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Crossing Forces #3
Calculated Collision
Special Agent Lee Dawson has secrets. Secrets that forced her from Dallas to New York City in disgrace two years ago.
Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, Nate Crane, visits New York and witnesses the brutal murder of a friend. When Lee is assigned to the investigation, her personal and professional life collides. She can’t avoid the man she ditched six months ago.
She’s the one Nate can’t stop thinking about. The one he let get away. He’s determined to get her back, no matter what she thinks she wants. Being a witness in her case puts them close—and Nate intends to keep it that way.
After Nate’s attacked at a safe house, Lee knows there’s a leak – a dirty FBI agent working with the human trafficker her unit has been hunting for years.
Can Lee protect her witness and resist the heat between them or will she succumb to her desires and throw them both into danger?
Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, Nate Crane, visits New York and witnesses the brutal murder of a friend. When Lee is assigned to the investigation, her personal and professional life collides. She can’t avoid the man she ditched six months ago.
She’s the one Nate can’t stop thinking about. The one he let get away. He’s determined to get her back, no matter what she thinks she wants. Being a witness in her case puts them close—and Nate intends to keep it that way.
After Nate’s attacked at a safe house, Lee knows there’s a leak – a dirty FBI agent working with the human trafficker her unit has been hunting for years.
Can Lee protect her witness and resist the heat between them or will she succumb to her desires and throw them both into danger?
- GenresRomance
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2014
14 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Szarek
29 books193 followersUSA Today Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it's a good story, she'll write it, no matter where it seems to fit!
She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!
C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
She's always writing, and helps small business owners by writing their websites, and she loves it!
Sign up for my newsletter:
http://blogspot.us7.list-manage1.com/...
She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!
C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
She's always writing, and helps small business owners by writing their websites, and she loves it!
Sign up for my newsletter:
http://blogspot.us7.list-manage1.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 25, 2018
from Net Galley
My first time reading this author. This is book 3 but can be read alone. An exciting romance featuring hard fighting female dective Lee and DA Nate who witness something he shouldn't. Protection and love draws these together in this fast moving book. Looking to add this author to my list
My first time reading this author. This is book 3 but can be read alone. An exciting romance featuring hard fighting female dective Lee and DA Nate who witness something he shouldn't. Protection and love draws these together in this fast moving book. Looking to add this author to my list
March 18, 2018
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author. (netgalley) You have got to read this author if you like action, suspense and love. You can read this as a standalone but I wouldn't recommend that you just get so much more when you start from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed Nate and Lee those two were hot together. So grab a copy and Enjoy!.
January 15, 2018
Calculated Collision by C.A. Szarek is an outstanding read. Ms. Szarek has once again wowed me with her story. This well-written book will keep you glued to your e-reader. My favorite thing about Calculated Collision is, as usual, the characters. Lee is a seasoned FBI agent with a tragic past. Her recent fling with Nate becomes more when he becomes her witness to protect after he is on the scene when his friend is murdered. This phenomenal story is loaded with action, suspense, humor and five alarm fire heat. I loved reading Calculated Collision and look forward to my next book by C.A. Szarek. Calculated Collision is book 3 of the Crossing Forces Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 9, 2018
Calculated Collision carries the same story line from the first in the series though this book as well as bringing in characters from the other books. C.A. Szarek is able to catch readers up quickly and efficiently without slowing down the current story.
This is more romance my suspense with Nate and Lee trying to keep each other hands off each other. Set up story, suspense, thinking about sex, sex, story, sex, thinking about sex, guilty for thinking about sex and story.
While it follows the same pattern as the other 2 in the series this one I was hoping for more fun banter, action and less thinking, talking or having sex. A lot of readers of this series will enjoy the romance but I found took away from a story that would have been more exciting than Nate and Lee wanting each other.
Thank you to Netgelley and the publisher for the Copy of this book.
This is more romance my suspense with Nate and Lee trying to keep each other hands off each other. Set up story, suspense, thinking about sex, sex, story, sex, thinking about sex, guilty for thinking about sex and story.
While it follows the same pattern as the other 2 in the series this one I was hoping for more fun banter, action and less thinking, talking or having sex. A lot of readers of this series will enjoy the romance but I found took away from a story that would have been more exciting than Nate and Lee wanting each other.
Thank you to Netgelley and the publisher for the Copy of this book.
May 2, 2018
This is a fast-paced, intriguing story I couldn’t put down. There is plenty to like in this story from complex, believable characters, plenty of suspense, and romance. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
July 8, 2014
This is the third book in the " Crossing Force" series by author C.A. Szarek . This is the second book from this author that I have read and let me tell you once you rad one of this author books you will be hooked.
Warning this book is full of " Action ,Drama , some much Sexual Chemistry you may think at time the book may combust"
As I sat down and started reading this book I could not put it down. This book had me one the edge of my seat form the every start all the way to the every end. This book was full of so many roller coaster of emotions that I did not know what was going to happen next in this book . This book was full of so much action from the every start all the way to the end . Every time thought I knew what was going to happen their was a twist I did not see coming . This book is full of a few twist and turn you will not see coming. This book is full of some Smoking Hot Sexy as Hell Alpha Men that had me needing a cold shower by the time I was done reading this book. The sexual chemistry in this book is sizzling hot .
Special Agent Lee Dawson has a few secrets that make her leave Dallas for New York. She will stop at nothing to get the bad guy . But she make sure that no one will ever get close to her again. But what started as just sex in Dallas with a every sexy Dallas Assistant District Attorney Nate Crane will end up finding her in New York. She think she has felt her past and the one an who can take her to her knee's back home in Dallas . But when a case she has been working on put him in danger she will stop at nothing to keep him safe. But what will keep her heart safe form him. Can she move on from what happen in the past. Can she let him into her heart.
Dallas Assistant District Attorney Nate Crane is in New York on vacation and while he their he witness the murder of a friend. When Special Agent Lee Dawson show up to the scene and is sigh to this case . He know he in good hands and she will keep him safe. He Knows this is his second chance with her. He will stop at nothing to have her in his arms and under him in his bed. he just has to stay alive and get her to see that they could have a great life together . But when thing come to light can they find their happy ever after or will it be to much.
Their is so very much more juiciness to this story I did not share . I cant wait to read to read more from this author in the future
December 16, 2017
Nate and Lee are perfect together and this book in this series is the best so far! Nate has loved Lee from almost the moment he met her and she kept pushing away --giving him her body but not her heart. Nate is willing to take what she has to give and hopes for the best.
This book had a lot of suspense with surprises along the way. I love the action scenes and how Lee is such a badass in her work.
I love how this author includes characters from previous books because she develops them so well they feel like friends so it is always nice to know more about them after they have their own HEA.
This book had a lot of suspense with surprises along the way. I love the action scenes and how Lee is such a badass in her work.
I love how this author includes characters from previous books because she develops them so well they feel like friends so it is always nice to know more about them after they have their own HEA.
February 8, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
I have read book 2 and now book 3 and can easily understand what is going on even without reading book 1. Each book is really a stand alone but is also fun when there are references to the previous characters that you read about.
Wow, Lee was a tough person to relate to and not having lost a close family member, I cannot really know the pain that she was dealing with. I really felt for Nate as Lee kept pushing him away and not allowing herself to take another chance on a relationship as her first attempt was so painful when her husband and child died.
Along with the romance is a great intrigue as the FBI has a mole and I love that we know who it is and can see the whole story. (I really dislike books that hide the "bad" guy and when I get to the end, I have to re-read parts to understand the whole picture. This annoys some people but I usually read the end to find out who it is so that I can better understand the story and see the little hints along the way that now make sense to me...sorry if that bothers you and I have gotten shocked looks when admitting to doing this!)
The only thing that I had wished differently in the book is that Caselli would have been killed! Sorry to be so blood thirsty but with good lawyers, he could go free after all he has done.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next couple books in the series and maybe even go back and read book 1!! Each book has such a great cast of characters that draw you in and you can't help but love them (except for the villain and his henchmen) and feel their pain throughout the book.
It really was hard to put this book down once I started it and pretty much read it straight through because I wanted to know how it ended and when they caught the mole. The surprise that Lee had at the end was great and just made the HEA really, really happy!
I have read book 2 and now book 3 and can easily understand what is going on even without reading book 1. Each book is really a stand alone but is also fun when there are references to the previous characters that you read about.
Wow, Lee was a tough person to relate to and not having lost a close family member, I cannot really know the pain that she was dealing with. I really felt for Nate as Lee kept pushing him away and not allowing herself to take another chance on a relationship as her first attempt was so painful when her husband and child died.
Along with the romance is a great intrigue as the FBI has a mole and I love that we know who it is and can see the whole story. (I really dislike books that hide the "bad" guy and when I get to the end, I have to re-read parts to understand the whole picture. This annoys some people but I usually read the end to find out who it is so that I can better understand the story and see the little hints along the way that now make sense to me...sorry if that bothers you and I have gotten shocked looks when admitting to doing this!)
The only thing that I had wished differently in the book is that Caselli would have been killed! Sorry to be so blood thirsty but with good lawyers, he could go free after all he has done.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next couple books in the series and maybe even go back and read book 1!! Each book has such a great cast of characters that draw you in and you can't help but love them (except for the villain and his henchmen) and feel their pain throughout the book.
It really was hard to put this book down once I started it and pretty much read it straight through because I wanted to know how it ended and when they caught the mole. The surprise that Lee had at the end was great and just made the HEA really, really happy!
February 2, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the series, and the third book I have read by this author. I have to say, each story is better than the previous one.
This one centers around FBI Special Agent, Lee Dawson and Dallas ADA, Nate Crane. They had meet a couple of years ago during a case they worked together, and when she returns the following year for another case, had a very short affair. He wanted more, she did not.
Now they are thrown together when Nate witnesses the murder of a dear friend. Sparks fly, but there is too much going on not only professionally, but also personally, especially for Lee. A woman whose devastating losses in her past, took her down a spiral she is just coming out of, but might never totally recover from. The walls she had built around her heart are mighty high.
The plot was engaging. Not only because it was filled with suspense, murder, betrayals etc, but also, because of the complexity of these two main characters.
It’s a heartbreaking, suspenseful plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But it is also a romance that will touch you deeply.
A thoughtful story about losses, patience, alcoholism, but above all love and trust.
Can’t wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This one centers around FBI Special Agent, Lee Dawson and Dallas ADA, Nate Crane. They had meet a couple of years ago during a case they worked together, and when she returns the following year for another case, had a very short affair. He wanted more, she did not.
Now they are thrown together when Nate witnesses the murder of a dear friend. Sparks fly, but there is too much going on not only professionally, but also personally, especially for Lee. A woman whose devastating losses in her past, took her down a spiral she is just coming out of, but might never totally recover from. The walls she had built around her heart are mighty high.
The plot was engaging. Not only because it was filled with suspense, murder, betrayals etc, but also, because of the complexity of these two main characters.
It’s a heartbreaking, suspenseful plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But it is also a romance that will touch you deeply.
A thoughtful story about losses, patience, alcoholism, but above all love and trust.
Can’t wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 1, 2018
Lee and Nate's relationship is bordering on toxic the way they are with each other. Honestly, this book is more like 3.5 stars, but because I like the story beyond the relationship with Lee and Nate I gave it 4 stars.
I actually cringe at how the characters are together. Lee is more snappish and doesn't let anybody know who she is personally. She seems to have a death wish at work because she puts not only herself, but her partner in dangerous situations. I'm not quite sure why Nate would want to be with someone like her.
My other problem with this book was that Nate and Lee never actually talk about the issues that hold her back from building a relationship with anybody. It's a secret that Lee keeps to herself, but Nate took it upon himself to find out all he could about Lee after they were together in Texas. Then at the end he eludes to it and she gets angry that he already knew and kicked him out. That's it..nothing more.
I did like that Nate wanted to try and do whatever it took to make Lee try and give him a chance. Unlike his brother Pete (from book 2) he fights for his woman and he isn't going to let her get away without him explaining how he feels.
I actually cringe at how the characters are together. Lee is more snappish and doesn't let anybody know who she is personally. She seems to have a death wish at work because she puts not only herself, but her partner in dangerous situations. I'm not quite sure why Nate would want to be with someone like her.
My other problem with this book was that Nate and Lee never actually talk about the issues that hold her back from building a relationship with anybody. It's a secret that Lee keeps to herself, but Nate took it upon himself to find out all he could about Lee after they were together in Texas. Then at the end he eludes to it and she gets angry that he already knew and kicked him out. That's it..nothing more.
I did like that Nate wanted to try and do whatever it took to make Lee try and give him a chance. Unlike his brother Pete (from book 2) he fights for his woman and he isn't going to let her get away without him explaining how he feels.
May 5, 2018
What a great read full of action, suspense, surprises and romance, a fun read that really grabs your attention. Lee and Nate who at one point had an affair, he wanted more she did not, so they went their separate ways. They are now thrown together when Nate witnesses murder of a friend and Lee now on the trail trying to get the bad guy and at the same time keeping Nate safe. I really loved this story where the characters have a second chance at getting love right. A story full of drama, secrets, lies and mystery that pulls you in with a read I couldn’t put down. The chemistry between them is hot and romance even hotter as they dance around each other. My heart really went out to Nate as Lee kept pushing him away. I also understood Lee pain with all that she has gone through.
It really is a great read that is a page turner, I couldn’t put it down and read it at one setting. The suspense was great, I loved the twists and turns, the characters are strong, down to earth, the surprises are just wonderful. You are so going to love this book and the whole series.
*************
It really is a great read that is a page turner, I couldn’t put it down and read it at one setting. The suspense was great, I loved the twists and turns, the characters are strong, down to earth, the surprises are just wonderful. You are so going to love this book and the whole series.
*************
January 10, 2018
Loving this series!Now it's Lee's turn to tell her story and what a story it is! When she left Texas she never thought she'd see Nate again so imagine her surprise when he turns out to be a witness in her case. Nate is in NY visiting friends when he becomes a witness to a homicide but he gets to see Lee again so it's not all bad. Now to get past her defenses and worm his way into her heart while she's keeping him safe and trying to catch a killer.
WOW! Once again the author does a great job continuing the story line with characters we've met and now get to know more of. Lee's past haunts her and she is having trouble moving on but with Nate she wants to let down the walls. Nate wants Lee and will do what he has to so he can have his happily ever after. These 2 have you rooting for them to get together! Full of action, heat and surprises this book has you hooked until the end!
WOW! Once again the author does a great job continuing the story line with characters we've met and now get to know more of. Lee's past haunts her and she is having trouble moving on but with Nate she wants to let down the walls. Nate wants Lee and will do what he has to so he can have his happily ever after. These 2 have you rooting for them to get together! Full of action, heat and surprises this book has you hooked until the end!
October 17, 2024
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A Hair on the Dramatic Side -- September Reading Wrap Up || 14 books!
Alright, so the idea of this book is right up my alley. Romance added to a thriller? Sounds like a good time and while there was plenty of spice, I just wasn’t really sold on the romance of this story. I think there was decent characterization of both leads and I could be sold that they’d slept together previously, but there didn’t actually feel like a ton of chemistry. Rather the tension came from the forced proximity. These two jump into bed so fast though, that I wasn’t convinced that Lee really was trying to resist a relationship. In fact, this was more erotica than a romance because so many of the interactions between the two leads was just sex, and that gets boring for me pretty quickly.
The thriller bit too was also set up well with a perspective of the mole that’s making this investigation much more difficult, but I think it also sort of ruined any curiosity I had, because I had all the answers, just had to watch the characters figure it out.
So, I think this author has some good character writing chops and definitely can write some spicy bedroom scenes, but the plot of this one was where things fell down.
A Hair on the Dramatic Side -- September Reading Wrap Up || 14 books!
Alright, so the idea of this book is right up my alley. Romance added to a thriller? Sounds like a good time and while there was plenty of spice, I just wasn’t really sold on the romance of this story. I think there was decent characterization of both leads and I could be sold that they’d slept together previously, but there didn’t actually feel like a ton of chemistry. Rather the tension came from the forced proximity. These two jump into bed so fast though, that I wasn’t convinced that Lee really was trying to resist a relationship. In fact, this was more erotica than a romance because so many of the interactions between the two leads was just sex, and that gets boring for me pretty quickly.
The thriller bit too was also set up well with a perspective of the mole that’s making this investigation much more difficult, but I think it also sort of ruined any curiosity I had, because I had all the answers, just had to watch the characters figure it out.
So, I think this author has some good character writing chops and definitely can write some spicy bedroom scenes, but the plot of this one was where things fell down.
January 25, 2018
WOW!!! This book is a great read. It was fun-easy read with a lot of suspense, surprises and romance. I loved the action scenes and how strong Lee is pretraded. The two main characters, Nate and Lee have great chemistry. They are fabulous together. C. A. Szarek does an excellent job developing the characters. I love how the author includes characters from the connecting books in this series, it feels like I am catching up old friends. I would recommend this book.
February 20, 2018
This was SO good. The binding holding the NY and Texas crew together is the mob! I liked the NYC landmarks that were added into the story. So Lee transferred to NY FBI in order to save her career And sobriety. Now Mr Crane cones in and really weaves the past with Lee and the mob angle
Very good book Now onto the next one Thanks to the author for asking me to read This is such a treat
Very good book Now onto the next one Thanks to the author for asking me to read This is such a treat
April 20, 2018
I've read the first two books in the Crossing Forces series. Calculated Collision has to be my favorite of the three books. I like the main characters in each of the books. I enjoyed the fact that this book didn't spend as much time in the main character's heads. This book had more suspense, action, romance. There was more steamy hot sex scenes. It was fast paced & had me on the edge of my seat.
January 30, 2018
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I loved this book. I really enjoyed Lee and Nick and their romance and their journey to get there. It was a page turner and kept me happily entertained from beginning to end.
I loved this book. I really enjoyed Lee and Nick and their romance and their journey to get there. It was a page turner and kept me happily entertained from beginning to end.
March 21, 2020
Wasn't as crazy about this one as #1 & #2. Lee had real issues from her past and should have been in more therapy after her husband and son died. Seemed like the FBI swept her DWI under the rug. She really treated Nate horribly and it made him seem like a wimp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
Lee has been playing hard to get with Nate for some time when tragedy strikes in Nate's life, and Lee is assigned as his protection. She is hot/cold with him due to past experiences, and it's a fight to the finish for their relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's subplots.
April 25, 2022
"This third book was even better!! Not gonna lie, Lee at first was utterly annoying and was such awful mean girl bit due to her past ot was clear she had issues that needed to be worked on but leaving that behind, Lee and Nick's journey was amazing."
May 1, 2022
Nate, Pete's brother, visits New York and sees his friend killed. He meets up with Lee again after six months apart. She has to protect him. Lee is shocked at seeing Nate again. Feelings she's denied pop up. Safe house's attacked. There's a leak. Friends close, enemies closer.
May 6, 2022
Loved the dynamic between Nate and Lee. I enjoyed the emotional story line that went with the suspense. It was a great read. I look forward to the next book.
May 7, 2022
Third book in the series and it holds up to the series beautifully. The action continues and the story and characters are just as amazing. Totally invested must read highly recommend.
April 21, 2018
Calculated Collision has all the bells and whistles necessary for a great romantic suspense. This book is the 3rd book in the Crossing Forces series and by far the best in my estimation. These characters get better the more we get to know about them. Each book is a standalone but the characters play a supporting role in each book. Lee and Nate were written to perfection you understand and care deeply for them. Their back stories and motivations for all the are and do make total sense because feel like they are old friends. This is a continuing story that revolves around the Caselli mob and it just gets better and better. CA Szarek entices and plays with her readers giving them just enough story line to set the hook and you can not but her books down. As soon as you finish one you have to immediately immerse yourself in more of her work. Please take the time to read this author you will not be disappointed.
February 9, 2018
Calculated Collision carries the same story line from the first in the series though this book as well as bringing in characters from the other books. C.A. Szarek is able to catch readers up quickly and efficiently without slowing down the current story.
This is more romance my suspense with Nate and Lee trying to keep each other hands off each other. Set up story, suspense, thinking about sex, sex, story, sex, thinking about sex, guilty for thinking about sex and story.
While it follows the same pattern as the other 2 in the series this one I was hoping for more fun banter, action and less thinking, talking or having sex. A lot of readers of this series will enjoy the romance but I found took away from a story that would have been more exciting than Nate and Lee wanting each other.
Thank you to Netgelley and the publisher for the Copy of this book.
This is more romance my suspense with Nate and Lee trying to keep each other hands off each other. Set up story, suspense, thinking about sex, sex, story, sex, thinking about sex, guilty for thinking about sex and story.
While it follows the same pattern as the other 2 in the series this one I was hoping for more fun banter, action and less thinking, talking or having sex. A lot of readers of this series will enjoy the romance but I found took away from a story that would have been more exciting than Nate and Lee wanting each other.
Thank you to Netgelley and the publisher for the Copy of this book.
February 6, 2018
This is the first 5* review that I have given this year. This book deserves to wear it's tiara proudly. It offered me everything I am looking for in a book. A whodunit and why, action, and steamy romance. There's a second chance to this love story, too. Anyone that actually reads my reviews know that I adore second chance romances.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 6, 2018
This book had it all. Action, adventure, intrigue and amazing storyline that just captivated right from the start. So many twists and turns in such a fantastic book. The author has outdone themselves with this book and should be super proud of it. Impossible to put down once you start reading it and you don’t want it to end. The characters really bring this book together and I absolutely loved reading there story. I would definitely recommend this book
April 1, 2018
Very good characters
This book has deep, interesting characters. The story has excitement, suspense, and a complex romance. There is anguish in the story and some darkness along with some graphic sex, which I don't enjoy for escape reading. But the characters, story, and writing are very good.
This book has deep, interesting characters. The story has excitement, suspense, and a complex romance. There is anguish in the story and some darkness along with some graphic sex, which I don't enjoy for escape reading. But the characters, story, and writing are very good.
May 3, 2018
An emotional story full of suspense, romance, strength and courage. I really enjoyed the emotional journey the characters went through. The characters really drove this story. They were real and raw and easy to not only connect with but root for.
June 27, 2018
This was a really good action packed read with plenty of suspense and lots of twists and turns this gripping read will have you on the edge of your seat and reading late into the night.With great characters and a super plot this is a super addition to the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews