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Tall, Dark & Dangerous #14
Blame It on Rio
New, never-before-published full-length novel
First published February 2023
Tall, Dark & Dangerous Series (Navy SEAL Team Ten) # 14
Romantic Comedy with Suspense Elements
Hero: Navy SEAL Rio Rosetti
Heroine: TV Star Casey Esparza
Tropes: Fake Boyfriend
Oh, No! Just One Bed!
Identical Cousins
When Rio Rosetti is approached by Casey Esparza in a grocery store parking lot, he realizes two things: the famous actress has mistaken Rio for his gay cousin Luc; and Rio’s got to keep up the pretense to protect his teammate Dave from getting his heart re-broken by Casey’s hot mess of a brother, Jon.
As a Navy SEAL, Rio’s days are filled with adventure and risk, but now, as Dave’s fake boyfriend, he’s facing a different challenge. His life is suddenly a rom-com movie with an added twist as Rio finds himself falling hard for Casey.
Casey Esparza’s acting career has been like a fairytale. Her iconic role in a cult science fiction TV show brought her fame, fortune, and millions of social media followers. Her personal life, however, is a different story—her brother Jon is a dumpster fire and her romantic life is grim. Her instant connection with her friend Dave’s easy-going new boyfriend Luc is a breath of fresh air.
Rio knows honesty means everything to Casey, and that for him to stay in her life—as Rio—he needs to end his masquerade very carefully. But when Jon’s unsavory past catches up to them and Casey’s in danger, Rio is ready to risk everything—even his future with her—to keep her safe.
The tall, dark, and dangerous Navy SEALs of Team Ten are back—with Suzanne Brockmann’s signature blend of love, laughter, and a hint of danger in Blame It on Rio.
(78K words or 340 pages)
First published February 2023
Tall, Dark & Dangerous Series (Navy SEAL Team Ten) # 14
Romantic Comedy with Suspense Elements
Hero: Navy SEAL Rio Rosetti
Heroine: TV Star Casey Esparza
Tropes: Fake Boyfriend
Oh, No! Just One Bed!
Identical Cousins
When Rio Rosetti is approached by Casey Esparza in a grocery store parking lot, he realizes two things: the famous actress has mistaken Rio for his gay cousin Luc; and Rio’s got to keep up the pretense to protect his teammate Dave from getting his heart re-broken by Casey’s hot mess of a brother, Jon.
As a Navy SEAL, Rio’s days are filled with adventure and risk, but now, as Dave’s fake boyfriend, he’s facing a different challenge. His life is suddenly a rom-com movie with an added twist as Rio finds himself falling hard for Casey.
Casey Esparza’s acting career has been like a fairytale. Her iconic role in a cult science fiction TV show brought her fame, fortune, and millions of social media followers. Her personal life, however, is a different story—her brother Jon is a dumpster fire and her romantic life is grim. Her instant connection with her friend Dave’s easy-going new boyfriend Luc is a breath of fresh air.
Rio knows honesty means everything to Casey, and that for him to stay in her life—as Rio—he needs to end his masquerade very carefully. But when Jon’s unsavory past catches up to them and Casey’s in danger, Rio is ready to risk everything—even his future with her—to keep her safe.
The tall, dark, and dangerous Navy SEALs of Team Ten are back—with Suzanne Brockmann’s signature blend of love, laughter, and a hint of danger in Blame It on Rio.
(78K words or 340 pages)
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2023
77 people are currently reading
2079 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
253 books3,574 followersAfter childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 10, 2023
I'm so glad Suzanne Brockmann gave us one last TDD book--it's a heck of a sendoff!
We last saw Navy SEALs Rio Rosetti and Dave Patterson road tripping in Thomas's book ( King's Ransom ), and I love that in Rio's book they've gotten so close that Rio's willing to play his own (near-identical) cousin and be Dave's fake fake-boyfriend at a wedding that his toxic ex was going to be at. Funny how Dave had never mentioned to Rio that his ex was actress Casey Esparza’s brother...
I loved that Rio's book is a rom com with romantic suspense elements--the vibe here is perfect. It's a little ridiculous and a lot of fun, with a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who turns out to be his perfect match. The big dramatic showdown at the end is pitch perfect, and the fact that 2 of SEAL Team Ten's finest find their HEAs here? Chef's kiss!
It was so fabulous to see so many of the past heroes get to play a role here too--for those who have been with the series all along, be prepared for some awesome cameos! (And don't forget to embrace the time warp--yep, the final trio of books is taking place right now *and* just after the events of Night Watch . It's magic, baby!) If you're new to the series, this one can work as a standalone--but why limit yourself? If you like Rio's book, you're going to love Thomas's, and Spaceman's, and Senior Chief Becker's, and... ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
We last saw Navy SEALs Rio Rosetti and Dave Patterson road tripping in Thomas's book ( King's Ransom ), and I love that in Rio's book they've gotten so close that Rio's willing to play his own (near-identical) cousin and be Dave's fake fake-boyfriend at a wedding that his toxic ex was going to be at. Funny how Dave had never mentioned to Rio that his ex was actress Casey Esparza’s brother...
