**I received a copy of Close to the Edge from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

Close to the Edge by Dawn Ryder is the fourth book in her Shadow Ops series. This time we have Dare Servant and Jenna's story. The book deals with human trafficking which is all over the world now.

Jenna has seen too much one night when a cargo container full of girls and women who are destined to be used as sex slaves and prostitution. But Dare comes to the rescue but narrowly missing the person behind the importing of women, Kirkland, who masquerades as a hip hop singer. Can she convince Dare that she isn't part of the group or will she end up in jail for something that she knows nothing about.

Dare Savant is tasked with keeping Jenna safe after she ends up seeing something she shouldn't. But even though he tries to keep his feelings away from Jenna its a losing battle. There is a man running for president and a rock/hip hop singer who are in involved with the trafficking ring that is the focal point of the book. So you have high profile players who think that they can get away with their little side business but Dare isn't going to let them just get away with this.

But its the lack of zing between Jenna and Dare until around the 70-75% makes the book a bit slow to get going consequently I give the book a 3.8 star rating

This is book five in the Unbroken Heroes series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but you will get more out of the whole story if you start from the beginning. This is a faced-paced book with great suspense, as in all the previous books. I enjoyed Dare and Jenna’s journey and romance

This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the Unbroken Heroes series and is written by Dawn Ryder. Agent Dare Servant is aghast at this fellow Ops members settling down. He knows without doubt that the domestic life will never be for him - the thrill of the chase and the high of danger to strong to ever give up. But when a quirky and charming caterer ends up smack dab in the middle of a criminal mastermind's plot, Dare will uphold his honor and protect her. Even though she pushes all his buttons. Even though her beauty drives him to distraction. Even though he's in danger of losing his heart to her and hanging up his Shadow Ops life for good. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

The newest Unbroken Hero novel is a rollercoaster ride of danger and emotional turbulence that holds readers in its grip from start to finish.

The hero and heroine of this book draw readers in and refuse to let go as they work through a relationship that highly impacted by some emotional turbulence that has readers emphasizing with the characters and determined to find out if they can ever work things out enough to discover that they just might have what it takes to have a happily ever after type of romance. Alpha male dominance clashes with fiery female passion with strong, sexy and sizzling attraction mixing things up for this couple which really has sparks flying in every direction.

Suspense builds throughout the steady to fast paced plot full of danger and thrills as Dare tries to keep his client alive even though she fights him every step of the way. Lots of twists and turns keep readers glued to the pages as bad guys and bosses slip unexpected surprises in the couple’s path which makes things very interesting as readers have to wonder what will happen next.

I was quite taken with Dare from the very first, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. I have read the other Unbroken Hero novels though and I knew that Dawn Ryder wouldn’t disappoint me and sure enough, after I got past the first couple of chapters, I was totally captivated by the story, I still don’t know what happened at first that was keeping from getting in to the story so I hope no one else has this problem but if you do be sure and keep trying because this book will take you Close To The Edge and have you wanting more.

A suspenseful read, full of action that draws your attention and keeps you guessing on what's to come.

I didn’t realize when I received this that the book is part of a series, so that threw me off track right away. I also didn’t know, until reading other reviews, that the ARC starts with Chapter 2, which is why I was extremely confused as to what was happening with the story. That right there did not start the book off on a good note for me.

I felt that most of the characters and plots were from previous books and that left me very confused. I felt as though I was dropped into the middle of a story with no direction on which way to go. The only redeeming quality of the book was that the two lead characters, Dare and Jenna had a ton of passion.

Jenna loves to blow stuff up. She works for a company that makes explosives but she only works when there is a contract. Dare is in the Special Ops hat really doesn’t exist. They are bugging a human traffickers house and Jenna walks in. They take her and put a tracker in her, then lets her go. They are waiting for the bad guy to come after her. There are so people in on the human trafficking that is very high up in the government and they’ll do anything to keep the money coming in for their campaign. Someone has tipped off Kirkland, the trafficker, to where the team and Jenna is and they separate. Jenna is given money, diamonds, and new identity and relocated. Dare thinks she’s in with Kirkland and uses her then arrests her. For the first time Dare is not all about the job only but Jenna too. Something he swore would never happen.
I’ll be honest this was the most confusing story I have ever read. I’m hoping once it’s released everything will be fixed. Chapter one was at the end, you never knew when the one character is talking to the next because it all runs together. The sex was hot and the storyline was fair. I know it was an uncorrected edition, that’s why I’m hoping the print version will be better. Will probably buy it when it comes out so I can reread it and hopefully make more sense out of it.

This is the 5th book in the Unbroken Heroes series, and you definitely need to read the other books before this one or you will be even more lost than this one makes you. This one is about Dare Servant and Jenna Henson. Dare is of course and agent and Jenna somehow gets caught up in their case. He tries to keep her safe while still doing what needs to be done to catch the bad guys.

I had a very hard time with this book. I really couldn't connect with not only the characters but the story. I felt lost at times and like I just wasn't getting what was happening. I pushed through and finished it but I'm not sure I would pick up the next in this series as this one was so hard for me. With that being said, I am sure that some people will love it. Unfortunately, that just isn't me.

Fast-paced and action-packed is how I would describe this book. This author has a knack for fully submerging the readers in her world. I just loved Jenna and Dare’s story I couldn’t put it down. Jenna witnesses something she shouldn’t have and now she is under the protection of some super secret black ops types. Dare is an absolute arrogant, cocky A-hole to Jenna. But Jenna isn’t innocent either, she fights Dare all the way. With so many plot twists this author keeps her readers on the edge of their seats the whole time. I would highly recommend this book, but having said that I would recommend reading them in order.

** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book supplied by Netgalley for an honest review **

I tried, I really tri d to get into this book, but after many pages, I realized I had no idea who these characters were or where this story was going. It was very frustrating, so it was a DNF for me. Will not review on Amazon or Goodreads, but did want Netgalley and publishers to know

DNF

The first chapter was missing so I was extremely confused and couldn’t get into the story with so much missing.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

I am critical when it comes to an author’s skill in writing characters’ movements in an action romance story. My definition of a good action book is when I can clearly see in my mind’s eye how a scene is playing. This book has not only done that, it has also successfully drawn a clear picture of the places where the characters are. I can imagine the characters moving in a specific environment.

My issue with the book is its story flow. I have read uncorrected proof copies before but I only encounter typographical errors. On this one, I noticed a concern in its transitions. We follow the story from different points of view; it does not only come from the main characters. The problem is, a scene suddenly stops and on the next paragraph, we are in a different place and in a different character’s head.

On the other hand, I enjoyed the fact that the story did not concentrate heavily on the romance of the main characters. Altogether, my reading experience was fun; I only needed to keep up with the transitions. If you want a bit of romance element in your action book readings, this is a good choice. The girl is not a damsel-in-distress but she acknowledges the fact that she needs the protection the Shadow Ops provide. Her thoughts and choices are somehow relatable. In its entirety, the story has a “True Lies” movie feel to it.

Dare Servant and his Shadow Ops team are almost finished setting up surveillance in a drug king's son's home. The son who has taken over dad's business. Everything is looking good until an unexpected chef shows up and screws up the whole operation. Jenna is really good at messing things up and, her and Dare are, apparently very good at rubbing each other the wrong way at the wrong time. There is something pulling these two together, though, and now they are not only trying to keep each other safe, they're trying to do it without becoming romantically involved!

This novel is part of what appears to be a comprehensive series of books. As this was the first I had read, it impacted on my reading pleasure as there were references to what had happened in the past.

As a romantic thriller this was at times disturbing, certainly thrilling and with the romance element, it certainly ticked all boxes.

The author is new to me. However I'm intrigued enough that I will look for more by Dawn Ryder.

Although advertised as an uncorrected digital galley through Netgalley, the formatting was shocking and this definitely had an impact on my reading enjoyment

While I've loved this series so far I found myself frustrated while reading this book. It's fast paced and filled with twists and turns and normally I find that a plus in a book but this one had so much going on at times I felt lost. Overall though I did find the book entertaining and enjoyable with all the nail biting action. It does have a nice romance and suspense.

While filling in for a friend on a catering job, Jenna Henson finds herself squarely in the middle of a covert operation being overseen by Dare Servant. Dare is bossy, rude, and demanding. Seeing no way out she cooperates with Dare. Now she has to rely on him to keep her safe. Scary to start with but worse if her heart gets involved.

I'd recommend this one.

Close to the Edge by Dawn Ryder
Unbroken Heroes #5

Another unbroken Hero meets the woman that will change his life when Dare Servant, setting up hidden surveillance, runs into Jenna on her way to help her friends out. After she has been debriefed and warned she is released only to find herself picked her up again by Dare. She ends up in hot water a few times, is saved a few times, she has to run for her life and is given a place to hide…for a bit… Her life is very very busy as the dark ops team tries to pin the bad guys down and put them away. Action-packed and at times dark but in the end all is okay for the hero and heroine of this book

The romance between Dare and Jenna and some of the action in the story seems a bit farfetched but it did make for an interesting story. I will say that I am more interested in Thais, Kagan, Dunn, Greer and some of the other characters who appeared in this book than I was in this couple’s story. There was a hint at Dare perhaps being a shifter when his mother hid him to keep him safe and and said to him, “Don’t make a sound my little cub…you must grow up…become a bear…before you can right the wrongs of this night…” but there was no other mention of his being shifter except perhaps man-animal odors and his size that was enormous being mentioned.

One bad guy is in jail by the end of the story and another is probably being set up for something or other that will transpire in the future. Dare and Jenna eventually find a HEA together and the story is prepared to take off again in book six when it is ready to be published.

Knowing this was an ARC I still had trouble getting into the book. I noticed more than one person who left a review mentioned being “lost” and so was I for a bit…quite a bit. Then, when I finished the book I realized the first chapter of the book for some reason was at the end and the ARC began with chapter two. Reading the first chapter first would definitely have helped the book to flow more easily ;) That said, I still managed to read and understand and figure the story out.

Did I enjoy the story? Yes
Was it totally believable? No
Do I want to read the next book in the series? Yes
Do I recommend the book? Yes, but do think having read previous books in the series would be helpful.

Thank you to NetGalley and ST. Martin’s Press for the ARC – this is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

An intriguing, suspenseful, action packed addition to the series…

This is the fifth book in the Unbroken Heroes series that can be read as a stand-alone, there are references to events in the prior books.

The clandestine mission was planned perfectly and should have run without a hitch or so Shadow Ops agent Dare Servant believed. Kill the premise’s security and cameras then enter and bug the residence of the son of a crime lord, who had taken his father’s place upon his death, while the residence is empty. His team damaged the expected caterer’s vehicle to give them the time they needed before someone would show up but he didn’t plan on them calling in a substitute chef to take their place. So when a beautiful woman walks in on him there is no choice but to take her down so they can complete the mission. For a petite thing she doesn’t go down easily and Dare has to admire that. But who is she really? And can they keep her presence contained? Will she keep quiet as to what she’s seen?

Combustion expert Jenna Henson is in between jobs and also is a great cook, she has no real excuse for not helping her caterer friends who need a favor and agrees to take their place until they can arrive at a Malibu cliff residence. She walks into a lavish kitchen to find a ski-masked man who comes after her and she ends up kidnapped until her identity is verified but not before she got a few good punches in. Little did she know that seeing that dangerous man where he wasn’t supposed to be would forever change her life. She’s spunky and if she has to give up the life she’s known she’ll make sure it was worth it.

Committed to the shadow life, Dare has finally met his match, a woman who makes his blood burn, a sassy, quirky, fighter in her own right, who is in danger for association with him, one he’ll now protect. He fights the attraction but her presence is a constant provocation. Jenna knows how deadly the sexy devil black eyed man is as he reminds her often but she can’t stop pushing his buttons. If the now is all they’ll possibly have she’ll take it and have the memories unless she can convince him to reach for more. What neither one knows is that the one who is using them both is also helping them find their way to each other, Dare has a most interesting superior.

This was an intriguing, suspenseful, action packed addition to the series. Dare was a fascinating man seen before and it was great to see him brought down by an interesting and strong woman. We got to learn of a new type of character, an Unperson, this reader is curious to know more about her in future books. This arc was a bit of a difficult read with the amount of errors and the author’s penchant for not clearly denoting changes of scenes and character voices within chapters. I had to backtrack often.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

3.75⭐
Close to the Edge was an enjoyable story that drew me in. However, I did find it hard to connect with, mostly due to the fact that this is book 5 in a series. I've not read before, and that did have an impact for me.
Yet, saying that there were pockets of action, and a touch of suspense. And I was engaged throughout. Plus, the characters were likable. Although, honestly, Dare's treatment of Jenna did annoy me at times. And I did find the ending a little flat.
But there was still more I liked than I didn't. And I'm sure anyone who is a fan of the series will enjoy it.

Wow, AWESOME, Best book of the series! I loved it!

Dare Servant is never getting entangled in a relationship. There is no option with his past and being a Shadow Ops agent. His job is too dangerous and he can't afford any weakness or distraction. He has to bring those bad guys down. Currently he's working on Kirkland Grog, a "Hip-Hop Star" who is really an underworld crime boss running human trafficking and prostitution channeling some of his profits to support Carl Davis who's about to win the presidential election in a few months. The long running thread in this series that Carl will close down Shadow Ops when he's President. They know too much about his dirty deeds!

Enter Jenna Henson, a rocket explosives specialist who helps out her bestie Sam, and his husband Paul, who run Joyful Occasions Catering. She loves to cook and helps out when he's in a bind. It's a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when she catches Dare & his team bugging Kirkland's houseparty. She ends up being taken by the team for her protection and to find out what info she may have on Kirkland. The adventure begins.

This story had so many twists and turns I loved it. There is a large cast of characters, but no one who is introduced in the beginning as unimportant pops up as a key figure at the end of the book. A real pet peeve of mine and one of the reasons I read digital-love the search function. Characters from previous books come back and play rolls, which I love. Poor Dare is just so impressed with the smart, brave and gutsy Jenna he can't help developing feelings for her. We do get a nice HEA. Dawn even kind set up the next book, which I love as well.

Very well done. Thanks to Dawn and her publisher St. Martin's Press for the NetGalley for an honest review.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

I have no idea why I requested a book that is #5 in an ongoing series. I usually don't drop into a series like this. But, I have to confess, this isn't the first time. Some have turned out great: Tracers Series by Laura Griffin and Midnight Man Series by Lisa Marie Rice are two where that worked out really, really well. Will this one? Let's read the book and see.

Well, "Close to the Edge" was not a book you want to drop into a series with. First off, my ARC started on Chapter 2. What the what? The publisher made no effort to correct this. Second, because I started with Chapter 2, I felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. I had no idea what was happening, to whom or why. I didn't know if it was the Chapter thing, dropping into the series at book 5 or if the book was just plain lousy. I've decided the book is just plain lousy for the first half at least. After that I sorta figured out what was what, but it didn't help by that time. I will say that I really liked the heroine, Jenna. She took her own Alice down the rabbit hole experience and dug deep to make a difference and win the hero, Dare's, heart. After reading the whole book, I found the first chapter at the very end. Oh, well.

There are a lot of characters and plot lines from the previous books, so this is really not a book to start with in the series. The Shadow Ops Team is a special group of Federal Agents tasked with pursuing the baddies who think they are untouchable. In "Close to the Edge" Jenna is caught up when the team goes after a baddie, Kirkland. She has a real "lust at first sight" reaction to Agent Dare, who feel likewise, but doesn't want any relationship, especially with his witness. These two can really ignite the pages with their passion, which was the best feature of the book. The plot was predictable and very disjointed with the omnipotent POV.