Hard Asset

It took me a little bit to warm up to this, but once I got further into the story it was non-stop suspense and romance all rolled into one. Hard Asset is deep and emotional, taking you on a journey and showcasing a romance between two very different people who turn out to complement each other perfectly.

The story follows Shanti, a prosecutor gathering evidence for a human rights trial. She’s all about peace and doesn’t think highly of soldiers now that she’s seen some of the atrocities they’ve perpetrated during war. When her safety becomes a concern, Connor is tasked with watching over her. An operative and solider for more than a decade, Connor has seen his fair share of war - and done plenty of dark things in the name of keeping the peace. Fundamentally, these two couldn’t be more different, but attraction sparks between them from the very beginning. When things go awry and this pair spend time in seclusion, their beliefs are put to the test and they find they might not be so different after all.

The writing is great throughout, and these two characters are so complex that it’s easy to get drawn into the story. I will admit that the beginning of the book felt a little bleak for me - the author lays out the realities of war in black and white (triggers galore), but it’s all done in the name of understanding where Connor and Shanti stand on things. Once the book moves into the second act, I was totally immersed in the story and the beginning just laid the foundation for the things explored later in the book. This is true romantic suspense - both elements are explored throughout the book in equal measure. I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review about this sexy and suspenseful book.

Shanti and Connor had a very hard time of it in, Hard Asset. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? I enjoyed the fact that even though they were running for their lives, they still were able to appreciate their surroundings.

I'm seriously loving this new series by Pamela Clare. There were so many good things in Connor and Shanti's story. They're an opposites attract couple, one's a fighter and the other's a peace-seeker.

Hard Asset gives you a good look at both sides of the coin. There was no right or wrong, just different ways to work together to accomplish true unity.

Things get extremely dangerous when Shanti's efforts to bring down a very, bad man strands her in the middle of a jungle with just Connor to save her from an army of bad men.

For a peace loving woman, Shanti was every bit the fighter to stay alive. Their time in the jungle gives her a good look at why men like Connor are necessary. It also showed Connor that he isn't just a soldier.

This story was incredibly detailed in a way that fascinated me as I followed their journey through the jungle. Shanti is a better woman than me. I don't think I could have handled half of what she experienced. However, I sure would love to try it with Connor!

I’ve been hooked by Pamela since the first book I read from her I team series. Full of action and sexy times this book did not disappoint. Loving this spin off series and can’t wait until the next one is out. Keep them coming 😊

Hard Asset by Pamela Clare is the second book in the Cobra Elite series. This book will appeal to anyone who loves Military Romance. Shanti Lahiri is a prosecutor for International Criminal Court sent to investigate war crimes in Bangladesh. Her fathers home country.
Conner O’Neal is leading the Cobra Team sent to protect Shanti. You can tell by the subject of this book that Ms. Clare was a investigating reporter. As soon as you start reading this book you know something crazy is going to happen. Midway into the book the action starts and didn’t stop until almost the end.
A couple from two different worlds come together to find love.
I love all the I team book and look forward to what comes next.

Shanti is a prosecutor with the International Criminal Court, who is trying to get evidence against a corrupt leader who's perpetuating mass genocide including horrible violence against women and children. To do so, Shanti has to travel to Bangladesh, her father's homeland, to talk to and record information from traumatized witnesses. It's extremely dangerous and so an armed security team has to go along to protect her.

Connor is the leader of the Delta Force team. He's as tough as they come having seen and been through a lot in the Service. He realizes that Shanti's focus is on peace and she doesn't like soldiers and guns but sometimes they are necessary. Connor is attracted to Shanti but it's forbidden for operatives to have relations with clients. Of course when their helicopter crashes and they are in survival mode lines get blurred. Excellent romantic suspense.

When I read a book by this author I've come to expect some hard hitting realism's about the world today, things that make this book stand out for me against other run of the mill romantic suspense.

The case that Shanti was working on was brutal, hearing the testimony from the women made me cry in how horrible it was and knowing that while this book is fiction this happens to real people every day. I found myself cheering Shanti on, wanting her to get the "bad" general, to make him pay, although it wouldn't be enough. Having the Cobra team along to keep her safe went a long way in helping keep Shanti focused on her job.

Quickly though it went to crap in a big way and it seemed like we had the Shanti and Connor show, fighting their way across a hostile country with limited resources. I admired Shani during their run, she kept up good and didn't complain. All I could think during the action was there is no way I'd have been half as good, nor thought on my toes like that. Along the way they had to make some tough choices, choices that could've cost them their lives, but luck seemed to be on their side as they made it through.

You would have thought that it would be all rainbows and puppy dogs for the couple from here, but Connor was too much in his head, the old "I'm not good for her". It took a while, time to think and his dad's sage advice before Connor really sought what he wanted in Shanti.

And as good as the whole book was, for me the best part was the end, Connor having to submit to such a common ritual, an odd thing for a grown man, even odder considering the things he'd done in his life, but something he very much needed.

Hard Asset is the second book in Pamela Clare's Cobra Elite series and can definitely be read as a standalone.

This book follows the Cobra Elite team as they work as security for a prosecutor with the International Criminal Court. Connor O'Neal is the lead on this security mission - protecting ICC prosecutor Shanti Lahiri at all costs. On a dangerous mission in Bangladesh, Shanti and Connor find themselves attracted to one another but decide not to act on that until the assignment is over. Fate has other ideas, however, and the two get stranded in the jungles of Myanmar and are chased by the enemy.

I don't read a ton of romantic suspense but I love Pamela Clare's books and Hard Asset is no exception. I can't wait for the next Cobra Elite novel! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 stars

Hard Asset is the second book in Pamela Clare's Cobra Elite series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is actually my first Pamela Clare book and I really enjoyed it. I'm even more excited to dive into her backlist now.

Hard Asset is a fast-paced survival romance. Shanti is an attorney working for the International Criminal Court. She has to go to Bangladesh, the country where she was born, to investigate war crimes committed against the Rohingya refugees. Others who tried to investigate these war crimes have been captured by the Myanmar army, so the Cobra Elite team is hired to accompany and protect her. Shanti and the head of her security, Connor, have this instant connection that is tested to the limits when they become stranded in the jungles of Myanmar. They are forced to rely on each other to survive and to make it to the border to Bangladesh all while escaping the Myanmar soldiers who are after them.  

The plot was thrilling and exciting, often leaving me at the edge of my seat. The romance was pretty good as well, though I will confess that I was more into the whole survival aspect than the romance itself. My favourite thing about the romance is how the hero and heroine are both so mature, but disagree on a moralistic stance regarding the use of violence and weapons. This disagreement led to some level of tension between them, but not too much. I think sexual tension was definitely missing for me. There was sexual attraction, but not too much sexual tension because the characters seem to get along for the most part. There was also not much resistance, even though the hero constantly emphasized he could get fired for sleeping with the heroine.

Some of the chapters ended rather abruptly. The writing is crisp and sharp, perfect for the action and survival part of the story, but Clare's prose is not emotive enough for me. There is significant emotional development, but not too deep or detailed. The emotional depth only seemed to shine through in the last 20% and I think that's the main thing that's off about the book. I wanted to feel the love between Shanti and Connor a lot more than I did. I think Clare nailed the emotionality when it came to describing the struggles and trauma of the Rohingya refugees. But when it came to the romance, the emotionality was basically bland, except for the very last part of the book.
 
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, even if I did enjoy the action more than the romancr. I'm a little anxious to read the first book in the series because Afghanistan is such a controversial setting...we'll see. But I'm definitely psyched to read the I-Team series!

P.S. I love how much Connor loves elephants

Hard Asset is the second in the hard hitting Cobra Elite series written by Pamela Clare. These books are like a visit to some of the most beautiful but most dangerous parts of the world. Through these stories my eyes have been opened to how real people may be suffering. Yet there is hope, romance and love too. This is believable fiction that is compassionate, credible and sincere. It is remarkable that it can do all this without skimping on character development and the relationship between the characters.

This time it is refugee camps long the Bangladesh borders. Ethnic cleansing has long been a problem in many of the developing countries and it is brought into the stark light of day along with the many, many ways in which these victims are also exploited by others. This is a story that is not making a political statement but there is politics, along with villains and heroes. Shanti Lahiri is a true heroine with Connor O’Neal and his team by her side. Action packed story with volatile events, it is also a passionate emotional romance. Another complex extraordinary read that is equally suspense, danger and romance. Highly recommend Hard Asset.

What a powerful story, it brought out all the emotions. Shanti and Connor had a nightmare of an experience. While on the run for their lives the story gave me many heart stopping moments. I was fascinated to read the horrific history of the country they were stranded in and at the same time did not feel preached to which was good. The author interspersed some romance to lighten the mood. I really enjoyed this novel and can't wait to see what this author does next.

Another fabulous read by Pamela Clare. She always writes heart pounding stories and this was no exception. It was another book I read all in one sitting. I could not put it down. Loved Connor and Shanti. Connor all hard edges from Delta Force and now the Cobra Elite, and Shanti, a beautiful half Brahmin Hindu Woman who is a lawyer with the UN and is trying to help the people who were escaping the genocide of the Hindu. I must confess of knowing very little about this region, and although this is fiction, I am sure Ms. Clare researched it well as the New York Times has an article on this very region. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful, rollercoaster action packed ride of a read, and if you like your romance with a great this story, this is it!

Hard Asset by Pamela Clare is the second book in the Cobra Elite series. This time we follow Connor O'Neil and the team, who is tasked to protect Shanti Lahiri, a a prosecutor with the International Criminal Court, on her mission to Rohingya refugee camps. Connor and Shanti feel an instant connection but both know it is not a right time to even think about a relationship. However, when both of their lives are in danger, they have to work together to escape with their lives.

I have loved Pamela Clare's novels because they have just the right amount of suspense and steamy love. I think she can write chemistry between characters well and I was reader always end up rooting for the Hero and heroine. I felt deeply for the people of Rohingya and what they suffered. Pamela Clare does not hold back when describing the awful inhumane conditions they have had to live in ant the tragedies in their lives. Even if she does write fiction, these things really happen in real life and it made me interested in researching it more. Themes like these definitely open my eyes on the struggles some people face every day.

Refreshingly for this Brit Asian, this tale features a part-Asian female lead with a... backbone! Yay!!

This is my first, but not last, contemp tale from this author. Her historicals are pretty amazing and this comes close.

Oh how refreshing it was to see a half Bangladeshi Asian, half Caucasian American as a female lead, and one who had a mind of her own, a plan of her own and a will of her own, and wasn't afraid to use any of it. No simpering, air-headed female here, which was so, so refreshing, even if the tale did end in a bit of a Bollywood fairy tale. I am so impressed at the author's research (or maybe discussions with Asian friends/colleagues, because some of the stuff she talks about isn't written in books).

This was a really intelligent tale, and though I'm no longer a massive fan of MF romances, this was good enough for me to want to check out book 1 (they can be read as standalones, though previous characters are mentioned and have cameo appearances) and whatever may come in the series. I loved how serious the tone of the tale was, but it was hard reading, too, as the war atrocities against the Rohingya people aren't shied away from here, and there's death, horror, sickening actions and more. But, there's also a believable romance, with the leads able to find time together whilst thrashing through a jungle on their way back to (hopefully) civilisation and safety. Yes, it was the tiniest bit tropey but I rolled my eyes and went with the flow. The bigger thing for me was believing that Shanti didn't know what an RPG is! Seriously, this woman had done her research, was aware of the dangers that she was going into, and didn't know what to look out for and had to be briefed about two things that did make her sound the littlest bit living on rarefied air in the ICC/Hague, but that was minimal in an otherwise really good tale. Here's to the next!

Oh, and the wedding at the end was pretty much perfectly described - I've sat through enough of them to know the ceremony and vows/actions/performance by heart, and this was spot on. So glad I didn't end up with one of my own with my non-Asian hubs!

ARC courtesy of Leap Day Productions and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.

4 stars!

Heart ache, emotion, drama and suspense all wrapped up in a well written plot.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Pamela Clare continues her Cobra Elite series with a gripping, page turning romance between two polar opposites, a human rights lawyer and a hardened soldier.

Shanti Lahiri has dedicated her life to fight for justice. Her latest assignment as a prosecutor in the International Criminal Court requires her to interview survivors of unspeakable violence in refugee camps in Bangladesh. An armed guard is the last thing she wants but her safety and the success of her assignment requires it. It doesn’t matter that the man in charge is gorgeous.

After a decade of serving his country, Connor O’Neal has taken a job with Cobra International Security. So far the most difficult part of his job is coming back from assignment, but nothing would have prepared him for Shanti. His attraction to her is immediate and intense. Neither can afford to cross the line that keeps them safe, but their passion and desire is impossible to ignore. Can they survive the jungles of Myanmar while being chased by merciless assassin?

I devoured this incredibly thrilling romance! Clare produces an exciting story with a gritty backdrop exposing unimaginable atrocities, while showcasing human resilience, hope and will to survive. It felt very real and well researched, with details expertly woven in creating an action-thriller movie in my mind’s eye. I loved sitting at the edge of my seat reading this sizzling jungle romance.
Something stirred inside Connor at the sight of her, something beyond sexual desire, something more primal. Shanti was Eve. She was a goddess. She was life itself.

Connor and Shanti were and unlikely couple but both equally compelling characters who with their palpable chemistry found common ground in their own survival, bravery and the pursuit of justice. Shanti tenderly helps Connor heal old wounds and move forward to welcome love and happiness.
He respected and admired her for her resilience and determination. This wasn’t just a job for her. She truly cared about people.

Clare writes stirringly of the sad circumstances the Rohingya people face. Tyranny and injustice were the motivators, but in the end, Clare rewards readers with a sizzling and heartfelt love story. I loved getting updated about past and future characters and I can’t wait to read more.

Hard Asset is book #2 of the Cobra Elite series by author Pamela Clare. It’s written from both points of view with a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

An improbable romance between a seasoned warrior and a Human Rights attorney blooms in “Hard Asset”, by Pamela Clare, proving that love can overcome social, cultural and religious barriers.
Shanti is a brave, educated woman, with a dual heritage, and Connor is the ultimate tough military man. They come from different backgrounds, their jobs can have clashing goals, and Connor is lead to believe they have little in common.
I liked the way the author somehow evades conventions/expectations, writing a hero with a strong moral compass and a conscience, competent and fierce but not the average fictional Alpha male, ready to kill without looking back. Connor is hot, but his compassion is a strong magnet, too. The fact he’s a bit tortured adds to his charisma.
I also liked that, despite the instant sexual attraction, they didn’t jump to bed immediately, although they surely exercised during their difficult, tortuous escape, when sometimes sex scenes feel more like filler.
Against a backdrop of violence, brutality and genocide, showing a world not usually depicted in romance novels, and in a beautiful yet dangerous scenery, Connor and Shanti find that they’re not so different after all and that they do have a chance.

This story had everything! There was action, excitement, romance and much more!

The author had an excellent writing style and the book was written so that you felt as though you were there.

I thought that the detail was amazing and she really brought the book to life for me.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was fantastic!! Very highly recommended!!

Book two in the Cobra Elite, Hard Asset, is a thrilling romantic suspense. Shanti and Connor are strong, well suited characters and the well delivered story keep me engaged throughout. I will definitely be looking to read more and recommending this book and series to others.

Hard Asset was a gripping story with injustices happening across a country that lead Shanti on a mission to uncover the leadership responsible. Connor is part of the Cobra Elite Security team sent to protect Shanti on her mission. Both Shanti and Connor are dedicated to their jobs and soon find their attraction hard to deny.

While this story was also emotional read centered around a tragic story of genocide and torture, the happenings are enlightening to horrific true to life active occuring across the world.

I loved these two together. The story was intense and page turning and I loved it!

Can't wait for the next in the series!

**I received a copy of Hard Assets from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are mine and not solicited in any way.**

Why do they only let you give a book 5 stars when they are well worth that and many more? Trust me this book is so fantastic and the plot is so important now as it was when in 2018 Myanmar soldiers and rebels decided that ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyas people.

Hard Assets brings to light how The Hague and Shanti Lahiri is determined to bring those affected some justice. With that being said this is one heck of a book that was thoroughly researched and written with care. Okay I'm taking my soapbox and writing my review now.

Shanti Lahiri is one high powered lawyer with The Hague who is in Bangladesh taking statements from survivors to and also to find proof that General Naing lead his men to murder their families and burn their homes. But her boss is determined to hire security for her while she's in the refugee camps. Cobra Securities sends their best man Connor O'Neal who is former Delta Force (The Unit) to guard Shanti but little do they know that one of the refugees will have something that will lead Shanti and Connor on the run. I was impressed by Shanti (Who is Bengal by birth) strong will to run and trek thru the jungle to safety and also save Connor when she's injured and offers her life so he can take the proof to the team and the Hague to prosecute General Naing.

I'm not going to give away anymore of the plot but I will say what Kathy Bates said in Fried Green Tomatoes "Tawanda" because Shanti truly is one kick a** heroine as well as Connor O'Neal would say "Hooah!!"

Shanti and Connor take the reader on a fast paced ride that is intense and interesting. I love the sort of slow burn of their relationship and the heat. The writing is absolutely great and the scene setting and circle building is nice and tight. I really like the suspense and the intense feeling I get while reading this story. Very, very good and so glad I was able to read this one.

This is book 2 in the Cobra Elite series and it features Connor and Shanti. This book has it all! Hot military men, action, adventure, suspense, romance with sizzling steam and an amazing HEA. This is the kind of 5-Star story that really sticks with you when you finish the last page. There were breath-holding moments. Moments when your heart broke and after that, moments that mended your broken heart. Humanity’s worst and then a beautiful romance. The story was an amazing roller coaster ride!

Fantastic characters that I can’t wait to spend more time with. Brilliant writing!

Hard Asset is the second title in the Cobra Elite series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I recommend this title to anyone who enjoys an opposites attract, romantic suspense with complex and intriguing characters.

Shanti is a lawyer who has dedicated her life to fighting for human rights, and justice. She's determined, driven, intelligent and successful.

Conner is an operative with Cobra International Security, and has been entrusted with the job of protecting Shanti whilst she investigates war crimes committed against Rohingya refugees.

Shanti and Conner's romance is a thrilling, gritty and action packed story of survival, suspense and intrigue. It's an emotional story of survival, bravery and love. Their banter is engaging nd entertaining and the story is overall very well paced.

The connection this pair shares is instant, yet they do their best to ignore their attraction, until they find themselves reliant on each other and stranded in the jungles of Myanmar.

Whilst i enjoyed the first title in this series, Hard Asset was very vivid and captured my interest and I cannot wait for future title in the series.

