"Freeman kicks off a new series set in Renaissance-era Italy with this stylish espionage thriller [and] brings the period to vivid life. Historical fans should give this a look." Publishers Weekly"Rise of the Black Cross has it all: action, adventure, high-seas villains, corrupt officials, and even romance." Readers' Favorite (5-star review)"A Renaissance spy adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Steve Freeman has done well to cleverly interweave suspense, history, culture, and a mystery to keep the reader engaged. Highly recommend for those that enjoy action historical fiction in the times of the famous Medici family and Leonardo da Vinci." Reedsy Discovery (five-star review)During the height of the Renaissance, a fleet of mysterious ships invades the Italian coast, threatening the Republic of Florence.Commissioned by ruler Lorenzo de’ Medici to discover the source of the invasion and mount a defense, enigmatic sea captain Niccolo Corsini must navigate political waters as treacherous as any typhoon, where discerning friend from foe proves nearly impossible. While attempting to identify the sponsor of this hostile force, Niccolo enlists the help of young Leonardo da Vinci to devise a strategy against an enemy fleet twice the size of the Florentine navy.Yet even with da Vinci’s assistance, how can Niccolo hope to save the Republic from utter destruction when the overwhelming enemy fleet arrives in one week’s time?A pulse-pounding series starter perfect for fans of Dan Brown!

In this historical thriller, a disgraced British soldier and a beautiful archaeologist search for a legendary artifact that could threaten the world. Greece, 1947. Europe is just beginning to heal after World War II, but the fighting in Greece continues as a civil war is waged. Sam Grant, a disgraced ex-Special Operations Executive soldier and an adventurer by trade, is lured back to the Mediterranean by a secret from his past: Six years ago, a dying archaeologist entrusted him with his life's work—a leather notebook filled with mysterious notes written in ancient Greek. Deciphered, it could lead to one of the greatest prizes in history. Which is why both the CIA and the British Secret Intelligence Service are looking for it as well . . . Grant sets out to discover the truth about what the archaeologist lost his life for—and to protect his own. Aided by a brilliant Greek professor with her own secrets to hide, Grant is plunged into a labyrinth of ancient cults, forgotten mysteries, and lost civilizations. But time is running out . . . while a dangerous prophecy is drawing near.

Made in the rugged terrain of the Highlands and honed by the elite ranks of the SAS. Lucas Knox emerges as the ultimate man for hire—a bodyguard without equal. But when his government calls him back into service, Knox's latest client unwittingly plunges him into a world of deceit, corruption, and a criminal underworld unlike anything he's faced before. In his most daring mission yet, Knox pushes the boundaries of "who dares wins" as he confronts a formidable crime syndicate with every skill at his disposal. If you're a fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Andy McNab’s Nick Stone, and Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, prepare to be captivated by the relentless action and gripping intrigue of the Lucas Knox series. What Readers Are Saying: Justin DeMars: "A book that energizes the imagination!! 5 Stars. Each chapter played out in my mind and I have to say it was awesome! Lucas Knox will excite readers of all genres and will definitely leave you wanting more!" Christina: "Absolutely amazing debut! 5 Stars. I'm hooked! The suspense, the action, the intrigue, the heart-stopping adventure of the whole book." Carla Mullins: "Forget James Bond. 5 Stars. There's a new action hero in town and his name is Lucas Knox. Forget James Bond this sexy as sin man can melt a girl's panties clean off and kick ass doing it." What the Press Has Said: "Astounding debut, none stop, edge of your seat read!" - Manchester Evening News “This book has the right mix of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum” - Express Join Lucas Knox on this electrifying journey, where danger lurks around every corner and survival demands courage beyond measure.

ENJOY THE *COMPLETE* SERIES OF DARING MILITARY ADVENTURES IN THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION. Praise for Gordon Landsborough: ‘ . . . exiting, tough, fast and moving novel .’ Times Literary Supplement ‘ It has everything . . . supremely good characterisation, descriptive brilliance, and masterly in its simplicity .’ Birmingham Post MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE HERO Legionnaire Texas is no stranger to danger. A former cowboy from the American West, Texas joined the French Foreign Legion to escape his past, but this is not the fresh start he dreamed of. From the brutal desert landscape to the cutthroat politics of the Legion, Texas quickly learns that survival requires more than just grit and determination — it requires trust, loyalty and a willingness to confront one’s own demons. And Texas’ demons are many – his failure to succeed in the wild west, his betrayal of his brother and his desertion of his great love. He’s a man constantly walking the line between loyalty and betrayal, between his duty to the Legion and the haunting temptation to desert it. From the burning sands of the Sahara to the fortress strongholds of North Africa, Tex fights desperate battles in the ranks of the French Foreign Legion. Surrounded by ambushes, betrayal and hand-to-hand combat in dust-choked villages, he marches under a pitiless sun toward doomed outposts and hidden oases. From Algiers to Dusa, every step is a fight against merciless enemies, the treachery of comrades and the desert itself. Perfect for fans of W.E.B. Griffin, Sven Hassel, Leo Kessler and Jack Higgins. IN THIS FOUR-BOOK SERIES: Book 1 LEGIONNAIRE FROM TEXAS Book 2 RENEGADE LEGIONNAIRE Book 3 BACK TO THE LEGION Book 4 THE SPAHIS READERS LOVE THIS SERIES: ?????????? ‘ These stories attain the same high standard that one gets when reading a Legion adventure by P.C. Wren or Theodore Roscoe .’ HowdyDave ?????????? ‘ A very good read .’ Philip F. ?????????? ‘ Another excellent author .’ Bryan B. W.

ENJOY THE *COMPLETE* SERIES OF DARING MILITARY ADVENTURES IN THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION. Praise for Gordon Landsborough: ‘ . . . exiting, tough, fast and moving novel .’ Times Literary Supplement ‘ It has everything . . . supremely good characterisation, descriptive brilliance, and masterly in its simplicity .’ Birmingham Post MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE HERO Legionnaire Texas is no stranger to danger. A former cowboy from the American West, Texas joined the French Foreign Legion to escape his past, but this is not the fresh start he dreamed of. From the brutal desert landscape to the cutthroat politics of the Legion, Texas quickly learns that survival requires more than just grit and determination — it requires trust, loyalty and a willingness to confront one’s own demons. And Texas’ demons are many – his failure to succeed in the wild west, his betrayal of his brother and his desertion of his great love. He’s a man constantly walking the line between loyalty and betrayal, between his duty to the Legion and the haunting temptation to desert it. From the burning sands of the Sahara to the fortress strongholds of North Africa, Tex fights desperate battles in the ranks of the French Foreign Legion. Surrounded by ambushes, betrayal and hand-to-hand combat in dust-choked villages, he marches under a pitiless sun toward doomed outposts and hidden oases. From Algiers to Dusa, every step is a fight against merciless enemies, the treachery of comrades and the desert itself. Perfect for fans of W.E.B. Griffin, Sven Hassel, Leo Kessler and Jack Higgins. IN THIS FOUR-BOOK SERIES: Book 1 LEGIONNAIRE FROM TEXAS Book 2 RENEGADE LEGIONNAIRE Book 3 BACK TO THE LEGION Book 4 THE SPAHIS READERS LOVE THIS SERIES: ?????????? ‘ These stories attain the same high standard that one gets when reading a Legion adventure by P.C. Wren or Theodore Roscoe .’ HowdyDave ?????????? ‘ A very good read .’ Philip F. ?????????? ‘ Another excellent author .’ Bryan B. W.

The first three books in the epic World War Three military thriller series. From a secretive island in the western Pacific, to the sands of the Middle East. From the government-monitored streets of China, to the spartan passageways of a US Navy destroyer. The War Planners series follows a family of elite military officers and intelligence personnel as they respond to a Chinese plot to attack America. David Manning, a technologist working for the CIA. His brother Chase, a US Navy SEAL. Their sister Victoria, a Navy helicopter pilot. And their father, the Admiral in charge of a US Navy carrier strike group. Book 1: The War Planners As CIA officer Lena Chou leads a secretive group of American military and intelligence experts tasked with stopping a Chinese invasion, technologist David Manning discovers that not every one of them intend for America to win. Book 2: The War Stage A US Navy destroyer sinks an Iranian patrol craft during a controversial exchange in the Persian Gulf. With tensions soaring between the two nations, an Iranian politician secretly contacts the CIA with a chilling revelation involving the Chinese. Book 3: Pawns of the Pacific CIA operative Chase Manning joins a Marine special operations team to infiltrate a secret Chinese base in the jungles of South America. Navy helicopter pilot Victoria Manning must take command of her destroyer when an unthinkable catastrophe strikes. And their father, Admiral Manning, in charge of America's newest aircraft carrier strike group, must risk his daughter's life to prevent a Chinese naval attack. From USA Today bestselling author and former Navy pilot Andrew Watts, The War Planners series is filled with electrifying action, fascinating new technology, and unpredictable twists. Recommended for fans of Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney. ________________________________________ Praise for Andrew Watts and The War Planners series: ????? "I now add Andrew Watts to my favorite authors list: Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and David Baldacci...Highly recommended!" ????? "I honestly don't remember a storyline that has so completely captured me in this genre before..." ????? “I liked this book a lot. I am a fan of Tom Clancy and James Patterson books and this book is as good as any of theirs. Watts starts with a chilling premise and crafts a storyline with enough detail and realism to make you believe it just might be possible. I look forward to the next in the series.” ????? "Frighteningly real."