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Torn apart by lies and a hail of bullets…

Georgia Randall is a government-trained killer with nothing left to live for except the burning need for revenge. She’s lost everything she cared about, including the only man she ever loved, and now her past has caught up with her. Shadowy enemies are on the move, determined to silence her before she can kill her remaining targets. But when the man she’s been mourning suddenly turns up to confront her, Georgia must face the consequences of the lies she told to conceal her double life. And even if she wins him back and survives what’s coming, she knows a happy ending isn’t possible for someone like her.

Only revealing their darkest secrets can bring them back together.

Against all odds, notorious assassin Miguel Bautista clawed his way back from the brink of death. Now he wants answers. For months he’s been tormented by the devastating truth about the one bright spot in his dark and violent past: the woman he fell in love with was nothing but a lie. When he learns she’s in danger and is offered the chance to save her, he signs a deal with the devil to protect her. They already lost each other once. If any of what they shared was real, this time he’s not letting her go. But if they’re going to have a prayer at a future together they must first evade the enemies closing in on them—and fight to stay alive.

218 pages, ebook

First published April 20, 2016

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About the author

Kaylea Cross

94 books1,768 followers
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,363 reviews1,191 followers
November 13, 2019
Georgia Randall is out for revenge. The former member of a government-sanctioned elite training program that created the Valkyries, is out to avenge the murder of her beloved trainer while she’s still grieving from the death of the only man she ever loved. She’s out there on her own but they’re after her, too. Her friends are trying to find her as they want these same people but know she’s in serious danger. Unknown to just about everyone, Miguel Bautista survived his devastating injuries and has agreed to join the NSA as a contract agent for one reason only...to find Georgia, the woman he knew as Julia and the only person who ever got close to him.

He lives! I refused to believe the story of Julia/Georgia & Miguel was over so I was excited to see their return. It lived up to my expectation with all the tension, excitement and action that fit these two characters and the romantic tension from their anticipated reunion. Everything was well done, especially that reunion. Despite the fact that they kept serious secrets from each other, Georgia and Miguel had deep feelings for each other and now must determine if the other’s was genuine.

The threat against Georgia was real but the identity of the man orchestrating her assassination is even more stunning. The excitement never lets up as the three plot lines converge to a great climactic ending. Georgia and Miguel were fantastically designed as they aren’t your traditional heroes and have some serious flaws and past sins. I loved the epilogue and hope we haven’t seen the last of these two. This was a story that served them well and beat my expectations.
Profile Image for Ira.
1,110 reviews119 followers
August 7, 2018
3.5 stars.
One of the book I’ve read during the internet on leave! Lol.

I always wanted to read Georgia’s story after reading about her in Briar’s book Disavowed.
While the story is good, I kind of dissatisfied with the romance bits, because the most important time of this H/h relationship wasn’t happening in this book, you have to read previous book with a different H/h. Yeah, that’s not cool!

But overall it was a good read and we found out about their previous connections from glimpses and dialogue all through the book.
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,099 reviews
August 7, 2021
Wow BETRAYED was an action packed and unexpected addition to this series! I would highly recommend reading EXPOSED before reading this one because they're super linked and Bautista and Georgia's story will make a lot more sense. Miguel Bautista, a notorious cartel assassin, thought he was dead after a deadly attack, but somehow he's survived and is now in NSA custody. He can have his freedom back -- he only has to swear his life away to the NSA but he'll do anything to find and save Georgia Randall, the one woman he's ever trusted.

I wasn't sure how I would like Bautista because he was kind of a "bad guy" in EXPOSED since he worked for the cartel. Even in the previous book Kaylea Cross does a great job of showing the reader the man behind the assassin and by the end I felt so bad for Bautista. While this book didn't give us any new revelations about his chosen profession it did allow us to see that Bautista was done with the cartels and he just wanted to move on with his life in a way he never was able to before. I thought Georgia was a good fit for Bautista because she's also an assassin, just on the legal side of things. Trained since she was a child in a secret government program, Georgia doesn't trust anyone and she never expected to fall for Bautista. These are two incredibly damaged and hurt souls that finally find peace and acceptance with each other.

While I loved this one I will admit that the suspense side of the story is definitely more prominent than the romance and this is mostly due to Bautista and Georgia already being in love. The development of their relationship all happens in EXPOSED and this book is more about them reconnecting and taking down those that would hurt them. However, I liked both of them and found the suspense plot really engaging so it didn't bother me.


Content Warning: References to child abuse
Profile Image for Anita.
2,378 reviews195 followers
December 6, 2019
I was intrigued by this couple who were introduced a few books ago. When that book ended we didn't know if Miguel survived or not. He did. Miguel and Georgia were one of the hottest couples and now we get their full story. The book is fast paced and full of action and passion. When Georgia lets go of her need for revenge and accepts that Miguel loves her, it is just wonderful.

As a Valkyrie, Georgia Randall was trained from childhood to be a deadly force. She did as she was told and killed who the government told her to kill. Then the one person she cared for as a father was assassinated by that same government and she is off on her own mission - revenge.

Cartel enforcer, Miguel Bautista, died and was brought back to life only to know that he would likely spend the rest of his life in prison. The NSA offers him a deal he just can't refuse: work for them or spent the rest of your life in prison. He first assignment is to find Georgia and bring her in. During the months he spent recovering she has haunted him. Was what they shared real or just a clever cover? In order to get the answer to that question he accepts the NSA's deal.

The NSA knows that Georgia is on a mission of revenge and that Miguel is the key to finding her and bringing her in safely. They also know she is in extreme danger and being on her own will only get her killed.

Profile Image for Laura.
727 reviews54 followers
November 21, 2019
I’ve been looking forward to this one as we get the reunion between Miguel and Georgia. Even though he was an enforcer, and she an assassin I really like those two and rooted for them previously. They are hot together, and I loved they were honest with each other, no time for game playing here, thanks to Miguel. The action is edge of your seat stuff with Georgia at the beginning and Briar and Matt at the end. Short but sweet, 4 stars.
Profile Image for Susa.
52 reviews
February 19, 2018
As always it was a really good story. But not my favorite. I couldn't find a connection to Bautista and Georgia. But the plot was great and when the HRT guys came on the scene .... whew!! The action was gaining speed fast and I wouldn't want to put the book down! 5 stars only because I can't give 10!! :-)
Profile Image for Angela.
229 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2019
What I loved about this book was that it was a story we didn't think we were getting. Miguel was supposed to be dead! Georgia was on the run! But Miguel survived and the NSA agreed to clear his record if he signed on to help lure Georgia out of hiding.

He reluctantly agreed and they managed to track Georgia down. She was running through her own personal hit list and the NSA told Miguel that they wanted to recruit her as well. Of course she was shocked when she realized that Miguel was alive. She thought she'd watched him die right in front of her. But now that they'd been forced together again they both realized that they had something to live for.

But these books are not romantic books alone. No, there is the element of suspense. Georgia had information on the people that were on her hit list and they knew it so there was a hit out on her as well. Turns out that Miguel knew the hit man targeting Georgia and to say that that changed his perspective is making small of the situation. The hit man was someone that Miguel trained himself back when he was working for Perez and after the hit man's death, phone records proved that not only was he after Georgia, he was instruction to take out Miguel as well. To know that his former boss, someone he felt like was family at one point, wanted him dead but a new fire in Miguel's belly.

The climax of the book was great - as are all of the climaxes of the HRT series' books. The romance as hot, the suspense was on fire and put you on the edge of your seat. I always find myself wondering how these characters are going to survive the fallout. But they always do. I love these happily ever afters! Now onto book 10!
Profile Image for lily bookscation.
449 reviews
August 3, 2020
found a perfect match hero and heroine characters. both of them deserve the second chance to be a better person.

Georgia is an assassin, Miguel is a lethal enforcer. They both live unpredictable lives, always on a mission, not to mention the dangerous one. They have to always look behind their shoulder and using an alias.

Beneath the cold personality, they carried a dark past as a child. Fortunately, there is still humanity inside them. They both care and loyal to a few people who close to them.

