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New York : Ballantine Books, (©2014), hardcover, x, 558 pages ; 25 cm
Description
Fiction. Romance. HTML: Suzanne Brockmann's seamless blend of heroic military action and intense passion inspired USA Today to call her "a superstar of romantic suspense"�and for years her award-winning Troubleshooters books have been must-reads for fans of sizzling stories of action and adventure. Now the New York Times bestselling author shoots to thrill again with Do or Die, an electrifying new novel that is certain to win Brockmann new readers and delight devotees. Navy SEAL Ian Dunn went rogue in a big way when he turned his talents to a lawless life of jewel heists and con jobs�or so the world has been led to believe. In reality, the former Special Ops warrior is still fighting for good, leading a small band of freelance covert operatives who take care of high-stakes business in highly unofficial ways. That makes Ian the hands-down choice when the US government must breach a heavily guarded embassy and rescue a pair of children kidnapped by their own father, a sinister foreign national willing to turn his kids into casualties. Shockingly, Ian passes on the mission for reasons he will not�or cannot�reveal. But saying no is not an option�especially not for Phoebe Kruger, Ian's beautiful and unexpectedly brash new attorney. Determined to see the abducted children set free, Phoebe not only gets Ian on board but insists on riding shotgun on his Mission: Impossible�style operation, whether he likes it or not. Though Phoebe has a valuable knack for getting out of tight spots, there's no denying the intensely intimate feelings growing between Ian and Phoebe as the team gears up for combat. But these are feelings they both must fight to control as they face an array of cold-blooded adversaries, including a vindictive mob boss who's got Ian at the top of his hit list and a wealthy psychopath who loves murder as much as he loves money. As they dodge death squads and play lethal games of deception, Ian and Phoebe will do whatever it takes to save the innocent and vanquish the guilty�or die trying..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member B.J.O.
4 "Judge Me For My Total Actions" Stars.
Having heard how amazing Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series is, and being a huge fan of romantic suspense, I just knew I had to read her Reluctant Heroes debut novel, Do or Die. After doing so, I can now truly say that Ms. Brockmann knows how to
Ian Dunn had to grow-up fast. He was practically a kid himself when he became the de facto caretaker for his younger brother, Aaron. Being a man who takes responsibility seriously, he has been watching out for his brother (who is now an adult) ever since, even at the risk of his own happiness.
Using the talents that he developed as a Navy SEAL, Ian established a group of covert freelance operatives. During his tenure as the head of this group, Ian became known to the outside world as a master jewel thief and one of the best high stakes con-artists around. That was until he landed in jail.
Therefore it's no surprise that when the U.S. government needs an expert to break and enter into a foreign embassy to rescue a pair of kidnapped children, that they look to Ian so that they can have plausible deniability if the mission fails. They offer him forgiveness of his sentence in exchange for his successful completion of the mission.
That day Ian's usual lawyer is unavailable, and a new attorney to the firm, Phoebe Kruger is assigned to negotiate the deal for him. To Phoebe's vast surprise, Ian is less than happy to be sprung out of jail. What secrets could possibly cause that reaction?
One thing leads to another, and soon Phoebe becomes as inextricably tied to the actual mission as Ian. Along the way the sexual tension can not be denied, spurred on by the unusual candidness of both parties and mutual respect for each others' talents. Soon everyone is questioning the exact nature of Phoebe's and Ian's relationship. It seems like the whole gang is more attuned to their true feelings than they are. But no matter the sparks, could a relationship born out of danger possibly survive the cold reality of normal life?
There are a couple of secondary relationships which are flushed out throughout the story, including Aaron's and his sister-in-law's prior and present love affairs, as well as, some definite teasers for potential relationships involving other characters which will likely become the subject of future books. I particularly enjoyed Aaron's story, of which type is definitely a first for me. I wish I could elaborate further, but alas almost anything I say along these lines would potentially spoil one of the best "aha" moments in this book.
This was an enjoyable read on so many levels. From the intricate suspense and action filled scenes to the attention to human nature in the development of love and familial relationships, Do or Die is sure to keep you enraptured in its well crafted messages. Perhaps my favorite one of all is that you should always maintain your faith in the people you love. Don't let one dissonant statement or action that clashes with everything else you know about that person cause you to throw it all away. This is a difficult concept to adhere to when it actually happens to you, but yet so wise in the big picture of life.
Source: Review copy provided by Random House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having heard how amazing Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series is, and being a huge fan of romantic suspense, I just knew I had to read her Reluctant Heroes debut novel, Do or Die. After doing so, I can now truly say that Ms. Brockmann knows how to
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deliver a juicy blend of sexy, alpha heroes along with an action-packed, suspense-filled plot. She's also a pro at mixing several story-lines, involving a number of relationships taking place both in the past and present, to provide her readers with the experience of feeling like they are actually reading a number of books at one time. This does, however, result in a rather lengthy novel, as there are so many facts to lay out to pull it all together. So be prepared to devote some serious time to this "more bang for your buck" romance.Ian Dunn had to grow-up fast. He was practically a kid himself when he became the de facto caretaker for his younger brother, Aaron. Being a man who takes responsibility seriously, he has been watching out for his brother (who is now an adult) ever since, even at the risk of his own happiness.
Using the talents that he developed as a Navy SEAL, Ian established a group of covert freelance operatives. During his tenure as the head of this group, Ian became known to the outside world as a master jewel thief and one of the best high stakes con-artists around. That was until he landed in jail.
Therefore it's no surprise that when the U.S. government needs an expert to break and enter into a foreign embassy to rescue a pair of kidnapped children, that they look to Ian so that they can have plausible deniability if the mission fails. They offer him forgiveness of his sentence in exchange for his successful completion of the mission.
That day Ian's usual lawyer is unavailable, and a new attorney to the firm, Phoebe Kruger is assigned to negotiate the deal for him. To Phoebe's vast surprise, Ian is less than happy to be sprung out of jail. What secrets could possibly cause that reaction?
One thing leads to another, and soon Phoebe becomes as inextricably tied to the actual mission as Ian. Along the way the sexual tension can not be denied, spurred on by the unusual candidness of both parties and mutual respect for each others' talents. Soon everyone is questioning the exact nature of Phoebe's and Ian's relationship. It seems like the whole gang is more attuned to their true feelings than they are. But no matter the sparks, could a relationship born out of danger possibly survive the cold reality of normal life?
There are a couple of secondary relationships which are flushed out throughout the story, including Aaron's and his sister-in-law's prior and present love affairs, as well as, some definite teasers for potential relationships involving other characters which will likely become the subject of future books. I particularly enjoyed Aaron's story, of which type is definitely a first for me. I wish I could elaborate further, but alas almost anything I say along these lines would potentially spoil one of the best "aha" moments in this book.
This was an enjoyable read on so many levels. From the intricate suspense and action filled scenes to the attention to human nature in the development of love and familial relationships, Do or Die is sure to keep you enraptured in its well crafted messages. Perhaps my favorite one of all is that you should always maintain your faith in the people you love. Don't let one dissonant statement or action that clashes with everything else you know about that person cause you to throw it all away. This is a difficult concept to adhere to when it actually happens to you, but yet so wise in the big picture of life.
Source: Review copy provided by Random House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member csp17
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed this book. It takes a bit of time to get into, there are many different characters to try to keep track of, and I think the beginning of the book moved pretty slowly because of that and because it took time to lay he groundwork for the rest of the book. But if
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you can wait it out, the story really picks up. I wasn't sure how I felt about the different characters, even the 2 main characters, Ian and Phoebe, at the beginning of the book but I absolutely loved them once the story got going. I loved that once the story picked up, it was very fast-paced, and had lots of plot twists. It was a fast read from about 1/4 or 1/3 into the book and it was a book that I definitely was interested in reading and finishing. I would absolutely read more books in this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member BBMoreB
I was ecstatic when I discovered that Suzanne Brockman was releasing a new series, the Reluctant Heroes – a spin-off from her popular Troubleshooter series. Readers will love the camaraderie of Ian’s band of misfits.
Ian Dunn is an intriguing character. He is ferocious when it comes to
“Oh, don’t go soft on me now,” he said. “It’s hot when you get all in my face, order me around, grab me by the junk and squeeze – and suggest you know the best way to risk my life, the lives of my team members, and the lives of these kids. Your life, too, sweetheart, should our nasty friend Steve find out you helped.” – Ian to Phoebe
Phoebe is not your typical sheltered, damsel in distress, but she’ll need Ian’s help to survive the chaos that seems to surround him. Her intelligence complement Ian with and charm – together they are incredible.
This is a must have book for romantic suspense fans, regardless if you have read Ms. Brockman before.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Ian Dunn is an intriguing character. He is ferocious when it comes to
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protecting his family and friends. I love his aggressive Alpha male bullshit, and Phoebe pushes his buttons better than anyone else“Oh, don’t go soft on me now,” he said. “It’s hot when you get all in my face, order me around, grab me by the junk and squeeze – and suggest you know the best way to risk my life, the lives of my team members, and the lives of these kids. Your life, too, sweetheart, should our nasty friend Steve find out you helped.” – Ian to Phoebe
Phoebe is not your typical sheltered, damsel in distress, but she’ll need Ian’s help to survive the chaos that seems to surround him. Her intelligence complement Ian with and charm – together they are incredible.
This is a must have book for romantic suspense fans, regardless if you have read Ms. Brockman before.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
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LibraryThing member Traann
“Do or Die” by Suzanne Brockmann is the first book in her new Reluctant Hero’s series, a spin off of the Troubleshooters series. As with all of her other books, it grabs you in the first sentence and doesn’t let you go. This book almost seemed like two books in one. In fact, when you get to
Part one introduces you to the main characters, Former Navy SEAL Ian Dunn and his new to him Lawyer, Phoebe Kruger. Ian is in prison and Phoebe goes to the prison with Martell Griffin (from the Troubleshooters series), to get Ian released so that a mysterious government agency can task Ian with rescuing two kidnapped children from a South American Embassy. The problems start when Ian does not want to be released due to a “deal” he has made with the mob, and Martell and Phoebe don’t give him a chance to say no. Fast forward ahead and without giving out any spoilers, in Part Two, Ian, Phoebe and Martell along with some FBI agents that are part of Jules Cassidy’s team are now trying to keep Ian safe and his family alive all while trying to figure out a way to help rescue the children.
If you love Suzanne Brockmann’s books you will love this new series. If you have never read a Suzanne Brockmann book before you can start with this one and not feel as if you are missing anything. You will fall in love with her characters, warts and all. You will laugh and cry and hold your breath all along the journey you take with them to reach the end of the story. I am so glad that this has been advertised as the first book in her new series because that means I can count on more excitement from Suzanne. I can’t wait.
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just about the middle of the book, there is a change of rhythm and there is a page titled “Part Two”, “Charlie Foxtrot” and that is where the story changes.Part one introduces you to the main characters, Former Navy SEAL Ian Dunn and his new to him Lawyer, Phoebe Kruger. Ian is in prison and Phoebe goes to the prison with Martell Griffin (from the Troubleshooters series), to get Ian released so that a mysterious government agency can task Ian with rescuing two kidnapped children from a South American Embassy. The problems start when Ian does not want to be released due to a “deal” he has made with the mob, and Martell and Phoebe don’t give him a chance to say no. Fast forward ahead and without giving out any spoilers, in Part Two, Ian, Phoebe and Martell along with some FBI agents that are part of Jules Cassidy’s team are now trying to keep Ian safe and his family alive all while trying to figure out a way to help rescue the children.
If you love Suzanne Brockmann’s books you will love this new series. If you have never read a Suzanne Brockmann book before you can start with this one and not feel as if you are missing anything. You will fall in love with her characters, warts and all. You will laugh and cry and hold your breath all along the journey you take with them to reach the end of the story. I am so glad that this has been advertised as the first book in her new series because that means I can count on more excitement from Suzanne. I can’t wait.
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LibraryThing member ladyacct
Standard Brockmann, lots of interesting characters, action, with an actual story/plot line which is always appreciated.
LibraryThing member Nise
This first book in the Reluctant Heroes series was a chunkser full of white knuckle action, suspense and romance with characters that are easy to like. Former Seal Ian is pulled out of prison, literally, to help rescue two kids in a foreign consulate, by his lawyer, Phoebe and the FBI. He is
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suspicious as he has never met this lawyer, and needs to stay where he is to keep his brother and family/friends safe. Of course, he is not going to follow their rules and sets off a whole lot of page-turning delight that Brockmann does brilliantly. Show Less
LibraryThing member njstitcher
I have read other books by this author and this new series is right up their with the rest. I thought it was just a tad slow in the beginning and it didn't get to what was advertised as the plot until the end, but I enjoyed it. The two main protagonists were developed well over the course of the
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book and enough of the secondary characters to support the story and set up the books to follow in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jessiep
This was a solid book. Not one of Brockmann's best, though. I particularly didn't like the main female character, who I felt wasn't written authentically. It's obviously a fiction book, but I feel books are best when the characters and their actions seem real and plausible. This one didn't. Other
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than that it was a standard Suzanne Brockmann novel and provided what I expected, no more and no less. Show Less
LibraryThing member elissa_kay
I received an ARC of this book a couple days ago, and tried to start it right away. However...it didn't engage me. It took me almost a week to finish this book and I am usually a much faster reader than that. Some of it was life getting int he way with other things, but when I have a really good
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book I don't let that matter. This book was, well, fine. Not Suzanne's best. I liked both Ian and Phoebe (despite Phoebe having a super TSTL moment toward the beginning), and I loved the relationship between Ian's brother Aaron and his husband Sheldon. But I felt like we spent too much time on other people and it left the ending feeling rushed. I will probably still read the next one, but only if it is a little less convoluted than this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookbeat
Suzanne Brockmann's latest book, Do or Die, starts out with a bang and ends with "on the edge of your seat" tension. Things get a little slow in the middle of the book, but hang in there, you will soon find yourself caught up in this race against time to save the lives of two children. Along the
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way, we are introduced to a whole new cast of characters, who will hopefully get their own stories soon. If you loved Brockmann’s Troubleshooters books, you’ll love the start of The Reluctant Heroes series. Show Less
LibraryThing member grammyellen
This book is the latest in Ms. Brockmann's Reluctant Heroes series. Former Navy Seal, Ian Dunn is in jail for theft. He is asked by a mysterious government agency to rescue two children being held captive. The lawyer for the man asking for help Phoebe Kruger leads the mission with Dunn. She is
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drawn deep into his world and Dunn is surprised by her intelligence and willingness to rescue the children. Gripping story from the first paragraph, with a theft and then a cry for help in getting the children out of a South American embassy. This book like all other Brockmann books grabs the reader and won't let go until the last word is written. A must read for fans of Ms. Brockmann. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lost_Lenore
Suzanne Brockmann delivers again an amazing novel full of action and wonderful characters.
At first I was a bit reluctant about a new series, since it's hard to beat the TS series, but, Suzanne shows us that not only she can but she excels at what she does. Iann Dunn is a wonderful anti-hero, Phoebe
I felt a little lost in the beginning, but I was already enthralled by the plot and the many twists that Suzanne gives to her stories.
All I can say is WOW and when the next book is out?!
At first I was a bit reluctant about a new series, since it's hard to beat the TS series, but, Suzanne shows us that not only she can but she excels at what she does. Iann Dunn is a wonderful anti-hero, Phoebe
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is smart and funny and adorable not to mention Martell, Deb and Yashi, former "friends" from another tale... This connection to TS is not only clever, but gives us the perspective of real characters as well as maintaining a link with the "past" stories.I felt a little lost in the beginning, but I was already enthralled by the plot and the many twists that Suzanne gives to her stories.
All I can say is WOW and when the next book is out?!
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LibraryThing member chgstrom
In reading this, I felt like I was being taken back and forth between an action-adventure and a romance novel. This can be fine if it's done well, but I felt like everything was a little forced especially the romance. This wasn't a bad read, but it was not a book I couldn't put down.
LibraryThing member amber223
I received a galley copy of this book as part of a Library Thing giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read many of Suzanne Brockman’s books before. I thought this book would just be another romance and have the same old plot, but there are really many more interesting characters
I have not read many of Suzanne Brockman’s books before. I thought this book would just be another romance and have the same old plot, but there are really many more interesting characters
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in this book than just Ian and Phoebe. However, because there are so many characters it does take some time for the plot to develop and for you to meet everyone and get into the main story. The first part of the book moved slowly, but by about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way through the book started to move much more quickly. I particularly enjoyed the plot twists toward the end of the story. I would definitely purchase the next book in this new series and would recommend Do or Die. Show Less
LibraryThing member julie.billing
Review based on a free review copy.
The beginning of a new series can be a concern sometimes. Not so, in this case. While all of Brockmann's books have characters to love and good suspense, these characters seemed to stick with me more than some of the others. Well written, couldn't put it down.
The beginning of a new series can be a concern sometimes. Not so, in this case. While all of Brockmann's books have characters to love and good suspense, these characters seemed to stick with me more than some of the others. Well written, couldn't put it down.
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Looking forward to more. Show Less
LibraryThing member Conkie
This story provides the reader an introduction to Ms. Brockmann's newest romantic suspense series. The characters are well defined, quirky, and likeable. I look forward to the series' next installment.
LibraryThing member slaughtered
If you loved the Troubleshooter series, this falls along the same lines. Even a few characters from that series make appearances. Do or Die has action in foreign countries, danger, steamy romance, and secondary romances. This book is too long and it gets tiresome. There are too many good books
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available to spend so much time on this one with its 577 pages. It should have been 200 pages shorter. Cutting out some of the many characters that I keeped getting confused with would have been a help. Great cover, but I'll skip this series. The Troubleshooter series will have to do for me. Moving on. Thanks for the free copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member maggie7484
Enjoyed this Suzanne Brockmann book. The only thing I feel she could have done was make it about 250 pages shorter. She really stretched the story out. I hope that she continues maybe using these same characters in future books. It would be nice to see how the characters(Ian, Phoebe, Aaron, Shel
Suzanne can't wait for another of your books.
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and even the few other key players)are doing after Do or die ended. Suzanne has a couple of series so I hope that maybe she will even cross them together. I was really touched how she had the main character Ian have such strong convictions to make sure that his younger brother Aaron was always being taken care of since a young age. I liked the ending and didn't see it going down that way. I would like to know if how it went down, would the FBI be able to help you out in a situation like they were in. Deb was a character at first I didn't seem to care for but in the end she was a well liked character. Good workSuzanne can't wait for another of your books.
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LibraryThing member debralu
This is an Early Review book.............I didn't finish. I tried, I really tried but after 250 pages of juvenile bantering among all the characters with the plot just going nowhere at a snails pace............I was thoroughly bored. I was surprised as I have read books from Brockmann before and
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enjoyed them. I will keep the book and try to pick it up again to finish. If I do, then I will update my review. But for now, I would not recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member dibs139
Remember to breathe
I love Suzanne Brockmann’s books - the complex story lines, the cliff-hanger story, the “pushing at the edge of social consciousness” story, and characters that range from the Diana Prince character to the battered-by-life-and-poor-choices guy. And Seals. And Marines. And
And the dialogue – smart, funny, snarky. In Do or Die, Brockmann’s heroine is a lawyer. Her hero is an ex-Navy Seal. These two types should not play well together. I mean, Phoebe thinks she knows everything, while Ian knows he knows everything. See - oil and water.
Ian is in jail when the story opens. Phoebe and another lawyer, Martell, offer Ian a chance to get out of jail free—all charges dropped. Ian refuses. Refuses!?! What con wants to stay in prison? Pure Brockmann – the unexpected rears its intriguing head every page.
Lots of action, lots of adventure, lots of bad guys, better good guys. Mesmerizing from beginning to end.
I love Suzanne Brockmann’s books - the complex story lines, the cliff-hanger story, the “pushing at the edge of social consciousness” story, and characters that range from the Diana Prince character to the battered-by-life-and-poor-choices guy. And Seals. And Marines. And
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my kind of action: car chases, shootouts, escapes so narrow you can’t slip a playing card between life and death.And the dialogue – smart, funny, snarky. In Do or Die, Brockmann’s heroine is a lawyer. Her hero is an ex-Navy Seal. These two types should not play well together. I mean, Phoebe thinks she knows everything, while Ian knows he knows everything. See - oil and water.
Ian is in jail when the story opens. Phoebe and another lawyer, Martell, offer Ian a chance to get out of jail free—all charges dropped. Ian refuses. Refuses!?! What con wants to stay in prison? Pure Brockmann – the unexpected rears its intriguing head every page.
Lots of action, lots of adventure, lots of bad guys, better good guys. Mesmerizing from beginning to end.
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LibraryThing member lrobe190
Former Navy SEAL Ian Dunn has been tasked by a mysterious government agency with rescuing two kidnapped children believed to have been taken prisoner in a South American embassy. Leading the mission alongside Phoebe Kruger, the new hire at the prestigious law firm where Dunn is a longtime client,
Brockmann never fails to satisfy! This book is non-stop action with multiple plots and relationships. This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait for the next one!
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Dunn will embark on a race against time while simultaneously dealing with an equally pressing danger -- he's being hunted by the mob for a job gone bust (provided by publisher).Brockmann never fails to satisfy! This book is non-stop action with multiple plots and relationships. This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait for the next one!
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LibraryThing member redheadish
Suzanne Brockmann is a genius in her Rom/Mil suspense writing! Ian Dunn is a character that anyone woman can get dreamy about even if he is a master bullshitter! This is a definite page turner and I'll tell you that it was mighty hard to put down. Its also the second novel by Brockmann that I have
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read and I enjoyed both very much! Show Less
LibraryThing member temerick2000
Suzanne Brockmann has created another winner. Ian Dunn is tough, yet sensitive as all of her characters are. They fight through the past and keep on protecting long after their Navy SEAL days are over. Honor and loyalty always seem to be a main theme in each of her books. I enjoy the twists and
It was a pleasure to read. I look forward to more stories and adventures with Suzanne Brockmann. Romance with a twist.
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obstacles that her characters are led through. It was a pleasure to read. I look forward to more stories and adventures with Suzanne Brockmann. Romance with a twist.
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LibraryThing member jldhuse
I received this book as an Early Review free from Random House. This is my first Suzanne Brockman book and I will definitely be reading more. I look forward to the rest of this series and plan to get the Troubleshooters series that this series is a spin off of. The story kept me interested from
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beginning to end and the ending had a nice action packed twist. Show Less
LibraryThing member Shirley55
. I wilI really enjoyed this book. I will pass it on to my daughter to read ,thanks.
Subjects
Awards
NPR: Books We Love (2014)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-02
Physical description
x p.; 25 cm
ISBN
9780345543790