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Elite Operatives #3
Missing Lynx
Where do you run when there's nowhere to hide?
When a sadistic serial killer known as the Headhunter resurfaces, a government blunder forces the Elite Operatives Organization into action. Operation Mask falls to Lynx. She has the determination, skills, and most importantly, the right profile, but her youth and lack of experience in the field could put more than the mission in jeopardy.
Her search takes her deep into the jungles of Asia, where she must battle not only the ruthless purveyors of the international skin trade, but also her growing feelings for a mysterious mercenary with her own agenda for the Headhunter.
When a sadistic serial killer known as the Headhunter resurfaces, a government blunder forces the Elite Operatives Organization into action. Operation Mask falls to Lynx. She has the determination, skills, and most importantly, the right profile, but her youth and lack of experience in the field could put more than the mission in jeopardy.
Her search takes her deep into the jungles of Asia, where she must battle not only the ruthless purveyors of the international skin trade, but also her growing feelings for a mysterious mercenary with her own agenda for the Headhunter.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Kim Baldwin
31Ìýbooks236ÌýfollowersKim has made her living as a writer for more than three decades, working as an Emmy-winning journalist in network news for twenty years before she began penning fiction. She resides in a national forest in Michigan, with few neighbors and a long drive to get to the nearest airport, movie theater, or ethnic restaurant. She never imagined herself a novelist, her first book, Hunter’s Pursuit, was written as a way to fight off cabin fever during a long winter and was sent off to a publisher at the encouragement of friends. The positive feedback she received from readers hooked her to continue writing more romantic lesbian adventures.
Travel is a major obsession. Kim first went to Europe at age fourteen, traveling with her parents on a five week excursion through a dozen countries. Four years later, she returned as part of a singing and dancing troupe, performing in town squares and castles and staying with local families.
The decades since have been filled with many more far-flung excursions... riding a camel at the Pyramids of Giza, crossing the U.N. green line at Cyprus, dogsledding above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, watching Paris awaken from atop Notre Dame Cathedral, motorcycling the Blue Ridge parkway, watching shuttles launch from a kayak near Cape Canaveral, skiing Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia, climbing Diamondhead in Hawaii. Her travels and journalism background provide great fodder for her novels. And her younger years in community theater have paid off in her new passion--narrating audiobooks.
Kim is a member of PAN (Published Author’s Network), Romance Writers of America, and the Rainbow Romance Writers, Chapter #217 of the RWA. She's also a 2008 Recipient of an Alice B. Readers Appreciation Award The Alice B. Medal: This award is given annually to living writers who have careers distinguished by consistently well-written stories about lesbians. The award is given once, only, in appreciation of career achievement. (from the author's website)
Travel is a major obsession. Kim first went to Europe at age fourteen, traveling with her parents on a five week excursion through a dozen countries. Four years later, she returned as part of a singing and dancing troupe, performing in town squares and castles and staying with local families.
The decades since have been filled with many more far-flung excursions... riding a camel at the Pyramids of Giza, crossing the U.N. green line at Cyprus, dogsledding above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, watching Paris awaken from atop Notre Dame Cathedral, motorcycling the Blue Ridge parkway, watching shuttles launch from a kayak near Cape Canaveral, skiing Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia, climbing Diamondhead in Hawaii. Her travels and journalism background provide great fodder for her novels. And her younger years in community theater have paid off in her new passion--narrating audiobooks.
Kim is a member of PAN (Published Author’s Network), Romance Writers of America, and the Rainbow Romance Writers, Chapter #217 of the RWA. She's also a 2008 Recipient of an Alice B. Readers Appreciation Award The Alice B. Medal: This award is given annually to living writers who have careers distinguished by consistently well-written stories about lesbians. The award is given once, only, in appreciation of career achievement. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 29, 2017
My favorite.
I know this is only book three, but this one is my favorite so far. When Jack was introduced I kept thinking I know her. You have to read the book to find to find out. I love this series but so far this is the one. Off to read book 4 Dying to Live. I definitely recommend this book.
I know this is only book three, but this one is my favorite so far. When Jack was introduced I kept thinking I know her. You have to read the book to find to find out. I love this series but so far this is the one. Off to read book 4 Dying to Live. I definitely recommend this book.
January 25, 2013
DATE READ & FINISHED: Jan 25 (PH Time)
3.75 stars
WARNING: Spoilers for Series 1-3 may pop-out
For me, this is the most intriguing among the first three books of the Elite Operatives Series by Kim Baldwin & Xenia Alexiou.
Although the premise is still the same - an undercover EO codename Lynx is sent to a high danger mission - the agenda of the mission is quite different. In here, EOO is after a narcissistic serial killer whose been terrorizing women for decades. The mad man, the SOB is definitely a freak in here - he's cutting out his victims' faces and making a mask out of it for him to wear. He reminds me of Eddie Gein who skinned his victims. He's an insane man who wears human skin too as a ritual or something. Real sicko. Moreover, the love interest of Lynx is different from the other ladies from previous books. Jack can kick ass as well as has a nice-looking, mouth-watering ass (they all have it anyway). Honestly, I adore woman characters that can fight and stand for themselves so these two characters sent to me a huge impact. I love them both. Aside from being a bad-ass herself (so many asses), Jack has complicated the story, the whole series for me. Jack was part of the first book in the series as a antagonist. She was the one who interrogated Hayley (Domino's love interest). The thing that adds to the mystery of this book is that Jack was revealed as a rogue EO. I haven't anticipated that sudden discovery really at this part of the series. But I knew that the writers would somehow spell that out and make an EO+EO affair for the next books but I don't have a clue that this book has it or formulated that idea. What's more perplexing is the way this story ended. I don't mind cliffhangers but the epilogue cause me to almost fall down at the edge of my seat. In addition, something's vexing me about Jack's identity and connection to the chief of EOO - Monty G. Their relationship wasn't really cleared - Monty could be Jack's mentor but in my wildest imaginations - they can be siblings too.
Overall, this is pretty much an exciting read, fast-paced with colorful & moving dialogues and powerful sex scenes. I am dying to read Dying to Live. Can't wait.
3.75 stars
WARNING: Spoilers for Series 1-3 may pop-out
For me, this is the most intriguing among the first three books of the Elite Operatives Series by Kim Baldwin & Xenia Alexiou.
Although the premise is still the same - an undercover EO codename Lynx is sent to a high danger mission - the agenda of the mission is quite different. In here, EOO is after a narcissistic serial killer whose been terrorizing women for decades. The mad man, the SOB is definitely a freak in here - he's cutting out his victims' faces and making a mask out of it for him to wear. He reminds me of Eddie Gein who skinned his victims. He's an insane man who wears human skin too as a ritual or something. Real sicko. Moreover, the love interest of Lynx is different from the other ladies from previous books. Jack can kick ass as well as has a nice-looking, mouth-watering ass (they all have it anyway). Honestly, I adore woman characters that can fight and stand for themselves so these two characters sent to me a huge impact. I love them both. Aside from being a bad-ass herself (so many asses), Jack has complicated the story, the whole series for me. Jack was part of the first book in the series as a antagonist. She was the one who interrogated Hayley (Domino's love interest). The thing that adds to the mystery of this book is that Jack was revealed as a rogue EO. I haven't anticipated that sudden discovery really at this part of the series. But I knew that the writers would somehow spell that out and make an EO+EO affair for the next books but I don't have a clue that this book has it or formulated that idea. What's more perplexing is the way this story ended. I don't mind cliffhangers but the epilogue cause me to almost fall down at the edge of my seat. In addition, something's vexing me about Jack's identity and connection to the chief of EOO - Monty G. Their relationship wasn't really cleared - Monty could be Jack's mentor but in my wildest imaginations - they can be siblings too.
Overall, this is pretty much an exciting read, fast-paced with colorful & moving dialogues and powerful sex scenes. I am dying to read Dying to Live. Can't wait.
March 16, 2013
Fantastic installment to the Elite Operatives series! This is my second favorite after Dying To Live. The story is exciting and transporting to a place I'd never been before. The plot of hunting down a serial killer across the globe was terrific and a facets of the story were satisfying. Baldwin and Alexiou are firing on all cylinders in this book.
I love the heroines in this and the change of formula in having them both be baddass operatives works beautifully. Lynx is a great character who I was behind all the way, but she's clean cut and not nearly as interesting as Jack is. Jack steals the book and is my favorite character in the series. The sex scene is great and unlike the last book I didn't feel it was too short. These books pretty much always only have one scene of consummation (with a few steamy scenes mixed in) and it has to feel satisfying.
Excellent book with great characters and a creepy villain. You'll want to jump right into the next one after you finish this!
I love the heroines in this and the change of formula in having them both be baddass operatives works beautifully. Lynx is a great character who I was behind all the way, but she's clean cut and not nearly as interesting as Jack is. Jack steals the book and is my favorite character in the series. The sex scene is great and unlike the last book I didn't feel it was too short. These books pretty much always only have one scene of consummation (with a few steamy scenes mixed in) and it has to feel satisfying.
Excellent book with great characters and a creepy villain. You'll want to jump right into the next one after you finish this!
August 1, 2013
This third book in the ‘Elite Operatives� series is heartwrenching, brutal, and yet a soaring success. I initially read the sixth book ‘The Gemini Deception� and was captivated by the secondary pair, Jack and Cass, who are now the primary couple. The story runs the gamut of love rekindled for Jack and a fiery love given birth for Cass peppered with door slammings, frigid cold shoulders, laughing with and at each other, and hot between the sheets activity. I was a bit confused by the deceptively slow-paced start. However, things revved up into high gear and I could not put the book down until I finished it…so masterful and immensely satisfying.
Jack, aka Jaclyn Harding, ex-EOO operative codename ‘Phantom�, is now known as ‘Silent Death� to her clients and targets. She is disquieting, imposing, locked in an internal struggle with her pain yet capable of such overwhelming compassionate love. Larger than life and yet beaten down by life’s pitfalls, Jack is unforgettable. She is also over the top in love with Cassady. This pair made an indelible impression on my psyche. Breathtaking!
Loren, aka Cassady Monroe codename ‘Lynx�, is a marvelous composite of prodigious operative talent especially with knives and an accomplished violist. She is refreshingly open and direct in her communications and knock your socks off expansive in her offering of nearly unconditional love. Strikingly beautiful, but her heart and soul are what completely grabbed me.
The country hopping activity as Jack and Cass attempt to apprehend a reprehensible low-life known as the ‘Headhunter� takes us eventually into the heart of Vietnam. This is another edge of your seat tale with magnificent twists and turns on both the manhunt side of the story and the relationship ups and downs for Jack and Cass, plus the wonderful subterfuge with which Jack pretty much dupes Cass. I was left breathless, exhausted, and positively uplifted…floating on the ceiling actually. This book is not to be missed!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on .
Jack, aka Jaclyn Harding, ex-EOO operative codename ‘Phantom�, is now known as ‘Silent Death� to her clients and targets. She is disquieting, imposing, locked in an internal struggle with her pain yet capable of such overwhelming compassionate love. Larger than life and yet beaten down by life’s pitfalls, Jack is unforgettable. She is also over the top in love with Cassady. This pair made an indelible impression on my psyche. Breathtaking!
Loren, aka Cassady Monroe codename ‘Lynx�, is a marvelous composite of prodigious operative talent especially with knives and an accomplished violist. She is refreshingly open and direct in her communications and knock your socks off expansive in her offering of nearly unconditional love. Strikingly beautiful, but her heart and soul are what completely grabbed me.
The country hopping activity as Jack and Cass attempt to apprehend a reprehensible low-life known as the ‘Headhunter� takes us eventually into the heart of Vietnam. This is another edge of your seat tale with magnificent twists and turns on both the manhunt side of the story and the relationship ups and downs for Jack and Cass, plus the wonderful subterfuge with which Jack pretty much dupes Cass. I was left breathless, exhausted, and positively uplifted…floating on the ceiling actually. This book is not to be missed!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on .
March 9, 2012
This one is the best in the series so far. The story is especially gripping in this one, because the operative is tracking down a seriously creepy and believable serial killer and the obligatory love interest this time is also a kick-ass fighter instead of a somewhat helpless civilian as in the previous two books. And once again, the book is readable even if you haven't read the other two although at this point the authors have stopped fully explaining who all of the characters are that have already been introduced. But I would recommend the first two books anyway because they are also awesome. The series still follows the basic premise of girl-goes-on-secret-mission-and-meets-other-girl-and-they-fall-in-love, but each book is different enough that they don't seem formulaic or boring at all.
July 12, 2015
Can someone license this for the big screen please, this will make one hell of a movie! :D The entire EOO series is super fun but I think Cass and Jess are my favourite couple amongst all the seven gorgeous pairings, just because it was so sweet at the end, like they came full circle from when they first met to where they ended up... so tender and so sweet. :)
May 22, 2021
This is my first book in the series and I am so contented by what I have read. The characters are captivating and fulfilling of anyone's lesbian superheroine and the plot is almost realistic to be believed.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
July 23, 2017
I loved this book.
Missing Lynx is an excellent continuation of the series. This series is getting better as it goes along. Lots of action, intrigue and romance. Great read. This series would be an excellent Audio book series.
Missing Lynx is an excellent continuation of the series. This series is getting better as it goes along. Lots of action, intrigue and romance. Great read. This series would be an excellent Audio book series.
January 9, 2022
So many different names I was confused at times and I think the characters were too. There was one time the bad definitely called Lynx by a name neither he nor Jack were supposed to know. But overall it was pretty good. Creepy AF but good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2024
The premise was ripe for some action and drama, but it soon became incredibly cheesy with the lame one-liners. Over the top love language in the midst of running down a serial killer? Just abit much and threw off the tone for the entire book.
Read
October 30, 2019Amazing.
January 29, 2015
This is the first EOO book I've read and I liked it very much.
Despite a very slow beginning (Lynx and Jack don't interact for almost 1/3 of the book), I thought the storyline was great (who doesn't like a serial killer who cuts women's faces off to wear them as masks?), and I loved the characters. Lynx is sexy and sweet as hell, and Jack has a heartbreaking story which I think makes her even more likeable than Lynx. She's a perfect mix of strength and vulnerability.
This is not the thriller of the year, obviously. The whole serial killer thing is almost amateurish, but the romance is good, albeit predictable. There's incredible chemistry between both women, and I love the story behind their love. The fact that for Jack, it's always been Lynx. And for Lynx, it's instantly Jack. True love if I've ever read about one!
There are a few things I didn't like, however: the chapters with the serial killer are not really necessary, I even skipped some because I was to eager to read about Lynx and Jack. I also would have liked to read about their past a bit more. Maybe have some more flashbacks about the time when Jack and Lynx were both at the EOO. It would have helped have a bit more insight on where Jack's feelings for Lynx came from.
Great read!
Despite a very slow beginning (Lynx and Jack don't interact for almost 1/3 of the book), I thought the storyline was great (who doesn't like a serial killer who cuts women's faces off to wear them as masks?), and I loved the characters. Lynx is sexy and sweet as hell, and Jack has a heartbreaking story which I think makes her even more likeable than Lynx. She's a perfect mix of strength and vulnerability.
This is not the thriller of the year, obviously. The whole serial killer thing is almost amateurish, but the romance is good, albeit predictable. There's incredible chemistry between both women, and I love the story behind their love. The fact that for Jack, it's always been Lynx. And for Lynx, it's instantly Jack. True love if I've ever read about one!
There are a few things I didn't like, however: the chapters with the serial killer are not really necessary, I even skipped some because I was to eager to read about Lynx and Jack. I also would have liked to read about their past a bit more. Maybe have some more flashbacks about the time when Jack and Lynx were both at the EOO. It would have helped have a bit more insight on where Jack's feelings for Lynx came from.
Great read!
September 26, 2012
This was a good book, I agree to this. The suspense was it's greatest strength, the romance was great, the characters were interesting and it was good to hear about the other protagonists. The problem was the action, it just didn't felt like it had that much in my opinion. It was a good story and I do want to read the other series. I just hope that it is a little bit better than this one.
May 11, 2015
Gah, the series keeps on getting better and better...
Don't you know I have exams to cram for? Why are you roping me into the deep end? *wail*
Don't you know I have exams to cram for? Why are you roping me into the deep end? *wail*
August 14, 2016
This is my kinda book, I had a hard time putting it down. The bad guy was portrayed so well it gave me goosebumps, the two main characters were simply awesome, looking forward to read the whole series.
April 4, 2013
A fast paced, sexy as all get out read, that keeps you on edge. Can't wait to start the next book.
January 4, 2016
I'm kind of torn on how to rate this one. The romance is my favourite of the series, but the serial killer stuff was too graphic for me, so I had to keep putting the book down and walking away.
October 25, 2015
2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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