What do you think?
Rate this book
SEAL EXtreme Team #1.5
Down and Dirty
DOWN AND DIRTY
SEAL EXtreme Team – Short Story
Final request…
SEAL Lieutenant Commander Nick Talley keeps promises, but taking care of a teammate’s sister is a vow he should’ve made. How can a man tortured by the past, help a woman fight her tough future?
Broken dreams…
Ironman qualifier, Jill Connors, is counting the days until her brother brings handsome Nick home with him. But a buried IED takes her brother’s life and a drunk driver steals her competition hopes. Will Nick want a woman with only one foot?
Love has a way of healing the wounded…one muddy step at a time.
SEAL EXtreme Team – Short Story
Final request…
SEAL Lieutenant Commander Nick Talley keeps promises, but taking care of a teammate’s sister is a vow he should’ve made. How can a man tortured by the past, help a woman fight her tough future?
Broken dreams…
Ironman qualifier, Jill Connors, is counting the days until her brother brings handsome Nick home with him. But a buried IED takes her brother’s life and a drunk driver steals her competition hopes. Will Nick want a woman with only one foot?
Love has a way of healing the wounded…one muddy step at a time.
42 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2014
About the author
Kimberley Troutte
67 books174 followersNY Times and USA Today Bestselling author in romantic suspense. Amazon Top 100 author. Harlequin Desire author.
I'm a Southern California girl, born and raised. I live with my husband, two sons, a wild cat, and a very old snake. I have been an accountant, substitute teacher, caterer, financial analyst for a major defense contractor, real-estate broker, aerobics instructor, freelance writer and caregiver to creatures the kids/hubby/dog drag in.
Contact me: kimberleytroutte@gmail.com
Sign up for newsletter on my website:
www.kimberleytroutte.com
I'm a Southern California girl, born and raised. I live with my husband, two sons, a wild cat, and a very old snake. I have been an accountant, substitute teacher, caterer, financial analyst for a major defense contractor, real-estate broker, aerobics instructor, freelance writer and caregiver to creatures the kids/hubby/dog drag in.
Contact me: kimberleytroutte@gmail.com
Sign up for newsletter on my website:
www.kimberleytroutte.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 8, 2014
I won a copy of "Down and Dirty" by Kimberley Troutte from the website www.librarything.com. Being new to this website, I found out that they offer book give-a-ways and early review. Not one to ever win much in my lifetime, I cleaned house this month on winning books! I suggest that everyone go and check out Library Things and sign up for a chance to win some amazing books from some wonderful authors!
*****
Lieutenant Commander Nick Talley of the Navy Seals has done his time fighting in Afghanistan. He watched his best friend, Billy Conner die from a buried IED. Now he has to face his best friends sister and confront her about the accident she just had with a drunk driver.
Jill Connor has always loved and admired her brother for his desire to become a Navy Seal. The competitiveness between brother and sister has always been their thing. Jill being a Ironman competitor, she has maintained herself in top shape. Unable to watch his sister compete, he and his best friend would watch her events via the internet.
Nick knew from the moment he saw Jill via Skype, that this was the woman for him. Only problem is, it's his best friends sister. Flirting and chatting has created a bond between Jill and Nick to where the spark between the two is undeniable.
Waiting for Jill to wake, Nick has to deal with his own personal demons that he's been carrying around. Suffering from PTSD, he has vivid flashbacks of how he watched his best friend die. Trying to overcome these flashbacks, he knows that he has to be strong for the woman that he has started to fall in love with.
It's through the common bond of misfortune events that draws these two individuals together. Knowing that they both are physically attracted to each other, they are forced to help deal with the reality that they just need each other to survive this mess they are in.
*****
As much as I love to give in-depth reviews of the wonderful stories I have read, I can't do that with this one. Being only 42 pages, I'm afraid that too much information will just ruin your opportunity to enjoy a wonderful but fast paced read.
I'm not that much of a fan of the genre of Romance. I have found that the stories are predictable and just too mushy for my taste. I was pleasantly surprised when I read "Down and Dirty" to find that it tackles a hard subject that many of our military men and women are facing.
PTSD is a serious issue that can make or break even the toughest warrior. Being a step-mother to a United States Marine, I have a soft spot for what our military endures. In this book, Ms. Troutte shows that even the toughest men need to rely on therapy to help overcome the trauma they have witnessed.
For the length of this book, the topics that were discussed, and leaving you with wanting to know more details about the relationship between Nick and Jill, this book deserves to be read. Great story.
*****
Lieutenant Commander Nick Talley of the Navy Seals has done his time fighting in Afghanistan. He watched his best friend, Billy Conner die from a buried IED. Now he has to face his best friends sister and confront her about the accident she just had with a drunk driver.
Jill Connor has always loved and admired her brother for his desire to become a Navy Seal. The competitiveness between brother and sister has always been their thing. Jill being a Ironman competitor, she has maintained herself in top shape. Unable to watch his sister compete, he and his best friend would watch her events via the internet.
Nick knew from the moment he saw Jill via Skype, that this was the woman for him. Only problem is, it's his best friends sister. Flirting and chatting has created a bond between Jill and Nick to where the spark between the two is undeniable.
Waiting for Jill to wake, Nick has to deal with his own personal demons that he's been carrying around. Suffering from PTSD, he has vivid flashbacks of how he watched his best friend die. Trying to overcome these flashbacks, he knows that he has to be strong for the woman that he has started to fall in love with.
It's through the common bond of misfortune events that draws these two individuals together. Knowing that they both are physically attracted to each other, they are forced to help deal with the reality that they just need each other to survive this mess they are in.
*****
As much as I love to give in-depth reviews of the wonderful stories I have read, I can't do that with this one. Being only 42 pages, I'm afraid that too much information will just ruin your opportunity to enjoy a wonderful but fast paced read.
I'm not that much of a fan of the genre of Romance. I have found that the stories are predictable and just too mushy for my taste. I was pleasantly surprised when I read "Down and Dirty" to find that it tackles a hard subject that many of our military men and women are facing.
PTSD is a serious issue that can make or break even the toughest warrior. Being a step-mother to a United States Marine, I have a soft spot for what our military endures. In this book, Ms. Troutte shows that even the toughest men need to rely on therapy to help overcome the trauma they have witnessed.
For the length of this book, the topics that were discussed, and leaving you with wanting to know more details about the relationship between Nick and Jill, this book deserves to be read. Great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2014
***Received from Tasty Book Tours for an honest review***
(This is a short story/novella. This review is not based on story length but story content as length has very little to do with how much I enjoy a book.)
There are times, in life and in fiction, when the best support in times of crisis comes from someone who is as damaged as you. Maybe not in the same way but the hurt they’re feeling matches the intensity of your own.
In this short sweet story, Nick and Jill go through the highs of meeting for the first time and acknowledging they’re attracted to each other, dive headfirst into the lows of loss and grief, then rise together as overcomers. We watch their relationship develop through flashbacks as they struggle, individually and together, to move past their own personal demons.
It was difficult to read about Jill’s anguish over losing her brother to the war and then her foot to a car accident. It was like watching glass fall toward the ground in slow motion. I knew the break was going to happen but hoped against hope the landing was softer than I knew it would be. When her dreams of competing shattered before her, Nick was there.
Nick is a military man. His hell are the memories he brought home from his time overseas. How he was able to give Jill support and encouragement while he was dealing with his own problems blew me away. It takes one hell of a man to put aside what he’s going through to be there for the woman he wants.
The ending made me smile. I didn’t doubt for one second they’d be together, but I loved that they spent time apart to seek help as individuals before coming back together again. I would’ve loved to be a part of that journey, to see on paper what they went through to go from broken to whole again, but this is still a terrific story without it.
(This is a short story/novella. This review is not based on story length but story content as length has very little to do with how much I enjoy a book.)
There are times, in life and in fiction, when the best support in times of crisis comes from someone who is as damaged as you. Maybe not in the same way but the hurt they’re feeling matches the intensity of your own.
In this short sweet story, Nick and Jill go through the highs of meeting for the first time and acknowledging they’re attracted to each other, dive headfirst into the lows of loss and grief, then rise together as overcomers. We watch their relationship develop through flashbacks as they struggle, individually and together, to move past their own personal demons.
It was difficult to read about Jill’s anguish over losing her brother to the war and then her foot to a car accident. It was like watching glass fall toward the ground in slow motion. I knew the break was going to happen but hoped against hope the landing was softer than I knew it would be. When her dreams of competing shattered before her, Nick was there.
Nick is a military man. His hell are the memories he brought home from his time overseas. How he was able to give Jill support and encouragement while he was dealing with his own problems blew me away. It takes one hell of a man to put aside what he’s going through to be there for the woman he wants.
The ending made me smile. I didn’t doubt for one second they’d be together, but I loved that they spent time apart to seek help as individuals before coming back together again. I would’ve loved to be a part of that journey, to see on paper what they went through to go from broken to whole again, but this is still a terrific story without it.
April 10, 2014
In just under 25 pages Ms. Troutte has crafted an engaging read dealing with heavy emotional issues that gets really good before rapidly concluding. In this story that easily immerses readers, both protagonists have been dealt heavy blows in some heartbreaking scenes and only have each other for support. Their burgeoning romance must be put aside to give them time to deal with these individual losses which adds some realism to an already compelling read.
Nick and Jill met while he was fighting overseas and bonded through Skypeing. They promised to meet once he returned, but the trauma of his holding Jill's brother while he died and her becoming physically impaired puts shadows on their souls. They both want to be strong for the other and now that they must deal with their losses individually before they can be together which shows how mature and strong-willed these individuals are. The conclusion is rushed but extremely cheer-inducing and gives hope to those dealing with similar losses.
This was a compelling story dealing with important issues that I truly wish would've been addressed in a longer format. The characters were immensely likable but there would've been a stronger impact had we gotten to know the characters in a deeper sense. The ending was far too rushed and gave a quick fix to difficult problems. Ms. Troutte has a pleasant writing style though and accomplished a lot in very few pages and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Nick and Jill met while he was fighting overseas and bonded through Skypeing. They promised to meet once he returned, but the trauma of his holding Jill's brother while he died and her becoming physically impaired puts shadows on their souls. They both want to be strong for the other and now that they must deal with their losses individually before they can be together which shows how mature and strong-willed these individuals are. The conclusion is rushed but extremely cheer-inducing and gives hope to those dealing with similar losses.
This was a compelling story dealing with important issues that I truly wish would've been addressed in a longer format. The characters were immensely likable but there would've been a stronger impact had we gotten to know the characters in a deeper sense. The ending was far too rushed and gave a quick fix to difficult problems. Ms. Troutte has a pleasant writing style though and accomplished a lot in very few pages and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
May 10, 2014
Despite its short length, I found Down and Dirty a compelling read. Nick has seen action in the worst of places ad times and has seen his best friend die from and IED explosion right before his eyes. As his friend was dying, he asked Nick to take care of his sister. Nick agreed. He already knew her through Skype interactions during his tour. When he arrives home, Nick finds Jill Connor has been in a debilitating car accident and rushes to the hospital to see her. What follows is a truly amazing and heartfelt story of their love and their courage, each to face their own demons alone and later together. A short story cannot give the reader the satisfaction of a fully developed and expanded plot or romance, with events often occurring so quickly they make the reader feel as if they were rushed and are incomplete. The author has managed to develop the plot and the characters well in a short time, pulling the reader into the story quickly as well as holding the reader’s attention. The story of Nick and Jill can easily be expanded into a full length novel, as there are many facets of the story the author can expand and develop. I have not read any other works by this author, but, if this story is a good example, I will be looking for them. I think anyone who enjoys a good, simple romance embedded with a healthy dose of courage and reality, will enjoy this story. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
April 12, 2014
Although it was a short story, Down & Dirty packs an emotional punch. We quickly become immersed in the lives of two people facing enormous challenges: Jill has lost her brother and has been in a life-altering car accident, and Nick is battling PTSD and the loss of his best friend (Jill's brother). The details of combat seem well researched and authentic.
Although the resolution was quick (it is a short story, after all), it had a satisfying ending. Perhaps a longer book could focus on the bumpy road ahead for this couple. In the interest of disclosure, I was given an advanced copy of this story by the author for a forthright review.
Although the resolution was quick (it is a short story, after all), it had a satisfying ending. Perhaps a longer book could focus on the bumpy road ahead for this couple. In the interest of disclosure, I was given an advanced copy of this story by the author for a forthright review.
April 8, 2014
When I first started reading this book I thought that this is going to be an amazing story but was very disappointed when it abruptly ended. Indeed it was a very, very short story and I felt like it was missing so much in between. If the story had just maybe one or two more chapters it would of felt complete. Other than that it was great, but just to short and lacking in the story.
I was given a copy from the author for an honest review
I was given a copy from the author for an honest review
May 17, 2014
Poor thing. That was not a good day for her. Fortunately, she woke up to a hot sexy SEAL! I liked that even though this was a short story, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. There was no "That's it? This isn't a short story, it's a long prologue!" We have all read stories like that.
I wanted to punch the nurse and the orderly. Hello! Even I recognize PTSD when I see it, and I haven't any psych training.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to punch the nurse and the orderly. Hello! Even I recognize PTSD when I see it, and I haven't any psych training.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2014
If you are looking for a well written short love story based on two wounded people overcoming the difficulties they are facing then this is a story that you will enjoy. A traumatized Navy Seal and his buddy’s triathlete sister injured in an automobile accident are the two main characters in this story. Much emotion is invoked in the few pages this story occupies.
April 27, 2014
I enjoyed this one. It is a quick read with realistic flashbacks, raw emotions, and a man true to his word. This story covers a lot of ground and I would've enjoyed more depth, but it was well delivered. Always been a fan of the military and this shows them in a positive light. I liked that he wanted to fix himself before persuing a relationship with her.
October 15, 2021
short and too the point
This short story points out many of the traumas are military go through and what keeps them going when life seems to be causing them great trauma. My only wish was this had been a longer story examining the relationship between the hero and heroine.
This short story points out many of the traumas are military go through and what keeps them going when life seems to be causing them great trauma. My only wish was this had been a longer story examining the relationship between the hero and heroine.
September 12, 2022
Too short
I would have at least like to know how they did on the run. It was a good story but just not enough. Now I want to know more about Nick and Jill.
I would have at least like to know how they did on the run. It was a good story but just not enough. Now I want to know more about Nick and Jill.
December 20, 2014
Nick was a Navy SEAL who was having a hard time dealing with the memories he came back with from overseas. He made a death bed promise to his friend to look after his sister, Jill, who was a triathlete. This was easier said than done when Jill loses her foot in a car accident. Making things harder for Nick is that he has had feelings for her for a long time but didn't let on. Looking after her as he promised proves to be difficult for him while hiding his true feelings.
It's amazing how the author gave so much detail on Jill and Nick's lives with such a short page count. I could feel Jill's pain as her dreams dissolved when she lost her foot and was no longer able to go in competitions. Even though she had met Nick during Skype conversations, she really didn't know him well. Meeting him in person for the first time was hard enough but meet him when she had just lost her foot was just too hard for her. Being in the military, Nick brought back some horrific memories but somehow pushed them aside so he could support Jill with her losses.
The character development was terrific. We got to know both Jill and Nick (the good and bad parts) extremely well. Jill was obviously terribly upset with loosing her foot and her ability to run but did her best to stay strong and help Nick. Nick was amazing in pushing his own flashbacks aside to be strong for Jill. They both helped each other get through a rough time in their lives.
Even though this story had sad and difficult situations, the ending was really good - even better than I could have imagined.
It's amazing how the author gave so much detail on Jill and Nick's lives with such a short page count. I could feel Jill's pain as her dreams dissolved when she lost her foot and was no longer able to go in competitions. Even though she had met Nick during Skype conversations, she really didn't know him well. Meeting him in person for the first time was hard enough but meet him when she had just lost her foot was just too hard for her. Being in the military, Nick brought back some horrific memories but somehow pushed them aside so he could support Jill with her losses.
The character development was terrific. We got to know both Jill and Nick (the good and bad parts) extremely well. Jill was obviously terribly upset with loosing her foot and her ability to run but did her best to stay strong and help Nick. Nick was amazing in pushing his own flashbacks aside to be strong for Jill. They both helped each other get through a rough time in their lives.
Even though this story had sad and difficult situations, the ending was really good - even better than I could have imagined.
April 17, 2014
This is a simple love conquers all love story. Jill had a foot amputated after being injured by a drunken driver and this puts an end to her dream of competing in an ironman race. Nick suffering from PTSD, promised Julies dying brother, a comrade in arms that he would care for her.
This was oversimplified. While I commend the author for bringing two very real problems to people's attention their recoveries were in no way realistic. PTSD is very real, 22 veterans a day kill themselves because of this condition. I know it's fiction but neither of this conditions are overcome this simply. It sets false expectations.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for this review.
This was oversimplified. While I commend the author for bringing two very real problems to people's attention their recoveries were in no way realistic. PTSD is very real, 22 veterans a day kill themselves because of this condition. I know it's fiction but neither of this conditions are overcome this simply. It sets false expectations.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for this review.
September 30, 2014
Meet Nick a battle worn Warrior fighting ghosts. Meet Jill, the sister of Nick's best friend Billy. A series of devastating events take Jill and Nick on a test of patience, love and faith. They both face their castrophies with one thing in common; the love they feel for each other. An emotional read. I couldn't put down.
June 20, 2014
Great book but wish it were longer
The story about Nick & Jill is wonderful but I wish there was a complete ending where you knew how the mud run ended, and who won the massage. But all in all it was a pretty fantastic book.
The story about Nick & Jill is wonderful but I wish there was a complete ending where you knew how the mud run ended, and who won the massage. But all in all it was a pretty fantastic book.
July 8, 2015
I loved it, two people fight their personal demons to make a future for themselves and each other.
It really had the tears falling. Even though it was a novella, it was short but intense.
A must read, Congrats Kimberley.
It really had the tears falling. Even though it was a novella, it was short but intense.
A must read, Congrats Kimberley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
Short but sweet.
Romance books about physically and mentally wounded veterans are inspiring to everyone who reads them, including myself. I wish this one had been a full length book because that story would have been a 5 star read.
Romance books about physically and mentally wounded veterans are inspiring to everyone who reads them, including myself. I wish this one had been a full length book because that story would have been a 5 star read.
May 7, 2015
I liked this book. It was a short read but the H/h were likeable and I loved how they helped each other through their traumas.
March 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. A quick read and a very touching romance.
September 12, 2015
This is a quick sweet emotional read. They both had their own demons to face and they decided to do it for each other. Enjoy I did.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews