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Saint Squad #5
Smokescreen
Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can’t seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert—and puts Quinn into protective mode. Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can’t deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor’s paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security—and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
66 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
66 books1,940 followersTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
July 24, 2020
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can't seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert- and puts Quinn into protective mode. Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can't deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor's paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation's security-and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.
MY TAKE
It's been a thrill this month to finally get to listen to Abramson's books. I've been waiting for forever.
We met Taylor earlier in the series when her sister got involved with another SEAL. Then there was another book, and I didn't think anything about it. Until now.
Quinn is so not what we expected. The reasons for being like he was are powerful, and Abramson writes them so well. I love how protective the SEALS are. It's kind of the nature, I guess, of someone who carries so much responsibility to protect the country.
Taylor, considering how badly Quinn hurt her before, is pretty forgiving. I liked that about her. It takes a different kind of strength to risk being hurt again. And I loved that the two sisters ended up with guys who are like brothers, even beyond the SEAL brotherhood.
Another winner!
Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can't seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert- and puts Quinn into protective mode. Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can't deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor's paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation's security-and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.
MY TAKE
It's been a thrill this month to finally get to listen to Abramson's books. I've been waiting for forever.
We met Taylor earlier in the series when her sister got involved with another SEAL. Then there was another book, and I didn't think anything about it. Until now.
Quinn is so not what we expected. The reasons for being like he was are powerful, and Abramson writes them so well. I love how protective the SEALS are. It's kind of the nature, I guess, of someone who carries so much responsibility to protect the country.
Taylor, considering how badly Quinn hurt her before, is pretty forgiving. I liked that about her. It takes a different kind of strength to risk being hurt again. And I loved that the two sisters ended up with guys who are like brothers, even beyond the SEAL brotherhood.
Another winner!
January 13, 2011
I have loved these characters. I love how we meet characters in all of the books but they each have one book "dedicated" to them. Now...we need Jay's story...
Quinn in a Navy SEAL on a special squad and Taylor is an artist, painting in Europe. They meet up again, after casually dating earlier. Taylor is being targeted and she has no idea why. Quinn makes it his mission to find out why.
I love how suspenseful and mysterious these books are, as well as how detailed they are. The romance part of it is a bonus. :)
Quinn in a Navy SEAL on a special squad and Taylor is an artist, painting in Europe. They meet up again, after casually dating earlier. Taylor is being targeted and she has no idea why. Quinn makes it his mission to find out why.
I love how suspenseful and mysterious these books are, as well as how detailed they are. The romance part of it is a bonus. :)
February 2, 2011
Another fantastic story by Traci Hunter Abramson. I loved Quinn's story- it was fast paced, fun and full of suspense. I was thrilled to see Taylor back as the girl holding his heart hostage- they were darling together in Lockdown. It's like a great big family reunion in a book getting to visit all the other characters we have fallen in love with from prior books. The Saint Squad is the best! I'm hoping Jay will get some action soon...(other than shooting Seth of course). (Pretty pleeease)?
July 7, 2011
I actually really enjoyed this book. It was interesting and a lot of fun to read =)I thought that plot was very interesting and it kept me reading late into the night. Even tho I was on vacation and had to get up early in the morning =) I especially liked the fact that I was able to read the 5th one in the series without having to read the others. It was a great fun east read. And I am still kind of sad that I finished it
July 25, 2024
My rating 3.5
This is book 5 in Saint Squad series. I enjoy sprinkling one of these books in with other books I am reading. They are LDS-based, but with little reference to the religion. This book was about Quinn, one of the navy seals in the squad who are mostly LDS. Quinn was previously married and his wife died. Now he is showing interest in another woman, but experiences conflicted feelings about her. Meanwhile, Taylor (the woman) becomes enmeshed in a plot to import parts of a dangerous weapon using her paintings and unbeknownst to her. The book was entertaining and just what I needed to decompress from a very busy week.
Summary:
Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can’t seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert—and puts Quinn into protective mode. Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can’t deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor’s paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security—and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.
This is book 5 in Saint Squad series. I enjoy sprinkling one of these books in with other books I am reading. They are LDS-based, but with little reference to the religion. This book was about Quinn, one of the navy seals in the squad who are mostly LDS. Quinn was previously married and his wife died. Now he is showing interest in another woman, but experiences conflicted feelings about her. Meanwhile, Taylor (the woman) becomes enmeshed in a plot to import parts of a dangerous weapon using her paintings and unbeknownst to her. The book was entertaining and just what I needed to decompress from a very busy week.
Summary:
Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can’t seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert—and puts Quinn into protective mode. Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can’t deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor’s paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security—and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.
February 2, 2011
As always another amazing adventure of suspence mixed with a little of love as the navy Seal team named the "saint Squad" are on another mission to save the world from terrorists.
This time Quinn Lambert is the main man to find love and battle the inner and outer battles faced him. 6years ago he sad goodbye to his first love and wife, Emily when she died of cancer after only 9months of marriage. Only Tristin, his adopted "brother" knows the pain from that past experience, yet he also is the one that wants him to move on with his life. The whole saint squad thought that he had come close to moving on when Seth and vanessa got married. But seth was scared away from, Tristin's sister-in-law, Taylor when the suspected future bells were ringing and cut all ties for a year. Taylor was heartbroken and confused about what had happened, and went to Europe to further her artistic abilities. When she comes back to Virginia she brings trouble with her, from a breakin and murder in her Paris apartment, to the feeling of being followed, to a car breakin, and later her sister's apartment breakin and the death of the intruder things start to get complicated and dangerous. Quinn realizes that he can love again and he worries that he won't be able to keep Taylor safe. With the help of Vanessa, Seth's CIA wife they find that Taylor's paintings from Europe were used to smuggle in pieces to a plot against the USA's banking system. The recent events against her where in an effort to find the last piece to make the device.
The saint squad and the CIA work together to eliminate the threat even when the threat takes Taylor by gunpoint, Quinn fires the shot that keeps Taylor alive to marry him.
This time Quinn Lambert is the main man to find love and battle the inner and outer battles faced him. 6years ago he sad goodbye to his first love and wife, Emily when she died of cancer after only 9months of marriage. Only Tristin, his adopted "brother" knows the pain from that past experience, yet he also is the one that wants him to move on with his life. The whole saint squad thought that he had come close to moving on when Seth and vanessa got married. But seth was scared away from, Tristin's sister-in-law, Taylor when the suspected future bells were ringing and cut all ties for a year. Taylor was heartbroken and confused about what had happened, and went to Europe to further her artistic abilities. When she comes back to Virginia she brings trouble with her, from a breakin and murder in her Paris apartment, to the feeling of being followed, to a car breakin, and later her sister's apartment breakin and the death of the intruder things start to get complicated and dangerous. Quinn realizes that he can love again and he worries that he won't be able to keep Taylor safe. With the help of Vanessa, Seth's CIA wife they find that Taylor's paintings from Europe were used to smuggle in pieces to a plot against the USA's banking system. The recent events against her where in an effort to find the last piece to make the device.
The saint squad and the CIA work together to eliminate the threat even when the threat takes Taylor by gunpoint, Quinn fires the shot that keeps Taylor alive to marry him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2015
I loved Quinn's story. I was wondering why he was the odd man out through out the books, but now you get to know why. I feel that Taylor's character was so much fun to read. Out of all the female characters I could relate to her the most, well her and Amy's character. I loved the friendship between Tristan and Quinn, talk about true brotherhood. I love how Traci establishes a friendship between the two main characters before they develop a relationship. I loved the mystery of Smokescreen. I always like to play detective throughout the book, and see if I can solve it before the end. I loved how this story revolved around art, which is completely up my alley. I loved how part of the story took place in Europe and also in New York, two of my favorite places. I absolutely loved the end of this book. I love how all the characters are intertwined throughout the books! If you have not read these books yet, I highly recommend them. I can't wait to read Codeword, which is Jay's story, he is new to the Saint Squad. It will be neat to read his story! One of my favorite and funny things that happened between Jay and Seth in Crossfire was when Jay accidentally shot Seth with a tranquilizer gun ha ha epic!
April 2, 2012
Somewhere between 4.5 and 5 stars. I took a class from Traci at a writer’s conference last year, and I remember her saying she liked to keep her readers up late at night. Since then, I’ve been wanting to read her books, because I was pretty sure I’d like them, and I’ve also been dreading reading her books because, hey, I need my sleep. I’m happy to report that I didn’t lose any sleep over this book, but I did enjoy reading it. This is number five in a series, but read just fine as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed it enough that I’m planning to go back and read the others. Recommended for people who like lots of action and clean romance.
November 13, 2014
This one was just okay for me. I had a harder time getting through it. I thought the relationship between Quinn and Taylor was just okay, it went along a little too smoothly for my taste. In real life their relationship would be great, but for a book I wanted a little more tension or work for them to finally end up together.
September 15, 2025
Another wonderful Saint Squad mystery/romance. I loved it!
Audio reread—Loved hearing more about Quinn and Taylor.
Audio reread—Loved hearing more about Quinn and Taylor.
January 27, 2011
I've really enjoyed every book in this series. LDS fiction, Navy SEALs. A bit of action/adventure and a bit of romance. All clean. It was my getaway yesterday. :)
August 6, 2016
Another classic Traci book!
September 11, 2014
Another exciting story, and I read it in less than a day. I really enjoy this series!
January 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Taylor Palmetto is back in this book - sister to Riley, married to Navy SEAL member Tristan. Taylor has been in Europe for several years perfecting her artistic talent painting the sites in Paris and parts of Italy. We have Quinn, a member of the Saint Squad and life long friend with Tristan. This centers on Taylor, her artwork and coming back to America. Unbeknownst to her, her art work is the center of problems - but how. Taylor and Quinn get back together, but it isn't necessarily easy for Quinn. He didn't interact with her at all after she left for Europe, but is their relationship picking up? Quinn is dealing with other emotions and problems that he isn't ready to resolve, much less share with anyone else; but his feelings for Taylor are increasing. Taylor is drawn to Quinn but doesn't want to get hurt again. Then Taylor's safety is in jeopardy, why? Well, with Vanessa working with the CIA, the Navy SEALs all involved, the murder mystery starts to reveal the plot but there are still some missing pieces. Where is the mission piece and who is the missing person? This time I figured out who the missing person was but not how/why they were involved. Didn't figure out where the missing piece was hidden either. But...the love between Taylor and Quinn grew and was resolved as well as all the other plots that are in this story. Another great one that keeps you hooked, interested, intrigued and trying to figure it out. Love this series.
October 23, 2019
The action in this one was maybe a little closer to believable on the "believability scale" for me, a little less action hero and a bit more mystery. I thought the pieces of the male main characters tragic past being kept such a secret seemed a little odd but acceptable. I'm not sure I really saw the connection for the two main characters but they were both nice enough people and I guess it worked out.
I didn't completely get the bad guy pieces, they seemed scattered among a random assortment of villains who kept getting dead only to still have more villains. Their evil motivations were a bit vague and their connections were unclear.
Violence, no sex, mild language.
I downloaded an ebook version of this one from my local library and it had a glitch in it so chapter 40 was missing, I was able to "read online in browser" the missing chapter but just a heads up there to anyone else who notices a sudden jump ahead in the action.
I didn't completely get the bad guy pieces, they seemed scattered among a random assortment of villains who kept getting dead only to still have more villains. Their evil motivations were a bit vague and their connections were unclear.
Violence, no sex, mild language.
I downloaded an ebook version of this one from my local library and it had a glitch in it so chapter 40 was missing, I was able to "read online in browser" the missing chapter but just a heads up there to anyone else who notices a sudden jump ahead in the action.
February 10, 2020
This one was probably my least favorite book in the series. Didn't really get into the smuggling in computer parts through paintings. But I did like the character development between Quinn and Taylor and to learn more about Emily - Quinn's first wife. He became very protective of Taylor because he didn't want to go through losing someone else he cared for so he tried to keep his heart out of it. No one on the Saints Squad knows about Emily except Tristan. Tristan knew because they are like brothers - Tristan lived with Quinn during his teenage years and has been with him all along and with his journey into being a Navy Seal. So Tristan knows about Quinn's marriage to Emily. Glad Quinn could overcome his fears and let someone else into his heart. That has to be very tough to go through. I can't imagine losing my significant other.
July 31, 2018
I would actually give this a 3.5. I rounded to 4 because it is so hard to find interesting novels nowadays that are clean and fun to read (no foul language, no hard swearing, only mild levels of sex and violence). My husband and I listened to this one in the car. The plot was pretty simple, but interesting. I felt there was a little too much focus on the romantic relationship. I felt like saying, "OK, we got it," a couple of times when there were a few too many hints for what seemed mysterious to the main characters for a very long time. Lovable characters helped keep my attention. Would be a good tween or adult read.
March 21, 2021
Excellent book! I was too distracted while reading this book, so I lost some of the momentum based on my own current life. I found the ending a bit predictable. I was a little surprised by the revelation of Emily. Being in a situation similar to Taylor, I wish there had been more resolution about Emily.
I really enjoy the interactions of the Saints squad members and their wives. It’s fun to read stories that have people connect that I have read about in the past. I am looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoy the interactions of the Saints squad members and their wives. It’s fun to read stories that have people connect that I have read about in the past. I am looking forward to the next book.
September 11, 2023
I was hoping Abramson would write a book about Taylor. She's the sister of a character in an earlier book in this series, and she seemed so vibrant and full of life. She seemed to spend a lot of time with Quinn, the best friend of Taylor's sister's husband, but we never really got to see what happened. After Taylor spends time abroad, she shares with Quinn and her sister some of the mysterious things that have been happening to her, and everything seems to be connected to the paintings that she has been doing.
September 2, 2018
I would have liked it better if Taylor stopped second guessing and questioning the severity of the danger she was in--sudden appearance of blood in her Paris hotel room, her apartment being trashed, her new SUV being ransacked and damaged, her artwork being damaged, etc...discounting her Navy seal boyfriend's helpful advice to staying safe...She finally rallies when the gun is right in her back! Then I liked her better when she takes matters seriously! Great reading by Jason Tatom as usual!
April 16, 2024
perfect mix of romance and suspense
Contemporary sweet romantic suspense; series, Saint’s Squad, but stand alone read
Quinn and Taylor’s story started in another novel in this series. Perfect unraveling of the international intrigue and loved the art part of the story. Quinn and Taylor’s hearts reopening up to each other, and the ‘family’ that is the squad. Great read. CJCLDS religious elements, mild mention of prayers
Contemporary sweet romantic suspense; series, Saint’s Squad, but stand alone read
Quinn and Taylor’s story started in another novel in this series. Perfect unraveling of the international intrigue and loved the art part of the story. Quinn and Taylor’s hearts reopening up to each other, and the ‘family’ that is the squad. Great read. CJCLDS religious elements, mild mention of prayers
December 26, 2017
I have just recently been reading her books. I have enjoyed them a lot. They are a good LDS fun read. Kept me turning the pages and kept me looking for more of her books to read. I am on the next series now.
You will want to read the undercurrent series before reading this series, as it mentions people from that - in this.
You will want to read the undercurrent series before reading this series, as it mentions people from that - in this.
April 20, 2018
Love, Love it
Traci Hunter Abramson is one of my most favorite authors. Smokescreen still keeps her in that most favorite category. Exciting storyline, suspense, clean romance, clean language, love to recommend her books to everyone. Traci, please continue to write these wonderful books.
Traci Hunter Abramson is one of my most favorite authors. Smokescreen still keeps her in that most favorite category. Exciting storyline, suspense, clean romance, clean language, love to recommend her books to everyone. Traci, please continue to write these wonderful books.
November 11, 2019
This book in the series delivered the promise that I have come to expect. It was fast-paced, and I thoroughly enjoy the characters. I did have a lot of the plot figured out ahead of time, which made me quite proud of myself. I definitely look forward to more books in the series. I'm anxious to get to know Jay better.
January 7, 2021
I loved how everything came together in this book! We got to see a lot of characters from previous Saint Squad novels, which is always fun! There are minor references to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as missions, prayer, and temple weddings. This was a sweet and clean romantic suspense, I'd rate it PG-13 for kissing and thematic violence.
May 20, 2021
This one was fun to read and I enjoyed figuring out what could possibly be happening to make all of these things go wrong in Quinn and Taylor's lives. I loved the details in travel and the art world and the interactions between the members of the Saint Squad.
Clean romance and suspense, some violence and crime scene stuff, great storytelling and they make me want to read all of them again.
Clean romance and suspense, some violence and crime scene stuff, great storytelling and they make me want to read all of them again.
March 18, 2024
This is really about a 2.5 (my version of “meh.”) I saw this author listed in a seagull catalogue and I thought I’d give an lds author a try. It was what I expected. Not great writing, nothing special, but clean! I had read a bunch of pretty fierce books lately so it was a welcome change. But I can do better, I’m sure!
December 20, 2025
Another book in the Saint squad series that I've read out of order. This one was different because the young women had nothing to do with what was happening to her. The squad was involved because of the threats against her. Of course one of the team members falls in love with her as he is assigned to protect her. Well you'll just have to read the rest of the story. Have fun.
November 9, 2019
A good action read, with a happy PG rating. Bumped down a star for Taylor not taking her safety as seriously as she should in parts. I liked that she & Quinn worked out their concerns maturely after some time apart but sometimes the "dialogue thoughts" were slightly redundant. :)
July 5, 2020
I love Traci Hunter Abramson books when I just need some good, quick, fun entertainment. I like the action mixed with a bit of romance. I enjoy being able to guess what's coming and seeing if I'm right-- I'm not always right. (Yes, I enjoy Hallmark movies too.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews