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Heartache hurts so much worse than gunshot…

How many times can a man say he’s sorry?
Connor Maher is about to find out. As if dogging the brutal Sonoran Cartel through sun-baked Utah isn't tough enough, he's come face to face with his worst nightmare. Diminutive ex-Marine spitfire, Isabella Ramos, has just three words to say to him: I. Hate. You.
Like he hasn’t heard that before.

Why was he the one who got to live?

Izza only accepted the Utah operation because he’d be there. It’s time Connor knows the truth, but how can she trust him with her life much less the secret she’s come to share? He's nothing but grief personified behind the guise of an blue-eyed, honorable man. Not until the cold-blooded SC dumps her and Connor in the farthest corner of the relentless Utah desert does she begin to realize….

There are worse things than death…

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2014

45 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Irish Winters

50 books182 followers
Growing up in the countryside of Wisconsin, I always wanted to be a writer. I've dabbled in poetry, short stories, and more daydreaming than most. Way back when, I remember long Sunday afternoon drives with my parents where they'd
tell us eight kids to, 'Look out the window and see something!'

I've been looking out the window ever since . . .

In the great Northwest pines, I saw a woman who had nowhere to run find refuge in the arms of a tender warrior seeking his own road to healing.
In the hills of Wyoming, I saw a broken man who thought he'd lost everything
rediscover the man he was in the eyes of a pretty girl.
And in the Dairy State, (yes Wisconsin), I saw two people fall in love
and overcome horrific obstacles on their way to happily-ever-after.


Life is short. Pick up a good book. Read. Write. Enjoy.
Look out the window and see something!

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5 stars
168 (65%)
4 stars
67 (26%)
3 stars
14 (5%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
4,470 reviews28 followers
January 16, 2018
Too much of the book is spent with everyone but the protagonists. Their story was really thin. For over 2/3 of the book she was angry with him for something we aren't told, and is lashing out at him like a buzz saw, and he is apologizing and taking it. Really made her completely unlikable for most of the book. There just wasn't much plot for their story. Once the secret was finally revealed, they get together almost immediately afterwards. Most of the book is spent on people being kidnapped and needing to be rescued, again. At least it wasn't Kelsey this time, thank heavens for small favours.
3,399 reviews19 followers
May 27, 2019
The author has given her readers another unforgettable story of love and honor. Every character is a hero before they begin their current mission. All of the men and women are former military people with special skills used by the security company. That is a simple term for the special missions they often find themselves on such as this one with Conner and several other members of Alex's company.

Conner is part of a team sent to back up a DEA team scoping out a dangerous and growing drug cartel. Little did Conner know he would be coming face to face with a former Marine he'd toured with in Iraq. Izza was as tough or tougher than any male marine and spent most of her time proving it. She hated Conner, or so she repeatedly told him. She was tiny but made up for lack of size with her smart mouth and abilities. She knew he would be on this mission and had to tell him sooner or later now might as well be it. Little did she know just how different the mission would become.

Conner didn't want to face Izza again. Didn't want to hear her words of hate. But she was part of the team and he'd do what had to be done. The mission went up-side-down fast and ...well you need to listen or read this one to learn -- no spoilers.

I can tell you that this team and the people who work with them are amazing, expect no metals. They just do their job. Save the people who need saving. Take out those who need taking out. They work together and their combined skills make them a force to match the power of a hurricane.

This is a love story but Izza is a bit hard to take until you learn her story. When they say love conquers all, even sassy, foul-mouthed Izza falls under the saying. Be prepared to have your emotions stretched, from tears, smiles, love, hate, disgust and just about every other emotion. Like all the other stories in the series, it stands alone but will make you want to read more about the people in the team you meet along the way.

If you listen to the audio: The narration is wonderful. I love the deep voice of Troy Duran. He sounds exactly like you expect these guys to sound.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2019
This is the 5th book in the series.

The heroine hates the hero. In fact, she hates all men because all they know how to do is take away from her or run away from her. She’s had enough, when the hero is there when her brother’s killed and once again something important is taken away. After the hero helps her with her sorrow, she finds out she’s pregnant with the hero’s baby and needs to quit the military. She didn’t expect to find the hero nor him hitting on another woman when she sees him.

Our hero is a bachelor and is still hurting over his best friend’s death. His sister he felt things for but after what happened he knows she won’t want anything to do with him. He’s not sitting still with the ladies and if he finds someone he’s attracted to that’s fine even though he still thinks about the heroine from time to time.

The plot was an interesting one with the mission they were on being completely crazy with FBI and CIA all over the place and their team losing one member and others were injured. When our hero and heroine get taken hostage, they can do nothing but lean on each other. This leads them to talking about what happened, where they are going and the baby. However, when the baddies find them will they survive?

This story was a bit up and down in areas. It was still interesting, but at times it felt like I was reading it forever. I can only wonder what the next book brings.
Profile Image for Patty.
4,981 reviews49 followers
April 24, 2020
Irish Winters is going strong with her In the Company of Snipers series! Each one as good as the last, I find myself falling for the hero and thinking she can't write a better one. The last was Harley, and now with Connor, I think I have a new favorite! With the reputation of a playboy, Connor is a constant flirt. Meeting women and turning on the charm is what he does. Izzy is his best friend Jamie's sister, and his flirting took him a little further with her. Now pregnant, and miserable since the death of her brother, Izzy is doing whatever she can to stay away from Connor. But circumstances don't allow it, and their only chance of survival may be to rely on each other. Will they find help in time? Will they realize their true feelings? This is fast paced, and full of suspense. I love a story that has some meat to it, and this one has a great plot. Featuring many of our previously met snipers, and of course Mother, it's an action filled story with a second chance to find love. Excellent and I can't wait for Rory!

Troy Duran continues his narration of this series. He has me hooked with his smooth voice, pulling me into the story and keeping me captivated. He is the perfect cast for these alpha men, consistent from book to book and makes me just want more!
Profile Image for Susan Destefano cavallo zimmerman.
561 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2017
Voluntarily reviewed this book as an ARC.

I really enjoyed reading this book and the portrayal of the military. Izza and Connor were stationed together in Iraq along with her brother Jamie. She blames him for her brothers death. They meet again six months later when they are a part of the Teams, a multi- agency assignment. She comes across him kissing a blonde DEA agent surprising him. Does she tell him she's carrying his child or not? They are both kidnapped in a raid gone wrong and left for dead with Connor badly wounded. Exciting and well written, fast paced. HEA
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,795 reviews21 followers
May 2, 2020
This is the fifth book in the amazing Series In The Company of Snipers, a Romantic Suspense. I loved to follow Connor and Izza in this amazing and entertaining story. Connor is handsome. Izza is strong and independent. She is a little harder to love, at least for the first part of the story. The storyline is action packed, and filled with twists and turns. Troy Duran is one of my favorite narrators. I love his voice. He did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it and I highly recommend this story and this Series. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Rory.
Profile Image for Tameka.
2,230 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2018
Izza hides her secret very well in addition to her tough as nails attitude.

Connor has his work cut out for him. From the moment he laid eyes on her it had been lust immediately shifting into something else but getting past Izza's barrier is a fight he was not ready for...what a difference life makes when you are forced into a situation you aren't prepared for.
3 reviews
July 5, 2018
Enjoyed every book so far😆Amazing stories, looking forward to all the rest of series.

Loved every book so far.Amazing stories that make you feel you seeing it all. Looking forward to rest of series
282 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2022
Did not see this coming

I didn't see this coming, but neither did Conner. It's a good thing the one who had his heart could and would have control over his health and future. Pay close attention as you read because there is so much happening your brain and heart will spin. Wow!
4,416 reviews28 followers
May 22, 2017
Connor review

Connor is the fifth romantic suspense book in author Irish Winters series, In the Company of Snipers. Very exciting series.
317 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2017
Great

Once again, a brilliant book, great characters, you really feel as though you know them. Looking forward to the next book
162 reviews
February 3, 2020
Excellent book.

