Hard Target

i was a naive about what happens in the Middle East as far as pregnancy goes. Made my respect for Jenna high. I can see why Derek had a hard time of making her leave and go back to the USA. Hard Target, was very enjoyable.

ARC received for review

Great new series from Ms. Clare.

Derek and Jenna are great together. I love her fire and passion for her job. I did want to smack Derek a couple times when he was moving too slow.

You may remember his business partner from Striking Distance which makes me wanna go back and read his partner's HEA again.

Lots of hot guys in Cobra who I can't wait to learn more about in future books.

Full review to be published online in early May.

HARD TARGET is the first book in Pamela Clare’ new ‘Cobra Elite’ series. There are characters her familiar to readers from other series by Clare. This book hits the ground running with action and suspense; something that can always be counted on with this author.

Derek Tower's career in Spec Ops and private security is a long one; but he has never forgotten his Green Beret best friend's death or the loss of an entire private security team during the on-air abduction of a television journalist client. When he gets a call from a powerful senator that Jenna Hamilton, the sister of the Green Beret who took a bullet and died for him, is in trouble in Afghanistan, he knows he must act. .

Jenna is a midwife, on a 2-year humanitarian mission to teach local Afghan women how to be midwives and train them in basic women's health issues. She is risking all in a country where women are not to be educated, have no rights, and where the rate of infant mortality and dying in childbirth is sky high.

HARD TARGET has it all; corrupt officials, Afghani warlords, Taliban, and Isis are all out to get Jenna. However, Derek will do anything to get her safely out of Afghanistan. The action is non-stop, a true thrill ride that keeps you turning pages and holding your breath. It's a fast paced thriller with explosive chemistry between the leads.

This is a book that starts off at a break neck speed and never slows down I was turning the pages as fast as I could and ended up reading till the early hours of the morning as I just couldn't put it down until I turned that last page As this is the first in a new series I am seriously looking forward to more books int hi series

There is history between Derek Tower and the Hamilton family Now that he has left the green berets and has started his own security company Cobra International Security Senator Hamilton has asked him to act as bodyguard for his daughter while she works in Afghanistan. Jenna doesn't want a bodyguard and she definitely doesn't want a brooding ex spec op soldier who was her brothers best friend following her around He may pretend that he is her brother as his cover but his feeling are far from brotherly will he be able to keep her safe and will she start to return his feelings as he puts his life on the line to protect her from a Afghan war lord

This is the first book by this author that I have read and I definitely enjoyed it, The story was well thought out, although I felt like I knew what was going on before the characters did, but I’m okay with that.. I don’t know if Derek has been featured in other books, but I think I’d like more on his backstory..

The subject matter really hit home for me. This book takes place mostly in Afghanistan and it broke my heart to read about these women’s plight. Make sure you read the Author’s note at the beginning. It’s eye-opening.

4.5 stars from me.

Derek the owner of Cobra Security is called in to get the sister of the man who saved his life.Jenna is a midwife helping women in a unstable country. This is a great start to a new series. The action is super intense,the sex scenes are steamy and the story will leave you wanting more.All our favorite I Team members make a brief appearance. Keep up the awesome work Ms. Clare we are eagerly awaiting the next book! Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Derek and Jenna have such good chemistry, which is the standout aspect of this book. Jenna’s complete badassery is another huge plus, as well as a Derek and his team’s ability to recognize her bravery. There’s a lot of darkness in this storyline—not unusual for a romantic suspense from Pamela Clare, but perhaps a little more than usual, and a little more front-loaded, too.

It was great to see cameos from so many of Clare’s other books, especially I-Team. The supporting cast fleshed out this book really well.

I was concerned going in that the setting and premise (Afghanistan, terror groups, etc.) were going to be hugely problematic, but these things were for the most part handled very well and Clare clearly distinguished between terror groups and everyone else. I’d definitely have liked to see any Afghan characters at all stick around throughout the whole story, or have real narrative importance, but to be honest I was just pleasantly surprised that they weren’t killed off. (Low standard, I know, but a valid one.) I also wanted a moment that made it clear that there’s nothing wrong with wearing a burqa, but I think this was an unintentional oversight. If you criticize burqas at all, it should be clear that it’s *being forced* to wear them that’s a problem, not the act of wearing them.

I’m eager to see where the rest of this series goes!

Great read. I was on edge this entire read. This book is one of the best romantic, suspense books i have read in a while. The author does an amazing job weaving the drama, violence and Pamela and Derek building a relationship amongst it. Also I cannot wait for the rest of the stories from Cobra Elite!

