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Dark Horse Guardians #1
A Sense of Duty
This is a love story...and it's nothing like the other Navy SEAL books you have read.
It's a look inside the head of the man who wore the uniform.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan leaves the Navy after a decade of service. He's been shot, captured, tortured, blown up, taken shrapnel, and he suffers from six tours of combat. This is a touching love story about overcoming pain and learning to trust and love...
Former Navy SEAL Lieutenant, Ben Keegan, starts teaching history at the university Lara attends. Ben starts his own contracting firm, Dark Horse Guardians. He frequently takes on black-op missions for the CIA and other foreign intelligence entities.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan is a mystery man and Lara is immediately intrigued with him. But, more importantly Ben is strongly drawn to her. Incredibly handsome and attentive to Lara, there is one big problem: he is legally married and has a child. And, Ben is wrestling with problems from his many years in combat.
Lara is 24 years old, brilliant, beautiful and finishing her master's degree in a small New England town, but there's one thing missing from her life – a love relationship. Lara Reagan O'Connell is constantly pursued because of her striking good looks, but Lara refuses to get involved physically with any man before marriage. And, getting involved with a married guy would be out of the question. In today's world, she is considered a dinosaur, holding out for the right guy. She also harbors a dark secret that causes her to be introverted and cautious in all dealings with men.
Lara O'Connell is about to have a man enter her world who will alter the course of her life.
Their love story takes the reader on a romantic, psychological, sometimes gritty, journey. Both characters remain steadfast to their values, and discover that even though they have lived completely different lives – they have more in common then they originally thought.
It's a look inside the head of the man who wore the uniform.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan leaves the Navy after a decade of service. He's been shot, captured, tortured, blown up, taken shrapnel, and he suffers from six tours of combat. This is a touching love story about overcoming pain and learning to trust and love...
Former Navy SEAL Lieutenant, Ben Keegan, starts teaching history at the university Lara attends. Ben starts his own contracting firm, Dark Horse Guardians. He frequently takes on black-op missions for the CIA and other foreign intelligence entities.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan is a mystery man and Lara is immediately intrigued with him. But, more importantly Ben is strongly drawn to her. Incredibly handsome and attentive to Lara, there is one big problem: he is legally married and has a child. And, Ben is wrestling with problems from his many years in combat.
Lara is 24 years old, brilliant, beautiful and finishing her master's degree in a small New England town, but there's one thing missing from her life – a love relationship. Lara Reagan O'Connell is constantly pursued because of her striking good looks, but Lara refuses to get involved physically with any man before marriage. And, getting involved with a married guy would be out of the question. In today's world, she is considered a dinosaur, holding out for the right guy. She also harbors a dark secret that causes her to be introverted and cautious in all dealings with men.
Lara O'Connell is about to have a man enter her world who will alter the course of her life.
Their love story takes the reader on a romantic, psychological, sometimes gritty, journey. Both characters remain steadfast to their values, and discover that even though they have lived completely different lives – they have more in common then they originally thought.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
78 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Ava Armstrong
21 books78 followersAva Armstrong, new romance and thriller author, lives in a waterfront compound in an undisclosed location in New England, off the grid, with a military-grade security system and six English Bull Terriers.
The highlight of her eight years in college was driving at least one history professor to leave the state (she's been known to sit in the front of the class and challenge liberal professors). She graduated cum laude from a well-known private New England college with degrees in History, English, Business Administration, and Economics. (Note: the professor that gave her a D in Micro-Economics is no longer teaching).
During those college years, she found a brief career in modeling but became much more interested in photography and writing. After a decade-long career in corporate America with a four-billion dollar company, Armstrong focused on her true love: writing literature that could be read by the average human being.
She lives with her husband who resembles a bodyguard, and sleeps with a loaded S&W revolver. She has one child, whom she loves, and her collection of firearms, which she loves slightly less, with an especially warm affection for Glocks.
Her favorite things are the smell of cordite at the shooting range, the motor oil that drips from vintage 1940's Indian motorcycles, and the smell of sandalwood soap. You'd have to read her novels to understand that more deeply. Some people would describe her as a patriot, but she would describe herself as a Constitutionalist and a renegade.
She is currently hard at work on her next novel.
The highlight of her eight years in college was driving at least one history professor to leave the state (she's been known to sit in the front of the class and challenge liberal professors). She graduated cum laude from a well-known private New England college with degrees in History, English, Business Administration, and Economics. (Note: the professor that gave her a D in Micro-Economics is no longer teaching).
During those college years, she found a brief career in modeling but became much more interested in photography and writing. After a decade-long career in corporate America with a four-billion dollar company, Armstrong focused on her true love: writing literature that could be read by the average human being.
She lives with her husband who resembles a bodyguard, and sleeps with a loaded S&W revolver. She has one child, whom she loves, and her collection of firearms, which she loves slightly less, with an especially warm affection for Glocks.
Her favorite things are the smell of cordite at the shooting range, the motor oil that drips from vintage 1940's Indian motorcycles, and the smell of sandalwood soap. You'd have to read her novels to understand that more deeply. Some people would describe her as a patriot, but she would describe herself as a Constitutionalist and a renegade.
She is currently hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 23, 2015
THOROUGHLY ENJOYED!!
I found this story to be a very refreshing and unique style of writing. The story blends romance, mystery, and suspense in a way that makes you feel deeply involved in the characters lives. I highly recommend this book and author.
I found this story to be a very refreshing and unique style of writing. The story blends romance, mystery, and suspense in a way that makes you feel deeply involved in the characters lives. I highly recommend this book and author.
February 18, 2015
Ahh.. so I have to be honest and admit I have mixed emotions about this book. So let us begin with the positive, shall we?
If for the cover alone I was judging it I would give it a solid five star rating. Holy freaking cow! that guy on the cover is just plain stunning gorgeous and with the combination of the American flag it makes me admire even more our brave men and women military personnel. Plus the author gets another five star rating for making her female character someone with substance and a strong female personality. Our male hero invoke in me both the I-wanna-rescue-you feeling and the I-feel-safe and all princess-like with you thing too.
I give it a four star rating for the both characters point of view style of writting. I prefer to explore the story from different points of view and get an much wider prespective of what is goign on, but the dialogue between them was too short, un-expressive and sometimes just plain boring, so she that brings my rating to a three star actually...ummm
I found myself skipping parts just to get to the point of the situation, and I try not to do that since I actually paid for this book and I have the motto "if you pay for it, read it all!", but I just couldn't.
I get that the author try to create some love triangle between Sienna, Ben and Lara on one side, and a bunch of other guys Erick, Elliot on the other side and that made the story a bit tedious to me.
In some parts of the book I felt the author rush the scene in other I felt it just stall it to much.
So at the end I ended up with a two star rating , a it was ok rating, since I am intrigue by Ben Keegan but not actually goign to follow him and Lara topart two.....sorry Lt. Keegan!
If for the cover alone I was judging it I would give it a solid five star rating. Holy freaking cow! that guy on the cover is just plain stunning gorgeous and with the combination of the American flag it makes me admire even more our brave men and women military personnel. Plus the author gets another five star rating for making her female character someone with substance and a strong female personality. Our male hero invoke in me both the I-wanna-rescue-you feeling and the I-feel-safe and all princess-like with you thing too.
I give it a four star rating for the both characters point of view style of writting. I prefer to explore the story from different points of view and get an much wider prespective of what is goign on, but the dialogue between them was too short, un-expressive and sometimes just plain boring, so she that brings my rating to a three star actually...ummm
I found myself skipping parts just to get to the point of the situation, and I try not to do that since I actually paid for this book and I have the motto "if you pay for it, read it all!", but I just couldn't.
I get that the author try to create some love triangle between Sienna, Ben and Lara on one side, and a bunch of other guys Erick, Elliot on the other side and that made the story a bit tedious to me.
In some parts of the book I felt the author rush the scene in other I felt it just stall it to much.
So at the end I ended up with a two star rating , a it was ok rating, since I am intrigue by Ben Keegan but not actually goign to follow him and Lara topart two.....sorry Lt. Keegan!
May 29, 2015
Oh... well, I guess that's why I hated the book. I read the author's bio and she sounds like a terrible person. That makes sense.
April 24, 2015
I have become a huge fan of Ava Armstrong after reading this book. It is a story of Lara. She is a woman who has been thru a traumatic time when she was younger. Instead of laying down and letting that incident make her weak, she takes control of her life. She learns how to protect herself by learning how to shoot and taking martial arts. She is a determined woman who won't be a victim ever again. She lives in a small apartment finishing up her degree to become an accomplished designer. Her beauty and confidence attracts all men she comes in contact with.
One day a man enters her life that will change her forever. His name is Ben. He is a handsome, confident and strong man. He is a former Navy Seal and runs a company that does secret operations. As his relationship develop with Lara, he knows that he wants her in his live, but a few things are holding that relationship to move forward.
In this story, the author has described in detail what a Navy Seal does and the danger they face everyday. Her attention to their special ops and what it takes to be in the elite Navy Seals is expertly done. I love how she described what training is involved and how much sacrifice they make for their country.
This is not only a story of survival for each character but a glimpse into the world of unsung heroes like the Navy Seals. It has action, raw emotion , and a love that a person may only experience once in their lifetime. You will not be able to sleep until you read the entire book. Well done Ava Armstrong! Your writing is so compelling and detailed you cannot help but feel you are actually right beside the characters experiencing their emotions. A must read for anyone who wants a heart stopping , thrill as you are cheer for characters that leave you speechless and wanting more.
One day a man enters her life that will change her forever. His name is Ben. He is a handsome, confident and strong man. He is a former Navy Seal and runs a company that does secret operations. As his relationship develop with Lara, he knows that he wants her in his live, but a few things are holding that relationship to move forward.
In this story, the author has described in detail what a Navy Seal does and the danger they face everyday. Her attention to their special ops and what it takes to be in the elite Navy Seals is expertly done. I love how she described what training is involved and how much sacrifice they make for their country.
This is not only a story of survival for each character but a glimpse into the world of unsung heroes like the Navy Seals. It has action, raw emotion , and a love that a person may only experience once in their lifetime. You will not be able to sleep until you read the entire book. Well done Ava Armstrong! Your writing is so compelling and detailed you cannot help but feel you are actually right beside the characters experiencing their emotions. A must read for anyone who wants a heart stopping , thrill as you are cheer for characters that leave you speechless and wanting more.
November 4, 2014
A Sense of Duty is a story of love - the love between a man and a woman and the love of country. Ms. Armstrong's protagonists are both damaged people - Lara, from a brutal rape when she was just a girl, and Ben, a retired Navy SEAL, from war and loss. Both are guarded people with a strong need to control even the most minute aspects of their lives.
The story of their love begins even before they meet as Ben, hearing about her from his uncle, does an in-depth background check which is very akin to stalking. Deciding Lara may be the person who can make his life whole again, he sets out to meet and woo her. But does the course of true love run smoothly? No, of course not - there are obstacles - the greatest of which is the fact that Ben is already married and has a son. Also, throw into the mix two other suitors for Lara - one, her wealthy, debonair employer and the other, a handsome playboy type who sees her as the ultimate challenge, and you have plenty of cause for tension and conflict.
Ms. Armstrong writes this work from the alternating viewpoints of her two main characters, giving the reader insight into both of their motivations. The writing is crisp and clean and provides for a compelling read. I, for one, was up to the wee small hours, unable to put it down. I'll say no more here about the plot, but will mention how much I enjoyed the detail Armstrong provided about southern Maine. I lived in Maine for seven years and it was fun journeying back to places I frequented then.
Overall, I found A Sense of Duty to be a wonderful love story and I look forward to more from Ms. Armstrong in the future.
The story of their love begins even before they meet as Ben, hearing about her from his uncle, does an in-depth background check which is very akin to stalking. Deciding Lara may be the person who can make his life whole again, he sets out to meet and woo her. But does the course of true love run smoothly? No, of course not - there are obstacles - the greatest of which is the fact that Ben is already married and has a son. Also, throw into the mix two other suitors for Lara - one, her wealthy, debonair employer and the other, a handsome playboy type who sees her as the ultimate challenge, and you have plenty of cause for tension and conflict.
Ms. Armstrong writes this work from the alternating viewpoints of her two main characters, giving the reader insight into both of their motivations. The writing is crisp and clean and provides for a compelling read. I, for one, was up to the wee small hours, unable to put it down. I'll say no more here about the plot, but will mention how much I enjoyed the detail Armstrong provided about southern Maine. I lived in Maine for seven years and it was fun journeying back to places I frequented then.
Overall, I found A Sense of Duty to be a wonderful love story and I look forward to more from Ms. Armstrong in the future.
August 19, 2014
A Sense of Duty by Ava Armstrong is a tightly-knit tale of emotional challenge and spiritual redemption centered on Lara O’Connell, a gifted young lady trying to find meaning and direction in her life. Ben Keegan is a history teacher at the University she attends, and the two are immediately attracted to one another. Only their memories pose a major obstacle in their pursuit of a future together, and the road ahead is fraught with difficulty as they wonder whether the twain shall ever meet.
The author proves skillful in packaging this tale with an intimate narrative embedded in a taut suspense drama. We find that Lara and Ben are both victims of post-traumatic stress: Lara as a rape victim and Ben as a war veteran. Yen Ben insists on confronting his fears in starting his own business as a defense contractor. Lara builds walls to shield her vulnerability, and feels justified in learning Ben has yet to divorce his estranged wife. Ben is faced with the dilemma of returning to Afghanistan in seeking closure with his unresolved issues and risking losing Lara in the process. In a day and age where such personal challenges are becoming more common, Armstrong’s work allows us to sit back and think about what might have been and, more importantly, what can be.
For romance fans and action drama buffs alike, A Sense of Duty by Ava Armstrong is one that will have you thinking --- and rethinking.
The author proves skillful in packaging this tale with an intimate narrative embedded in a taut suspense drama. We find that Lara and Ben are both victims of post-traumatic stress: Lara as a rape victim and Ben as a war veteran. Yen Ben insists on confronting his fears in starting his own business as a defense contractor. Lara builds walls to shield her vulnerability, and feels justified in learning Ben has yet to divorce his estranged wife. Ben is faced with the dilemma of returning to Afghanistan in seeking closure with his unresolved issues and risking losing Lara in the process. In a day and age where such personal challenges are becoming more common, Armstrong’s work allows us to sit back and think about what might have been and, more importantly, what can be.
For romance fans and action drama buffs alike, A Sense of Duty by Ava Armstrong is one that will have you thinking --- and rethinking.
August 18, 2014
Wow my first book from Ms. Armstrong and I couldn't put it down from the moment I started it. Ms. Armstrong tackles some pretty tense subjects and yet her portrayal of the subject and characters are so sensitive yet strong that the emotion pours from the pages! Lara is a strong woman who has lived through a devastating circumstance and does not temper her morals or her self esteem to fit into a man's world but finds love with an Alpha Seal who with problems of his own still helps her to recognize the love they are meant to share! Can't wait to read the continuation of their love story!
September 30, 2014
I love a good military hero. Ben is just that, his service as a Navy Seal and being held captive have made him a hard man. Lara has a past that left her one tough cookie. Both characters have a inborn sense of Honor, Courage and Commitment. When Ben meets Lara will he be the one to get through the barriers?
The book is very well written, and you can really feel the characters. Ms. Armstrong has an awesome grasp on the military aspects, you feel as though you are with Ben during his mission. I can’t to wait to read the next installment.
The book is very well written, and you can really feel the characters. Ms. Armstrong has an awesome grasp on the military aspects, you feel as though you are with Ben during his mission. I can’t to wait to read the next installment.
November 10, 2015
Holy cow! The cover of this book immediately caught my attention. A beautiful man and the American flag - what's not to like. The story immediately draws the reader in and makes
a great start to this exciting series. I like this author's writing and loyalty to the sacrifice of our military personnel and her conservative ideas. This is an easy 5-star rating. Looking forward to the next book. A highly recommended read. Don't miss it.
a great start to this exciting series. I like this author's writing and loyalty to the sacrifice of our military personnel and her conservative ideas. This is an easy 5-star rating. Looking forward to the next book. A highly recommended read. Don't miss it.
November 25, 2014
This a a outstanding book, a must read on any day. One of my favors of this year!!!
June 12, 2015
Juvenile
Poorly written with repetitious descriptions and banal dialogue. Definitely a waste of time if you're looking for a quality read.
Poorly written with repetitious descriptions and banal dialogue. Definitely a waste of time if you're looking for a quality read.
August 27, 2015
This an fantastic book, well written. The author kept me in suspense the whole way as I learned about the characters. Just a great read where Ben feels sense of duty to his country.
January 24, 2019
2.5 stars, 2 heat (very late in book)
Okay. I wanted to love A Sense of Duty. And I did enjoy parts of it. But whew...an editor is needed.
The Gist: Ben has had his eyes on Lara for a couple years now and is finally taking the chance to meet her in real life (she and his uncle are friends). He's sure she's the girl for him. Problem is? He's still married and she doesn't do married guys. Or guys in general. She's all about school and work. So, yeah.
Overall I liked Ben and Lara. They've both been through a lot and suffer from PTSD. Her from physical attacks and him from his time as a SEAL. But they're in charge of their lives and doing what they have to do. They're both nice people and easy to like.
The romance obviously is back seat since he's not yet divorced so things are kept pretty dang PG until the very very end and even then it's pretty light. It was okay though since you get to watch them becoming friends and such.
There was a cute pup that made things fun.
So my issues.
This was a LONG book with quite a bit of extra thrown in that didn't add anything to the storyline. All the men creepily wanted Lara (I couldn't quite figure that out) and his ex who refused to let go. Way too much detail on his black ops meetings that again didn't add much. It bogged things down and made it a bit tedious in places. The book really needed to be at least 100 pages shorter. Cutting them out wouldn't have cost the storyline anything.
Her naivete and his jealousy over all the men. I could understand his frustrations, though, because every time he turned around another guy was hanging on Lara and she was like...what? They're just being friendly. Ah!
She slapped him when she was mad. Totally uncalled for.
Didn't capitalize Marine.
So many unfinished threads. I know it's an ongoing series but the amount of things that were mentioned then dropped was impressive (issues with people, break ins, etc) and, again, bogged this book down.
Overall, ah! I wanted to love it. I didn't HATE it. But it dragged and had numerous issues that unfortunately outweighed the positives.
Okay. I wanted to love A Sense of Duty. And I did enjoy parts of it. But whew...an editor is needed.
The Gist: Ben has had his eyes on Lara for a couple years now and is finally taking the chance to meet her in real life (she and his uncle are friends). He's sure she's the girl for him. Problem is? He's still married and she doesn't do married guys. Or guys in general. She's all about school and work. So, yeah.
Overall I liked Ben and Lara. They've both been through a lot and suffer from PTSD. Her from physical attacks and him from his time as a SEAL. But they're in charge of their lives and doing what they have to do. They're both nice people and easy to like.
The romance obviously is back seat since he's not yet divorced so things are kept pretty dang PG until the very very end and even then it's pretty light. It was okay though since you get to watch them becoming friends and such.
There was a cute pup that made things fun.
So my issues.
This was a LONG book with quite a bit of extra thrown in that didn't add anything to the storyline. All the men creepily wanted Lara (I couldn't quite figure that out) and his ex who refused to let go. Way too much detail on his black ops meetings that again didn't add much. It bogged things down and made it a bit tedious in places. The book really needed to be at least 100 pages shorter. Cutting them out wouldn't have cost the storyline anything.
Her naivete and his jealousy over all the men. I could understand his frustrations, though, because every time he turned around another guy was hanging on Lara and she was like...what? They're just being friendly. Ah!
She slapped him when she was mad. Totally uncalled for.
Didn't capitalize Marine.
So many unfinished threads. I know it's an ongoing series but the amount of things that were mentioned then dropped was impressive (issues with people, break ins, etc) and, again, bogged this book down.
Overall, ah! I wanted to love it. I didn't HATE it. But it dragged and had numerous issues that unfortunately outweighed the positives.
August 31, 2017
As a young girl, Lara was raped and beaten. That incident made her determined to protect herself in the future so she took martial arts and learned to shoot. Lara was very bright. She was almost finished her architectural design degree and interning for the architectural firm of Stone and Associates. Lara met Ben at the recital for her favourite professor, who was Ben’s uncle. As they saw more of each other, Lara held back from getting too close to Ben because he was still technically married. His wife refused to give him a divorce even though they had never lived together. That didn’t matter to Lara. She wasn’t getting involved with a married man. Ben was an ex-Navy SEAL. Wanting to continue to protect his country he opened a special ops business.
I liked Lara’s can do attitude. She had made sure she could always take care of herself so she didn’t need Ben to jump in and save her. But that was Ben’s nature. SEALs are trained to help others so that’s what he did.
This was a very clean story. Lara would not be intimate with a man until she was married. After the horrific ordeal, she had gone through, that was understandable. She was supposed to be very smart so how was it that she had so many men wanting her and she didn’t realize it?
I really like black ops stories so I was looking forward to that part of the book. But in this story, it was such top secret work that even the readers didn't learn about it until about half way through.
There was a lot of repetition in this book. I was tired of Lara getting out of the shower just before one of the men came to the door.
Something that through me off in this story was that at about two-thirds of the way through the book, Ben said he “lived in the cottage on Prince Edward Island.” That had me picturing the place he had in St. John is in Prince Edward Island. PEI is a beautiful place but sure isn't the tropical paradise described.
I decided to rate this book 2.5 stars because of the constant repetition and because Lara was obtuse at times.
I liked Lara’s can do attitude. She had made sure she could always take care of herself so she didn’t need Ben to jump in and save her. But that was Ben’s nature. SEALs are trained to help others so that’s what he did.
This was a very clean story. Lara would not be intimate with a man until she was married. After the horrific ordeal, she had gone through, that was understandable. She was supposed to be very smart so how was it that she had so many men wanting her and she didn’t realize it?
I really like black ops stories so I was looking forward to that part of the book. But in this story, it was such top secret work that even the readers didn't learn about it until about half way through.
There was a lot of repetition in this book. I was tired of Lara getting out of the shower just before one of the men came to the door.
Something that through me off in this story was that at about two-thirds of the way through the book, Ben said he “lived in the cottage on Prince Edward Island.” That had me picturing the place he had in St. John is in Prince Edward Island. PEI is a beautiful place but sure isn't the tropical paradise described.
I decided to rate this book 2.5 stars because of the constant repetition and because Lara was obtuse at times.
February 15, 2022
Romantic suspense
I was able to finish this book. I think an editor could make this better. It was filled with far too much detail that wasn't necessary to the story. I didn't need to be told that Ben's truck was a white, 2004 Dodge Ram four times in the first 9% of the story. I didn't need to be told that Lara lived in a pink Victorian several times. I really didn't need a description of everything in sight when one of the characters went somewhere. You get the idea.
I don't like Ben. He's married and through most of the book thought about all the one night stands he had. He was faithful to Lara. By that I mean that he was so obsessed with her that he didn't see anyone else. He was willing to give up parental rights to his 8 year old son instead of split his money with his wife. He was an absent father.
I hope Lara doesn't lose herself.
I was able to finish this book. I think an editor could make this better. It was filled with far too much detail that wasn't necessary to the story. I didn't need to be told that Ben's truck was a white, 2004 Dodge Ram four times in the first 9% of the story. I didn't need to be told that Lara lived in a pink Victorian several times. I really didn't need a description of everything in sight when one of the characters went somewhere. You get the idea.
I don't like Ben. He's married and through most of the book thought about all the one night stands he had. He was faithful to Lara. By that I mean that he was so obsessed with her that he didn't see anyone else. He was willing to give up parental rights to his 8 year old son instead of split his money with his wife. He was an absent father.
I hope Lara doesn't lose herself.
November 13, 2017
An incredibly well written book right from the first word to the very last!! It had all the right stuff to keep you from putting it down! I really loved all the characters & of course the main characters, Lara & Ben! I found it intriguing how Ben wanted to meet Lara & how long he waited!! I felt so much for both of them given all that they each had gone through & went through to have their HEA! 😍 This book really made you feel a wide range of feelings and emotions!! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
September 29, 2017
Wanted to love it.....
...but just too many improbable situations. Lara so able to stand up for herself after years of training has zero self preservation instincts when it comes to men? Young GQ guys constantly taking her to lunch dinner etc as friends? No one's that oblivious. Nice storyline, however writing and conversations too formal and just not realistic. IMO No young boy says luncheon and has the conversation style of an aristocrat even if he does attend boarding school.
...but just too many improbable situations. Lara so able to stand up for herself after years of training has zero self preservation instincts when it comes to men? Young GQ guys constantly taking her to lunch dinner etc as friends? No one's that oblivious. Nice storyline, however writing and conversations too formal and just not realistic. IMO No young boy says luncheon and has the conversation style of an aristocrat even if he does attend boarding school.
March 24, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing style and the story. It was one of the few books I couldn’t get out of my mind during the few breaks I took while reading it-I had to get back to it to see what was happening next. I’ve never been a fan of romance books, however this story was a hybrid of both romance and action thriller. When I ordered the book on Amazon I inadvertently also ordered the next book in the series. I’m glad I did. Thanks, Ava Armstrong, for weaving a story that was interesting and left me happy I read it.
November 10, 2018
My friend suggested I read this book and it kept my attention; however, there were a lot of instances that just had no background or any reason to be added. Eric, for instance, was just a distraction and could have been left out completely. There were numerous instances like this. Also, it’s very obvious that this book was self-published because there were errors throughout. There were also no page numbers which I found extremely frustrating. I may read the remaining books but I’m not completely sold.
November 2, 2018
Review of Sense of Duty
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As I have a background in Ben's occupation, I was swept up in the excitement of his operations and look forward to reading the sequels. Lara of course, being a unique woman in her own right, is the perfect match for him as his soulmate. You described their wedding perfectly. The book holds the reader's interest and makes you want to know more about these two characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As I have a background in Ben's occupation, I was swept up in the excitement of his operations and look forward to reading the sequels. Lara of course, being a unique woman in her own right, is the perfect match for him as his soulmate. You described their wedding perfectly. The book holds the reader's interest and makes you want to know more about these two characters.
January 21, 2020
Mixed feelings
I’m not going much into it so you, the reader, can make up your own mind. I liked the story, it was fairly reasonable. But... there were errors and missing words and head-hopping. There was also known things characters shouldn’t have known and certain behaviours that dragged at the story. All these things distracted my enjoyment of the book.
I’m not going much into it so you, the reader, can make up your own mind. I liked the story, it was fairly reasonable. But... there were errors and missing words and head-hopping. There was also known things characters shouldn’t have known and certain behaviours that dragged at the story. All these things distracted my enjoyment of the book.
August 25, 2018
very good, great audience appeal
Well written, keeps you turning the page to see what happens next in the romantic adventure. Interesting twist regarding the revenge on one of the characters, Eric, but it worked well. great read
Well written, keeps you turning the page to see what happens next in the romantic adventure. Interesting twist regarding the revenge on one of the characters, Eric, but it worked well. great read
September 12, 2018
A lot of good stuff!
This was a book with interesting characters and timely plot points. While there are some areas in copyediting and plot lines that could be tightened up, it's over all a fun experience. Check it out!
This was a book with interesting characters and timely plot points. While there are some areas in copyediting and plot lines that could be tightened up, it's over all a fun experience. Check it out!
April 8, 2019
Wish I could meet a Navy Seal.
A wonderfully patriotic story. I enjoyed the love story if Ben and Lara immensely. Ms. Armstrong's characters are finely drawn. Her descriptive prose will draw you in as if you are part of the story.
A wonderfully patriotic story. I enjoyed the love story if Ben and Lara immensely. Ms. Armstrong's characters are finely drawn. Her descriptive prose will draw you in as if you are part of the story.
March 19, 2021
Excellent read
Great job of developing characters and putting them in dramatic situations. I really liked the tension between Lara and Ben with both Eliot and Eric trying to get in the way. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. Thanks Ava.
Great job of developing characters and putting them in dramatic situations. I really liked the tension between Lara and Ben with both Eliot and Eric trying to get in the way. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. Thanks Ava.
June 26, 2019
Very entertaining.
March 9, 2017
This is the most boring book I have ever tried to read. I forced my way thru 1/2 of it, but can't go any further. It is like listening to someone babbling on and on about the same things over and over again.
February 3, 2015
judgmental, double standards, hypocritical and so on
SPOILER SPOILERS SPOILERS. 1st: from the heroine- i have self-respect, I would not have sex before marriage. For those who think the all the other women who decided to have sex before marriage are disrespectful this book is for you
2nd: The h was raped when in highschool and the boy who did it was never charged and he was allowed to go back to school.(what?) that's the only time I felt sorry for her in this book. Then, after years she made up a plan to kill her assailant, while training martial arts and how to shoot a gun. Nobody found out it was her the assassin (what?) After that she was a hypocrite manipulative bit..ch.
IT was said in the story that she didn't trust men, she wasn't comfortable around them and she was always dressed properly and never drank alcohol. But she was string along 3 men allowing them to take her out, touching her and even kissing her. And one of these man used to send his car to pick her up to take her to dinner in his house. That's a rape victim who feels uncomfortable with men. The H came in the story with an ex wife and a son , and he was waiting for the ex to sign the divorce, but he was separated for years already. The h said she could not date a married man because it was against her principles? Ridiculous. What principles? He was string 2 other guys along, drinking champagne ( and she never drank alcohol, unless when she was picked up by one of the guys car and there was always a bottle of champagne for her).
And the professional, proper attire was forgot somewhere in the many useless pages where she started using these clothing showing skin, even a silk red dress with a deep cleavage at the front ( meanwhile we readers are always being reminded of she was a scarred rape victim who doesn't feel comfortable around men and wearing sexy clothing).
This book was a mess. I think my review doesn't make sense either. But I'm not a author. This book with editing would take no more than 100 page. Another reviewer stated it is like the author had to feel the pages with a certain number of words so she described everything possible, indoors and outdoors.
This is not a romance, the blurb was misleading. All I see here was someoney taking the chance to criticize politics, preaching about values and judge women's choice. I coul go on and on just like the book. There's also part about the H being a ex SEAL and running a secret operation. But it's not worthy my timing. I'm just glad I can delete this from my kindle..
A pearl from this book: she was one of a few women who was respectful enough to save herself for marriage.
For all the others you'll probably die alone. Lol
SPOILER SPOILERS SPOILERS. 1st: from the heroine- i have self-respect, I would not have sex before marriage. For those who think the all the other women who decided to have sex before marriage are disrespectful this book is for you
2nd: The h was raped when in highschool and the boy who did it was never charged and he was allowed to go back to school.(what?) that's the only time I felt sorry for her in this book. Then, after years she made up a plan to kill her assailant, while training martial arts and how to shoot a gun. Nobody found out it was her the assassin (what?) After that she was a hypocrite manipulative bit..ch.
IT was said in the story that she didn't trust men, she wasn't comfortable around them and she was always dressed properly and never drank alcohol. But she was string along 3 men allowing them to take her out, touching her and even kissing her. And one of these man used to send his car to pick her up to take her to dinner in his house. That's a rape victim who feels uncomfortable with men. The H came in the story with an ex wife and a son , and he was waiting for the ex to sign the divorce, but he was separated for years already. The h said she could not date a married man because it was against her principles? Ridiculous. What principles? He was string 2 other guys along, drinking champagne ( and she never drank alcohol, unless when she was picked up by one of the guys car and there was always a bottle of champagne for her).
And the professional, proper attire was forgot somewhere in the many useless pages where she started using these clothing showing skin, even a silk red dress with a deep cleavage at the front ( meanwhile we readers are always being reminded of she was a scarred rape victim who doesn't feel comfortable around men and wearing sexy clothing).
This book was a mess. I think my review doesn't make sense either. But I'm not a author. This book with editing would take no more than 100 page. Another reviewer stated it is like the author had to feel the pages with a certain number of words so she described everything possible, indoors and outdoors.
This is not a romance, the blurb was misleading. All I see here was someoney taking the chance to criticize politics, preaching about values and judge women's choice. I coul go on and on just like the book. There's also part about the H being a ex SEAL and running a secret operation. But it's not worthy my timing. I'm just glad I can delete this from my kindle..
A pearl from this book: she was one of a few women who was respectful enough to save herself for marriage.
For all the others you'll probably die alone. Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2014
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
This is a love story...and it's nothing like the other Navy SEAL books you have read.
It's a look inside the head of the man who wore the uniform.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan leaves the Navy after a decade of service. He's been shot, captured, tortured, blown up, taken shrapnel, and he suffers from six tours of combat. This is a touching love story about overcoming pain and learning to trust and love...
Former Navy SEAL Lieutenant, Ben Keegan, starts teaching history at the university Lara attends. Ben starts his own contracting firm, Dark Horse Guardians. He frequently takes on black-op missions for the CIA and other foreign intelligence entities.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan is a mystery man and Lara is immediately intrigued with him. But, more importantly Ben is strongly drawn to her. Incredibly handsome and attentive to Lara, there is one big problem: he is legally married and has a child. And, Ben is wrestling with problems from his many years in combat.
Lara is 24 years old, brilliant, beautiful and finishing her master's degree in a small New England town, but there's one thing missing from her life – a love relationship. Lara Reagan O'Connell is constantly pursued because of her striking good looks, but Lara refuses to get involved physically with any man before marriage. And, getting involved with a married guy would be out of the question. In today's world, she is considered a dinosaur, holding out for the right guy. She also harbors a dark secret that causes her to be introverted and cautious in all dealings with men.
Lara O'Connell is about to have a man enter her world who will alter the course of her life.
Their love story takes the reader on a romantic, psychological, sometimes gritty, journey. Both characters remain steadfast to their values, and discover that even though they have lived completely different lives – they have more in common then they originally thought.
I enjoyed this book.. It was very well-written. strong story line also liked how it went from ben and lara and the other characters too. The details was way to much had skip over some of it. Love book cover!!!!
4 star's
Olivia R.
This is a love story...and it's nothing like the other Navy SEAL books you have read.
It's a look inside the head of the man who wore the uniform.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan leaves the Navy after a decade of service. He's been shot, captured, tortured, blown up, taken shrapnel, and he suffers from six tours of combat. This is a touching love story about overcoming pain and learning to trust and love...
Former Navy SEAL Lieutenant, Ben Keegan, starts teaching history at the university Lara attends. Ben starts his own contracting firm, Dark Horse Guardians. He frequently takes on black-op missions for the CIA and other foreign intelligence entities.
Lieutenant Ben Keegan is a mystery man and Lara is immediately intrigued with him. But, more importantly Ben is strongly drawn to her. Incredibly handsome and attentive to Lara, there is one big problem: he is legally married and has a child. And, Ben is wrestling with problems from his many years in combat.
Lara is 24 years old, brilliant, beautiful and finishing her master's degree in a small New England town, but there's one thing missing from her life – a love relationship. Lara Reagan O'Connell is constantly pursued because of her striking good looks, but Lara refuses to get involved physically with any man before marriage. And, getting involved with a married guy would be out of the question. In today's world, she is considered a dinosaur, holding out for the right guy. She also harbors a dark secret that causes her to be introverted and cautious in all dealings with men.
Lara O'Connell is about to have a man enter her world who will alter the course of her life.
Their love story takes the reader on a romantic, psychological, sometimes gritty, journey. Both characters remain steadfast to their values, and discover that even though they have lived completely different lives – they have more in common then they originally thought.
I enjoyed this book.. It was very well-written. strong story line also liked how it went from ben and lara and the other characters too. The details was way to much had skip over some of it. Love book cover!!!!
4 star's
Olivia R.
September 16, 2014
Patriotism, Honor, and Loyalty meet the test of LOVE. Ben and Lara are both very complex people, intelligent and driven to succeed. They both have a sense of right and wrong that guides their relationship. Her past left scars, but Lara rose above it. She enjoys her independence and her career. Ben has a past too. His service as a Navy SEAL operative and behind held captive made Ben a harder man, tougher inside, with emotional walls no woman has broken through. But when he sets his sights on Lara, he quickly learns that she isn't only beautiful, intelligent, and intriguing... she has a code of honor even stronger than his own. It only makes him love her more.
But Ben has plenty of competition for Lara's affection. Rich, affluent men are calling, asking her to dinner, lining up to take his place. He has to get his life together soon, or he just might miss his one chance at real love. Their friendship becomes the most important thing in his life. He is driven to show her that they belong together. They belong together. Lara fits not only in his life, but she has stolen his heart.
The story is extremely well written, with lots of insight into both Ben and Lara, letting the reader see how they feel and what drives them. When Ben is called on a Black Ops mission, the details of his work were thrilling to read. Such danger and courage! The end was perfect, with great dramatic moments and real closure to this part of their story. I look forward to the next book. SENSE OF DUTY is a fantastic beginning to this series.
But Ben has plenty of competition for Lara's affection. Rich, affluent men are calling, asking her to dinner, lining up to take his place. He has to get his life together soon, or he just might miss his one chance at real love. Their friendship becomes the most important thing in his life. He is driven to show her that they belong together. They belong together. Lara fits not only in his life, but she has stolen his heart.
The story is extremely well written, with lots of insight into both Ben and Lara, letting the reader see how they feel and what drives them. When Ben is called on a Black Ops mission, the details of his work were thrilling to read. Such danger and courage! The end was perfect, with great dramatic moments and real closure to this part of their story. I look forward to the next book. SENSE OF DUTY is a fantastic beginning to this series.
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