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Security Specialists International #3
Weather The Storm
Monette Michaels delivers an action-packed, page-turner as Vanko fights to save the life of the woman who holds the key to revealing a traitor. From the streets of New York to the Bahamas, Vanko, the ultimate alpha male, struggles against all odds as assassins converge from all sides. Without support and distracted by feelings long buried, Vanko must Weather the Storm in Book 3 of Security Specialists International to find a love he never expected.
Research librarian Elana Fabrizzio was in the wrong place at the wrong time. While working her late night shift at the library, she overhears a man hire a mercenary to kill Keely Walsh-Maddox and other Security Specialists International operatives. Things go from bad to worse when the man kills a student and a security guard on his way out of the library.
SSI operative Vanko Petriv is in New York City on holiday and is redirected to Washington, D.C. to become Elana’s personal security. Turns out the man she overheard is the traitor SSI has been pursuing for quite a while. Her eyewitness testimony would eliminate the treacherous thorn in SSI’s side and rid the intelligence community of a traitor once and for all.
Vanko is instantly attracted to the courageous Elana and vows to make her his. Elana is surprised when she’s attracted to Vanko. Bad past experiences have made her leery of dominant men.
When another enemy from Elana’s past appears, Vanko does what is needed to keep her alive. Their burgeoning attraction is threatened from all sides, but true love weathers any storm.
Research librarian Elana Fabrizzio was in the wrong place at the wrong time. While working her late night shift at the library, she overhears a man hire a mercenary to kill Keely Walsh-Maddox and other Security Specialists International operatives. Things go from bad to worse when the man kills a student and a security guard on his way out of the library.
SSI operative Vanko Petriv is in New York City on holiday and is redirected to Washington, D.C. to become Elana’s personal security. Turns out the man she overheard is the traitor SSI has been pursuing for quite a while. Her eyewitness testimony would eliminate the treacherous thorn in SSI’s side and rid the intelligence community of a traitor once and for all.
Vanko is instantly attracted to the courageous Elana and vows to make her his. Elana is surprised when she’s attracted to Vanko. Bad past experiences have made her leery of dominant men.
When another enemy from Elana’s past appears, Vanko does what is needed to keep her alive. Their burgeoning attraction is threatened from all sides, but true love weathers any storm.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2013
82 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Monette Michaels
43 books339 followersMonette Michaels is a multi-published author of romantic suspense, paranormal, and scifi romance novels. She also writes sexier paranormal and romantic suspense novels under the pen name, Rae Morgan.
She is a native Hoosier and still lives in Central Indiana with her husband, son, and cat. The cat is the boss.
She is a native Hoosier and still lives in Central Indiana with her husband, son, and cat. The cat is the boss.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 17, 2018
I love this series with its kick arse women and wonderful alpha males. I enjoyed Weather the Storm. Lots of great action and we finally discovered who the mole was and it was great to catch up with past characters such as Keely.
February 15, 2014
I'm wondering something. Would it be difficult for me to get myself into some sort of precarious situation, necessitating a rescue by Vanko Petriv of SSI? Nothing too injurious, of course. Perhaps a scrape on the knee, you know, something that would make him want to kiss me all better. Vanko is one hot hero, badass and protective and hard to kill. And he makes an awesome protector for Elana in Weather the Storm. As Elana goes through hell on earth, courtesy of a Russian mobster and various would-be assassins, Vanko is the one charged with her keep. Only the instant attraction between them throws a little wrench in their plans. Can he keep her safe, even though she's already been injured badly? And can he help her surrender to her desire for him, even though she's been abused in the past? Monette Michaels has written a wonderful book, full of twists and turns, and a romance that makes you sigh. It made me want to be a damsel in distress for a while. Especially the kind who ends up in Vanko's bed.
October 29, 2013
My Rating: ★★★★
My Thoughts:
Goodreads ate my original long review for this book so I’m having to recreate my thoughts and know that I am going to miss things *sigh*.
I am a fan of romantic suspense thrillers and Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series and J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) In Death series are among my favorites. I am definitely going to have to add Monette Michaels to my list of go-to authors when I want a sexy action packed thrill ride. Because let me just say, Weather The Storm was definitely that. High octane and absolutely steamy from beginning to end. All I’m saying is, sexy bathroom scene.
The story opens with Elana Cruz née Fabrizzio, a librarian at Georgetown University, who is settling in for a quiet night at the library. Elana is accompanied by her co-worker Betsy and the security guard Harry. Harry’s attention is completely zoned in on his television set as he watched a basketball game between their home school and Purdue. Laughing at his enthusiasm, the ladies decide to make their rounds on a hunt and seek mission to retrieve reference materials hidden by overzealous and industrious students who wanted to ensure their possession of the books. As Elana makes her rounds in the mostly empty library, images of her past flash through her mind. She is not who everyone thinks she is, her past and her story begin in Russia. But a heinous episode by a vile man changes her life forever. Elana’s uncles ensure her safety by ensconcing her in the United States with a new identity and profession. Shaking off the dregs of her past, Elana continues her rounds and encounters one of her favorite graduate students Libby who is heavily pregnant, and due any day. She and Libby exchange pleasantries for a bit and Elana makes her way to a study area and then crawls underneath a table in one of the darkest corners of the room. See, Elana knows that students will hide books in the most unique of places and has often found books tapped to the bottoms of desks. As she is making her down-under investigation, she hears voices--dark and ominous voices. Two men are having a brusque conversation. They obviously don’t like one another but the details of their conversation of their conversation are clear: murder, espionage, and treason. Elana assumes a still-life position so that the men don’t discover her presence. She is almost free and clear. The men disperse but righteous indignation boils in Elana’s gut. She will never again allow an innocent to be hurt by a vicious man. She determines to follow, who she labels, the “boss.” As the “boss” is leaving his path intersects with Libby’s and Elana hears her sharp cry of pain. Propelled into action, Elana places herself in the direct path of the “boss.”
Doing the right thing changes the course of Elana’s future. She is no longer an unassuming librarian. She is a witness on the run. The “boss” wants her and he sets mercenaries out to eliminate her permanently. Fortunately for Elana, the good guys, in the form of SSI are aware of the “boss” as well. They know that there is a traitor; they just don’t know who he is. For the sake of national security, they need Elana to visually identify him. SSI dispatches Vanko Petriv to retrieve Elana and return her safely to their sanctuary in Idaho. Vanko is visiting his sister and her family when he gets the call about Elana. He is immediately intrigued by her “good Russian name” and so is his sister, Tanya. Tanya has a seemingly preternatural ability to glean bits and pieces of the future. She tells Vanko that Elana is HIS. Propelled by her prophecy, Vanko leaves his family and heads directly to Elana.
Once they meet. . .the action really begins!
I know, you probably hate me for not giving more details but trust me you will thank me after you read Weather The Storm. This story was full of twists and turns. I love red herrings and this book had them. Just when I thought I had something figured out, my mouth was left hanging open with a pleasant shock. Michaels definitely spun a tale that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. Up was down, down was up and good and bad blended into an indistinguishable gray. I had a moment of cheering for the bad guys and had to "WTH?" myself. LOL
I enjoyed how Vanko and Elana interacted with one another. Sure, he was this big, bad commando but he was sweet, gentle, and solicitous of Elana. He never used his strength against Elana and he made it his mission to gain her trust, which he totally did! And Elana--I adored her character! She had a hard knock life. Brutal. But, her strength and tenacity girded her with a core of steel. She was solid under pressure and bended but did not break. I was totally impressed by her actions at the end of the story. She would definitely ensured that she would never again be a victim. Buh bye Ziv. I also appreciated the integration of the other SSI characters in the story. They were peripheral and important but you did not need to read the other stories in the series to understand what was happening in Weather The Storm.
Michaels is a masterful author and I highly recommend this book and this entire SSI series to anyone who is looking for a romantic thriller with a sexy Ukranian commando. BTW, the Russian endearments...le sigh. Pick up this story today. You will not be disappointed!
Ratings Detail:
Rating for female protagonist: 4★
Rating for secondary characters: 4★
Plot Viability: 4★
General Storyline: 4★
Story Ending: 4★
Ease of Reading: 4★
Overall rating: 4★
For more of my reviews visit The BookChick Blog
VERY GOOD: The characteristics of a 4 star book include: a great story; I loved the characters; and there was an interesting plot and unique story elements; there may have been a few odd things kept the story from being amazing. I would read it again and I would recommend it to a friend.A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts:
Goodreads ate my original long review for this book so I’m having to recreate my thoughts and know that I am going to miss things *sigh*.
I am a fan of romantic suspense thrillers and Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series and J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) In Death series are among my favorites. I am definitely going to have to add Monette Michaels to my list of go-to authors when I want a sexy action packed thrill ride. Because let me just say, Weather The Storm was definitely that. High octane and absolutely steamy from beginning to end. All I’m saying is, sexy bathroom scene.
The story opens with Elana Cruz née Fabrizzio, a librarian at Georgetown University, who is settling in for a quiet night at the library. Elana is accompanied by her co-worker Betsy and the security guard Harry. Harry’s attention is completely zoned in on his television set as he watched a basketball game between their home school and Purdue. Laughing at his enthusiasm, the ladies decide to make their rounds on a hunt and seek mission to retrieve reference materials hidden by overzealous and industrious students who wanted to ensure their possession of the books. As Elana makes her rounds in the mostly empty library, images of her past flash through her mind. She is not who everyone thinks she is, her past and her story begin in Russia. But a heinous episode by a vile man changes her life forever. Elana’s uncles ensure her safety by ensconcing her in the United States with a new identity and profession. Shaking off the dregs of her past, Elana continues her rounds and encounters one of her favorite graduate students Libby who is heavily pregnant, and due any day. She and Libby exchange pleasantries for a bit and Elana makes her way to a study area and then crawls underneath a table in one of the darkest corners of the room. See, Elana knows that students will hide books in the most unique of places and has often found books tapped to the bottoms of desks. As she is making her down-under investigation, she hears voices--dark and ominous voices. Two men are having a brusque conversation. They obviously don’t like one another but the details of their conversation of their conversation are clear: murder, espionage, and treason. Elana assumes a still-life position so that the men don’t discover her presence. She is almost free and clear. The men disperse but righteous indignation boils in Elana’s gut. She will never again allow an innocent to be hurt by a vicious man. She determines to follow, who she labels, the “boss.” As the “boss” is leaving his path intersects with Libby’s and Elana hears her sharp cry of pain. Propelled into action, Elana places herself in the direct path of the “boss.”
Doing the right thing changes the course of Elana’s future. She is no longer an unassuming librarian. She is a witness on the run. The “boss” wants her and he sets mercenaries out to eliminate her permanently. Fortunately for Elana, the good guys, in the form of SSI are aware of the “boss” as well. They know that there is a traitor; they just don’t know who he is. For the sake of national security, they need Elana to visually identify him. SSI dispatches Vanko Petriv to retrieve Elana and return her safely to their sanctuary in Idaho. Vanko is visiting his sister and her family when he gets the call about Elana. He is immediately intrigued by her “good Russian name” and so is his sister, Tanya. Tanya has a seemingly preternatural ability to glean bits and pieces of the future. She tells Vanko that Elana is HIS. Propelled by her prophecy, Vanko leaves his family and heads directly to Elana.
Once they meet. . .the action really begins!
I know, you probably hate me for not giving more details but trust me you will thank me after you read Weather The Storm. This story was full of twists and turns. I love red herrings and this book had them. Just when I thought I had something figured out, my mouth was left hanging open with a pleasant shock. Michaels definitely spun a tale that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. Up was down, down was up and good and bad blended into an indistinguishable gray. I had a moment of cheering for the bad guys and had to "WTH?" myself. LOL
I enjoyed how Vanko and Elana interacted with one another. Sure, he was this big, bad commando but he was sweet, gentle, and solicitous of Elana. He never used his strength against Elana and he made it his mission to gain her trust, which he totally did! And Elana--I adored her character! She had a hard knock life. Brutal. But, her strength and tenacity girded her with a core of steel. She was solid under pressure and bended but did not break. I was totally impressed by her actions at the end of the story. She would definitely ensured that she would never again be a victim. Buh bye Ziv. I also appreciated the integration of the other SSI characters in the story. They were peripheral and important but you did not need to read the other stories in the series to understand what was happening in Weather The Storm.
Michaels is a masterful author and I highly recommend this book and this entire SSI series to anyone who is looking for a romantic thriller with a sexy Ukranian commando. BTW, the Russian endearments...le sigh. Pick up this story today. You will not be disappointed!
Ratings Detail:
Rating for female protagonist: 4★
Rating for secondary characters: 4★
Plot Viability: 4★
General Storyline: 4★
Story Ending: 4★
Ease of Reading: 4★
Overall rating: 4★
For more of my reviews visit The BookChick Blog
October 29, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am loathe to admit this but this is actually the first full length work from Ms. Michaels that I have read. Its true - I am a huge fan and own several books including the two novels and two novellas (which are FREE at www.lsbooks.com for those of you who don't know they exist) that come before this excellent book.
Vanko Petriv is a seasoned SSI operative who was Ukranian born but has worked all over the world with law enforcement and private agencies to stop human trafficking and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is his life's work to rescue women and children of both sexes who have been placed in these situations; to bring them home or at least to a safer environment where they will be cared for and not used and abused. Elana Fabrizzio is a research librarian. A woman who spends all her day cooped up in a building with moldy, smelly old books and papers trying to make sure that people care for them and respect them as much as she does. Unfortunately, she is also the only ever eye‑witness to the identity of the traitor the SSI has been hunting. This traitor is someone within their own ranks or the associated Defence and Military departments that SSI works closely with. Elana, in the wrong place at the wrong time, has seen and heard the traitor as well as the voice of the man he hired to kill another SSI operative, Keely Walsh‑Maddox. Keely Walsh and Ren Maddox were the heroine and hero of the first book in Ms. Michaels SSI series,
.
When Vanko hears that he is to meet a research librarian in DC because she requires protection he assumes this will be a simple extraction and transportation of this eyewitness to a safe place. Boy was he wrong! Due to circumstances created by the traitor, the DC police, Mother Nature and so many other things, Vanko and Elana are kept together to outrun the bad guys chasing them and hunting them. Vanko also comes to realize that they will never be free or feel safe until the monster from her past is destroyed.
You often see authors pair the two most unlikely people, at least superficially, into a couple. Most make it work but here, not only do they work, they click. Like two puzzle pieces that are so uniquely shaped it looks like neither could ever find their match. Due to everything these two have been through and how it has shaped them as individuals, they fit together. Sometimes their edges rub against each other but even as they clash they are slowly changing - both of them realizing that while they may disagree about the process they both want the same end result. And it is this friction that causes their edges to slowly slide against each other until they snap together just right and so tight that their bond should never break.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even though it is book 3 in the series, I read it as a stand‑alone and had no issues following the characters or the story. I may be slightly more familiar with the other books than someone just walking by who sees the gorgeous hottie on the cover and picks up the book, but Ms. Michaels creates the perfect balance between enough knowledge to read this book well while making the reader curious about future couples/books and not giving giant information dumps.
