak as the plot ran by me. I was fascinated with this scientist. She was kidnapped to work on a biological scheme for evil men. They took men off the streets to inject them with hybrid syrum to transform them from humans to animals. Many died from this experiment. Dr. Zarina wanted no part but teed like hell to stop them. She risked her life to save Tanner. Tanner has never forgotten her help nor who that bright woman was...

Life is messy. Complications arise as Dr. Zarina and Tanner are brought together again. Trouble comes crashing down around them sending them apart once more. But Dr. Zarina does not give up that easily nor does Tanner. Overall, X-Ops Exposed by Paige Tyler was sexy as hell and full of action. I could not stop reading this novel. I would highly recommend it to all readers.

Paige Tyler fans have been waiting for this story for a long time. Zarina and Tanner are finally front and center with the latest book in the X-Ops series, X-Ops Exposed. What do a former ranger, turned lion shifter and a geneticist have in common? A lot, if you're a long time reader of this series. This is a relationship that has skirted the edges of the series since the beginning, but it isn't all fun and games in this one. Tyler gives readers action on top of action and plenty of suspense to keep them interested. A must read!



What I liked:



I've been waiting for this relationship to flourish since I started reading this series and I'm sure other fans have as well. Tanner has been such a good secondary character and I was thrilled to see that we would learn more about him in X-Ops Exposed. Tanner is fiercely protective and loyal, but his more violent urges are hard to control. He has always seemed like a tortured character but in this book, Tyler shows a new side to our favorite lion shifter. There are light hearted moments and some steamy romantic moments that will have readers swooning. What a great hero!



Zarina is a brilliant geneticist. Her relationship with Tanner has always seemed so natural and deep. I was sad in previous books when Tanner decided he could not control himself enough to stay with Zarina and finding them together in this book was very satisfying. I like that Zarina is strong and capable and very intelligent. She can hold her own and was a perfect compliment to Tanner's alpha persona. The relationship itself was already established but it was certainly expanded in this book. Loved every bit of it.



There were basically two stories going on at once in this book. Tyler gives readers tons of action and nail biting moments with both Tanner and Zarina and with Chase and Tate, who I really enjoyed in this book. Tyler basically shows the East Coast side of the DCO (Dept. of Covert Ops) and the West side. It was an interesting comparison and I loved how it came together in the end. Both relationships got plenty of time to develop and grow throughout the book and a whole new dimension was added to the overall arc of the series.



I felt like this was one of those books that turns the corner in a series. It brings together the ideas and relationships from the previous books and takes them in a totally different direction. If readers were wondering if the series might get a little boring eight books in, they needn't have worried. Tyler has it covered. X-Ops Exposed completely changes the way this series is put together and I for one can't wait to see what happens next... But that cliffhanger, though... Wow!



What I didn't like:



I kind of had this feeling throughout the book that I wanted more of those tender romantic moments with Tanner and Zarina. Readers have waited so long for this and I wanted more lol... I loved getting to know Tate and Chase though, so it wasn't too much of a hardship.



There was soooo much going on in this one. The action was non-stop. I wanted a minute to breathe here and there. I wanted to reflect a little bit, but Tyler's hard hitting style was relentless. It made for a very action packed book, but I felt like I needed a vacation after lol...



Bottom Line:



If you haven't read the entire series, as a reader, you might not understand what all the hype is about Zarina and Tanner. I wouldn't say this not a stand alone novel because in some ways it could be, but the reader will really be missing out so much. Long time readers, you will not be disappointed. This is such a good book. The series will go on in new and different ways. Loved the check in's with previous characters, absolutely adored the new characters and can't wait for more... Let me say again. That cliffhanger, lol... Read this series, it's just that good!

X-Ops Exposed, by Paige Tyler is a paranormal action-suspense romance, and it's the eighth book in the X-Ops book series.

Tanner Howland is a former Army Ranger and current lion hybrid shifter. After losing control (once again), Tanner retreated deep in the woods to be alone and avoid endangering those he loves. However, Dr. Zarina Sokolov followed him with an anti-serum that will hopefully save him, since Tanner was forced to become a hybrid shifter by an evil man in previous books.

