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Pike Logan #17.5
The Honeymoon Heist
New York Times bestselling author and former Special Forces officer Brad Taylor’s thrilling new short story sets Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill on Italy’s beautiful Amalfi Coast for their long-delayed honeymoon with their daughter, Amena—where they encounter art thieves with ties to the underworld . . .
Between the delectable meals, the gorgeous Mediterranean seaside, and historical sites, Pike and Jennifer are enjoying their time with Amena in the Italian village of Positano, grateful for the reprieve from their day jobs—protecting U.S. interests from terrorist threats. But their relaxing vacation runs into trouble when Amena and Pike uncover what appears to be a priceless Renaissance painting hidden in a grotto and soon find themselves in the center of a black market art scheme.
A powerful Italian businessman and suspected crime lord had arranged to take possession of the rare, deeply significant Caravaggio artwork in the cave through less-than-legal means, and hadn’t counted on the trio of Americans interrupting his plot. He is determined to leave no witnesses . . . but when he dares to threaten Pike and his family, he learns how dangerous they truly are . . .
Between the delectable meals, the gorgeous Mediterranean seaside, and historical sites, Pike and Jennifer are enjoying their time with Amena in the Italian village of Positano, grateful for the reprieve from their day jobs—protecting U.S. interests from terrorist threats. But their relaxing vacation runs into trouble when Amena and Pike uncover what appears to be a priceless Renaissance painting hidden in a grotto and soon find themselves in the center of a black market art scheme.
A powerful Italian businessman and suspected crime lord had arranged to take possession of the rare, deeply significant Caravaggio artwork in the cave through less-than-legal means, and hadn’t counted on the trio of Americans interrupting his plot. He is determined to leave no witnesses . . . but when he dares to threaten Pike and his family, he learns how dangerous they truly are . . .
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
About the author
Brad Taylor
50 books2,587 followersBrad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 24, 2023
Short and sweet honeymoon. 8 of 10 stars
October 7, 2023
In Brad Taylor Novella, The Honeymoon Heist Pike,Jennifer and Their Amena on their Honeymoon In Italy when they uncover what appears to be a priceless painting hidden in the grotto and sn. find themself center in a black market scheme. A powerful. Italian businessman and crime lord arrange
to take control of the painting but when they when they find a American Couple in the grotto and learn who they are. Pike and Jennifer outsmart the two the crime lord's goons in their hotel room
the action picks up.
This was awesome audiobook
to take control of the painting but when they when they find a American Couple in the grotto and learn who they are. Pike and Jennifer outsmart the two the crime lord's goons in their hotel room
the action picks up.
This was awesome audiobook
November 29, 2024
3.5 Stars for The Honeymoon Heist: Pike Logan, Book 17.5 (audiobook) by Brad Taylor read by Rich Orlow.
I gave this short story that’s part of a series a try. It’s interesting but I don’t think I’ll go back and read the whole series.
I gave this short story that’s part of a series a try. It’s interesting but I don’t think I’ll go back and read the whole series.
October 17, 2023
You don't want to mess with a mans family, and especially on his honeymoon. If that man is Pike Logan you should be extra careful. The Honeymoon Heist by Brad Taylor is a neat short story to tide us over until the next full lenght story arrives.
December 3, 2023
A novella with Pike and Jennifer on their honeymoon. But of course, trouble ensues!
March 26, 2024
This was a good fun short read. I wanted a little more from the last book and this one did it for me.
October 5, 2023
What A Tease On the Next Book.
This novella was a fun read. Pike cracks me up. L/C Taylor knows how to keep Pike in character. He's more curmudgeon (reminds me of the late Andy Rooney) than anything else, but he's got a big heart for his family and his team. I loved the start, how he and Knuckles were bickering on who was going to drive the boat. They might as well be brothers by blood. LOL Brad, you DO remember in one of your novellas how Pike and Knuckles needed to rent a boat to go rescue Brett and Jennifer. Knuckles was practically drooling over a fast boat, anxious to take it out on the water, putting it through its paces. Knuckles had no trouble handling that beast. I love the levity you regularly infuse in your stories. It keeps the darkness out as a result. Unlike Jack Carr's and Robert Ludlum's novels. Carr's books are very much into the detail and technical aspect, making for extensive research. I love accuracy whilst reading these kinds of books. But I digress. This novella has been added to my collection. I have them all, and HIGHLY recommend this one. You won't be disappointed, all you readers out there.
This novella was a fun read. Pike cracks me up. L/C Taylor knows how to keep Pike in character. He's more curmudgeon (reminds me of the late Andy Rooney) than anything else, but he's got a big heart for his family and his team. I loved the start, how he and Knuckles were bickering on who was going to drive the boat. They might as well be brothers by blood. LOL Brad, you DO remember in one of your novellas how Pike and Knuckles needed to rent a boat to go rescue Brett and Jennifer. Knuckles was practically drooling over a fast boat, anxious to take it out on the water, putting it through its paces. Knuckles had no trouble handling that beast. I love the levity you regularly infuse in your stories. It keeps the darkness out as a result. Unlike Jack Carr's and Robert Ludlum's novels. Carr's books are very much into the detail and technical aspect, making for extensive research. I love accuracy whilst reading these kinds of books. But I digress. This novella has been added to my collection. I have them all, and HIGHLY recommend this one. You won't be disappointed, all you readers out there.
November 24, 2023
I usually rate these books 4 or 5 stars, but this one had so many editing and continuity errors. Some examples; Amena was in the van with captors and asks to use the bathroom. The answer is “Okay, but we go to the van first, then walk straight there, and straight back.” THEY are already in the van! Another confusing continuity problem was with Amena "running to the one focal point she knew: the gallery where her parents were." SHE DIDN'T KNOW they went there - they "wound around the small cobblestone streets and narrow alleys until we ended up at the same gallery [they’d] been at the day before"... It's a short story - please reread the thing and edit it before release!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
bland
It was just okay. And yes it’s a short story so I was expecting that. Wasn’t expecting it to be so corny and unreal like a really bad SNL skit.
It was just okay. And yes it’s a short story so I was expecting that. Wasn’t expecting it to be so corny and unreal like a really bad SNL skit.
November 1, 2023
eBook Review – The Honeymoon Heist – Brad Taylor
Bestselling author and former Army Special Forces officer Brad Taylor’s thrilling new short-story, “The Honeymoon Heist,” sets main characters Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill on Italy’s beautiful Mediterranean Coast for their long-awaited honeymoon along with their adopted teenage daughter, Amena – where they encounter art thieves with strong connections to the Italian Mob. When Amena and Pike uncover what appears to be a priceless Renaissance painting hidden in a cave, they soon find themselves in the center of a black-market art scheme where a powerful Italian crime lord had arranged to take possession of the rare and important Italian artwork through less-than-legal means. Once he encountered the three Americans who ultimately interrupted his illicit plot, the mafia boss makes the mistake of threatening Pike and his family, and quickly learns the terrible error in doing so! One can only imagine the ‘violence of action’ that ensues from here! Taylor has become a ‘master’ at writing and telling outstanding short stories and novellas. The Honeywood Heist joins the other short stories in the Pike Logan series as a ‘must read’ or ‘must listen.’ Great short story – 110 pages - by one of the best action thriller authors in the genre.
Bestselling author and former Army Special Forces officer Brad Taylor’s thrilling new short-story, “The Honeymoon Heist,” sets main characters Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill on Italy’s beautiful Mediterranean Coast for their long-awaited honeymoon along with their adopted teenage daughter, Amena – where they encounter art thieves with strong connections to the Italian Mob. When Amena and Pike uncover what appears to be a priceless Renaissance painting hidden in a cave, they soon find themselves in the center of a black-market art scheme where a powerful Italian crime lord had arranged to take possession of the rare and important Italian artwork through less-than-legal means. Once he encountered the three Americans who ultimately interrupted his illicit plot, the mafia boss makes the mistake of threatening Pike and his family, and quickly learns the terrible error in doing so! One can only imagine the ‘violence of action’ that ensues from here! Taylor has become a ‘master’ at writing and telling outstanding short stories and novellas. The Honeywood Heist joins the other short stories in the Pike Logan series as a ‘must read’ or ‘must listen.’ Great short story – 110 pages - by one of the best action thriller authors in the genre.
October 8, 2023
I'm a huge fan of this series so I was excited to see a new release. Then I realized that it was a novella - and discovered that it was definitely short.
The storyline has us following Pike and Jennifer as they take some time off to celebrate their honeymoon in Positano, Italy. Why they decided to take their adopted 14 year old daughter Amena is a question that I still can't quite figure out. A trip, yep, definitely makes sense to take her. Your honeymoon....not so much.
So, while in Italy, they stumble onto a situation surrounding a stolen piece of art and the Italian Mafia. Actually, that part wasn't surprising at all because.... well, it's Pike. I really did enjoy that part of it - the family dynamics that have developed between the three of them. Amena has acclimated nicely into their family, but she still takes her clues on her behavior from watching Jennifer and Pike's reaction to certain things. We have come quite a long way from where we began with the three of them, but it is still a work in progress.
As usual, there is action and a lot of bodies. The storyline itself was a bit convoluted, but it is always fun to drop back into the crazy world with these guys.
The storyline has us following Pike and Jennifer as they take some time off to celebrate their honeymoon in Positano, Italy. Why they decided to take their adopted 14 year old daughter Amena is a question that I still can't quite figure out. A trip, yep, definitely makes sense to take her. Your honeymoon....not so much.
So, while in Italy, they stumble onto a situation surrounding a stolen piece of art and the Italian Mafia. Actually, that part wasn't surprising at all because.... well, it's Pike. I really did enjoy that part of it - the family dynamics that have developed between the three of them. Amena has acclimated nicely into their family, but she still takes her clues on her behavior from watching Jennifer and Pike's reaction to certain things. We have come quite a long way from where we began with the three of them, but it is still a work in progress.
As usual, there is action and a lot of bodies. The storyline itself was a bit convoluted, but it is always fun to drop back into the crazy world with these guys.
June 21, 2024
3.5 stars. It was only 75 pages and is part of a series. I will probably read the first book in the series to see if I like the full length books better, because I didn't love this. I can't quite put my finger on why. Maybe it all was too coincidental. A husband and wife use their honeymoon to do a job for the tax write off. They bring his adopted daughter (I would be interested to see how the relationship between the adults happened and how he came to adopt the daughter) and she inadvertently stumbles upon an art theft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2023
First off, it should be Pike Logan 18.5 book as it's a short novella about Pike & Jennifer's honeymoon in Positano Italy. They stumble upon a art heist and it goes from there.
Some action but not as much as previous books cause after all it is their honeymoon. The big problem here is why is 14yr old Amena along during their honeymoon. Since she is now adopted, and has been with them a while couldn't they just get a bit of privacy?
Some action but not as much as previous books cause after all it is their honeymoon. The big problem here is why is 14yr old Amena along during their honeymoon. Since she is now adopted, and has been with them a while couldn't they just get a bit of privacy?
October 11, 2023
Pike, Jennifer, and Amena travel to Positano, Italy for Pike and Jennifer's honeymoon. As Knuckles describes it on page 20, “I’m not judging. And knowing how you two operate, I’m sure there’s going to be a shitshow at the end anyway. A tax write-off will be the least of it.” The shorts that Mr. Taylor writes are nice little additions to the series. Now like a fool, I need to catch up before the next book in the series appears!
September 21, 2024
This short story was little more than a money grab. At $4.99, the story gave little value for the price. Without spoiling the plot, Pike acts completely out of character here. At one point, he ignores a threat of danger—chalking it up to coincidence. Come on! That is one of a few “out of character” moments. If this was a piece of chick lit, it would be expected, but not for book 17 1/2 in a series.
March 18, 2025
It surprises no one that Pike and Jennifer can't have a normal honeymoon. A Mediterranean vacation turns into high adventure when the family is in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up in the middle of an art heist. The action is offset by fun glimpses into the family relationships, particularly with their adopted daughter. Full review: https://www.selfrescuingprincesses.co...
December 7, 2025
Silly and unnecessary
This one was a.little nonsensical, taking coincidence and incompetence to new heights. Amen a may be the smartest in the family! This "caper" read like an Abbott & Costello movie, with falls and self-inflicted hilarity, with our heroes accidentally solving the crime. I also think the amount of time "Pike" spent describing Amena in a bikini was EXTREMELY crunch and uncalled-for.
This one was a.little nonsensical, taking coincidence and incompetence to new heights. Amen a may be the smartest in the family! This "caper" read like an Abbott & Costello movie, with falls and self-inflicted hilarity, with our heroes accidentally solving the crime. I also think the amount of time "Pike" spent describing Amena in a bikini was EXTREMELY crunch and uncalled-for.
October 4, 2023
Loved it right till the end?!?!? How could it end like that? I want to know what happens next. Did they stay in Italy? What about the painting and the Italian mob boss? Things were just getting interesting and poof honeymoon over. Didn’t realize this was just a short story when I started reading it, but there better be a follow up.
October 12, 2023
A short, entertaining, not too complicated story in which Pike and Jennifer have trouble follow them once again. Instead of tech this story involved art and afterwards I researched the paintings that were involved in this story which was quite interesting. I have been waiting for the next Pike and Jennifer adventure and this story leads me to wanting more.
March 3, 2024
This was a great short read in a series I love. Pike Logan and his wife, Jennifer, and daughter Alena are on their quick honeymoon trip to Positano. There for some consulting work, they run into a plot to heist a famous painting. Their ingenuity helps them to handle the Italian mafia and their plot.
July 3, 2025
I can’t believe I’m almost giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars (3.5 on StoryGraph), but I did really enjoy listening to it. I have read 0 of this author’s other books, but it was a fun read even without background knowledge. I’m obsessed with the way this family had so little agency in this story; the plot really happened to them which made it funny. The daughter was a cutie and I enjoyed getting into her head occasionally. I do have to deduct points for the uncomfortable amount of time this man spent talking about his 14 year old daughter in a bikini. Also a little disappointed there wasn’t more heist. Otherwise, this book definitely made me laugh.
January 31, 2026
This story had the great potential to be an exciting romantic mystery which however, fell quite short. I wanted more from this story and author, and it wrapped up way too fast. The author could have expanded on just about everything, the characters, the location, the crooks, the romance, the food - anything.
Disappointing.
Disappointing.
October 13, 2023
brad Taylor does it again!
Pike Logan and Jennifer have taught their daughter well. Taking on the bad guys and coming out on top. Fast paced adventure and plot twists on every page.
Pike Logan and Jennifer have taught their daughter well. Taking on the bad guys and coming out on top. Fast paced adventure and plot twists on every page.
October 24, 2023
The Honeymoon Heist (Pike Logan)
If you are a fan of Pike Logan, you will enjoy this novella. Pike, his wife and daughter find themselves on an Italian honeymoon with unexpected turns and twists.
If you are a fan of Pike Logan, you will enjoy this novella. Pike, his wife and daughter find themselves on an Italian honeymoon with unexpected turns and twists.
November 10, 2023
A feel good/pass-the-time novella that is a bit empty insofar as character development, but decent read altogether. Pike Logan fans aren’t missing anything (plot nor character arc) though if they skip this novella.
February 29, 2024
A must read if you like Pike Logan
If you love the Pike Logan series you can’t skip this one. Pike and Jennifer finally get their honeymoon but of course not without the usual chaos ( and Amena!)
If you love the Pike Logan series you can’t skip this one. Pike and Jennifer finally get their honeymoon but of course not without the usual chaos ( and Amena!)
April 29, 2024
I enjoyed this quick Pike Logan story. It helped to tie up some things in the Pike/Jennifer/Amena story that I either missed or forgot. These folks can’t even go on their honeymoon without getting in some sort of trouble.
June 17, 2024
A good taut short story
I enjoyed Brad Taylor's short story. It scratched my action itch. He is a fantastic author. Looking forward to reading more of his books. Pike Logan for president.
I enjoyed Brad Taylor's short story. It scratched my action itch. He is a fantastic author. Looking forward to reading more of his books. Pike Logan for president.
February 7, 2025
The premise of this story is excellent but I thought the relationship between the main characters and the adopted daughter was very vague. I wanted more inside details.
I stopped halfway through. I needed more information. I will continue to read the novels of Taylor as I enjoy his plots.
I stopped halfway through. I needed more information. I will continue to read the novels of Taylor as I enjoy his plots.
April 28, 2025
Fun quick read!
The author definitely has a wicked sense of humor! Only his character Pike Logan could get into something crazy on his honeymoon! Great read and hope there are more family vacations in the future!
The author definitely has a wicked sense of humor! Only his character Pike Logan could get into something crazy on his honeymoon! Great read and hope there are more family vacations in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews