A new identity as Jax is recruited to LOST and secrets about with Marcus as these two cross paths, find out objectives and reconcile their future. Interesting book with tale and character from a new to me author.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

This was my first book by this author. The synopsis was entertaining enough, however, I had many stop and goes while reading this book. The plot was slow in several places, but the characters were pleasant enough for me to finally finish the book.

Betrayal and still trying to escape the ghosts of her past Jax embraces her new identity in her first mission. It was simply to regain parts of her that she lost along the way. He was supposed to be her assignment but he was so much more. Drawn towards one another with each beat of their hearts they would ultimately protect each other from destruction.

Former cop turned rogue, Jax Cassidy’s first mission for L.O.S.T is to gain the trust of assassin Marcus Cross, eliminate him and then take down Marcus’ Mentor, Joseph Lazarus. After being left for dead, Marcus Cross was given a second chance at life and his newly heightened skills made him the perfect killing machine. Jax’s is beginning to succumbing to the passion between her and Marcus when she discovers his deadly secret and Marcus is beginning to question Lazarus’s motives and his own actions.

This first book in the L.O.S.T. series is an explosive and brilliant vampire mercenary romance. The characters are strong, bold and easily draw readers in to the story while their sizzling chemistry singes readers with every turn of the page. The romance between this couple is hot and steamy but the with the hero and heroine’s strong as steel walls, the relationship is a hard one to form and causes a whole lot of emotional angst that tugs at the heart while making it easy for the readers to understand their wants and desires.

The plot is fast paced is full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping anticipation with a power hungry bad guy that his sights set on the white house. There are several stunning, jaw dropping twists in this story that adds to the thrills and excitement and really make it hard for the readers to put this story down once they begin reading.

Crossed is intense, there are things that might make you uncomfortable which are actually quite necessary for the story that is being told. Crossed combines several genre, Paranormal, Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Mystery and especially politics into a story that has many layers, each more involved and intriguing than the previous. It's quite an intense and intriguing ride. I'll be picking up Double-Crossed for now that I've had a taste of the L.O.S.T. crew and I want to know more.

With a broad mix of genres in one story it sounded fun, but something got a little lost. Maybe it was just overwhelming t have to so many elements mixed it? I'm not really sure what turned me off, but it was a struggle to read and not just skim through it.

Crossed was a bit different than i expected. I was looking for a thriller mystery and to a point this didnt disappoint. Jax is set for her life to change. She was a good guy and thanks to a messed up system shes now a bad guy. When a life changing option is presented what would you do?

For me this went sideways a bit. It was good then a paranormal aspect would placed in that I seriously feel we could have done without and for me that's huge. I love the supernatural and for me to say a book would be better without is scary. All in all decent.

A very well-written and unique story by Ms. Tabke. Crossed is an exciting blend of romance and action. Liked it

Amazing book. I loved the characters, their strenght when things went bad and eventual recovery to be part of a team that worked. Yes there are hard parts to read, but man was it worth it. Highly recommend this book and look forward to more.

I thought this novel was wonderfully intense and well written. It was heart breaking to read what happened to Jax in the beginning. To have a man assault and brutalize you is an experience not many come back from. But her will to fight and her courage to become a part of Lost is admirable and commendable. Mark matches her in spirit. He also comes from a broken past and becoming a vampire does not give him the purpose to continue to live souless until Jax. I enjoyed reading how they attempted to out maneuver each other and instead found themselves in love. This novel had me at the edge of my seat.

Jax is new to the L.O.S.T special ops organization after she was beaten, left for dead and got her revenge. She had been a cop and is now an assassin for this organization.

Marcus has a lot of secrets and if Jax finds about about them she may or may not like him. He's a vampire who now kills for Lazarus. He had been a soldier when Lazarus found him almost dead and turned him. He has been working for a special ops team called The Solution run by Lazarus.

This book has no shortage or blood, murder and mayhem. The carnage starts right off from the start of this book. Marcus had been led to believe he was working for the good guys and doing the right thing but he was wrong. He slowly figures out what's really going on and why and that's when he changes his mind as well as the way he does things. Lazarus's special ops project had its funding cut off by the senator that had been backing it when he figures out that some things just aren't right. When he does that L.O.S.T. gets hired to keep the senators daughter safe from Lazarus.

When Jax and Marcus start to get closer, they can't seem to keep their hands off each other. I really liked these two when they got together. She was sent there to get closer to him so she and her team can bring down Lazarus but her feelings have changed since meeting him and getting to know him.

I love a paranormal romance and vampires are one of my favorite paranormals but we don't see Marcus use his vampire abilities a lot in this book. This is more of a romantic suspense book than a vampire romance, at least it was to me and I'm fine with that. There's a lot of action, drama and romance in this to keep you completely engaged from the beginning until the end.

Disclosure: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sorry, the female lead was unlikable. so I couldn't get into this tale. Thanks for allowing me to try it.

I have enjoyed a lot of Ms. Tabke's romantic suspense books and this one is no different. I enjoyed how this book had a little bit of everything in it and I couldn't get enough of this book once I started to read it. as there were a few twists in this story that I did not see coming. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series as i look forward for more to come.

Jax is a former cop who’s team let her be assaulted and then tried for murder. As she is being transferred to prison, a group breaks her out and offers her a deal. Have her life erased and work for the really good guys or go on to serve her prison sentence. There is a group that works for the government but they have gotten out of control. Jax and her team is sent in to take down the head of the organization. Marcus was left for dead in the Afghanistan desert but made a deal with an evil man to live for eternity. Jax is sent in to try and get a meeting with the head of the organization but she has to convince Marcus first. Will he allow Jax to be destroyed or will he save the day? Never heard of this author before but totally loved this story. Action, sex, and suspense. I could not put this book down. Once you get immersed into it, everything else just fades away. * Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *

Before I get into my reaction to Crossed, I do want to make this comment: Enemy Lover - now titled Crossed & Enemy Mine - now titled Double-Crossed were previously released under the Karin Harlow name, so it is possible that you have read this before.

Crossed is intense, there are things that might make you uncomfortable which are actually quite necessary for the story that is being told. Marcus' background story will grab you and not let go, not even as he moves into a new world for him. Jax is a fascinating woman, where she comes from defines who she is when she first encounters Marcus. They both are products of events that changed them... and meeting is going to change them each far more than they could have ever realized. It's also best for you to discover their story firsthand and not through any other reader's words.

Crossed combines several genre, Paranormal, Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Mystery and especially politics into a story that has many layers, each more involved and intriguing than the previous. It's also a story that would be very easy to give away spoilers as well. So if you enjoy any of those genre, if you love Paranormal, enjoy a good Mystery, or Romantic suspense gives you a special thrill, then you'll enjoy Crossed.

I enjoyed Jax and Marcus, not only their interactions but how they also affected those around them and in getting deeper into the final truth of this story. It's quite an intense and intriguing ride. I'll be picking up Double-Crossed for now that I've had a taste of the L.O.S.T. crew I want to know more and that's perhaps the best compliment I can give... to want to know what's next.

*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.*

3 1/2 Star Review.....

CROSSED is a re-release of ENEMY LOVER which was published in 2010 under the name Karin Harlow.

The story is fast paced, action packed, and two tortured and passionate characters in the lead. Good world building with a paranormal twist, and some serious sexual tension too. Crossed is an intriguing start to the series, and I’m looking forward to book two.

3 1/2 stars out of 5
Karin Tabke takes an interesting twist on the Covert Ops romantic suspense genre. The Author mixes political conspiracy, paranormal, sex, gritty hard alpha female and male characters that had me wondering if the author was going to throw in the kitchen sink. Personally the yes and no body yearning sex was easily to skip over because it gave off a rape vibe that had me a little uncomfortable.

Jax is tough as nails and Marcus is well you will figure it out pretty quick. The story is very sexual and most or the main story takes a back seat to them biting and smelling each other.
Which slowed the movement of the story to a crawl.

The story over all has wide appeal for those who love cross over genres and while this one has some humors moments they were not enough to keep the story from being almost to dark for the basic story line. Alpha female saved by black ops company full of Alpha males who protect each other. Paranormal Meets Military Romantic Suspense.

This combination when done right can be a must read but done wrong or too much of one side the story story falls flat.
Crossed goes into the paranormal side of the story about 25% in taking the story and putting it into the unrealistic (Which most of the romantic suspense are but this one is WAY over the top) and over the top paranormal leaving some reason wondering what the story is really about.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Karin Tabke LLC for a copy of Karin Tabke CROSSED (Last Option Special Team Book 1)

Marcus Cross is a trained sniper but he is also guarding a secret when he was left for dead by his special ops team in Afghanistan he was saved by Joseph Lazarus and the way he did that was to turn him into a vampire. Now his original skills plus his heightened vampire senses turn him into the ultimate bodyguard for his maker. Jax Cassidy is a former cop who went rogue she has been given a chance by joining L.O.S.T (Last Option Special Team) and she has been given her first job she needs to eliminate Joseph Lazarus but the only way she can do that is by first eliminating Marcus. The attraction between them is instant and she has him questioning Josephs real motives but when it comes to his life or hers what choice will he make

This is a well written book that had enough suspense and drama to keep you entertained to the very last page

Brutally assaulted and then heartlessly betrayed, L.O.S.T. operative Jax Cassidy lives life on her terms. No friends, no family, no love. But when she comes face to face with assassin, Marcus Cross, the man she has been ordered to eliminate, she discovers his deadly secret. A secret that draws her into his dark world, jeopardizing not only her heart but her soul.Marcus Cross sold his soul to the devil for a second chance at life. When dangerous beauty.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Karin Tabke is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

Intriguing!

This story was a unique blend of paranormal, romance, political drama, suspense and action. I found it an intriguing story line but drawn out in some areas.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.