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An exciting new thriller about men and women operating where agents of the U.S. government cannot, where America's most ruthless enemies thrive--and where every step you take just might be your last. Jimmy Nash has already lived two lives--and he can't talk about either of them. Formerly an operative of a top secret government agency, he has found a new job with a shadowy company called Troubleshooters Inc. Created by a former Navy SEAL, Troubleshooters Inc. helps anyone in desperate need--which provides a perfect cover for its other, more perilous objective: covert special operations. Now Nash and a quickly assembled team of expert operators have come to the earthquake-ravaged country of Kazbekistan in the guise of relief workers. There, amid the dust and death, in a land of blood red sunsets and ancient blood feuds, they must track down a missing laptop computer that may hold secrets vital to national security. To get it done, Nash does what he does best: break every rule in the book and manipulate those who can help him get what he needs. But this time, Nash may have met his match in Tess Bailey, an Troubleshooters operative with all the right instincts--and zero field experience. The deep attraction between them is immediate ... and potentially explosive, with risk at every turn. Now these two professionals must play out their dangerous games in the world's most dangerous place--cut off from their own government, cutting deals with people they can't trust, and guarding forbidden passions that threaten to compromise their crucial mission.… (more)
User reviews
Again, another great book by Suzanne Brockmann. I love the way she writes, the way that she gives life to her characters and builds a captivating story. I do have some favorites but together, the series, is a very well done.
Book 7 of Troubleshooters series
Tom Paoletti's new organization, "Troubleshooters, Inc." is now in operation and he is drumming up a team to head back to Kazbekistan to locate a laptop which is rumored to contain plans for future Al-Quaeda terrorist attacks. The owner of the laptop,
Nash and Decker have worked as a team for years and are closer than brothers. Tess helped them out in one of their last jobs with the Agency when Decker was being set up for an ambush. After that event, she and Nash got together for one night, but it surprised them both when they realized they had a deeper connection than they expected. Nash freaked out and took off for Mexico without a word of goodbye to Tess. Meeting up again when Tess interviews with Tom creates a little awkwardness for the two of them but they (outwardly) agree that they can handle working together, although (inwardly) they are both planning to try to avoid contact with each other as much as possible. Unfortunately, once they are on the job, it is required that they pretend to be a newly-married couple, and of course, this forces them to have to spend all their time together and both come to terms with their attraction and true caring for each other. This is harder for Nash because he has a dark past he can't forgive himself for and doesn't believe he is worthy of being loved by someone as good as Tess.
In his quest to locate the laptop, Decker comes across an American woman (Sophia) now trapped in K-stan after her husband was murdered and she was kidnapped and forced into a life of slavery and terrible abuse. They met under inauspicious circumstances which will cause long-term discomfort and guilt for both of them for different reasons.
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Other than a few mentions of Tom Paoletti, this book seemed like a whole new series. It didn't have much action from the Navy SEALs until the end, although we got to see some of those skills used by Decker, who was a former SEAL, and there were a lot of tension-filled and dangerous moments throughout. This is a really smart book with a clever and exciting plot. It also gave me a clear picture of what life may truly be like living in parts of the world where civil rights are nil, especially for women. How scary and frustrating it must be. There were no flashbacks to any WWII stories in this one. I assume that part of this series may be done now.
This also contained a short story at the end revolving around Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke from previous books in the series (highlighted in "Gone Too Far"). They have been married now for six months and are working together for Tom's organization. They are trying to locate a missing young woman and after discovering her remains, it is believed she was the victim of a serial killer. My understanding from reading other reviews is that this story line will continue in future books. I like this couple so I'm glad to see what is happening in their lives now.
Story Arc Alert: Sophia and Decker’s story arc is introduced. Tom Paoletti’s new personal and
POINT OF VIEW CHARACTERS: – James “Diego” Nash (Decker’s Second in Command) – Tess Bailey (Team Computer Specialist) – Lawrence Decker (Team Leader) – Sophia Ghaffari (An American who stayed in Kazabek a little too long)
In the prologue, Tess helps Nash get Decker out of a dangerous situation, then have a sizzling one night stand that they both regret, but can't stop thinking about. Now that they are working together again, both Nash and Decker fall for Tess but she only has eyes for Nash. Primarily this story is Jimmy and Tess's, but It's an interesting subplot of two friends attracted to the same woman.
But what about Decker being left behind? Throw in a beautiful American whose husband was beheaded by the local dictator and we see a glimpse of who he will most likely be matched with in a future book.
In previous books Brockmann had several storylines, but in Flashback she switches to one storyline with more action and suspense. We are not tracking multiple stories, but multiple character views, The romance is secondary but there's still plenty of it.
This is the first book where we meet non-SEAL operators that work in Tom's new private contractor business. In fact, this book could easily be read as a standalone. I felt like parts of it dragged out too long, but the last half was very exciting with a daring rescue in the fortress-like headquarters of the local warlord.
It turned out to be a fast paced, enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
4 Stars
Former Agency operatives Jimmy Nash, Lawrence Decker and Tess Bailey are recruited by Tom Paolett's new private security company, Troubleshooters, Inc. Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to recover an Al-Quaeda terrorist's laptop. The catch - the laptop is in
Brockmann returns to basics with this installment, which introduces a completely new cast of characters alongside one or two familiar faces. While I was initially skeptical about the shift in focus away from Team 16, the gritty setting, compelling plot, and detailed characterization make this series reboot a success.
The infiltration into post-disaster Kazbekistan sets the stage for an intense and suspenseful quest as the team faces not only the obstacles resulting from the destruction left in the wake of the earthquake, but also the danger posed by being American agents in a strict theocracy ruled by avaricious, corrupt, and misogynistic warlords. The atmospheric setting adds another layer of tension to both the mission and the romance.
Unlike the previous books with their multiple storylines, Flashpoint centers on one thread and one romantic relationship even though the events are presented from several POVs. The search for the missing laptop unfolds slowly but surely as the story progresses, and Brockmann's descriptions of the action-packed climactic scenes are riveting.
The character development is the highlight of the book. The strength of the bond of brotherhood between team leader, Deck, and his longtime partner, Nash, is apparent from the outset, and their loyalty to one another rivals that of the members of Team 16. Likewise, the connection between Nash and Tess is palpable. They have excellent chemistry as they try, without much success, to keep their hands off one another. However, it is actually Sophia Ghaffari who evokes the strongest reactions as her courage, resilience, and spirit are simply incredible. One cannot help but respect and root for such a formidable woman.
In sum, an entertaining addition to the series that creates exciting new opportunities and directions for characters both old and new.
Suzanne Brockmann never fails to deliver. The stories in Troubleshooters are both similar in terms of being pure romantic suspense novels involving military or ex-military. But she amazes me how her characters are always their own person, not copies of previous heroes and heroines.
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Jimmy Nash has already lived two lives - and he can't talk about either of them. Formerly an operative of a top secret government agency, he has found a new job with a shadowy company called SOS Inc. Created by a former Navy SEAL, SOS Inc. helps anyone in desperate need - which provides a perfect cover for its other, more perilous objective: covert special operations.
Now Nash and a quickly assembled team of expert operators have come to the earthquake-ravaged country of Kazbekistan in the guise of relief workers. There, amid the dust and death, in a land of blood red sunsets and ancient blood feuds, they must track down a missing laptop computer that may hold secrets vital to national security.
To get it done, Nash does what he does best: break every rule in the book and manipulate those who can help him get what he needs. But this time, Nash may have met his match in Tess Bailey, an SOS operative with all the right instincts - and zero field experience. The deep attraction between them is immediate...and potentially volatile, with risk at every turn.