While on a mission to kill Perez etc who killed her handler, Georgia intends to get close to Miguel in order to get information about Perez and the others. But fall for him is not part of her plans. She sees something in him that nobody else sees. Miguel too, surprises himself that he's capable to love and care for someone besides his Abuela and Perez family.

Thankfully, this book full of action and the romance gets a proportional portion. The chemistry between them is so palpable but they don't think it will work for them. And finally I get to read a great plot story without a damsel in distress who constantly needs saving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,337 reviews22 followers
July 5, 2019
Wow, Miguel and Georgia's story was so, so, so good! Not only did we get to witness their story, but Matt and Briar's continued as well. Also, we continued with the whole HRT Team and with Gage from Titanium Security! Woo hoo! Loved this story!

Georgia kept moving forward the only way she knew how. She would complete everything on her Target list. It was the only way for her to get through all of her grief. It was not only her grief felt for Frank... but also the tremendous loss in her heart for the loss of Miguel.

Miguel, should be dead and should be in jail, but now the NSA leader Rycroft was giving him a deal to not only stay out of prison and have to work for the good guys for a change but it would also give him the opportunity to find out if Julia AKA Georgia ever felt anything for him or was it just a complete betrayal?
900 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2018
I'm not sure what I expected, but I was a little disappointed. It's still worth reading though. This is an awesome series. Georgia has lost the only man she has ever trusted and loved. Or has she? Miguel was pronounced dead at the scene. Or was he? The NSA has kept him alive and has offered him a deal he can't refuse. Help them take down Perez and save Georgia's life. Will he accept the deal or will his loyalty to Perez stop him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,459 reviews8 followers
November 11, 2018
Tricky story done well. Since both characters in this story were at one time bad guys in other books I was doubtful that I could get behind their HEA. But that’s Ms. Cross‘ talent, I was fully routing for them by the end.
952 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2020
I loved this book. I think Georgia and Miguel were well written and their storyline was perfect for them. I think the best thing about any Kaylea Cross book is that she makes you fall in love with every character she writes. You find yourself invested in their HEA.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,830 reviews60 followers
May 22, 2017
Good just not as good as the others.
161 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2018
lazy same as biars story pretty much. predictable and boring
2,035 reviews
Shelved as 'books-boxed-sets'
April 23, 2020
In boxed set - "Hostage Rescue Team Series Box Set Vol. 3"
Profile Image for Pam.
474 reviews
October 29, 2022
Georgia is back and so is Miguel along with Brian and Alex. Awesome story that makes my heart for Miguel and Georgia. A turn at the end that was so great for Miguel and Georgia
Profile Image for Jen_C.
1,109 reviews57 followers
April 26, 2016
I love HRT!

What a rollercoaster ride. I did not like El Santo aka Miguel aka Batista in Cruz and Marisol's book, but I have read every book in this series and love the HRT guys and their amazing women.

Now those of you that love a true bad boy will like him. I hated that he was described as ENJOYING killing people with his knife, carving his symbol in them while still alive. Not to mention in Exposed he and Georgia/Julia did damage to Cruz & Soli (who was always nice to Miguel & innocent.) I tried to give them a chance since they also did help save Soli, but these quotes from Exposed stuck with me.

Julia whipped out her pistol and aimed dead center at Marisol’s chest. “You stop or slow down to let your boyfriend catch up, and I’ll kill you.” 

Miguel grunted and lashed out with a foot, catching Marisol in the side with the sole of his boot. She dropped her hands and doubled over, gasping for breath. The next thing she knew, a hard arm clamped around her waist. Miguel dragged her up against him, her back to his front. He was trembling, his breath coming in shallow bursts. “Don’t you effing move,” he rasped in a menacing voice that sent chills down her spine. 

Suddenly Miguel twisted hard, his empty right hand coming up to swing at Ethan’s head. He ducked and rolled away. But before he could regain his balance, Miguel dove at him. He crashed into Ethan’s chest, sending him flying into the dash. Ethan grunted at the impact. His helmet came off as they twisted on the deck. Miguel reared back and rammed his head into Ethan’s, bouncing the back of Ethan’s unprotected skull against the deck. Mother-effer! The blow dazed him for a moment. He might even have blacked out for a second, he wasn’t sure, and when he regained his senses he tasted blood in his mouth. 


This book was good, action-packed and another great read from Kaylea Cross. Due to my issues with Bautista, I personally LOVED the scenes with Briar and Matt, and Matt and Blackwell (who's story I cannot wait for) the most. Chapter 20 was gut-wrenching!!!!!!!

Quotes from the book:

Maybe I’ll see him again, she thought, a wild surge of fear mixed with hope rising inside her. Even as she thought it she knew it would never happen. After the lives she’d taken in this life, she would never go to heaven, even if such a realm existed.

Why? What does it matter now?” she asked, her voice a mere wisp of a sound. 
“Because it does,” he answered. Her response meant everything, and it was the reason he was standing here in this kitchen with her now. It was the main reason he’d put his signature on that damn contract and signed his life away to the NSA. For this one answer and the prayer that there might still be a chance… “It matters to me.” A few taut seconds passed before she answered. 
“You already know the answer.” 
Not good enough. He wanted to shake her for real, force the truth out of her. His grip on the sides of her face tightened a fraction. “Say it.” 
“No,” she cried.

Emotion crashed over her. It had gutted her to watch him die. For weeks afterward she’d walked around in a fog, feeling like someone had reached into her chest and ripped her heart out of her body. A strong hand cradled her jaw, tipped her head up until she met his eyes. “Tell me it was real,” he rasped out. “Say it.” There was no way she could deny him that. Not now.
“It was real. I was more real with you than I’ve ever been with anyone,” she admitted in a shaky whisper, and sought his mouth once more.

Georgia could barely process it all. She tucked her face into the curve of his neck and took in a shaky breath, inhaling his scent. He was an amazing man, the most complex she’d ever met, a complicated blend of dark and light. And yet she’d known from the moment she’d met him that he was inherently a good person, despite everything he’d done in his quest for his own brand of cartel justice. An avenging angel instead of a psychopathic serial killer, as the authorities would have everyone believe. Much like her. And he’d wanted to die to protect her. “You’re shredding me,” she whispered, aching inside. “I don’t mean to.” He leaned down and touched his lips to hers. The kiss was soft, tender, filled with such caring it made her throat tighten. “I’ve missed you so damn much.
13 reviews
March 14, 2017
I hate that this series is ending, but with that said I'm also looking forward to the next one. Kaylea's books keep me up at night, I simply have to "I'll just read one more chapter". Right, I have to know what happens next.
Thanks for another great story.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,147 reviews23 followers
June 3, 2016
I'm Complete Now That I've found You!!!

Georgia Randall was trained by the government to be an assassin, she was in the same program as Briar Jones. They were friends until they both graduated and went their separate ways. Despite being apart for years, the two women still held each other in their hearts.

When Briar found herself in danger, Georgia was there to help rescue her. Haunting down the man who took away the only father figure she knew, has been G's goal since her appearance in DISAVOWED (HRT book 4).



Along the way G lost her heart to a fellow assassin named Miguel "El Santo" Bautista, whom we had the plaisir of meeting in EXPOSED (HRT book 6). Though circumstances prevented them from being totally honest with each other, they never lied about their feelings for one another.

Miguel was the enforcer for one of the most ruthless cartel in Miami now he was working for - let me rephrase that, he was working with the NSA and he would do anything to find and protect the woman who'd stolen his heart....Georgia Randall.



Georgia was being hunted by some very powerful people who wouldn't stop at nothing to keep her from finishing what she set out to do. She wanted to avenged the two men she'd ever cared for and faced whatever came her way afterwards.

When Miguel and Georgia came face-to-face for the first time, it was as if time stopped and they were the only two people in the room. With just one look in those beautiful blue eyes of G's, Miguel got an answer to one of his questions. She did care for him.



He wasn't about to let her go now that he'd found, he was going to help her take care of those who were after her...And he was going to claim her as his cause she was his in every way that counted. Georgia and Miguel both fell hard for each other in a way they never thought possible.



Even though they were both scared of what had happened between them in Miami a few minths ago, Miguel and Georgia couldn't stop their souls from becoming one.



As they handled their enemies with the help of the HRT, it felt great knowing that they had each other's backs. Despite the tension between Cruz and Miguel, some unexpected circumstances, the op was successful.

Kaylea Cross has this remarkable insight into the broken souls, the way was wrote Miguel and Georgia's story took my breath away. I love her HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. It was great having Gage Wallace from the TITANIUM SECURITY series make a cameo. Such a beautiful reminder that Alex Rycroft was once part of the TS company.

BETRAYED didn't disappoint, I've been expecting Georgia to get her own story since book 4 and I'm happy to say that this book has to be by far my favorite book in the HRT series. You guys should give it a try. Ten FAN-FRIKEN-TASTIC stars and a recommendation to grab yourselves a copy today itself.







Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,634 reviews39 followers
April 12, 2023
This is the latest in the series and the focus is on Georgia and Bautista, it is definitely a great addition. I loved the way it was written and how the two are portrayed, giving a different side to them. Especially Bautista, in past books he was a bad guy and in this it gives us insight into how he got that way. We do get a bit of Matt and the others as well, there is some sexual content and some violence but nothing extreme. There is closure to some of the on going issues from previous stories, this is interesting with some mystery and tension. An enjoyable read that draws you in until you cant put it down, the suspense in places has you on edge with fingers crossed. You do really need to have read the others in the series because of the continuing storylines and characters, to read as a stand alone would be confusing. Great read loved it.

Merged review:

it was amazing

Read from July 05 to 06, 2016

This is the latest in the series and the focus is on Georgia and Bautista, it is definitely a great addition. I loved the way it was written and how the two are portrayed, giving a different side to them. Especially Bautista, in past books he was a bad guy and in this it gives us insight into how he got that way. We do get a bit of Matt and the others as well, there is some sexual content and some violence but nothing extreme. There is closure to some of the on going issues from previous stories, this is interesting with some mystery and tension. An enjoyable read that draws you in until you cant put it down, the suspense in places has you on edge with fingers crossed. You do really need to have read the others in the series because of the continuing storylines and characters, to read as a stand alone would be confusing. Great read loved it. Re-read April 2023
Loved it just as much second time around and it's great that the series got extended so there are more books after this one. It's always hard with someone who appears to be a bad guy and is then recruited to help the good guys, are you meant to love or hate them? In this case I loved and was happy both he and Georgia got their HEA.
Profile Image for Claudia.
729 reviews24 followers
August 9, 2016
There is something that always pull my heart strings when I read about a redeemable bad guy.

I really liked Miguel "El Santo" Bautista. He was portrayed in such a way that made my heart melt even though he was a ruthless, sadistic killer. Maybe it's the optimist in me that thinks we all have redeeming qualities, I am not sure. What I know is that I am glad Miguel got his chance to HEA.

Miguel a former marine and sniper became the main enforcer for one of the most deadly crime cartels in Miami. He was loyal to his boss but his love for the woman who dug her way into his heart - Georgia - made him work with the NSA.

Georgia was a Valkyrie, trained operative, assassin, and close friend of Briar. When she thought Miguel died in her arms, her only reason to live was to kill those who murdered her handler/ friend/ father figure and Miguel.

Miguel was waiting for his opportunity to confirm that Georgia was as invested as he was in being a "them" and that what they had was real. Cannot blame the man for hoping after the life he had.... Even more, Miguel wanted to help Georgia in her quest and be with her if possible.
It was sweet and endearing to see this hardened assassin melt under Georgia's eyes.

I liked the story. The plot was not as explosive and engaging as some of the previous ones but I love how the HRT was involved in it.
Miguel and Georgia were two people finally got their peace and love in life and I liked it.

I am now preparing for the last book in these explosive series especially now that I know it's about a failing marriage. There is something about second chances that I like when Kayle Cross writes them.


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