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Troubleshooters #6
Gone Too Far
16 hours, 54 minutes
In her sizzling, award-winning novels of suspense, bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann delves into the adrenaline-rushed world of counter terrorism–and taps into the real passions of its brave men and women. Now in her widely anticipated hardcover debut, she spins a story of action, intrigue, and romance, as a U.S. Navy SEAL and an FBI agent race to unravel a mystery–while confronting their own unresolved feelings for each other. . . .
In his career as one of America’s elite warriors, Lt. Sam Starrett can do no wrong. In his private life, Sam–the king of one night stands–has done little right. Now, he’s waiting for a divorce and determined to stay active in his young daughter’s life. But when Sam shows up at the door of his ex-wife’s home in Sarasota, Florida, he makes a grisly discovery. His daughter is gone and the body of a woman lies brutally murdered on the floor.
FBI agent Alyssa Locke’s relationship with Sam has been overwhelmingly intense and nearly catastrophic, yet it refuses to end. The last time she saw Sam was six months earlier, when they worked together to stop terrorists from assassinating the U.S. President. Much to her dismay, Alyssa is assigned to lead the murder investigation and once again the two are face to face. When explosive information surfaces linking Sam to the still unsolved assassination plot, the stakes are raised. With her reputation hanging in the balance, and her loyalties in question, Alyssa is faced with an impossible dilemma:arrest a man she believes to be innocent, or risk her career.
While Alyssa tries to fight their intense attraction, Sam is determined to heat things up between them once again. And the complex case pushes them both to the wrong side of the law–and on the run to discover the truth. As more agents step into the chase, and with Sam’s daughter still unaccounted for, neither Alyssa nor Sam can predict just how deadly hot this situation is about to become. . . .
A thrilling novel that ranges back into the days of World War II, into friendships, families, liaisons, betrayals, and the code of honor that binds the U.S. Navy SEALs, Gone Too Far is an electrifying experience in suspense–and a brilliant tale of lives lived on the edge.
Audiobook
First published July 1, 2003
330 people are currently reading
2826 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
202 books3,597 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 491 reviews
June 23, 2022
Lt. Sam Starrett travels to Florida to visit his young daughter. But when he gets there, he discovers a decomposing body on the floor of his ex-wife's house. With no sign of his daughter's whereabouts, Sam quickly calls his FBI contacts for help. They send FBI Agent Alyssa Locke to lead the murder investigation. Sam and Alyssa have had a roller-coaster relationship. They've both been hurt by the past, but the attraction is still there. Sam is the primary suspect in his ex-wife's murder. Alyssa must help him in the search for his daughter while dealing with her feelings for him.
Finally. We've been reading about Sam and Alyssa's rocky relationship for the past five books. Now in book six, they finally get their chance. The story pulls you in from the first page. There is a lot of suspense when we learn what exactly is happening in Florida and how it involves the things that happened in the previous book. This book also shows us a WWII story of Walter and Dot Gaines and how it ties to the present. We also get to see Joe Paoletti and the problems he is currently having in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the President. But my favorite update was about Max and Gina's current relationship. I'm looking forward to more of them. My rating: 5 Stars.
Re-read 2022: We're doing a group read of the series on Goodreads. This time around I'm listening to the audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The narration was the icing on top of the cake. This book is still a 5-star read for me.
Finally. We've been reading about Sam and Alyssa's rocky relationship for the past five books. Now in book six, they finally get their chance. The story pulls you in from the first page. There is a lot of suspense when we learn what exactly is happening in Florida and how it involves the things that happened in the previous book. This book also shows us a WWII story of Walter and Dot Gaines and how it ties to the present. We also get to see Joe Paoletti and the problems he is currently having in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the President. But my favorite update was about Max and Gina's current relationship. I'm looking forward to more of them. My rating: 5 Stars.
Re-read 2022: We're doing a group read of the series on Goodreads. This time around I'm listening to the audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The narration was the icing on top of the cake. This book is still a 5-star read for me.
June 16, 2022
the setup…
Following the base attack by terrorists, Mary Lou Starrett, wife of Team 16 Navy SEAL Sam Starrett, packs up their baby daughter Hayley and heads for Sarasota to stay with her sister. She knows it’s only a matter of time before her unwitting association with one of the terrorists is discovered. It’s now six months later and Sam heads to Florida to see why she hasn’t returned the divorce papers (she initiated) or responded to his phone calls for weeks. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Tom Paoletti, leader of Team 16, is suddenly brought in and held for questioning about the attack. He’s now under suspicion for complicity with the terrorists (as if!). Lastly, Max Bhagat is struggling with his feelings for Gina Vitagliano, the young woman held hostage on that plane that he helped rescue but not before she was seriously injured.
the heart of the story…
There’s a lot going on in this story but at the forefront are Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke, the FBI sharpshooter who’s the true love of his life. This is their moment and it’s everything I’d hoped it would be and then some. When Sam gets to Florida and finds a gruesome scene at Mary Lou’s home and Hayley missing, it sets off a massive investigation that ties all the other stories into this one. Sam and Alyssa deserved a big story and they got one as they’re forced to work together, well, him more under duress with Alyssa and Max in charge. Tom’s situation continued to worsen but strangely it did more to bring him and fiancée Kelly together than anything he could have done. Max is losing the war of emotions with everything Gina and she’s working hard to make it so. It was oh, so satisfying to see the buttoned up, fearsome and stoic FBI leader be reduced to putty in her hands.
the narration…
The audio version of this story was absolutely outstanding. I particularly loved her voice for Sam as it was exactly what I’d heard in my own head for him. She delivered a great performance, not only in the characterizations but in telling the story with excitement and edge, bringing a tension-filled story even more to life.
the bottom line…
I first read this story over ten years ago and remember loving it but so much of it felt new and fresh. In keeping with the tradition of the books in this series, there’s also a look back into World War II events and people that were important in Sam’s upbringing. That was a wonderful addition that gave even more flavor and dimension to a man I’d already liked but now admire immensely. This is a gem of a story, one that I had high expectations for that were blown to bits in the very best way. After over 16 hours of listening, I hated seeing it come to an end, as satisfying as that conclusion turned out to be.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Following the base attack by terrorists, Mary Lou Starrett, wife of Team 16 Navy SEAL Sam Starrett, packs up their baby daughter Hayley and heads for Sarasota to stay with her sister. She knows it’s only a matter of time before her unwitting association with one of the terrorists is discovered. It’s now six months later and Sam heads to Florida to see why she hasn’t returned the divorce papers (she initiated) or responded to his phone calls for weeks. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Tom Paoletti, leader of Team 16, is suddenly brought in and held for questioning about the attack. He’s now under suspicion for complicity with the terrorists (as if!). Lastly, Max Bhagat is struggling with his feelings for Gina Vitagliano, the young woman held hostage on that plane that he helped rescue but not before she was seriously injured.
the heart of the story…
There’s a lot going on in this story but at the forefront are Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke, the FBI sharpshooter who’s the true love of his life. This is their moment and it’s everything I’d hoped it would be and then some. When Sam gets to Florida and finds a gruesome scene at Mary Lou’s home and Hayley missing, it sets off a massive investigation that ties all the other stories into this one. Sam and Alyssa deserved a big story and they got one as they’re forced to work together, well, him more under duress with Alyssa and Max in charge. Tom’s situation continued to worsen but strangely it did more to bring him and fiancée Kelly together than anything he could have done. Max is losing the war of emotions with everything Gina and she’s working hard to make it so. It was oh, so satisfying to see the buttoned up, fearsome and stoic FBI leader be reduced to putty in her hands.
the narration…
The audio version of this story was absolutely outstanding. I particularly loved her voice for Sam as it was exactly what I’d heard in my own head for him. She delivered a great performance, not only in the characterizations but in telling the story with excitement and edge, bringing a tension-filled story even more to life.
the bottom line…
I first read this story over ten years ago and remember loving it but so much of it felt new and fresh. In keeping with the tradition of the books in this series, there’s also a look back into World War II events and people that were important in Sam’s upbringing. That was a wonderful addition that gave even more flavor and dimension to a man I’d already liked but now admire immensely. This is a gem of a story, one that I had high expectations for that were blown to bits in the very best way. After over 16 hours of listening, I hated seeing it come to an end, as satisfying as that conclusion turned out to be.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
August 24, 2015
5+ stars – Romantic Suspense
At long last, Gone Too Far gives a fantastic close (and new beginning) to the Sam and Alyssa on-again/off-again romance that’s been an important continuing storyline in the previous books in the series. Sam is by far my favorite ‘Troubleshooter’ Navy SEAL hero and Sam and Alyssa are my favorite couple, and I have been anxiously awaiting their story and desperately hoping for them to finally get an HEA. And I’m thrilled to say that I was very happy with the way things turned out for the previously unlucky lovers!
I loved Sam’s background story. The childhood/Texas flashbacks involving his cousin Noah and Uncle Walt were touching and gave a deep insight into Sam’s character. The WWII interracial romance between Sam’s Uncle Walt and aunt Dot was another sweet addition to the story.
The Max and Gina storyline heats up in this one, and it makes me really anxious for book 9 to see if they can finally get past their painful past and age difference and find their HEA. Gay FBI Agent Jules is Alyssa’s trusted confidant and partner and his character continues to provide support and relationship advice to both Alyssa and Max, while dosing out some much needed humor. He’s one of the best characters in the series, and it’s easy to see why so many people love Jules. I hope to see much more of him in future books.
Sam’s ex-wife Mary Lou redeems herself in this book, and I was glad to see her shed her prejudices and find a HEA with sweet, gentle Ibraham. I really admire the way Brockmann subtly addresses social issues in the series, like racism, sexism, homophobia, and post-9/11 racial profiling. She depicts interesting, multifaceted characters without falling into the trap of stereotyping, which is admirable for a military romance series that focuses largely on the fight against terrorism.
Tom and Kelly also have a big part in this story, and finally get married. They have several sweet, tender moments, but they also face some rather difficult challenges. Tom’s tribulations provide the basis for the series’ transition from SEAL Team Sixteen to Troubleshooters, Inc., and I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
Gone Too Far is another action-packed, suspenseful, sexy read in the thrilling Troubleshooters series and a great wrap-up to the Sam and Alyssa saga. I hope to see more of the sexy couple in future books because I’m not ready to say good-bye to my beloved Sam just yet. Big 5 stars!
At long last, Gone Too Far gives a fantastic close (and new beginning) to the Sam and Alyssa on-again/off-again romance that’s been an important continuing storyline in the previous books in the series. Sam is by far my favorite ‘Troubleshooter’ Navy SEAL hero and Sam and Alyssa are my favorite couple, and I have been anxiously awaiting their story and desperately hoping for them to finally get an HEA. And I’m thrilled to say that I was very happy with the way things turned out for the previously unlucky lovers!
I loved Sam’s background story. The childhood/Texas flashbacks involving his cousin Noah and Uncle Walt were touching and gave a deep insight into Sam’s character. The WWII interracial romance between Sam’s Uncle Walt and aunt Dot was another sweet addition to the story.
The Max and Gina storyline heats up in this one, and it makes me really anxious for book 9 to see if they can finally get past their painful past and age difference and find their HEA. Gay FBI Agent Jules is Alyssa’s trusted confidant and partner and his character continues to provide support and relationship advice to both Alyssa and Max, while dosing out some much needed humor. He’s one of the best characters in the series, and it’s easy to see why so many people love Jules. I hope to see much more of him in future books.
Sam’s ex-wife Mary Lou redeems herself in this book, and I was glad to see her shed her prejudices and find a HEA with sweet, gentle Ibraham. I really admire the way Brockmann subtly addresses social issues in the series, like racism, sexism, homophobia, and post-9/11 racial profiling. She depicts interesting, multifaceted characters without falling into the trap of stereotyping, which is admirable for a military romance series that focuses largely on the fight against terrorism.
Tom and Kelly also have a big part in this story, and finally get married. They have several sweet, tender moments, but they also face some rather difficult challenges. Tom’s tribulations provide the basis for the series’ transition from SEAL Team Sixteen to Troubleshooters, Inc., and I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
Gone Too Far is another action-packed, suspenseful, sexy read in the thrilling Troubleshooters series and a great wrap-up to the Sam and Alyssa saga. I hope to see more of the sexy couple in future books because I’m not ready to say good-bye to my beloved Sam just yet. Big 5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2009
Okay so I am re-reading this book and this time I am actually enjoying it. I've struggled with Gone Too Far so many times -- usually didn't make it pass the 2nd or 3rd chapter -- and I would toss it aside for something else but on every IR group I belong to the famous Sam and Alyssa are always touted as the best IR couple ever so I always go back to this book to try to get a glimpse into WHY they are so love. This time, I made it pass chapter 3 and man do I get it. Not the Sam and Alyssa are the greatest but finally AT LAST why this book and Ms. Brockmann are so damn good!
The single most satisfying thing I love most about this book is the way Suzanne wrote the character of Alyssa. Alyssa is a strong, positive, character. There are none of those ridiculous stereotypes that some writers (black & white) fix to black heroines. It was refreshing. Race was an issue but it was not in your face every other page which was extremely refreshing, but at the same time it was not glossed over. Wonderful delivery thru-out the book. I applaud Ms. Brockmann for the way she wrote it. And I applaud Ms. Brockmann for the way she mingles so many characters and her ability to let each and everyone of them shine thru-out the book.
I must admit Sam and Alyssa are adorable but there are so many other characters that have stolen the book for me, specifically Max and (ta da) Jules. I'm on page 339 and have about a fourth of the book to go. As with all good books I read, I'm beginning to experience that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach because I am so close to the end. In other words, I am going to hate reading that last page because a story -- or in this case -- a multitude of stories is coming to a close. The good news is, there are like 11 or 12 other books in the series so I will be able to 'troubleshoot' for a while. I have Force of Nature (Jule's story) next on my list because I love Jules and I am definitely seeking out Max & Gina's story (Breaking Point).
So far the best line in this book is not anything Sam/Ringo/Roger has said -- although my boy has a lot -- but when Jules 'Got to Love this Guy' Cassidy says to Max "Ah sweetie, you're going to hate this..." I about lost it. I was like, did he really say that to Max. To MAX!!!! Yeah that takes place on page 338. Had to stop reading and do a shout out for this book then and there.
She i.e. Suzanne Brockmann has a new fan and I, At Last am truly a member of the Elite Sam & Alyssa Fan Club.
Back to the book....
The single most satisfying thing I love most about this book is the way Suzanne wrote the character of Alyssa. Alyssa is a strong, positive, character. There are none of those ridiculous stereotypes that some writers (black & white) fix to black heroines. It was refreshing. Race was an issue but it was not in your face every other page which was extremely refreshing, but at the same time it was not glossed over. Wonderful delivery thru-out the book. I applaud Ms. Brockmann for the way she wrote it. And I applaud Ms. Brockmann for the way she mingles so many characters and her ability to let each and everyone of them shine thru-out the book.
I must admit Sam and Alyssa are adorable but there are so many other characters that have stolen the book for me, specifically Max and (ta da) Jules. I'm on page 339 and have about a fourth of the book to go. As with all good books I read, I'm beginning to experience that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach because I am so close to the end. In other words, I am going to hate reading that last page because a story -- or in this case -- a multitude of stories is coming to a close. The good news is, there are like 11 or 12 other books in the series so I will be able to 'troubleshoot' for a while. I have Force of Nature (Jule's story) next on my list because I love Jules and I am definitely seeking out Max & Gina's story (Breaking Point).
So far the best line in this book is not anything Sam/Ringo/Roger has said -- although my boy has a lot -- but when Jules 'Got to Love this Guy' Cassidy says to Max "Ah sweetie, you're going to hate this..." I about lost it. I was like, did he really say that to Max. To MAX!!!! Yeah that takes place on page 338. Had to stop reading and do a shout out for this book then and there.
She i.e. Suzanne Brockmann has a new fan and I, At Last am truly a member of the Elite Sam & Alyssa Fan Club.
Back to the book....
February 22, 2020
To say I've been waiting for this book with enthusiasm is an understatement. It's not like I was delayed due to the release date. These books have been out for years. Since I read the second book this summer, I've been dying to get to the rest of Sam's story. My friend Jule almost had to bash me over the head so I wouldn't be tempted to book skip. Then she joked that book 6 wasn't that great and I should probably skip it anyhow. Jule...so not funny. It's just that the way Suzanne Brockmann tells these stories makes it impossible to book skip. Each book centres around one of the men that we've met in previous books but often, as in the case of Max and Sam, their stories start well before their books.
We knew, after reading Into the Night, that there was one heck of a story building with Max and Alyssa and Mary Lou and the rest of the folks. Gone Too Far hit the ground running. I mean, HOLY CRAP! My head was spinning and I was texting my Troubleshooters Book Mentors like a crazy woman. They helped me through with unhelpful comments such as "Keep reading!" and by sending vague emojis. A lot happened with this book. I was thrilled that we got more of Max and Tom as well as Sam's story from his childhood. I enjoyed the historical backstory in this book but perhaps not as much as the ones in other books in the series. I've also said this before: There is a whole lot of crying in these books. I know that Brockmann is trying to tell us that real men can show their feelings and not be afraid to cry but WHOA. I think they cry more than the women. But as Jule says, "These men are hawt and can do whatever they want."
One of the things about Sam is that I don't think he's my favourite of the men, but somehow his story has sucked me in. I question his decisions and I don't always love the stuff that comes out of his mouth, but I guess that makes him interesting.
This series is incredibly addictive. There are definitely cheesy moments but also some awesome lines and I've never been bored. I feel a little lucky that so many of them have been published and I'm discovering them for the first time.
Now that Sam's had his book, I'm impatient for Max. I mean, it's MAX! I really wish I had more time in the day.
We knew, after reading Into the Night, that there was one heck of a story building with Max and Alyssa and Mary Lou and the rest of the folks. Gone Too Far hit the ground running. I mean, HOLY CRAP! My head was spinning and I was texting my Troubleshooters Book Mentors like a crazy woman. They helped me through with unhelpful comments such as "Keep reading!" and by sending vague emojis. A lot happened with this book. I was thrilled that we got more of Max and Tom as well as Sam's story from his childhood. I enjoyed the historical backstory in this book but perhaps not as much as the ones in other books in the series. I've also said this before: There is a whole lot of crying in these books. I know that Brockmann is trying to tell us that real men can show their feelings and not be afraid to cry but WHOA. I think they cry more than the women. But as Jule says, "These men are hawt and can do whatever they want."
One of the things about Sam is that I don't think he's my favourite of the men, but somehow his story has sucked me in. I question his decisions and I don't always love the stuff that comes out of his mouth, but I guess that makes him interesting.
This series is incredibly addictive. There are definitely cheesy moments but also some awesome lines and I've never been bored. I feel a little lucky that so many of them have been published and I'm discovering them for the first time.
Now that Sam's had his book, I'm impatient for Max. I mean, it's MAX! I really wish I had more time in the day.
July 28, 2019
Woohoo this was some ride! If you have been reading this series you are familiar with Sam and Alyssa and Max and Gina and their saga/soap opera. :) When I FIRST read this series I was on pins and needles anxious waiting to see what would happen with all these characters. Sam and Alyssa have really been put through a lot to get their HEA, and I laughed in the end. Typical Sam. He can't do anything normal. And OMG his backstory is sad.
Sam is on the hunt for his ex wife and daughter (who are missing and Mary Lou's sister found dead in the kitchen), and Alyssa is the FBI agent in charge of bringing Sam in because Mary Lou's fingerprints were found on a gun used in a recent terrorist attached Yikes! Max is Alyssa's boss who is struggling with his feelings for Gina (you have to read a previous book for their history) and he is trying to run from Gina by getting involved with Alyssa. That's not going well. And Gina is a woman in her early 20's who is trying to get back to "normal" whatever that is. She wants Max, she loves Max, but Max is at least 20 years older than Gina and he is struggling with his feelings for SO MANY REASONS.
In the end Alyssa and Sam find their HEA, and Max and Gina have not. The suspense is amazing! But I know what happens, lol, and I can't wait. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK! And I don't mean Flashpoint. I am going to skip that one and go right to Hot Target. Yum! Flashpoint is not a favorite of mine and I will put that one off until later. Hot Target has Jules and Robin and I have been so impatient to get to their story. It's the book that spawned my love (obsession?) with MM romance. :)
5 stars for Gone Too Far and the narration. Super all around. Oh, and in this particular story the historical flashbacks are important and 100% relevant to the story so don't skip those if you read this. Highly recommend (if you've been reading the series; don't just jump in to the series here).
Sam is on the hunt for his ex wife and daughter (who are missing and Mary Lou's sister found dead in the kitchen), and Alyssa is the FBI agent in charge of bringing Sam in because Mary Lou's fingerprints were found on a gun used in a recent terrorist attached Yikes! Max is Alyssa's boss who is struggling with his feelings for Gina (you have to read a previous book for their history) and he is trying to run from Gina by getting involved with Alyssa. That's not going well. And Gina is a woman in her early 20's who is trying to get back to "normal" whatever that is. She wants Max, she loves Max, but Max is at least 20 years older than Gina and he is struggling with his feelings for SO MANY REASONS.
In the end Alyssa and Sam find their HEA, and Max and Gina have not. The suspense is amazing! But I know what happens, lol, and I can't wait. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK! And I don't mean Flashpoint. I am going to skip that one and go right to Hot Target. Yum! Flashpoint is not a favorite of mine and I will put that one off until later. Hot Target has Jules and Robin and I have been so impatient to get to their story. It's the book that spawned my love (obsession?) with MM romance. :)
5 stars for Gone Too Far and the narration. Super all around. Oh, and in this particular story the historical flashbacks are important and 100% relevant to the story so don't skip those if you read this. Highly recommend (if you've been reading the series; don't just jump in to the series here).
July 2, 2012
“Luke Skywalker’s proof that paternity amounts to squat,” Noah told him. “And you are too my brother.”
4.5 stars... I'm completely hooked with this series, I can't stop now. I've never read another author that is able to balance so many story lines the way that Brockmann does in Gone Too Far. The main story about Alyssa and Sam has been several books in the making but we also get a glimpse of a future for Gina and Max. The SEAL team is not left behind, Tom and Kelly are in this book at lot and they are HOT. Learning about Sam's past is one heartbreaking story and with that we learn about Walter and Dot, both war heros but under appreciated by their country.
Max talking about Gina, loved this quote:
“That’s not love,” he countered. “That’s something else, something possessive, something, Christ, I don’t know, greedy and twisted and obsessive and chaotic and . . . I want to own her, Alyssa. I want to wrap her up and keep her safe and put her in . . . in . . . some closet somewhere and take her out when it’s convenient for me to . . . to . . . Okay. Yes. Sex. It’s about sex and it’s about power and control and it’s about her looking at me with those Bambi eyes and adoring me when she should goddamn hate me, and . . . that’s not love.”
Alyssa describing Sam:
Cuffed to the door, with his pants unfastened and his hair messed, he looked like some kind of fantasy accessory. There was no doubt about it. These cars would sell like crazy if they came equipped with Sam Starrett handcuffed to the back.
Damn, he was handsome with his hair cut short and his entire face showing. Some women might not agree because there was nothing pretty about this man. His good looks were rugged and he had a smile that was loaded with testosterone. He had the kind of big, lean, man-sized face that was going to get craggier as he got older. But he’d be just as handsome, possibly even more so, at seventy than he was right now.
Max describing Gina:
Her legs were incredibly long and her hair spilled down around her shoulders. Her skin gleamed, and those breasts . . . With the exception of her belly button ring that sparked as it caught the light, she looked like a movie star from the days when movie stars were allowed to have hips and breasts and smooth, slightly rounded, marvelously female stomachs. Raquel Welch. Sophia Loren. Gina Vitagliano. She came toward him, looking at him as if he were something special. Yeah, he kept in excellent shape, but it didn’t warrant that look. Of course, it didn’t mean he didn’t like it. A lot.
Sam finally finds his true name:
Sam was lying on his back on the floor. Haley was on his chest, and they were both fast asleep. He looked so at peace, so content. And Alyssa knew Roger/Ringo/Sam had finally found a name that was going to stick. Daddy.
July 3, 2012
I don't have any real complaints about this book. I loved it.
I wish I had more to say, it's harder to write long detailed reviews about series books because I feel like I'm just saying the same things over and over. I'll just list a few things,
1, This was a great wrap up for Alyssa and Sam. It was a long time coming, and it ended on a very satisfying note.
2, I'm super excited for the Max/Gina story. I hear it's Max/Gina and Jones/Molly and those are two of my favs.
3, Jules is awesome!
4, You're so right Regina, this was definitely the best flashback story. I loved the insight we got into Sam Starrett.
5, I was so happy to get more Tom and Kelly.
Fun series, I agree with Leea, Brockmann really excels at multiple storylines and relationships. Sometimes it feels stunted, but it's wonderful to get glimpses into those lives.
I wish I had more to say, it's harder to write long detailed reviews about series books because I feel like I'm just saying the same things over and over. I'll just list a few things,
1, This was a great wrap up for Alyssa and Sam. It was a long time coming, and it ended on a very satisfying note.
2, I'm super excited for the Max/Gina story. I hear it's Max/Gina and Jones/Molly and those are two of my favs.
3, Jules is awesome!
4, You're so right Regina, this was definitely the best flashback story. I loved the insight we got into Sam Starrett.
5, I was so happy to get more Tom and Kelly.
Fun series, I agree with Leea, Brockmann really excels at multiple storylines and relationships. Sometimes it feels stunted, but it's wonderful to get glimpses into those lives.
December 15, 2008
A wonderful conclusion to the 'Sam and Alyssa' storyline. Their story really begins in book 2, and heats up fast. I would recommend reading the earlier books first, but there is enough backstory provided to make this a stand alone read. The secondary storylines were also very interesting. We have Max and Gina, who later get their own book (in 8 I think). The WWII story didn't dominate as in previous books, which I really appreciated. I don't always care for the WWII storyline, but this one was interesting and directly tied to Sam. Jules (Alyssa's partner) continues to be gem. His attitude is priceless and we get to see plenty of him in this book. Love him! This is a great series with a few misses, but so worth reading.
January 13, 2012
For me the best so far. It's not the best because of Alyssa and Sam (even if I'm glad they finally got together!) but because the story was really really great!
It begins with Sam going to Sarasota for her soon-to-be ex-wife and suddenly we are into a huge coordinate action which involves Tom Paoletti, the FBI and mostly everyone! I understand now why the previous book was so lacking. I think that 5th and 6th books should be read as a whole story to understand them better.
I love Kelly finally becomes Tom Paoletti's wife! LOL And I read some wonderful scenes between Max and Gina, (I love them) and I cannot wait for their story to come!
Great great great! Such a wonderful story, how could I resist? ;)
It begins with Sam going to Sarasota for her soon-to-be ex-wife and suddenly we are into a huge coordinate action which involves Tom Paoletti, the FBI and mostly everyone! I understand now why the previous book was so lacking. I think that 5th and 6th books should be read as a whole story to understand them better.
I love Kelly finally becomes Tom Paoletti's wife! LOL And I read some wonderful scenes between Max and Gina, (I love them) and I cannot wait for their story to come!
Great great great! Such a wonderful story, how could I resist? ;)
December 17, 2018
I liked this book the first time I read it, now that I've read Into the Night, which is both a turning point and set up for this novel, I like it even more. A definite keeper.
[ETA - 2018] - as time goes on, and certain things have changed, like the military's discontinued use of the shameful DADT (Don't Ask-Don't Tell) policy as well as who the current players are in the Islamic terrorist groups, this book has begun to settle into its early 21st century setting in some ways. In others, it's still as fresh as the first time I read it. Good stuff.
[ETA - 2018] - as time goes on, and certain things have changed, like the military's discontinued use of the shameful DADT (Don't Ask-Don't Tell) policy as well as who the current players are in the Islamic terrorist groups, this book has begun to settle into its early 21st century setting in some ways. In others, it's still as fresh as the first time I read it. Good stuff.
August 30, 2022
I haven't gone through books at this speed since I was a teenager. In Lt. Starett's own words, fuck me, I'm obsessed.
August 22, 2015
THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ IN 2015... Fantastic story progression, smouldering sexual tension and talk about character development! I've had a big crush on Roger "Sam" Starrett since the first book but the way that Suzanne Brockmann wrote his backstory and we really saw what made him tick over a number of books was just outstanding. Plus the return of Tom and Kelly, the ongoing Max and Gina story and the traditional WWII storyline there was just so much to love about this book.
July 22, 2008
Intense and action-packed. Suzanne Brockmann still brilliantly breaks all of society's stereotypes from the "bimbo bar bunny" to the arab-with-a-beard-muslim terrorist. She portrays well-developed and very human characters with their share of flaws and virtues that allows a more in depth and personal story. The characters were terrifyingly, awesomely human and evoked conflicting emotions where there were no real "black and white" areas but shades and shades of gray.
Thank you, Suzanne Brockmann, for being so open-minded and for writing a great series that realistically sheds light on the unfair assumptions and actions of the ignorant towards people of different races, backgrounds and sexual preferences.
Thank you, Suzanne Brockmann, for being so open-minded and for writing a great series that realistically sheds light on the unfair assumptions and actions of the ignorant towards people of different races, backgrounds and sexual preferences.
June 20, 2016
Loved it!!!!!
Loved it just as much the 2nd time :)
Loved it just as much the 2nd time :)
December 21, 2009
In all honesty I was not looking forward to this book as I'd tired of the Sam/Alyssa romantic mess in a previous "Team Sixteen" book and had all intentions of skipping it. Sam Starrett, in my book, had morphed from a sexy hero type into a Class A jerk, a bad boyfriend, a terrible husband, a lousy father and an all around sad sack. Fortunately (as it turns out) my local book reading friends chose this as a reading selection and I forced myself to begin what I assumed would be an irritating read.
Gone Too Far is a bit different in format than the previous books in the "Troubleshooter" series which were very much action/adventure romances and I've seen a few complaints that the beginning was too slow but this wasn't the case for me. It had been months since I read the last book in this series but I quickly fell back into the flow of things and was immediately hooked by the gripping characterization and the suspenseful plot line. The story opens as Sam is headed to his estranged wife Mary Lou's home to claim the signed divorce papers she promised him three weeks earlier. Sam finds the divorce papers alright but he also finds a dead body that may or may not be Mary Lou's and their young daughter Haley is missing. Sam, of course, becomes prime suspect #1.
Meanwhile Alyssa is sent to detain Sam and bring him in for questioning. I'm still not clear exactly why this happened but hey it gets them together (finally) so who am I to complain? Sam and Alyssa go on a search for the missing (and possibly dead) Mary Lou and Haley and learn a whole lot about each other in between arguments and fighting off their undeniable attraction to one another. Brockmann, in flashback and dialogue, allows the reader an in-depth look into Sam's troubled past and explains away much of his bad and difficult to understand behavior in previous books. Alyssa, always a cold and steely-type comes across as more human in this book as well. And it's about darn time too! Before long I found myself, if not liking them wholeheartedly, at least rooting for them to work things out once and for all.
Rounding out the story is a multitude of subplots (too many if you ask me) all competing for attention. There's Sam's childhood memories, the World War II flashback story between a white female pilot and the black man she falls in love with, there's Max and Gina's compelling, pain filled on-going love story, Team Sixteen's former leader Tom Paoletti is accused of aiding terrorists and his sweetheart of a wife is . . . well it goes on and on and it all gets to be a tad too much to keep track of after awhile. This book would've been a much "cleaner" read if the author hadn't crammed in so many various (but interesting) plot lines into one book.
Though Sam and Alyssa aren't always easy people to like their story is compelling, passionate and filled with intense emotion. I can't say this about most of the books I've been reading this year and am very thankful to my reading friends for "forcing" me to read this one.
Gone Too Far is a bit different in format than the previous books in the "Troubleshooter" series which were very much action/adventure romances and I've seen a few complaints that the beginning was too slow but this wasn't the case for me. It had been months since I read the last book in this series but I quickly fell back into the flow of things and was immediately hooked by the gripping characterization and the suspenseful plot line. The story opens as Sam is headed to his estranged wife Mary Lou's home to claim the signed divorce papers she promised him three weeks earlier. Sam finds the divorce papers alright but he also finds a dead body that may or may not be Mary Lou's and their young daughter Haley is missing. Sam, of course, becomes prime suspect #1.
Meanwhile Alyssa is sent to detain Sam and bring him in for questioning. I'm still not clear exactly why this happened but hey it gets them together (finally) so who am I to complain? Sam and Alyssa go on a search for the missing (and possibly dead) Mary Lou and Haley and learn a whole lot about each other in between arguments and fighting off their undeniable attraction to one another. Brockmann, in flashback and dialogue, allows the reader an in-depth look into Sam's troubled past and explains away much of his bad and difficult to understand behavior in previous books. Alyssa, always a cold and steely-type comes across as more human in this book as well. And it's about darn time too! Before long I found myself, if not liking them wholeheartedly, at least rooting for them to work things out once and for all.
Rounding out the story is a multitude of subplots (too many if you ask me) all competing for attention. There's Sam's childhood memories, the World War II flashback story between a white female pilot and the black man she falls in love with, there's Max and Gina's compelling, pain filled on-going love story, Team Sixteen's former leader Tom Paoletti is accused of aiding terrorists and his sweetheart of a wife is . . . well it goes on and on and it all gets to be a tad too much to keep track of after awhile. This book would've been a much "cleaner" read if the author hadn't crammed in so many various (but interesting) plot lines into one book.
Though Sam and Alyssa aren't always easy people to like their story is compelling, passionate and filled with intense emotion. I can't say this about most of the books I've been reading this year and am very thankful to my reading friends for "forcing" me to read this one.
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August 3, 2022
This gets four stars PURELY when you think about the romance between Sam and Alyssa, which is AMAZING. Unfortunately there's also a lot of Brockmann's signature POV jumps, but I just skimmed those.
I actually went and read the Sam/Alyssa scenes in the last few books, because otherwise you totally miss out on the emotional impact. She's a gorgeous black FBI agent (with green eyes, but whatever) who hooked up with her favourite enemy, Navy SEAL Sam Starrett, a couple of years ago. She got cold feet and basically told him it was a huge mistake. Crushed, he went off and had sex with some other women. By the time he'd got back together with Alyssa, he'd unknowingly got one of those women pregnant, and was forced to 'do the right thing' and marry her just when he thought he could have something with Alyssa.
Ordinarily, I would NEVER read a plotline as unsafe as this, but the thing is... Sam's absolutely besotted with Alyssa, and she's the one who consistently tears him down. It's honestly pretty impressive, and I actually don't even blame him for trying to console himself with other people, because he puts himself on the line for her every single time and she shoots him down. After a couple of years of miserable marriage, he decides he's going to get a divorce, thereafter he goes full speed after Alyssa again. He never loved his wife, and honestly - even though the plot of the book is him trying to find his missing daughter - he didn't see the daughter much either, and she doesn't feature as a character at all really.
Also, can I just say that I love Sam's character? I don't think someone like him - unapologetically brash, crude, and 100% non-PC - would even be written nowadays, so thank God for 20-year-old books where the heroes crack mildly racist/homophobic jokes. It's not that he's even actually racist or a homophobe; I mean, Alyssa is literally black, and Sam's best friend ends up being a gay guy. It's just that he talks without sanitising his speech to death first, and his character feels very strong and realistic for a 1990s-era Navy SEAL.
I actually went and read the Sam/Alyssa scenes in the last few books, because otherwise you totally miss out on the emotional impact. She's a gorgeous black FBI agent (with green eyes, but whatever) who hooked up with her favourite enemy, Navy SEAL Sam Starrett, a couple of years ago. She got cold feet and basically told him it was a huge mistake. Crushed, he went off and had sex with some other women. By the time he'd got back together with Alyssa, he'd unknowingly got one of those women pregnant, and was forced to 'do the right thing' and marry her just when he thought he could have something with Alyssa.
Ordinarily, I would NEVER read a plotline as unsafe as this, but the thing is... Sam's absolutely besotted with Alyssa, and she's the one who consistently tears him down. It's honestly pretty impressive, and I actually don't even blame him for trying to console himself with other people, because he puts himself on the line for her every single time and she shoots him down. After a couple of years of miserable marriage, he decides he's going to get a divorce, thereafter he goes full speed after Alyssa again. He never loved his wife, and honestly - even though the plot of the book is him trying to find his missing daughter - he didn't see the daughter much either, and she doesn't feature as a character at all really.
Also, can I just say that I love Sam's character? I don't think someone like him - unapologetically brash, crude, and 100% non-PC - would even be written nowadays, so thank God for 20-year-old books where the heroes crack mildly racist/homophobic jokes. It's not that he's even actually racist or a homophobe; I mean, Alyssa is literally black, and Sam's best friend ends up being a gay guy. It's just that he talks without sanitising his speech to death first, and his character feels very strong and realistic for a 1990s-era Navy SEAL.
December 1, 2016
Six books into her Troubleshooters series, Suzanne Brockmann manages to hit a hell of a crescendo.
It's not like she hasn't worked for this kind of payoff: She's been laying the groundwork for the primary romance for four novels and the secondary romance for three novels. Hell, even the tertiary romance has been building since Into the Night. Keeping all those balls juggled and all those plot lines straight takes a hell of an operator...and that's before we add in her signature historical flashback couple which, yes kids, is the quaternary romance. All that and a bag of crackers and getting this novel to come in under 600 pages must have been an editorial miracle.
All of which is to say: This novel is fabulous, but if you're new to the series, it's probably not the best place to start. Really. Go back to the beginning and enjoy the foreplay. Doing so will allow you to enjoy that much more the story of how Lt. Sam Starrett goes AWOL hunting for the people he believed killed his ex-wife and baby daughter, and how his former lover, FBI Agent Alyssa Locke, put her career on the line to help him. There's so much payoff here - for Sam and Alyssa fans, for Max and Gina fans, and even for Mary Lou and Ihbraham fans - that it would truly be a crime to skip to the end.
Seriously, don't Humperdinck this. You will be so glad you waited.
It's not like she hasn't worked for this kind of payoff: She's been laying the groundwork for the primary romance for four novels and the secondary romance for three novels. Hell, even the tertiary romance has been building since Into the Night. Keeping all those balls juggled and all those plot lines straight takes a hell of an operator...and that's before we add in her signature historical flashback couple which, yes kids, is the quaternary romance. All that and a bag of crackers and getting this novel to come in under 600 pages must have been an editorial miracle.
All of which is to say: This novel is fabulous, but if you're new to the series, it's probably not the best place to start. Really. Go back to the beginning and enjoy the foreplay. Doing so will allow you to enjoy that much more the story of how Lt. Sam Starrett goes AWOL hunting for the people he believed killed his ex-wife and baby daughter, and how his former lover, FBI Agent Alyssa Locke, put her career on the line to help him. There's so much payoff here - for Sam and Alyssa fans, for Max and Gina fans, and even for Mary Lou and Ihbraham fans - that it would truly be a crime to skip to the end.
Seriously, don't Humperdinck this. You will be so glad you waited.
July 30, 2010
OMGoodness. I really enjoyed this book. I don't know if it was because I have been reading porn in writing (my term for erotica) for the last couple of books or what. There was great tension and intrigue. There was just enough action for my female mind and plenty of romance. Although it was suggested that you read the other books to get an understanding of the conflict between Sam and Alyssa, this book can stand alone because SB gives enough background to fill you in on what has happened.Also, there was this hint of mystery about the gardner that doesn't really get resolved until the end, but it's enough to keep you wanting more. Also, the background tidbits are not overwhelming or take away from the story, they are just enough to make you want to read the other stories. I definitely recommend this book!! The pull between Sam and Alyssa is outstanding and although I am not one for gay romance, I am kinda anxious about Jules (her partner) getting his own story as well as Max.
July 12, 2019
4.5 but I rounded up. I love Sam and Alyssa. And Max and Gina. And Jules. And Kelly and Tom. 💕
Update 7/11/19, here's my review from my blog with a more realistic amount of exclamation points:
HELLO THIS BOOK IS GLORIOUS BECAUSE SAM AND ALYSSA FINALLY, FINALLY HAVE JOY AND HAPPINESS AND ALSO THERE’S A LOT OF JULES, MAX, AND GINA. Basically, this book made putting up with Mary Lou’s bullshit worth it. Sorry, okay, what an intro to the book. Anyway, basically, Sam gets wrapped up in a possible murder and Alyssa comes to save the day because my baby can’t resist, but guess who else is in Sarasota? GINA!!! So Max sees Gina again because he just can’t help it and wow, book nine, where are you? (Jk, I definitely already read it and it was also !!!!!!!!!!!! inducing. I love them. But tbh, this book is better.) I feel like I’m getting side tracked and also I think I’m maybe incapable of reviewing these books at this point. Whoops.
Update 7/11/19, here's my review from my blog with a more realistic amount of exclamation points:
HELLO THIS BOOK IS GLORIOUS BECAUSE SAM AND ALYSSA FINALLY, FINALLY HAVE JOY AND HAPPINESS AND ALSO THERE’S A LOT OF JULES, MAX, AND GINA. Basically, this book made putting up with Mary Lou’s bullshit worth it. Sorry, okay, what an intro to the book. Anyway, basically, Sam gets wrapped up in a possible murder and Alyssa comes to save the day because my baby can’t resist, but guess who else is in Sarasota? GINA!!! So Max sees Gina again because he just can’t help it and wow, book nine, where are you? (Jk, I definitely already read it and it was also !!!!!!!!!!!! inducing. I love them. But tbh, this book is better.) I feel like I’m getting side tracked and also I think I’m maybe incapable of reviewing these books at this point. Whoops.
June 25, 2009
A very, very, very well written book! This was my first book by Suzanne Brockmann and I am very excited to start reading the rest of her work! I was captivated from the very first page. I felt emotionally invested in each character, and there were quite a few to keep up with! Would recommend to anyone that liks to read great books! :)
June 17, 2022
Gone Too Far
4 Stars
Six months after the terrorist attack at the Coronado base, Lieutenant Sam Starret arrives in Sarasota to collect divorce papers from his ex only to find a decomposing body in her house and his daughter gone. With the investigation more focused on him than finding Hayley, Sam and FBI agent Alyssa Locke reluctanly join forces in the search.
This time around the storyline is set primarily in the present and the WWII thread is minor even though the details surrounding the attitudes toward the Tuskegee Airment are compelling. The present day plots focus on Sam and Alyssa's second chances romance, FBI negotiator Max Bhagat and former hostage Gina Vitagliano's doomed attempts to move on from their past, and updates on Tom Paoletti and Kelly Ashton's relationship.
While Sam and Alyssa's story has been a long time coming and their happiness is well-deserved, there are times when their bickering and deliberate goading of one another becomes tiresome. It is almost as if they thrive on their conflict and misunderstandings.
In contrast, Max and Gina's tug-of-war relationship is a highlight. Max struggles with his feelings for Gina, and it is great watching the stoic leader brought to his knees by a slip of a girl with more resilience and determination than all of SEAL Team 16.
