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Saint Squad #6
Code Word
The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought.
When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.
When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay’s Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina’s friendship grow into anything more?
When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.
When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay’s Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina’s friendship grow into anything more?
247 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
65 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
65 books1,920 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 191 reviews
August 20, 2021
Somehow I missed reading this Saint Squad book and since Redemption is coming out soon I thought I'd better fill in the gaps.
Jay Wellman, the only member of the Saint Squad that isn't LDS, is having a hard time after their last mission. The other members of the squad don't seem to be having the same issue. He's got a couple of weeks off and heads down to Florida to visit family. It's there he meets Carina, whose younger sister's swim coach is Jay's dad. Carina and her sister are in hiding from "The Family". Everything's been quiet until a member from The Family arrives with a message for Carina.
I LOVE the Saint Squad series and I listened to this using the Deseret Bookshelf app. This book has a lot of suspenseful moments, some romance and several twists and turns that kept me listening while I did housework, driving, anytime I could pop my earbuds in. It's always hard for me to review Traci Abramson's books because I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say you should read this one.
Jay Wellman, the only member of the Saint Squad that isn't LDS, is having a hard time after their last mission. The other members of the squad don't seem to be having the same issue. He's got a couple of weeks off and heads down to Florida to visit family. It's there he meets Carina, whose younger sister's swim coach is Jay's dad. Carina and her sister are in hiding from "The Family". Everything's been quiet until a member from The Family arrives with a message for Carina.
I LOVE the Saint Squad series and I listened to this using the Deseret Bookshelf app. This book has a lot of suspenseful moments, some romance and several twists and turns that kept me listening while I did housework, driving, anytime I could pop my earbuds in. It's always hard for me to review Traci Abramson's books because I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say you should read this one.
August 3, 2023
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought.
When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.
When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay’s Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina’s friendship grow into anything more?
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
This book had some elements about it that were reminiscent of a family reunion. The Saint Squad series ties in with CJ's witness protection series anyway, but I don't know why I didn't connect that her Olympic trainer Pete was Jay's father. I loved this additional connection and that we got to see characters from that other series.
Jay the noob on the team is much more seasoned in this story, and it was great to get to know him better. I loved his interactions with Carina and how he wouldn't let her "family" connections scare him away. But hey. He's a SEAL, right?
This story is more overtly religious than most of the others, but I didn't think that detracted from the story.
The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought.
When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.
When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay’s Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina’s friendship grow into anything more?
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
This book had some elements about it that were reminiscent of a family reunion. The Saint Squad series ties in with CJ's witness protection series anyway, but I don't know why I didn't connect that her Olympic trainer Pete was Jay's father. I loved this additional connection and that we got to see characters from that other series.
Jay the noob on the team is much more seasoned in this story, and it was great to get to know him better. I loved his interactions with Carina and how he wouldn't let her "family" connections scare him away. But hey. He's a SEAL, right?
This story is more overtly religious than most of the others, but I didn't think that detracted from the story.
June 10, 2016
I had forgotten how much I liked Abramson's books. Very engaging, and keeps you interested all throughout the story. Throw some romance in there, and you got a winner. Enjoyed the plot, and the characters. And I loved reading about Matt & CJ from Undercurrents
, I absolutely love those first three books and have read them many times.
Moral Note: Some heavy violence - not too graphic, but there are murders. No language that I remember, clean romance.
, I absolutely love those first three books and have read them many times. Moral Note: Some heavy violence - not too graphic, but there are murders. No language that I remember, clean romance.
September 14, 2012
I love reading the stories of the Saint Squad!! Jay is on leave after a traumatic job with the Navy SEALs and goes home to Florida to spend some time with his parents. He meets Carina, who's younger sister is training in swimming with Jay's dad. They are in hiding from "the family."
Full of adventure, mystery, suspense, and crime...as well as appearances from many characters from previous books, this was a great read with lots of twists and turns.
Content: some violence
Full of adventure, mystery, suspense, and crime...as well as appearances from many characters from previous books, this was a great read with lots of twists and turns.
Content: some violence
September 24, 2012
I love these saint squad books. This is another great addition to the group. Light suspense, some romance, easy reading. LDS fiction.
October 14, 2024
Great mystery. I love the way the story developed.
August 5, 2024
My rating 3.7
One more book in the Saint Squad series...
I continue to enjoy the characters and their adventures in this series. In fact, I feel that I am getting to know them better and better and look forward to seeing more of them in the next book. I have never considered myself a "series" reader nor a "Mormon" reader, but I have had fun with these books and their characters. I have already received the next one from the library, though there is other reading I need to do first. Hmmm
Summary: The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought.
When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.
When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay's Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina's friendship grow into anything more?
One more book in the Saint Squad series...
I continue to enjoy the characters and their adventures in this series. In fact, I feel that I am getting to know them better and better and look forward to seeing more of them in the next book. I have never considered myself a "series" reader nor a "Mormon" reader, but I have had fun with these books and their characters. I have already received the next one from the library, though there is other reading I need to do first. Hmmm
Summary: The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought.
When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.
When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay's Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina's friendship grow into anything more?
April 14, 2022
Another great audio book. This time, appropriately, on the 2 drive to the Raleigh Temple and back. These Saint Squad books are attention grabbers and action-packed, so they make the time go quickly.
July 20, 2021
Such a great suspense! This series just gets better and better with every book!
May 19, 2022
Abramson, who is writing the best LDS romance/suspense novels these days, has done it again with this sixth entry in the "Saint Squad" series. On rereading Code Word is an especially good entry in the series, focusing on Jay Wellman, the new member of the squad, and Carina Channing, whose troubled family past has come back to haunt her. Jay is the son of her sister Bianca's swim coach and Jay's two-week leave turns out to be more adventurous than he had anticipated. I love the way the members of the squad are willing to help each other and the people they encounter who need their skills and compassion.
November 17, 2015
This was the first in the "Saint Squad" series. Navy SEALS that are mostly members of the LDS church. After a difficult mission, the Saint Squad is given leave. Jay goes home to his family where he meets Carina and her sister Bianca. Soon the Saint Squad finds itself risking their lives to save Carina and Bianca and their other sister Giovana from their Chicago based Italian mob family. The story went on a little long for me and there were moments I got bored but overall it was a good book and I'm definitely willing to read the rest of the series!
August 13, 2012
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is that I didn't get all the answers to my questions. There had better be another book about the sisters or else I will have to write my own ending! (which will not be even close to what THA can do!) I read it all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I love the Saint Squad series.
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August 29, 2012I loved this book!! Didn't want to put it down. I have loved all of Traci Hunter Abramson's books. If you haven't read any of them then do. Several of them go together so read the first one so you will get the idea of what is going on. She takes a character that was in one book and then makes a new story about that person. So read them all!!
January 12, 2015
I think I may have read too many of this author's books. The first, second, and third were very exciting. Even the fourth and fifth were still pretty good. But now, though the author's writing style has not changed, I find it easy to anticipate exactly what's going to happen. 2.5 stars
September 23, 2012
Another excellent book from Ms. Abramson. I need to order more Traci Hunter Abramson books!
June 5, 2015
I love these exciting, nail-biting stories, with some clean romance thrown in!
May 5, 2017
Action and romance, with a side dish of faith and testimony.
For Carina Channing, taking care of her 2 youngers sisters is everything. Ever since the day her mother was murdered and they went on the run, she has been the sole provider and parent for them. Her extended family in Chicago runs the Outfit, which is the Mafia. Despite everything she has done to keep the three of them safe, one day an unwelcome reminder shows up at her door and tells her that it's time for them to return home to Chicago. He's not above forcing her hand, either.
Meanwhile, Navy SEAL Jay Wellman is home on leave, when he meets icy, guarded Carina at one of his dad's swim team practices. Carina's younger sister is swimming for Coach Pete, with hopes of the Olympics someday. Jay is intrigued by Carina and would like to get to know her better. Also, it seems something is not quite right with the young man that keeps confronting her and lurking around. He may be on leave, but all of a sudden he's got a reason to put some of his training to use as a civilian. She needs protecting more than she realizes.
* * * * *
Jay and Carina are both unique characters, battling their own demons. Of course, they've got to get together (!), but the road there will not be simple or easy for either one of them.
I quite enjoy Abramson's blend of suspense and romance. She gets the proportions just right for my taste. She also did a great job portraying the search for faith in God, for both Jay and Carina. It was a natural process and didn't feel out of place with the rest of the story.
Content: As with her others, clean romance. Some violence/intense action scenes, but most of it happens offstage. What you do see isn't overly gory.
I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com
For Carina Channing, taking care of her 2 youngers sisters is everything. Ever since the day her mother was murdered and they went on the run, she has been the sole provider and parent for them. Her extended family in Chicago runs the Outfit, which is the Mafia. Despite everything she has done to keep the three of them safe, one day an unwelcome reminder shows up at her door and tells her that it's time for them to return home to Chicago. He's not above forcing her hand, either.
Meanwhile, Navy SEAL Jay Wellman is home on leave, when he meets icy, guarded Carina at one of his dad's swim team practices. Carina's younger sister is swimming for Coach Pete, with hopes of the Olympics someday. Jay is intrigued by Carina and would like to get to know her better. Also, it seems something is not quite right with the young man that keeps confronting her and lurking around. He may be on leave, but all of a sudden he's got a reason to put some of his training to use as a civilian. She needs protecting more than she realizes.
* * * * *
Jay and Carina are both unique characters, battling their own demons. Of course, they've got to get together (!), but the road there will not be simple or easy for either one of them.
I quite enjoy Abramson's blend of suspense and romance. She gets the proportions just right for my taste. She also did a great job portraying the search for faith in God, for both Jay and Carina. It was a natural process and didn't feel out of place with the rest of the story.
Content: As with her others, clean romance. Some violence/intense action scenes, but most of it happens offstage. What you do see isn't overly gory.
I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com
January 22, 2018
The character's background stories are a bit overkill. Jay, for example, is not just a Navy SEAL, but a member of the team that kills bin Laden. And Carina's father is a Chicago mob boss. I suppose this is done to quickly magnify his capabilities and the seriousness of her situation, but it was a bit too extreme for me. There are way too many plot holes with that big of a story. That being said, I really like Jay and Carina. They are likeable characters; and so is EVERY SINGLE ONE of the supporting characters. No, seriously, Abramson rocked the supporting cast.
Sometimes the romance felt like it was just thrown in as an afterthought, but it was still clean and sweet. And Abramson really excels in mystery and suspense. Any mention of faith or scripture was also well written and not preachy. It's a fun, easy read.
BTW, I've only read a couple of the previous books in this series and that was a long, LONG time ago. Abramson ties in A LOT of the characters from the series, but she gives just enough info about each of those characters that you don't feel lost. I think it would have been better reading the other 5 books in order (and more recently), but it still works as a stand-alone.
Sometimes the romance felt like it was just thrown in as an afterthought, but it was still clean and sweet. And Abramson really excels in mystery and suspense. Any mention of faith or scripture was also well written and not preachy. It's a fun, easy read.
BTW, I've only read a couple of the previous books in this series and that was a long, LONG time ago. Abramson ties in A LOT of the characters from the series, but she gives just enough info about each of those characters that you don't feel lost. I think it would have been better reading the other 5 books in order (and more recently), but it still works as a stand-alone.
February 10, 2020
I sat and read this in an afternoon and evening while I was home alone. Having Jay walk into a situation where Carina's family has ties to the Chicago Mafia got all the seals on alert to help Jay while they had two weeks off from missions. Love how the author evolves the story around the Saints Squad as a hole - and now to include their wives. This one I appreicated because it had more religion in it and made me ponder my own relationship with God. Jay could see the other seals had a peace and calm about them that he wanted. Enjoyed how the author threw in Kel's baby blessing for all of them to attend. Jay had been given I think 4 Book of Mormons but did not start reading them until after his mission to Afghanistan and meeting Carina - who he knew was a mormon. Vanessa talked to Jay about breaking Carina's heart if she had to choose between a temple marriage or Jay. Vanessa walked away from Seth because of that very issue but they found each other six years later (after he had already joined the church) and found their love for each other had not diminished. So enjoyed Jay's search to find the inner peace that the squad all exhibited.
January 5, 2018
This entertaining book is about Carina Channing, a daughter of a notorious Chicago crime family. Carina believes she has escaped her family's past-only to have the past come back to haunt her.
Jay Wellman is a member of a top secret navy SEAL team on leave for two weeks after a difficult mission that doesn't go exactly as planned.
When Carina and Jay meet under stressful circumstances, they find some common ground and are able to help each other.
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but I found the insertion of conversion, scriptures, and LDS themes etc. in the book to feel cheesy and contrived and didn't feel like a natural flow of the storyline. Some LDS authors are better at interweaving theology into their books than others and this one just tied up a little too neat and tidy as far as the LDS themes go and it didn't feel authentic to me. YMMV ;)
Jay Wellman is a member of a top secret navy SEAL team on leave for two weeks after a difficult mission that doesn't go exactly as planned.
When Carina and Jay meet under stressful circumstances, they find some common ground and are able to help each other.
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but I found the insertion of conversion, scriptures, and LDS themes etc. in the book to feel cheesy and contrived and didn't feel like a natural flow of the storyline. Some LDS authors are better at interweaving theology into their books than others and this one just tied up a little too neat and tidy as far as the LDS themes go and it didn't feel authentic to me. YMMV ;)
August 3, 2018
My husband and I have started reading/listening to around 30 minutes of a book as we get ready for bed each night. We sit on the sides of our bed, get on our night clothes, take our pills, lotion up, and eat a few Ritz crackers for a good night's sleep! We listen while we do all that. We keep the stories light and easy to listen to. We have found Traci Hunter Abramson's novels just right. They are not "run of the mill" stories, and have interesting plots and characters we enjoy. One of our favorite of the series is The Saint Squad where all the Navy seals are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We find that entertaining and uplifting at the same time.
This story was of that series, and it held our attention wondering if Jay would read the Book of Mormon and make a forever relationship with Carina. The narrators are very good, and we find these good bedtime stories.
This story was of that series, and it held our attention wondering if Jay would read the Book of Mormon and make a forever relationship with Carina. The narrators are very good, and we find these good bedtime stories.
January 28, 2019
Glad you can figure out what's going on when you read them out of order, but this book set the stage for Lock and Key - we were introduced to Carina Channing and her sisters and mob family, how she met Jay and the Saints Squad and that she received a lot of hints from her imprisoned father regarding the mysteries of the family finances, with relatives wanting to be the head of the family and trying to take Carina and her sisters out so there's no competition. Plus Jay is dealing with a mission that went well but was a challenge for him. He's struggling but his team mates seem to be handling the situation calmly - why? Jay wants to find out what his team members have that give them that peace.
September 19, 2013
Summary
Carina, Gianna, and Bianca had been running away from their past as long as they could remember. Their father was a member of the Chicago Mafia, and had murdered their mother. Ever since their mom died, Carina had taken care of her two younger sisters. They had remained untouched from their father and his family for several years, until one day when an unexpected visitor came to Denver.
Pete Wellman, Bianca’s swim coach, has a son named Jay. Jay is a Navy Seal and meets Carina at the pool while he is on leave. The first time Jay sees Carina; he knows he wants to go out with her. A few minutes later when Carina is leaving, her car will not start. Being the kind, generous person that Jay is, he offers to help Carina out. They trade cars, so that Jay can fix Carina’s and she can get to work on time.
Later that evening Jay goes for a run to Carina’s house. He plans on getting his car back and asking her on a date. While in the process of asking her out and unexpected visitor knocks on the door. When Carina opens the door she realizes it is someone from her dads family. The man’s name is Nick. He is trying to get Carina to go back to Chicago with him. After refusing to go, a black car races down the street and starts shooting at Carina and Jay. No one was hurt, but Carina was sure shaken up. After the shooting, Jay decided Carina and Bianca could no longer stay at their apartment. The two sisters packed their things and moved into a high security residence. Hopefully no one would be able to find them now.
Urgent to find out more information about Carina’s past, Jay goes and talks to one of her lifelong friends, Lou. Lou told him the truth about everything. Carina’s Father hadn’t killed their mother, and he had only tried to protect them throughout their lives. Lou also mentioned that the man who was really in charge of the Mafia, was a man named Alex.
Carina knew many things about her father’s business, but had never realized how valuable it was. Alex could not risk carina finding out his identity, so he made a plan to dispose of her. He found out where they had been hiding out and attacked them when Jay was on his way back to the military. Alex had both Carina and Bianca at gunpoint when suddenly; Carina pulled a hidden gun from her purse and shot Alex.
As you can image, everyone lives happily ever after. Carina and her two sisters don’t have to worry about the Chicago Mafia anymore. Jay decides to start taking the missionary discussions. Carina and Jay make plans to get married. Carina can finally start to pursue her lifelong dream of fashion design.
Themes
I believe the author wants us to know two things specifically. First, serving others always leads to happiness. Second, stay true to your beliefs. These two ideas reoccur in the story multiple times. They also intensify as the story moves forward.
Jay is always serving others, and in return he is always happy. On the day when Jay and Carina first met, he offered to fix he car for her. He barely knew the woman and yet, deep down he knew it was the right thing to do. When we serve others and do what we know is right, we always get a lovely feeling inside. It always makes us a little happier. Sometimes it makes us so happy, that we can’t stop serving others. I believe that is what happened in this story.
As the book moved forward Jay continually outstretched his hand to Carina. Even when the situation became dangerous, he still volunteered to help. I love that Jay never leaves her. He never says, “Alright I’m done, hope you have a nice life.” No, he stays with her and helps her through all of her trials. In the end he finals receives his award; Carinas hand in marriage and a life full of happiness.
The second theme in this story is to stay true to your beliefs. Carina and her sisters are all converts to the LDS Church. They know their beliefs and who they are. Throughout this story, life gets hard and they may have wanted to blame it all on God, but they didn’t. Carina stayed strong and continued to pray to her heavenly father when times got tough. Carina, Bianca, and Gianna were blessed because they remained steadfast and immoveable. The Lord will bless our lives if we chose to stay true to our beliefs.
Critique
Personally, I love Tracy Hunter Abrahamson. She is my favorite author, and I have read many of her books. My favorite part about her writing is how she incorporates the LDS faith. For me, it’s really nice to know that I can find a good book, that doesn’t have the standards of today’s world. I also love how her books are romantic, but full of adventure and suspense.
My favorite character would probably be Bianca. In the beginning of the book Bianca helps land Jay a date with Carina. She is like this little mastermind that no one pays attention to. It’s also really funny how she is always asking for French fries. Bianca is a swimmer, and part of her diet states that she can’t have fast food. That definitely doesn’t stop her from asking every time they are out.
When I picture Jay, he is the type who opens doors for women and is always a perfect gentleman. Then I remember that he is a Navy Seal, and all I image is a really attractive man. No wonder Carina falls in love with him. He is nice and attractive; the perfect mix. I also picture Carina being very beautiful. I imagine her as the girl who looks gorgeous in sweats and a t-shirt. I am pleased with the characters in this story. They all have a unique personality, with a unique background.
Carina, Gianna, and Bianca had been running away from their past as long as they could remember. Their father was a member of the Chicago Mafia, and had murdered their mother. Ever since their mom died, Carina had taken care of her two younger sisters. They had remained untouched from their father and his family for several years, until one day when an unexpected visitor came to Denver.
Pete Wellman, Bianca’s swim coach, has a son named Jay. Jay is a Navy Seal and meets Carina at the pool while he is on leave. The first time Jay sees Carina; he knows he wants to go out with her. A few minutes later when Carina is leaving, her car will not start. Being the kind, generous person that Jay is, he offers to help Carina out. They trade cars, so that Jay can fix Carina’s and she can get to work on time.
Later that evening Jay goes for a run to Carina’s house. He plans on getting his car back and asking her on a date. While in the process of asking her out and unexpected visitor knocks on the door. When Carina opens the door she realizes it is someone from her dads family. The man’s name is Nick. He is trying to get Carina to go back to Chicago with him. After refusing to go, a black car races down the street and starts shooting at Carina and Jay. No one was hurt, but Carina was sure shaken up. After the shooting, Jay decided Carina and Bianca could no longer stay at their apartment. The two sisters packed their things and moved into a high security residence. Hopefully no one would be able to find them now.
Urgent to find out more information about Carina’s past, Jay goes and talks to one of her lifelong friends, Lou. Lou told him the truth about everything. Carina’s Father hadn’t killed their mother, and he had only tried to protect them throughout their lives. Lou also mentioned that the man who was really in charge of the Mafia, was a man named Alex.
Carina knew many things about her father’s business, but had never realized how valuable it was. Alex could not risk carina finding out his identity, so he made a plan to dispose of her. He found out where they had been hiding out and attacked them when Jay was on his way back to the military. Alex had both Carina and Bianca at gunpoint when suddenly; Carina pulled a hidden gun from her purse and shot Alex.
As you can image, everyone lives happily ever after. Carina and her two sisters don’t have to worry about the Chicago Mafia anymore. Jay decides to start taking the missionary discussions. Carina and Jay make plans to get married. Carina can finally start to pursue her lifelong dream of fashion design.
Themes
I believe the author wants us to know two things specifically. First, serving others always leads to happiness. Second, stay true to your beliefs. These two ideas reoccur in the story multiple times. They also intensify as the story moves forward.
Jay is always serving others, and in return he is always happy. On the day when Jay and Carina first met, he offered to fix he car for her. He barely knew the woman and yet, deep down he knew it was the right thing to do. When we serve others and do what we know is right, we always get a lovely feeling inside. It always makes us a little happier. Sometimes it makes us so happy, that we can’t stop serving others. I believe that is what happened in this story.
As the book moved forward Jay continually outstretched his hand to Carina. Even when the situation became dangerous, he still volunteered to help. I love that Jay never leaves her. He never says, “Alright I’m done, hope you have a nice life.” No, he stays with her and helps her through all of her trials. In the end he finals receives his award; Carinas hand in marriage and a life full of happiness.
The second theme in this story is to stay true to your beliefs. Carina and her sisters are all converts to the LDS Church. They know their beliefs and who they are. Throughout this story, life gets hard and they may have wanted to blame it all on God, but they didn’t. Carina stayed strong and continued to pray to her heavenly father when times got tough. Carina, Bianca, and Gianna were blessed because they remained steadfast and immoveable. The Lord will bless our lives if we chose to stay true to our beliefs.
Critique
Personally, I love Tracy Hunter Abrahamson. She is my favorite author, and I have read many of her books. My favorite part about her writing is how she incorporates the LDS faith. For me, it’s really nice to know that I can find a good book, that doesn’t have the standards of today’s world. I also love how her books are romantic, but full of adventure and suspense.
My favorite character would probably be Bianca. In the beginning of the book Bianca helps land Jay a date with Carina. She is like this little mastermind that no one pays attention to. It’s also really funny how she is always asking for French fries. Bianca is a swimmer, and part of her diet states that she can’t have fast food. That definitely doesn’t stop her from asking every time they are out.
When I picture Jay, he is the type who opens doors for women and is always a perfect gentleman. Then I remember that he is a Navy Seal, and all I image is a really attractive man. No wonder Carina falls in love with him. He is nice and attractive; the perfect mix. I also picture Carina being very beautiful. I imagine her as the girl who looks gorgeous in sweats and a t-shirt. I am pleased with the characters in this story. They all have a unique personality, with a unique background.
June 8, 2021
Another awesome Saint Squad book, this time involving the mob. Jay and Carina meet by chance and everything seems to go downhill from there.
Mob violence, clean romantic suspense, lots of connection to family and friends... Who do we really count on in a pinch? Is it our family? Friends that are like family? "The family"?
Have to read. Not exactly necessary to read in order but it helps, and this one is a must read before Lock and Key.
Excellent and exciting, I seriously couldn't put it down and I know I've read it before.
Mob violence, clean romantic suspense, lots of connection to family and friends... Who do we really count on in a pinch? Is it our family? Friends that are like family? "The family"?
Have to read. Not exactly necessary to read in order but it helps, and this one is a must read before Lock and Key.
Excellent and exciting, I seriously couldn't put it down and I know I've read it before.
September 22, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. This book follows Jay Wellman, the newest member of this team of Navy SEALS. When he gets two weeks of leave, he visits his family and meets one of the swimmers his dad coaches and her older sister. When they run into trouble from their past, Jay and his dad are there to help. I like that Abramson is able to draw from her time as a swim coach for this book. I also really like the loyalty of the Saint Squad and the way they treat each other like family. They always have each other's backs, unfailingly.
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 one. Also you will want to read “Obsession” before reading this one.
Characters later in their lives are in this book from Obsession.
You will want to read the undercurrent series before reading this one. Also you will want to read “Obsession” before reading this one.
Characters later in their lives are in this book from Obsession.
February 12, 2020
4.5 stars -- there were a couple of things in there that I went, "Really -- you should have known that, or been able to figure it out." However, I also realized that Abramson had to try to get certain information to the reader some way. One of the things I loved about this book was bringing together so many pieces from her other books. There was a connection that she pulled in in the 4th book that I didn't even realize until this one. It was really fun.
May 2, 2025
While this book is a very clean and easy read with a decent storyline, I will not be reading books from this author again. The “belief” mentioned in the blurb about the book had no mention about the LDS church. I felt blindsided by that bit of missing information and almost put it down due to the amount of narrative taken up about being a Mormon. I did finish it, but it will be the last one I read by this author.
January 9, 2021
In this book, we learn more about Jay, his family, and get more fabulous Saint Squad teamwork! I loved watching Carina rediscover her faith as Jay discovered his faith. There were references to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including prayers, blessings, and temple marriage. This was a sweet and clean romantic suspense, I'd rate PG-13 for kissing and thematic violence.
March 23, 2021
Great series of books. Each one has just what I enjoy reading in a book - the mystery and suspense with a side of romance - makes for an enjoyable clean read. I would say 4 stars because it’s still fairly predictable. I love listening to them as an audio book. It’s easy for my mind to wander if I listen to an audio book, but not with this series! Loved it!
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