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Shadow Warriors #6
Never Surrender
From Shadow Warrior…to hostage…
Despite her sweet nature, Navy medic Bay Thorn's will is unbreakable. It has earned her not only the respect of her team, but also the love of Navy SEAL Gabe Griffin. And as soon as she wraps up the final six months of Operation Shadow Warriors in Afghanistan, she'll have her happily ever after…
Until her deployment goes horribly wrong.
Bay's medical expertise is needed by the Taliban, and she is taken hostage. Her captor is ruthless and cruel, and Bay isn't exempt from his evil intents. All that's left now is her resolve and the too-distant memory of Gabe—her last and only hope for rescue. And to pull Bay from hell, this SEAL will have to break every rule in the book. But will Gabe find the woman he loves…or a woman broken beyond recognition?
Despite her sweet nature, Navy medic Bay Thorn's will is unbreakable. It has earned her not only the respect of her team, but also the love of Navy SEAL Gabe Griffin. And as soon as she wraps up the final six months of Operation Shadow Warriors in Afghanistan, she'll have her happily ever after…
Until her deployment goes horribly wrong.
Bay's medical expertise is needed by the Taliban, and she is taken hostage. Her captor is ruthless and cruel, and Bay isn't exempt from his evil intents. All that's left now is her resolve and the too-distant memory of Gabe—her last and only hope for rescue. And to pull Bay from hell, this SEAL will have to break every rule in the book. But will Gabe find the woman he loves…or a woman broken beyond recognition?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
83 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay McKenna
359 books2,501 followersI've lived six lives in one and it all shows up in the books I write, one way or another.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 2, 2015
Exciting and emotional book. It deals with some very tough issues that face our military members, especially the women. This is a follow on book to Breaking Point, the first part of Bay and Gabe's story. In that book, Bay is assigned as medic to Gabe's SEAL unit. Overcoming the prejudices of her teammates, Bay won their respect, and also the love of Gabe. Bay has one more deployment to face before she can leave the military and marry Gabe. At the beginning of this book, she and Gabe have a week together between her training and her departure for Afghanistan. The time that they spend together only deepens their love and their connection. Bay is confident in her ability to make it through this last deployment and come home to Gabe. Gabe, being the protective soul that he is, and not one given to optimism, worries constantly about her safety. He maintains contact with the SEAL unit that is over there, knowing that they will watch out for a brother SEAL's woman.
Bay is assigned to an army special forces unit that is working out of a Afghani village. Because of the presence of an especially violent Taliban force, Bay is not sent out on patrols but is headquartered in the village, providing medical care to the locals as well as her unit. One afternoon, as she is treating local women and children, the Taliban sweeps in a takes several children and Bay. The Taliban leader, an especially nasty sort, kidnaps children and sells them as sex slaves to finance his operations. He hates all Americans, and a military woman is even more offensive to him, but he will use Bay's medical expertise until he has no more use for her. Bay knows that the outlook for her is bleak, but she will do what she must to survive, hopeful of escape or rescue.
I was definitely impressed with Bay's initial attempts to fight off the Taliban raiders, hoping that the rest of the team would make it in time to save her. When that didn't happen and she was captured, she had to overcome the effects of her injuries to follow the orders of her captor. The memories of her love with Gabe helps keep her from losing all hope, especially as they move further away from where she was taken. Then her pleas for help for an injured child cause retaliation of the worst kind. Even then, her mind is always looking for a way out, and when one becomes available she takes it.
In the meantime, Gabe, after waking from a terrifying nightmare, gets word of Bay's capture. Desperate, he does everything he can to get himself sent to Afghanistan so that he can search for her himself. While this stretches the bounds of reality for me a little, as I don't think it would happen in real life, it makes for a damn good story. Gabe's fear for Bay is never far from his thoughts, though he works to keep it buried. Once he arrives and meets up with Afghani guide Reza, the search is on.
I loved the detailed descriptions of what Bay was going through, mentally and physically, as she made her escape. The realism of her fractured thoughts, including the bursts of memories of the things Gabe told her of how to survive, kept me on the edge of my seat as I hoped that she would make a clean escape. At the same time, Gabe and Reza were trying to track the group that had taken her. The intensity of the moment when Gabe realizes that Bay has escaped, but that the Taliban is gaining on her was fantastic. The firefight and rescue were incredible. Gabe's relief at finding her alive, and fears for her survival had him on a ragged edge. I ached for him as he discovered the true extent of her injuries.
From this point the book deals with Bay's recovery and Gabe learning how to support her. I loved the scene in the hospital, as one of the older nurses explains to a younger one the reality of dealing with a SEAL, especially one who is protecting one of his own. I liked the way that Bay's doctor sat Gabe down and explained in great detail what would probably go on as Bay started her recovery, and what Gabe would have to do to help her. Because of amnesia caused by her injuries, Bay doesn't remember anything about their relationship, and Gabe has to provide support as a friend not a lover. As several months pass, Bay's memories slowly start to return and Gabe is there for her. But the stress on him is intense, as he tries to keep his emotions buried. There comes a point where those emotions overwhelm him and cause him to react badly to an event involving Bay. This could be either the beginning of the end for Bay and Gabe, or a learning point for Gabe. I loved the advice that he got from Bay's mother, and how he put it into practice.
In the final part, as Bay goes off on her own to try to put the pieces of her life back together, I loved her determination. She makes a good start, and has begun to realize that she is falling in love with Gabe. But hearing that he is gone, sends her into a spiral that only one thing can break her out of. I loved the way that Gabe followed her to watch out for her, but kept his distance. It also gave him the time to come to terms with his own fears and feelings. The step he took to help Bay away from the wall she hit was sweet and romantic and just what she needed to regain her final memories. I really enjoyed the scene where he steps out of the darkness to protect her from another threat, reuniting them. Together again, Gabe once more reaches deep for the patience he feels he needs as he and Bay rebuild their relationship. I loved seeing Bay be the one to push the envelope of their love to get back what had been missing. I loved the ending with a look at their lives together. The visit from Gabe's friend Mike was just the icing on the cake.
Bay is assigned to an army special forces unit that is working out of a Afghani village. Because of the presence of an especially violent Taliban force, Bay is not sent out on patrols but is headquartered in the village, providing medical care to the locals as well as her unit. One afternoon, as she is treating local women and children, the Taliban sweeps in a takes several children and Bay. The Taliban leader, an especially nasty sort, kidnaps children and sells them as sex slaves to finance his operations. He hates all Americans, and a military woman is even more offensive to him, but he will use Bay's medical expertise until he has no more use for her. Bay knows that the outlook for her is bleak, but she will do what she must to survive, hopeful of escape or rescue.
I was definitely impressed with Bay's initial attempts to fight off the Taliban raiders, hoping that the rest of the team would make it in time to save her. When that didn't happen and she was captured, she had to overcome the effects of her injuries to follow the orders of her captor. The memories of her love with Gabe helps keep her from losing all hope, especially as they move further away from where she was taken. Then her pleas for help for an injured child cause retaliation of the worst kind. Even then, her mind is always looking for a way out, and when one becomes available she takes it.
In the meantime, Gabe, after waking from a terrifying nightmare, gets word of Bay's capture. Desperate, he does everything he can to get himself sent to Afghanistan so that he can search for her himself. While this stretches the bounds of reality for me a little, as I don't think it would happen in real life, it makes for a damn good story. Gabe's fear for Bay is never far from his thoughts, though he works to keep it buried. Once he arrives and meets up with Afghani guide Reza, the search is on.
I loved the detailed descriptions of what Bay was going through, mentally and physically, as she made her escape. The realism of her fractured thoughts, including the bursts of memories of the things Gabe told her of how to survive, kept me on the edge of my seat as I hoped that she would make a clean escape. At the same time, Gabe and Reza were trying to track the group that had taken her. The intensity of the moment when Gabe realizes that Bay has escaped, but that the Taliban is gaining on her was fantastic. The firefight and rescue were incredible. Gabe's relief at finding her alive, and fears for her survival had him on a ragged edge. I ached for him as he discovered the true extent of her injuries.
From this point the book deals with Bay's recovery and Gabe learning how to support her. I loved the scene in the hospital, as one of the older nurses explains to a younger one the reality of dealing with a SEAL, especially one who is protecting one of his own. I liked the way that Bay's doctor sat Gabe down and explained in great detail what would probably go on as Bay started her recovery, and what Gabe would have to do to help her. Because of amnesia caused by her injuries, Bay doesn't remember anything about their relationship, and Gabe has to provide support as a friend not a lover. As several months pass, Bay's memories slowly start to return and Gabe is there for her. But the stress on him is intense, as he tries to keep his emotions buried. There comes a point where those emotions overwhelm him and cause him to react badly to an event involving Bay. This could be either the beginning of the end for Bay and Gabe, or a learning point for Gabe. I loved the advice that he got from Bay's mother, and how he put it into practice.
In the final part, as Bay goes off on her own to try to put the pieces of her life back together, I loved her determination. She makes a good start, and has begun to realize that she is falling in love with Gabe. But hearing that he is gone, sends her into a spiral that only one thing can break her out of. I loved the way that Gabe followed her to watch out for her, but kept his distance. It also gave him the time to come to terms with his own fears and feelings. The step he took to help Bay away from the wall she hit was sweet and romantic and just what she needed to regain her final memories. I really enjoyed the scene where he steps out of the darkness to protect her from another threat, reuniting them. Together again, Gabe once more reaches deep for the patience he feels he needs as he and Bay rebuild their relationship. I loved seeing Bay be the one to push the envelope of their love to get back what had been missing. I loved the ending with a look at their lives together. The visit from Gabe's friend Mike was just the icing on the cake.
March 14, 2016
After reading the blurb for Never Surrender I was really looking forward to reading it since I like romances with military heroes/heroines. This continues Gabe and Bay's story from Breaking Point and starts with them having to part while Bay (an 18 Delta medic) goes back to her last deployment in Afghanistan. Gabe is a SEAL chief but staying in the U.S. They are going to be married when she returns.
It was clear the author definitely researched and knew the military since it was very detailed in that regard. While the storyline was interesting the first quarter was mainly about how much Gabe and Bay love each other. It was annoying and made me lose interest in the story.
Unfortunately, I imagined what the story would be about and it was pretty close to what I expected, but all the talk about how much they loved each other ruined it for me. However, since most reviews were 4 and 5 star ratings my view of this book is not like them and others obviously liked it.
Please note I won this book in a giveaway.
It was clear the author definitely researched and knew the military since it was very detailed in that regard. While the storyline was interesting the first quarter was mainly about how much Gabe and Bay love each other. It was annoying and made me lose interest in the story.
Unfortunately, I imagined what the story would be about and it was pretty close to what I expected, but all the talk about how much they loved each other ruined it for me. However, since most reviews were 4 and 5 star ratings my view of this book is not like them and others obviously liked it.
Please note I won this book in a giveaway.
June 26, 2014
Originally posted
HERE
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While I was reading this one I kept thinking that fans of Maya Banks’ writing will love this one. Much like her KGI series, though this book is packaged as romantic suspense there’s a much heavier focus on home and healing and family.
Never Surrender is basically divided up into three sections. The lovey dovey stuff in the first quarter, the horrible attack on the heroine in the second, and then the second half is all about family stuff and love stuff and the marriage and babylogue. I wouldn’t call this a suspense book.
This couple, Gabe and Bay, they’re a very mushy pair! In fact, all the Special Forces men involved in this book (and I’m guessing quite a few of them were the stars of earlier books in the series) are happily married. In real life, few Navy SEALs manage to keep a healthy marriage going, so just buy into the fantasy!
This author clearly knows her military stuff. There’s a lot of detail that can only come from experience (or the kind of exhaustive research conducted by Kaylea Cross). However, would a SEAL really be rushed overseas to personally rescue his fiancée from the Taliban?
I’m going to say this outright, because I think some readers would like to know in advance: Bay is not just badly hurt, but also raped in this book. The actual rape is not covered in detail, but the aftermath is. This is not your usual sweetened, prettied-up military romance.
A couple of things I didn’t love: Gabe’s grammar! Crazy thing to mention, maybe, but the way that guy spoke was shocking!
My other issue was that sometimes there was too much detail. For example, when Bay finally goes home from the hospital, the first page includes all of these sentences:
I sure hope that’s not the kind of thing people would care about in such an emotional, difficult situation!
I also wasn’t so sure about Gabe’s precognitive dreams about Bay. It’s becoming really common, but I’m not a fan of surprise supernatural elements in military romances.
Never Surrender was a bit old-fashioned, from love scenes with lines like “allowed himself to spill into her cauldron depths, fire racing through his body” to the . This series seems to have quite a few fans, so I have no doubt I’m preaching to the converted by reviewing book six.
When I pick up a military-themed book I prefer more emphasis on the suspense, but if you’re a fan of old-school romance writing, you will like this more than I did.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
While I was reading this one I kept thinking that fans of Maya Banks’ writing will love this one. Much like her KGI series, though this book is packaged as romantic suspense there’s a much heavier focus on home and healing and family.
Never Surrender is basically divided up into three sections. The lovey dovey stuff in the first quarter, the horrible attack on the heroine in the second, and then the second half is all about family stuff and love stuff and the marriage and babylogue. I wouldn’t call this a suspense book.
This couple, Gabe and Bay, they’re a very mushy pair! In fact, all the Special Forces men involved in this book (and I’m guessing quite a few of them were the stars of earlier books in the series) are happily married. In real life, few Navy SEALs manage to keep a healthy marriage going, so just buy into the fantasy!
This author clearly knows her military stuff. There’s a lot of detail that can only come from experience (or the kind of exhaustive research conducted by Kaylea Cross). However, would a SEAL really be rushed overseas to personally rescue his fiancée from the Taliban?
I’m going to say this outright, because I think some readers would like to know in advance: Bay is not just badly hurt, but also raped in this book. The actual rape is not covered in detail, but the aftermath is. This is not your usual sweetened, prettied-up military romance.
A couple of things I didn’t love: Gabe’s grammar! Crazy thing to mention, maybe, but the way that guy spoke was shocking!
My other issue was that sometimes there was too much detail. For example, when Bay finally goes home from the hospital, the first page includes all of these sentences:
Glad he was wearing a black t-shirt, olive green cargo pants and boots.
Bay looked down at herself. She’d chosen a dark orange tee, jeans and some comfortable sandals to wear.
Poppy was just as tall as her daughter. She wore a short-sleeved simple white blouse, a dark blue skirt that fell to her ankles. He saw that she was barefoot.
I sure hope that’s not the kind of thing people would care about in such an emotional, difficult situation!
I also wasn’t so sure about Gabe’s precognitive dreams about Bay. It’s becoming really common, but I’m not a fan of surprise supernatural elements in military romances.
Never Surrender was a bit old-fashioned, from love scenes with lines like “allowed himself to spill into her cauldron depths, fire racing through his body” to the . This series seems to have quite a few fans, so I have no doubt I’m preaching to the converted by reviewing book six.
When I pick up a military-themed book I prefer more emphasis on the suspense, but if you’re a fan of old-school romance writing, you will like this more than I did.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
May 6, 2014
Reviewed for NetGalley:
After I finished reading the first book, I REALLY wanted to know what would happen next. However, I ended up slightly disappointed by this one. I just am not a big fan of amnesia plot lines, so while I was excited to find out what happened next, I was not really happy with the amnesia. Also, I don't really like reading about rape, and I realize this was an important plot point, but I didn't care to read about it.
After I finished reading the first book, I REALLY wanted to know what would happen next. However, I ended up slightly disappointed by this one. I just am not a big fan of amnesia plot lines, so while I was excited to find out what happened next, I was not really happy with the amnesia. Also, I don't really like reading about rape, and I realize this was an important plot point, but I didn't care to read about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2014
Received an ARC for review
The first book I read by Lindsay McKenna I DNF. I'm so glad I gave her a second chance. This is an awesome series and just an amazing book. I LOVED the first half of Bay and Gabe's story (Breaking Point) and was so excited to read this half. Now I hope there's another book for Gabe's friend, Mike. Job well done Ms. McKenna.
The first book I read by Lindsay McKenna I DNF. I'm so glad I gave her a second chance. This is an awesome series and just an amazing book. I LOVED the first half of Bay and Gabe's story (Breaking Point) and was so excited to read this half. Now I hope there's another book for Gabe's friend, Mike. Job well done Ms. McKenna.
September 25, 2016
I was afraid this book would be pages and pages of tortures and abuses on children. Because Bay has been kidnapped by a talibani lord, who has a penchant for children :( The part about Bay's imprisonement is short and with few bad scenes, mostly the book is Bay's voyage towards been safe and sound again.
A good story
A good story
May 21, 2018
Reread
July 4, 2020
Plenty of suspense and very moving. Bay and Gabe need a lot of healing that they will find together. Warning - there is rape, so please keep that in mind when picking this book up.
May 18, 2014
I have received an ARC via NetGalley.
After reading the previous book Breaking Point, where we were introduced to Bay and Gabe, I was so happy to get my hands on the second part of their story (thanks, NetGalley!) - because as interesting Breaking Point was (a nice insight into military life) and with the romance between Gabe and Bay, both dealing with stress and their struggle to adapt into the "real" world during their deployment break, I felt that Breaking Point was not really "completed", the ending rather abrupt. And yes, their story continues in the book Never Surrender and that was something completely different - I did not expect this topic, especially not by Harlequin (sorry!), my favorite publisher for -mostly- easy going romances.
Spoilers below!
After reading the previous book Breaking Point, where we were introduced to Bay and Gabe, I was so happy to get my hands on the second part of their story (thanks, NetGalley!) - because as interesting Breaking Point was (a nice insight into military life) and with the romance between Gabe and Bay, both dealing with stress and their struggle to adapt into the "real" world during their deployment break, I felt that Breaking Point was not really "completed", the ending rather abrupt. And yes, their story continues in the book Never Surrender and that was something completely different - I did not expect this topic, especially not by Harlequin (sorry!), my favorite publisher for -mostly- easy going romances.
Spoilers below!
February 17, 2015
So far to date I have not steered wrong when I have picked up one of this author's books. This series had the name that first picked my interest to read this one next and after the blurb it sealed the deal so to speak to venture forth. She opens it with things going along nicely to a certain degree for Navy medic Bay and Navy Seal Gabe who after her mission hope to seal their relationship. The author has provided special qualities on them both and with they way they are written that has them coming alive from the pages you are ensnared when the unthinkable happens. Heart wrenching ordeal will have you curling your toes wondering just how does one come back from such things but the author will show you how with love and the very special way it will work with these two. Go on their journey with them through their twists and turns yearning with Gabe and celebrating with the steps. With your heart so touched by Bay you just know that it will and has to be only a matter of time. Needless to say this author will not let you the reader down, in fact you get more than you thought you would receive. Some of the other characters included in this story makes it also the balance that delights any reader. Look forward to what else this author might have in store in this series also.
April 21, 2015
I checked Never Surrender out from my local library. I really enjoyed this book, although most of the tension and action happened during the kidnapping/rescue (no spoiler here, this is mentioned in the synopsis). The story was handled really well, considering the subject matter. For me, there was a lot of dead space between action, I loved the story, but wasn't engaged by the characters as much as I prefer. Worth a read, especially if you like story-driven, rather than character-driven plots.
May 20, 2014
A good book by this author. If you have read Lindsay McKenna then there are no surprises as her books tend to follow a similar plot line. This is not a bad thing as they are well written with engaging characters and just enough intrigue to keep you interested but in the end I liked this book more than I loved it.
March 23, 2015
This is another keep book and I enjoyed it very much. Ms.McKenna has become one of my top authors to buy and read everything she has writen!!!The book is book 2 of a 2 part story and book 1 is BREAKING POINT. I recommend very highly that you read both of these books!!
May 21, 2021
First few chapters were too mushy. And the writing was not good enough to enjoy the mushiness.
I don't have a problem with sweet plot nor with sweet H. But the writing have to have intoxicating or else i feel uncomfortable 😬😬😬😬
I chose this book bcz i knew this h was raped/tortured in her field operation. So i wanted to read a book about a strong woman who go through hell but still healed by the love of H.
I got annoyed at the parts where she was more proud because of a SEAL's fiance than her own identity 🙄🙄
Or maybe from her point of view fiance of a SEAL is more important than be a combat medic. God !!
Can't say like the h. I dislike her before her rape. She don't look like a combat medic rather she looked like a chick who love to brag about her fiance🙄
I don't think I will read more of this author in near future ... Her writing style is damn boring🥱
I don't have a problem with sweet plot nor with sweet H. But the writing have to have intoxicating or else i feel uncomfortable 😬😬😬😬
I chose this book bcz i knew this h was raped/tortured in her field operation. So i wanted to read a book about a strong woman who go through hell but still healed by the love of H.
I got annoyed at the parts where she was more proud because of a SEAL's fiance than her own identity 🙄🙄
Or maybe from her point of view fiance of a SEAL is more important than be a combat medic. God !!
Can't say like the h. I dislike her before her rape. She don't look like a combat medic rather she looked like a chick who love to brag about her fiance🙄
I don't think I will read more of this author in near future ... Her writing style is damn boring🥱
November 18, 2024
Love triumphs trauma
A good read. As an former Hospital Corpsman I can relate to training demands.
This book details how love does come to those who have active rolls in combat situations. It also deals with the traumas that can occur to a woman combatant. The mention of how many in the US would react to a woman captured by the enemy is accurate. The reaction of someone whose future wife has been captured is realistic.
Trauma lives with a survivor daily, again depicted realistically. Unfortunately most of the sexual trauma experiences in the military during war time has been caused by fellow military personnel.
Thanks for writing this book and dealing with the subject of assault, rape, and the fight to recover.
A good read. As an former Hospital Corpsman I can relate to training demands.
This book details how love does come to those who have active rolls in combat situations. It also deals with the traumas that can occur to a woman combatant. The mention of how many in the US would react to a woman captured by the enemy is accurate. The reaction of someone whose future wife has been captured is realistic.
Trauma lives with a survivor daily, again depicted realistically. Unfortunately most of the sexual trauma experiences in the military during war time has been caused by fellow military personnel.
Thanks for writing this book and dealing with the subject of assault, rape, and the fight to recover.
October 23, 2020
Gabe Griffin was a Navy Seal and he was a sharp shooter and he was in love with Bay Thorn who was a medic. They have one more tour of duty for 6 months to get thru before they can leave the service. Bay is tending the children in the village when Bay is kidnapped by a very bad man Khogani was a brutal leadeer. Bay treated all the Taliban soldiers that were wounded during there raids. But one night everyone was all asleep she escaped and got back to Gabe.
I don't know where Lindsay McKenna gets her idea's for all the books she writes. They are caring and very well written.
I don't know where Lindsay McKenna gets her idea's for all the books she writes. They are caring and very well written.
July 20, 2023
Great action mixed with true love
Lindsay McKenna did it again. I read the start of this series years ago when it started and now I am hooked again. Thank you for such a great book that does touch on the good and bad in a military family. Highly recommend any of Lindsay McKenna's books.
Lindsay McKenna did it again. I read the start of this series years ago when it started and now I am hooked again. Thank you for such a great book that does touch on the good and bad in a military family. Highly recommend any of Lindsay McKenna's books.
October 20, 2023
Harrowing first half of the story as Bay is captured & tortured by the Taliban, then rescued by Gabe. The 2nd half of the story is all emotional as she struggles to reclaim herself. I found the 2nd half a bit tedious as it works to get to the ending we all know will happen.
July 1, 2024
Well thought out.
McKenna improves with each book. Exceptional careful detail keeps the story anchored. Careful meticulous thought and sensitive pacing guide the reader through a tough story.
McKenna improves with each book. Exceptional careful detail keeps the story anchored. Careful meticulous thought and sensitive pacing guide the reader through a tough story.
April 4, 2025
Beautiful story
I think this book was even better than Laura's story in the Morgan's Mercenaries series. Gabe was so thoughtful and caring of Bay. And even with the trauma she suffered, she helped him.
I think this book was even better than Laura's story in the Morgan's Mercenaries series. Gabe was so thoughtful and caring of Bay. And even with the trauma she suffered, she helped him.
February 13, 2017
Trigger warning: book deals extensively with the after effects of rape.
While it is pretty intense, McKenna handles the topic with respect and grace.
While it is pretty intense, McKenna handles the topic with respect and grace.
Read
April 25, 2025DNFed at 10%
I just found it too repetitive to carry on.
I just found it too repetitive to carry on.
August 18, 2025
Inspiring!
True warriors, men and women! Very well written! Lindsay McKenna is an excellent storyteller! All of her stories are compelling!
True warriors, men and women! Very well written! Lindsay McKenna is an excellent storyteller! All of her stories are compelling!
June 15, 2014
Love can overcome everything in life even something as horrible as what happened to Bay.
Wow, what can I say about Ms. McKenna’s writing that I have not already said in all my reviews regarding Shadow Warriors Series. Her writing is exceptional, her words are clear; her descriptive writing hit every nerve that I have. It’s hard to read a story that deals with physical abuse like what happened with Bay. The best part was that one heroic, badass SEAL never left her side when it counted the most. He was going to have to be strong for her and the worst part was he was going to have to give her space. Love is wonderful but sometimes you really don’t want to smother the other person, they have to pick themselves up and eventually they will get stronger. Also there are times that it’s okay for a SEAL to cry it’s good for the soul. I feel in love with both Bay and Gabe in Breaking Point but after what they went through in Never Surrender they have exceeded the characters in the Shadow Warriors.
Petty Officer First Class Baylee-Ann “Bay” Thorn and Navy SEAL Chief Gabe Griffin are in love and can’t wait for the day that they become husband and wife. Gabe will stay statewide but Bay still needs to go back to Afghanistan for 6 months before she is able to get out of the military. They have a couple of days before they part and they love each other immensely.
Bay can’t believe that she is back in Afghanistan but she misses Gabe. She sees her Afghanistan friend again and he acts just like if Gabe were with her. He makes sure that Bay eats and that she rests but one fateful day he was not able to protect her.
Gabe misses Bay like hell but at least he was able to speak with her. He can’t believe she was not going to be 18 Delta Combat Medic with SEAL’s but rather with Special Forces. Gabe knows that they will treat her right especially once it’s known that she belongs to a SEAL. One night he woke up from a hellish nightmare and he couldn’t shake the bad feeling. That’s when the phone call comes in that Bay has been kidnapped by the Taliban.
