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15 new-to-me authors.
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Showing posts with label military/suspense romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military/suspense romance. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Review: Dangerous Proposition by Jessica Lauryn
Dangerous Proposition
Author: Jessica Lauryn
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Pinnacles of Power #3
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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When Julia Dyson learns her father has been abducted, she believes his hidden profession may be to blame. But when she discovers a man’s name in her dad's caller history, a man suspected of shady business activity and also her teenage crush, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She confronts her father's presumed abductor, resulting in an unforgettable kiss.
In the course of one disastrous evening, diamond smuggling kingpin Colin Westwood learns that his best recruit is missing in action, and that the man has been keeping a secret for years—he has a twenty-six-year-old daughter. Determined to protect his identity, Colin vows to find the young woman, and keep her silent at any cost. Later intrigued to learn that she is actually the attractive woman he kissed, he makes Julia an offer. Come to New York City with him to search for her missing father…as his mistress.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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This is my third foray into the Pinnacles of Power series by Ms. Jessica Lauryn. I really loved the first two titles, and it’s logical that I liked Dangerous Proposition as well. I definitely enjoyed the entire journey we traveled with Colin and Julia!
Seriously. I’ll take a Dangerous Proposition from a hottie like Colin Westwood anytime! Doctor AND diamond smuggler? Mmmhm. Really, though. I was totally willing to take the leap of faith and believe that the Chief of Medicine or some other high-ranking doctor in a hospital setting was able to take enough time away from work to run a mafia-type operation. Julia Dyson, elementary school teacher, was totally right about him. She should have listened to herself sooner. Heat index: 3.5 out of 5.
While this title is the third in a series, I felt it could be read as a stand-alone, as there’s some pretty good reflection on prior events. Because the plot builds, I can’t really divulge too much info (isn’t that the way it always is with suspense?!?). Here’s the nitty-gritty though:
Julia Dyson is your typical run-of-the-mill elementary school teacher on summer vacation. Her dad is missing, and she decides to play Sherlock Holmes over the summer. Julia had periods where she annoyed me. A. Lot. She was second-guessing herself, her feelings, her emotions throughout the story. I understand that characters need to have flaws, but they usually resolve. I didn’t feel that this flaw resolved. As one of those strong, kick-ass women making it in society, I really get annoyed when women that have the potential to be fabulous role models end up a bowl of Jell-o over a dude. Seriously! Even though Julia kicked tush and took names later, she was in her own little world, trying to find a style that is easily mimicked when she should have been proud of who she was.
Dr. Colin Westwood, however, was one of the most beautifully written characters that I’ve seen in a while. The way he changed and evolved through the story was phenomenal. I was a bit dismayed at the way a few items played out, but no book is perfect, and not everyone can see things the way I see them! There are soooo many awesome things that happen to Colin that I can’t discuss! He is, however, the epitome of the brooding hero throughout the story.
I’m not quite sure why I wasn’t as into Dangerous Proposition as much as I was the previous titles in Jessica Lauryn’s Pinnacles of Power series. Great plot, execution. A few things that rubbed me the wrong way, but over-all worth the read if you follow the series. I’m always looking forward to Ms. Lauryn’s latest offering.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Against the Dark by Carolyn Crane
Against the Dark
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: April 17, 2013
Publisher: self-published
The Associates #1
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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SHE’S AN EX-SAFECRACKER FORCED INTO ONE LAST HEIST
Angel Ramirez left the safecracking game five years ago, and she’s worked hard to make amends and build an honest life. But when a beloved aunt is kidnapped, she must reunite with her girl gang to acquire the unique ransom: Walter Borgola’s prized diamonds. It’s a simple job that turns into a nightmare, thanks to a surprisingly clever—and searingly sexy—security guard named Cole Hawkins.
HE’S AN UNDERCOVER AGENT WITH BIG PLANS FOR HIS GORGEOUS THIEF
Cole is one of the Association’s most brilliant agents, under deep cover investigating a ruthless killer. He’s also running out of time: hundreds will die if he doesn’t stop the plan Borgola’s set into motion. Catching Angel is the break he needed--he promises not to turn her in if she poses as his lover and uses her unique talents to unlock the sociopath’s dungeon vaults.
But as pretend passions turn real, Cole regrets drawing Angel into his deadly game…and danger is closer than either of them could ever imagine.
