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SEAL EXtreme Team #2
Lock and Load
Dodge the bullets…
A Chinese gaming company tricks Amber Fitz into hacking the U.S. Department of Defense to extract weaponry secrets. In a panic, she steals the only copy and runs. Can she trust a newly-formed SEAL team to get her out of China and protect the secrets in her hands?
Solve the puzzle…
Communications Expert Charlie Handly loves a challenge and Amber is one sexy puzzle he’d like to solve. Is she a traitor or an innocent? Why does she remind him of the woman he’s been searching for? The only woman he wants for himself.
Get out alive…
Amber needs one SEAL to help her escape. Charlie makes it clear he wants to protect and hold her close. But his brother and explosions expert, Willy, wants her too…and he’s willing to share.
A Chinese gaming company tricks Amber Fitz into hacking the U.S. Department of Defense to extract weaponry secrets. In a panic, she steals the only copy and runs. Can she trust a newly-formed SEAL team to get her out of China and protect the secrets in her hands?
Solve the puzzle…
Communications Expert Charlie Handly loves a challenge and Amber is one sexy puzzle he’d like to solve. Is she a traitor or an innocent? Why does she remind him of the woman he’s been searching for? The only woman he wants for himself.
Get out alive…
Amber needs one SEAL to help her escape. Charlie makes it clear he wants to protect and hold her close. But his brother and explosions expert, Willy, wants her too…and he’s willing to share.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2014
36 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Troutte
61 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
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews
July 29, 2023
3.5 stars
May 17, 2015
Charlie and Amber meet in an unusual way. They play games on-line and know each other by their gaming names. While they have never actually met, they do share things about themselves to each other when playing games.
Amber is a hacker who has gotten into trouble doing it so she decides to go straight and stop hacking. She is doing great with this plan until a friend asks her to hack into a gaming site for him so he can tell the company where the problems are then fix them. Amber agrees to help her friend and hacks into the site. She didn't know that she was really hacking into the US DOD site. Boy, does she get into a lot of trouble doing this! Her so called friend steals the information and wants to sell it to the highest bidder. When these bidders find out it was Amber who hacked the site, she has lots of people looking for her, such as the US Navy, Chinese Triad and a bunch of nasty people. They all want the military information from the site she hacked into.
Charlie is on the SEAL team who finds Amber and they are both surprised when they realize they know each other as gamers. The US think Amber is planning on selling the information she got and plan on arresting her. She has no intention of selling it but wants to give it to the government and make sure the information doesn't land in the wrong hands. Neither Amber nor Charlie trust each other because Amber doesn't know who to trust at all and Charlie thinks Amber is going to sell US military secrets.
The book is a great read and definitely captures the reader in the story line, but that wouldn't work if she didn't have good characters. Charlie is a typical alfa-male SEAL but with the twist of being a bit of a computer nerd. Amber is a very smart woman who I admired in the way she kept her head when all the bad guys were out to kill her. While they were strong, capable people, they were both sensitive to the way the other felt about them. I didn't think much of Charlie's brother, Willy, but he did add humor to the story. I like the way the author developed the characters throughout the story rather than stating facts about them in a couple of paragraphs.
Kimberly Troutte’s well written and polished style brings this story to life. The easy way in which she draws
readers into her world creates a fantastic backdrop for her wonderful story. The world itself is intricately
crafted, giving readers the full experience. I personally had a hard time getting into the story at the beginning because the two main characters met while playing on-line games and I know nothing about that or have any interest in it. I was pleasantly surprised, though, when I saw how that set up the story and I was captivated with it.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review. If you are looking for mystery, action, drama and romance, you'll find it all in this book.
Amber is a hacker who has gotten into trouble doing it so she decides to go straight and stop hacking. She is doing great with this plan until a friend asks her to hack into a gaming site for him so he can tell the company where the problems are then fix them. Amber agrees to help her friend and hacks into the site. She didn't know that she was really hacking into the US DOD site. Boy, does she get into a lot of trouble doing this! Her so called friend steals the information and wants to sell it to the highest bidder. When these bidders find out it was Amber who hacked the site, she has lots of people looking for her, such as the US Navy, Chinese Triad and a bunch of nasty people. They all want the military information from the site she hacked into.
Charlie is on the SEAL team who finds Amber and they are both surprised when they realize they know each other as gamers. The US think Amber is planning on selling the information she got and plan on arresting her. She has no intention of selling it but wants to give it to the government and make sure the information doesn't land in the wrong hands. Neither Amber nor Charlie trust each other because Amber doesn't know who to trust at all and Charlie thinks Amber is going to sell US military secrets.
The book is a great read and definitely captures the reader in the story line, but that wouldn't work if she didn't have good characters. Charlie is a typical alfa-male SEAL but with the twist of being a bit of a computer nerd. Amber is a very smart woman who I admired in the way she kept her head when all the bad guys were out to kill her. While they were strong, capable people, they were both sensitive to the way the other felt about them. I didn't think much of Charlie's brother, Willy, but he did add humor to the story. I like the way the author developed the characters throughout the story rather than stating facts about them in a couple of paragraphs.
Kimberly Troutte’s well written and polished style brings this story to life. The easy way in which she draws
readers into her world creates a fantastic backdrop for her wonderful story. The world itself is intricately
crafted, giving readers the full experience. I personally had a hard time getting into the story at the beginning because the two main characters met while playing on-line games and I know nothing about that or have any interest in it. I was pleasantly surprised, though, when I saw how that set up the story and I was captivated with it.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review. If you are looking for mystery, action, drama and romance, you'll find it all in this book.
May 19, 2015
I would love to rate more stars but I just really hate the heroine character. 3.5 stars is best I can give for the ARC (given by netgalley for an honest review).
The story start with an avatar gameworld btw the 'Black Pirate' aka Charlie, an US Navy SEAL communication expert with 'Hot Girl' aka Amber Fitz, a former hacker. Even in gameworld, sparks blew btw them, made Charlie ask her out. An urgent ops leaving Amber in the dark and the pirate now missed his chance. Across the world, Amber moved for a presumed job interview with a Chinese gaming with an introduction from her casual jack-a** lover as he just used her to hack into DOD. Scared after they off the loverboy, Amber stole away the flash drive containing DOD secret blue print and ran away before she is saved by Charlie Navy SEALs team. Sparks in the gameworld is nothing compared with the real world once they finally eyes to eyes. But with trust issues comes into play, how high up the mole in the hierarchy of CIA or DOD itself? Can they newly fragile relationship stand? Whom should they trust and can they return back to US without Amber being label as a traitor?
The problem I have, is this trust issue. Not the conspiracy trust btw the team an their CO but with the heroine. The explanation from the heroine is she has been manipulated from her younger days by someone closed or authority figure that made her rebel, henced the hacking/online thief record. However sheis wiling to move across the world hook up with someone she just meet for a month and somehow trust him more than the hero (whom she has been connected in the gameworld for longer time). I mean the loverboy just someone she occasionally date and he even dating some other girl on the side, not to mention flirting anything with a skirt and she goes along with it even not to question much when he ask to hack for him just coz he has gambling debt(seriously a DOD logo comes up and you just go along). The character is such a contradiction in what was mention initially, made me fed up eventhough I love a strong/smart hacker heroine. If the author write a former school BFF or something who has a gambling habit instead of a lover, then maybe I can deal with it. As I can't imagine a smart women willing to throw anything away for a on-off month old lover rather than a long-life friend and across the globe no less. The story plot is good and keep getting better as the book goes, hence 2.5 star just for it, as the hero made for the next 1 star. Overall, in my opinion the only issue I have, the story could have been better but just fell flat to me. 3.5 stars.
The story start with an avatar gameworld btw the 'Black Pirate' aka Charlie, an US Navy SEAL communication expert with 'Hot Girl' aka Amber Fitz, a former hacker. Even in gameworld, sparks blew btw them, made Charlie ask her out. An urgent ops leaving Amber in the dark and the pirate now missed his chance. Across the world, Amber moved for a presumed job interview with a Chinese gaming with an introduction from her casual jack-a** lover as he just used her to hack into DOD. Scared after they off the loverboy, Amber stole away the flash drive containing DOD secret blue print and ran away before she is saved by Charlie Navy SEALs team. Sparks in the gameworld is nothing compared with the real world once they finally eyes to eyes. But with trust issues comes into play, how high up the mole in the hierarchy of CIA or DOD itself? Can they newly fragile relationship stand? Whom should they trust and can they return back to US without Amber being label as a traitor?
The problem I have, is this trust issue. Not the conspiracy trust btw the team an their CO but with the heroine. The explanation from the heroine is she has been manipulated from her younger days by someone closed or authority figure that made her rebel, henced the hacking/online thief record. However sheis wiling to move across the world hook up with someone she just meet for a month and somehow trust him more than the hero (whom she has been connected in the gameworld for longer time). I mean the loverboy just someone she occasionally date and he even dating some other girl on the side, not to mention flirting anything with a skirt and she goes along with it even not to question much when he ask to hack for him just coz he has gambling debt(seriously a DOD logo comes up and you just go along). The character is such a contradiction in what was mention initially, made me fed up eventhough I love a strong/smart hacker heroine. If the author write a former school BFF or something who has a gambling habit instead of a lover, then maybe I can deal with it. As I can't imagine a smart women willing to throw anything away for a on-off month old lover rather than a long-life friend and across the globe no less. The story plot is good and keep getting better as the book goes, hence 2.5 star just for it, as the hero made for the next 1 star. Overall, in my opinion the only issue I have, the story could have been better but just fell flat to me. 3.5 stars.
May 8, 2015
I was given the opportunity to request a copy of this book through another author that I regularly read and review. She recommended I give this book a try and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I also didn't realize that I'd already read the first book in this series a while ago and really enjoyed it. I didn't know that it was part of a series so was very pleasantly surprised when I began reading and the characters seemed a bit familiar. Now that I've read this one I can say that I will be following along on the entire series. The premise of this book was intriguing right from the very first page and had me hooked - I needed to find out what happened. The main female character, Amber, was super smart and it was interesting to see how she handled herself in a very dangerous scenario but also remained a bit vulnerable when it came to Charlie. The author struck just the right balance in Amber so I liked her character a lot. The SEALS are all interesting, of course, but their amusing banter back and forth was quite funny and very enjoyable. All in all there is a little of everything in this book - action, adventure, romance, humor and suspense. If you enjoy a book that has all of that then you should definitely this one a try.
May 5, 2015
5Can't put it down.
ByLynne Costaon May 5, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
From the moment I picked this story up I could not put it down.Charlie and Amber are gamers who meet and become friends through their love of gaming yet never meet in person until Amber gets into some serious trouble in China.Charlie is a Navy Seal and Amber is a hacker intending to walk the straight and narrow until she trusts the wrong person and ends up hacking into the US DOD causing the Chinese Triad,US Navy Seals and some unknowns to be looking for her.She is afraid to trust Charlie & the Seals,not being sure who are the good guys.She wants to do the right thing.There is action,adventure,comedy,friendship and love packed into this can't put down read.I cannot wait for the next book.
ByLynne Costaon May 5, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
From the moment I picked this story up I could not put it down.Charlie and Amber are gamers who meet and become friends through their love of gaming yet never meet in person until Amber gets into some serious trouble in China.Charlie is a Navy Seal and Amber is a hacker intending to walk the straight and narrow until she trusts the wrong person and ends up hacking into the US DOD causing the Chinese Triad,US Navy Seals and some unknowns to be looking for her.She is afraid to trust Charlie & the Seals,not being sure who are the good guys.She wants to do the right thing.There is action,adventure,comedy,friendship and love packed into this can't put down read.I cannot wait for the next book.
May 11, 2015
If you are looking to experience intrigue heightened to
mountains proportions with a bit of romance plus a heaping
dose of danger then “Lock and Load” is the book for you.
Besides the intrigue, it is a well plotted book. There are vivid
characters, plenty of mystery, edge, drama, murder, suspense
and even humor.
It is a compulsive page turner. You will be taken into a ton of
action starting with computer gaming to computer hacking
leading into real life and death situations.
The interaction demonstrated between the newly formed Seal
team was impressive.
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand
alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
mountains proportions with a bit of romance plus a heaping
dose of danger then “Lock and Load” is the book for you.
Besides the intrigue, it is a well plotted book. There are vivid
characters, plenty of mystery, edge, drama, murder, suspense
and even humor.
It is a compulsive page turner. You will be taken into a ton of
action starting with computer gaming to computer hacking
leading into real life and death situations.
The interaction demonstrated between the newly formed Seal
team was impressive.
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand
alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
January 11, 2015
This is a fast-paced and high-octane love story, filled with high stakes that readers will love.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 28, 2014
3.5 to 4 stars
January 26, 2022
Amber is on the run in the bustling city of Hong Kong. Amber used to be a black hat hacker, now trying to put her past behind her, get a legit job to get by while wanting to break into (no pun intended) the gaming industry; her dream job. Breaking her promise, she helps a friend hack into a gaming company computer system, only to discover she had hacked the DoD for weapons schematics. Betrayed by her friend, his contacts were now after her and the thumb drive she possessed. Amber’s daddy hires our heroic EXtreme Team from book one to rescue his daughter. Continuing, the story revolves around the safety of both Amber and the thumb drive. It wouldn’t be complete without romance, and so, romance blossoms for Amber and Charlie. Everyone making it home is the goal of the Team. I must say that this book is better than the first volume, although development or progression is fairly linear. Ya know, I’ve looked at book covers like these and thought, I will never listen to these types of stories. I don’t know why I did, perhaps because they were free on Audible Plus. Now I know why. Not why I listened, but why they are free. Three.point.five.
September 11, 2019
I'm not sure how I feel about this one yet. I enjoyed the first in the series and this one has some great points but I'm rather confused at some places too. I thought this book was supposed to be a ménage à trois. At least that's how the blurb read. It was not. There was some flirting but that was about as far as the sharing went. It left me feeling a bit disappointed. I was happy to see Mack and Jenna and the rest of the team. We learn a bit more of Charlie's back story which was kind of fascinating. I will continue to read the series because I want to know what happens next and I'd like to know all of the team's stories.
January 28, 2021
Amber has been a rebel since the death of her mother as a young child. Now, a brilliant hacker living in Hong Kong, she is an unwitting accomplice in espionage against the USA. When her bf is killed, it’s up to the Navy SEAL team, moonlighting as EXtreme Team, to rescue the damsel in distress. Unbeknownst to Amber, and SEAL Charlie, they know each other from gaming. Between bombs and bullets flying, this pair have to figure out their feelings for each other. Love the banter between the team members! Took some getting used to Amber’s gullibility. Still, enjoyable story, and series.
September 30, 2022
This really was just ok for me. It wasn't as hot or playful as the first book. It was insta everything without the fun part. The team didn't really get to blow shit up or really show off their tactical skills. I was looking forward to a show down with the seal teams, but it just fell flat. Amber was just plain annoying. With both her and Charlie's tech skills, I expected to see more of it in the story line.
September 1, 2021
Repetitive to the nth degree
November 4, 2021
Couldn't finish listening to this book.
July 20, 2023
It was a simple story
May 20, 2015
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I am a fan of romantic suspense. So I had high hopes for Lock and Load by Kimberly Troutte. The foundation of the story line has a great premise. Amber is a hacker trying to go straight. Charlie, a Navy SEAL, has down time, has bedded plenty of women and is very much into video games. The two main characters "meet" via an online game but only know each other via their screen names but feel a connection.
As the story progresses, I liked the way Amber was smart but she made bad decisions at times. She still wanted to trust people though she had been burned in the past. Amber gets into trouble and Charlie's SEAL team is called to help out covertly. The story had some great secondary characters, namely Tavon and Willy. I liked the interaction between the guys on the team.
{WARNING: SOME POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD}
Though I liked the foundation of the story, I had some problems with the execution. Once the SEALS got involved, I wondered what happened to smart Amber. She just kind of became a damsel in distress. I understand the trouble she was in was HUGE trouble but she is an incredibly talented and skilled hacker. I would have loved to see her have more input and activity in her own rescue. Also, I would have liked the discover of the connection (online gaming) between Amber and Charlie to have been more incredible. They both just kind of weren't surprised by it (or maybe that is just how it seemed to me). Also, I disliked the way the story unfolded at times. There would be this obstacle / danger and then it was explained later on how this a related to of the past of either Amber or Charlie. It just felt like a pat answer to the progression of the story.
Overall, the basis of the story was good and characters were fine. There are some grammatic and syntax errors. This would be a good beach read for a few hours.
I am a fan of romantic suspense. So I had high hopes for Lock and Load by Kimberly Troutte. The foundation of the story line has a great premise. Amber is a hacker trying to go straight. Charlie, a Navy SEAL, has down time, has bedded plenty of women and is very much into video games. The two main characters "meet" via an online game but only know each other via their screen names but feel a connection.
As the story progresses, I liked the way Amber was smart but she made bad decisions at times. She still wanted to trust people though she had been burned in the past. Amber gets into trouble and Charlie's SEAL team is called to help out covertly. The story had some great secondary characters, namely Tavon and Willy. I liked the interaction between the guys on the team.
{WARNING: SOME POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD}
Though I liked the foundation of the story, I had some problems with the execution. Once the SEALS got involved, I wondered what happened to smart Amber. She just kind of became a damsel in distress. I understand the trouble she was in was HUGE trouble but she is an incredibly talented and skilled hacker. I would have loved to see her have more input and activity in her own rescue. Also, I would have liked the discover of the connection (online gaming) between Amber and Charlie to have been more incredible. They both just kind of weren't surprised by it (or maybe that is just how it seemed to me). Also, I disliked the way the story unfolded at times. There would be this obstacle / danger and then it was explained later on how this a related to of the past of either Amber or Charlie. It just felt like a pat answer to the progression of the story.
Overall, the basis of the story was good and characters were fine. There are some grammatic and syntax errors. This would be a good beach read for a few hours.
May 4, 2015
Great book, couldn’t put it down.
This is the first book I’ve read by Kimberly Troutte and what a great book! This had everything I look for in romantic suspense: tension between the H and h, mystery, suspense, adventure, hot guys (SEALs!), danger and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished reading it.
Although this book is part of a series (connected characters but each story stands alone) you don’t need to have read the first book to know what’s going on in this one. I haven’t read book 1 and didn’t feel a bit out of the loop.
Amber and Charlie are online gaming buddies who have never met. At first neither knows who the other is when the SEAL Extreme Team is sent to rescue Amber. She has gotten into trouble with some really bad guys and was tricked into doing something treasonous. She’ll do anything to keep the information she was tricked into obtaining from falling into the hands of the bad guys. She’ll also do anything to protect Charlie.
Charlie wants to believe that Amber is innocent of stealing information from the U.S. government. He eventually comes around and realizes that he will do anything to protect Amber from the bad guys who are after her.
I’m really looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I hope there will be stories for the other SEALs that were in this book. If you like hot, sexy SEALS, action and adventure, you should like this book a lot.
One other point of interest: I didn’t find any f-bombs in this story, although there was other mild swearing. The sexy time was not explicit or gratuitous. While I don’t mind either of these things in books, it does bother some people which is I why I mention it. It’s nice to know that a great story can be told without a lot of coarse language.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by Kimberly Troutte and what a great book! This had everything I look for in romantic suspense: tension between the H and h, mystery, suspense, adventure, hot guys (SEALs!), danger and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished reading it.
Although this book is part of a series (connected characters but each story stands alone) you don’t need to have read the first book to know what’s going on in this one. I haven’t read book 1 and didn’t feel a bit out of the loop.
Amber and Charlie are online gaming buddies who have never met. At first neither knows who the other is when the SEAL Extreme Team is sent to rescue Amber. She has gotten into trouble with some really bad guys and was tricked into doing something treasonous. She’ll do anything to keep the information she was tricked into obtaining from falling into the hands of the bad guys. She’ll also do anything to protect Charlie.
Charlie wants to believe that Amber is innocent of stealing information from the U.S. government. He eventually comes around and realizes that he will do anything to protect Amber from the bad guys who are after her.
I’m really looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I hope there will be stories for the other SEALs that were in this book. If you like hot, sexy SEALS, action and adventure, you should like this book a lot.
One other point of interest: I didn’t find any f-bombs in this story, although there was other mild swearing. The sexy time was not explicit or gratuitous. While I don’t mind either of these things in books, it does bother some people which is I why I mention it. It’s nice to know that a great story can be told without a lot of coarse language.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Charlie is a Navy SEAL whose team is on leave because of something he and his brother Willy did. During this time he's been building and playing online games and forming an attachment to one particular person, Hot Girl. Unfortunately, he's yet to get her to meet him in the real world. Amber is a hacker trying to find a legitimate job. When she's promised one at a major game company if she can perform one final hack, she jumps at the chance. Turns out, the job offer was bogus in order to get her to hack into something that makes her a traitor to her country. Now she's running for her life. When her dad arranges a group to help her, she can't help but notice that one of them has a VERY familiar voice. Now she must convince them that she's not really a traitor.
I can't help but express how much I really liked these two characters. While many of Amber's antics were more youthful rebellion, you can't help but feel sorry for her. She's very smart and very good at what she does. She's finally trying to go legit, only to have another male in her life let her down. This makes it hard for her to trust people, but luckily with having already "known" Charlie for a while, she's able to give more of herself including the ultimate sacrifice. Charlie is one that enjoys life, games, women, and yet is willing to die for his country. But the more he connects with Hot Girl, the less he finds himself wanting to live like that. Once he meets her in person, he has one goal in mind, convince Amber how real everything was and that she's the only one for him. Oh, and prove her innocent of treason.
I'm still fairly new to the SEAL genre, but the more I'm reading them, the more I'm loving them. This was a definite favorite and must-read to anyone that likes this genre.
Charlie is a Navy SEAL whose team is on leave because of something he and his brother Willy did. During this time he's been building and playing online games and forming an attachment to one particular person, Hot Girl. Unfortunately, he's yet to get her to meet him in the real world. Amber is a hacker trying to find a legitimate job. When she's promised one at a major game company if she can perform one final hack, she jumps at the chance. Turns out, the job offer was bogus in order to get her to hack into something that makes her a traitor to her country. Now she's running for her life. When her dad arranges a group to help her, she can't help but notice that one of them has a VERY familiar voice. Now she must convince them that she's not really a traitor.
I can't help but express how much I really liked these two characters. While many of Amber's antics were more youthful rebellion, you can't help but feel sorry for her. She's very smart and very good at what she does. She's finally trying to go legit, only to have another male in her life let her down. This makes it hard for her to trust people, but luckily with having already "known" Charlie for a while, she's able to give more of herself including the ultimate sacrifice. Charlie is one that enjoys life, games, women, and yet is willing to die for his country. But the more he connects with Hot Girl, the less he finds himself wanting to live like that. Once he meets her in person, he has one goal in mind, convince Amber how real everything was and that she's the only one for him. Oh, and prove her innocent of treason.
I'm still fairly new to the SEAL genre, but the more I'm reading them, the more I'm loving them. This was a definite favorite and must-read to anyone that likes this genre.
June 26, 2015
I haven't read the first book in the series yet, and while there are several references to events that occurred in that book, you will easily be able to follow Lock and Load. The word EXtreme and some of the blurb may lead one to think that this is on the border of erotic romantic suspense (plus it starts out with a reference of two brothers having a menage), but there's only one average sex scene in the story.
The story focuses on Charlie and Amber and for such a short book we get to know both quite well. The secondary characters also seemed to be more developed than some of these mercenary team romantic suspense books. There's also quite a bit of story showing how Charlie and Amber's relationship started then continues with a fairly complex suspense plot.
The reason I can't rate this story higher is that the main characters didn't really appeal to me. Charlie and Amber read more as immature young adult types, and in the case of Charlie, then a competent individual who made it through SEAL training. Amber makes stupid move after stupid move. Moving to China without an actual job offer and little funds and there's a "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" element to what happens to her. In romantic suspense I don't expect my characters to be super heroes, but really, it occurs to NO ONE to just destroy the copy?!? The story could still have continued to just save Amber.
If you are interested in a shorter merc story Lock and Load would probably hit the spot
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The story focuses on Charlie and Amber and for such a short book we get to know both quite well. The secondary characters also seemed to be more developed than some of these mercenary team romantic suspense books. There's also quite a bit of story showing how Charlie and Amber's relationship started then continues with a fairly complex suspense plot.
The reason I can't rate this story higher is that the main characters didn't really appeal to me. Charlie and Amber read more as immature young adult types, and in the case of Charlie, then a competent individual who made it through SEAL training. Amber makes stupid move after stupid move. Moving to China without an actual job offer and little funds and there's a "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" element to what happens to her. In romantic suspense I don't expect my characters to be super heroes, but really, it occurs to NO ONE to just destroy the copy?!? The story could still have continued to just save Amber.
If you are interested in a shorter merc story Lock and Load would probably hit the spot
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2015
Lock & Load is the second book in Kimberley Troutte’s SEAL EXtreme Team series. Ms. Troutte introduces us to the Charlie Handly, a Navy SEAL, who has gotten into trouble with his brother and his entire SEAL Team is on an extended leave. Outside of being a SEAL he is also known as 'Black Pirate' in the gaming world. Over time, he has developed a gaming relationship with Amber Fitz known as 'Hot Girl' in the gaming world and is also a hacker. Almost immediately, we are thrown into the world of hacking as Amber is coaxed into breaking through a firewall for her friend Jacques all in the name of her getting a full-time job. After breaking through the firewall, everything blows up in Amber’s face as she sees her friend murdered before her eyes and she goes on the run. She’s captured and held hostage, rescued and helps discover who is behind her breaking through the firewall. Surprisingly, Amber discovers her rescuer is her friend the Black Pirate, Charlie Handly. Before being called out on this special mission to save Amber, he’s asked Hot Girl on a date. Unbeknownst to him, Amber is Hot Girl and the sparks immediately begin to fly once they recognize each other’s voices. Lock and Load was a fast read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I’d like to disclose that I received a copy of Lock and Load in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 14, 2015
This was my first book by Kimberley Troutte, and I loved Lock and Load I couldn’t put it down!
Charlie Handly and his team get benched when Charlie’s C.O. finds his daughter, Charlie and Willy (his brother) in the C.O.’s bed. Until they can be put back in the field, he works his on-the-side job for a computer gaming company. There is only one person who can beat him at his own games and that is Hot Girl aka Amber Fitz. He Aka Black Pirate finally asks Amber out on a date however, it doesn’t work out for him and he has to wait to talk to her until she shows back up online.
Amber Fitz is trying to go legit and that means no more hacking. All she wants to do is work for Global Games. She meets a French man Jacques and he tells her he needs her to try to get through Global Games firewall. He patches the security holes he says he cannot penetrate the firewall, but his boss Director Lau says it can be done. Jacques tells her she will have a job with Global games if she can do it. She agrees one last time just to get her dream job, however she doesn’t realize that what she is hacking isn’t for the gaming industry and in doing this it will endanger her life. She calls the only person who can help her and that’s her dad. Her dad calls in favors from all over and ends up getting Charlie and his team for the rescue mission. Will Charlie be able to save the girl?
Charlie Handly and his team get benched when Charlie’s C.O. finds his daughter, Charlie and Willy (his brother) in the C.O.’s bed. Until they can be put back in the field, he works his on-the-side job for a computer gaming company. There is only one person who can beat him at his own games and that is Hot Girl aka Amber Fitz. He Aka Black Pirate finally asks Amber out on a date however, it doesn’t work out for him and he has to wait to talk to her until she shows back up online.
Amber Fitz is trying to go legit and that means no more hacking. All she wants to do is work for Global Games. She meets a French man Jacques and he tells her he needs her to try to get through Global Games firewall. He patches the security holes he says he cannot penetrate the firewall, but his boss Director Lau says it can be done. Jacques tells her she will have a job with Global games if she can do it. She agrees one last time just to get her dream job, however she doesn’t realize that what she is hacking isn’t for the gaming industry and in doing this it will endanger her life. She calls the only person who can help her and that’s her dad. Her dad calls in favors from all over and ends up getting Charlie and his team for the rescue mission. Will Charlie be able to save the girl?
May 3, 2015
Kimberley Troutte drew me into "Lock and Load" from the start and I couldn't put it down. I love romance books, love military romance, and now I'm loving military romantic suspense thanks to this talented author.
Amber Fitz, a brilliant computer hacker, is determined to turn her life around. When she's offered a legitimate job with a top video gaming company if she can determine who is hacking into their system and fix the holes, she jumps at the opportunity. Unfortunately, the job offer wasn't what it seemed and Amber's on the run again...for her life.
Charlie Handly, a Navy Seal whose team is assigned to an "off the books" op to capture Amber and secure the top secret information she has in her possession, is ready to see some action again after being benched for a couple of months.
In the midst of twists, turns, intrigue, and a dangerous mission, Charlie and Amber are falling for each other. But, in spite of her protestations to the contrary, is she a traitor? Did she plan to sell the information to the highest bidder?
No spoilers from me. I've never been disappointed by this author. I'll just say when you're cooking dinner and reading from your kindle at the same time, you know you're hooked...and you will be.
May 12, 2015
Lock and Load by Kimberley Troutte is the second book in her SEAL EXtreme Team series. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone without any confusion. I have to say that I did love this book in so many ways.
Charlie is your typical alpha SEAL but he is also a geek who plays (and designs) video games in his down time. I was so proud of him when he talked about his past when he first became a SEAL - no, you need to read the book. Amber is not a typical heroine when you first meet her. She is super smart, independent and sassy but she often let her emotions lead her instead of her intelligence. She was trying so hard to do the right thing after her wild child days.
The plot unfolded smoothly with all of the twists and turns that a reader wants in a romantic supsense. The secondary characters provided a lot of insight into Charlie. as well as the team dynamics and the humor. Willy, Charlie's brother, is fun and deliciously hunky as well as the one who often lightens up the tense situations with humor. I was totally invested in this book from the first page. If you like hunky alpha SEALS, mystery, danger and romance, this book won't let you down.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie is your typical alpha SEAL but he is also a geek who plays (and designs) video games in his down time. I was so proud of him when he talked about his past when he first became a SEAL - no, you need to read the book. Amber is not a typical heroine when you first meet her. She is super smart, independent and sassy but she often let her emotions lead her instead of her intelligence. She was trying so hard to do the right thing after her wild child days.
The plot unfolded smoothly with all of the twists and turns that a reader wants in a romantic supsense. The secondary characters provided a lot of insight into Charlie. as well as the team dynamics and the humor. Willy, Charlie's brother, is fun and deliciously hunky as well as the one who often lightens up the tense situations with humor. I was totally invested in this book from the first page. If you like hunky alpha SEALS, mystery, danger and romance, this book won't let you down.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2015
I was pretty entertained by this story on a few levels. Firstly, it's a Seals action story and I've yet to read a Seals story that didn't keep me on my toes. Secondly, I was surprised to read Cantonese words. I think this is my second book to date that has Cantonese/Chinese in it. Being an Asian myself, it felt warm to be able to relate to aspects of the story. I understand Cantonese and I would like to commend the author for the accuracy of those words used. Thirdly, I think it was a pretty good plot. I enjoyed the unique way of Charlie and Amber meeting and when it comes to serious gamers like them, their MOs are distinctive and it was interesting to read as it applied into context. Their analytical strategies and plans added even more interest to the story and lastly, great strong Seals characters that I'd like to read about.
This is my first book by this author and whilst this is the 2nd book in the series, you can definitely read as a standalone. I do however mean to check out the earlier book as well as the rest in this series.
I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
This is my first book by this author and whilst this is the 2nd book in the series, you can definitely read as a standalone. I do however mean to check out the earlier book as well as the rest in this series.
I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
May 24, 2015
Amber Fitz hacked into the DOD thinking she was helping a ex-boyfriend find wholes in a company’s security. When she goes on the run calling her dad for help he sends her the Extreme Seals to bring her home. Carlie Handles loves a challenge and amber is one big challenge. HE is sent to bring her home but all he wants to do is protect her.
I was looking forward to this book because who doesn’t love a little rebel who is trying to go straight but is only known for her abilities to hack? I love a strong female lead who takes names and kicks but in a realist way. However this one doesn’t do it for me in fact within the first few chapters everything about this book drove me a little crazy. The story is basic almost too simple to be interesting causing the book to fall flat.
The Seals are nothing special in fact I have read these type of characters so many times I have found it very boring. I was hoping for someone thing special instead I got the same old. SEAL looking for something more in life. Girl looking for something to prove fight, trust, lose trust, fight sex and it goes on just like the other hundred novels I have read in the past year.
2 1\2 stars
I was looking forward to this book because who doesn’t love a little rebel who is trying to go straight but is only known for her abilities to hack? I love a strong female lead who takes names and kicks but in a realist way. However this one doesn’t do it for me in fact within the first few chapters everything about this book drove me a little crazy. The story is basic almost too simple to be interesting causing the book to fall flat.
The Seals are nothing special in fact I have read these type of characters so many times I have found it very boring. I was hoping for someone thing special instead I got the same old. SEAL looking for something more in life. Girl looking for something to prove fight, trust, lose trust, fight sex and it goes on just like the other hundred novels I have read in the past year.
2 1\2 stars
May 21, 2015
This book was an action pack adventure from the beginning. Charlie and Amber were online gaming friends, meeting in person when Amber gets caught up in a scandal to steal national secrets. From there we're taken on a wild ride through China as they, along with Charlie's SEAL team, try to stay alive and figure out who's behind the security breach.
I loved Charlie and Amber together. I also liked the way the rest of the team interacted with each other. And while Charlie's brother, Willy, came across as a goofball, it was clear he would do anything to make his brother happy, even forcing Charlie and Amber to admit their feelings for one another
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book in the series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything (although now I do want to go back and read the first book to see how Mack and Jenna's story unfolded).
I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
**A free copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I loved Charlie and Amber together. I also liked the way the rest of the team interacted with each other. And while Charlie's brother, Willy, came across as a goofball, it was clear he would do anything to make his brother happy, even forcing Charlie and Amber to admit their feelings for one another
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book in the series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything (although now I do want to go back and read the first book to see how Mack and Jenna's story unfolded).
I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
**A free copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
May 16, 2015
Romantic suspense from a new to me author. I enjoyed the setup and the basic plot. The initial online interaction between Amber and Charlie was fun and flirty. Once the plot progressed, the rest of the Navy SEAL team came into play and the action was off and running. This was book two in the series, with most of the same characters, and although I have not read book one, I was able to pick up the relationships without trouble. Amber was tough to like. For being portrayed as a brilliant hacker, she made horribly poor choices. I enjoyed the interactions between the guys more than any scenes with her.
I am unsure if the review copy I received was a final copy. I hope not, as I found numerous errors, such as dropped words, lack of commas, unnecessary commas in wrong places, missing apostrophes (were vs. we're), misuse of apostrophes and more. A few times I can overlook, but these errors were frequent and pulled me out of the story. Definitely needed another round with the editor or proofreader.
Review copy kindly provided by the author.
I am unsure if the review copy I received was a final copy. I hope not, as I found numerous errors, such as dropped words, lack of commas, unnecessary commas in wrong places, missing apostrophes (were vs. we're), misuse of apostrophes and more. A few times I can overlook, but these errors were frequent and pulled me out of the story. Definitely needed another round with the editor or proofreader.
Review copy kindly provided by the author.
May 12, 2015
This was one Seal book that was hot from the start. Charlie is cooling his heals after screwing up and he is starting to get a little itchy for some action. The one thing that highlights his time is the girl that can kick arse better than he can in the virtual world.
Amber finds herself in trouble far from home in China. She thought she that she was going to get the job of a lifetime in China only to find out it’s not that easy. Being an exceptional hacker has led her to being setup and now she has to flee for her life. Now if only she can make it out of China alive.
Lock and Load has fast heat and suspense between Charlie and Amber as well as trying to figure out who all the players are that want Amber dead. Charlie still trying to figure out if he can trust Amber or if she is a traitor to the US. There is plenty of action going around in this book and I loved it.
I can’t wait to read more of the SEAL Extreme series. While this was the second book it was a stand alone and I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first book.
Amber finds herself in trouble far from home in China. She thought she that she was going to get the job of a lifetime in China only to find out it’s not that easy. Being an exceptional hacker has led her to being setup and now she has to flee for her life. Now if only she can make it out of China alive.
Lock and Load has fast heat and suspense between Charlie and Amber as well as trying to figure out who all the players are that want Amber dead. Charlie still trying to figure out if he can trust Amber or if she is a traitor to the US. There is plenty of action going around in this book and I loved it.
I can’t wait to read more of the SEAL Extreme series. While this was the second book it was a stand alone and I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first book.
May 5, 2015
This is my first time reading Kimberley Troutte's books and I have to say that I'm not disappointed! Loved the suspense and romance between the main characters and I really enjoyed the 'realness' of the situations in the book.
Amber is a hacker and her profession has gotten her in trouble a time or two. She's also a gamer and plays under the screen name of HotGirl. She is asked by a so-called friend to break the firewalls of a game. Needless to say this brings about a whole heap of trouble for Amber!
Enter Charlie, also a gamer that plays under the screen name BlackPirate. He's also the communications expert in the SEALs. He's part of a team that's sent in to rescue Amber and to see why extremely bad people are after her.
The two have a lot of trust issues that need to be worked out and quick if they want to keep themselves and the rest of the rescue team alive.
I can't wait to read more of Kimberley's work and I definitely recommend it!
Amber is a hacker and her profession has gotten her in trouble a time or two. She's also a gamer and plays under the screen name of HotGirl. She is asked by a so-called friend to break the firewalls of a game. Needless to say this brings about a whole heap of trouble for Amber!
Enter Charlie, also a gamer that plays under the screen name BlackPirate. He's also the communications expert in the SEALs. He's part of a team that's sent in to rescue Amber and to see why extremely bad people are after her.
The two have a lot of trust issues that need to be worked out and quick if they want to keep themselves and the rest of the rescue team alive.
I can't wait to read more of Kimberley's work and I definitely recommend it!
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