The issue of Tom and Kelly's endlessly pending nuptials are also resolved albeit with some heartwrenching scenes, and even gets her HEA even though her character is still intensely unlikable.
This installment brings to an end the ongoing arc from the past few books although there are new directions for many of the characters. The next book appears to focus on a completely new couple and I look forward to seeing how Brockmann merges the new Troubleshooters into the already established atmosphere of the series.
4 Stars
Six months after the terrorist attack at the Coronado base, Lieutenant Sam Starret arrives in Sarasota to collect divorce papers from his ex only to find a decomposing body in her house and his daughter gone. With the investigation more focused on him than finding Hayley, Sam and FBI agent Alyssa Locke reluctanly join forces in the search.
This time around the storyline is set primarily in the present and the WWII thread is minor even though the details surrounding the attitudes toward the Tuskegee Airment are compelling. The present day plots focus on Sam and Alyssa's second chances romance, FBI negotiator Max Bhagat and former hostage Gina Vitagliano's doomed attempts to move on from their past, and updates on Tom Paoletti and Kelly Ashton's relationship.
While Sam and Alyssa's story has been a long time coming and their happiness is well-deserved, there are times when their bickering and deliberate goading of one another becomes tiresome. It is almost as if they thrive on their conflict and misunderstandings.
In contrast, Max and Gina's tug-of-war relationship is a highlight. Max struggles with his feelings for Gina, and it is great watching the stoic leader brought to his knees by a slip of a girl with more resilience and determination than all of SEAL Team 16.
The issue of Tom and Kelly's endlessly pending nuptials are also resolved albeit with some heartwrenching scenes, and even gets her HEA even though her character is still intensely unlikable.
This installment brings to an end the ongoing arc from the past few books although there are new directions for many of the characters. The next book appears to focus on a completely new couple and I look forward to seeing how Brockmann merges the new Troubleshooters into the already established atmosphere of the series.
March 1, 2011
As someone who started this series on book 9 ("Breaking Point," aka Max/Gina's and Jones/Molly's book), and have read a few of the other later ones, I've been very reluctant to go back and try reading some of Brockmann's earlier books. My main issue with the whole Troubleshooters series is the lack of believable heat/connection between the "romantic" leads. Yes, there's sex, but I'm often left wondering why in the world would the characters in question want to be together? Brockmann's H/h relationships seriously lack believable chemistry (the only exceptions in my opinion being Molly & Jones and Jules & Robin.)
Having read that the earlier books were supposed to be better than the latest installments, I figured I might as well give "Gone Too Far" a shot, particularly since it features Sam & Alyssa, one of the most prominent couples of the series. BIG MISTAKE. To summarize, here are my main issues:
1) Try as I might, I don't understand Alyssa's appeal, not only to Sam, but to Max, and to Jules as a friend. WHY??? She's cold and b*tchy and boring to boot!! I guess the only positive is that she's "unbelievably beautiful," as Brockmann points out pretty much anytime Alyssa enters the picture. Ugh. This is NOT a woman I'd ever want to be friends with, and I feel sorry for Sam for being stuck with her.
2) This book had WAY too many subplots, and delved into no less than SIX romantic relationships!! I'm the kind of person who enjoys having a couple of subplots to spice things up and speed up the pace, but six couples? Are you kidding me? Half the time I wasn't sure whose book I was reading, and the other half I was wishing it was anyone else's but Sam & Alyssa's. Their "romance" was the weakest by far.
3) For crying out loud, was there really a need to delve so much into the Max/Gina pairing? The whole "I'm too old for you" thing got annoying really quick in Max/Gina's own book. I really didn't need to read pages and pages of the same stuff in this one. Not to mention that, yes, Max is way too old for Gina!!! In this story, she's only 23 (and he's 43). Gross. After Sam & Alyssa, these two are my least favorite couple.
On the plus side, I really enjoyed reading Tom & Kelly's side story, as well as about Mary Lou's adventures and budding relationship. I also got a kick out of meeting Ric Alvarado, who plays a big part in a later book. Sam's backstory was interesting and made me like him a lot more as a character, although I still find him annoying in later books. The WWII storyline was touching, as well.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to followers of the series who are interested in seeing how the story progresses, particularly because there are some developments here that affect the careers of many of the main characters. Fans of Tom and Kelly also shouldn't miss it. Other than that, I'd say definitely don't waste your money on this one. Get it from the library and be prepared to grit your teeth in frustration/boredom for large chunks of it.
Having read that the earlier books were supposed to be better than the latest installments, I figured I might as well give "Gone Too Far" a shot, particularly since it features Sam & Alyssa, one of the most prominent couples of the series. BIG MISTAKE. To summarize, here are my main issues:
1) Try as I might, I don't understand Alyssa's appeal, not only to Sam, but to Max, and to Jules as a friend. WHY??? She's cold and b*tchy and boring to boot!! I guess the only positive is that she's "unbelievably beautiful," as Brockmann points out pretty much anytime Alyssa enters the picture. Ugh. This is NOT a woman I'd ever want to be friends with, and I feel sorry for Sam for being stuck with her.
2) This book had WAY too many subplots, and delved into no less than SIX romantic relationships!! I'm the kind of person who enjoys having a couple of subplots to spice things up and speed up the pace, but six couples? Are you kidding me? Half the time I wasn't sure whose book I was reading, and the other half I was wishing it was anyone else's but Sam & Alyssa's. Their "romance" was the weakest by far.
3) For crying out loud, was there really a need to delve so much into the Max/Gina pairing? The whole "I'm too old for you" thing got annoying really quick in Max/Gina's own book. I really didn't need to read pages and pages of the same stuff in this one. Not to mention that, yes, Max is way too old for Gina!!! In this story, she's only 23 (and he's 43). Gross. After Sam & Alyssa, these two are my least favorite couple.
On the plus side, I really enjoyed reading Tom & Kelly's side story, as well as about Mary Lou's adventures and budding relationship. I also got a kick out of meeting Ric Alvarado, who plays a big part in a later book. Sam's backstory was interesting and made me like him a lot more as a character, although I still find him annoying in later books. The WWII storyline was touching, as well.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to followers of the series who are interested in seeing how the story progresses, particularly because there are some developments here that affect the careers of many of the main characters. Fans of Tom and Kelly also shouldn't miss it. Other than that, I'd say definitely don't waste your money on this one. Get it from the library and be prepared to grit your teeth in frustration/boredom for large chunks of it.
March 21, 2008
6th book in the series, and actually the first one I read. It's what motivated me to go back and read the others ones. Once I read book 5, I decided to skim through book 6 again. Stories 5 and 6 are very intertwined, one couldn't happen without the other. I liked book 6 when I first read it, but it didn't have that...zing...first time around because I was lacking a lot of the backstory. So now knowing about all the characters and the plot backstory, I wanted to go through 6 again. Instead of skimming it, I ended up practically rereading the whole thing, only skipping over the historical parts and some side-story stuff.
Book 6 is Sam and Alyssa's story. Finally! They've been in all the other books, and this one was all theirs. Sam and his wife Mary Lou have finally realized that they really screwed up by getting married just because she got pregnant during their short affair. The divorce is all set, but Sam has been waiting 3 weeks for Mary Lou to send the papers back and they haven't come and she's not answering his calls. So he goes to Florida to see her. But when he gets to the house, there is a dead body in the kitchen. Alyssa, an FBI agent and sometimes friend/past lover of Sam's, comes down to help. Mary Lou and baby Haley have completely disappeared.
While all that is happening, SEAL Team Sixteen's Lt. Commander Tom Paoletti - featured in book 1 - has been taken into custody by the Navy for questioning about the terrorist attack that happened in book 5. The Navy and the government want to find someone to blame for what happened. As the book unravels, the two different parts of the story intertwine and Sam and Alyssa find themselves searching for a terrorist and fighting the love that has always existed between them.
As a bonus for this book, you get some Max/Gina. Gina was in book 2 as the key hostage in the plane hijacking for which Max was the FBI negotiator. They've kept in touch over the years and developed a serious friendship. Gina wants more, but Max is completely fighting it. These two are two of my favorite characters and are a really great almost-pairing. I really loved this part of the story.
The historical sections were about Sam's aunt and uncle, an interracial couple during the WW2 time period. How the met, their part in the war, etc. And you also get a fair amount of Sam's backstory as a child. It was all pretty interesting.
I really liked book 6, more so the second time around. The story has a lot more depth to it if you've read the others books first. The characters mean more, the storyline means more, etc. Alyssa and Sam are a really great pairing, along with Max/Gina. And the storyline was great. It made so much more sense after having read book 5 because book 6 is very dependent on the plot of book 5. I could have done without Mary Lou in this one because she just annoys me, but again she was needed for the plot.
Book 6 is Sam and Alyssa's story. Finally! They've been in all the other books, and this one was all theirs. Sam and his wife Mary Lou have finally realized that they really screwed up by getting married just because she got pregnant during their short affair. The divorce is all set, but Sam has been waiting 3 weeks for Mary Lou to send the papers back and they haven't come and she's not answering his calls. So he goes to Florida to see her. But when he gets to the house, there is a dead body in the kitchen. Alyssa, an FBI agent and sometimes friend/past lover of Sam's, comes down to help. Mary Lou and baby Haley have completely disappeared.
While all that is happening, SEAL Team Sixteen's Lt. Commander Tom Paoletti - featured in book 1 - has been taken into custody by the Navy for questioning about the terrorist attack that happened in book 5. The Navy and the government want to find someone to blame for what happened. As the book unravels, the two different parts of the story intertwine and Sam and Alyssa find themselves searching for a terrorist and fighting the love that has always existed between them.
As a bonus for this book, you get some Max/Gina. Gina was in book 2 as the key hostage in the plane hijacking for which Max was the FBI negotiator. They've kept in touch over the years and developed a serious friendship. Gina wants more, but Max is completely fighting it. These two are two of my favorite characters and are a really great almost-pairing. I really loved this part of the story.
The historical sections were about Sam's aunt and uncle, an interracial couple during the WW2 time period. How the met, their part in the war, etc. And you also get a fair amount of Sam's backstory as a child. It was all pretty interesting.
I really liked book 6, more so the second time around. The story has a lot more depth to it if you've read the others books first. The characters mean more, the storyline means more, etc. Alyssa and Sam are a really great pairing, along with Max/Gina. And the storyline was great. It made so much more sense after having read book 5 because book 6 is very dependent on the plot of book 5. I could have done without Mary Lou in this one because she just annoys me, but again she was needed for the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2015
Now that's more like it after the major let down of the last book - talk about a heroine you want to kill. Okay, to be honest, I don't like Alyssa that much either, even still, but Sam redeemed himself in this book good and proper. I adored reading all about his childhood ... you gotta love the man after falling madly in love with the child.
I absolutely loved the World War II story about Walt and Dot, but probably more loved his story with Sam and Noah. I'm still intrigued with the Max and Gina storyline, although I don't really think of Max as a hero, shit that man needs to loosen up.
I think I'm coming to understand the way this writer makes her heros. They are entirely flawed and more lifelike I think than most heros in romance, but they are still interesting and very worthy. I'm not so sure about her heroines though, they definitely can be hit (Gina, Molly, Savannah) and miss (JOAN - can't stand that stupid cow and Alyssa).
Of course as everyone else says Jules is worth every word written about him and I'm looking forward to more of him the future books.
The whole storyline in this book was fabulous and that's why I've given it five stars; action-packed, complicated but hangs together really, really well, and even though it jumps around to a number of storylines, it didn't seem as disjointed as past books have, maybe because I was so intensely interested in every single one. I really was sad , but interested with what will happen in the future books with the way Paoletti and Sam ended up team-wise.
All in all, I really loved it, couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happen was to happen next.
I absolutely loved the World War II story about Walt and Dot, but probably more loved his story with Sam and Noah. I'm still intrigued with the Max and Gina storyline, although I don't really think of Max as a hero, shit that man needs to loosen up.
I think I'm coming to understand the way this writer makes her heros. They are entirely flawed and more lifelike I think than most heros in romance, but they are still interesting and very worthy. I'm not so sure about her heroines though, they definitely can be hit (Gina, Molly, Savannah) and miss (JOAN - can't stand that stupid cow and Alyssa).
Of course as everyone else says Jules is worth every word written about him and I'm looking forward to more of him the future books.
The whole storyline in this book was fabulous and that's why I've given it five stars; action-packed, complicated but hangs together really, really well, and even though it jumps around to a number of storylines, it didn't seem as disjointed as past books have, maybe because I was so intensely interested in every single one. I really was sad , but interested with what will happen in the future books with the way Paoletti and Sam ended up team-wise.
All in all, I really loved it, couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happen was to happen next.
July 15, 2014
As I read the last words of this book, my first thought was Gone Too Far was everything I wanted and so much more: love, action, honesty, suspense, nostalgia and (let’s be honest here) some of the most sexy men imaginable.
Sam and Alyssa are officially being added to my “Dynamic Duo” bookshelf. They started of as quite possibly the most unlikely couple. However, over the course of five books, you follow this couple through some frustrating, tear-jerking and heart pounding moments as they battle their feelings of love and duty, while combating assassination plots, terrorist bombings and kidnappings.
I anxiously awaited this story, having fallen in love with Sam and Alyssa from the start. What I loved most about their relationship was its honesty. All too often new couples proclaim their undying love so early in the story that you are left wondering if you somehow zoned out on a few chapters. In addition to the sheer chemistry that they shared, the complexity of the relationship and the development of their individual identities and relationship with one another over a course of years just made their love seem more credible. In particular, Gone Too Far, really gave you insight into Sam’s childhood and family history. Relative to the other Team Sixteen SEALS featured in the other five books, I thought you really got to know Sam so much better than past characters. As for Alyssa, a few additional family stories are revealed, but I didn’t feel like I learned that much about her in this story. But for having read the previous books, I fear that I might not have liked her as much.
I’d be remiss in this review if I didn’t say that I also loved Sam and Alyssa’s story because they are an interracial couple. Our world is filled with people of multi-ethnic backgrounds and I continue to be amazed that most romance novels do not reflect this reality in storylines. I have been pleasantly surprised by Suzanne Brockmann’s use of multi-ethnic individuals and interracial couples throughout her books. I particularly admire her in this regard because she does not throw out “the race card” (so to speak) or stereotype her characters by their race. Ethnicity is really only a topic to the extent that explains something about a characters personality/background or furthers the story.
I thought the the World War II story line with Walter and Dot was the best thus far. Also, I loved the way Gina and Max’s relationship is developing. I’m hopeful that they will become my next Dynamic Duo as we explore their relationship in future books.
With a heart-felt, long-awaited romance and unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing, Gone Too Far will certainly keep you on your toes, eager to read the next page and hoping the last page doesn’t come too quickly.
Sam and Alyssa are officially being added to my “Dynamic Duo” bookshelf. They started of as quite possibly the most unlikely couple. However, over the course of five books, you follow this couple through some frustrating, tear-jerking and heart pounding moments as they battle their feelings of love and duty, while combating assassination plots, terrorist bombings and kidnappings.
I anxiously awaited this story, having fallen in love with Sam and Alyssa from the start. What I loved most about their relationship was its honesty. All too often new couples proclaim their undying love so early in the story that you are left wondering if you somehow zoned out on a few chapters. In addition to the sheer chemistry that they shared, the complexity of the relationship and the development of their individual identities and relationship with one another over a course of years just made their love seem more credible. In particular, Gone Too Far, really gave you insight into Sam’s childhood and family history. Relative to the other Team Sixteen SEALS featured in the other five books, I thought you really got to know Sam so much better than past characters. As for Alyssa, a few additional family stories are revealed, but I didn’t feel like I learned that much about her in this story. But for having read the previous books, I fear that I might not have liked her as much.
I’d be remiss in this review if I didn’t say that I also loved Sam and Alyssa’s story because they are an interracial couple. Our world is filled with people of multi-ethnic backgrounds and I continue to be amazed that most romance novels do not reflect this reality in storylines. I have been pleasantly surprised by Suzanne Brockmann’s use of multi-ethnic individuals and interracial couples throughout her books. I particularly admire her in this regard because she does not throw out “the race card” (so to speak) or stereotype her characters by their race. Ethnicity is really only a topic to the extent that explains something about a characters personality/background or furthers the story.
I thought the the World War II story line with Walter and Dot was the best thus far. Also, I loved the way Gina and Max’s relationship is developing. I’m hopeful that they will become my next Dynamic Duo as we explore their relationship in future books.
With a heart-felt, long-awaited romance and unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing, Gone Too Far will certainly keep you on your toes, eager to read the next page and hoping the last page doesn’t come too quickly.
February 4, 2009
I think the story of Sam and Allysa is one of the more interesting pairs in this series. Over the course of this series, we've seen them through a whole host of emotions including love/hate and lust. It was absolutely heartbreaking when their potential relationship comes to a screetching hault when Sam is trapped into a marriage by MaryLou, a woman he doesn't love or even know much about. Both Sam and Allysa are heartbroken and this installment in the series picks up as Sam travels to Florida to check on his soon to be ex-wife who isn't answering his phone calls. (about the divorce and seeing his child). A woman that appears to be MaryLous is found at her house, dead.
Sam calls his friend Jules at the FBI and Alyssa answers the call and gets involved with the case. As does Max Bhagat, whom is fighting feelings for Gina from "Over the Edge" (book 3). Max and Allysa have become sort of friends and maybe a little more because they confide in eachother about their hurts/troubled love lives.
The search begins for Sam to find his daughter and ex-wife (or are they even alive) the team is put in place. During this time, Sam and Alyssa become very close from a relationship point of view and Sam shares a horrible and troubled childhood that makes you want to cry. He does some soul searching about love, relationship, sex etc. Sam is a very complex character and previously showed himself almost exclusively as the alpha-male with a bit of heart, but his hear sure shows here. He's one of the best characters in the series (though I love Bhagat too). We do see a lot of Max Bhagat in this one and Gina begins to push/force the issue of their relationshp. You also get to see sides of Max other than that cool, calm collected negotiator.
This story also touches on some social issues which I think really adds to this story. The one thing that bothered me was that with this installment and the previous installment, it seemed that Brockmann was trying to get the reader to sympathize with MaryLou. I had much trouble because she got pregnant to trap Sam. I found the hell she went througat home to be very self-imposed and could not feel sorry for her.
I felt a strange sense of loss at the end of this book. As I have come to know and like these characters, the ending takes many of them in other directions careerwise. I am hoping that this won't be the last that we see from some of these amazing
Sam calls his friend Jules at the FBI and Alyssa answers the call and gets involved with the case. As does Max Bhagat, whom is fighting feelings for Gina from "Over the Edge" (book 3). Max and Allysa have become sort of friends and maybe a little more because they confide in eachother about their hurts/troubled love lives.
The search begins for Sam to find his daughter and ex-wife (or are they even alive) the team is put in place. During this time, Sam and Alyssa become very close from a relationship point of view and Sam shares a horrible and troubled childhood that makes you want to cry. He does some soul searching about love, relationship, sex etc. Sam is a very complex character and previously showed himself almost exclusively as the alpha-male with a bit of heart, but his hear sure shows here. He's one of the best characters in the series (though I love Bhagat too). We do see a lot of Max Bhagat in this one and Gina begins to push/force the issue of their relationshp. You also get to see sides of Max other than that cool, calm collected negotiator.
This story also touches on some social issues which I think really adds to this story. The one thing that bothered me was that with this installment and the previous installment, it seemed that Brockmann was trying to get the reader to sympathize with MaryLou. I had much trouble because she got pregnant to trap Sam. I found the hell she went througat home to be very self-imposed and could not feel sorry for her.
I felt a strange sense of loss at the end of this book. As I have come to know and like these characters, the ending takes many of them in other directions careerwise. I am hoping that this won't be the last that we see from some of these amazing
June 20, 2011
Sam Starrett is so sexy it hurts!! Talk about a soap opera story this one is filled with horrors. I love this man and all his imperfections and he has a lot of them. This story was also so touching that it was very hard for me to break away from it. There was so much action mixed with sexual tension and the things coming out from Sam's mouth were unbelievable.
Sam and Alyssa are so right for each other but they were seperated for various reasons one of them being an unplanned pregnancy by Sam's old girlfriend. I was heartbroken by that. Alyssa had to watch as he walked away to do the right thing get married and take care of his child. Then we come to really know Sam, Ringo, Roger and how he was beaten as a young man and I felt so bad for him. Thank goodness he had his friend/cousin and a family that loved and took care of him but I wouldn't be surprised if he would have turned out the same way on his own he's just amazing like that. I cant say enough about Sam and Alyssa heating up every scene they are just dynamic together. My favorite scene was Sam saying I'm sorry for ditching her and running off to save his daughter and x wife, the way they kissed and his thoughts of loniless and desperation was so bitter sweet. Sam just has this way about him it's like a young boy stuck in a SEALS body he just makes you feel so bad for him and then he puts on the charm and you just melt. I loved evry minute of the car rides they took together and the cat and mouse chase.
I loved the other stories playing out also Mary Lou being a sad case and then turning herself around and protecting their daughter in such a bad scenerio. Gina and Max, the oh so sexy mysterious Max whoo is in love with a way too young Gina. I cant wait to find out what happens between them. Tom and Kelly getting hitched was amazing! Sam and Noah were so sweet. This book just has everything I love in a book.
Sam and Alyssa are so right for each other but they were seperated for various reasons one of them being an unplanned pregnancy by Sam's old girlfriend. I was heartbroken by that. Alyssa had to watch as he walked away to do the right thing get married and take care of his child. Then we come to really know Sam, Ringo, Roger and how he was beaten as a young man and I felt so bad for him. Thank goodness he had his friend/cousin and a family that loved and took care of him but I wouldn't be surprised if he would have turned out the same way on his own he's just amazing like that. I cant say enough about Sam and Alyssa heating up every scene they are just dynamic together. My favorite scene was Sam saying I'm sorry for ditching her and running off to save his daughter and x wife, the way they kissed and his thoughts of loniless and desperation was so bitter sweet. Sam just has this way about him it's like a young boy stuck in a SEALS body he just makes you feel so bad for him and then he puts on the charm and you just melt. I loved evry minute of the car rides they took together and the cat and mouse chase.
I loved the other stories playing out also Mary Lou being a sad case and then turning herself around and protecting their daughter in such a bad scenerio. Gina and Max, the oh so sexy mysterious Max whoo is in love with a way too young Gina. I cant wait to find out what happens between them. Tom and Kelly getting hitched was amazing! Sam and Noah were so sweet. This book just has everything I love in a book.
December 31, 2010
I have been waiting for this book since I first discovered this series and boy, oh boy, it did not disappoint!!
Sam and Alyssa finally get together. Not really a spoiler as you just knew that it would happen eventually, it was just a question of what kinds of obstacles would be in their way to happiness. We had, what I have come to expect from these 2, lots of verbal sparing, some physical sparing, and lots of hot sex scenes. Along the way each of them bared their souls and their past to each other. It was while they confessed their secrets that seemed to push each other, ok Sam was already there, so it was really Alyssa, to fall in love. Sam's past had some surprises along the way that really made you fall for him much more than I ever expected to. Alyssa's secrets were good too, and it really explained why she was the way she was.
But with as much fun as Sam and Alyssa were, there was so much other stuff going on too. Tom and Kelly, with all of their challenges had me rooting for them through the whole book. I think the change that Tom is making due to the consequences of this book will bring some very interesting things for future books. I loved that the whole SEAL team was behind him, ready to back him in more than one way.
My other favorite part of this book was Max and Gina. I LOVED Gina from the moment we met her in past books. She was in a horrible situation, but she made it through and came out good. I love that she knew she wants Max and she won't give up on him. I understand where Max is coming from, but he needs to get over those issues. So while I was happy with how things are progressing with them, it is driving me nuts that we weren't given any idea of how things ended with them. It is a good thing that I have the next 2 books here ready to go, because I just have to know!!
Sam and Alyssa finally get together. Not really a spoiler as you just knew that it would happen eventually, it was just a question of what kinds of obstacles would be in their way to happiness. We had, what I have come to expect from these 2, lots of verbal sparing, some physical sparing, and lots of hot sex scenes. Along the way each of them bared their souls and their past to each other. It was while they confessed their secrets that seemed to push each other, ok Sam was already there, so it was really Alyssa, to fall in love. Sam's past had some surprises along the way that really made you fall for him much more than I ever expected to. Alyssa's secrets were good too, and it really explained why she was the way she was.
But with as much fun as Sam and Alyssa were, there was so much other stuff going on too. Tom and Kelly, with all of their challenges had me rooting for them through the whole book. I think the change that Tom is making due to the consequences of this book will bring some very interesting things for future books. I loved that the whole SEAL team was behind him, ready to back him in more than one way.
My other favorite part of this book was Max and Gina. I LOVED Gina from the moment we met her in past books. She was in a horrible situation, but she made it through and came out good. I love that she knew she wants Max and she won't give up on him. I understand where Max is coming from, but he needs to get over those issues. So while I was happy with how things are progressing with them, it is driving me nuts that we weren't given any idea of how things ended with them. It is a good thing that I have the next 2 books here ready to go, because I just have to know!!
May 12, 2019
In the wake of the attack on the US president, Navy Seal team 16 is under suspicion, or at least some of them, of helping the terrorists get guns onto the navy base. Sam's wife, is on the run with their daughter, and Sam teams up with Alissa to find them.
The man behind the terrorism is after anyone that can identify him as being involved and Pelleti is accused of treason.
An action packed highly suspenseful read with a twist at the end. Really enjoyed this one. The author does an excellent job of keeping the suspense high and the flashbacks to Sam's life as a boy really make the story come alive. Well done.
The man behind the terrorism is after anyone that can identify him as being involved and Pelleti is accused of treason.
An action packed highly suspenseful read with a twist at the end. Really enjoyed this one. The author does an excellent job of keeping the suspense high and the flashbacks to Sam's life as a boy really make the story come alive. Well done.
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