Romantic Times:
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The Hunter: 4 1/2 STARS TOP PICK

Navy SEAL Hawk McMillan's current assignment is his toughest one ever. Having to cozy up to the deadly and despicable Dragan Dilaver is hard enough; not intervening when he witnesses atrocities is even tougher. But Hawk must discover and recover a deadly weapon that Dilaver has allegedly acquired.

American CIA freelancer Amber Hutchens has managed to survive in the complex and deadly world of Velesta, Macedonia, for the past four years. Operating the Last Resort, an American-style cafe, has made her popular with NATO forces and proved an excellent avenue for gathering information.

Knowing who to trust can save your life and, while Amber has been ordered to join forces with Hawk, she prefers to make her own judgments. But when their little game of tests and one-upmanship turns into a strange form of courtship, distractions can be fatal.

Few authors can hit the ground running and immediately prove they are genre forces to be reckoned with--Low is one of those special few. Her hard-edged, gritty and romantic books are genuine thrill rides."

Jill Smith
Romantic Times reviewer

Romance Reader's Connection:
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The Hunter

Velesta, Macedonia is known for it’s danger and crime. In the midst of this hot zone is Amber Hutchens, an American woman running a restaurant called The Last Resort. It’s a favorite spot for Americans who miss home as well as others in Velesta. Amber and her restaurant are left alone by all those who would destroy it for the simple reason, she not only sells great food, but also has useful information for whoever is willing to pay the price. She has other jobs as well and many secrets she doesn’t want found out. Now she finds herself working with a man, Hawk McMillan, who’s very different from others she’s worked with. While she’s not sure exactly how he’s different she does know she’s extremely attracted to him, but can she trust him and his skills?

Hawk McMillan is working deep undercover, trying to complete a mission. As a Navy SEAL, Hawk is used to being on the ‘good’ side of a fight. Now he finds himself having to watch unspeakable things without doing a thing, all for a mission. Each thing he sees eats a little more at his soul, but still he knows in the long run what he’s doing will help more than the few he can’t help right now. When he learns who exactly his secret contact in Velesta is to be, his first task is to get revenge for their first meeting. He never expects to find her attractive or the desire to be in her company all the time. He can’t afford any distractions but maybe she is just what he needs to keep sane during this mission. He’s been warned not to trust Amber with details of his mission, but can he trust her with his heart?

As they face danger from sources they never expected can the two find a love to last forever or will they find only more heartache? Can they find trust in each other when uncertainty prevails?

THE HUNTER is one of those rare books that leaves you smiling and wanting to read it again, if for no other reason than to see more of Hawk. Ms. Low knows how to write heroes that leave you breathless and wanting, in a good way, along with storylines that while at times are emotionally tough to take; they do pull you in and take you on an adventure. Amber is a strong heroine who will have you smiling at her antics and laughing out loud at times, as well as shaking your head. She knows how to handle herself and her surroundings. I will warn that a few scenes are almost too realistic to read, so if you do not want truth in your fiction you may find Ms. Low’s work a little too much for you. Those of us who love SEALs have gained an author who delivers stories full of action, hot men, strong women, and real emotions.

THE HUNTER is part of a series (THE PROTECTOR/12/04), but you can read it alone. This series is also connected to Ms. Low’s other series, The Shadowy Assassins (INTO DANGER, and FACING FEAR). I am sure once you read one book by Ms. Low you will want to rush out and buy the others. THE HUNTER is a book I highly recommend to anyone who wants a sexy, thrilling adventure with just the right touch of romance mixed in!

    Reviewed by Wendy Keel
    The Romantic Reader's Connection

Rating:

Romance Junkies:
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The Hunter: Crossfire: Book 2
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5

A man has needs, and right now, Hawk McMillan wants a nice, big, juicy, American hamburger. He also wants a woman - not a brutalized one who has been tricked or kidnaped and then forced to service dozens of men each night - but a regular, everyday one neither of Hawk’s needs are easy finds in Velesta, Macedonia. He’s here on assignment, playing the kingpin’s best friend, while in reality tracking his movements, waiting for his opportunity to take down this man that turns his stomach.

CIA agent Amber Hutchens uses the cover of running her café, the Last Resort, to cover her real interest, the young women that are kidnaped and brought into Velesta. Amber and her friend, Llallana, spent the last four years gathering information on this illegal operation, and now Hawk’s arrival signifies something bigger than any of them realize could be taking place.

In order to test out the new operative sent by the CIA, Amber breaks into his room, and takes down Hawk with the help of an injection. Since he was naked at the time, she leaves her calling card attached to an unmentionable body part. The last operative the CIA had sent almost blew her cover, and Amber’s not about to risk herself, her friends, or her operation to another idiot. Hawk is going to have to prove himself if he wants her help.

Hawk can’t believe he was so lax as to let down his guard enough to allow anybody to get the better of him the way his attacker did. He’s just lucky the attacker obviously didn’t mean him any real harm since he wakes up in his own room covered in blankets off his bed. Then, he discovers the craftily attached calling card left behind, and he knows a challenge has definitely been issued and it’s one he fully intends to answer - as soon as he finds out who his assailant is. It’s just possible he will find the challenger, as well as fulfill his other needs, if he pays a visit to the Last Resort.

With a fast paced plot and witty challenges between the two main characters, THE HUNTER is a book sure to capture and hold you enthralled in the pages for hours. You can actually feel the emotional turmoil the characters experience, as they’re forced to turn a blind eye to the corruption surrounding them as they struggle to take down the current kingpin, Dilaver. Yet, there were scenes so touching, I was on the verge of tears several times, as well as laughing out loud over the antics of Hawk and Amber as the tested each other.

THE HUNTER is the second book in Gennita Low’s CROSSFIRE series. Admittedly, I haven’t read the first book, THE PROTECTOR, but I will be sure to pick up a copy. I’m really hoping there will be a third book in this series involving Amber’s friend, Llallana, as she is a fascinating woman, and I’m dying with curiosity to know what happens to her.

    By Romance Junkies Reviewer Chrissy Dionne