Operation Mayhem Series by Lindsay Cross-Review Tour
MERCY AND MAYHEM
(Men of Mercy 6.5 / Operation Mayhem .5)
by Lindsay Cross
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, suspense, sci-fi
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME:
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2017
He wanted nothing but revenge… until her.
Mack Grey wants one thing in his life: vengeance for the ex-CIA operative who betrayed his team, Jack Mankel. And he’s finally got the traitor within grasp, all he has to do is catch a hop across the Congo and capture his enemy.
He had no idea the depths to which Mankel’s evil could reach.
She never thought she could love again… until him.
All single-mother air force pilot Marley Mitchell has to do is fly a group of special operators across Africa for a HALO jump and then she can be back home with her baby girl. Then the unexpected happens. Her plane crashes and Marley has to rely on an insanely hot commander to get her out of the jungle alive.
Deep in the jungle, Mack gives her his heart and soul. He’s willing to lay down his life to protect hers.
But Marley has a secret.
A secret that could destroy not only their hope for happiness, but Mack’s entire team.
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REVIEW: MERCY AND MAYHEM is the first instalment in Lindsay Cross’ contemporary, adult OPERATION MAYHEM romantic, military suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Men of Mercy series. This is Colonel Mack Grey, and air-force pilot Captain Marley Mitchell’s story line. MERCY AND MAYHEM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty, Several of the characters were first introduced in the author’s Men of Mercy series.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Mack and Marley) MERCY AND MAYHEM follows in the aftermath of sabotage against Colonel Mack Grey, and his elite Team of Special Ops warriors. As an Air Force pilot Captain Marley Mitchell has flown many missions but her latest mission to Africa finds our heroine, and her cargo fighting for their lives when the assignment goes all to hell. Colonel Mack Grey, desperate to avenge the death of his former teammate goes on the hunt for an ex CIA operative whose experiments with creating a super soldier has left many men shadows of their former selves. Searching for the last known carrier of the experimental drug lands Mack and his Team in the Congo jungles, trying to fight off armed guerrillas, starvation, rabid beasts and lust. What ensues is the building relationship between Mack and Marley, and the fall-out as the threats against the Team come from an unlikely source.
MERCY AND MAYHEM is a story of betrayal and survival; friendship and revenge; love, misunderstanding and loss. The relationship between Marley and Mack is of the moment; a relationship based on circumstance and lust but issues of trust destroy any thoughts of a future, a future threatened by super soldiers, the Congo government and Mack’s inability to see the truth. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is hot and steamy but hot, steamy sex in the jungle, while on the run is dangerous and stupid ; the characters are powerful, colorful and intense. MERCY AND MAYHEM combines romance, suspense, and military heroes in a dynamic introduction to the author’s OPERATION MAYHEM series.
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MAYHEM’S WARRIOR
(Operation Mayhem #1)
by Lindsay Cross
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, suspense, sci-fi
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2017
Captain T.K. Reaper only cares about his men; until he ends up falling for the one woman who can rescue his team.
Reaper has lived his entire life without love. Living on the edge with no fear, Reaper and his team volunteered for Project Mayhem — a top-secret experiment that uses a serum to enhance physical abilities in order to fight terrorism. Reaper believed the experiment would help save lives, but the serum only ends up taking them. Forced to go on the run, Reaper escapes the lab with his men, only to realize that they need the serum to survive. He has only one choice; return to the lab, and steal the source of the serum.
Caroline Cotter used to be a spoiled Senator’s daughter; now, she’s a victim. Kidnapped and held against her will to make the serum used for Project Mayhem, Caroline gives up hope of ever being free again… until Reaper enters, and frees her from her dark prison.
Yet the jungle outside is full of terrors, and government officials are hot on their tail. Reaper plans to keep the relationship between him and Caroline platonic, but undeniable attraction and explosive desire, coupled with Caroline’s adoration that he saved her from certain death, make it hard to resist the love story blossoming between them.
What will Reaper choose? His romance with Caroline, or the sacred vow he’s made to the brothers willing to die by his side?
•••••••••
REVIEW: MAYHEM’S WARRIOR is the second instalment in Lindsay Cross’ contemporary, adult OPERATION MAYHEM romantic, military, suspense, sci-fi series focusing on an elite group of genetically enhanced super soldiers. This is Captain T. K. Reaper, and Caroline Cotter’s story line. MAYHEM’S WARRIOR can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading Mercy and Mayhem for some back story. OPERATION MAYHEM is a spin-off from the author’s Men of Mercy series where Reaper and his teammate’s story begins.
SOME BACKGROUND: A secret military experiment known as Project Mayhem,privately funded by terrorist organizations, headed by Jack Mankel, General Rainier and Dr. Winters, hoping to create a super soldier has left several victims in its’ wake. US military Captain T. K. Reaper’s team of former Special Forces soldiers ‘volunteered’ unaware of what it was they had volunteered for or why. Hoping to avenge the death of a fellow soldier, Reaper frees his teammates (Mercy and Mayhem .5) only to discover the tests are continuing using a young woman as the source of the drug. Operation Mayhem are their stories.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Reaper and Caroline) MAYHEM’S WARRIOR follows in the wake of the rescue of Reaper’s team from a secret lab in the Congo jungle, a rescue meant to save Caroline Cutter. When his latest assignment spiralled out of control, Reaper set out on his own to rescue a woman believed to be used and imprisoned in the same lab where Reaper and his teammates were once held and abused. Caroline Cotter’s life was no longer her own. Drained of her blood on a regular basis our heroine is kept comatose to keep her alive. A rescue operation finds our heroine on the run with a man whose DNA calls to her own, a man whose own life hangs in the balance along with the men he left behind. What ensues is the cross –country journey of Reaper and Caroline, and the fall-out as Reaper suspects Caroline is part of the plan.
The relationship between Reaper and Caroline is one of immediate attraction but an attraction based upon circumstance and need. Alone together, as they search for a way out, our couple will find themselves the targets of insurgents caught up in a military experiment, as well as the guerrillas caught up in a local civil war. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
MAYHEM’S WARRIOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; destruction, compassion, hope and love. Because of the ‘scientific and experimental’ nature of the series premise, I would suggest suspending reality for some of the situations and plot points- this is a fictional story with some sci-fi elements bordering on the paranormal. The premise is familiar but intriguing, fast paced and suspenseful; the romance is seductive and hot but issues of trust turn Reaper into a man not worthy of Caroline’s love; the characters are strong and dynamic.
I would like to add that I suspect I am missing some important background information in the lead up to the current series. As Operation Mayhem is a spin –off from the author’s MEN OF MERCY series, I am going to presume that much of the history is revealed in the original series.
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MAYHEM’S DESIRE
(Operation Mayhem #2)
by Lindsay Cross
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, suspense, sci-fi
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2017
His traumatic past has left him dark… and longing for love.
Hicks thinks good and evil comes in black and white. No blurred lines, no grey areas. After being subjected to a horrific experiment that’s left him damaged as a super soldier, Hicks seeks comfort from his torment in reliability. He’s got clear rules on morality and isn’t willing to break them.
Until her.
Whitney is a seductress. Secretly working for a Senator as a mistress, she puts on leather outfits and a mask of sensuality to bend men to her will— though the money she makes doing so isn’t to save her, but others. Whitney believes she’s past saving, and that love is a silly dream.
Then he enters her life.
Hicks is sickened by what he thinks Whitney is — and undeniably attracted to her. After Whitney’s life is threatened in a violent murder attempt, Hicks calls in his team. Whitney is the target of a government operation, and unless Hicks can discover who’s behind it, Whitney’s life is forfeit.
But the mission isn’t the only thing on Hicks’ mind.
Whitney and Hicks can’t keep their hands off each other… but they can’t stand each other, either. Whitney isn’t the innocent woman Hicks thought, and Hicks isn’t the strong hero Whitney’s looking for. But together, the heat of their romance and the passion of their love cannot be stopped.
Can Hicks rescue Whitney from a tragic end? Or will the lovers lose everything against incredible odds?
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REVIEW: MAYHEM’S DESIRE is the second full-length instalment in Lindsay Cross’ contemporary, adult OPERATION MAYHEM romantic suspense, sci-fi series focusing on an elite group of genetically enhanced super soldiers. This is Christopher ‘Hicks’ Higginbotham, and Whitney Averton’s story line MAYHEM’S DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history. OPERATION MAYHEM is a spin-off series from the author’s Men of Mercy series where the story begins.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Hicks and Whitney) MAYHEM’S DESIRE follows Whitney Averton in the wake of a break-in and theft of her car, a break-in that was personal and dark. When no one would answer her calls for help, Whitney called the only person she knew she could depend upon-her sister Dr. Melissa Averton- the woman currently trying to save the lives of the men of Project Mayhem. Enter Christopher ‘Hicks’ Higginbotham, one of the subjects of Project Mayhem, and the man with whom Whitney will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Whitney and Hicks, and the potential fall-out as Whitney is targeted by a sick and twisted mind.
Whitney Averton is the vice-president of logistics for a non-profit organization that helps children in need in developing countries but in order to earn a little extra money Whitney side lines as a dominatrix for the US Senator, a side line that is about to make her a target of a very important man. Christopher ‘Hicks’ Higginbotham, like his teammates, struggles with the everyday tasks of normal life but his latest assignment to protect and procure Whitney Averton finds our hero at odds with his attraction to, and the ramifications of Whitney’s private life.
The relationship between Whitney and Hicks is one of immediate attraction but a tempestuous relationship wherein Hicks struggles with what Whitney has done in her personal and private life. Battling his attraction to our story line heroine, Hicks tries desperately to push Whitney out of his mind, a desperation that is futile because the heart wants what the mind does not. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Most of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles: Reaper and Caroline (Mayhems Warrior #1); Dr. Melissa Averton; teammates Diggs, Juarez, and King. We are introduced to Senator Cory Keeling, and his body guard Reinhardt; as well as the return of General Rainier, and someone closely connected to the soldiers who are currently struggling to move on with their lives.
MAYHEM’S DESIRE is a story of obsession, power, betrayal and control; a story of attraction and love; of friendship and family. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is captivating; the characters are strong, colorful, flirty and energetic.
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MAYHEM’S HERO
(Operation Mayhem #3)
by Lindsay Cross
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, suspense, sci-fi
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 2017
He needs someone to tell him he’s worth saving.
Diggs never mattered— not in his family. Project Mayhem left him with nothing but questions about who he is and confirmation that he can’t contribute to the team. He’s tired of being overshadowed by his brothers; Diggs needs something more… someone more.
She’s about to fall for the man who could hurt her more than anyone.
When Audra receives a cryptic message from her military brother that was filmed the day before he was killed in action, she knows he was involved in a secret operation gone wrong. His K-9 bomb sniffing dog, Trigger, has been left in their abusive father’s care. Audra races against time to save Trigger, and claim the one piece of her brother she has left.
A chance meeting. Diggs helps Audra save Trigger… but he’s the one who needs her the most.
Audra hates the military for taking her brother away, so loving Diggs isn’t an option. She can’t stand to get hurt again, yet Diggs is the only person who can help her piece together what happened to her brother. As they investigate the mystery, the chemistry between them grows even more intense until it erupts into steamy situations and longing professions of romance.
Diggs is Audra’s hero. But can she be his?
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REVIEW: MAYHEM’S HERO is the third full-length instalment in Lindsay Cross’ contemporary, adult OPERATION MAYHEM romantic suspense sci-fi series focusing on an elite group of genetically enhanced super soldiers. This is Audra Wade, and former Special Forces ordinance officer Diggs’ story line
Told from several third person perspectives including Audra and Diggs MAYHEM’S HERO follows in the wake of Audra Wade’s brother Jeremy’s death while on assignment in the Middle East. A cryptic message, and the beating of her brother’s army issued K-9 bomb sniffing dog Trigger finds Audra facing her future in the guise of former Special Ops soldier Diggs, a man who struggles with the guilt and grief of losing a man he came to call brother. But a suspicious Audra goes on the run only to find herself the target of a unknown assailant who believes Audra knows more than what she is saying. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Audra and Diggs, and the potential fall-out as Diggs is unable to let go of the guilt that continues to eat at his days and nights.
Former ordinance officer Diggs struggles with the memories of what happened and why. Unable to save the life of a fellow soldier, Diggs battles the daily shame and survivor’s remorse of leaving a comrade behind. Audra Wade suspects her brother’s death was no accident, and his cryptic message reveals more than anyone could have imagined but Audra’s life will hang in the balance when she becomes a victim of the people her brother was desperate to take down.
The relationship between Audra and Diggs, like in all of the previous instalments is one of immediate attraction; an insta-lust to love romance that goes from zero to sixty in a matter of minutes to hours. Neither injuries nor illness stop this group of warriors and the women they love from professing their love through sexual acts meant to comfort and appease-even near death experience result in a need to make love 😉 . The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, most of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles: Reaper and Caroline (Mayhems Warrior #1); Hicks and Whitney (Mayhem’s Desire #2), Dr. Melissa Averton; as well as teammates Juarez, King and an injured Quantum. The return of General Rainier brings with it a surprise for the Operation Mayhem survivors.
MAYHEM’S HERO is a story of betrayal, vengeance, family and love. If you are a fan of Christine Feehan’s GhostWalker series you will notice some similarities with the enhanced soldiers, and the man who is desperate for their return. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the characters are strong and dynamic; the romance is energetic and hot.
Copies supplied for review
Reviews by Sandy
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MAYHEM’S KING
Operation Mayhem #4
by Lindsay Cross
Release Date April 23, 2019
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 23, 2019
They call him the quiet one.
But they don’t know him.
They only know him as the King of mayhem. The elite of the elite. The man his team relied on to save the unsaveable. Kingston Kenrich could save anyone…except those who he’d loved most. King thought he’d survived the worst, until his own teammate’s betrayal left him blind in one eye. Before, he lived for pain, now he lives for revenge.
Her compassion knew no bounds.
From the moment Laura Dawson’s daredevil brother, John, signed up for the Special Forces, she’d known one day she’d get the call that he’d been killed in action. But she’d never expected to be the one raising his young daughter. After a year as a stand in mother, she got an even bigger shock – John was alive. But he wasn’t the same.
When his old teammate, King, appeared in her house looking for John, Laura kept quiet. But something about the tall, dark stranger tugged at her soul.
King takes one look at Laura and feels his heart beat again. How could his betrayer’s sister evoke anything other than hate?
Fate throws them together into a turbulent world of adventure and pain. Laura fights to remain loyal to her brother while falling for the man who wants to see him dead. King is determined to make her see the twisted man her brother has become, all the while losing his heart to her more each day.
Will Laura and King choose love or loyalty? Or will fate take the decision out of their hands?
This incredibly emotional romance will take you through the highs and lows of new love, the treachery of betrayal and the uncertainty of danger in a heart pounding journey of discovery.
••••••••••••••••••
REVIEW:MAYHEM’S KING is the fourth instalment in Lindsay Cross’ contemporary, adult OPERATION MAYHEM slightly paranormal, sci-fi, romantic, military suspense series focusing on an elite group of genetically enhanced super soldiers . This is former Special Forces soldier Kingston ‘King’ Kendrick, and social worker Laura Dawson’s story line. MAYHEM’S KING can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing theme throughout. OPERATION MAYHEM is a spin-off from the author’s MEN OF MERCY series.
Told from three third person perspectives (King, Laura and John) KING’S MAYHEM follows former Special Forces soldier Kingston Kendrick as he goes in search of John Dawson, a man he once called brother and friend, but a man who tried to kill our hero, by placing a bullet into his head. Hoping to uncover John’s whereabouts King comes face to face with John’s sister Laura, a woman that will call to his heart. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Laura and King, and the potential fall-out as John continues to hunt the men who left him behind.
King Kendrick knows only one thing, and that is revenge against the man who left him for dead, the same man who believes he was left for dead, months before. Meeting Laura Dawson gave King a second chance at his own happily ever after, a second chance of which he believes he is unworthy. Laura Dawson is completely unaware of her brother’s actions towards our story line hero, actions that will place Laura in the direct line of fire including threatening the lives of the people she loves.
The relationship between Laura and King is one of immediate attraction but King is on a mission to uncover John’s location, and any information about the man he wants to take down. With Laura now living at the Team’s compound, King is aware of his attraction and need for the woman that calls to his heart, a woman he will destroy by getting the revenge he thinks he deserves. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples: Reaper and Caroline (Mayhems Warrior #1); Hicks and Whitney (Mayhem’s Desire #2), Diggs and Audra (Mayhem’s Hero #3), Dr. Melissa Averton; as well as teammates Juarez, a slowly recovering Quantum, and Laura’s niece Faith.
MAYHEM’S KING reunites the team of Special Forces soldiers as they must come to terms with what happened and why. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are broken and battered. MAYHEM’S KING is an energetic and inviting story.
Copy supplied for review
Reviews by Sandy
Lindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.
An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams.
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