In Annabella Stone's Zenko: MM Military Suspense (Tags of Honor: Red Squadron), former Navy SEAL Zenko Marks stumbles upon an unexpected rescue mission: a mysterious American civilian trapped in a Syrian cave. Shaun Jacobson, the rescued man, is an undercover agent whose existence is officially nonexistent. Their unlikely encounter ignites a dangerous attraction, challenging both men's dedication to their respective elite military teams. Bound by a shared mission and a growing, forbidden romance, Zenko and Shaun must navigate the treacherous world of covert operations, where loyalty, betrayal, and the risk of exposure threaten to shatter everything they hold dear – including their burgeoning relationship. Will love conquer duty, or will their hearts cost them everything?
Review Zenko
Oh my goodness, Zenko: MM Military Suspense was a whirlwind! From the very first page, I was hooked. Annabella Stone throws you headfirst into a high-octane world of covert operations, daring rescues, and sizzling romance, and honestly, I didn't want it to end. The pace is relentless; the action scenes are so vividly described that you practically feel the adrenaline pumping alongside Zenko and Shaun. You're constantly on the edge of your seat, wondering what danger lurks around the next corner, which kept me up way past my bedtime!
The characters are fantastic. Zenko, the stoic yet secretly softhearted Navy SEAL, and Shaun, the resourceful civilian caught in a dangerous situation, have an undeniable chemistry that sizzles off the page. Their relationship blossoms amidst the chaos of their missions, creating a beautiful contrast between the intensity of their work and the tenderness of their burgeoning love. I loved the way their personalities complemented each other—their banter was sharp and witty, but their connection felt genuine and deeply moving. And I really appreciated how quickly Zenko's team embraced Shaun; that found-family dynamic added a layer of warmth and humor that balanced out the intense action.
The story is rich with military detail, which added a level of authenticity that I found incredibly immersive. It felt like I was right there with them, experiencing the tense missions, the strategic planning, and the camaraderie amongst the soldiers. The author clearly did her research, and that attention to detail really elevated the reading experience. While some reviewers mentioned plot holes, I found myself so engrossed in the characters and the fast-paced narrative that I barely noticed them. It certainly didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment.
However, I do have to mention the ending. It’s definitely a cliffhanger—a big one—that left me gasping for air and frantically searching for the next book in the series. While I understand the author's intent to keep the reader engaged, I also empathize with those who felt frustrated by the abrupt conclusion. It was a bit jarring after such a captivating story, leaving several plot threads hanging. Some readers mentioned the feeling of being manipulated into buying the next book, and while I can see that point of view, my personal excitement outweighed any such feeling. I’m already invested, and the cliffhanger just made me even more eager to continue the journey with Zenko and Shaun.
Despite this, Zenko is a fantastic start to a series. The writing is engaging, the characters are compelling, and the action is breathtaking. While a little more polishing could improve the overall experience (some readers mentioned proofreading concerns), the story's strengths significantly outweigh its minor weaknesses. If you’re looking for a military romance with a healthy dose of suspense and action, look no further. Just be prepared for a wild ride—and maybe some sleepless nights!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.59 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 258
- Publication date: 2025
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