What I’m talking about:
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Angel Ramirez lead life of crime from the time she was a young woman. However, the life of a thief didn’t sit right with her, so she went on the straight and narrow path as an interior designer five years ago. That is until her old gang and friends pull her out of retirement to steal gems from a nasty bad guy to save one of her friend's aunt. Posing as a prostitute to work at Borgola’s party, Angel is immediately drawn to security guard, Cole.
Cole Hawkins is a secrets man... He can crack any puzzle. He’s a super genius and great with logistics - but he’s also a dangerous killer. Posing as an inside security man, Cole is desperately trying to stop Borgola, who has kidnapped and is smuggling in a group of foreign teens to make sex films and then kill them on camera. Cole works for The Association--an undercover anti-crime unit without ties to any government. They pose as help-for-hire bad guys so that they can infiltrate and do good.
Right from the get go, Against the Dark is exciting and sexy. Angel and her friends risk everything to steal some gems from Borgola. The atmosphere is intense, but fun for the three women who are longtime friends. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Angel’s excitement of being back with her friends and the thrill of the heist side-by-side with the magnitude of the moment and danger if they are caught. They are attempting something near impossible, but their confidence ensures that they will not get caught... hopefully. The jewel heist was fun, and the idea that Angel may have left DNA on the scene is thrilling... Leaving just enough doubt in the reader’s mind that something could happen, and they could track her down. But it was the women’s camaraderie and Angel’s sense of loss at being away from her gang that made the entire scene all the more outstanding.
Of course Cole puts two and two together and finds Angel. She has a skill set that he needs in order to save those children headed to Borgola - she can crack safes that are impossible to crack. Assuming she’s just a lowly thief, he blackmails her into helping him return to the scene of the crime, posing as his girlfriend, so that she can help him bring down Borgola. I really enjoyed the banter between Cole and Angel as they set their stories of how they first met. It was like they were already are that "cute couple." And Cole... wow! Let’s just say he gets into the details of their first time, and it isn’t just Angel that is left turned on by his words *fans self*.
Both Angel and Cole have histories. She lead a life of crime, but came from a good home. He had absentee parents that died from a drug overdose when he was a teen, and then he was recruited by the Association. They portray their characters of a jewel thief and a brutal security man so well, neither can see past the exterior into who the other person truly is inside. Yet, they fall for each other immediately. It’s almost comical how Cole has to constantly remind himself “she’s just a common thief” to prevent himself from falling too deep. It tugged at my heartstrings because I knew the truth of who each was inside. Cole and Angel needed the chance to be honest about who they are, and they needed to fall for the real person inside and not the perceived stereotype.
With that, Angel and Cole make a great team, as Cole points out when they are forced by situation to work together. Each brings their own personality and experiences to the table, and together their individual histories blend together like pieces in a puzzle. Their physical attraction is undeniable and extremely steamy as well. What I adore about the pair is that they are also attracted on a mental level, which is equality as sexy. They just click and it works.
The storyline intensifies and Cole must decide if Angel is still an acceptable loss in order to save the children. With as much emotion as there is action, Against the Dark is a thrill to read. There are twists and turns, some of which I didn’t expect. The story kept me on my toes.
Against the Dark is an exciting first story in what promises to be a wonderful new series from Ms. Crane. The story is filled intense, nail-biting action that isn't over-the-top crazy. The characters aren't perfect, which makes them all the more likable. Angel and Cole make a great pair, with their romance sweet as often as it is steamy. Overall, Against the Dark is an entertaining romantic suspense that I suggest you pick up for some enjoyable summer reading.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Monday, May 27, 2013
Review: Deadly Desires by Shiloh Walker & Sydney Croft
Deadly Desires
Author: Shiloh Walker & Sydney Croft
Release Date: May 12, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance, Paranormal Romance, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Note: These titles were previously released in the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance. They have been expanded and revised for the digital release.
Don't Walk Away by Shiloh Walker
Ten years ago, former Army Ranger Ethan Raintree made one hell of choice…keep on lying, or tell the woman he loved the truth. He decided to tell the truth, and she threw him out of her life. He never stopped loving her, not stopped wanting her. Celeste Harper finally had everything she wanted—or so she thought. She’d escaped her past. She’d escaped her demons. But she couldn’t escape herself…or the man she’d left behind all those years ago. Looking into his eyes ten years later, she realizes it’s her turn to make a choice—let go of that pain and take him back. Or walk away…and face a future without him.
Code Word: Storm by Sydney Croft
The extremely secret Agency for Covert Rare Operatives (ACRO) is the only thing that stands between the human race and complete chaos. Now, two agents with special abilities, Annika Svenson and Creed McCabe, are sent to stop a man who has harnessed the power of the supernatural world. But Creed and Annika have a history that puts them at odds -- and in closer, hotter contact than they'd like. In this ACRO story, which falls in the series timeline between Riding the Storm and Unleashing the Storm, Annika and Creed grow closer, despite their resistance. And with their lives are on the line, they find they must not only work together, but be together, or risk a terrifying fate that could consume them both...
What I’m talking about:
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It’s so much fun when favorite authors get together in an anthology! This is the case for me with Deadly Desires. The title contains two short stories, both with a bit of excitement and a lot of steaminess.
Don't Walk Away by Shiloh Walker features Ethan and Celeste. The pair share a passionate history that was torn apart ten years ago when Ethan exposed Celeste’s father as a drug lord. Although she tossed him out of her life, he continued to stay in the shadows and never stopped loving her. When the pair finally reunite, everything, including years of pent up passion, explodes.
This is a wonderful short story, rich and full despite its length. The entire tale focuses solely on our two primary characters, zeroing in on one pivotal event in the lives of Celeste and Ethan. Ms. Walker packs the space full with intensity and fervor. Although the reader knows little about the characters, there is enough written to cause me care for the couple and cheer for their union. Overall, this is a really good read.
My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Code Word: Storm by Sydney Croft is the second story in this exciting anthology. The tale takes place in the ACRO universe and centers around Creed and Annika, two of the primary characters from the series. When the story opens, the couple already have a short history, one which Annika is trying hard to forget. The pair must work together to defeat paranormal targets in order to stop a madman behind some horrendous crimes. The situation is tense, causing heighten emotions.
This story takes place mid-series, so for those that have read the series, it's a nice part of their backstory. However, it can be read as a stand alone novella as well. Creed and Annika are two of my favorite ACRO agents, and I adore them together! Code Word: Storm is simultaneously exciting and sweet, sexy and sultry. The story is a fun PNR/supernatural adventure.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Overall Deadly Desires is an entertaining, exciting anthology written by two wonderful authors.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
ACRO:
Monday, May 13, 2013
Review: Operation: Endurance by Christi Snow
Operation: Endurance
Author: Christi Snow
Release Date: April 28, 2013
Publisher: self-published
When the Mission Ends #3
ISBN: #978-1484042779
Genre: Military/suspense Romance
Format(s): Paperback (330 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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They had a single night of passion before he deployed on a risky mission.
18 hours on a mission gone very wrong was all it took to shatter all their hopes and dreams.
The hero:
He survived 6 months of captivity and torture, kept alive by dreams of her.
The heroine:
She thought he was dead and moved on only to have her world fall apart once again.
Two people who have been hurt more than any two people should ever have to suffer. Can they find redemption and healing with each other or will another threat shatter what’s left of them?
A tortured hero.
A grieving heroine.
A serial rapist who won’t give up.
What B is talking about:
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Having recently lost her fiancé in a shooting, Julie Hyatt isn’t exactly coping well. She feels guilty and lonely, and wants nothing more than to bury herself in work and wedding plans for her best friend. But, when her new neighbor, the same man she fell hard for before he was deployed overseas, moves in, she’s faced with the truth of her feelings for him, even though wanting him as badly as she does seems so wrong.
After surviving six months of torture when his plane crashed during a mission, Chris Robertson returned home to find that the woman he’d been living for believed him dead and had moved on with another man. Now that he’s getting better, fate has given him another chance to win her heart, if only she weren’t still hurting from the loss of her fiancé. But, when he and Julie become the target of a madman, Chris refuses to be anywhere other than by her side, and settling for friendship will be more difficult than either of them thought possible.
One thing I’ve learned about the When the Mission Ends series is that the central group of friends in the stories definitely falls within the “cursed” category. Plane crashes, vengeful mafia reprisals, stalkers, and so on plague these characters in every book. So much strife could easily overshadow both the relationships and suspenseful aspects of the story, but Ms. Snow gives her characters extraordinary fortitude and a believable and incredibly strong bond with one another that allows them to persevere through all the difficulties that come their way. These friendships are some of my favorite parts of Operation: Endurance, in particular, often being the primary source of levity in an otherwise sinister and unsettling tale.
Operation: Endurance is certainly the darkest of these stories I’ve read yet, and may not be for everyone based on that alone. Julie is being stalked by a serial rapist whose crimes are narrated from his perspective, and so, are very detailed and graphic. No mere puppet, this rapist thoroughly believes in what he’s doing. He sees himself, not as a victim, and therefore incapable of controlling his actions, but as a savior with a purpose and a death wish of his own.
While the crimes committed in Operation: Endurance are disturbing, there are plenty of highly suspenseful moments that push the story along at a brisk pace and kept me worrying a great deal for the main characters. Although I had my suspicions about the villain’s identity fairly early in the narrative, Ms. Snow introduced enough well rounded secondary characters that I second-guessed myself several times throughout the story. I was pulled back into the story again and again this way, and it served the additional purpose of giving these characters more layers to their personalities and making them seem more vibrant as a result.
Perhaps the strongest part of the story is the romance between Julie and Chris. They have both been through so much, and considering all the characters have been put through the wringer in some way or other, that’s saying quite a lot. Despite all the attempts they both make to shield themselves from the pain that would surely be caused by admitting their true feelings, they simply can’t resist one another. It is their shared, secret past, combined with the inevitable scars that are the mark of true survivors that makes them absolutely perfect for one another. Ms. Snow is very gifted when it comes to erotic tension, and when Julie and Chris finally give in to their mutual desire, she absolutely delivers.
When the Mission Ends is a great series, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these characters. While the graphic nature of the rape scenes was a bit too strong for my tastes, I appreciate that they were necessary in order to create a monster like the one in this story. Julie and Chris are one of my favorite pairings so far, and I enjoyed seeing them make their way back into each others’ hearts tremendously. Operation: Endurance is an important addition to the series, and I was more relieved than I thought I’d be to see hints about the next novel. I’m not sure what else might be in store for this resilient and devoted group of friends, but I’m excited to find out.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, April 8, 2013
Review: Touch & Geaux by Abigail Roux
Touch & Geaux
Author: Abigail Roux
Release Date: April 8, 2013
Publisher: Riptide Publishing, LLC
Cut & Run Book 7
ISBN: #978-1937551872
Genre: Romantic Suspense, GLBT, m/m romance
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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After having their faces plastered across the news during a high-profile case, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have become more useful to the Bureau posing for photo ops than working undercover. Just as Zane is beginning to consider retirement a viable option, Ty receives a distress call from a friend, leading them to a city rife with echoes from the past.
New Orleans wears its history on its streets, and it’s the one place Ty’s face could get him killed. Surrounded by trouble as soon as they land, Ty and Zane are swiftly confronted with a past from which Ty can’t hide—one with a surprising connection to Zane’s.
As threats close in from all directions, both men must come to terms with the lives they’ve led and the lies they’ve told. They soon discover that not all their secrets are out yet, and nothing lasts forever.
What B is talking about:
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It takes a very special series to engender true loyalty, never mind complete dedication, among its readers, but the Cut & Run series by Abigail Roux has done just that. Following the lives and relationship of FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett, two characters that become more endearing, frustrating, and challenging with every novel, it is a series that consistently hits nearly every note just right. With the newest addition to the series, Touch & Geaux, this is more undeniably true than ever before.
In many ways that the previous novels only hinted at, Touch & Geaux is a kind of reckoning for Ty and Zane and presents them with what is certainly the most difficult test they have faced together thus far. Ty’s past, in particular, and the repercussions of his actions, makes the journey they set out on an especially brutal one. While we’ve had glimpses into Zane’s history, and how it’s shaped the man he’s become, Ty’s adult life has largely been a mystery until now. The entire story is a lesson in truth as well as faith, and serves as a reminder that anyone who’s set on too high a pedestal is bound to fall sometime. Even those we love the most.
One thing that makes Touch & Geaux such an important step in the series is that a sort of balance of errors is achieved between Ty and Zane. Whereas before, Zane’s mistakes heavily influenced the evolution of their relationship, this time it’s Ty’s past that threatens to destroy everything they’ve fought for. With a terrible truth he’d never allowed himself to consider suddenly staring him in the face, Zane’s faith in the one person he’s ever given himself to completely is shattered, leaving him scrambling for equal footing on unfamiliar ground. Confronted with his own heartbreak and the unmovable force of Ty’s convictions, Zane falls back into old habits, eventually wanting nothing so much as for Ty to hurt as much as he does.
Although the romantic moments between Ty and Zane are some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, they are primarily a reward for the torture Ms. Roux gleefully casts on her characters and readers alike. As with the other stories in the series, Touch & Geaux is a race against time, forcing both men to use every bit of their knowledge, skill, and determination to survive. While every time Ty and Zane find themselves in danger is a nail-biting experience, Touch & Geaux takes that fear and desperation to an entirely new level, pushing them well past any reasonable breaking point.
Now about those romantic moments…
Aside from being some of the hottest, sexiest, most amazing scenes I’ve ever read, these moments show just how incredible Ty and Zane are together. What began with awkward expressions of attraction mixed with full on, want-it-right-this-instant sex has evolved into a physical need for one another that has more to do with their hearts than it does anything sexual. In Touch & Geaux, their encounters take a painful, dark turn that left me speechless, but makes it clear that vengeance and sex should never be engaged in simultaneously. Fortunately, from there the journey back to each other begins again, albeit with shaky steps and more loss, and is colored by a hard-won sweetness and devotion that made my heart absolutely ache for them both.
Ms. Roux has a real talent for bringing her characters to life, and writes the disillusioned hero to perfection, never shying away from their flaws and shortcomings, but rather showing that even heroes build lives they can’t always be proud of. Dashing in and saving the day is a fine and romantic notion, but it doesn’t address the fact that sometimes those same heroes are the only ones who remember that they’re human, and being deserving of the trust that’s placed in them is a burden in and of itself. While their actions may lead to more than a few restless nights, occasionally the ends do justify the means, and the cold, hard truth is that that’s as good as they’re ever going to get.
The Cut & Run series is one of the best I’ve ever read, in any genre, and Touch & Geaux is my favorite yet. Ms. Roux has crafted a story that pulled me in from the first page, and refused to let go until long after I’d finished reading, making the real world feel a little less true for a time while the story continued to play itself out in my imagination. Ty and Zane are among those rare characters that stay with me long after the cover has been closed, their missteps, cleverness, humor, and passion giving them life beyond the page. With only two more books planned for the series, I am both nervous and excited to know what else Ms. Roux could possibly have in store for Ty and Zane, given how far they’ve already come. Regardless, I’ll gladly see the series through to the end. It’s been one hell of a ride so far.
B’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Review & Giveaway: Surrender by Stephanie Tyler
Surrender
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Section 8 Book #1
ISBN: #978-0451413499
Genre: Military Suspense Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED.
For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.
Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.
What I’m talking about:
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Twenty years ago, there was a secret CIA black ops team called Section 8. When one of their own was killed in action, the team was dissolved. Yet they kept in touch, kept doing the dangerous missions. Somewhere, somehow one of those missions put them on the wrong side of a dangerous man, and now all of the remaining members of Section 8 and their families are being hunted and eliminated.
Dare is son of the original Section 8 leader, Darius. He has lived his life on the edge, trying to stay alive. He knew his life was over when he was set up, tortured and left for dead in the jungle until a Ranger saved him.
Avery is Dare’s half sister... Also daughter of Darius, although she never met him or Dare. She is wanted for murdering two men who appear to be related to Section 8. Because of this, Dare is called in to protect his sister and save them from the continue threat to anyone that knows about Section 8.
After the first couple of chapters in Surrender, you may feel the need to take a breath and slow down your heart. That is how fast things move in the this novel. Within the next few chapters we meet the rest of the key players: Jem, a super crazy CIA black ops master; his brother Key, who busted Jem out of the mental institute and is the Ranger who rescued Dare from the jungle; Gunner, a secretive tattoo artist that seems to be someone who can make things happen; and Grace, the daughter of the original Section 8 handler.
Although there is a lot of information to take in, the first part of the story flows well and the tension remains high. I enjoyed meeting all of the players and learning how they were interconnected. It was also fun to speculate who would do what next. Right from the start, I liked every one of the characters.
There are many shifting POVs in Surrender, but the HEA hero and heroine are Dare and Grace. The pair start on opposite sides but both quickly realize they are better off working together. They both have suffered a lot of horrors in their past, yet neither are so broken that they cannot move on and recognize the good in the other. I enjoyed that Grace and Dare came together sooner than later and put everything on the table, including past hurt. For the most part they were emotionally honest and upfront which made their relationship comfortable and sexy.
Although I did enjoy the many POVs, including that from the antagonist midway through the book, the shifting views sometimes created the feeling of choppiness within the flow of the story. Ultimately, I think this impacted my ability to emotionally connect with some of the characters. Additionally, I felt like I missed critical interactions sometimes - either that or they were missing from the story all together. It seemed like suddenly when I was reading I started missing connections and getting lost. Things would happen and I'd question how I arrived at that point - like I missed a preceding scene or two. I wasn’t sure if I missed scenes, and it was hard for me to go back and determine because of the shifting POVs.
The entire book was intense and I enjoyed the action and direction of the story. Ms. Tyler's use of shifting POV can be tough sometimes, but it makes for an exciting and interesting ride - always in the mind of someone new. It helps paint a broader, more in-depth picture.
With that said, I seemed to get lost and my interest waned during the second half of the story. The first two-thirds had me captivated - learning all of the players and how they are all connected. It was a lot of information, but told to the reader in an exciting and enjoyable way.
I did enjoy Grace and Dare - It would have been nice to spend some more time focusing on the pair. They both survived horrible ordeals in their past yet, are fairly well-adjusted and stable (within the boundaries of this world). You just have to accept that they are emotionally and mentally able to be in a healthy relationship in spite of their pasts. I like that they are mostly upfront and don't spend a lot of time hiding behind false pretenses.
The team on whole is full of great characters. Although they like to categorize themselves into stereotypical roles, they really don't fit any molds. And as "crazy" as they all claim to be, they fit well together.
Surrender is certainly the set up novel for more adventures to come. Ms. Tyler packed a lot of information into the book and created a backstory for the characters so they can move forward. Knowing how much I love Ms. Tyler's Shadow Ops series, I am certain that Section 8 is heading for some exciting adventures that I look forward to reading.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
GIVEAWAY: for a chance to win an eBook of Surrender, leave a comment for Stephanie at the end of her interview HERE. NOTE: you will NOT be entered to win by leaving a comment on this post!
Reviews in the Series:
Lonely is the Night (Shadow Force #5, Section 8 prequel)
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Review: Lonely is the Night by Stephanie Tyler
Lonely is the Night
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Shadow Force #5
Section 8 prequel
Genre: Military Suspense Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Recently retired Delta Force Operator Reid Cormier utilizes his special skills by working black ops jobs all around the world with his former teammates and their wives. Reid’s career keeps him busy, but he can’t get his last job—or the woman involved—out of his head.
US Marshall Grier Vanderhall faked her own death without telling Reid of the plan first, and he couldn’t forgive her duplicity. But when Reid learns that Grier has been kidnapped by a dangerous ring of criminals, he drops everything and heads to New Orleans to rescue her. And while Reid knows that his skills make him the best option to get Grier back, he’s not sure if this mission will give them another chance—or get them both killed.
What I’m talking about:
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US Marshal Grier Vanderhall bucked her socialite upbringing to bury herself in law enforcement. She sees things in black and white, which is why it never would have worked out with black ops soldier, Reid Cormier. His way of life--living outside the law--was too much for Grier, and the pair went their separate ways after Grier faked her death in Night Moves (Book 4 of Shadow Force).
Now Grier is ready for what should be an easy job - protecting Benji who is set to testify in a highly-watched case stemming from the world of underground fight clubs. However, it appears that Benji isn't ready to part ways with his former life. When Grier goes missing, her partner Jack calls in Reid for help.
Oh how I have missed the men and women of the Shadow Force. While Night Moves was a wonderful wrap up for many aspects of the series, poor Reid and Grier parted on terrible terms. It is wonderful for long-time fans of the series to finally see these two have their HEA. However, you do not need to have read the earlier books to enjoy Lonely is the Night. The story is independent from the other books in the series and can be read solo.
Ms. Tyler is a master at putting her characters in impossible situations, ones that make you want to give up and walk away, and just when you think it can't get worse, she unveils her plan for a happy ending. Lonely is the Night is another suspenseful nail-bitter, breaking the characters down to their lowest before allowing them to rise above the fray.
The novella is chocked full of little nuggets and guest appearances from the first four books in the series, making it a fun walk down memory lane. There are also a few new characters that had me wondering which would appear in Ms. Tyler’s new series, Section 8 (stop back tomorrow for my interview with Steph and a giveaway of Surrender, the first Section 8 book).
There were points in the novella I felt a little confused or that the action was rushed, but since this is a shorter-length story, it is to be expected. I was a little disappointed at the almost gloss-over of the final trial and ending, which effectively killed the building suspense for the moment. However, it is a satisfying ending and on the whole, an entertaining story.
Overall, I delighted in finally getting to see Reid and Grier together and the men of the Shadow Force all content. It was a good conclusion to the series, although I do wish it'd been full length. I'm guessing the next series will follow Grier's former partner, Jack and possibly Reid's friend, Keegan. (Note, this was my guess prior to reading Surrender. The neither of these characters appeared in the first Section 8 book, but I’m hoping we’ll see them again.) If you are new to Ms. Tyler’s work, this is a great taste of her writing; however she is even better at full length.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - recommend (A-)
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