Early Book Review: Her Rogue Alpha (X-Ops #5) by Paige Tyler

Her Rogue Alpha is the fifth book in the X-Ops series by Paige Tyler.  It is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. I highly recommend having read the previous books before diving into this one, particularly Her Fierce Warrior, because the main characters and their story has already begun. I think readers could catch on, but will lose a important understanding of how the characters got to where they are, and the larger story arc all comes together.

Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can't believe that his war scars don't matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man? However, Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind.

Her Rogue Alpha is a book that requires some prior reading, but is worth following the series. More than just a romance between Jayson and Layla, this is also about both of them coming to terms with their own limitations, abilities, and preconceptions. Jayson is still recovering from series injuries, and is likely never to be as strong or agile as he once was. Layla loves him for who he is, not who he was, since they met after the injuries. It is only after Jayson takes a crazy risk and is sent on a mission that (of course) is more dangerous and complicated than anyone expected. In the process of completing the mission everyone involved needs to come to terms with who they are and the feelings they have for others. Secondary stories, like the search for a cat burglar that manages to steal more than she bargains for from a major player and the continued experiments and politics surrounding hybrids and shifters. I do not recommend the read to newcomers to this series, but think that those that have been following this world since the first book, Her Perfect Mate, or even joined the craze a bit later, with get much enjoyment from the read.

Her Rogue Alpha is a solid addition to this series, and adds much to the larger story arc and hints at who might hold the leading roles in upcoming books. Fans of the author, and this series in particular, will not want to miss it.