I have to confess that it had been years since I last read a book by this talented author. A mistake I will not do again!
This story was awesome. It’s a spin off from one of her previous series, but if like me you have not read them, no worries since it was definitely a stand alone.
The story centers around Derek Tower and Jenna Hamilton.
Derek, a former Green Beret is now owner of a military security company with bases around the world. When he gets a call from Senator Hamilton to go and get his daughter back from Afghanistan , he is torn. Jenna’s brother died saving Derek.
Jenna ,a midwife , has signed up to assist Afghani women during labor and educate them as well.
When they meet the attraction is immediate, but he is there to take her home, and is posing as her brother in a world where women are second and third class citizens.
From that moment on , the plot thickens. A plot filled with action, bad guys, hunky good guys, unknown danger and of course romance.
We have 2 individuals whose upbringing couldn’t be more different. Your heart will break for Derek , while Jenna’s heartaches have not been due to abandonment, she too has suffered .
A story that will touch your hearts and keep you hoping for a happy ending. But Derek is willing to die for Jenna and the enemy has no mercy.
Looking forward to what else the author has in store for us in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Derek Tower and his partner, Javier Corbray, own Cobra International Security. They take on sensitive missions as well as others that the government can’t. Derek has been ordered by Senator Hamilton to bring his daughter, Jenna, home from Afghanistan…whether she wants to come home or not. Jenna is six months in to a two-year assignment to instruct the locals in prenatal care due to the high death rate for both mothers and babies. Derek insists he will encourage Jenna to come home, due to the danger for midwives in the country, but he will not force her to return to the United States. When Jenna’s actions cause a minor upset at the hospital, Derek smooths things over, but he knows that danger is headed their way. A wealthy warlord, who approved Jenna’s mission, may have changed his mind and Derek needs to get Jenna out of the country. Has Jenna’s relationship as the daughter of a Senator who sits on the Armed Services Committee, increased the risk to her safety? Derek and Jenna share an amazing attraction and he knows he must keep her safe for her benefit as well as his own. A thrilling beginning to a spin-off of the I Team series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I have just discovered another romantic suspense author to read, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

Of all the romance sub-genres, military suspense is probably my favorite. But it can be a dicey genre for me. I want at least equal parts action/suspense and romance. I don’t want a romance that throws in a quasi-suspenseful plot. I also don’t want a suspense that just throws in sex. Thank goodness Hard Target NAILED IT on the suspense AND the romance, and then some.

Derek Tower is former special ops military, and now runs his own private security firm. When he’s contacted by Senator Hamilton to kidnap his daughter - who’s working as a midwife in Afghanistan - and bring her home, he initially tells him no. Swayed by guilt over the death of the senator’s only son, Derek agrees to travel to Afghanistan to try and convince Jenna to come home.

Of course, Jenna isn’t convinced, and then things go sideways when unknown forces make her presence there dangerous, not only for her but for Derek and his men as well. As Derek and Jenna spend time together they decide to give into their burgeoning feelings, and before Derek realizes it, keeping Jenna in his life is as important as keeping her alive.

This was a heartstopping, breath holding, action packed story. I loved every page! So many times the author could have taken the stereotypical route with the love story and she didn’t. The heroine was the younger sister of the hero’s best friend - who died in combat protecting the hero. We could have gotten a boatload of guilt-ridden internal monologue about how he couldn’t be with his buddy’s little sister, how he didn’t deserve to be alive...but it was mentioned a couple times and then the hero moved on. He didn’t dwell on it, HALLELUJAH!!! Then we had the hero’s usual “I don’t do relationships because I’m not good at them and my life isn’t conducive to having one” storyline, but again...it was mentioned/explained, and that was all. No harping about it!!! There was no pushing the heroine away, no unnecessary angsty drama, no miscommunication that tore them apart.

Just a fantastic romantic military suspense.

I can’t wait to read more by Pamela Clare. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and Hard Target reminded me why I love reading so much.

*thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Clare for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

What a great start to a new series, I enjoyed every moment. This couple were meant to be and had a sizzling connection. This book is reality, bringing world events into a story and keeping us glued to the story. The story wasn't over shadowed by the romance, there was plenty of action and danger. Can't wait for the next book in this series, I loved it.

Hard Target is the first in a gritty new series by Pamela Clare. This story takes us to Afghanistan and a young midwife who is trying to help the (very) young mothers in the new reality of the women in Afghanistan. Sent to try and convince her to leave Derek Tower CEO of Cobra Elite is prepared for every contingency but her. His best friends little sister is all grown up and stubborn as the day is long. But when danger comes she knows she can count on him to keep her safe. This is romantic suspense at its finest. I really look forward to future installments of this series.

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

It's wonderful to have Pamela Clare writing Romantic-Suspense again. I've missed her unique blend of sweet, sexy romance and action. It was fun to "catch-up" with several I-Team couples. I enjoyed the way she has bridged the I-Team Series with this new Cobra Elite Series. I look forward to more books about these operatives.

Jenna Hamilton has had to fight her father, Senator Hamilton, to make decisions in her life. She is now in Afghanistan, against his wishes, and finding a fulfillment she never imagined. Her work as a mid-wife is desperately needed in a country that values neither life or women.

Derek Tower is an owner of Cobra International Security and no stranger to war, having been a Green Beret. When Senator Hamilton hires him to bring his daughter home, he flatly tells him he will not use force to bring her back if she refuses. Knowing he owes a debt he can never repay, he takes the job. Jenna turns out to be just as stubborn as her older brother, who died for him in Afghanistan. Of course, she refuses to leave and he refuses to leave her.

From the moment Derek and Jenna meet, sparks fly. Even though there is security at the hospital, Derek makes Jenna's safety his responsibility. When her life is threatened, he will do anything to protect her.

Derek had a rough childhood, in and out of foster homes until he became of age and joined the military. He was a Green Beret but now owns a security company with one of his buddies. He is contacted by a Senator who wants him to bring his daughter back from Afghanistan. Jenna is working as a midwife in Afghanistan and has eighteen months left on her contract. Derek tries to convince her to go back to the US but she is adamant about staying. But when a militia group try to kidnap Jenna, Derek must get her out of there fast. They have a compound close by and get her there. It’s getting her out of the country that’s going to be tricky. But if anyone can it’s the Cobra team. Derek doesn’t do relationships but finds himself falling for Jenna. Can he open his heart and finally love someone?
Great story with plenty of action and sexiness. I truly loved this story and hope more from these guys are to come.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

Hard Target is a book by Pamela Clare that brings us the story of Derek Tower - a man we met in her previous I-Team Series. Derek owned a company that was in charge of protecting a tv reporter in Baghdad. When tragedy happened, he blamed the reporter Laura and wanted to find out what really happened. However, he was portrayed as an obsessive and obtrusive man. To be honest, he didn't completely redeem himself in the last few I-Team books from how he behaved towards Laura in "Striking Distance". I was excited to start this story, because I wanted to know more about Derek and why he is the way he is.
In this book we travel to Afghanistan, where Derek is in charge of protecting a midwife volunteer Jenna Hamilton. The most interesting part of this story was actually the healthcare part of it, how women (especially pregnant women) are treated and how difficult it is for them. It was definitely eye opening and sad to learn how much their fathers and husbands control their lives.
Jenna and Derek pretend to be brother and sister in order for him to be able to protect her. Derek was hired by Jenna's father to bring her home but Jenna does not want that. Derek tries hard to win her trust and to protect her but it is made difficult by the fact both have feelings for each other. IF you want to know how to book ends, you have to read it yourself.
In my opinion this story was less brutal and suspenseful that the I-Team series. However, I still really enjoyed reading this, I found the love story believable and I wish we had been able to see more of the life and struggles people face in Afghanistan. Overall, I think this book is definitely a must read for Pamela Clare fans.

What a fantastic read! 75% of Hard Target is set in Afghanistan where our heroine, Jenna is volunteering to work as a Midwife as well as training the women of Afghanistan. When her father finds out, he calls up our hero, Derek to bully him into bringing her back home where it's safe.

This read was a bit of an eye opener. I was pretty fascinated to read the struggles Jenna had to teach the women of Afghanistan about their bodies and how to help prevent needless deaths in pregnancy. She willingly took risks to help these women who have so few rights. It's not an easy thing to read about.

Derek was just as compelling in this book. He's one of my favorite heroes. The way he navigated the shaky ground he and Jenna were on as Americans, and the way he was willing to protect Jenna with his life. You really can't help but fall for this guy.

I think I can officially say I am a fan of Pamela Clare. She has a way of capturing my attention from the first chapter to the last. I've also learned to read her acknowledgements and author notes first because it really shows she takes a lot of time to do the proper research for her books.

We meet some great side characters in Hard Target. I can't wait to learn more about them in their own books.

Always excited to see a new book released by Pamela Clare and happy to see that it's the start of a brand new romantic suspense series. Even better, her new Cobra Elite series brings together some of my favorite characters from her I-Team series! As usual there is no shortage of action and romance that we have come to expect from a Pamela Clare novel. While I admit the I-Team series is still my favorite, in fact I might just go back and reread some of those, this was a very enjoyable start to what I hope will be a great series..

I'm so happy that Ms Clare is starting a new romantic suspense series because I didn't realize how much I wanted this. I loved this book. It was full of action and heat and emotion. More please!

**I received a copy of Hard Target from Net Galley and the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions stated below are mine and not solicited in any way**

Hard Target by Pamela Clare is the first book in her new Cobra Securities series. If you've read any of her I Team series you'll recognize some of the men who now work for Cobra. I loved this book and am so glad to have the author go back to Romance suspense again. The research that Ms. Clare did to write this book is outstanding as it puts you the reader right there with Jenna helping to deliver babies and teaching her students at Kazi Women's hospital in a country that doesn't allow women education.

Jenna Hamilton is in Afghanistan for the next 18 months teaching the local women how to be a midwife. Her meddling senator father has sent her late brother's best friend to bring her home but she has no intention in leaving before her contract is up. Jenna makes one mistake when a young girl is in maternal danger (Not allowed) will have both of them fleeing for their lives. Little does she know that someone close to her will put both Derek and Jenna in danger and taken hostage. Will Cobra find them in time?

Derek Tower grew up in Foster Care after his mother ODs on drugs and joins the military after graduation. His friendship within his Green Beret unit but when his best friend James sacrifices his life to save Derek during a sniper attack now has the Senator demanding he bring his daughter home. He'll help Farzad with new security cameras after an attack and find out who the traitor is when both Jenna and Derek must leave to keep the hospital and the student safe. Derek's Cobra partner Corbray from the I team series will soon have to rescue both of them after being taken hostage.

Awesome book and can't wait to read about some of the other men of Cobra Securities.

Derek's work is often top secret as his government funded missions often take him into war torn countries. When Jenna's father, Senator Hamilton, calls and demands that Derek go to Afghanistan and abduct his daughter who is working as a midwife things go sideways. Although Derek points out that that is illegal, the Senator is not above using his position to threaten the funding of Derek's team. He also uses the death of his son who died saving Derek's life as a bargaining chip. So Derek goes to try to persuade Jenna to come home. When that doesn't work, he vows to keep her safe while he becomes more and more attracted to her. When Jenna is targeted by the local killers, Derek has to do whatever he can to save her. Lots of action and romance make this a great read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series!

A fabulous romantic suspense to start this new series by Pamela Clare. The characters are well delivered, the support characters engaging, and the story is compelling. I will be recommending Hard Target and looking to read the next book in this series

I cannot believe that I have not read a Pamela Claire book before! I so enjoyed this book, the slow burn up to the fighting, then simmering to the end. Perfect mix of romance, fighting, suspense. The storyline kept me coming back for more! I’m ready for the next one in this series.

I really should read the description of a book before I request on NetGalley but the truth is that I would read anything written by Pamela Clare. I have read historical fiction and romantic suspense written by her, loving them all. Nothing has changed in that department, I loved Hard Target too. It’s just that you could have knocked me over with a feather when I read the author’s notes at the beginning of the novel. I was expecting Colorado for this new series just like the previous but almost all of it happens in war torn Afghanistan. Now I trying to guess where the next book’s setting.

Hard Target is the first book in the new Cobra Elite series. It starts the series with an action packed explosive story that has a strong love story that is just as explosive. This is a story that is not making a political statement but there is politics, along with villains and heroes. Derek Tower and Jenna Hamilton are two of the true heroes. In spite of their parentage, they make us proud. Thrilled to see the way the story concluded for them.

Just as strong is the poignant side to Hard Target. It would be impossible for a woman to read this book without saying a daily prayer for women in countries under political and religious rule where as one character stated, “It is better to be a goat than a woman.” Having been a teacher of ten to twelve year old children, I can’t get past the thought of twelve year old girls being married and having babies. It is a story I will never forget.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the author Pamela Clare for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the first book in a series. I found this book to be complicated and intense, with lots of action. Who are the good guys, the bad guys/ the lines seemed blurred. This is the story of Derek and Jenna. Jenna is a midwife (fascinating) whose brother was Derek's best friend. I enjoyed this book. Rate it 4 stars. I think alot of romance readers will enjoy. Lots of suspense.

Enjoyable!

Quick paced plot with some very intense moments and one heck of a surprise twist but a very sweet HEA.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Great new series- spinoff from the I-Team gang that I loved!

Very action packed and emotional. Jenna's life in Afghanistan is to serve the many pregnant women there and their daily struggles. I found this part of the book very interesting and informative while definitely pulling on the heartstrings. The emotional situation with Derek having served with Jenna's brother and brings even more impact to the story.

Derek is an operative that fills all the blanks: hot, sexy, protective and unknowingly about to fall head over heels for Jenna. The danger they find themselves in is suspenseful and written to keep you captivated. I enjoyed the romance between Jenna and Derek. I did love the attention to detail and events in the majority of the book, but then I felt like at a certain point it was a little bit of rush to get this gang to the US and lacked that previous attention.

Overall good read!

I so appreciate that Pamela Clare can balance romance, passion and action in her books! Hard Target is the first in a new series, and it launches it fantastically. Hard Target stands alone, but if you have read Ms Clare's I-team series, you might recognize some characters. If this is your first Pamela Clare, buckle up! It's a sexy, action packed read. I found myself drawn in easily, and it's one of those stories i was compelled to read straight through. I appreciated that the dialogue is so suited to the characters and the situations, and that the love scenes actually move the story along!
I look forward to the series.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

An Outstanding Story .
I volunteered to read and review a readers copy thru Netgallery of Hard Target . I really found this story fantastic . It takes off from the beginning and is full of action and suspense . There's danger all around . Derek Tower part owner of Cobra International security is asked to protect and bring home Jenna Hamilton a midwife volunteering in Afghanistan . He cannot turn down the job she happens to be his best friends younger sister ,the same friend that died saving him . The area where Jenna is at is very dangerous but she refuses to leave . She knows the women need her and she will not be controlled by her father the senator that sent Derek there . Derek will protect her with his life if need be . While protecting her their feelings develop and danger comes calling ! I really enjoyed reading this story it's well written and the characters are fabulous . I highly recommend taking the time to read this story . A definite 5 stars .

Pamela Clare launches her Cobra Elite series with “Hard Target,” a thrilling, fast-paced romance between battle-hardened private black-ops company owner and a volunteer midwife.

Watching over a US senator’s daughter in Afghanistan isn’t Derek Tower’s normal job assignment, but Jenna Hamilton is no ordinary aid worker. She’s the younger sister of man who died while saving his life and now he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Jenna knew the dangers of doing volunteer work in Afghanistan. She doesn’t want or need the bodyguard hired by her controlling father even if he is drop dead gorgeous in a brooding kind of way. But when she finds herself in an increasingly dangerous situation, she must trust Derek with her life.

Clare pens a high octane story full of twists highlighted by the sexy romance that feels absolutely real with a well-researched backdrop. Nail biting moments take the reader on a steamy and intensely thrilling ride. Derek and Jenna may seem completely incompatible, but in the spellbinding suspense their romance makes perfect sense.

Derek and Jenna are wonderful characters with an obvious attraction. Derek is the quintessential alpha male. He’s bossy, cocky, protective and loyal while Jenna is passionate and caring. I loved catching up with Laura and Javier from Striking Distance and other couples from Pamela’s I-Team series and can’t wait to read more about the new characters introduced in this hooking page-turner.

Hard Target is book #1 of the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare. It is a standalone, romantic suspense, told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2Va8gTG

Full of suspense with a side of romance, Hard Target is an action-packed adventure that balances some heavy storylines with tender moments. I’ve never read one of Pamela Clare’s books before, so when NetGalley offered me an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I thought I would give the book a try. I’m a fan of well-done romantic suspense, and Hard Target is certainly well written. The story is engrossing, the characters are engaging and likeable, and the action keeps the pages turning. It is perhaps more suspense-focused than the books I normally read, but the story is well developed and poignant.

Hard Target follows Jenna, a midwife who has committed to working in Afghanistan, despite the danger awaiting her there. Derek is the owner of a private military company (and the best friend of Jenna’s deceased brother), who is hired by Jenna’s father to get Jenna back on U.S. soil by any means necessary. When Derek meets Jenna, he realizes that this fiesty and capable woman has no intention of returning home just because her job is dangerous. As the two spend more time together, they begin to connect on a deeper level, and some dangerous situations draw them even closer. But Derek is unsure if he is even capable of having a relationship because he travels so much for work, and Jenna is not sure what awaits her in her future. It’s a complicated romance in a dangerous setting, and makes for an intriguing story.

Derek is not exactly happy when he is cornered into taking a job in Afghanistan, babysitting the daughter of a Senator. This stubborn woman has put herself in jeopardy, and now he needs to get her back home.

Jenna loves working as a Midwife but in Afghanistan just getting babies delivered and keeping their mothers alive is dangerous work. Between misogynistic attitudes and poor supplies, she and her small team have their work cut out for them. She does not need her father making her life more difficult and trying to drag her back home. She doesn't care that Derek is a handsome guy...nope, not even a blip on her radar. Damnit she can't even lie to herself!

A brilliant read with a really well-researched story detailing the problems faced by women in the war-torn area and the struggles to even survive pregnancy into motherhood. Derek always finds a way to respect the local cultures but also keep them safe. When you realise that time and time again it is someone close to them who puts a target on Jenna's back, well your blood will boil!

Derek is an ex-military private security operative and Jenna is a midwife aid worker in Afghanistan. Jenna's controlling father, a U.S. senator, hires Derek to get Jenna to leave Afghanistan any way he can, so she will stop risking her life and become a conventional political daighter. .When the two meet, Derek immediately sees how important Jenna's work is and does his best to support her while trying to convince her to go back to the States. Much of the story deals with living among the Afghan people and the tragedies of life for them under the current regime in Afghanistan. The development of the relationship between .Derek and Jenna is moving and I got completely caught up in their story. There are many exciting scenes as well which makes this a real page turner. Recommend.

4.25 stars--HARD TARGET is the first instalment in Pamela Clare’s contemporary, adult COBRA ELITE romantic, military suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the Black Ops Company known as Cobra International Security. This is Cobra owner and Green Beret Derek Tower, and thirty-year old, nurse/midwife Jenna Hamilton’s story line. COBRA ELITE is a spin-off from the author’s I-Team Series. Several characters cross-over for familiarity and back story including Holly and Nick, and Javier’“Cobra’ and Laura.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Derek and Jenna) HARD TARGET followed Cobra International Security owner Derek Tower as he is hired to retrieve US Senator Hamilton’s daughter from a compound in Afghanistan. Jenna Hamilton is a midwife who is contracted to work with, and help the women struggling in the Balkh Province of Afghanistan, which is currently under the protection of a warlord turned politician. What ensue is the battle to protect Jenna from an unknown enemy, and the building relationship between Derek and our story line heroine.

Years earlier Green Beret James Hamilton lost his life protecting our story line hero Derek Tower, now it was his turn to pay back the family by rescuing the woman with whom he would fall in love. Things go from bad to worse when Jenna refuses Derek’s offer to return back to the States, as she struggles with the religious beliefs of a country not known for protecting their own. Several attempts to kidnap our will eventually be successful but in doing so Derek’s man will risk their lives for the woman he loves.

The relationship between Derek and Jenna begins as a forbidden romance in a country where women are treated like trash. As Derek goes undercover as Jenna’s brother, their secret will come to the forefront threatening everyone including our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including numerous men and women who work for Cobra International Security; several midwives in training in the Afghanistan compound, along with the security and soldiers; as well as Jenna’s father Senator Hamilton. The requisite evil has many faces.

HARD TARGET is a fast paced story line with a copious amount of technical detail and military jargon, researched geographical locations and destinations, as well as the threats against the women living and working in the Middle East. The premise is intriguing, engaging and edgy; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are energetic and inspiring. HARD TARGET is an action packed story that pays homage to the women who suffer to protect the lives of others.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Seriously? How on earth are you supposed to "not judge a book by its cover" when the cover looks so good?
Hard Target by Pamela Clare is a romantic suspense. Derek (hero) is part owner of a private security company and is hired to extract a midwife from Afghanistan where she's working. Jenna (midwife/heroine) is also the younger sister of Derek's best friend. A best friend who saved Derek's life at the expense of his own. Derek and Jenna have a shared history and an attractionwhich they explore while he's keeping her safe from terrorism.
I enjoyed Hard Target. The characters are likable ... even the secondary characters. This isn't my first book by Pamela Clare. She's one of my go to authors and has been for a while. Hard Target is one of her best.

This review was originally posted on <a href="http://booksofmyheart.net/2019/05/21/hard-target-by-pamela-clare/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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I've enjoyed everything I've ever read from Pamela Clare. She's a knowledgeable author who writes amazing romantic suspense. <strong> Hard Target</strong> is the first in a related series to the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/41381-i-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>I-team</strong></em></a>.   It looks like the new <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/257715-cobra-elite" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Cobra Elite series</strong></em></a> will be about former special forces operatives who now work private security and government operations.

These guys are away a lot on business. They also often have issues from their military service, seeing things no one should see. Some of those things happen in this story.  Derek and Jenna are good people. They work hard, put care of others before themselves. Jenna's brother served with Derek and saved his life, so they have known each other awhile but not closely.

Sadly, Jenna has a controlling A-hole for a father, a politician. Also, unfortunately,  she is not as knowledgeable about the political and cultural environment of Afghanistan where she is working. She causes some serious issues which could easily get herself and / or others killed.  Luckily, Derek is both smart, well-trained and well-informed.

In a war torn country, with lots of danger, and plenty of people to help and protect, somehow that just ups the sexy attraction in a forbidden sort of romance. Derek is posing as her brother, to be able to speak with her privately. If anyone learns the truth, it will be another big problem.  The energy of this fast-paced, sexy danger is electric!

I'd willingly read everything by this author. I'm sure I will continue with this series. It was great to see many of the I-team folks briefly as well.  Holly and Nick were a little more present than others since they are part of Cobra Elite, also.

"Jimmy had been Derek's best bud in the Green Berets. He had died saving Derek's life, and Derek truly didn't want his little sister to get hurt or killed."

Derek had to try to get Jenna out of Afghanistan per the orders, aka threats, from Senator Hamilton. Senator Hamilton seemed to want his daughter back in the States for her own safety. But honestly, Hamilton usually had ulterior motives that were more revolved around himself.

Upon meeting Jenna, Derek realizes getting her to leave Afghanistan before her contract was up was not something she was willing to do. She took her job as midwife very seriously. Her refusal to go and his immediate attraction to her is definitely messing with his plans.

Jenna hasn't seen an American man in a very long time - so she attributes her attraction to her lack of interaction with the opposite sex. But as the days go by, she knows it's more than that.

As things heat up between Jenna and Derek -and Jenna is threatened more than once, Derek is willing to put his life on the line for her. No matter what.

Pamela Clare hits the mark again with the start of this new Cobra Elite series. I get all the wonderful feels that I got with her ITeam series! The action, the romance and the fantastic story line drew me right in!

Pamela Clare is at it again doing what she does best...writing amazing stories of courage, bravery, brotherhood and their partners of life who stand by their side with unconditional love and support.

Her new series Cobra Elite, a group of elite soldiers who believe in protecting the innocent, starts off with the first “Hard Target”. A hard target indeed as Derek Tower is tasked with bringing Jenna Hamilton home from the war torn Afghanistan. But Jenna’s work as a midwife and educating the women there has been her mission and going back home before her term work ends is not an option. Derek very well knows the fear of staying in a war torn country with danger and betrayal dogging every corner, yet convincing Jenna otherwise is a monumental task.

As they work out the dynamics of staying alive, the sparks of attraction that flares between them sure enough lights a fire that engulfs them. With passion heating their hearts and danger dogging their feet, their escape is no easy task when bullets start flying. And Jenna still has to face the betrayal close to home.

It’s a great start to her new series, as Pamela Clare gives much insight into the life of the women in Afghanistan as well as the faith that amid evil, there are still good people who respect women and willing to protect their own.

Received a copy from Pamela Clare via NetGalley for an honest review.

Jenna and Derek were so amazing in this story. I thought the chemistry between them was so sizzling hot. There were some very sad parts to the story and luckily more happy. I thought the author did an amazing job building up the chemistry between the main characters.

Action packed! I love these action packed romances and this one was fun to read. It was also shocking as is all of the ones where you know women are treated like this but it's hard to accept.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A cultural eye-opener!

When Derek Tower is commissioned to run a mission for a US Senator who wants his independant daughter brought home from Afghanistan, his first instinct is to say no. But Jenna isn’t a spoiled woman in search of excitement in a far-off land- she’s the sister of Derek’s best friend, who died because of him.

He has no choice.

Jenna is determined to help the Afghan women as a midwife in the war-torn country. She knows full well the danger, but the need is greater than her fear. She certainly doesn’t need her father’s henchman following her around, even if he is sexy. But when danger arrives, Jenna is grateful she’s not alone.

Though it could cost her heart.

This book exposes the plight of many Afghanistan women sold into lives of slavery, often by their own families. The author obviously did a lot of research and brought to life the taste and smells of a culture very different to the western world.

The story starts out slow, but builds to a good action-suspense page-turner though the sex scenes felt out of place to me.

I give Hard Target 4 lovely kisses!

The writing in this book is superb I love everything about it. Derek made me swoon. Jenna made me love her. The suspense kept me on edge and ready to see what was next. I am absolutely in love with this story.

Another Great military romance by the awesome writer Pamela Clare! A sexy hero and smart and feisty lady hero lead to a hot romantic story!!

I like the author and excited to see a new series form her. hard Target is a fast paced read with drama and romance.
Derek and Jenna have an immediate connection and chemistry. The storyline the pair shared in Afghanistan was interesting and so intense.
When they reached stateside, their relationship takes another turn. They become more and I couldn't wait to see this couple get their much deserved happy ending.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review.

This was my first taste of this authors work, and I am kicking myself that I haven’t found her sooner! I loved the intensity of this book, the main characters were strong, determined, and selfless. They had a passion for their jobs and always, well almost always put others needs before their own.
The book is full of emotions, from laughter and love to heartache and sorrow, and the author makes you feel each and every emotion as if you were right there in the book! She is very talented at drawing you into a world that you could only ever dream or have nightmares about, and for me this is one of the greatest gifts an author can give, to be able to take you away from reality, I mean everybody needs a break now and then.
Overall this is a beautifully crafted story with characters that have been properly developed, flaws and all. I personally will be looking for more books from this author, past and future alike.

Cheers to Pamela Clare for her new series! Hard Target tells the story of Derek and Jenna. Clare weaves a great tale using the linked backgrounds of both lead characters against her action-packed background. Fans of Clare will not be disappointed with this one!

I have been a Pamela Clare fan but I am saddened to say that this one just didn't do it for me, I tried and could not get into the story as much. We have two people that I did respect their professions and the work that they do but I didn't love them. However all that being said, her writing was good and descriptive and I will continue to read her.

Let me start by saying when it is time to pick up and begin reading this book, make sure you have a few hours where you will not be interrupted.....this book was phenomenal and I had a really hard time putting it down. You will embark on a whirlwind roller coaster journey with these characters....and what a ride it was!! Happy reading everyone!!!

Hard Target is the first title in Pamela Clare’s new Cobra Elite series.

I’m yet to be disappointed by Pamela Clare. Her romantic suspense titles are not only packed full of action, intrigue, and drama but they are insightful, educational and incredibly engaging.

Jenna is strong, stubborn, committed, independent and resilient. She’s passionate, caring and compassionate when it comes to her role as a nurse and midwife and sharing her knowledge and skills with the women of Afghanistan.

Derek is an alpha to the core, a former Green Beret he’s no stranger to the dangers that are present in Afghanistan. He’s cocky, loyal and intelligent, and being around Jenna brings forth all his protective tendencies, yet he doesn’t smother her independence.

A sweet and sexy read with a few familiar characters who make cameo appearances, I can’t wait to see which of the Cobra Elite operatives will be next in finding a happy ever after.

4.5stars
Intense, action-packed romance. Derek is forced into Afganistan to persuade Jenna, his best friend baby sister to come back home. But because he won't take force her father makes a step further and starts a few unexpected, intense events. A great love story between two very interesting characters. I loved both Derek and Jenna they were easy to fall in love and it is great to see how their love story begins and how they got their HEA.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley & author.

Derek & Jenna are serious relationship goals. What a great couple. This book was EVERYTHING. The cover is gorgeous... the characters are so easy to love... and the book was well written.. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Can we please have more????

OMG I loved the book and can't wait until we get some of the stories about the other characters. I had no idea how Derek was going to get Jenna back to the states given how strong willed she was about staying in Afghanistan. It was a pretty interesting twist just how the author made this happen.

Definitely a book that kept you on the edge of your seat and for once didn't portray the female character as weak.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

I love a book with an interesting, unique subject matter and therefore enjoyed this plot that centers around a midwife. The setting, Afghanistan, lends itself to the likelihood of danger, particularly for an American woman who advocates for other women. And yes...there is plenty of danger and trouble for this woman and those who attempt to protect her.

As always, Pamela Clare delivered a fantastic new book with ample action and suspense! I can't wait for the next in the series.

Jenna Hamilton is a midwife volunteering in Afghanistan. For Jenny, teaching midwifery to Afghan women is so rewarding and fulfilling in a place where women don’t have any rights and where many women don’t survive during childbirth. Jenny’s father, Senator Hamilton is adamant his daughter come back home and will do anything in his power to ensure she does what he wants. Senator Hamilton hires Derek Tower, co-owner of a private black ops company, Cobra International Security. Derek is a former Green Beret and owes his life to Jenna’s brother, who took bullets meant for him. So, he feels obligated to help Jenna come home safely. But when a warlord sets his sights on Jenna, Derek will do everything in his power to keep Jenna safe. Will Derek and Jenna make it out of Afghanistan alive?

I found Hard Target such an emotional story to read at times especially since three-quarters of the book takes place in Afghanistan and seeing how women were treated by men. It is so hard to imagine how these women have suffered especially through pregnancies where often the mother or unborn baby never make it full term because of treatable complications and a lack of general prenatal healthcare. Pamela Clare really did her research and this shows in her author notes where she takes the time to let her readers know the research she has put into writing this story.

Pamela Clare easily pulls you into each scene of this story with her writing with such detailed scenes that make you feel as if you are right in the thick of the story feeling everything the characters feel. I was immersed right from the beginning and could not put this book down at all. I fell in love with Derek, who did not believe in relationships or love for that matter. Jenna is so passionate about what she is doing in Afghanistan to help women in need and with the background between Jenna and Derek I can see why they are the perfect couple for each other.

Hard Target is gripping and emotional. Pamela Clare has created such amazing, heartwarming characters along with some super sexy members of the Cobra team and I am so looking forward to reading their stories next. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, then you definitely do not want to miss this one. Five stars all the way!

Interesting story from Pamela Clare about a midwife who goes to Afghanistan to teach other women to be midwives. Her father, a senator who is a jerk (of course...aren’t they always in these stories?) blackmails Derek into going over to try to get her to come back to the US.

I always like it when an author does her research, and that shows in this book. The part that irritated me is how Jenna ignores calls to act safely and responsibly, which predictably backfired and they are taken hostage.

Derek is a wonderful character.

If you read the I-team books, you’ll see a few familiar faces.

This was a fast paced read. It started bit slow, but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. I loved both Jenna and Derek. The plot was very well written and kept me intrigued. I can't wait to read more in the series.

I've been a fan of this author's works for a while now, but I honestly don't remember seeing much of Derek Tower in those books. Therefore, reading this was a very pleasant surprise!

First off, I have to say that I found this to be a very illuminating read! It was interesting to read about how the Afghani women lived, and I felt is was a story that needed to be told. As a Western woman, I had no idea just how suppressed and repressed they were! That was definitely an eye opener!

Secondly, I liked Jenna's passion for her work! I liked her devotion to the women and how courageous she acted under the various pressures she encountered. I also enjoyed Derek's protective nature, as well as his willingness to let Jenna be her independent self.

However, their romance felt a little too insta-lovey to me. It didn't feel truly believable, partly because the stress of their situation wasn't addressed in their relationship. The romance was very steamy, no doubt about it, but I think it would have worked better if we had seen more of it when they weren't in a life and death situation.

This was definitely an engaging and enjoyable read! I can't wait to read the next one!

I love Pamela Clare's books. This one was a bit more intense for me, but I loved it.

I truly learned sooo much from this book pertaining to women's rights and health care in the middle east.

There was a great story in there too.

Pamela Clare’s new series features the men and women of Cobra International Security, a private military company. The first book follows Derek Tower, the owner of the company, as he travels to Afghanistan to try and persuade Jenna Hamilton to return home. Jenna is in the country working as a midwife and her controlling father, a US Senator, sends Derek to bring her home. Jenna is staying put though, and so it seems, is Derek. The two have a history together. Jenna is the sister of Derek’s best friend, who was killed while serving with Derek. Their relationship is cautious at first. Jenna sees Derek initially as a man taking orders from her father, but she soon sees there is much more to him. And Derek can’t help but respect the work Jenna is doing, even if she is is constant danger.
I was really impressed with the amount of research the author obviously did, not only to accurately portray midwives and the vital work they do, but also the innumerable struggles and dangers they face when working in a country like Afghanistan. The patriarchy of the country is maddening to me, but the author managed to convey the frustrations the characters obviously felt while being respectful of the views of the Afghan people. The book could have become preachy but wasn’t. I learned a lot and came to a better understanding of the hard life the people of Afghanistan live and the efforts they are making to move forward, as well as the difficult and dangerous work of all those willing to risk their own safety in the quest to help others.
Derek and Jenna had an immediate attraction, but their relationship built slowly and you could see how they slowly came to respect one another and appreciate the work they both were doing.
I really enjoyed this new start to the Cobra Elite series and am looking forward to more adventures from Pamela Clare.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this one. I have heard about this author for a long time. I'm shocked this is the first time I'm reading one of her books. I couldn't read this book fast enough I just found myself trying to not put it down.

If you love military ops romance this book is for you and if you don't this book is for you as well. Derrick is a co founder of a private security company with former military. He receives a call that he couldn't not answer. His best friend sister Jenny was working in Afghanistan in a dangerous area. People were getting murdered and women getting raped. She refused to leave so they wanted him to go. As soon as they saw eachother the Romance has started.

This book is filled with suspense, action, steamy sex scenes, sexual tension and more.

This is book one in the Cobra Elite series and it features Derek and Jenna. Her brother was Derek‘s best friend. He took a bullet for Derek and lost his life. Now, years later, her senator father wants Derek to bring her back from doing aid work in Afghanistan, before something happens to her. The action and suspense are fantastic! The chemistry between these two is sizzling! He really has a HARD attitude about not being built for love or relationships. It was heart wrenching knowing why.

This is a great series opener! I can’t wait to read more about these amazing men.

Fantastic way to start off a new series. There is so much goodness going on in this book I don’t know where to begin. Derek Tower is a perfect alpha male character while Jenna is his perfect compliment. The action is fast paced with plenty of twists of turns. I look forward to book 2.

Great book!! I'm not sure what took me so long to read this book?! But it was great!! It has plenty of action, suspense, drama, and 🔥! The story flowed seamlessly the only reason I took a star off because she talked about other characters from I'm assuming previous books? And I have no idea who they are?! That's always one of my pet peeves lol when they talk like we should know who they are but this is my first book from this author. So I took a star off for that but m pretty sure I'm going to go back and read all of them! Lol that's how good it was! Definitely don't miss out on this book and series! They are well worth reading! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A fun steamy read with military men which I think is even better and a nice story.