Hard Asset by Pamela Clare is rich in vibrant detail which draws the reader into the world she created for her characters. Shanti and Conner are both firece warriors just in different ways. She seeks resolution through peaceful channels and he seeks it through conflict and violence. They learn that sometimes both means depend on the other to gain real progress. Their romance grew and deepened as the story progressed. Brimming with action and suspense this is a well told story you won't want to put down
.

Shanti is an attorney with the International Criminal Court. She is after a general who has had people killed and raped. It’s dangerous so her boss hires a security team to escort her. Connor was in Special Forces and now works for a security company. He plans to keep her in the client slot but the more he’s with her, the more he wants her. They are on their way out of the country when the helicopter crashes, then they must trek through a forest. They must dodge soldiers and forest animals while they are trying to reach the border. Can Shanti and Connor make it to the evacuation point?
Great book with lots of action. Some steamy sex scenes. A soldier who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. A woman who doesn’t believe in violence but falls for a soldier.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

HARD ASSET is the second 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 former Delta Force Army soldier Connor O’Neal, and prosecutor with the International Criminal Court (ICC) Shanti Lahiri’s story line. HARD ASSET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. COBRA ELITE is a spin-off from the author’s I-Team Series.

NOTE: Due to the story line content and detailed references to genocide and murder, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Shanti and Connor) HARD ASSET follows the Cobra Team as they are assigned to escort and protect ICC attorney Shanti Lahiri as she travels to Myanmar in an effort to gather information about the warlord responsible for the Rohingya massacre and genocide. But a betrayal will find Shanti and Connor on the run in the Mayanmar jungle, miles from civilization and the safety of the Cobra Team. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Shanti and Connor as they traverse a minefield of danger and death, and the potential fall-out as Connor believes himself unworthy of love and a happily ever after.

Shanti Lahiri is desperate to take down the man responsible for destroying so many lives, desperate enough to place herself at risk as well as the man with whom she is falling in love. Connor O’Neal knows that his primary concern is to protect Shanti Lahiri but trapped in the Maynmar jungle means survival at all cost.

The relationship between Shanti and Connor is one of immediate attraction but Connor knows better than to get involved with a client. On the move in an effort to stay one step ahead of the man in charge, Shanti and Connor find themselves pulled together towards their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text but I have to question $ex in a dangerous, dirty and precarious environment, $ex that could ultimately get themselves killed.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of Connor’s Cobra Elite Security Team: Derek Tower, Malik Jones, Dylan Cruz, Elizabeth Shield, Quinn McManus, Doc Sullivan, Thor Isaksen, and Lev Segal; Shanti’s boss Bram Meijer, and UN project manager Pauline Montreux. The requisite evil has many faces.

HARD ASSET is a story of war and genocide; power and control; betrayal, vengeance, danger, friendship and love. Pamela Clare pulls her story from the nightly news and dramatic headlines in an effort to show the brutality that is life for those who are trying to survive against the odds. The premise is powerful and thought provoking; the romance is captivating; the characters are strong and energetic. HARD ASSET is an information, heart breaking and detailed story line that is sure to bring your attention to the ongoing atrocities and the Rohingya massacre.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Shanti is an attorney who works for the international Criminal Court. She is set to bring an evil general to justice. But to do that she will have to return to the country where the evil was done. In comes the guys of COBRA. Namely one Conner whose job it is, is to protect her and make sure she gets back alive. This author always writes edge of seat romances that you can’t put down. Her hero’s and heroine’s are always strong and well matched.


I read this book as an arc from NetGalley

I always enjoy reading a Pamela Clare book and this was no different. The characters were well developed and didn't seem like a traditional cliche. Once I started reading I could not put it down. While I have read the previous book in the series, Connor and Shanti definitely had the better story. I can't wait for the next one.

I've been following Pamela Clare on FB for a while now and have heard others talking about how good her books are. I don't know why it's taken me so long to finally read one, but I'm glad I did. Not only was it well written and witty, it was almost non stop 'Holy Moly!' type action.
The characters, Connor (an ex Delta Force hottie) and Shanti (a sassy human rights lawyer at the Hague) so like able and smart that you can't help but root for them to outwit the bad guy and conquer all. The action between these two is also pretty hot!. I've already bought the first of the Cobra Elite series, Hard Target, and I will be pre-ordering #3 when it becomes available.
Hard Asset is the type of book that will appeal to both male and female readers. Ms. Clare is pretty on point with the military jargon and you can tell she's done her research on what she wrote. She is also very good at bringing the emotion in the story to the reader. I want to give examples so you know what I'm talking about but that would create spoilers which wouldn't be fair to anyone. It's one of the best military type romances I've read, and I've been reading romance for over 30 years.
I would recommend Hard Asset to anyone who likes smart, badass hero's and smart, strong heroines. Stories with action that will have you holding your breath and/or giving a hearty "Yes!" when an obstacle is overcome. ..yes, I did that numerous times. After reading Hard Asset, Pamela Clare is now on my automatic buy list

I really enjoyed this second book in the Cobra Elite series, although it can be read as a standalone. This was a fun ride from beginning to end. It was well paced with the right amount of action to keep me reading and wondering what was going to happen next. The setting and the trek through the jungle was exciting and beautifully described. The main characters started out worlds apart, but still managed to grow to understand each other and fall in love. Shanti was a strong female lead that was not overbearing. She was also able to change some of her views when she saw things from a different perspective, therefore growing and adapting based on her experiences. I loved Conner as the tough as nails hero with a soft heart. He, too, was able to change and grow throughout the story and was able to learn to live with his past experiences and eventually determine what he wanted for his own future. I know these types of books come with an HEA pre-destined, but this one honestly kept me guessing as to how that was going to be accomplished. Needless to say I was quite pleased with the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I was up until 3am because I had to know how the book ended. There were so many close calls and near misses that I couldn’t put it down until I knew they were safe. I loved the interaction between Connor and Shanti and the way they depended on each to survive was amazing. Seeing the Rohingya crisis from this prospective puts a face on it that makes it harder to ignore. It becomes more than just a new story that’s happening on the other side of the world. I really loved this book and look forward to reading more of the series.

An exciting plot with some interesting twists. Shanti works for the International Criminal Court and is trying to get evidence against a war criminal. To do that, she need to go into the most dangerous of areas to get testimony from victims. Connor works for the private security firm tasked with protecting her. The two of them are attracted to each other and then bond over their shared experiences of the horrors of war. They are of very different backgrounds - Connor is a soldier who joined the military after high school and Shanti is a Harvard graduate from a wealthy Asian family - albeit with an American mother. There are scenes and descriptions of both horror and cruelty, for those who are sensitive. Not overly graphic but this isn't a completely "feel good" book either. Connor and Shanti are believable and their growing relationship is involving. The story is gritty and thought provoking.

Fans of Pamela Clare will definitely not be disappointed with her latest, Hard Asset. Shanti and Connor's story is original and well executed. Their HEA is not at all contrived and both beyond satisfying and unexpected based on the mindset of these characters. Well done!!

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

I am not a fan of romance or romantic-suspense with overly political themes. Just not my cuppa. The issues raised in "Hard Asset" were heart rending and, I suspect, totally true. Doesn't make that any easier to read and comprehend. Anyway, I loved the book which shined a light on a part of the world I'm sure a lot of people know little about. There is a hot romance too, something you can always depend on Pamela Clare to deliver. The suspense comes from the fleeing for their lives after a helicopter crash with an army on their tail.

Connor O’Neal is working for Cobra International Security after leaving the Army Delta Force. He has a lot of experience in war zones and feels more at home there than in his condo in Denver, CO. He volunteers for any assignment that takes him to any hotspot in the world, as if he can outrun the nightmares. As for any relationship, well, he's not a relationship kind of guy. When he is assigned as personal protection for an attorney with the International Criminal Court, based in the Hague, Switzerland, he is thrown off his game by his reaction to the beautiful Shanti. Clients are off limits, Cobra rules, and he really doesn't need the distraction while trying to protect her as she interviews victims of genocide in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Shanti Lahiri is driven to find justice for the displaced Rohingya people who have been driven from their homes by the murderous government of Myanmar. It is heartbreaking, nightmare work and being in her father's homeland only reminds her of the prejudice in her own family. The last thing she wants is a out of control attraction to her head of security.

When Shanti obtains conclusive evidence of the atrocities, Connor knows her life is in danger more than ever and an immediate plan to leave is in order, but there is a traitor and the helicopter Connor and Shanti are on is taken and they are flying straight into the jungles of Myanmar instead of to safety. The copter crashes and Connor and Shanti are stranded in a jungle in a hostile country that had no respect for international law and that want Connor and Shanti dead. Their journey to safety requires then to reevaluate what is really important and they each decide that their lives and love are what is.

Romantic Suspense lovers will enjoy this book. There is romance. There is action. There is suspense. There is heartache. There is a HEA. You will love Connor and Shanti's story. Pamela Clare never disappoints. Always on my TBR pile.

I find it almost impossible to put down a book by Pamela Clare once I've started it! This second book in the Cobra Elite series featured Shanti Lahiri as a human rights lawyer trying to get justice for women who had been brutalized in a refugee camp. While the book may be fiction, I have no doubt that these horrors are real and those facts make the story all the more intense. Connor is tasked with keeping her safe as she interviews witnesses but of course there is a large faction of people who don't want Shanti to live long enough to get justice for these women.
Once again, Pamela Clare has written a gripping novel of romantic suspense with non-stop action. I particularly liked the details given about Shanti's culture and background making her what you would think would be the complete opposite of Connor. All of Clare's books show her dedication to research in her books, which sets her apart from other authors.

Pamela Cl.are knows how to write strong, smart, resilient women characters that are able to save themselves! Sure, it is always nice to have a little help and in this book Shanti and Connor help each other as they fight to sruvive. It is a fast paced, action packed story sprinkled romance and heat. A few surprise moments and a great twist at the end.

*4.5 stars*

Tension and love abound in this top-notch romantic suspense…
Shanti’s family background led her on a path and career with the International Criminal Court. Every time she successfully charged and convicted those who thrived on violence on a grand scale, meant she had won. Won for the victims and shone some light on her relatives who never got justice for themselves. Faced with an almost impossible task she soon realized how capable Cobra Elite was in protecting her. And how much Connor had grown on her…
Connor’s life was ex-military so he knew about evil and the violence that came with it. He and his team would guard Shanti with everything they had, including themselves. Little did he know the petite lawyer was going to mean so much more than a job…
I admit the beginning was a bit slow going but that may have been life just interfering in my much needed reading time. Once I got about four chapters in, though, I was hooked… Shanti and Connor were both a powerhouse in their own unique way, fighting for justice in very different ways. As they bonded over life-threatening situations, they came to understand better each other’s points of view. And realize respect soon turned to love… They were idealistic but realistic, serious but also able to savour the moments in life that made it worth living…
If you are a fan of military romance, great writing and unforgettable characters, than this story is for you!

Hard Asset is the second volume in the Cobra Elite series but it can be read alone. We follow here Shanti who goes to investigate suspicions of genocide in Myanmar, and Connor, the chief of the security team demanded by her boss.

Shanti is a strong and determined heroine who sees mostly things in black and white at the beginning – she’s anti violence but as such she hurts the hero several times with decided remarks about soldiers – but she’ll understand there are different shades in the middle during her forced adventures. By the way she shows a surprising physical endurance and a big determination that are noticed by the hero, rightly so! She also has a lot of empathy for the witnesses she has to audition for her job, and a great moral strength not to break down when hearing the horrors they suffered. I liked the glimpses of her father’s traditions she kept even if she grew up in the United States, a beautiful mix of cultures.

Connor is a former soldier, so he’s straight, loyal, and very strong. But he also has a secret wound that torments him even if he was cleared by his leadership at the time. Because of that he regularly feels he’s not good enough for Shanti, which drives him to take near the end a one-sided decision understandable seeing the circumstances but that always annoys me deeply when it’s used in a novel. Fortunately before that he’s attentive to the heroine and doesn’t dismiss her opinions just because he’s the security specialist.

Between them the attraction is immediate but they try to resist for diverse reasons. I thought they were good together, he makes her grow up and she heals him. I’m not fan of sex scenes during high speed pursuits, but here there was only one scene where I was always thinking the bad guys were going to run into them at the wrong time. The resolution of their couple is done in a way I didn’t expect and I was pleasantly surprised.

The plot is in two parts: first the one about Shanti’s job involving getting testimonies of Rohingya refugees, all the more awful when you know what these people are currently living, and we imagine easily that the few details given in the novel could have happened (and knowing the love of the author for research it’s even more than a supposition). Then there’s the part where the couple flees the enemy army in the jungle, part full of action. Both come one after the other logically and end in apotheosis.

Once again Pamela Clare gives us a romantic suspense effective and gripping, and I love that she knows how to create characters and plots so different that surprise us each time. I recommend it to the genre’s lovers.

Pamela Clare writes a really well balanced action romance. Hard Asset is part of her new Cobra Elite series, and it looks to be a strong series. I appreciate that her characters are so layered and interesting. She includes multi cultural representation and does it well. The settings are beautifully detailed. I appreciate the respect with which she speaks of different cultures and their customs and mores. Hard Asset is fast paced action with passionate interludes well placed and written with heat. The romance in Hard Asset is strong and their journey to happily ever after satisfying. Hard Asset could stand alone, however Ms Clare usually has past characters appear which may compel you to read from her other series. If you like Suzanne Brockmann, or Maya Banks' KGI series, I'd recommend Pamela Clare.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

This was an absolutely brilliant read. It had plenty of action and suspense, along with a love story. It kept me engrossed all the way through and it was hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, along with the characters.
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure that I would enjoy it, but I soon changed my mind.
It was an enthralling read that I would recommend to others.

I love, love, LOVE Pamela Clare's books. She has a way of putting the reader right in the middle of the story! I always anticipate what I am going to feel when I read her books. So far I have not been disappointed with any of them. Perfect amount of heat and suspense for me!

You can never go wrong with a Pamela Clare book. They're witty, full of raw emotion, and packed with action. I loved her I-Team series and this series is looking promising.

A riveting rollercoaster romance. The characters will become the centre of your attention with the drama, action, and the heart that will make you feel like your with them right to the end. Love that Pamela Clare gives all of her characters different personalities and they are all well-developed and very well written as this make her readers coming back every single time more of her stories. Such a talented writer that knows what her readers want before they do. This definitely will have readers begging for more. Well done Pamela Clare for another fantastic book. Happy reading!!

Connor and Shanti were on opposites on the war. The attraction between them is electric. Shanti is investigating a bad man and is in danger when she discovers things that can put him away. Connor and his team are there to protect her. The couple end up in the jungle on the run for their lives when things go wrong. Will Connor and Shanti make it through and can a relationship come from such crazy circumstances? Another awesome read by this author.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

This was a good adventure: an exciting plot and plenty of suspense and romance interwoven. The characters were well developed and Shanti's mission made me want to root for her success. Pamela Clare does an excellent job of blending just the right amount of action and romance. I'm looking forward to the next one!

"Why do you keep doing it? Why not leave and find a job that doesn't risk your life or place you in conflict with others?" This being said to Connor by Shanti. The same woman who has come to a very dangerous country to fight for innocent people that seen so many atrocities. She is trying to bring a horrible criminal to justice.

Connor and his team have been assigned to protect Shanti on her mission. That is one hell of a mission. One, they are in one of the worse places for such a task. Two, he is way too attracted to his client.

Shanti feels that there is never a reason for violence. She begins to think differently once she needs Connor's protection. Especially when the time comes for her to protect Connor.

What I love about Pamela Clare's books is not only the wonderful chemistry between her characters but also all that I learn about different aspects of the world. I loved this book and this series

An enjoyable book taking place in interesting surroundings. An unexpected hot attraction against a backdrop of beauty and brutality. I enjoyed it! Recommended!

This is my first read by this author and it will not be my last. This is Shanti and Connor's story. Connor is tasked in protecting Shanti on a mission and the attraction between these two is hot. However, Connor feels as if he should not act on his feelings as she is a client. This story is filled with action, detail, moments of true sadness and the human will. I loved that this story was a bit more fleshed out than others and that Connor and Shanti were able to find their way together.. I truly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by Ms. Clare. 4 solid stars.****

* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*******

I'm loving this series!! Each book is a standalone but they're definitely better to read in order! For some reason it took me a while to start this series but I'm so glad I did!! All these books are action packed, tons of suspense and 🔥🔥🔥!! I'm shocked at how the main characters get really hurt! Lol the author definitely doesn't skimp on the brutality! Definitely don't miss out on this book and series!! They're so worth reading! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me! I'm addicted!! Lol

Well Pamela Clare never ceases to amaze and intrigue her readers with her ability to bring out the darker sides of humanity and the sadness of the world while at the same time giving us hope that there are those still willing to fight against it. I have enjoyed this new independently published series, Cobra Elite, she began a little while ago and as time goes on I enjoy it more and more. This installment has us traveling with two characters that has series trauma in their pasts but they refuse to let it beat them down and keep them from fighting the injustices in the world. Shanti is a prosecutor determined to bring a seriously bad guy to justice and while she understands the danger of her job she doesn’t feel that bringing a bunch of alpha males, armed to the teeth, along with her on her quest is the best idea. Connor is just trying to get through each day, but when he is given a task he executes it to the best of his abilities and his current task is making sure that Shanti survives to bring her case to fruition. As they work together to gather evidence and testimony from survivors, each of them comes to see another, deeper side of the other and the attraction is irresistible, despite Connor knowing that he can’t have a relationship with a protectee. When they find themselves stranded in the wilderness, running for their lives, their survival depends on one another and their wits, leaving the connection becoming stronger and stronger. Once they find a way to safety will they break all the rules and find a way to be together or walk away from a chance at a love that could last a lifetime and become the foundation for a life they both need more than they ever imagined. Shanti is truly a brave woman—she is venturing into territory where not only her safety but her life is on the line to gather evidence in order to bring a dictator and mass murderer to justice. She is noble, sweet, dedicated and sexy so who could blame Connor for losing his head and heart to her. She has her hang-ups to work through to be sure, but one she begins to see more in Connor than the surface he presents to the world, to see the wounded and needy man underneath, she knows she can be what he needs to be whole again. Her determination to survive and thrive in a world that is against her every step of the way makes her a wonderful and amazing character to get to know. Connor was a man that I would love to have for myself. While he certainly wasn’t perfect by any stretch, he was a good man through and through, completely incorruptible and sweet at the most unexpected moments. He was strong and sensual of course but he was also damaged and needed to find his center in order to be whole again and he found that with Shanti. I loved seeing these two interacting each and every moment, whether they were clashing or coming together to survive or simply falling in love, the heat between them was enough to singe the world. I am dying to read the next story in the series and see which Cobra operative loses his (or her) heart and meet the amazing person that manages to steal it. Another great addition for my Clare bookshelf to be sure.