I loved that Rio's book is a rom com with romantic suspense elements--the vibe here is perfect. It's a little ridiculous and a lot of fun, with a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who turns out to be his perfect match. The big dramatic showdown at the end is pitch perfect, and the fact that 2 of SEAL Team Ten's finest find their HEAs here? Chef's kiss!
It was so fabulous to see so many of the past heroes get to play a role here too--for those who have been with the series all along, be prepared for some awesome cameos! (And don't forget to embrace the time warp--yep, the final trio of books is taking place right now *and* just after the events of Night Watch . It's magic, baby!) If you're new to the series, this one can work as a standalone--but why limit yourself? If you like Rio's book, you're going to love Thomas's, and Spaceman's, and Senior Chief Becker's, and... ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
March 13, 2023
Not the genre I was expecting from SB: Romantic Suspense.
This is RomCom which is not what I wanted to end the TDD series on.
Oh, well, I’ll re-read the series to get my fill of TDD and SB’s original style.
This is RomCom which is not what I wanted to end the TDD series on.
Oh, well, I’ll re-read the series to get my fill of TDD and SB’s original style.
April 6, 2023
Such a fun end to a wonderful series.
February 15, 2023
Rio the Best Fake Boyfriend to All
Any world were Alpha Team exists is one I want to loose myself in. I always appreciate visiting my favorite characters in a series and I got it all with this book.
This was a feel good story but still tackled serious issues through it.
I’m so glad that Rio got his HEA and Dave as well. I’m sad to see the series end but i’m happy with the way it did.
Any world were Alpha Team exists is one I want to loose myself in. I always appreciate visiting my favorite characters in a series and I got it all with this book.
This was a feel good story but still tackled serious issues through it.
I’m so glad that Rio got his HEA and Dave as well. I’m sad to see the series end but i’m happy with the way it did.
February 25, 2023
This book was okay. I was hoping for the story to be an epic love story for Rio but I just really did not love the heroine. She was kind of a whackjob and, in my opinion, she was unlovable and needed to work on herself before she could enter into even the idea of a healthy relationship.
Rio Rosetti agrees to pretend to be one of his SEAL teammates’ boyfriend in order to help him avoid an ex. However, Rio also finds himself attracted to the ex’s sister but he has to continue the charade for the sake of his friend.
The story was convoluted and a little difficult to explain but I did enjoy it. I loved Rio and it was great how loving and caring he was toward his friends. I wanted him to have a woman who would live up to how good he was but that really did not come true. I did not like the heroine. She was kind of psycho and not in like a fun ball-buster kind of way. She was self-sabatoging, interfering, and mean to Rio in moments that could have been really meaningful for them as a couple. I just found that really disappointing.
I don’t think that I would read this story again. I loved Rio but I did not like Casey, the heroine, at all.
Rio Rosetti agrees to pretend to be one of his SEAL teammates’ boyfriend in order to help him avoid an ex. However, Rio also finds himself attracted to the ex’s sister but he has to continue the charade for the sake of his friend.
The story was convoluted and a little difficult to explain but I did enjoy it. I loved Rio and it was great how loving and caring he was toward his friends. I wanted him to have a woman who would live up to how good he was but that really did not come true. I did not like the heroine. She was kind of psycho and not in like a fun ball-buster kind of way. She was self-sabatoging, interfering, and mean to Rio in moments that could have been really meaningful for them as a couple. I just found that really disappointing.
I don’t think that I would read this story again. I loved Rio but I did not like Casey, the heroine, at all.
March 16, 2024
The end of this series. The last three books use a "time warp" to allow the author to keep her earlier characters AND feature the next generation. Personally, I think she could have simply set the books in the early 2000s when cell phones, internet, and her original characters were still around, but that's just my idea.
Ignoring the impossibility of a time warp, this is going to be one of my favorites because I do like the humor. Rio is just too good to be true--knows just how to treat the woman of his dreams and is dependable, bad ass, kind, empathetic, and competent. Casey is a smart and loyal heroine who comes up with the perfect plan to rescue her brother. And I love how the author includes POC and gay characters without making either into stereotypes or focusing on their "differences". They are all just people.
Brockmann's new style has a lot more dialogue about feelings. Before, the characters just thought about their feelings, now they talk...and talk...and talk about them.
Brockmann is now going the indie publishing route and it shows in the quality of the printing and editing. While I applaud authors who can do this, it doesn't abrogate the need for quality editing.
Ignoring the impossibility of a time warp, this is going to be one of my favorites because I do like the humor. Rio is just too good to be true--knows just how to treat the woman of his dreams and is dependable, bad ass, kind, empathetic, and competent. Casey is a smart and loyal heroine who comes up with the perfect plan to rescue her brother. And I love how the author includes POC and gay characters without making either into stereotypes or focusing on their "differences". They are all just people.
Brockmann's new style has a lot more dialogue about feelings. Before, the characters just thought about their feelings, now they talk...and talk...and talk about them.
Brockmann is now going the indie publishing route and it shows in the quality of the printing and editing. While I applaud authors who can do this, it doesn't abrogate the need for quality editing.
April 25, 2024
3,5 estrellas
Y, con esta novela, termina esta serie 🥹
Cuando una serie de novelas te acompaña durante años, siempre es agridulce la sensación que queda cuando la terminas. Esta no es mi favorita de la autora pero he aprendido a quererla. Porque, la verdad, tiene sus cosillas por la época en que fue escrita, el subgénero y lo mucho que ha evolucionado Brockmann en su escritura, temática y diversidad en sus historias.
Esta última novela ha sido la más cómica de todas las que he leído y la autora lo confirma en su nota final. Más que una novela de suspense romántica, se trata de una comedia romántica con tintes de suspense.
Por desgracia, sólo están traducidas al español algunas novelas de esta serie. Ni siquiera en orden, ni como parte de una serie.
Y, con esta novela, termina esta serie 🥹
Cuando una serie de novelas te acompaña durante años, siempre es agridulce la sensación que queda cuando la terminas. Esta no es mi favorita de la autora pero he aprendido a quererla. Porque, la verdad, tiene sus cosillas por la época en que fue escrita, el subgénero y lo mucho que ha evolucionado Brockmann en su escritura, temática y diversidad en sus historias.
Esta última novela ha sido la más cómica de todas las que he leído y la autora lo confirma en su nota final. Más que una novela de suspense romántica, se trata de una comedia romántica con tintes de suspense.
Por desgracia, sólo están traducidas al español algunas novelas de esta serie. Ni siquiera en orden, ni como parte de una serie.
February 23, 2023
I was going to read/reread the whole series, but decided...nah. just jumped to this one, which has a lot of crossover characters, but not to an overly confusing degree.
Overall, I liked the story. Not sure the suspense aspect worked out really well (it felt almost tacked on, since it's not the main characters at the center of it), but it's a great rom-com for 90% of the time.
I'm glad Brockmann is still writing and I hope we get more books! At her own pace, of course. In the meantime, I'm almost due a reread of the troubleshooters....
Overall, I liked the story. Not sure the suspense aspect worked out really well (it felt almost tacked on, since it's not the main characters at the center of it), but it's a great rom-com for 90% of the time.
I'm glad Brockmann is still writing and I hope we get more books! At her own pace, of course. In the meantime, I'm almost due a reread of the troubleshooters....
February 9, 2023
Rio Rosetti will do almost anything for a fellow SEAL, including pretending to be his gay boyfriend, to protect said teammate from getting back together with his troubled ex. And while this subterfuge was only suppose to last for an afternoon... circumstances lengthened the charade.
Why I started this book: A surprise Brockmann book? I bought it and started it immediately.
Why I finished it: Ridiculous, over the top and wonderful as only a master like Brockmann can produce.
Why I started this book: A surprise Brockmann book? I bought it and started it immediately.
Why I finished it: Ridiculous, over the top and wonderful as only a master like Brockmann can produce.
February 27, 2023
I am not going to summarize the plot of the book, you have that everywhere.
I am a Suzanne Brockmann reader, she is gold, one of those authors you can trust. Her plots are on point, the characters are well constructed and lovely, the structure of her books is often amazing… she knows what she is doing.
This book doesn't disapoint, it is the end of the series and it is so enjoyable that it has me thinking that I'll need to go back to the beguinning again.
I am a Suzanne Brockmann reader, she is gold, one of those authors you can trust. Her plots are on point, the characters are well constructed and lovely, the structure of her books is often amazing… she knows what she is doing.
This book doesn't disapoint, it is the end of the series and it is so enjoyable that it has me thinking that I'll need to go back to the beguinning again.
February 11, 2023
I love Brockmann. This one missed me completely. In the afterward! Brockmann said she was going for a romcom with suspense elements instead of her usual suspense with a touch of romcom. I found nothing about the deception going on in the least bit funny. If I was Casey, no one would ever have been unblocked.
February 26, 2023
Likeable characters and a somewhat zany plot. Not a fan of the lying as of course it causes immense trust issues once it’s discovered. In this story it was kind of necessary and at least it still had consequences and they weren’t glossed over. Glad that Rio and Dave both got happy ever afters. I love that Rio turned out to be a die hard romantic like his parents!
June 9, 2023
Am glad the author did a bit of time traveling to finish her Tall,Dark series even if the time it took to happen was too long! A nice romantic comedy slash romantic suspense story and as someone who spent a lot of time at sf and media conventions, I loved the inclusion of such a convention at the start of the story.
December 31, 2023
Looking for writing examples of a deeper dual pov style. Writer effectively has her own technique that grabs the reader’s emotions. Enjoyed the humorous and realistic banter a couple would use with arguments or situations. Glad for the layered plotting the characters navigated in this contemporary romance.
June 23, 2024
This was cute, but just didn’t quite hit the mark for me, mostly because of writing style. The dialogue was over the top in some spots and not enough in others. I also noticed several times throughout the book that the point of view or narrator’s changed out of nowhere between paragraphs. This made some parts confusing to follow.
*** I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads.
*** I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads.
February 6, 2023
This was so much fun... The first half was pure rom-com with the suspense elements coming in for the second half--which I wouldn't have thought would work, but it totally did. Great characters and I loved how WWLD helped Rio connect to his own feelings.
February 7, 2023
Loved it.
I just love the tone of Suz's writing. It's funny but sometimes heart wrenching. Sad that this is the last in the series but I'll always be able to re read from start to finish.
I just love the tone of Suz's writing. It's funny but sometimes heart wrenching. Sad that this is the last in the series but I'll always be able to re read from start to finish.
February 8, 2023
Loved this book, with Suzanne Brockmann’s signature humour and action. A true comedy of errors that leads to true love. And as a bonus we get to see other heroes from her TDD series. An awesome and engaging read!
February 11, 2023
omg! so good!
Brockmann’s books have been on my “read as soon as I can get my grubby little hands on” list for ages and this one does not disappoint! Anyway, lovely book! I recommend it, and encourage you to buy it.
Brockmann’s books have been on my “read as soon as I can get my grubby little hands on” list for ages and this one does not disappoint! Anyway, lovely book! I recommend it, and encourage you to buy it.
February 13, 2023
Loved it!!!
What a great ending to an amazing series!! I am so sad it's over! I love all these characters, they are so much fun! If reread this series so many times and never get sick of it. Wish it would never end!!!
What a great ending to an amazing series!! I am so sad it's over! I love all these characters, they are so much fun! If reread this series so many times and never get sick of it. Wish it would never end!!!
February 28, 2023
Charming Suspense
Great story that reveals insights into human nature as conflicts teach people how to communicate their feelings and get around the hurts that block healthy relationships and choices.
Great story that reveals insights into human nature as conflicts teach people how to communicate their feelings and get around the hurts that block healthy relationships and choices.
March 7, 2023
great
This another great one with great characters and a good story. I will be rereading this series. And I’m still listening to the Troubleshooters series. Thanks for the great stories.
This another great one with great characters and a good story. I will be rereading this series. And I’m still listening to the Troubleshooters series. Thanks for the great stories.
March 8, 2023
Great finish to a great series!
I have read each and every book in the Tall, Dark & Dangerous series and loved each one. Suzanne Brockmann has a flair for writing sexy, exciting stories about the men in the Navy Seals.
I have read each and every book in the Tall, Dark & Dangerous series and loved each one. Suzanne Brockmann has a flair for writing sexy, exciting stories about the men in the Navy Seals.
March 9, 2023
Great premise and storyline
This book has a great storyline…very creative. I did however take a star off my rating because the dialogue was too wordy for me. Also, there was way more dialogue than action, which was disappointing,
This book has a great storyline…very creative. I did however take a star off my rating because the dialogue was too wordy for me. Also, there was way more dialogue than action, which was disappointing,
April 8, 2023
It’s been a long time since I’ve read any of Suzanne’s books but they haven’t lost any punch. I enjoyed Rio & Casey story. These books all of them are great reads as are the troubleshooter too. If you e never picked up one of these books do your self a favour and start now.
April 17, 2023
Just wow!
Its been a while since I had the pleasure fo read anything from Suzanne Brockmann, but as usual she did delivered a super funny, entertaining story. And that gave me the need to read previous books in her series ! 💜💙💛
Its been a while since I had the pleasure fo read anything from Suzanne Brockmann, but as usual she did delivered a super funny, entertaining story. And that gave me the need to read previous books in her series ! 💜💙💛
September 28, 2023
It was cute but totally predictable. When I read her notes at the end - that it was intended to be a romcom - then it made sense. Lots of great characters, as usual. People you want to know and be friends with.
February 7, 2023
Fun finish to the Tall Dark and Dangerous series!
February 10, 2023
Classic Suz Brockmann goodness. What can I say other than if you love her SEALs, you will love this too?
February 18, 2023
I have loved the TDD series and I was so looking forward to Rio's story. I was really disappointed. Rio deserved a better story and so did the readers who have been devoted to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews