Review: SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows

SEAL of Honor

By Tonya Burrows

HORNET #1

Lt. Commander Gabriel Bristow is not looking forward to his forced medical retirement. A year ago, he was involved in a car accident and suffered a serious injury to his foot, leaving him unfit to return to duty as a Navy SEAL. He's all set to begin his boring Pentagon job when he's approached by his best friend and former SEAL teammate, Travis Quinn, to sign on to a private hostage rescue and negotiation team as the commanding officer. It didn't take much for him to cave. 
 

The set up
The first covert assignment is the rescue of wealthy businessman Bryson Van Amee who was kidnapped in Bogotá, Columbia. They're racing against time as the FBI special agent in charge of the official negotiation wants to pay the ransom. Gabe is convinced that Bryson will be murdered if they do.


The issues
There were LOTS of issues, the first being Gabe's team. Individually, they represent the best at what they do but this isn't a SEAL team working in tandem. They're an indisciplined group and Gabe hasn't the time to properly train them. When they visit Bryson's apartment, they unexpectedly run into his sister, Audrey, and end up having to bring her back to their safe house and she's unwilling to leave. To make matters worse, they're not even sure who they're dealing with or where the kidnappers might be located, nor do they have the most ideal equipment to be operating in the jungles of Columbia.


The romance
Audrey and Gabe get thrown into a situation where they're isolated from the rest of the team and are repeatedly trying not to get killed. While they definitely had an initial attraction, these circumstances just turned the heat up beyond boiling. She's a free spirit but no air head. He's a SEAL and a commander, used to be obeyed, so Audrey's tendency to apply her own logic and reason made for some tense situations. Gabe's hard to resist and Audrey's a good match for this alpha.


What works
At first I was frustrated by all the mishaps due to the team's inexperience and lack of discipline but then found this to be the strength of the story. Their imperfections set them apart from being just another military-like op team. There are some unique members I definitely want to know more about and this team will never behave in an ordinary way. Gabe and Audrey work as a couple and they suffered some harsh situations. The story was unpredictable and I was never prepared for most of the things that happened.


Bottom line
I like this story and what this series promises to be, and like it a lot. Gabe is excellent as a leader and he's going to have his hands full with this team and Audrey. There's lots of action, twists and surprises. I enjoyed it from start to finish and am ready for the next one. If you like a lot of heat, both in the action and the romance, this book delivers. I really didn't want it to end.

Tonya Burrows | Writing has always been my one true love. I wrote my first novel-length story in 8th grade and haven't stopped since. I received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and I'm now working on a MFA in popular fiction at Seton Hill University.

When I'm not writing, I spend my time reading, painting (badly), exploring new places, and enjoying time with my family. Give me a good horror movie over a chick flick any day. (And, let's be honest, I'll take a bad horror movie too!) I'm a geek at heart and pledge my avid TV fandom to Supernatural and Doctor Who. I'm also a big fan of The Voice. What can I say? Guilty pleasure.​​

I share my life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. We live in a small town in PA, but I suffer from a bad case of wanderlust and usually end up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, my animals are all excellent travel buddies.

Author Website: http://www.tonyaburrows.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hornetseries | http://www.facebook.com/tonyaburrows
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TonyaBurrows

Review: Bare it All by Lori Foster

Bare it All

By Lori Foster

#2

The set up

This story picks up the next day after the end of the previous book where Alice Appleton, Reese Bareden’s mousy next door neighbor, saved his life, along with his partner Logan Risk and his boss, Lieutenant Margaret Peterson. Reese’s apartment is now a crime scene and he has no choice (yeah, right) but to sack out on Alice’s couch.  As strange as Alice behaves, Reese is drawn to her physically and emotionally, even though it is obvious that she is hiding from something or someone. 

What worked well

Reese is 6 and ½ feet of blond, green-eyed brawny male and makes no bones about what he wants from Alice and can’t help but feel protective of her. She is also very much attracted to him but something from her past experience is holding her back, but not for too long. Throughout the story, you could feel that something was brewing and knew Alice’s past would inevitably crash around them and converge with Rowdy Yates’ plans to enter into a risky business venture involving people connected to her past (Rowdy is Logan’s soon to be brother-in-law).

What fell short

While this is an interesting story, it followed the same pattern as the last book. The first half is a lot of back and forth between Alice and Reese as the suspense is supposed to build. But, it plods instead at too slow a pace. The last half of the book is much more exciting and I wish it hadn’t taken so long to get there. I also found Alice’s character to just be bizarre, one moment a frightened and withdrawn young woman and the next an aggressive tiger. I got whiplash trying to keep up and figure her out. In the end, I just gave up.



The bottom line

There’s plenty of steam and ultimately lots of action. I really like these characters, even odd Alice, the dynamics between them and the romance. I plan to read the next book when it’s released and recommend this one but can’t round my 3.5 stars to a 4 because the suspense aspect just didn’t meet my expectations.

Review: Damaged Goods by Lainey Reese

Damaged Goods

By Lainey Reese

Romantic Suspense, Erotica

New York #2

The second story in this series involves Brice Marshall, cousin of Cade Marshall who was introduced in the first book. Brice is a New York police detective and is also a Dom. He meets Terryn Keller at Cade’s BDSM club but soon figures out that she’s new to the scene and is just beginning her exploration. Meanwhile, Brice and his partner, Brandon Kent, are investigating the brutal murders of two young women by what appears to be a serial killer. As Brice becomes more deeply involved with Terryn, he also has to deal with the realization that she might be in the path of the killer.

The suspense aspect of the story was high, equally balanced with the erotica and adding to the sexual tension, as if that needed any help. While the whodunit wasn’t too hard to figure out, it wasn’t so clear cut either as I went through three suspects until I circled back to my original way of thinking. The erotica was excellent, enhanced somewhat because of Terryn’s inexperience, which kept the sexual scenes fresh and interesting. It allowed me to explore the BDSM world through her perspective as Brice helped her understand the roles and behaviors. There’s also a ménage scene that was just crazy!




I really liked that Trevor, Cade and Riley, the ménage relationship from the first book, A Table for Three, have substantive (and steamy) roles in this story. And, the main character for the next book, Gage Hollister, makes an appearance here that left me breathless. I’m not sure I can handle his story!






Reese does a really good job of weaving mystery, suspense, romance and erotica into a solid and interesting story. I liked the characters, even though Doms are not necessarily my favorite hero choices. You can’t help but like Brice and Terryn was refreshing. I enjoyed the book and am anxiously waiting for the next one in the series.

  

(I received an ARC from the author for an honest review)





Review: Headed for Trouble by Suzanne Brockmann

Headed for Trouble

By Suzanne Brockmann

Troubleshooters #16.5

A Bit of Background
If you haven't read Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series, you're missing out on THE most exciting romantic suspense stories out there involving Navy SEALS and security operatives. Troubleshooters, Inc. is the name of the security firm launched by the former commander of SEAL Team Sixteen. Many of their assignments are a collaboration with Navy SEALs and the FBI and there are 16 amazing full length books in the series.

The Set Up
The last full length book in the series was released in 2011 and fans are dying for at least one more to end it properly. This book seriously whets the appetite with some short stories that were previously released with promotional books or earlier released novels. This is a compilation of those stories with two new ones added.

Highlights
I've never read any of the stories that were included in promotional books so they were all new for me. When Frank Met Rosie just about brought me to tears; Trapped is classic Troubleshooters with its combination of angst, romance and scary ops; Home is Where the Heart is was a bit of a departure but a chance to be with Jules and Robin as secondary characters; and A Seal and Three Babies had me literally howling in laughter for most of it but then holding my breath at the end.

What Worked
I really miss this series and these characters and these stories brought it alive for me again. I'd forgotten how Brockmann really is in a class by herself in crafting the characters, the dialogue, the chilling missions and the smoking romances. The new stories were meaty, fresh and appealing and those I'd missed from the past were insightful and interesting. These characters are so REAL I forget they're fictional (I'm cringing as I write that). You just lose all sense of yourself and get wrapped up in the story. They may be short but Brockmann didn't cut corners.

What Didn't Work So Well (depends on your point of view)
I wanted more, not more of the short stories but more books like these where I get so engrossed I become part of it. It also reminded me that the series is in limbo, with some characters stories still left undone. I thought there would be more that might have moved those situations along.

Bottom Line
I enjoyed the stories a LOT. If it was intentional to leave me hungering for more, mission accomplished in a BIG way. I know a new series similar to this one is coming out next year and I'll be one of the first to read it. It would be nice to know, though, that somehow this series will reach closure either through the new one (crossover works) or we get one more Troubleshooters full length book that wraps one of the most incredible series I've ever read.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)



Review: Alpha One by Cynthia Eden

Alpha One

By Cynthia Eden

Shadow Agents #1

The Set Up
Juliana James, estranged daughter of U.S. Senator Aaron James, was abducted by Diego Guerrero, head of a powerful and deadly Mexican drug and gun running cartel. She’s at a location in Mexico and the covert Elite Operations Division (EOD) has been engaged to extract her. Logan Quinn, the team leader for the mission, has a history with Juliana and it was pure coincidence that he was selected for this operation.

The Issues
Logan was involved with Juliana ten years ago when she was 20 and he 22. She hasn’t seen him since he abandoned her and he’s got some pretty big secrets that might turn her away from him forever. And, he’s not being completely honest with her about her role in tracking Guerrero and bringing him down. The Senator has evidence against Guerrero that would destroy him and Juliana plays a part in that and continues to be in danger.

What Works
The action starts from the first sentence as the book opens with Juliana in captivity. It’s almost non-stop excitement as Guerrero is so powerful he has a long reach, wreaking havoc as the team tries to protect Juliana. The romance is still at the forefront even as they hardly have time to breathe before the next threat is on them. The other members of the team (Jasper, Gunner and Sydney) are really interesting characters and the teasers about their backstories hooked me. The climax was pretty tense, exciting and well done.

What Didn’t Work
Because there was so much action and so many secrets, it was difficult for the romance to bloom until near the end. Also, the team was really getting their butts handed to them a lot! It probably was realistic but it made the EOD look a little weak.

Bottom Line
I liked the story, the action, the characters and the concept of the Elite Operations Division. If this book is any indication, their assignments are going to be pretty rough and exciting. Tweak the romance a bit and this series will be at the top of my list for the genre.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)

Review: Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

 

 

Midnight Secrets

By Ella Grace

(Wildefire #1)

 

 

I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as the series was announced. My only concern was whether it would meet my expectations or was my excitement going to build them up too high. It was needless worry.

The Set Up
Triplet sisters Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina Wilde lost their parents in a brutal "murder-suicide" in Midnight, Alabama when they were 10 years old. It was blamed on their father but we know that's not so from the prologue. Their paternal grandfather is left to raise them and when Savannah was 18, she fell in love with Zach Tanner, a noble boy from a troubled home.

The Conflict
It's 10 years later and Savannah returns to Midnight for a couple of months, not having seen Zach in all that time. He's hoping for forgiveness for what tore them apart and she's not sure she can handle seeing him again. Both have secrets that they've held back.

The Mystery
Somebody murdered Beckett and Maggie Wilde 18 years ago and they killer or killers are still out there with no one really aware someone other than Beckett committed the crime. The suspense element slowly elevates as the story evolves.

What I Loved
Zach and Savannah. I felt like I knew exactly who they were in their teens and again ten years later. They were always true to character, and awfully appealing ones at that. There's a humble nobility about Zach...he's not perfect but he comes close. And, Savannah epitomizes beauty, grace and Southern elegance. Having the undiscovered and unsolved murder as a backdrop added a subtle edge to the entire story. Their romance was poignant, tragic, lovely, steamy...all of that. And, it was always at the forefront of the story. The Southern element was pitch perfect, too..no caricatures here, just a realistic portrayal of what's true about the culture.

What Didn't Work
Nada. This is the complete package.

What's Different
There are three timelines in the story: the parents' murder when the girls were 10 years old; Savannah at 18 when she begins seeing Zach; and, Savannah at 28 when she returns home.

Bottom Line
This is a strong start to what promises to be a really good series. The romance was utterly satisfying, the suspense creepy enough, the mystery puzzling and the Southern setting appropriate to the story. We already know enough about the other two Wilde sisters, Samantha and Sabrina, to anticipate their stories and there are a couple of other characters whose stories would reel me in. I really liked this book. It's 4.5 halos!

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)

 

 

About the author  

 

Ella Grace is the pseudonym used by Christy Reece, author of the Last Chance Rescue series. She grew up in the South and is currently living in Alabama, her home.

Review: Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb

Calculated in Death 

By J. D. Robb 

Book #45 in the In Death series 

On Manhattan's Upper East Side a woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better.

A well-off accountant and a beloved wife and mother, Marta Dickenson doesn’t seem the type to be on anyone's hit list. But when Eve and her partner, Peabody, find blood inside the building, the lieutenant knows Marta's murder was the work of a killer who's trained, but not professional or smart enough to remove all the evidence.

But when someone steals the files out of Marta's office, Eve must immerse herself in her billionaire husband Roarke's world of big business to figure out who's cruel and callous enough to hire a hit on an innocent woman. And as the killer's violent streak begins to escalate, Eve knows she has to draw him out, even if it means using herself as bait. . . .

Fans of this series will be really happy with this latest installment in the series. It has all the elements that we've come to expect and love about Lt. Eve Dallas and those in her futuristic world. There's the ongoing romance with her mega rich and gorgeous husband, the witty and hilarious rapport with her steady but delightful partner, Peabody, and a case with a slate of suspects that's awfully fun to watch Dallas unravel. Many of the other characters we enjoy are part of the story in meaningful ways and this one ranks in my top ten in the series.

If you have any interest in starting this series, it's best served up in order. One of the most compelling aspects of the stories is the incredible character development. Each book represents about one month of elapsed time in the series so don't let the number of books to date stop you. I got so hooked (when there were about 35 books) I read them straight through in about three months. Warning...they are that addictive

It's hard to niche these books into one genre. I read them for the mystery/suspense. Many consider them romantic suspense and some even Sci-Fi (that's a weaker argument). Whatever the genre, the stories are great, the characters well drawn and developed, the romance steamy and Eve Dallas a force to be reckoned with. You can't lose and this book is classic In Death.

2013 Top Read Review: Sticks & Stones by Abigail Roux

Sticks & Stones 

by Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban

(Cut & Run #2) 

Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty.

When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership.

Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream.

They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all.

At a glance: Stick & Stones is an intense read with action, mystery and an emotional and hot budding romance.

The Characters: Ty and Zane are two FBI agents that are so messed up and share a dysfunctional partnership and are in love but neither can see it. Ty is ex-military smart ass. Zane is an uptight by the book agent.

The Plot: Ty and Zane are finding it after to cope with the events in Cut and Run and have been on desk duty until they can get their heads on straight. Both are ready to head back into the field but after not passing their mental evals they are forced to take a vacation. But this is no relaxing vacation on a beach. It's chalked full of life and death events on a mountain.

Lasting Impression: I love this series. Ty and Zane make my heart break for them in their hard times and make me laugh my ass off during the funny/snarky times. Many are thinking that M/M is not for them but you should try this series. It's not so much about a gay couple but about two people that work together and grow to love each other. They just happen to be men.

“You’re okay,” Zane said quietly but clearly. “Just focus on me for a few minutes. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?” While talking, he was gently wiping away the blood. Ty blinked at him, opening his mouth as he thought the very first thing that came to mind when Zane prompted him. I love you. He snapped his mouth closed and stared at Zane, unable and unwilling to answer”

Review: Killing Time by Cindy Gerard

Killing Time 

By Cindy Gerard 

Book #1 in the One-Eyed Jacks series 

Romantic Suspense 

For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different—until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan.

CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team—which included her husband—in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?

REVIEW:

Mike Brown participated in a mission gone wrong in Afghanistan eight years ago. On the eighth anniversary of Operation Slam Dunk, he was spending it as he usually did, getting drunk. While at a bar in South America, he was enticed by a beautiful woman and ended up getting drugged by her, taken to a hole in the wall and then grilled for details about the mission. His captor is CIA attorney Eva Salinas who is trying to get more details about the mission that killed her husband. While she doesn’t trust Mike, he’s the only one that can help her now that her inquiry has set off a chain of events that has her life at risk.

This story started off with a bang and continued throughout. It doesn’t take very long for Eva to figure out that Mike’s been made a scapegoat, especially when an attempt is made on both of their lives. Mike flew helos for covert operations so between the two of them, they have some skills. Additionally, Mike has worked for Black Ops, Inc., a private covert operations company and he enlists their assistance as they struggle to figure out what really happened during Operation Slam Dunk , evade hired assassins and uncover who within the government is part of the conspiracy.

The action is exciting, the romance works and the characters are interesting. Part of the fun was also trying to figure out who was behind the plot and while the clues are there, it wasn’t all that apparent, at least the underlying reasons. I really liked Eva as a heroine as she could hold her own with all of the testosterone surrounding her, without appearing to try too hard. Mike tended to be a bit overprotective but Eva knew how to handle him. Mike is a good guy with his heart in the right place and very loyal to his friends and military team.

This is my first book by Cindy Gerard and I’m looking forward to the next books in this series. I like her writing style and blending of action and romance. Her characters are well developed and layered. And, since some of the characters from her Black Ops series appeared in this story, I’m off to begin reading that and her Bodyguard series. This promises to be a great series.

2013 Top Review: Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux

Cut & Run 

by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux 

(Cut & Run #1)

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic clich: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.

First I have to give a shout out to Jen over at Red Hot Books for bullying me into reading Cut & Run. THANK YOU!!!

I went into reading Cut & Run with the attitude, sweet hot M/M sex and nothing else in mind..... This is not a fluff book with hot sweaty men going at it. Well there is hot sex but that's not the main focus. Cut & Run has a real back bone.

The M/M romance aspect of the book was really just the cherry on top of a great read. I was so caught up in the serial killer case and what was going to happen next. I really had to use my brain to work the case with Ty and Zane. And I love watching cop shows I enjoyed taking the clues that was given to use a little a time and watching the case unfold.

Ok so the plot was entertaining now lets talk about the romance part of the book. Ty is an ex-Marine working undercover cases and profiling for the FBI. He is all alpha and a real smart ass when the story starts. Zane is the clean cut company's man and works at a desk at the FBI. They are sexy version of the Odd Couple.

There is so many times that you think the two is going to kill each other and there is no way they are going to be able to work together much less have a romance. But some of their moodiness is the sexual tense. They are both attracted to each other but don't act on it thinking there is no way the other feels the same. Then all it takes as on well place touch and the fire ignites. When Ty and Zane aren't beating the crap out of each other or calling each other asshole they are all over each other.

It was beautiful to watch the romance unfold. Yeah the sex was hot but the actual romance was heart breaking. By the time we get to the end of the story they have changed places and Ty is the clean cut company man and Zane is the pissy acting undercover agent. See both men wear a mask and in between their moody swings we get a look into what kind of man each of them might be.

I just LOVED EVERYTHING about this book, the action, mystery and romance. If you've never read a M/M I highly recommend making this your first one to try.

Series Reading Order:
Cut & Run (Cut & Run #1)
Sticks & Stones (Cut & Run, #2)
Fish & Chips (Cut & Run, #3)
Divide & Conquer (Cut & Run, #4)
Armed  Dangerous (Cut & Run, #5)
Dine & Dash (Cut & Run, 5.5)
Stars & Stripes (Cut & Run, #6)  
Touch & Geaux (Cut & Run #7)