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Soldiers of Fortune #1
Soldier of Fortune
The secret enemy.
J.D. Brettman was armed, dangerous and out for revenge. One of Chicago's top attorneys, his appetite for adventure and years as a mercenary soldier were past—until his sister was kidnapped and taken to Central America. J.D. vowed to rescue his sister at any cost, but he needed someone he could trust at his side....someone like his assistant, Gabby Darwin.
In the lawless tropical forests, they shared both danger and desire. There Gabby came face-to-face with the demons that haunted J.D.'s restless soul--and learned that her love was his true and most feared enemy....
J.D. Brettman was armed, dangerous and out for revenge. One of Chicago's top attorneys, his appetite for adventure and years as a mercenary soldier were past—until his sister was kidnapped and taken to Central America. J.D. vowed to rescue his sister at any cost, but he needed someone he could trust at his side....someone like his assistant, Gabby Darwin.
In the lawless tropical forests, they shared both danger and desire. There Gabby came face-to-face with the demons that haunted J.D.'s restless soul--and learned that her love was his true and most feared enemy....
217 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 1985
196 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,042 books3,099 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 6, 2018
3,40 stars
January 30, 2017
I loved it! Great chemistry, adorable characters!
October 28, 2019
Interesting start to the series with one of DP's old skool H's and her tried and tested tropes of the physical appearance of H (Yes, I refer to his manly chest) and the back and forth between them.
The H needed urgent skilleting; h needed to grow a firmer backbone but all in all, a nice DP outing ..
The H needed urgent skilleting; h needed to grow a firmer backbone but all in all, a nice DP outing ..
April 1, 2017
Another classic, but average Diana Palmer book.
The introduction to Soldiers of Fortune, a mercenary group- Gabby has been assistant to JD, a criminal lawyer for two years. She's taken night courses, and now become a paralegal.
When JDs sister is kidnapped, he contacts his old team and takes Gabby along the mission of rescue.
As they pretend to be lovers, sparks ignite.
I enjoyed reading about the members and their group dynamics.
My BIGGEST issue is the scene that takes place midway, when JD is "rough" with Gabby just to prove he doesn't feel anything for her.
After that almost assault, there IS a lot of remorse and he does try to apologize, and though I'm used to DP heroes being mean, this was just cruel.
Anyways, as the love goes she forgives him easily and then HEA.
Safe????
2.75/5
The introduction to Soldiers of Fortune, a mercenary group- Gabby has been assistant to JD, a criminal lawyer for two years. She's taken night courses, and now become a paralegal.
When JDs sister is kidnapped, he contacts his old team and takes Gabby along the mission of rescue.
As they pretend to be lovers, sparks ignite.
I enjoyed reading about the members and their group dynamics.
My BIGGEST issue is the scene that takes place midway, when JD is "rough" with Gabby just to prove he doesn't feel anything for her.
After that almost assault, there IS a lot of remorse and he does try to apologize, and though I'm used to DP heroes being mean, this was just cruel.
Anyways, as the love goes she forgives him easily and then HEA.
Safe????
2.75/5
January 16, 2021
Well well well. Golly!! This book is too dated, even for its release date. Of course if I read this in 2014 I would have enjoyed it, I guess...
But today the only thing I see in this book is abuse and more abuse. People telling the h to give the H another chance and to try to not hurt HIS feelings. When the H hurts feelings left and right.
But today the only thing I see in this book is abuse and more abuse. People telling the h to give the H another chance and to try to not hurt HIS feelings. When the H hurts feelings left and right.
December 8, 2017
Pero qué tercos estos hombres, defienden a capa y espada su soltería jajajajaja...
March 15, 2014
I loved it!
Even though there are some parts that made me cringed and somehow the banter between Jacob and Gabby's a bit strange, I still loved it. I loved angst and that's why I quite enjoyed the 'minor hot stuff'. Adorable.
Can't wait to finish all Diana Palmer's books! :)
Even though there are some parts that made me cringed and somehow the banter between Jacob and Gabby's a bit strange, I still loved it. I loved angst and that's why I quite enjoyed the 'minor hot stuff'. Adorable.
Can't wait to finish all Diana Palmer's books! :)
January 9, 2015
Update: Re-read in January 2015
July 3, 2024
1.5 stars.
This story was written in 1985 and boy does it show.
J.D. Brettman (Archer) is 36 years old and a criminal attorney former mercenary. Who was apparently also on Vietnam with First Shirt (Matthew) who is 50ish. Smokes when he’s nervous or something. J.D. also has a sister Martina who lives in Italy who is the only one he has and loves. Sidenote- she’s apparently not that important because she wasn’t at J.D.’s life changing event at the end of the story, weird.
Gabby is a 23 yr old virgin who is a secretary turned paralegal. She’s been working with J.D. for two years. She’s from Texas. Never kissed or done anything with a man.
This story is too short for this whole series setup. It is so chaotic between introducing all these characters and the actual story between the two MCs. There are to many tropes here. There are little to no scene transitions so parts are confusing.
Gabby is pretty dumb at times so she’s annoying. J.D. is aggressive in way that is not sexy or should be applauded. His actions in this are not justifiable.
This was my first read by this author and probably my last. I’m not compelled to read either of the next two stories. Dutch is book 2 and Diego is book 3. Meh. Pass and pass.
This story was written in 1985 and boy does it show.
J.D. Brettman (Archer) is 36 years old and a criminal attorney former mercenary. Who was apparently also on Vietnam with First Shirt (Matthew) who is 50ish. Smokes when he’s nervous or something. J.D. also has a sister Martina who lives in Italy who is the only one he has and loves. Sidenote- she’s apparently not that important because she wasn’t at J.D.’s life changing event at the end of the story, weird.
Gabby is a 23 yr old virgin who is a secretary turned paralegal. She’s been working with J.D. for two years. She’s from Texas. Never kissed or done anything with a man.
This story is too short for this whole series setup. It is so chaotic between introducing all these characters and the actual story between the two MCs. There are to many tropes here. There are little to no scene transitions so parts are confusing.
Gabby is pretty dumb at times so she’s annoying. J.D. is aggressive in way that is not sexy or should be applauded. His actions in this are not justifiable.
This was my first read by this author and probably my last. I’m not compelled to read either of the next two stories. Dutch is book 2 and Diego is book 3. Meh. Pass and pass.
May 22, 2015
Great
A great book and a great read. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to my friends also.
A great book and a great read. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to my friends also.
January 5, 2025
J.D. and Gabby are great together. Started as boss and employee, then friends to lovers to married. An adventure brought them closer together, even though it almost split them apart.
September 7, 2024
Un harlequín de los ochenta que suena anticuado, aunque para lo que es, no está tan mal. Es todo bastante previsible y la sensualidad, mínima. Si quieres una historia con un toque ochentero, esta novelita es para ti.
Gabby Darwin es la típica virgen veinteañera que se enamora de su jefe, J. D. Brettman, un abogado un poco osado y de misterioso pasado. Lo que más me gustó fue la heroína. Replica con entereza, admite sus sentimientos, y que no aceptará al chico de cualquier manera: un rollo de una noche no es opción. Quiere un poco de aventura en su vida, sabe cómo disparar con un AK-47 y al mismo tiempo decirle claro: «tengo cosas mejores que hacer hasta que te aclares las ideas, chico», Y una de esas cosas es... la colada. Raro ver algo tan cotidiano en romántica
Esta no la he comentado en mi blog, pero sí publiqué en su momento una crítica en El rincón de la novela romántica.
Gabby Darwin es la típica virgen veinteañera que se enamora de su jefe, J. D. Brettman, un abogado un poco osado y de misterioso pasado. Lo que más me gustó fue la heroína. Replica con entereza, admite sus sentimientos, y que no aceptará al chico de cualquier manera: un rollo de una noche no es opción. Quiere un poco de aventura en su vida, sabe cómo disparar con un AK-47 y al mismo tiempo decirle claro: «tengo cosas mejores que hacer hasta que te aclares las ideas, chico», Y una de esas cosas es... la colada. Raro ver algo tan cotidiano en romántica
Esta no la he comentado en mi blog, pero sí publiqué en su momento una crítica en El rincón de la novela romántica.
May 23, 2018
Gabby & JD
JD is a retired mercenary working as a criminal lawyer. He has a assistant, Gabby, that for some reason rattles him. When his sister is kidnapped he recruits his fellow mercenaries; Dutch, Diego, Apollo, Senson and First shirt on a rescue mission. Oh! And he takes Gabby for the ride!!! When he is almost killed, Gabby saves him, almost losing her own. He is etching to go back to his old life so he does everything to discourage her going way to far. Gabby finally realises there isn't a chance for her and resigns. It should have been a great story but there is something missing. Found myself skipping pages because it all became to slow paced and a bit boring. I found myself more interested in First shirt and Gabby's mother. I was so disappointed we didn't get to hear more about them.
JD is a retired mercenary working as a criminal lawyer. He has a assistant, Gabby, that for some reason rattles him. When his sister is kidnapped he recruits his fellow mercenaries; Dutch, Diego, Apollo, Senson and First shirt on a rescue mission. Oh! And he takes Gabby for the ride!!! When he is almost killed, Gabby saves him, almost losing her own. He is etching to go back to his old life so he does everything to discourage her going way to far. Gabby finally realises there isn't a chance for her and resigns. It should have been a great story but there is something missing. Found myself skipping pages because it all became to slow paced and a bit boring. I found myself more interested in First shirt and Gabby's mother. I was so disappointed we didn't get to hear more about them.
January 11, 2019
First off - sorry for the 2 star rating, but I just didn't like this book and skimmed the second half. I was really wanting to read it too - especially when I saw it on sale on Amazon yesterday and that it was written in 1985. Just what I needed - a blast from the past. I hoovered romance up until that year. (My oldest daughter was born in 1985 and after that I pretty much stopped reading for quite a few years) There was a clueless, scared, (but spunky) virgin heroine of 23 (who looked much younger than her advanced years) and her alpha lawyer boss (special forces/terrorist-fighting) of 36 (younger than she thought). Over three days they fell for each other, but he pushed her away because she was untouched and he was no good for her. Soap opera anyone?? I probably would have given this 5 stars in 1985... Sigh.
February 23, 2021
She is a young secretary turned paralegal. He is an older soldier turned lawyer. She never thought of him _that_ way, but then when they are forced together by fate.... This book is a quick read but incredibly cheesy. Of course, she's a virgin and plucky. Of course, he is tall, dark, and gruff. Can she tame his heart? * groan * He's a bit of a jerk in places, but unlike some of the other books of this period in romance novels he doesn't actually rape her. I still think their relationship is pretty awful, but there is kind of consent. (Also, get ready for a lot of discussion of his body hair.) Anyway, I won't be reading anything else by this author, most likely, which is a shame, because she has written a zillion books. However, the relationship was just too shallow for me.
March 9, 2018
This story brought to mind the space soldiers of old. Wrongly accused, do the right thing, even if it costs you everything type of heroes. I enjoyed the backstory as well as how it all fit together into the new. I found the characters fully developed and their emotions and responses to be justified. I also liked that the solutions were never outlandish luck. They were well thought out to fit the scenarios. I'm a sucker for a good guy gone bad but secretly mushy inside and this was executed very well.
The narration by Tim McKiernan was well done and really served to draw me into the story. He seemed to capture the essence of Gideon Quinn.
The narration by Tim McKiernan was well done and really served to draw me into the story. He seemed to capture the essence of Gideon Quinn.
November 8, 2021
Gabby Darwin is a paralegal in Chicago. She is 23 and grew up in a small Texas town with little excitement and even less excitement with men. She is in love with her boss, lawyer J.D. Brettman. His sister is kidnapped and he whisks Gabby off to Italy and then to Central America where he meets up with his former Merc teammates. Gabby is in for a surprise when she and J.D. traipse through the jungle to save his sister.
J.D. is a typical character for Ms. Palmer. He is taciturn and cruel as he pushes her away. She is a novice and doesn't know what his reactions mean. In the end, there is a happy ending and some interesting mercs with stories of their own.
J.D. is a typical character for Ms. Palmer. He is taciturn and cruel as he pushes her away. She is a novice and doesn't know what his reactions mean. In the end, there is a happy ending and some interesting mercs with stories of their own.
January 13, 2018
Jacob Dane Brettman is my favorite lawyer/mercenary ever and his paralegal/love interest, Gabby is adorable. Long story short, both are interested, but never act on it. His sister is kidnapped and all is changed. Diana Palmer writes in the fabulous ways of old harlequins. The male is super alpha and can be a perfect gentleman or a complete jerk. JD is both, but love finds a way to fix it. It was my second reading of this book, I really like it.
January 9, 2020
Another good book by Me Palmer
Gabby's reluctance and JD's overbearing personality somewhat gets in the way, as they go to.rescue JD'S sister from kidnappers. Once they return home, he eventually wins her over
Gabby's reluctance and JD's overbearing personality somewhat gets in the way, as they go to.rescue JD'S sister from kidnappers. Once they return home, he eventually wins her over
November 23, 2016
This was a intriguing book
Wonderful and intriguing. Have not been disappointed with any books in this series. Looking forward to the next book m
Wonderful and intriguing. Have not been disappointed with any books in this series. Looking forward to the next book m
December 31, 2017
Carino, amatoriale!
April 20, 2018
3.5 stars.
May 29, 2018
Good
The story was very good. It was full of action and adventure and a few close calls. I look forward to the next book.
The story was very good. It was full of action and adventure and a few close calls. I look forward to the next book.
July 24, 2019
Loved
I always enjoy Diana's books have read most of them ,but still looking for more. I always enjoy everyone of them.
I always enjoy Diana's books have read most of them ,but still looking for more. I always enjoy everyone of them.
November 11, 2019
Who can resist a rugged mercenary? This was so good I raced through it.
November 26, 2019
Errr.. What?
Meh it's the only reaction I got to this absurd story
Meh it's the only reaction I got to this absurd story
January 7, 2020
Awesome
I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! I can't wait to read more books from this author!
I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! I can't wait to read more books from this author!
February 1, 2020
Love this book and characters!
November 6, 2021
I started loving this story, but for me it became disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews