Deadly Intent

Full review to be published online by the end of the month; Fiction Vixen and Fresh Fiction.

DEADLY INTENT is the eighth book in Pamela Clare’s beloved Romantic Suspense series “I-Team”. For those of us who thought the series had ended, this is a very pleasant surprise. Fans spent books 1 through 7 of the series watching Joaquin Ramirez go through an incredible journey as a photojournalist on the I-Team, and helping the reporters break their new stories. The reader has seen him change from kind of a team brother to a man determined to step up and take action when needed; and be every bit the alpha hero as the rest of the hunks each of the I-Team heroines lassoed. Joaquin was always in the background; earning a Pulitzer along the way for a photo taken at the end of Breaking Point. It is great to have him at the forefront in a story of his own.

This time Mia Starr has the role normally taken on by the men in this series. She’s a retired US Army Captain who is dealing with personal demons following her tours in the Middle East. She now works for the local botanical gardens, a more pleasant lifestyle after the horrors of her previous. She discovers, however, that someone is killing the men she served with who were involved in some secret, scandalous activity. She and Joaquin have come together to go on the hunt for the killer.

DEADLY INTENT is a great follow-up to the series. We get caught up on the rest of the I-Team crowd, many of who are dealing with the fallout from ‘Dead By Midnight’. It’s always great to touch base with familiar and beloved characters and couples. DEADLY INTENT can be read standalone, but the reader will miss out on some of the background of the players. Recommended to fans of the series; and those who enjoy well written and exciting Romantic Suspense.

More please! I was so excited to see that Joaquin gets his own story. I got to tell you, he comes across as way more sexy then I imagined in past books.

I was so happy when I saw that another book was coming out in this series as it's a favorite of mine, in fact I did a re-read of the whole series late last year. I sort of felt bad for Joquin, he was always the buddy along for the ride, but never got a girl of his own.

While it was the best first meeting, I liked how Joaquin/ and Mia met. It allowed Joaquin to know what he was up against. I liked that even though Mia was a bitch to Joaquin the first time he still reached out to her when they saw each other again at his cousin's party and didn't hold that against her. Sure it helped that there was an attraction there, but Joaquin was a nice guy, which he proved when Mia found herself in trouble later and he did what he could for her.

I thought it telling that Joaquin crossed lines in his profession to protect Mia. I hated the spot that it put him in, but it was the right thing to do, was glad that when it came out later it didn't hurt him.

I loved that with Joaquin, Mia got lots of friends and family, all of which gave support without strings, something she dearly needed in her life, something she never had before.

I liked how this one ended, loved that our couple got their HEA, but better was that Mia's past came out and she got vindication and apologies.

Holy moly!

Action packed, page turning suspense with a beautiful love story that grows from it all. I couldn’t put it down!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

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

After spending 3 years in Publishing Purgatory for defying the Gods of the Publishing World for wanting control over what she writes, Pamela Clare, is finally free to write a Romantic-Suspense novel and "Deadly Intent" is it. The much loved photographer for the I-Team, Joaquin Ramirez, finally gets his own story and I can't wait.

This book is classic Romantic-Suspense at its' best. Pamela Clare is simply one of the best, if not the best, authors writing in this genre. The suspense was good, the romance was hot and it was wonderful to catch up with the previous I-Team characters.

When Former US Army Captain Mia Starr comes into contact with Joaquin, first at a crime scene, then at his cousin's party, she is not sure what to make of this sexy, sensual photojournalist. Her experience has not been good with reporters. She is instantly drawn to him, both because he is off the scales hot, but he also is comfortable with everyone around him, from his elderly grandmother to his youngest cousins. He is young, single, hot and wants more. He wants someone to share his life with.

From the scotching salsa dancing to the love for his friends and family, Joaquin Ramirez is one of my favorites. When the Palace Hotel terrorist attack occurred, he did his best to protect and comfort his friends. He resolved to never again be defenseless and got armed and trained. He hoped never to need that, but he was very glad when circumstances called for him to take action. He becomes Mia's personal bodyguard and protector, and is determined that the person killing soldiers not kill her too.

When evidence from the crime scene shows up where Mia works, Joaquin comes to her defense and it is a very good thing that he has some very good friends who can help Mia. When a solider from her deployment in Iraq turns up dead, it is clear that someone is trying to frame her or may be setting her up as the next target. As her story unfolds of events that happened during her deployment, it becomes clear that there was a cover up and now someone wants Mia dead too.

5 - "You came into my life and changed everything..." Stars!

You know you re onto a winner, when you start a series at book eight and do not struggle to keep up with the characters or the action taking place. So much so that I almost read Deadly Intent in one sitting.

"What happens after this is over..?"

I fell in love with Pamela Clare’s writing when I started reading her Colorado High Country series, and the I-Team series looks to be the same high standard as that, which just makes me so happy, because I have a wealth of characters to get to know from the beginning now, a number of which I suspect played roles in the telling of Joaquin and Mia’s story.

"I don’t want to rush you… I don’t want to push you into doing something you don’t want to do. But right now, all I want to do is kiss you."

Any author that gives me a Hero who can dance is onto a winner, and add in the dark intensity and protective instincts Joaquin displayed and I would have been a quivering mess if I had been in Mia’s shoes, more because of that than the fact an unhinged former colleague is out to kill me.

One by one, he would get them all…

This book had everything, love, laughter, banter, action, suspense, and stellar simmering sexy-times. I had a feeling after reading the first couple of Colorado High Country books that Ms. Clare and I were going to have a long and happy writer/reader relationship, and with Deadly Intent she has pretty much cemented that commitment from me. I loved this book, I am going to go back and start the series from the beginning now, and immerse myself in all things I-Team. I will happily read anything this author writes now, I know I will be kept entertained, amused and wholly engrossed whatever the genre.

It was as if a missing piece of her life’s puzzle had fallen into place.

Deadly Intent is the 8th book in Pamela Clare’s I-team series—about investigative journalists working in Denver. Clare is the queen of romantic suspense and an auto-buy for me.

I was a little nervous going into this one. The hero, Joaquin Ramirez, is the Pulitzer-prize winning photographer from the I-team. He’s been a secondary character in several of Clare’s other books. I wasn’t sure how he’d translate to the leading man.

The heroine is Mia Starr, a former captain in the Army. She and Joaquin meet when one of Mia’s former army colleagues disappears. Mia is named a suspect in the disappearance and Joaquin sets out to help her prove her innocence. Their relationship develops as more of Mia’s colleagues are murdered and she and Joaquin find themselves on the run.

As usual, Clare doesn’t disappoint. Her writing and her attention to detail are amazing. There is a definite role reversal in this book. Usually Clare has an alpha hero (former FBI, special ops, etc.) In this one, Joaquin is more lover than fighter. Mia is a strong, former military heroine. She does a pretty good job of saving her own ass most of the time.

I would definitely recommend this book. It was a highly enjoyable read.

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are hones
Mia is trying to build a life for herself, but danger does not want to let her go.
Joaquin is glad that he is able to protect Mia.
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!

Something happened to Mia when she was an officer in the Army and it's causing men who were under her command to be murdered. The killer is trying to frame Mia but luckily, photojournalist Joaquin, believes in her and is trying to help find the killer. Great romantic suspense and red hot romance.

At long last, Pamela Clare has brought back the I-Team! Reading this one reminded me how much I love the series and frankly I feel the need to go back and reread the series just because it is that good. As much as I loved this series, this book can definitely be read on its own but with all of the hints at past stories concerning the other characters it is sure to have the reader wanting more I-Team.
A perfect balance of romance and suspense, this book is one that will have you staying up past your bedtime! I certainly hope we can expect more from this series since the book ended with a new member on the I-Team.

It had been awhile since I last read a book in this series and decided to give this one a try. As I expected, Ms Clare did not disappoint us.
This one centers around Joaquin Ramirez, and Army Captain Mia Starr.
Joaquin has been around for other stories. He is a photojournalist and artistic. Not the usual guy we have had in other books.
Mia is a complex woman. Bright, gutsy and now a suspect in a murder. Who comes to her rescue, but Joaquin.
The author gives us a plot that though not as action packed as other stories, it’s engaging. The main characters are not only complex but have a heart. I love when authors give us strong women like Mia.
You will get to laugh, be on the edge of your seat with the suspense, and not only will the main characters fall in love with each other, but you will fall in love with them as well.
Another great addition to this already successful series.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Deadly Intent by Pamela Clare is the long anticipated eighth book in her I-Team series. This new book picks up a month after the previous book in the series, which was released in 2015. In this story, Former Army Captain Mia Starr is framed for the murder of several of her former soldiers by someone who actually has her in his sights. Will the I-Team’s photojournalist Joaquin Ramirez be able to help prove her innocence as well as save her for the real murderer?

Mia is a wonderfully strong, intelligent woman who has been beat down by those around her to the point that she questions her actions all too often. The sub-plot is incredibly relevant in this #metoo and #timesup world we live in. Putting it into the context of the military will make many women serving our country feel represented. As someone who works in a male dominated industry, I can relate to Mia's experiences in the Military. We've been taught to go along to get along, which Mia did until the behavior she was told to accept turned unlawful. She then took the unusual step of fighting back. That makes her a hero in my book.

I can imagine that Joaquin is every woman's ideal. He's sweet, thoughtful, protective of those he loves and sexy as all get out, especially on the dance floor. Despite his being an alpha male, he's not afraid to show his sensitive side to his family and friends, letting them know unequivocally how much they mean to him. He comes from a wonderfully large, close Hispanic family that can't help but endear you to him even more.

I am not a fan of the cover of this book but having loved the earlier stories in this series, I was easily able to overlook it. The man on the cover looks more like the psychotic male in this story than the lovable hero Joaquin. If the cover model walked into a room I was in looking like this, I would run!

As much as I liked this book, I have to confess that I figured out the main plot line about a quarter of the way through the book. It was still enjoyable to read and have my ideas confirmed. Pamela Clare’s gritty, in-your-face style of writing will keep you hooked through to the last page.

Joaquin has always been behind the sense, snapping pictures for the front page, exposing emotions for the world to read. He never thought being on the public side on police tape would lead him on a chase for his life. Joaquins’ ability to see more than what meets the eye has him yearning to know more about Mia and her confidential past.

Mia knew when she joined the military her life could be lost at any moment; she never planned on it being I jeopardy after receiving her discharge. Helping her former soldiers return to civilian life and cope with lasting injuries will be her downfall, she never dreamed of opening fire on another soldier.

Ms. Clare captures the readers’ attention from the start and will hold it long after the last page. The plot is weaved so readers keep turning pages no matter what time of the night it is, they have to know what happens next. Mia and Joaquin start off with an intense dislike for each other that quickly turns into a love affair; they make much better lovers than enemies. Many of the previous I-Team couples make appearance throughout the novel adding depth to the novel. If readers are looking for a suspenseful romantic novel, Deadly Intent would be great recommendation. Ms. Clares writing is exceptional, always filled with strong characters, great plots, intense emotions and satisfying endings.

Suspenseful, engaging, intriguing, and fast paced....all the key elements that make for a good page-turner.

Deadly Intent by Pamela Clare is the latest addition to the I-Team world. It has an unexpected hero, Joaquin, who is lovable and tough in his own photojournalist’s way. Then there is the former military officer female, Mia. Was I sure that they would be a great match, not so much in the beginning. However, Ms. Clare sold me on both, making their story a favorite.

The I-Team cast makes an appearance but not so much that if like me you have missed a book or two along the line that you will be confused. The working relationship between them all is a big part of this series, so I was glad to see it continue in Deadly Intent.

The plot is superb with a build-up of the attraction between Joaquin and Mia, starting with that dance. What a dance! I liked how developed friendship was part of this relationship, even more important than the attraction between the two. It was even more so since they did not meet in the best of circumstances, which caused some friction. The story has added layers since the issues are deeper than simply a murder mystery. Seeing into the criminal mind was creepy but also added to the suspenseful mood. Not overly creepy or scary. Instead it is a romantic suspense novel with character and heart.

Thanks for Net Galley for an honest review. When Mia was in the army, something occurred causing men who were under her command to be murdered. The killer is trying to frame Mia, and award winning photojournalist Joaquin, believes in her and is trying to help find the killer. Great romantic suspense at its best !

Here is another stunning author of some amazing romantic suspense stories that I have enjoyed so much and continue to do so with her latest I-Team release “Deadly Intent”, a rocking series from Pamela Clare.

A serial killer with “Deadly Intent” killing retired vets brings former US Army Captain Mia Starr and the Pulitzer-prize winning photojournalist, Joaquin Ramirez. As members of her former team are being killed with evidence putting Mia in the crosshairs of the murders and disrupting her life as a biologist and throwing her off balance.

As an investigative journalist for the high profile I-Team, it is only a matter of time before Joaquin is pulled into the investigation leading him directly to Mia, the prime suspect. But as Mia narrowly escapes death, Joaquin is more than entangled with the matters of the heart and he would lay his life down for Mia.

With the support of his investigative team and the protection and resources of the police department, balancing the fine line of attraction, confidence and loyalty sure puts Joaquin in a delicate and dangerous situation, but not at the cost of Mia’s life.

It has been a long time re-visiting I-Team and it’s members and is always a pleasure to enjoy their appearances. Pamela Clare as always is a brilliant writer of romantic suspense stories and she hits the target with “Deadly Intent”. Captivating plot, brilliant characterization and sizzling chemistry adds spice to the story.

Received a copy from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley for an honest review.

I received an arc from Netgalley. This was an intense romance with lots of mystery. Joaquin and Mia meet at a murder scene and start off on shaky ground. As the story builds and we learn more about the murders happening we learn more about Mia’s and Joaquin’s romance growing.

What you thought you knew to be the truth of the murders turns out to be something totally different. Great thrilling read and has a HEA ending. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. 4.5 stars

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This book was full of drama, twists, romance, and really made you think about the moral choices that Mia and Joaquin made throughout the book. There was even abuses that they had to deal with in their lives, Mia living with sexual harassment and Joaquin feeling bigotry from Mia's parents.

Since I had not read any of the previous books, it was a little overwhelming all the people involved in their lives, but each couple was explained well so that you were not "lost" and when I do read a series, I love when the previous couples are included in the story.

Poor Mia, things were just not going well for her after leaving the army, and the harassment there, she is then the focus of the police in a series of murders.

Fortunatly, Joaquin is helping her out or she really would be in deep trouble. There are a few twists in the book until you find out who the guilty person is and all is revealed.

It was really hard to put the book down, and I ended up staying up way to late to finish it and find out who was behind the murders and see the HEA for Joaquin and Mia.

All the references to the couples only intrigued me so I am now going to have to start the series at the beginning and read the full stories on Joaquin's friends!!

This is my first I-Team story and I can’t believe what I’ve been missing. Terrific plot that’s full of suspense, danger, drama and romance. Fabulous characters that are strong and sexy. Loved it. Can’t wait to start at the beginning to read all in the series.

This is the first book by this author that I've read. This is the eighth book in this series. This is a romantic suspense read that will keep you reading long into the night. This book has the perfect balance of romance and suspense. This book has amazing characters. I'm definitely going to check out the others in the series. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.



Highly recommended

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

It is an action pack novel with great characters. I like how the author portray Mia Starr, it capture the strength and tenderness perfectly. It is a first book that I read from the series, but the author do not make me feel left out by providing tidbits about what happen from the earlier books.

Thank you netgalley for providing the arc.

Another entertaining story in the I Team series. She's being framed for murder and then it happens again. He's a photo journalist and has a family connection to her friend. They're thrown together and sparks fly. She's no weak victim though having been in the military. The suspense and action kept me glued to my kindle. Great book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is the first book I have read by Pamela Clare as well as the first in this series. Deadly Intent can be read as a stand a lone novel.

Deadly Intent weighs heavily in the romance department with the mystery and suspense taking a back seat though the entire middle section of the book.

Pamela Clare is able to bring lots of characters together but they are timed just right to keep readers from getting lost. The story pulls readers in as the romance develops the characters start to come alive. Yes there lots of sex that readers can skip without missing any developing characters parts or the suspense.

I can't wait to read more by this author in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher copy of Deadly Intent by Pamela Clare.

Deadly Intent, the 8th book in the I-Team series by Pamela Clare, was so yummy. Joaquin Finally got his book, and I am so happy about it. Joaquin has been a strong, sweet and supportive secondary character all through this series and I really wanted him to get a HEA! I have to say I was a little worried that Joaquin wouldn't stand out in a series full of sexy alpha males like Julian, Zach, Nate and super sexy Marc(my fav), but he totally held his own, while staying true to his character.
Joaquin was so sensual, passionate, and loyal. He didn't all of a sudden become a super kick-ass alpha, but he was still brave, strong and protective. I loved how different he was from the other heroes in this series. When all the others were law enforcement or military bad-asses, he was artistic, and creative. A photographer looking at life though his camera. I also loved having a sexy salsa dancing Latino hero. It's nice to have a hero of a different ethnicity for a change. Mia was strong, honest, and brave. I loved that she was a former Army Captain. I also loved that the author had Mia's character deal with sexual harassment while in the Army, but power through and stand up for herself. I love Strong heroines and Mia was very strong, but she was also vulnerable and sweet.
Joaquin and Mia had a strong almost instant connection. I loved that Joaquin didn't rush Mia because he wanted more than sex. There was tons of sexual tension in this book and Joaquin was sexy as hell. I loved how strong Joaquin was for Mia while not trying to undermine her, like she was some "helpless" girl. The plot of this book was good too, but I found it slightly predictable, as I figured out who the killer was within a few chapters. That didn't take away from my enjoyment of the read at all. I loved getting to see all of my favorites from past books. I love how close all the characters are and how attached I feel to them. I also want to say I really liked that Pamela Clare had Sophie still dealing with issues from the last book's terrorist attack. PTSD is very real and it was nice that everyone wasn't just all better in a blink of an eye. I am so glad I got this book from Netgalley. It was nice to live in the I-team world and see Joaquin find love. I really hope to get Matt's book soon!!!

The I-Team is one of my all-time favorite rom suspense series and there are a number of books that I've re-read several times. So, it was time for Joaquin to get his own book.

Joaquin, you've come a long way baby!
It seems that hanging out with Marc and Darcangelo has worked out quite well for Joaquin, he's learned a few very valuable tricks. Meeting Mia Starr really taps into his protective instincts, not mention learning all about him and his family was a huge bonus.

Mia's career in the military was full of some really crappy experiences, namely harassment from a male superior. Needless to say, she's very wary of men at this point. Joaquin really is the perfect guy to show her how good men can be. He's fun, loving, very sexy and did I mention protective?

Along the way, we are treated to appearances from our favorite I-Team friends and frankly, that just makes me want more I-Team books!

In an unusual twist for romantic suspense, Joaquin is a regular guy. He is a Pulitzer-winning photographer, but this isn't a muscle-bound, former Black Ops/Navy Seal/Special Forces/Army Ranger/un-named elite paramilitary/you-name-it man.  This is the type of guy that every woman should find and I love how Clare wrote his character. He's intense yet sweet, protective and honest, listens and shares, builds up and respects his woman, a family man, and is oh-so-sexy.

Mia was a Captain in the military and experienced sexism at its worst. She is also protective and has tried to stay in touch with the people who were under her command. To her horror, she finds that some of those people are being murdered. Joaquin and Mia begin to investigate.

I don't often read stories that make me smile as the couple begin to fall for each other, but their story is wonderful. Joaquin was such a lovable guy. And hot. His salsa-dancing will make you want to learn even more than an episode of Dancing with the Stars. Mia is vulnerable after her experiences in the Army, and Joaquin romances her delightfully.

Readers will know the murderer very early in the story, so don't read from the 'mystery' perspective. The suspense still holds, wondering what will happen next and who will be the next victim. This is a well-written story full of sexual tension between Joaquin and Mia and gripping action from start to finish.

Full review at www.ReadingObsession.com

How have I not read this series before!!! It's really superb and my wishlist has increased again...sigh!!

Joaquin Ramirez is not your typical hero. He is a photo journalist, so whilst used to being in hotspots he is usually the one taking pictures of the news, not being in the news. But when things got hairy at his workplace he and the rest of the team got deeply involved and became heroes themselves.

Mia Starr is former Army. She loved her men but sadly that didn't make her immune from the leech's in command or from being envied and loathed by those who couldn't measure up to her or her standards. When she meets Joaquin at a crime scene involving a former subordinate, they have a bot of a rocky start. But she later sees him in a family setting when she visits a friend and she realises that she may have been quick to judge him. He is very much family orientated and downright yummy!!!

From teaching her the Salsa, Joaquin ends up getting more involved than he thought he would be when someone starts lining up Mia to take the fall for a rash or murders. But he and the rest of the I team are not willing to roll over and let Mia take the fall!

I loved that Mia is strong, caring and a great role model. She wouldn't look the other way and she tried her best to have Army brass take care of her problems but it just became untenable. Joaquin is a great blend of alpha male and caring partner, I especially loves how he didn't want to use his links to Mia for the story.

I'm now backtracking to read the rest of the series!

Fabulous.
This is only my second Pamela Clare novel and I’m wondering why. Romantic suspense is my favourite genre and I plainly have some catching up to do. I loved Joaquin’s story and couldn’t wait to pick my kindle back up to continue. I did figure out who the bad guy was early on but that didn’t deter me. It was fast paced with never a dull moment. Can’t wait for the next one.

This was the eighth book in the series but could be read as a standalone. Pamela Clare does not disappoint. This was action packed from start to finish and a well thought out plot that keeps you guessing. ARC copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I was a little bummed that I did not know that this is the 8th book in the series, where in the heck was I? I like this author, I follow one of her other series, so I can't explain why I didn't know about this one. That being said, I enjoyed the book it had a little bit of everything I tend to enjoy. We have a romance, suspense and a good cast, guess I have to now add the previous ones..Enjoy!

I loved this! I thought it was fast paced and exciting with amazing characters who I was really invested in and a plot that kept me turning pages!
Highly recommended.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

Having read Pamela Clare's Colorado High Country series, I was quite eager to read Deadly Intent. Although this is the eighth title in the I-Team series, it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the previous titles in the series, and didn't struggle to follow the story line in this title.

Joaquin is a swoon worthy, sensual, passionate alpha hero. He's artistic and creative, a photojournalist, with Latin heritage. He's incredibly proud of his background, and is a loyal and loving friend, who inspires his friends to do whatever they can to come to his aid. He's sweet, sexy, protective, brave and strong.

Mia is strong, brave, honest, resilient, capable and intelligent. When she's framed for a crime she didn't commit, Joaquin and his friends come to her aid.

The banter and dialogue is witty, fun and flirtatious and flows seamlessly throughout this title. The sexual tension between this pair is palpable and when they connect it's hot, passionate and steamy.

This fast paced read is entertaining and engaging, full of action, suspense and intrigue and I look forward to future titles in the series, and going back to the beginning of the series to read the previous titles.

Deadly Intent is the 8th book in the I-Team series by Pamela Clare; one of my favourite series - I have always adored Joaquin as he has mostly been the support character so I am pleased that he got his own book.

Joaquin Ramirez is a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and I originally worried that he wouldn't 'fit' in with the other alpha characters in this series but in saying that it also endeared me to him as much as the other characters because of his protective nature and determination to run an amazing story through his photos; Mia Starr is a former US Army captain who is now content with her life and job despite events which happened whilst she served; she was fiercely protective and still cared deeply for her team but when they start to get murdered and she is framed and targeted things get dangerous,

Joaquin and Mia had instant chemistry but she was wary of him, for good reason. he was determined to protect her at any cost. In some ways I feel things were rushed but in others it flowed naturally. I adored their banter, the dancing, the way he cared for her and his love for his family and friends.

As with all of the books in this series, there was action, danger, romance and amazing friendships; we get to see what the other characters are now up to and a few play a pivotal role in this book which I loved,

I can't fault Pamela Clare's writing! she is one of my favourite authors and continues to write fabulous, kick-butt characters each with an amazing story to tell.

These books can be read out of order but I highly recommend starting at book 1 to understand what has happened and who is who.

Another wonderful book in the I-Team series.

A good conclusion to the I-team series, greatly enjoyable! I'm not sure how well this book would stand alone vs in the series, as I made sure I'd read all of the other books in the series first. I know it made the book more enjoyable, and it's a good series overall, so I recommend doing the same.

Starting over should never be this hard…

It’s been ages since I’ve dropped in on the I-Team and this story reminds me why I loved this series so much. Chock-a-block full of suspense and sizzle, Mia and Joaquin’s journey to love is full of dangerous bumps and hard-won sizzling romance…

Joaquin has been part of this series forever and it was way past time for him to find his leading lady, in my opinion. Talented as well as sexy, his dance moves were only one of the many things he did that made him irresistible. He could hold his own in any situation of course yet his love of family balanced the alpha male deliciously. He was funny, he was protective and Mia deserved him completely….

“If Joaquin moved like that on the dance floor, what would he be like in bed? God in heaven. No. No.”

Amy was a take-charge, independent female lead whose compassion and capacity for love balanced her. She fought her attraction, and his for her, though I wanted to yell in her ear more than once ‘why? WHY??’…. As if Joaquin wasn’t enough of a draw – and he really was - I also fell in love with Joaquin’s family. L-O-V-E them.
Everyone should have a Cousin Mafia and I want to sign up right now!

With suspense and danger driving the story, the romance may have gotten swallowed up but instead it was a perfectly balanced story that I didn’t want to end… Now that I’ve found this series again I have to revisit the previous stories while hoping there will be many more!

Ok wow! So I knew that at some point Pamela would have to return to her flagship series and give us a proper conclusion for Joaquin in order to keep her readers happy. We have watched as he supported the other couples in previous novels as they struggled through their issues to find their HEA with their loves and now we finally get to see him find his own. I was a little skeptical of the choice in heroine when I heard about it, but as always Clare proves that she has the magic touch and knows her characters better than even her beloved fans. IF you are a fan of the series, I can guarantee you will enjoy this story and seeing the couples from previous stories woven throughout the fabric of the romance and adventure. If you are new to the world, however, Pamela weaves a beautiful tale of two people with unique backgrounds and experiences and introduces you to characters that the other of us have come to know and love, certain to make you run right out and grab the entire series for yourself to read from the beginning. Joaquin is the kind of sensual, sweet, and caring man that we all look for in a mate, going so far as to boost his lover’s self-esteem when she has problems and remind her that she is the sexiest woman alive. I loved getting to meet his family and see what made him into the great man he is today, but his part of the story wasn’t all fun and games; when he wasn’t dealing with a crazed killer after his woman, he had to deal with issues of his conscience and right vs wrong when making decisions, looking deep within to decide on the right path. I think that getting to see just how deep his faith in Mia went so quickly reminds us that sometimes those that come into our lives are just meant to change us forever, for better or worse, and how we handle those changes is what defines our characters. Mia is a brave woman that has had to deal with a lot of shit just to find her place in the world and gave entirely too much of herself to our nation when she enlisted and was mistreated. I was heartbroken hearing her story and can only imagine the kinds of women that it takes to deal with that in real life and come out stronger and better on the other side—because no way do I think Pamela made that kind of thing up. I loved seeing Mia interacting with Joaquin’s friends and family, finding her own niche in the group and in the end making them love her as much as they do him. The heat between Joaquin and Mia was palpable from the very beginning and I when they unleashed that heat on one another I was afraid they would burn each other alive. Thankfully Joaquin knows how to treat a woman, even when he is in serious lust, and tempers his passion in order to show her how much he has come to care for her and how deeply those emotions run. Joaquin and Mia so obviously complement each other to perfection that I couldn’t imagine another woman for him now that I have seen them together. I think this might have been a true conclusion to this series, but I can honestly say that with this as the ending I am not sad, but can instead rejoice in knowing that my I-Team friends will always be there for me whenever I want to return (yay, binge re-reads!). In the meantime I look forward to continue Pamela’s other project (Colorado High County) and cannot wait for whatever she gives me to read next. A magical addition to a series that continues to pull at my heart and send my body into overdrive… way to go Pamela!

Although this wasn't a favorite in the series, Pamela Clare knows how to write and I'm never disappointed. I liked Joaquin, he was passionate about both his work and protecting Mia. I kept having to remind myself that although Mia was in the military, she wasn't a combat soldier. She seemed a bit weak, but that could be because I had certain expectations of her because of her military background.

The plot was fine, but wasn't particularly suspenseful. Overall a solid 3+ star read. I love Pamela Clare and look forward to her next book.

Clare continues her winning streak with the I-Team series. Fans of the series will welcome the familiar faces and characters that they have come to love as well as the non-stop adventure that is Joquin and Mia. I couldn't put the book down.

ARC received for review

It was nice to see Joaquin finally get his HEA. Mia was perfect for him, and never backed down from a fight. There was drama, action, sexy times, and a bad guy to find and take out. Loved seeing all the previous couples make appearances and help out. The Cousin Mafia was hilarious.