ARC Book Review: Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti

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Unforgiven
Deep Ops #5

Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Romantic Suspense
Released: 06/07/2022
Review Source: Review Copy | Netgalley

Run: Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide: Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek: Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .

Unforgiven is book five in the Deep Ops series however I read this as a standalone. Whilst previous relationships and couples were obvious throughout, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'm actually going to read the whole series when I have time because I really enjoyed this book - it gave Maya Banks/Cynthia Eden vibes and it's been a while since I've read this type of romantic suspense.

Gemma is a single mother to her three-year-old, Trudy, and has been running for years.  Knowing what her violent ex-fiancé is capable of, Gemma will continue to run and protect her family until it's finally safe to settle down - if it's ever safe. Jethro has just as much baggage - a serial killer brother who's trying to frame him for murder. Gemma and Jethro meet at D.C University where they both work -  Jethro is a charming Brit and Gemma is a single mother keeping under the radar, but as her friendship blooms with Jethro, Gemma find's herself on the radar of a serial killer and her past finally catches up with her.

For me, a romantic suspense isn't the same without the sense of community within the book. Unforgiven was loaded with a group of friends who pulled together in Jethro's time of need - people who would do anything and sacrifice everything to ensure their friend's safety, and it was done perfectly. The romance wasn't at centre stage but the plot, suspense and deep ops crew made up for that. The English dialect was done well - as a Brit I often cringe at the movie-like, unrealistic dialect but in Unforgiven, it was really well written!  

Overall, Unforgiven was a brilliant read. If you love family orientated books, single mother's and suspense then you will love this.