Zarina and Tanner are in love, yet struggling with their tentative relationship, especially when other hybrid shifters and humans are in danger by another evil force. Most of the overarching back story is explained in previous books, so it might be easier to start at the beginning of the series.

X-Ops Exposed is geared towards those who enjoy reading unusual paranormal action-suspense romances, particularly stories involving shifters.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Eight books, can you believe it? Eight books into Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series and things are going in a direction that could lead to a major battle for survival. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m excited.

Tanner has been a character that I’ve wondered about since he stepped onto the pages of the first book. As a shifter hybrid, Tanner was created in a lab and therefore had most of the characteristics of the hybrids. He was stronger and faster than natural born shifters but like other hybrids, he was also wild, uncontrollable, and very dangerous. But he also had a deep connection with Zarina, a doctor that was being held prisoner along with him. Their connection has been shown in all the books leading up to this one and it really is a special one.

Throughout the series, Zarina has been trying to help Tanner control his more savage urges and for the most part, it had been working, until an event forced Tanner to unleash his hybrid side and he accidentally attacked a friend. That freaked him out enough that he left the DCO where he’d been staying to live in the woods. Naturally, Zarina followed him and was almost mauled by a bear until Tanner showed up to chase it off. Zarina stubbornly refused to leave him and Tanner has no choice but to keep her with him. Not that it’s a hardship, these two have always shown how much they care for each other even if they never officially crossed the line into lovers until now. Of course, nothing is ever easy and soon they find out that Tanner wasn’t the only hybrid survivor and that humans now want to use them for sport, pitting hybrid against hybrid for money.

Fans of the series already knew Tanner and Zarina were deeply in love but the thing was these two characters hadn’t openly admitted it to anyone. X-Ops Exposed did justice to their relationship by first showing just how special and deep their connection ran. Zarina was the sole calming influence on Tanner’s otherwise dangerous hybrid side and Tanner brought Zarina comfort and solid friendship. Paige Tyler then puts these two in situations where they spent a lot of time alone together without the prying eyes of the DCO and their shifter friends. Their romance seemed so natural and so right while at the same time hot and sexy. It was during their moments together that you get to see a more lighthearted, charming side of Tanner. He’s happy for once whereas before he had this sense of doom around him. After eight books of him being Mr. Negative/Emo, I did a double take at the new side of him. It was refreshing and kept the character from feeling stale and becoming predictable. As did the setting for this book.

X-Ops Exposed takes readers away from the DCO to see how “The Other Half Lives” aka shifters and hybrids who weren’t picked up by the DCO and are having to scratch a living for themselves in hiding. I’m hoping that the hybrids have a larger role to play in future books since they’ve been popping up so much recently.

With eight books down, there are a lot of characters at this point and I’m sure many more to come. I enjoyed the quick “check-ins” with most if not all the characters from previous books and I just realized that up until this point I haven’t had a favorite couple from this series. This is unheard of for me! By this time in a series, I usually have a stand out favorite but the series is so much fun and the characters have all been on equal standing with me that I haven’t said: “Oh my gosh this one is my favorite!” They all have something special.

As it has been since the beginning, I enjoyed this book. It was definitely more on the romantic side because Tanner and Zarina’s emotions have been building up in the background of previous books and if you’re a fan of longing, friendship, and love then X-Ops Exposed might end up being your favorite in the series.

Paige Tyler’s paranormal romances are easy on the reader and that’s part of their appeal in my opinion. There’s more emphasis on characters, romance, and plot than on saturating it with paranormal aspects. I love that I can get my dose of paranormal without getting a headache with massive info dumps about species of creatures, histories of those creatures, feudal families, etc. The X-Ops series is straight up romantic suspense with paranormal elements. That means that each book can easily be read as a standalone but I will admit that readers will get the most out of them if they’re read in order.

Zarina and Tanner have a special relationship. She helped him escape a bad situation at a great risk to her safety but not before his life was drastically changed. When they're reunited at the DCO, Zarina works hard to help Tanner in any way she can. Then things go wrong and Tanner decides that he has to leave to keep Zarina safe. Zarina is convinced that Tanner will never hurt her so she follows him. What follows is action, suspense, and admitting the love they have for each other.

I love this series and am looking forward to the next book.

Zarina has developed a serum to reverse the genetic mutation that turned Tanner into a lion hybrid shifter. She developed it specifically for Tanner but it is progress toward helping all surviving test subjects. Now she just has to find him.

Tanner has taken to living off the grid, deep in Washington State Forest. He assists some of the homeless and prepper camps nearby but prefers to be alone. Tanner fled to the woods after a PTSD encounter at his parents house turned dangerous. He was then captured and turned into a DNA manipulation science experiment. He left Zarina behind for her own safety and as soon as he has the opportunity he will send her packing.

The shifters and the hybrids are always in danger of discovery. The public is a very real danger to their lives. The DCO (Department of Covet Opperations) is spread thin across the United States. There are threats on both coasts and operatives are being reassigned to new partners in the re-organization process. Some of the changes are necessary but change is hard on everyone.

The series starts with Her Perfect Mate. X-Ops Exposed is #8 and we are still not at the end of this exciting series.

Definitely a fast paced story with two very likable MCs. Tanner and Zarina were cute together and I liked them as a couple. She was sweet and he was everything I love in a strong alpha male. Protective, loving and honorable.

The ongoing story is intrigue and the many supporting/secondary characters are fascinating in their own right (and definitely piqued my interest for more!) but that being said, the romance was a bit luke warm. I don’t know if it’s because there are two intersecting story lines that are happening simultaneously, that robbed some of the page time from the MCs or the fact that both MCs are already in love with each other that made their love story fall a bit flat. They’ve been apart for three months and then thrown into a highly dangerous situation where they literally don’t get a single moment of relative peace before they're running for their lives, dodging bullets or riding to the rescue of others and during all this, the romance kind of just falls through the cracks.

I never really got to settle in to the romancing/wooing part of this romance because the “falling into love” part of their story had already happened, I’m guessing, in the last installment? It left me feeling a bit disconnected to their love story.

It was still a good and entertaining read but probably best if read in order.

Would I recommend?
Yes, if you like your paranormal reads with more suspension/action than romance, you might want to check this one out.

Zarina and Tanner have captured many readers imagination as their romance has simmered under the covers for some time. It all finally comes to a head when Tanner disappears after horrific events at the DCO center cause him to lose control. Poor Tanner, all he's done is jump from the frying pan into the fire because he's now in the midst of a lot more trouble than he ever imagined.
As the name suggests this is a pivotal book with the secret doings of the DCO and the existence of hybrids and shifters exposed to the public. From the time Zaria first met Tanner she's had a soft spot for him and has done all that she can to help him assimilate back into the world. What becomes clear as the story evolves is that Tanner was battling the very real issue of PTSD when he was kidnapped and experimented on. Now he's battling with the animal instincts from the experimentation as well as the PTSD that was never dealt with.
The one thing Tanner prizes is control over himself. So when the battle at the DCO causes him to lose control and give in to his animal instincts he runs away to hide and lick his wounds in public. Of course Zarina is not going to allow that so she follows him. Deep in the woods they find themselves befriending a group of survivalists who are battling trained mercenaries. The story as it evolves is as horrifying as it is fascinating.
In parallel one of the human DCO agents is dispatched to investigate a strange murder which seems to hint at a hybrid or shifter involvement. As this story evolves we discover two great new characters that we hope to see more in upcoming stories. The story reads almost like two standalone stories that eventually converge in a very interesting way. As always the subtext that is revealed at the hint leaves me marveling at the Machiavellian threads that weave through these stories.
Ms. Tyler does a great job with Tanner's back story and we finally get to meet his family and understand what drives Tanner. Tanner's story and his battle with PTSD raises awareness of the real problem that our VETS face and how inadequate the resources are that are available to help them assimilate back into their lives. It's great to see the chemistry between Zarina and Tanner finally have free rein as the hot romance and sweeet tenderness of their relationship finally gets center stage.
Now that X-Ops is exposed? what's next? Can't wait to see where the series will evolve from here.

AWESOME 5+ stars! I can't say how much I loved this book! I forgot when I asked NetGalley for an ARC of this book that I haven't started this Paige Tyler series yet. I prefer to binge read series from start to current, and not jump into the middle. Opps, I've started with her SWAT series, also excellent. This series was up next. Well, it just jumped higher on my list to get read. Fabulous characters, I wasn't lost coming into the 8th book either. I missed some key plot stories but I could go with the flow easily.

Tanner Howland is a retired Army Ranger with severe PTSD. He was kidnapped by "mad scientists" who used him as a test subject for their man made shifter experiments, making hybrids. He was rescued from the lab by a kidnapped Russian geneticist, Dr. Zarina Sololov. The serum they gave him worked but he rarely is able to control his powerful shifter abilities resulting in uncontrolled rage. He's retreated to the Washington woods east of his hometown of Seattle. Zarina, now works with the Department of Covert Ops, DCO, and decides she's gonna find him as she finds she cares for him a lot. Tanner has made friends with several "prepper" communities in the woods and he's discovered they are being raided by mercenaries kidnapping people. He's trying to stay out it but his Ranger's heart is not letting him. Zarina finds him and won't go home finding that together they can help these preppers and solve the mystery.

Meanwhile, DCO agent Tate Evers is without his shifter partner and gets sent to check out a suspicious death in Maine that is located close to the where Tanner's lab was closed down. Someone shredded a geneticist in a closed cabin. It looks like he was tortured by a shifter but the authorities are working hard to explain it as an animal attack. Tate gets an unwelcome partner, Chase York, a Maine deputy "shadow" from the local Sheriff's office. He and Chase track down the evidence to solve the murder as Tate works hard to not tell Chase classified information. Chase is a former Marine and pretty sharp so he keeps learning more and more about the existence of shifters. The two storylines merge later in the book.

I loved the story and character development in this story. The richness, intelligence and heart of each one were crafted skillfully. I grew to care about each one. The action was off the charts and very believable. The story had a descriptive richness and I enjoyed her author's voice. The storyline was well developed and all the pieces pulled together to make a satisfying ending. The Epilogue answered some of the last questions I had and set up the direction of the next book. Loved it! Thank you Sourcebooks and Paige Tyler for this opportunity to ARC read and review this story for an honest review.

It seems like every series has that one couple that you know is going to get together but the author makes you, and the characters, wait forever for it. Tanner and Zarina are those characters in the X-Ops series. Maybe because of that, I didn't feel like there were a lot of surprises in their story. Yes, they find themselves hiding out in the wilderness with a bunch of doomsday preppers, which is not something I expected. But Tanner does that whole Alpha Male push-her-away-for-her-own-good thing that I've seen with so many shifters before. And the big twist in their storyline was one I saw coming a mile away.

What I enjoyed most about X-Ops Exposed is the secondary plot. It follows Tate Evers, who we've met briefly in the series as the leader of Declan's team, on a solo mission in Maine. He teams up with a local sheriff's deputy and I loved their bromance. His case also ties in to the series storyline, which might have made me more invested. Or maybe it's the fact that it's more like the police procedural stories from earlier books. Either way, as I was reading I kind of wanted to stay with Tate and forget about Tanner altogether. I suspect Tate's getting his own book soon and I'm definitely here for it.

In each of the previous two X-Ops books, the ending has shifted the direction of the series in a big way - the DCO's been blown up and its leaders overthrown. This book drops another bomb on the DCO team right at the end. (You may have guessed it from the title.) It also introduced some new characters that I hope to see more of. So even though I didn't love X-Ops Exposed, I'm excited to see what happens next.

3.5 stars

In every long, on going series there comes a story that is a game changer. For me, that book is X-Ops Exposed. While there will be some answers, there are far more questions and complications from Tanner and Zarina’s story. Mainly because it’s not just their story, this time our attention is split between the West coast and the East coast with events that will change so much about this world and for its inhabitants. I have always believed that this is a series best read in order, and now more so than ever.

I love this world that Paige Tyler has built. It simply gets better, more complicated and complex, and it keeps growing with each new story added. Now it’s about to explode and I cannot wait to see where we go next. We’ll get some closure, we’ll also get brand new troubles and new characters to fold into this world. The action is fast paced, a bit snarky and bitey at times (as always). Watching Tanner and Zarina together is pure enjoyment. These two have come a long way to get to the now and even with its complications I’m loving where they are at this point. Expect some surprises, some twists and turns that will matter and may change things, a lot.

While I’ve been somewhat vague because I believe you need to experience this story firsthand – I would highly recommend X-Ops Exposed and the entire series to any Paranormal Romance or Romantic Suspense reader. Fast paced, hot and heavy action, questions answered and more asked, lively characters, an intriguing plot and characters you will come to care about. What’s not to love about all that?

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

X-Ops Exposed is outstanding! The thrills and emotional depth to the story really captivate and draw readers in and keeping them hostage until the very end.

Once again, Paige Tyler impresses me with her very vivid world that is full of energy and vibrant characters that make it impossible not to become a part of all the excitement as it happens. The story is fast paced and full of action infused events that just keep coming keeping readers on the edge of their seats and full of anticipation of what will come next and let me tell you that this enemy is one that I wanted to tear apart with my bare hands and considering what his devious plot unleashes, I’m sure that I’m not the only one but he certainly keeps things exhilarating. The story is full of twists and turns and a betrayal that rocks our hero’s world, while also bringing Tanner and Zarina together into a fantasy fulfilling romance that is rocky and full of emotional turbulence that adds depth and heat to the story. These characters are typical for the X-Ops world in that they are sexy, energetic and captivating but they are unique in their personalities and their intriguing past which adds spice to the already spirited story.

I can never get enough of Paige Tyler’s fascinating worlds and X-Ops Exposed is one that sets up the team for some drastic changes and I can’t wait to find out what they what will happen next in the X-Ops shifter division now that things have been turned upside down and inside out (definitely no dull moments to be found in this series).

X-OPS Exposed is the eighth book in paige Tyler’s X-OPS series. I have been waiting for this story forever.
Since the moment Tanner and Zarina were introduced early on in this series their attraction was evident; it was strong and simmering. Finally their story is here.

Tanner Howland is a Lion hybrid who fears he will lose control of his animal side. As a result, he is hiding out in the wilderness of Washington state to protect his friends, family and the woman he loves. Dr. Zarina Sokolav has been around Tanner from the beginning and tracks him down to help him and offer a possible cure. Zarina cares deeply for Tanner and can’t standing being separated from him. However,
Tanner’s protective instincts kick into high gear when Zarina refuses to leave and various wilderness camps are attacked and locals begin disappearing. Will tanner learn to control his animal impulses or will he lose himself and the woman he loves to the beast within him? Will they and their love survive the upcoming battle? Read it and find out!

I love this series. I love the idea of humans and shifters working together to make the world a better place. Both the heroes and heroines in Tyler’s books are good, strong characters with strong morals and personalities. I loved how together they become two parts of a whole; better and stronger together then apart. I also love how Tyler uses previous characters from the series to further to plot line but also introduces new characters throughout the series; giving hints of possible future storylines. You are always left wanting more, waiting desperately to know what will happen next.

All the books in Paige Tyler’s x-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 received an ebook copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley.com for an honest review.

X-Ops Exposed by Paige Tyler is book Eight in the X-Ops Series. This is the story of Tanner Howland and Dr. Zarina Sokolov. For me this was a standalone book.
Tanner worried about the dangers he may in flick on the people he loves and friends he goes int the wood away from everyone. But Zarina follows him because of her feelings and worried about him. This has set up Tanner to embrace his alpha male instinct to protect Zarina who has put herself in danger because people have gone missing.
This was an very exciting story! One that is hard to put down~!

This is the 8th book in the X-Ops series and I highly recommend you read the previous books so that you understand exactly what is happening in this one. This book is about Dr. Zarina Sokolov and Tanner Howland. Zarina was the doctor we saw previously who helped make the Hybrids against her will and Tanner is one of those Hybrids made. There are actually two stories being told here, one is about Tanner and Zarina working on their issues not only together but personally. Another is what is going on in Maine with Tate. There are definitely a lot of sub plots and you have to make sure you pay attention to what you are reading or you will find yourself going back because you missed something subtle.

There were a lot of things happening in this book and parts of it seemed to be all over the place to me. I love that Tanner finally got his full story and he gets his HEA but there were parts of this book that just kinda left me hanging. I really liked seeing the different stories being told but on the other hand I almost felt like there were two different stories trying to be told at once. It threw me off slightly. Still a great read and definitely well worth it. I just wish it focused more on Zarina and Tanner. On the other hand I really can't wait to see what happens after the epilogue!!