About the Book:

He trusts her with his life, but not with his heart.

Bible Smuggler Dakota Kimani is fearless in spreading the Gospel. When her friends are abducted by a Somali terror organization, she will do anything to rescue them—even reach out to the one man she wronged and vowed to never again contact.

Former Marine Raider Keith McCord isn’t one to look the other way when innocents are slaughtered. So yeah, he agrees to help the woman who ripped out his heart. With a team of trusted operators, he infiltrates Somalia and finds himself waging war on terror and old feelings.

“No plan survives contact with the enemy” proves true when the hostage rescue turns dicey. The terrorists’ tactics are aggressive and shrewd, leaving Keith questioning the loyalty of his teammates and allies. Meanwhile Dakota wrestles with a dark secret that threatens to destroy the tenuous bond she and Keith have reforged.

Death breathing down their necks, Keith and Dakota are in a fight for their lives, their faith, skills, and trust in each other pushed to the breaking point.

| Goodreads |

My Review:

Crimson Sands by JJ Samie Myles
Rating: 3/5
Pages: 261
Published: March 19, 2025
Series: Task Force SEAR

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is an entertaining and emotional read, but also an intense one. I knew a little of what to expect from Myles’ writing after reading Riot, and fans of that story will likely enjoy this one. I liked meeting the characters here, and can already tell I’m likely to have a couple of favorites that I’m looking forward to getting to know more.

There were some issues that should probably be mentioned before I go on. One is that there’s a couple of scenes that are either uncomfortable due the nature of their mission, both Dakota’s as a missionary in a hostile country, and later the rescue mission the team embarks on. There’s some violence, threats of impending violence, and even some witnessed acts that are then talked about a bit afterward. This also is a loosely catholic story, which I’m not, so for others like me I thought I’d state that if anyone wondered. There is also a mention about God and the Holy Spirit causing a ‘high’ when He came over a person, and that this ‘high’ was amazing and a sign that God was in a place, or with the person…this isn’t biblical at all, and no matter how much I hear people saying this or even how many churches say otherwise, it s absolutely not what God’s Word says about His presence or how the Holy Spirit interacts with people. We are called to be ‘sober’ and of ‘sound mind’ not riding an emotional high, or any kind of intoxication or ‘high’ type symptoms. It’s simply not in there and is not how God works. Peace is the sign of God’s presence and it’s His Peace that we are called to ask for and seek, knowing that His peace surpasses understanding and that even when we don’t understand or don’t like His answers, His peace will carry us through lives trials and difficulties.

There is also a couple times when the romance is potentially problematic. There was also a scene involving morphine that is a bit humorous and…probably not for the best reasons. I admit I’m guilty on this one too. It’s something I’m working on, but also not something I’m comfortable encouraging others to read without at least warning them and pointing out why we should be more aware and conscientious of how we think and why we think or react the way we do. Is it bringing us closer to Jesus, or pulling us away from the life and plan He has for us?

This isn’t meant as an insult, but for Christian readers, I feel the need to at least point it out for those who care, since while I can see from a fleshly/human perspective it was funny, but spiritually it isn’t good for us to thing about, enjoy, or indulge in these thoughts and even if they are funny to the flesh that doesn’t automatically make them good. And that can cause problems and even potentially us to stumble if we get desensitized and used to these kinds of situations instead of thinking about them Biblically and through spiritual eyes.

“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:3:4)

There are a few references to things that happened in the past, but also a scene or two where the characters have to make a decision, and it’s clear that their attraction and desire nearly win out. I do like the fact that it’s clear that both MCs are trying to do better, but at times it seems as if they are simply trying to will themselves to be better, as if we can even be strong enough on our own. But later on there’s times when faith clearly plays a bigger role in their lives, which was nice to see and made for some interesting conversations. There’s also the mentions of siren/little mermaid…I know it’s something that military guys would likely find funny, but yeah, I found it to be a bit disturbing honestly, lol. Could have definitely lived without ‘seeing’ that.

I really liked Keith and his right-hand man. They had such a powerful friendship, and make a great team. I also loved meeting the rest of the team and look forward to more stories from them.

Other books in the series:
(Below is a list of the other books I’ve read & reviewed for this series)

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