I am loathe to admit this but this is actually the first full length work from Ms. Michaels that I have read. Its true - I am a huge fan and own several books including the two novels and two novellas (which are FREE at www.lsbooks.com for those of you who don't know they exist) that come before this excellent book.
Vanko Petriv is a seasoned SSI operative who was Ukranian born but has worked all over the world with law enforcement and private agencies to stop human trafficking and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is his life's work to rescue women and children of both sexes who have been placed in these situations; to bring them home or at least to a safer environment where they will be cared for and not used and abused. Elana Fabrizzio is a research librarian. A woman who spends all her day cooped up in a building with moldy, smelly old books and papers trying to make sure that people care for them and respect them as much as she does. Unfortunately, she is also the only ever eye‑witness to the identity of the traitor the SSI has been hunting. This traitor is someone within their own ranks or the associated Defence and Military departments that SSI works closely with. Elana, in the wrong place at the wrong time, has seen and heard the traitor as well as the voice of the man he hired to kill another SSI operative, Keely Walsh‑Maddox. Keely Walsh and Ren Maddox were the heroine and hero of the first book in Ms. Michaels SSI series,
.When Vanko hears that he is to meet a research librarian in DC because she requires protection he assumes this will be a simple extraction and transportation of this eyewitness to a safe place. Boy was he wrong! Due to circumstances created by the traitor, the DC police, Mother Nature and so many other things, Vanko and Elana are kept together to outrun the bad guys chasing them and hunting them. Vanko also comes to realize that they will never be free or feel safe until the monster from her past is destroyed.
You often see authors pair the two most unlikely people, at least superficially, into a couple. Most make it work but here, not only do they work, they click. Like two puzzle pieces that are so uniquely shaped it looks like neither could ever find their match. Due to everything these two have been through and how it has shaped them as individuals, they fit together. Sometimes their edges rub against each other but even as they clash they are slowly changing - both of them realizing that while they may disagree about the process they both want the same end result. And it is this friction that causes their edges to slowly slide against each other until they snap together just right and so tight that their bond should never break.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even though it is book 3 in the series, I read it as a stand‑alone and had no issues following the characters or the story. I may be slightly more familiar with the other books than someone just walking by who sees the gorgeous hottie on the cover and picks up the book, but Ms. Michaels creates the perfect balance between enough knowledge to read this book well while making the reader curious about future couples/books and not giving giant information dumps.
March 10, 2017
SSI is back at it again.
We met Vanko in the first story something about him I loved when he sees his friends finding the love he knows that's what he wants but hopes to find his true love soon. Closing in on the trailer might be closer than they thought. Librarian Elana happens to catch the conversation between the traitor and a mercenary so she try's to get in contact with the key. She might be the only one to identify the traitor but with great knowledge like that makes enemies but Vanko is there to protect her. Vanko sees her and vows to protect her from anything including someone from her past that made her life a living hell. Elana went through so much in her past and is on alert of Vanko or any man but he tries to show her that he is to be trusted and soon trust him with her heart.
We met Vanko in the first story something about him I loved when he sees his friends finding the love he knows that's what he wants but hopes to find his true love soon. Closing in on the trailer might be closer than they thought. Librarian Elana happens to catch the conversation between the traitor and a mercenary so she try's to get in contact with the key. She might be the only one to identify the traitor but with great knowledge like that makes enemies but Vanko is there to protect her. Vanko sees her and vows to protect her from anything including someone from her past that made her life a living hell. Elana went through so much in her past and is on alert of Vanko or any man but he tries to show her that he is to be trusted and soon trust him with her heart.
April 6, 2019
Another great read in this series, have had a real soft spot for Vanko ever since I started reading this series, and have enjoyed rereading his story. However, this one overall is a little less action packed, and for me it takes a while to get going. Which is why I didn't give it 5* but is certainly worth reading, and it will be interesting to see what happens now that the DOD traitor has been revealed.
October 30, 2013
Explosive!!! I've been eagerly awaiting for this book to be released. . . and now that I've read it, all I can say is: it's totally worth the wait! I love Vanko's and Elana's story. . . Kept me hooked from start to finish. . . The story line is totally captivating and exhilarating. A must read!!!
January 17, 2024
3.5stars
No plot spoilers
There are some potential triggers relating to kidnap and rape, some detail is on page.
The characterisation is okay just not good enough to allow the reader to form a connection.
The plotline is slow and consists of a little progress interspersed with sex scenes.
There is some swearing and of course,some sex scenes.
I really don't think you could describe it as a romance, it's lust at first sight followed by insta love on day three.
It's not that great a thriller either since the trained operator makes so many mistakes you can see what happens next from a mile away.
I fully intended to pursue the series but at book three the use of rape and abuse as a plot device is enough to make me give the next book a miss.
If you are a fan of the genre you would probably enjoy the series.
No plot spoilers
There are some potential triggers relating to kidnap and rape, some detail is on page.
The characterisation is okay just not good enough to allow the reader to form a connection.
The plotline is slow and consists of a little progress interspersed with sex scenes.
There is some swearing and of course,some sex scenes.
I really don't think you could describe it as a romance, it's lust at first sight followed by insta love on day three.
It's not that great a thriller either since the trained operator makes so many mistakes you can see what happens next from a mile away.
I fully intended to pursue the series but at book three the use of rape and abuse as a plot device is enough to make me give the next book a miss.
If you are a fan of the genre you would probably enjoy the series.
May 29, 2018
I loved the romance between Vanko and Elana, I'll be honest I don't much like the whole "he will teach her, her boundaries" women are not cattle, or animals, or even children, we know our boundaries within the law, and there should be no boundaries between partners. But I have since come to realize that it's all male pontificating in their own heads in MM's books so I will grind my teeth and not throw my feminist soap box at them.
What creeped me out on this story was the evil Russian mafioso. That kind of made me feel sick reading it. I could have done with a little less description on his perversity, every time he got a chapter we got another dose of how sick that bastard was and the story didn't really need it.
What he did to Elana was bad enough all on it's own.
What creeped me out on this story was the evil Russian mafioso. That kind of made me feel sick reading it. I could have done with a little less description on his perversity, every time he got a chapter we got another dose of how sick that bastard was and the story didn't really need it.
What he did to Elana was bad enough all on it's own.
October 28, 2013
This book blew me away in several ways. First and foremost, it managed to make me love a book that's in a genre I'm not normally as crazy about and involving a storyline of the sort I usually find annoying and occasionally distasteful. I'll admit there were parts of the plot I wasn't that crazy about, and as usually happens with books like this I did get tired of the characters being in constant danger after awhile, but even through that I couldn't help but admire the way in which they were handled, and the characters were so wonderful and vivid that they completely made up for anything I might not have liked as much about the book.
Elana has got to be one of the best female protagonists I've read about in a very long time. Probably even the best one in a long while. She's tough, brave, intelligent, skilled - the list of her positive attributes could go on and on. But she's in no way a Mary Sue, for she does have a side to her personality that is still very broken by the things she's endured in her past. Those things are what made her the tough-as-nails woman she is today, but are also still a considerable weakness that rears its head to bite her at inconvenient times. She's fully aware of her weaknesses though, and that's part of what makes her such a wonderful character. So many tough female leads are shown as adopting an air of bravado and charging in even when they know they're not the best one for the job because they think they have something to prove. Not Elana. She can and does hold her own and then some, but only when she's left with no other alternative. She's more than happy to let others protect her when it's possible, but when it's not she holds it together and protects herself as long as she's physically able to (and sometimes even beyond that). I really can't say enough good about her and I wish more strong female leads were written the way Elana is.
Vanko is almost everything you could want in a sensitive alpha male hero. Cunning and ruthless but also highly protective and determined to shield Elana from any threat, including his own desire for her. What makes him particularly appealing in my opinion is there's nothing at all mopey or "I'm no good for you" about him or in his attitude of why he's protecting her from himself as well as from their enemies. He lets her know up front that she's going to be his just as soon as the danger has passed and she's in better physical condition. Perhaps he is a tad bit overzealous about not endangering her health any more than necessary by getting overly frisky, even when she tells him flat out that she wants him, because I'm sure if he'd really put his mind to it he'd have figured out a way to make it work without hurting her, but you can't help but admire him for not giving in to his (and her) lust. It makes for some wonderful sexual tension that gets relieved just enough to keep it from getting tedious, but not enough to turn the heat down on it until the proper time has come.
I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I didn't find that to be a deterrent to understanding and liking this one. Most likely I would have had a better feel and understanding for some of the side characters and for the situation that starts the ball rolling in this book since it's fairly clear they are people and stories that have been featured in the past, but enough was explained to keep the reader from feeling too lost if they hadn't read the previous books. There are a few points I might have liked a bit more explanation about, but they were detail items that I'm sure were explained in previous books, and not having those few answers didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story at hand. So, to anyone who might be hesitant to pick this one up because they haven't read the previous books, don't worry about it too much, for you'll be fine.
Readers of any romance genre will find something to like here. While I'd primarily classify it as contemporary romantic suspense there are a few paranormal elements sprinkled in that keep things interesting for PNR lovers like me. The hero is hot and very alpha though not in a chest thumping way, the heroine is a kick ass independent woman who knows and respects her limits, and the situation they find themselves in will frequently keep you on the edge of your seat to see how they're going to get through it. This is a book I'd highly recommend to anyone that likes romance of any sort.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Elana has got to be one of the best female protagonists I've read about in a very long time. Probably even the best one in a long while. She's tough, brave, intelligent, skilled - the list of her positive attributes could go on and on. But she's in no way a Mary Sue, for she does have a side to her personality that is still very broken by the things she's endured in her past. Those things are what made her the tough-as-nails woman she is today, but are also still a considerable weakness that rears its head to bite her at inconvenient times. She's fully aware of her weaknesses though, and that's part of what makes her such a wonderful character. So many tough female leads are shown as adopting an air of bravado and charging in even when they know they're not the best one for the job because they think they have something to prove. Not Elana. She can and does hold her own and then some, but only when she's left with no other alternative. She's more than happy to let others protect her when it's possible, but when it's not she holds it together and protects herself as long as she's physically able to (and sometimes even beyond that). I really can't say enough good about her and I wish more strong female leads were written the way Elana is.
Vanko is almost everything you could want in a sensitive alpha male hero. Cunning and ruthless but also highly protective and determined to shield Elana from any threat, including his own desire for her. What makes him particularly appealing in my opinion is there's nothing at all mopey or "I'm no good for you" about him or in his attitude of why he's protecting her from himself as well as from their enemies. He lets her know up front that she's going to be his just as soon as the danger has passed and she's in better physical condition. Perhaps he is a tad bit overzealous about not endangering her health any more than necessary by getting overly frisky, even when she tells him flat out that she wants him, because I'm sure if he'd really put his mind to it he'd have figured out a way to make it work without hurting her, but you can't help but admire him for not giving in to his (and her) lust. It makes for some wonderful sexual tension that gets relieved just enough to keep it from getting tedious, but not enough to turn the heat down on it until the proper time has come.
I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I didn't find that to be a deterrent to understanding and liking this one. Most likely I would have had a better feel and understanding for some of the side characters and for the situation that starts the ball rolling in this book since it's fairly clear they are people and stories that have been featured in the past, but enough was explained to keep the reader from feeling too lost if they hadn't read the previous books. There are a few points I might have liked a bit more explanation about, but they were detail items that I'm sure were explained in previous books, and not having those few answers didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story at hand. So, to anyone who might be hesitant to pick this one up because they haven't read the previous books, don't worry about it too much, for you'll be fine.
Readers of any romance genre will find something to like here. While I'd primarily classify it as contemporary romantic suspense there are a few paranormal elements sprinkled in that keep things interesting for PNR lovers like me. The hero is hot and very alpha though not in a chest thumping way, the heroine is a kick ass independent woman who knows and respects her limits, and the situation they find themselves in will frequently keep you on the edge of your seat to see how they're going to get through it. This is a book I'd highly recommend to anyone that likes romance of any sort.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2014
Elana Fabrizzio is a Washington DC college librarian who is working the late night shift. The library is all but empty because of the big basketball game, so when Elana goes to gather the books that need to be put back she isn’t expecting to see many people. That is exactly what she finds until she stumbles across a meeting and hears a murder for hire meeting. Now all Elana can think of is to get out of there, alert the police and warn the subject of the murder plot – a woman she heard speak once.
Vanko Petriv is an agent of SSI (Security Specialists International) currently visiting with family in New York when he receives a call to go and find Elana and keep her safe. She is the best chance they have at finding the government spy that has not only threatened SSI’s employees but has also tried to kill the owner’s wife. Vanko is instantly on the job and learns that he might be too late when Elana finds that she has bad guys after her already.
Vanko saves Elana and gets her out of Washington DC but Mother Nature is against them and the weather is horrible. Getting Elana back to SSI headquarters is out for now but Vanko believes he has a solution to keep her safe until the weather is better. However, it seems that the news stories on Elana have alerted an enemy from Elana’s past. Elana’s past is not what it seems and suddenly Vanko and Elana have to keep her safe from more than the government spy. While all this is going on, an instant passion has sprung up between Elana and Vanko that both want the chance explore and they can only do so if they can defeat both threats to Elana.
A chance overheard meeting will bring a librarian and a security contractor together and lead to a lasting love. Elana and Vanko discover that fighting for the chance to love is everything in Weather the Storm. I have wanted Vanko to have his happy ever after since I met him in the very first book in the SSI series. I truly thought that Elana was the perfect match for Vanko and loved just how much they had in common as her story slowly unrolled. I enjoyed watching as they both used every trick they could to have the chance to have that future that was just beyond their reach. I really loved that Elana fought just as hard in her own way as Vanko did to defeat every threat that they faced. I have to say that I flipped the last page closed with a satisfied sigh. Weather the Storm is a thriller with equal amounts of suspense and passion drawn together in the way that only Ms. Monette can to keep you involved and believing that the characters are someone you could meet at any time.
This book was reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
Vanko Petriv is an agent of SSI (Security Specialists International) currently visiting with family in New York when he receives a call to go and find Elana and keep her safe. She is the best chance they have at finding the government spy that has not only threatened SSI’s employees but has also tried to kill the owner’s wife. Vanko is instantly on the job and learns that he might be too late when Elana finds that she has bad guys after her already.
Vanko saves Elana and gets her out of Washington DC but Mother Nature is against them and the weather is horrible. Getting Elana back to SSI headquarters is out for now but Vanko believes he has a solution to keep her safe until the weather is better. However, it seems that the news stories on Elana have alerted an enemy from Elana’s past. Elana’s past is not what it seems and suddenly Vanko and Elana have to keep her safe from more than the government spy. While all this is going on, an instant passion has sprung up between Elana and Vanko that both want the chance explore and they can only do so if they can defeat both threats to Elana.
A chance overheard meeting will bring a librarian and a security contractor together and lead to a lasting love. Elana and Vanko discover that fighting for the chance to love is everything in Weather the Storm. I have wanted Vanko to have his happy ever after since I met him in the very first book in the SSI series. I truly thought that Elana was the perfect match for Vanko and loved just how much they had in common as her story slowly unrolled. I enjoyed watching as they both used every trick they could to have the chance to have that future that was just beyond their reach. I really loved that Elana fought just as hard in her own way as Vanko did to defeat every threat that they faced. I have to say that I flipped the last page closed with a satisfied sigh. Weather the Storm is a thriller with equal amounts of suspense and passion drawn together in the way that only Ms. Monette can to keep you involved and believing that the characters are someone you could meet at any time.
This book was reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
November 11, 2024
Security Specialists International is a private security agency which takes on government contracts and private jobs no one else wants. The series revolves around the security agency contracts and the personnel employed. Although each book is standalone to a certain extent (as in there is a heroine, hero and a happily ever after to each one) there is an overarching plot through the series focusing on a DOD traitor who has been compromising intel and profiting off of information leaks.
That's one of the main things I really love about this series. Even though there's romance and sex and a ton of humour- there's a lot of plot and while each book can be read standalone - reading them in order lets the plot build into something special. Actually it's kind of like Laura Kaye's Hard Ink series insofar as the plot running through each book. I like the whole jigsaw puzzle being put together as each book is released.
The third book in the series follows Vanko and his love interest Elana. I loved this book. The romance happens really quick but it's just so damn adorable. Plus this series doesn't claim to be anything other than what it is. The characters joke and refer to the whole insta love thing often and there's so much humor, action and romance it's very easy to ignore.
I love Vanko and I love Elana. Elana is so fierce and strong and resilient. Like most of Monette Michael's heroines she's a survivor. Vanko is so sweet to her, always trying to take care of her and make sure she doesn't overdo it.
I love how the plot all ties in. The end of Cold Day in Hell refers to the meeting of the traitor and Croaker. Tweeter refers to Tessa falling off the cliff in Storm Front when he speaks to Vanko. It all ties in so neatly and makes this series feel more like one big story rather than individual books.
Great book. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.
That's one of the main things I really love about this series. Even though there's romance and sex and a ton of humour- there's a lot of plot and while each book can be read standalone - reading them in order lets the plot build into something special. Actually it's kind of like Laura Kaye's Hard Ink series insofar as the plot running through each book. I like the whole jigsaw puzzle being put together as each book is released.
The third book in the series follows Vanko and his love interest Elana. I loved this book. The romance happens really quick but it's just so damn adorable. Plus this series doesn't claim to be anything other than what it is. The characters joke and refer to the whole insta love thing often and there's so much humor, action and romance it's very easy to ignore.
I love Vanko and I love Elana. Elana is so fierce and strong and resilient. Like most of Monette Michael's heroines she's a survivor. Vanko is so sweet to her, always trying to take care of her and make sure she doesn't overdo it.
I love how the plot all ties in. The end of Cold Day in Hell refers to the meeting of the traitor and Croaker. Tweeter refers to Tessa falling off the cliff in Storm Front when he speaks to Vanko. It all ties in so neatly and makes this series feel more like one big story rather than individual books.
Great book. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.
October 30, 2013
I am a SSI junkie. I’ve loved this series from the start. What are you going to get in a SSI book – plenty of action, very bad guys who do despicable things but you know will get their punishment, and a sexy alpha male that knows how to pleasure a woman.
The lovable but deadly Ukrainian Vanko Petriv finally gets his book. Vanko may be tough on the outside but he really wants a woman of his own to love. When he’s assigned to go get a woman who can finally identify the DOD traitor that has been trying to kill them since the first book he knows right away this is his woman.
Elana is from Russia but placed in the United States with a new identity after a sick Russian Mafia head killed her parents and sexually assaulted her due to his fascination with her. She works at a college library when one night she accidentally overhears a man put a hit out on Keely Walsh and the SSI Team. Soon after she has a hit out on her on head and finally manages to get to Vanko where the two of them are not only on the run from the mercenaries that the DOD traitor hired to kill them but also from the Russian who now knows she is alive and will do anything to get her back.
I have to say Ren used to be my favorite but Vanko has now taken top spot. You are never bored in a SSI book and this one was no exception. I did think we were finally going to get a conclusion on the ongoing traitor arc but the author likes throwing in those surprises. Thank you Monette for another great book in the series and I look forward to the next.
The lovable but deadly Ukrainian Vanko Petriv finally gets his book. Vanko may be tough on the outside but he really wants a woman of his own to love. When he’s assigned to go get a woman who can finally identify the DOD traitor that has been trying to kill them since the first book he knows right away this is his woman.
Elana is from Russia but placed in the United States with a new identity after a sick Russian Mafia head killed her parents and sexually assaulted her due to his fascination with her. She works at a college library when one night she accidentally overhears a man put a hit out on Keely Walsh and the SSI Team. Soon after she has a hit out on her on head and finally manages to get to Vanko where the two of them are not only on the run from the mercenaries that the DOD traitor hired to kill them but also from the Russian who now knows she is alive and will do anything to get her back.
I have to say Ren used to be my favorite but Vanko has now taken top spot. You are never bored in a SSI book and this one was no exception. I did think we were finally going to get a conclusion on the ongoing traitor arc but the author likes throwing in those surprises. Thank you Monette for another great book in the series and I look forward to the next.
January 10, 2015
This series is awesome. Great suspense, great emotion. And great editing as well.
I also like the fact that there isn't any sneaking in of BDSM-lite, which is a huge turn off. I may be in the minority but not everyone thinks that spanking and pain is the way to go. Especially those of us that have experienced sexual abuse or rape. I don't buy the "its different" BTDT. I expect the courtesy and respect of some warning about it with the books - or I will stop reading that author.
This author continues to show respect and care when dealing with main characters who have experienced abuse or rape, and deals with close encounters with the bloody side of life without it becoming gross.
Kudos.
I can't wait for the next installment!
I also like the fact that there isn't any sneaking in of BDSM-lite, which is a huge turn off. I may be in the minority but not everyone thinks that spanking and pain is the way to go. Especially those of us that have experienced sexual abuse or rape. I don't buy the "its different" BTDT. I expect the courtesy and respect of some warning about it with the books - or I will stop reading that author.
This author continues to show respect and care when dealing with main characters who have experienced abuse or rape, and deals with close encounters with the bloody side of life without it becoming gross.
Kudos.
I can't wait for the next installment!
July 5, 2016
Weather the storm is the 3rd book in the SSI series. I have to say that this series is so good that I have both the kindle version and in paperback. I come to love Vanko in eye of the storm. Vanko meets the perfect woman for him with a bullet wound and armed killers chasing her. It's so intense that I had to sit up to 3 am to finish it. This is a must buy for anyone who loves alpha male and a strong woman with knife skills
September 1, 2015
3.5 stars
While entertaining, this one seemed a bit rushed to me, while all the books are pretty fast paced this one seemed more so then the others. While the "insta love" is the main theme to these and I had no problem buying it in the previous stories, I had a hard time buying it in this one....which is disappointing as I was really looking forward to Vanko's book.
While entertaining, this one seemed a bit rushed to me, while all the books are pretty fast paced this one seemed more so then the others. While the "insta love" is the main theme to these and I had no problem buying it in the previous stories, I had a hard time buying it in this one....which is disappointing as I was really looking forward to Vanko's book.
October 18, 2023
Mmm, was surprised that I hadn't left a review before! Ah well...
I really liked this one... obvs not the horrific stuff that she had gone through... or all of the violence that was meted out... but still, I liked the leads, I liked the way that Vanko behaved. I loved her uncles...
This is a series that I am enjoying... and really hoping that Monette Michaels will continue with it!!
I really liked this one... obvs not the horrific stuff that she had gone through... or all of the violence that was meted out... but still, I liked the leads, I liked the way that Vanko behaved. I loved her uncles...
This is a series that I am enjoying... and really hoping that Monette Michaels will continue with it!!
November 5, 2013
Was so looking forward to this book and wasn't disappointed it was frick frackingly awesome.
The plot was brilliant the story kept u on edge 2 thumbs up, the whole series is a must to read each books builds and builds truly awesome fantastic read Fantastic job Ms Michaels
The plot was brilliant the story kept u on edge 2 thumbs up, the whole series is a must to read each books builds and builds truly awesome fantastic read Fantastic job Ms Michaels
May 5, 2014
I love this type of stories!!! :D
This is great series, with a lot of action, likable MCs and sizzling chemistry!
This story was not an exception! Lovely couple, great action, great chemistry! what more could you want! :)
This is great series, with a lot of action, likable MCs and sizzling chemistry!
This story was not an exception! Lovely couple, great action, great chemistry! what more could you want! :)
September 11, 2018
A wonderful book. Vanko and Elana are perfect together and help each other be better. Lots of intrigue, action and tender caring made this book great for a re-read. Monette Michaels is a favorite author of mine and I hope for more SSI books.
December 4, 2013
OMG loved this book,once again Monette has done it, written an awesome book. Loved the connection between Vanko & Elana and gotta say Vanko is dreamy BIG TIME. A must read!
November 2, 2013
Another fantastic book in the series the only bad thing is that Moni does not write them faster
November 11, 2013
3.5 stars
May 28, 2015
A really great series. Lots of action and adventure in this book. Characters are dynamic and interesting to follow. Looking forward to the next book.
March 23, 2020
Wow!!
Kept me enthralled, breathless and on the edge of my seat like all the SSI series books. Love them! Thanks
Kept me enthralled, breathless and on the edge of my seat like all the SSI series books. Love them! Thanks
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