This book is very well-written with great characters. It doesn't have filled words or useless content. It's a page -turner and definitely worth your time.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,893 reviews
Want to read
July 16, 2024
Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
Profile Image for Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today.
723 reviews28 followers
November 14, 2014
This story is definitely a MUST read, but then again every book I've read from this series is.
Connor is a tough guy, ex-marine, a sniper, who now works for Alex and his company. He's new mission takes him to Utah to try to dismantle the Sonoran Cartel. A ruthless, violent drug cartel that won't stop at anything to get what they want and need. He knows this is going to be a rough assignment and he's prepared to face just that, what he's not prepared to face is Isabella 'Izza' Ramos, also an ex-marine and his best friends' sister.
Connor and Izza have history together and not all is sunshine and flowers, they lived through a very hard time in the middle east, including her brother's dead. But they also found comfort in each other and that comfort brought other complications to the table and their personal relationship.
While Connor always had the support of his mother and brothers, Izza only had her brother to care for her and protect her, and with him gone she's alone in the world and full of rage, most of it aimed at Connor.
This is a very interesting book and there are a few back stories withing the main storyline, but no worries, the author has a way to tell a story that doesn't leave room for misunderstandings.
This is a violent and very real tale of the things that drug lords do to get ahead and achieve their goals. I loved that Irish not only focus on the lords but also their families, and believe me, some of the things you will read here are very real and not at all pleasant.
Izza will break your heart, but she's a strong woman you will admire until the very end. Connor is a gentleman through and through who will go to any lengths imaginable to defend and protect what is his.
By the end of the book I was a bawling mess, you will know why when you read it. The human touch the author was able to add to the story was incredibly beautiful and heartwarming. The horrible things that are describe here took me to a world that I can't even phantom, yet, I know is out there. But it also brought me hope that there are people fighting for what matters most, and able to sacrifice even their own lives for it.
An incredible series worth the time to read and savor.
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews737 followers
May 21, 2015
His time in the Military had ended, now Connor was employed in the occupation he loved and was trained to do for an awesome ex-Marine, Alex Stewart. Alex's strong sense of ending evil fast is what led him to create this awesome organization. Connor enjoyed the close brotherhood he experienced with the others in this force, so far. That was soon to change...somewhat. Connor enjoyed his new lifestyle yet he could never forget his time in Military service, especially those last days before he and Izza were rescued.

Izza joined the Seattle Team of Alex's Snipers. Her new assignment will soon bring her face to face with Connor, the man she harbored unfathomable feelings of the last days before their war rescue ...Some defiant, angry and hate-filled memories.

Federal Agent Cassidy Dancer and Connor's infatuation with each other is impeded when a sudden "blow up" entered in their mission.

In this account 'In the Company of Snipers' series, the story is presented with a few different twists. Except for a few stiff parts, the author's writing was excellent. The characters were wonderfully developed in a very innovative way making them feel very real. The accompanying scenes were portrayed well and very visual. Be sure you have a box of Kleenix close by while reading a few sections of this story.

Amazon's presentation of the Book Cover, as with the others, was awesome.

Each reader will identify with the main characters in each book differently, which is fantastic!

READER BEWARE: There are some sexual situations which border explicit and some crude words used.

My review of this book offers a Four and a Half Stars Rating.
* I was sent this book in exchange for an HONEST review, of which I have given.
Profile Image for Rocky.
209 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2016
Izza and Connor's story

Izza and Connor first meet in Iraq when his friend, Jamie, slaps Izza on the behind. She is tough as nails and just as mean, but she's one good shot with any gun she has available. After a particularly rough firefight Izza and Connor come together to comfort each other. Fast forward a few months. Both Izza and Connor are now working for The Team, a covert op team of highly trained snipers from each branch of service. Connor is a ladies man; Izza is mad at the world, especially Connor, who she blames for her brother Jamie's death. She is also pregnant with Connor's baby. While trying to take down a Mexican cartel in the mountains of Utah, Izza and Connor are kidnapped and dumped in the desert. Making bad things worse, Connor has been severely wounded and is close to death. Will Izza find the strength to forgive Connor and save his life and let him know he'll be a father? Or will Connor die in the desert never knowing about his baby and Izza's love for him? Irish Winters has written another great book about the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in defense of this great country, the United States of America. She does so with humor and anger and every other emotion being at war involves. Toward the end I was so angry that I wanted to reach into the pages and bash a few faces in, then, within a few sentences, I was feeling the heartbroken emotions of the characters. This is the first book I've read by Ms Winters, but it won't be the last.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
November 10, 2014
Oh Connor how I have been super excited to read your story!! And I was not disappointed in the least. Ms. Winters has done it again. She has such a way about her writing that is so intriguing and captivates you from the get go. I knew I would love Izza from the very beginning and well let's just say that Izza is not one to be messed with. She is the epitome of badass heroine. And then there is the oh so polite but super yummy, Connor. Good Lord I think we all want one of him. I must say, I am in love with each and every member of The TEAM. Each book is freaking amazing and leaves you wanting more. Rory's book is next and from the little sneak peek at the end of this one it promises to be another HUGE HIT!!! I am seriously in love with these books and think they are a definite MUST READ!!! It deserves 5+++ AMAZEBALLS stars!!!

A copy was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Tabitha
Profile Image for Kathy .
1,299 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2016
Irish Winters sure knows how to tug on the heartstrings. It is impossible not to become entangled in the lives of her characters, she is so good at making the reader FEEL the story. The tension, action, suspense and romance are all there and make this series a must read. I loved Connor and Izza's story and enjoyed that out took place in my home state. I thank Ms. Winters for the respect she showed to the unique charateristics of this state and its residents. It has been a while since I read the first four books in the series and this has made me want to go back for a little refresher before moving on. It will be time well spent.
Profile Image for Jen.
586 reviews17 followers
November 12, 2014
Another great addition to the series! Connor and Izza's story hooked me from the beginning along with their mission to track down a drug cartel. Thrilling, suspenseful, heartbreaking and tender - you will not want to put this book down once you start. There is a lot going on, but it is so well written as to not be confusing. I've loved every book in the series and I cannot wait for the next book about Rory and Ember!

eARC received in exchange for an honest review.
74 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2016
Solid Gold

I've got to say I had to warm up to the idea of Connor and the woman who eventually became his wife. While she shared traits with other women in the series the author created a unique individual. I love her writing style it is always a complex plot accompanied with a well thought out storyline. No sloppy second used ideas in this series. It's worth the read. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Kim.
701 reviews10 followers
May 7, 2016
This is Izza and Connors story. Both are ex-marine snipers working for the TEAM, they have a history from Iraq resulting in a pregnancy that is unbeknownst to Connor. They are on assignment in Utah to take down the prolific Sonoran Cartel. Izza is newly hired to the TEAM and when she joins up with Connors half of the TEAM, he is kissy faced with a blond DEA agent.
Profile Image for Lynn Hill.
895 reviews21 followers
March 16, 2015
I just love it when you new book is released then I hurry and read it then I am sad because I have to sit and wait for the next one to be published. I am so in love with these guys and the way you write. Please keep them coming!!
Profile Image for Brandi.
546 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2015
I think this is my second favorite in this series? Mark is still my favorite.
This is 3rd favorite, once I read Rory, I was sure!
Profile Image for Kristie Cooper.
194 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2022
Stop making me cry

Loving this series.
Brilliant characters and fantastic story lines.
Love seeing the characters again in each book and watching relationships grow and change.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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