Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful quick read. Taken is a part of her Deep Ops series but can be read alone. The book opens with the characters Hunter and Faye reuniting after a five year absense. The author's writing immediately pulls you in and makes you hope this couple will find their way back into each others arms despite the turmoil they face. Her story reenforces the fact family doesn't have to share blood to be strong and overcoming your tragedies can make you even stronger. I loved the cameo of two characters from one of Zanetti's other series. A must read!

Taken is a shorter Novel, the story line moves along quickly. I could see it play out in my mind. I love that.

I haven't quite figured out where this book is placed, in order. Or possibly it's not meant to be - but it draws characters from the HDD and Dark Protectors, so it's concurrent... and yet? I've never found a Rebecca Zanetti book I didn't like, but I wasn't a particular fan of this one. Hunter and Faye had (only by the authors account) a deep and meaningful backstory, but because it was never fleshed out it was almost impossible to feel anything for these two. I literally had zero feels for them, and was irrationally angry when Dage and Talen made a brief and utterly unnecessary appearance - don't! Don't tangle them up in a storyline that is beneath their awesomeness!
It was unremarkable, short, and kind of forgettable. (sorry.)
So I'm going to go on about my business until Raider and Brigid's story (Or Angus and Nira?) or literally anyone else's, and then pick right up where we left off, because I'm ok with not LOVING-loving this novella and still respect Ms Zanetti's hard work and insane storytelling talent. Will keep my eyes peeled for the next!

This entertaining little novella (Dark Ops 1.5) is best described as a side trip by Raider Tanaka, of the Homeland Defense Department, to help out his old friends Hunter Holt and Faye Smith. Aside from some charming cameos by Wolfe, Angus, Roscoe (the boozing dog) and Kat (the perpetually adorable kitten) this story appears unrelated to anything important that is occurring in the main Dark Ops storyline.

Hunter and Faye were childhood sweethearts who grew up together, along with Raider, as foster siblings after surviving parental abuse. Faye walked out in Hunter five years ago but seeks him out now to bring him news that he has a half-brother who needs their rescue. Hunter has strong protective instincts and springs into action immediately to find this teenager who shares his blood and his pain.

This has all the hallmarks of a Zanetti second chance romance: territorial partners, sexual tension, the alpha male who thinks he’s too damaged for the woman he wants, the gutsy heroine who refuses to be shielded from danger and insists on having “all” of her man ... But, the reasons for their earlier breakup are murky. She was a psychologist who had a work-related crisis. He was a Marine Corp sniper/tracker who had work-related crises. They just weren’t able to remain emotionally connected and Faye “walked away”. Without knowing the depth of their problems we miss out on the significance of their reconnection. The novella is too short for you to get the “feels” of their journey back to each other and the ending seems abrupt.

For me, the best part was the sneak peek at Hidden Chapter One (Dark Ops 2) at the end of Taken. Raider’s story is next and that teaser is a REAL TEASER!!! Suddenly I was sitting up straight and paying attention! I can’t wait for that one. Hurry please!

(NetGalley ARC received. Sincere review given.)

Hunter and Faye are magic together but will they stop fighting the past and work toward a future? The author is amazing and always has been a one click author of mine. This book did not disappoint and is actually one of my favorites so far. I loved every character big and small (animals included). Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

This is related to the book series Deep Ops but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. It is about Hunter Holt and Faye Smith. This couple was not a part of book 1 but they are related to one of the characters that are part of the main series. And it gives us more insight into him as well seeing a few of the main characters make an appearance. Hunter and Faye are trying to save the little brother he didn't know about as well as try to deal with each other and the baggage left behind after their relationship imploded.

This is a novella, so expect it to be short. But I still loved it! As usual, this author's writing sucks you in and makes you want more! Hunter and Faye both have baggage from their childhood that they never truly dealt with along with things from their adult lives that have affected them. I loved them together and the way they never truly moved on from each other. There is action and suspense in this but there is also love and showing that some people are just meant to be! The snippet at the end for the next book definitely left me wanting to know more about Raider and Brigid!! I can't wait for the next book!!

INTOXICATING AND UTTERLY THRILLING WITH THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF SIZZLE! Taken was precisely what I needed when I needed it most! Exciting, sexy, suspenseful with fantastic characters and a visit from some other of my favorite characters from another series, this story had IT ALL!

Rebecca Zanetti gives us readers exactly what we are craving. A story that contains heart stopping action, sizzling hot heat and one exciting plot that keeps us on our toes. Every flip of the page was a new adventure with unstoppable romance. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want to anyway.

Taken gets a INTOXICATING FIVE SIZZLING STARS!

A novella to fill the gap whilst fans wait for the next full length book. Actually thinking about it if it was Raider you had hoped for then this story does help fill in some gaps about his background and upbringing.
Somehow Hunter and Faye drifted apart emotionally and Faye made the heart breaking decision to walk away. Now five years later Faye needs to contact Hunter because someone very important needs his help. Is it possible that Hunters life is about to get more complicated ?
I quite enjoyed this story as it had an unusual almost Bonnie and Clyde feel to it. The couple clearly never stopped loving each other so their romance was possibly a slam dunk but for this reader it was all the insights about the Deep Ops team that I really enjoyed. Oh and as I'm a huge fan of the Dark Protectors there's a scene here that had me squealing with joy but clearly my lips are sealed. Unfortunately I did feel the big take down at the end seemed too quick but the epilogue and sneak peak of the next book certainly helped offset that.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.

This is a total mix bag of emotions! From taut thriller, romance and downright comedy gold!

Hunter and Faye were two of the four foster children all living with Miss A. They transitioned to being more than friends but they each pulled away for one reason or another. But when a new guest at Miss A is found to be related to Hunter, she sends Faye to bring him back to the fold.

Hunter enjoys the quiet at his cabin, far from everyone. But when Faye arrives and he realises that his father, yet again, has abused someone in his care, Hunter is determined to save his brother. But things get more heated when they realise that the teacher/lover he took off with his robbing bank and leaving a trail of bodies in her wake!

When they send out the SOS for assistance Raider, another foster sibling and some of his team come to assis. They may be poorly funded and the most ragtag, borderline nuts group they've ever met but they are effective - and memorable!

Hunter nad Faye were a good couple and I really enjoyed meeting all the other team members. Some ware more memorable than others - think high-heelwearing alcoholic dog and a giant who carries a kitten in his pocket! I REALLY need to kno what Wolfe's deal is! Whilst the storyline surrounding Hunter's brother is the thread holding the book together, there are plenty of fun moments and the verbal sparring between the group is fab!

PS You may jst get a wee glimpse of some characters from Dark Protectors - well the chase does lead the characters to their front door. LOL

3.5 stars rounded up
This was a nice little novella in the Deep Ops series. I was hoping for a full lenght novel but Taken was a good read too. The short length of the story probably made me less invested than I could have been. This felt as though it could have been a full-length book and had lost so much because it wasn’t. I had a hard time really liking and relating to the hero and heroine (probably because we don't really get their full backstory and they don't feel fleshed out entirely). They weren't exactly unlikable, but they didn't really grab my attention and I didn't feel the chemistry or attraction between them. Overall, I was left feeling like this story wasn't quite as fleshed out and fully-developed as it could have been. I guess it was nice enough, but I didn't have a 'wow-feeling' after finishing. Maybe my expectations were to high? On the other hand the story flowed smoothly and it was interesting and it kept me turning tha pages, eager to find out how will the "kidnapping" play out. And I liked the short appearances from Force, Wolfe, and especially the kitty Kat and dog Roscoe who we met in Hidden already.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book. If you’re fan of Rebecca Zanetti you are going to love reading Taken. I really hope this series will go ahead for a long time because I did kind of get attached to the characters and I'm looking forward to reading more about them.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick novel by the author and I felt like pieces were missing. I had read the previous one in this series and I don't remember these characters. Reading through it, it's clear that Hunter and Faye have a lot of history together sharing a painful past that keeps them apart. They are on a mission to save Hunter's half brother and they become reacquainted as they solve the case. I wasn't particularly moved by this short Novella but it does make me anticipate the next in the series.

Faye and Hunter were almost inseparable growing up in a foster home then as teens they became lovers. Later they part ways, both hurt but unable to forget each other. Five years later, they are asked to work together by their amazing foster mother with their other foster brother Raider and his Deep Ops colleagues to find the brother Hunter never knew he had. Hunter's brother is 16 and to escape an abusive home he's on the run with a teacher he's convinced he loves. The teacher is a sociopath who robs convenience stores and kills for fun. Hunter has to stop her and protect his misguided brother from the police who are out to get him even though he's unaware of the killing. Lots of suspense, action, and romance make this a great read!

There were so many good things in this little novella. I get such a kick out of the alcoholic/cross-dressing dog, the big, scary dude named Wolfe who carries a kitten in his pocket, and we even get an appearance from Dage and Talen from the Dark Protector series.

The main characters are not anyone we met in book 1. Our couple, Hunter and Faye are foster siblings to Raider. Raider is who met in book 1. He comes to help Hunter and Faye chase down Hunter's half brother who he just learned about, and we get the rekindled relation of Hunter and Faye.

I'm not sure if Hunter and Faye will make any more appearances in the Deep Ops books but it was fun getting to know them and learning a little bit more of Raider's background. Wolfe is such a quirky character and I love seeing him in every book but I really can't wait until he's the main character.

This had a great mix of fun and seriousness to it. I can't wait for the next book!

Taken is a novella set in the world of the Deep Op series. Faye Smith left Hunter Holt five years ago when she realized love was not going to be enough to make their relationship last. Both slightly broken with the weight of guilt from much different situations, they fled to work on themselves. Now years later, Faye chases Hunter down to let him know he has a little brother and that he is missing from the foster home they were raised in. Calling in the big dogs, Raider and Wolf from Deep Ops use their resources from Homeland Security to aid in the search for Hunter's little brother and the spree killing teacher he took off with. Faye and Hunter story is sweet as they manage to save the day and rediscover a sweet love. This story moves quickly but is believable because I could envision a true love broken from hard times but so easy to fall back into. Wolf and his kitten, Kat adds a fresh dose of humor to lighten up the tense situations. I love the Deep Ops characters and their wacky animals. I need Wolf's book soon since I might be in love with all the weirdness that is Wolf. A great short read that flies by way too quickly. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

This novella was a good second chance romance with a few twists. Faye, Hunter, and their friend Raider (from book one of the Deep Ops series, Hidden) are back home to help their foster mom find and rescue Hunter’s teenage brother.

Personal issues aside, Faye and Hunter were funny! Their bickering was similar to playground taunting and their heartfelt attraction sizzled. The camaraderie between all three characters was neat since it was cemented in childhood and as adults remained as strong as ever.

Then there’s Raider’s Deep Ops team. Wolfe’s lack of filter and his pocket kitten was absolute comic relief. And I don’t know how I could have forgotten Roscoe, the alcoholic German Shepherd and his penchant for heels! He’s just as hysterical as he was in Hidden!

Mixing Deep Ops with a couple of characters from the Dark Protector series and Taken actually turned out funnier then I was expecting! The story had steam, suspense, a twisty villain, and a wonderfully crazy supporting cast I enjoyed.

I don’t think it’s necessary to read Hidden before picking up this novella. The Deep Ops team is working as supporting assist while the central focus stays on Faye and Hunter. However, I do think it should be read before the next book Fallen, if only to get established with Raider’s feelings for Brigid.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a side-story of Rebecca Zanetti’s Deep Ops series, ‘Taken’ is pretty much a compact standalone as Raider Tanaka’s old friends take the stage in a short, second-chance romance.

In this case however, the brevity of the story probably made me less engaged than I could have been, since this felt as though it could have been a full-length book and had lost so much because it wasn’t. All we know is that Hunter Holt and Faye Smith had once been together; she’d split five years ago and is now back to get him to search for his teenage half-brother he’d never known existed. In fact, I felt as though I’d been missing a big chunk of their backstory—the breakup, the —even though it was sort of told in a few lines what had happened to Faye and Hunter.

Coming back together in the midst of the search, then pledging themselves to each other again after scorching sexy times or talking things through to re-cement their broken bond just seemed too easy, too soon…too coincidental. Would Faye really have searched Hunter back out had it not been for this incident when she’d done nothing for five years? As a result, Faye/Hunter were a pairing that seemed to happen only again because unexpected circumstances forced them back again, rather than a pairing that actively wanted to solve the problems that had first rent them apart while finding their way back to each other again—a rather common occurrence in the second-chance romance trope that typically leaves me feeling scratchy on the inside.

There’s no denying that Zanetti writes pretty well though, but what constantly threw me off were the strange and awkward inserts of humour that broke the intensity of what would have been otherwise an enthralling narrative. In here, it come in the form of out-of-the-blue humour, even odder animal behaviour and weird pick-up lines that bad-ass characters spout, incongruous to what you think they might behave.

In short, ‘Taken’ was pretty much what I thought it would be—no big surprises and not entirely a let-down either but not something I could really get excited about…at least not while Raider’s story is in the making.

This book is a novella that is part of a series, but really is a stand alone. It is a quick and easy read, and I really felt the pain Hunter and Faye suffered in their relationship. But also the closeness, how thoroughly they knew each other. I would really like to know what happened five years ago, and hopefully we will learn more in other books in this series.

Received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

The infusion of serious subject matter and humor make up this romantic suspense. Its amazing the those two things work together but the author manages it in such a way your both on the edge of your seat and laughing.

This novella gives us Hunter Holt and Faye Smith story who grew up in foster care with Raider Tanaka (a main character from her new Deep Ops series). Both Raider and Wolfe (also from Deep Ops) play a big part in the story so you definitely get a feel for what the series is about even though Hunter and Faye are not part the Homeland Defense Department. This could be read as a stand alone and it was very enjoyable having all the elements of suspense, serial killer, and a rekindled romance. But for me it was even more so because of having the connection to Raider and the Deep Ops team.

this is a novella that follows the first book in this series. I loved the first book and I loved this one too. Lot of emotion and humor. The only complaint that I have is that the dog only shows up briefly in this book. I am waiting anxiously for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this series.

Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

While I really enjoy books by Rebecca Zanetti, I have to admit I was a bit confused by this book as far as it being part of the Deep Ops series. Having read the first book in the series, I was expecting a novella about some of the characters from that book. Or even a story that set the stage for book two. However, this book was about Hunter and Faye that actually grew up with Raider a character from the first book and hopefully the hero of the next book in the series. So while the novella was enjoyable and there was a brief scene with the Deep Ops team in this story, you definitely can read this book without having read Hidden. In fact, I would have just left it as a totally separate novella.