Book Review for THE SPECIAL FORCES: THE RECRUIT by Cindy Dees

14/5/2019

Meet the do-or-die warriors who’ll do anything for justice

Introducing the Mission Medusa series

Years of intense training have prepared Tessa Wilkes to become a Medusa—part of an elite, women-only Special Forces team.

But all the mental prep and physical training in the world can’t prepare her fully to take on one of the world’s most dangerous men.

The ultimate operative, Tessa teams with trainer Beau Lambert to track her target, but even if she survives, will her heart?

I love the idea of the series the all-female special forces team. I haven't had a chance to read the previous series on the Medusa, yet I was super excited to read this and get an introduction to the new series.
The topic of equality is very relevant right now worldwide, and the misogyny in the military is brought up here as well as the female recruits fight against the patriarchic hierarchy of the US military. When even the hero has to be educated and brought over to support the idea of women being capable to carry their weight in special ops, you know the road is all uphill for the female soldiers. I actually loved how the author underlined the fact that equality between genders, does not mean that all are necessarily capable to do everything, but that each soldier is used to best of their abilities with the talents and capabilities they have, and not been discriminated because of their gender.
While most of the story is focused on the training, preparations, and the flammable, intense physical attraction between the protagonists, the last fifth of the story is an action-packed, potent fight for survival while completing the mission.
The connection between Tessa and Beau is palpable, the relationship has that tabu vibe as it is absolutely forbidden for a trainer to have intimate relations with the trainee - anywhere in the work world. The discussion might not be if they care for each other but do they care enough to risk their careers and future for each other.
I liked the story, especially the ending and conclusion, and I am intrigued by the concept - and I am invested to see how the personal relationships are played into the dark and dangerous world of dark ops and special forces. The author has a unique voice that she uses to tell the story, and she dares to take on some very sensitive topics, and for that I applaud her.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty books, 2-time RITA winner and five-time RITA finalist, Cindy Dees writes military romance and romantic suspense.
A former U.S. Air Force pilot and part-time spy, she draws upon real-life experience to fuel her stories of love on the edge.

When she's not heavily caffeinated and typing like a maniac, she can be found walking her Doberman Pinscher puppy named Waffles, reading, gardening, and traveling.