Bay can’t believe she has been captured and she knows what happens when women get kidnapped by the enemy. Maybe it can be different in her case they need her because of her medical knowledge but then after they are done with her no she can’t think like that. I know that I was trying to block that out but I knew something bad was going to happen especially when she tried to save a little boy. All she wanted was medical attention for a little boy that if he didn’t get that attention then he could die. The moment when she started fighting back I knew it I knew that it was coming and I hoped that she could survive. I hoped that Gabe would get there and take her away and help her heal. I loved her quick thinking and her will to survive, she travel through all her pain and she never gave up that Gabe would come to her rescue. I hoped that Bay would be able to heal from what happened to her.
Never Surrender is everything that I hoped for. The pacing in this story was perfect and the plot was well woven. The love that these two had for each other was unbreakable and it was able to heal them both. Bay was able to confront what happened to her and I’m so happy that she never drew back when Gabe touched her. I loved that he was able to hold her, love her and soon was able to make love to her again.
This was a real page turner and I do have to warn readers that tissues is a must with this story, the journey of Gabe and Bay in healing each other so they could have everything they ever wanted in life.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Wow, what can I say about Ms. McKenna’s writing that I have not already said in all my reviews regarding Shadow Warriors Series. Her writing is exceptional, her words are clear; her descriptive writing hit every nerve that I have. It’s hard to read a story that deals with physical abuse like what happened with Bay. The best part was that one heroic, badass SEAL never left her side when it counted the most. He was going to have to be strong for her and the worst part was he was going to have to give her space. Love is wonderful but sometimes you really don’t want to smother the other person, they have to pick themselves up and eventually they will get stronger. Also there are times that it’s okay for a SEAL to cry it’s good for the soul. I feel in love with both Bay and Gabe in Breaking Point but after what they went through in Never Surrender they have exceeded the characters in the Shadow Warriors.
Petty Officer First Class Baylee-Ann “Bay” Thorn and Navy SEAL Chief Gabe Griffin are in love and can’t wait for the day that they become husband and wife. Gabe will stay statewide but Bay still needs to go back to Afghanistan for 6 months before she is able to get out of the military. They have a couple of days before they part and they love each other immensely.
Bay can’t believe that she is back in Afghanistan but she misses Gabe. She sees her Afghanistan friend again and he acts just like if Gabe were with her. He makes sure that Bay eats and that she rests but one fateful day he was not able to protect her.
Gabe misses Bay like hell but at least he was able to speak with her. He can’t believe she was not going to be 18 Delta Combat Medic with SEAL’s but rather with Special Forces. Gabe knows that they will treat her right especially once it’s known that she belongs to a SEAL. One night he woke up from a hellish nightmare and he couldn’t shake the bad feeling. That’s when the phone call comes in that Bay has been kidnapped by the Taliban.
Bay can’t believe she has been captured and she knows what happens when women get kidnapped by the enemy. Maybe it can be different in her case they need her because of her medical knowledge but then after they are done with her no she can’t think like that. I know that I was trying to block that out but I knew something bad was going to happen especially when she tried to save a little boy. All she wanted was medical attention for a little boy that if he didn’t get that attention then he could die. The moment when she started fighting back I knew it I knew that it was coming and I hoped that she could survive. I hoped that Gabe would get there and take her away and help her heal. I loved her quick thinking and her will to survive, she travel through all her pain and she never gave up that Gabe would come to her rescue. I hoped that Bay would be able to heal from what happened to her.
Never Surrender is everything that I hoped for. The pacing in this story was perfect and the plot was well woven. The love that these two had for each other was unbreakable and it was able to heal them both. Bay was able to confront what happened to her and I’m so happy that she never drew back when Gabe touched her. I loved that he was able to hold her, love her and soon was able to make love to her again.
This was a real page turner and I do have to warn readers that tissues is a must with this story, the journey of Gabe and Bay in healing each other so they could have everything they ever wanted in life.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 7, 2017
Outstanding
Wow what a great follow up to first story with Gabe and Bay meeting, falling in love. This book is a continuation from Bays capture, the road to recovery and remembrance. Emotionally charged from trauma and PTS with love.
Wow what a great follow up to first story with Gabe and Bay meeting, falling in love. This book is a continuation from Bays capture, the road to recovery and remembrance. Emotionally charged from trauma and PTS with love.
June 1, 2014
I am now on my 31ST book written by Lindsay McKenna and continue to be captivated by how real her characters are. Her descriptions of the protagonists in the story as well as their surroundings are so vivid that you feel that you are part of the story plot and are able to experience and visualize each moment described in the book. What is unique about the books written by this author, is that with her gift of words, by sheer magic, she allows you to LIVE through the story as it unfolds and gives you, the reader, a chance to EXPERIENCE the words on each page. This author enables you to become so captivated with the plot and all of its characters that you can’t wait to turn the page. And as you turn the page, you feel like each word, each sentence, each paragraph is carefully used in order to give you a full sense of being very much a part of the story that’s unfolding. Just like a gifted musical conductor uses each instrument and musical note in a finely tuned orchestra to give the listener a musical experience that is never forgotten, Ms McKenna is able to achieve that very same thing with her gift of words.
In BREAKING POINT you share the lives of Baylee-Ann Thorn, an Army 18 Delta combat medic and Gabe Griffin, a lone SEAL who is lethal, dangerous and a very protective, sensitive individual. In this book, as well as in all of her other books, we see the multi-faceted qualities of her main protagonists. McKenna shows us that even the toughest and lethal SEAL can behave with sensitivity, love, and understanding towards a special woman he respects and admires. His demonstration of loving tenderness towards Bay as she decompresses during her precious 30 days of R&R in Coronado goes a long way to show the love of a man for his soul mate. The author enables us to be silent witnesses to some very tender, loving and highly erotic moments between two people very much in love with each other.
In the sequel, NEVER SURRENDER, we are allowed to witness more tender, loving and highly erotic moments, before Bay embarks on her last assignment to Afghanistan as an 18 Delta combat medic attached to a Special Forces unit. We experience the very painful saga of her capture, survival and physical/emotional recovery. We sense Gabe’s pain and frustration as he attempts, very… very carefully, to help Bay heal from her horrendous, traumatic and painful experiences. In the book we are constantly reminded that “love never gives up, love never surrenders…” and that “love was a powerful drug” that is capable of healing many ailments that no pill ever prescribed can even come close to achieving.
As with all of McKenna’s books, I can't put them down till I get to the last page. When I do that, I am filled with mixed emotions because there is always a happy ending and, yet, I am sad because I have reached the end of the book. Well...that's when I pick up the next one where the saga continues with some of the same characters of the original story I read.
I highly recommend this author!
In BREAKING POINT you share the lives of Baylee-Ann Thorn, an Army 18 Delta combat medic and Gabe Griffin, a lone SEAL who is lethal, dangerous and a very protective, sensitive individual. In this book, as well as in all of her other books, we see the multi-faceted qualities of her main protagonists. McKenna shows us that even the toughest and lethal SEAL can behave with sensitivity, love, and understanding towards a special woman he respects and admires. His demonstration of loving tenderness towards Bay as she decompresses during her precious 30 days of R&R in Coronado goes a long way to show the love of a man for his soul mate. The author enables us to be silent witnesses to some very tender, loving and highly erotic moments between two people very much in love with each other.
In the sequel, NEVER SURRENDER, we are allowed to witness more tender, loving and highly erotic moments, before Bay embarks on her last assignment to Afghanistan as an 18 Delta combat medic attached to a Special Forces unit. We experience the very painful saga of her capture, survival and physical/emotional recovery. We sense Gabe’s pain and frustration as he attempts, very… very carefully, to help Bay heal from her horrendous, traumatic and painful experiences. In the book we are constantly reminded that “love never gives up, love never surrenders…” and that “love was a powerful drug” that is capable of healing many ailments that no pill ever prescribed can even come close to achieving.
As with all of McKenna’s books, I can't put them down till I get to the last page. When I do that, I am filled with mixed emotions because there is always a happy ending and, yet, I am sad because I have reached the end of the book. Well...that's when I pick up the next one where the saga continues with some of the same characters of the original story I read.
I highly recommend this author!
August 6, 2016
I'm stunned. Plain and simple. In the beginning of "Never Surrender" there is a letter, if you will, written by Lindsay where towards the end she stated "These characters impacted me more than most I've written about. I rarely write sequels and do it only when they grab me by the heart and I just simply cannot part with them.". After reading "Breaking Point" and then reading this at the beginning of "Never Surrender", I understood exactly what she meant. As much as I loved the first book, I too wanted to know where Gabe and Bay's relationship would go.
"Never Surrender" picks up approximately five months later with Bay coming back to California after she completed her medical training on the east coast. She has one week of leave before she must head back to Afghanistan, without Gabe and his SEAL brothers. She must report to an Army SF group.
While there she lives not on base but in one of the Shinwari villages, running a medical clinic. Fitting in with the men was much easier this tour. They are living directly in the villages in order to better protect the people from Taliban attacks and to prevent the Taliban from kidnapping the children, who they then auction off into the sex trade. They do so in order to fund their purchases of weapons and bomb making materials.
The unthinkable happens when Bay is taken in one of these attacks. Back at home, Gabe wakes from sleep, his gut telling him something is wrong which is confirmed when he gets the call. He gets the CO at the FOB (Forward Operating Base) to cut orders for him to head over there and take the lead in the rescue efforts, he is not leaving ANYTHING to chance when it comes to Bay.
Bay is kidnapped for her medical skills, the Taliban forces her to treat all there wounded since their own medic was killed in action. She is forced to endure a great deal and suffers an unimaginable trauma at the hands of the this Taliban groups leader. She's sees an opportunity one night to escape and she takes it, putting to work all the skills Gabe has taught her.
This my friends is where I will leave you off, if you want to know more you will have to sit down and read "Never Surrender"!! I assure you, if you loved "Breaking Point" you will LOVE this sequel. I will however warn you, the trauma Bay suffers will catch you off guard, but the love and commitment from Gabe will be Bay's best medicine.
I was very curious to see where Lindsay was going to take Gabe and Bay, and how she was going to wrap the story up. She took a direction with the ending that I was totally not expecting, That would be why Lindsay is the writer and I am the reader/reviewer! Nicely done Lindsay McKenna, nicely done! To the rest of you...Happy Reading!!
"Never Surrender" picks up approximately five months later with Bay coming back to California after she completed her medical training on the east coast. She has one week of leave before she must head back to Afghanistan, without Gabe and his SEAL brothers. She must report to an Army SF group.
While there she lives not on base but in one of the Shinwari villages, running a medical clinic. Fitting in with the men was much easier this tour. They are living directly in the villages in order to better protect the people from Taliban attacks and to prevent the Taliban from kidnapping the children, who they then auction off into the sex trade. They do so in order to fund their purchases of weapons and bomb making materials.
The unthinkable happens when Bay is taken in one of these attacks. Back at home, Gabe wakes from sleep, his gut telling him something is wrong which is confirmed when he gets the call. He gets the CO at the FOB (Forward Operating Base) to cut orders for him to head over there and take the lead in the rescue efforts, he is not leaving ANYTHING to chance when it comes to Bay.
Bay is kidnapped for her medical skills, the Taliban forces her to treat all there wounded since their own medic was killed in action. She is forced to endure a great deal and suffers an unimaginable trauma at the hands of the this Taliban groups leader. She's sees an opportunity one night to escape and she takes it, putting to work all the skills Gabe has taught her.
This my friends is where I will leave you off, if you want to know more you will have to sit down and read "Never Surrender"!! I assure you, if you loved "Breaking Point" you will LOVE this sequel. I will however warn you, the trauma Bay suffers will catch you off guard, but the love and commitment from Gabe will be Bay's best medicine.
I was very curious to see where Lindsay was going to take Gabe and Bay, and how she was going to wrap the story up. She took a direction with the ending that I was totally not expecting, That would be why Lindsay is the writer and I am the reader/reviewer! Nicely done Lindsay McKenna, nicely done! To the rest of you...Happy Reading!!
May 31, 2014
I looked forward to the continuation of Lindsay McKenna's Shadow Warriors series with the sequel to the story of Navy SEAL Chief Gabe Griffin and Petty Officer First Class Baylee-Ann "Bay" Thorn that began in Breaking Point (HQN, May 2014). NEVER SURRENDER definitely DID NOT disappoint. It actually exceeded my expectations and surpassed my vivid imagination.
This book does not hold anything back. Nothing was sugarcoated. Ms McKenna meticulously revealed the human side of our Military Warriors. You are deeply drawn into their physical and emotional suffering. It is impossible not to feel their pain while encouraging their determination. In the end, it is their deep and steadfast love that allows them to fight for each other and come out on the other side victorious.
Being a highly trained and skilled 18 Delta Combat Medic, Bay’s services are crucially needed in Afghanistan. While rendering support Bay is kidnapped and brutally attacked by Taliban warlord Mustafa Khogani. She relies on her previous training while embedded with Gabe’s SEAL platoon to survive. Her deep love for Gabe enables her to keep fighting until he is able to rescue her.
When Bay and Gabe join forces, nothing is impossible. Obstacles are faced together and conquered. Gabe’s intense love allows him to eventually give her the time and space she needs to heal in body and soul. They fully embody the SEAL inherent instinct to Never Surrender. Be forewarned to read with tissues at hand as your own emotions will be thoroughly engaged!
This book does not hold anything back. Nothing was sugarcoated. Ms McKenna meticulously revealed the human side of our Military Warriors. You are deeply drawn into their physical and emotional suffering. It is impossible not to feel their pain while encouraging their determination. In the end, it is their deep and steadfast love that allows them to fight for each other and come out on the other side victorious.
Being a highly trained and skilled 18 Delta Combat Medic, Bay’s services are crucially needed in Afghanistan. While rendering support Bay is kidnapped and brutally attacked by Taliban warlord Mustafa Khogani. She relies on her previous training while embedded with Gabe’s SEAL platoon to survive. Her deep love for Gabe enables her to keep fighting until he is able to rescue her.
When Bay and Gabe join forces, nothing is impossible. Obstacles are faced together and conquered. Gabe’s intense love allows him to eventually give her the time and space she needs to heal in body and soul. They fully embody the SEAL inherent instinct to Never Surrender. Be forewarned to read with tissues at hand as your own emotions will be thoroughly engaged!
July 6, 2014
This is the continuing story of Bay and Gabe, which we met in Breaking Point. As we ended the last book Bay and Gabe got engaged. Now it's time for Bay to be deployed back to Afghanistan for the last six months of her time in the military. While there she is kidnapped by a terrorist cell, she goes through Hell. Gabe does every thing in hi power to rescue her, he is an emotional wreck, but knows he has to keep his head on straight to find her and get her back home. When she is finally found she is wounded and fighting for her life.
Bay has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Gabe is determined to help her every step of the way. She feels like she is weak and is struggling to get back to who she was before she was captured and tortured. This is a story about learning how to get back to yourself and how to learn to trust again. She is trying hard to get back to normal and heal from all the trauma she has endured. Through it all Gabe is by her side. For Gabe,it's learning how to deal with the emotional stress and learning how to help Bay heal.
It's such a powerful love story and it gives you hope that love can conquer all. It proves a love as strong as Bay and Gabe's can get you through anything and come out stronger than before. It was a healing love story. I absolutely loved it, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about the healing power of love.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bay has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Gabe is determined to help her every step of the way. She feels like she is weak and is struggling to get back to who she was before she was captured and tortured. This is a story about learning how to get back to yourself and how to learn to trust again. She is trying hard to get back to normal and heal from all the trauma she has endured. Through it all Gabe is by her side. For Gabe,it's learning how to deal with the emotional stress and learning how to help Bay heal.
It's such a powerful love story and it gives you hope that love can conquer all. It proves a love as strong as Bay and Gabe's can get you through anything and come out stronger than before. It was a healing love story. I absolutely loved it, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about the healing power of love.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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