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Taskforce #1
The Protector
Embracing the solitude of the Blue Ridge Mountains, former Navy SEAL Ike Calhoun thought he'd left the War on Terror far behind, until he's contacted by an old friend.
Now Ike's stuck shielding Eryn McClellan from ambitious federal agents and crazed jihadists.
Worse, the charming, blue-eyed beauty is shattering his much-needed isolation.
As Ike's restraint erodes like a mountain in a mudslide, and the FBI keeps trying to use Eryn as bait, Ike wages a one-man war to protect the woman whose passion and faith fuels him to rise above his past.
REVIEWS:
"The kind of intrigue I enjoy; much like Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, and Steig Larsen. They have nothing on her." ~Lt. Col. John Lund, U.S. Air Force, ret.
THE TASKFORCE SERIES, in order
The Protector
The Guardian
The Enforcer
THE ECHO PLATOON SERIES, in order
Danger Close
MEET MARLISS MELTON
Bestselling Author Marliss Melton uses her Spec Ops and Intelligence communities to pen realistic and heartfelt stories featuring America's elite warriors. The daughter of a U.S. foreign officer, Melton grew up in various overseas countries, and now resides in Williamsburg, Virginia with her husband and family. www.marlissmelton.com
Now Ike's stuck shielding Eryn McClellan from ambitious federal agents and crazed jihadists.
Worse, the charming, blue-eyed beauty is shattering his much-needed isolation.
As Ike's restraint erodes like a mountain in a mudslide, and the FBI keeps trying to use Eryn as bait, Ike wages a one-man war to protect the woman whose passion and faith fuels him to rise above his past.
REVIEWS:
"The kind of intrigue I enjoy; much like Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, and Steig Larsen. They have nothing on her." ~Lt. Col. John Lund, U.S. Air Force, ret.
THE TASKFORCE SERIES, in order
The Protector
The Guardian
The Enforcer
THE ECHO PLATOON SERIES, in order
Danger Close
MEET MARLISS MELTON
Bestselling Author Marliss Melton uses her Spec Ops and Intelligence communities to pen realistic and heartfelt stories featuring America's elite warriors. The daughter of a U.S. foreign officer, Melton grew up in various overseas countries, and now resides in Williamsburg, Virginia with her husband and family. www.marlissmelton.com
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
148 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Marliss Melton
54 books531 followersMarliss Melton is the author of over twenty romantic suspense, medieval, and inspirational stories. She relies on her experience as a military spouse and on her many contacts in the Spec Ops and Intelligence communities to pen realistic and heartfelt stories about America's elite warriors and fearless agency heroes. Daughter of a U.S. foreign officer, Melton grew up in various countries overseas. She has taught English, Spanish, ESL, and Linguistics at the College of William and Mary, her alma mater., and to this day she lives in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marliss also writes inspirational romantic suspense as Rebecca Hartt. Be sure to “friend” Marliss on Facebook! Visit www.marlissmelton.com or https://RebeccaHartt.com for more information.
Series:
* SEAL Team 12
Series:
* SEAL Team 12
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 2, 2011
I'm so glad Marliss Melton is back in the game again! Her SEAL Team 12 series is one of my favorites, and I can't believe her publisher didn't want her to continue writing about SEALs. Her latest book, The Protector is self-published, and MM wisely chose to stick with a formula that has worked for her in the past. Her heroine, ESL (English as a second language) teacher Eryn McClellan, is the daughter of the top US commander in Afghanistan. Eryn's in a bit of a pickle--she has a terrorist after her head (literally), vowing to seek revenge against her father (sort of an-eye-for-an-eye thing). The FBI is protecting her and holding her at a "safe" house, but want to use her as bait to draw out the terrorist. This doesn't sit well with her father, so he enlists the aid of one of the men he trusts the most--former Navy SEAL Isaac "Ike" Calhoun. Due to a horrible incident (Ike's hair turned gray over this) where most of his men lost his life in Afghanistan because of a decision he made, the guilt-ridden Ike has resigned his commission and retired to a secluded cabin in Virginia's Blue Ridge mountains where he teaches survival training. When General McClellan calls on him to protect his daughter, the reluctant Ike knows he can't let the general (who has been like a father figure to him) down. He'll do everything in his power to keep Eryn safe until the terrorist hunting for her is captured. And there's no way he'll allow himself to fall for the beautiful Eryn...
Yep, all the elements seem to be here for a great book. Strong, silent-type hero who doesn't feel worthy of the heroine's love, a heroine who starts out rather wimpy but with Ike's training becomes a force to be reckoned with, and a religious crackpot villain straight out of today's headlines. The writing is good, but a little something was missing that made me think it wasn't quite "up there" with her previous books. Things didn't start cooking with the H/h until about the midway point, and up until that time a lot of time was spent explaining the terrorism plot. It seemed like just as things were getting interesting with Ike and Eryn's possible romance, MM switched back to the terrorist's POV, or the FBI's POV.
Now, once MM allowed Eryn and Ike to hit the sheets, things started to pick up both romantically and with the suspense. I really couldn't put the book down after that, and there were some definite nail-biting moments, a surprising death, and a heroic rescue. And I have to admit I shed a few tears for Ike too...
Although I loved Ike and Eryn, I think MM short-changed Ike on his backstory. I wanted to know more about him, but we were given just the barest details about his past. Ike was a character who wasn't the most comfortable talking about himself, so Eryn getting information from him was like pulling teeth, but I would've enjoyed reading about his thoughts at least.
And...a little more heat between the H/h would've been nice. What she gave us was certainly sensuous and sexy, but I was hoping for a few more scenes.:)
So, if you've enjoyed Marliss Melton in the past, you should enjoy this one once it gets going. True, for me it doesn't rank up there with her best (Next to Die, Too Far Gone, Don't Let Go), but it's good. Good but not great. Hopefully MM will continue on this path and keep writing about her awesome military heroes. 4 stars
Yep, all the elements seem to be here for a great book. Strong, silent-type hero who doesn't feel worthy of the heroine's love, a heroine who starts out rather wimpy but with Ike's training becomes a force to be reckoned with, and a religious crackpot villain straight out of today's headlines. The writing is good, but a little something was missing that made me think it wasn't quite "up there" with her previous books. Things didn't start cooking with the H/h until about the midway point, and up until that time a lot of time was spent explaining the terrorism plot. It seemed like just as things were getting interesting with Ike and Eryn's possible romance, MM switched back to the terrorist's POV, or the FBI's POV.
Now, once MM allowed Eryn and Ike to hit the sheets, things started to pick up both romantically and with the suspense. I really couldn't put the book down after that, and there were some definite nail-biting moments, a surprising death, and a heroic rescue. And I have to admit I shed a few tears for Ike too...
Although I loved Ike and Eryn, I think MM short-changed Ike on his backstory. I wanted to know more about him, but we were given just the barest details about his past. Ike was a character who wasn't the most comfortable talking about himself, so Eryn getting information from him was like pulling teeth, but I would've enjoyed reading about his thoughts at least.
And...a little more heat between the H/h would've been nice. What she gave us was certainly sensuous and sexy, but I was hoping for a few more scenes.:)
So, if you've enjoyed Marliss Melton in the past, you should enjoy this one once it gets going. True, for me it doesn't rank up there with her best (Next to Die, Too Far Gone, Don't Let Go), but it's good. Good but not great. Hopefully MM will continue on this path and keep writing about her awesome military heroes. 4 stars
April 26, 2022
3.5*
Me gusta la autora, los libros que he leído de ella son buenos.
En éste caso nos encontramos con suspense/acción, aunque yo he echado en falta más romance.
Me gusta la autora, los libros que he leído de ella son buenos.
En éste caso nos encontramos con suspense/acción, aunque yo he echado en falta más romance.
April 2, 2016
2.5 Skip-it Stars
Lots of stereotypes.
Flat, black-hat villains.
Heroine is a damsel in distress with some too-stupid-to-live moments and little control of her destiny.
Some awkward word choices in the sex scenes (her chasm, for example), and I never felt the chemistry between the H and h.
Frequent need to suspend reality.
All of which is a shame because basics of the plot are quite good and would make a great action movie or story if the characters were more believable.
This series ends here for me.
Lots of stereotypes.
Flat, black-hat villains.
Heroine is a damsel in distress with some too-stupid-to-live moments and little control of her destiny.
Some awkward word choices in the sex scenes (her chasm, for example), and I never felt the chemistry between the H and h.
Frequent need to suspend reality.
All of which is a shame because basics of the plot are quite good and would make a great action movie or story if the characters were more believable.
This series ends here for me.
October 28, 2011
This book didn't work for me, I didn't like the characters (what is up with the names?), the whole setup with the daughter of a General being hunted and the whole FBI thing seemed so reckless and unprofessional and most important of all I didn't like the characters.
The story didn't pull me in, the characters monologues and dialogues were weird. The romance too lacked something.
Bottom-line not my cup of tea, try the other books by this author.
The story didn't pull me in, the characters monologues and dialogues were weird. The romance too lacked something.
Bottom-line not my cup of tea, try the other books by this author.
August 17, 2020
Un cliché, sí.
Una historia de amor, sí.
Una trama de suspense, sí.
Con giros inesperados, sí.
Esta novela, aunque a simple vista es un cliché -que lo es-, cuenta con la originalidad inesperada de un personaje masculino que sorprende.
Ike no es un hombre que se deja avasallar, tampoco es alguien conformista. Golpeado por un amor que no esperaba sentir y al que cree que no merece aspirar, pone su vida del revés para sentirse bien consigo mismo. No quiere que ella le espere, sin embargo sí desea que lo haga (aunque lo sueña en el más agónico silencio).
Un hombre hecho a sí mismo. Más experimentado y profesional que muchos de mayor edad y rango que él. Consecuente consigo mismo y con sus decisiones. Con gran lealtad por lo que cree. Ike es un hombre que merece tener cuanto desea.
Me ha decepcionado un poco el papel de ella, pues parece que vive del aire, aunque la autora da breves, brevísimas, pinceladas de su profesión. Salvo ese detalle y la falta de más protagonismo -quizás una hazaña- por parte del perro, esta cara A de la historia ha estado algo inconclusa.
Me ha decepcionado un poco, pero no tenía grandes aspiraciones por esta novela. Quizás porque lo del guardaespaldas ya está muy visto.
Una historia de amor, sí.
Una trama de suspense, sí.
Con giros inesperados, sí.
Esta novela, aunque a simple vista es un cliché -que lo es-, cuenta con la originalidad inesperada de un personaje masculino que sorprende.
Ike no es un hombre que se deja avasallar, tampoco es alguien conformista. Golpeado por un amor que no esperaba sentir y al que cree que no merece aspirar, pone su vida del revés para sentirse bien consigo mismo. No quiere que ella le espere, sin embargo sí desea que lo haga (aunque lo sueña en el más agónico silencio).
Un hombre hecho a sí mismo. Más experimentado y profesional que muchos de mayor edad y rango que él. Consecuente consigo mismo y con sus decisiones. Con gran lealtad por lo que cree. Ike es un hombre que merece tener cuanto desea.
Me ha decepcionado un poco el papel de ella, pues parece que vive del aire, aunque la autora da breves, brevísimas, pinceladas de su profesión. Salvo ese detalle y la falta de más protagonismo -quizás una hazaña- por parte del perro, esta cara A de la historia ha estado algo inconclusa.
Me ha decepcionado un poco, pero no tenía grandes aspiraciones por esta novela. Quizás porque lo del guardaespaldas ya está muy visto.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2014
The first book in Marliss Melton's Taskforce series. Eryn McClellan is the daughter of a general and teaches English as a second language. One of her students saves her life but loses his and Eryn is put in FBI custody for protection. But the FBI isn't doing all that great of a job so the General calls on one of his former men, Isaac "Ike" Calhoun, to protect his daughter. Now the reluctant "protector" must ensure Eryn's safety, not only from the bad guys but himself.
This has all the right elements and is put together in a way that makes me love it. I'm a big fan of Ms Melton's SEAL Team 12 series so I was sure this would be a winner too. It is a winner for me. It may not have grabbed me quite as hard as the SEAL Team 12 series but it is most certainly worth reading.
This has all the right elements and is put together in a way that makes me love it. I'm a big fan of Ms Melton's SEAL Team 12 series so I was sure this would be a winner too. It is a winner for me. It may not have grabbed me quite as hard as the SEAL Team 12 series but it is most certainly worth reading.
November 28, 2013
*2,5 stars*
I gave this author a try because of my author's names challenge.
Until the last 1/3 I was giving it 3,5 stars, but then the heroine started to have TSTL reactions. Also, at one point I found the FBI behavior OTT. I mean, the heroine is the daughter of a respected 4 stars general, not any lambda citizen they can bully as they please.
I gave this author a try because of my author's names challenge.
Until the last 1/3 I was giving it 3,5 stars, but then the heroine started to have TSTL reactions. Also, at one point I found the FBI behavior OTT. I mean, the heroine is the daughter of a respected 4 stars general, not any lambda citizen they can bully as they please.
July 24, 2011
THE PROTECTOR by Marliss Melton
07/11 – Published by CreateSpace - Paperback, 240 pages
Is it the person or the act that makes one a hero?
Eryn McClellan has traveled the world as her family gladly follower her father’s military career. She admires him, respects and the military choices he has had to make even though those choices have made her a target for a terrorist group that wants her head literally on a silver platter. The only person her father trusts to keep her safe is Isaac “Ike” Calhoun, a retired SEAL that knows all the places you can hide someone because that is what he has been doing since he left his military career behind. Ike blames himself for a choice that cost soldiers’ lives even though he felt it was the right decision. Guilt drove him to where he is now and obligation to the man he served for will have him take care of Eryn.
Ike doesn’t want the job but he would never say no to the man that filled the family gap that Ike desperately needed. So he goes in and literally picks Eryn and her dog up and takes her to his remote mountain hideaway. The problem is the FBI wants to keep her safe despite their loose definition of safe from using her as bait. Ike is having none of this idea and his house is safe and the security strong. No one is getting in without Ike knowing about it but the problem is not perimeter safety it is the attraction to Eryn that might get through the wall around his heart.
Ike keeps everything in check, that is how you stay alive but with Eryn’s gentle ways and trusting nature he appears to be softening that stance. One touch turns to a kiss which becomes a caress and before Ike knows what has happened he finds himself risking his life and his heart to make sure no one touches her but him.
When the chase begins to identify the bad guys from the less than honorable Eryn has already picked her hero and knows that Ike may not have allot to say but the few words he expresses are genuine and true.
This is a great adventure book mixed with the perfect addition of suspense to romance which keeps you wondering what will happen next. I would have liked more in depth about Ike’s family angst but everything else is exceptional.
07/11 – Published by CreateSpace - Paperback, 240 pages
Is it the person or the act that makes one a hero?
Eryn McClellan has traveled the world as her family gladly follower her father’s military career. She admires him, respects and the military choices he has had to make even though those choices have made her a target for a terrorist group that wants her head literally on a silver platter. The only person her father trusts to keep her safe is Isaac “Ike” Calhoun, a retired SEAL that knows all the places you can hide someone because that is what he has been doing since he left his military career behind. Ike blames himself for a choice that cost soldiers’ lives even though he felt it was the right decision. Guilt drove him to where he is now and obligation to the man he served for will have him take care of Eryn.
Ike doesn’t want the job but he would never say no to the man that filled the family gap that Ike desperately needed. So he goes in and literally picks Eryn and her dog up and takes her to his remote mountain hideaway. The problem is the FBI wants to keep her safe despite their loose definition of safe from using her as bait. Ike is having none of this idea and his house is safe and the security strong. No one is getting in without Ike knowing about it but the problem is not perimeter safety it is the attraction to Eryn that might get through the wall around his heart.
Ike keeps everything in check, that is how you stay alive but with Eryn’s gentle ways and trusting nature he appears to be softening that stance. One touch turns to a kiss which becomes a caress and before Ike knows what has happened he finds himself risking his life and his heart to make sure no one touches her but him.
When the chase begins to identify the bad guys from the less than honorable Eryn has already picked her hero and knows that Ike may not have allot to say but the few words he expresses are genuine and true.
This is a great adventure book mixed with the perfect addition of suspense to romance which keeps you wondering what will happen next. I would have liked more in depth about Ike’s family angst but everything else is exceptional.
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July 31, 2011
I got this for a great price on my Nook. I'm always looking for new authors and this looked interesting.
If you are looking for a book with a little bit of romance, a good story plot, fair character development, this is may work for you. It has a military twist, so if you don't like this type of story - you may not like this. A terrorist plot is throughout the story.
Overall, not bad. I would give it 3.5 to 4 stars. I will try another by this author.
Happy Reading!
If you are looking for a book with a little bit of romance, a good story plot, fair character development, this is may work for you. It has a military twist, so if you don't like this type of story - you may not like this. A terrorist plot is throughout the story.
Overall, not bad. I would give it 3.5 to 4 stars. I will try another by this author.
Happy Reading!
September 6, 2020
NFR al 72%
Está traducido de tal manera que las frases suenan raras. No sé si son los tiempos verbales o la gramática en general, pero se me ha hecho raro durante toda la novela.
Los clichés en cuanto a la construcción de personajes y/o trama no me molestan en exceso siempre y cuando la novela acabe sobreponiéndose a ese, digamos, punto de partida, cosa que esta no ha conseguido en mi opinión.
El romance no es creíble, sucede todo demasiado artificiosamente. No tienen química suficiente. No me ha gustado y no lo he podido terminar. En cuanto ella le dice "te amo" por teléfono... Dije: hasta aquí.
Lo siento.
Está traducido de tal manera que las frases suenan raras. No sé si son los tiempos verbales o la gramática en general, pero se me ha hecho raro durante toda la novela.
Los clichés en cuanto a la construcción de personajes y/o trama no me molestan en exceso siempre y cuando la novela acabe sobreponiéndose a ese, digamos, punto de partida, cosa que esta no ha conseguido en mi opinión.
El romance no es creíble, sucede todo demasiado artificiosamente. No tienen química suficiente. No me ha gustado y no lo he podido terminar. En cuanto ella le dice "te amo" por teléfono... Dije: hasta aquí.
Lo siento.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2011
I think this story had potential but sadly for me it didn't work. Dialog was wierd, forced. I just didn't get in the story kind of like watching cartoon character trying to look real.
I forced myself to read it to the end.
So ... not my type of book.
I forced myself to read it to the end.
So ... not my type of book.
January 20, 2020
The Protector is an enjoyable romantic suspense. It has lots of action and good characters. The main female character is the daughter of a high ranking military official. She is targeted by terrorists and hidden away by the FBI. In actuality, the FBI is using her as bait. Her dad secures the help of a former Navy Seal to spirit her away from the FBI and protect her.
When Ike takes Eryn to his secluded property, feelings develop between them. Ike has to keep Eryn safe while trying to protect his own guarded heart.
I really liked how brave Eryn was, and how protective Ike was toward her. The storyline was fast-paced and stayed interesting.
When Ike takes Eryn to his secluded property, feelings develop between them. Ike has to keep Eryn safe while trying to protect his own guarded heart.
I really liked how brave Eryn was, and how protective Ike was toward her. The storyline was fast-paced and stayed interesting.
September 16, 2021
non ci siamo
proposto da un aggiornamento di colleghe di blog, ho preso questo libro per le mie letture personali credendo in una nuova susan stoker o lisa marie rice o marie force
non l'ho abbandonato dopo le prime 20 pagine perchè non lascio mai nulla di intentato
a parte i dialoghi assolutamente senza senso tra i due protagonisti, errori di struttura delle frasi di tempi verbali, scene tradotte malissimo a cui chiaramente mancano dei passaggi; ike non ha nulla nulla dei miei amati delta, e non capiamo neanche che lo scock gli ha ingrigito i capelli se non per le domande di lei ad un certo punto; eryn è praticamente una farmaco dipendente da stress ma poi non si capisce che vuole fare dove andare
una storia che no ho capito dove volesse andare e che penalizzata dal disastro linguistico strutturale non va oltre le due stelle
proposto da un aggiornamento di colleghe di blog, ho preso questo libro per le mie letture personali credendo in una nuova susan stoker o lisa marie rice o marie force
non l'ho abbandonato dopo le prime 20 pagine perchè non lascio mai nulla di intentato
a parte i dialoghi assolutamente senza senso tra i due protagonisti, errori di struttura delle frasi di tempi verbali, scene tradotte malissimo a cui chiaramente mancano dei passaggi; ike non ha nulla nulla dei miei amati delta, e non capiamo neanche che lo scock gli ha ingrigito i capelli se non per le domande di lei ad un certo punto; eryn è praticamente una farmaco dipendente da stress ma poi non si capisce che vuole fare dove andare
una storia che no ho capito dove volesse andare e che penalizzata dal disastro linguistico strutturale non va oltre le due stelle
June 2, 2020
En primer lugar, dar las gracias al Grupo Romance por él envió del ejemplar.
Una novela muy entretenida que he devorado en dos tardes.
Con unos personajes que me han gustado mucho, hay para todos los gustos. Desde el agente gilipollas del FBI hasta el ex Seal sexi y buenorro, pasando por la chica a la que intenta matar los yihadistas.
En su trama encontraremos, acción, conflictos, aventura, deseo, tensión, conspiraciones, pasión, amor, risas y sobre todo un entorno idílico en la montaña Blue Ridge que me ha encantado.
De sus protagonistas diré:
Eryn McClellan:
Una profesora de idiomas en Washington DC. Hija del general McClellan destinado en Afganistán.
Isaac Thackeray Calhoun:
Un ex SEAL de la Armada, retirado por problemas que tuvo con su equipo en Afganistán.
General Stanley McClellan:
Padre de Eryn, antiguo jefe de Ike como un padre para él.
Winston:
Perro de Eryn, su mejor guardián.
Brad Caine:
Supervisor de Jackson, un idiota redomado.
Jackson Maddox:
Agentes de FBI
“Así es, princesa. La palabra clave es “LANCASTER”. Dijo que lo entenderías”.
Farshad:
Un personaje que hay que tener muy en cuenta.
“NO VOY A MORIR HOY”. El pensamiento ralentizó su corazón a un ritmo aceptable.
La trama trata de que intentan secuestrar a Eryn un grupo terroripara matarla y vengarse de su padre, un general activo en Afganistán.
Como el padre no se fía nada de del FBI y con razón, Manda a buscar a Ike un ex Seal ya retirado que vive en una montaña en soledad, para que cuide de su seguridad y consiga que Eryn salga indemne de esa amenaza.
“Maldita sea, lo último que necesitaba era una hermosa e intocable mujer bajo sus alas”.
Ike lleva una vida muy austera, para nada con las comodidades que está acostumbrada Eryn.
Entre los dos surge un flechazo el cual no quieren reconocer, el tiene una lucha titánica entre el deber o el placer. Y ella lo quiere conseguir a cualquier precio.
Ella luchara con uñas y dientes para por derribar ese muro al que el se ha impuesto, a parte de su lucha por sobrevivir.
El luchando por no caer en la tentación, ya que se ha impuesto como castigo no disfrutar de los placeres de la vida por algo que sucedió en su pasado.
Juntos los dos tendrán que luchar por la supervivencia de Eryn y a la vez por los demonios de Ike.
La historia de amor que surge entre los dos, esta llena de pasión deseo, grandes dosis de amor. Serán capaces de romper esos muros que los impiden ser felices. Si queréis descubrirlo tendréis que leerla.
La historia esta narrada por diferentes puntos de vista, lo que le he agradecido mucho a su autora, ya que la historia se complementa mucho mejor.
En definitiva, una historia llena de conflictos, persecuciones, conspiraciones, pasión y amor. Que he disfrutado mucho y me ha mantenido pegada a sus páginas.
Con unos personajes que me han encantado a pesar de sus cabezonerías.
Muy bien narrado, no conocía la pluma de su autora y reconozco que me ha agradado mucho.
Una lectura muy recomendable.
El Protector Marliss Melton
Una novela muy entretenida que he devorado en dos tardes.
Con unos personajes que me han gustado mucho, hay para todos los gustos. Desde el agente gilipollas del FBI hasta el ex Seal sexi y buenorro, pasando por la chica a la que intenta matar los yihadistas.
En su trama encontraremos, acción, conflictos, aventura, deseo, tensión, conspiraciones, pasión, amor, risas y sobre todo un entorno idílico en la montaña Blue Ridge que me ha encantado.
De sus protagonistas diré:
Eryn McClellan:
Una profesora de idiomas en Washington DC. Hija del general McClellan destinado en Afganistán.
Isaac Thackeray Calhoun:
Un ex SEAL de la Armada, retirado por problemas que tuvo con su equipo en Afganistán.
General Stanley McClellan:
Padre de Eryn, antiguo jefe de Ike como un padre para él.
Winston:
Perro de Eryn, su mejor guardián.
Brad Caine:
Supervisor de Jackson, un idiota redomado.
Jackson Maddox:
Agentes de FBI
“Así es, princesa. La palabra clave es “LANCASTER”. Dijo que lo entenderías”.
Farshad:
Un personaje que hay que tener muy en cuenta.
“NO VOY A MORIR HOY”. El pensamiento ralentizó su corazón a un ritmo aceptable.
La trama trata de que intentan secuestrar a Eryn un grupo terroripara matarla y vengarse de su padre, un general activo en Afganistán.
Como el padre no se fía nada de del FBI y con razón, Manda a buscar a Ike un ex Seal ya retirado que vive en una montaña en soledad, para que cuide de su seguridad y consiga que Eryn salga indemne de esa amenaza.
“Maldita sea, lo último que necesitaba era una hermosa e intocable mujer bajo sus alas”.
Ike lleva una vida muy austera, para nada con las comodidades que está acostumbrada Eryn.
Entre los dos surge un flechazo el cual no quieren reconocer, el tiene una lucha titánica entre el deber o el placer. Y ella lo quiere conseguir a cualquier precio.
Ella luchara con uñas y dientes para por derribar ese muro al que el se ha impuesto, a parte de su lucha por sobrevivir.
El luchando por no caer en la tentación, ya que se ha impuesto como castigo no disfrutar de los placeres de la vida por algo que sucedió en su pasado.
Juntos los dos tendrán que luchar por la supervivencia de Eryn y a la vez por los demonios de Ike.
La historia de amor que surge entre los dos, esta llena de pasión deseo, grandes dosis de amor. Serán capaces de romper esos muros que los impiden ser felices. Si queréis descubrirlo tendréis que leerla.
La historia esta narrada por diferentes puntos de vista, lo que le he agradecido mucho a su autora, ya que la historia se complementa mucho mejor.
En definitiva, una historia llena de conflictos, persecuciones, conspiraciones, pasión y amor. Que he disfrutado mucho y me ha mantenido pegada a sus páginas.
Con unos personajes que me han encantado a pesar de sus cabezonerías.
Muy bien narrado, no conocía la pluma de su autora y reconozco que me ha agradado mucho.
Una lectura muy recomendable.
El Protector Marliss Melton
October 3, 2014
Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews
This was a very interesting read. The premise was intriguing and kept the story flowing. I gotta say I did not like Ike all the time. And the FBI guy Kane is really not like-able.
As a hero, Ike is rough around the edges. He was bossy and domineering, not always in a good way. He kicks things off more bully than hero. Fortunately he lightens up over time and exposure to Eryn. By the end I really had come to like him. The while tortured warrior is a weakness for me!
I really liked Eryn, she is spunky and sweet all at the same time! The thing I like best about her is she listened to her instincts. She did not fall prey to the "too stupid to live" moments. A girl with brains and heart!
These two had a nice chemistry and interesting dynamic. Once they got to know each other things between them were playful. I love a couple that do not take everything so serious.
The book has a mixed narrative, most of it swaps between the two leads POV, but there are times when supporting characters are in charge. This was great for getting to know everything that is going on, it also makes the bad guy more sinister.
The book moves at a steady pace but there are a few times when things drag. The action comes fast and furious, but there is plenty of downtime too. The main plot was complex but simple at the same time. It was very much inline with current events. I do not read a lot of terrorist thrillers, so this felt fresh to me.
There are a few yummy steamy scenes! Gotta expend the post chase adrenaline!!! Oh yeah, things are very smexy! This is the time it is totally fine to have those Alpha moments!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by David Brenin. He has a delicious voice with a gravely growl! Oh yeah, he gives good voice!! He has a really great pace, swift but steady enough you can follow. I loved his men's voices, they were wonderful. The women's voices are a bit on the low and breathy side , they work but are not very feminine. I enjoyed his read and will definitely be looking forward to him in the rest of the series!
Overall, this was an entertaining read, it had faults but not so many to stop me listening. I am intrigued by the rest of the series and want to hear more. One of the big things that caught me was the ending, it did not just end with them getting back together. There was a resolution to issues in their lives. I had more than a few tears fall, especially in the last chapter!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
This was a very interesting read. The premise was intriguing and kept the story flowing. I gotta say I did not like Ike all the time. And the FBI guy Kane is really not like-able.
As a hero, Ike is rough around the edges. He was bossy and domineering, not always in a good way. He kicks things off more bully than hero. Fortunately he lightens up over time and exposure to Eryn. By the end I really had come to like him. The while tortured warrior is a weakness for me!
I really liked Eryn, she is spunky and sweet all at the same time! The thing I like best about her is she listened to her instincts. She did not fall prey to the "too stupid to live" moments. A girl with brains and heart!
These two had a nice chemistry and interesting dynamic. Once they got to know each other things between them were playful. I love a couple that do not take everything so serious.
The book has a mixed narrative, most of it swaps between the two leads POV, but there are times when supporting characters are in charge. This was great for getting to know everything that is going on, it also makes the bad guy more sinister.
The book moves at a steady pace but there are a few times when things drag. The action comes fast and furious, but there is plenty of downtime too. The main plot was complex but simple at the same time. It was very much inline with current events. I do not read a lot of terrorist thrillers, so this felt fresh to me.
There are a few yummy steamy scenes! Gotta expend the post chase adrenaline!!! Oh yeah, things are very smexy! This is the time it is totally fine to have those Alpha moments!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by David Brenin. He has a delicious voice with a gravely growl! Oh yeah, he gives good voice!! He has a really great pace, swift but steady enough you can follow. I loved his men's voices, they were wonderful. The women's voices are a bit on the low and breathy side , they work but are not very feminine. I enjoyed his read and will definitely be looking forward to him in the rest of the series!
Overall, this was an entertaining read, it had faults but not so many to stop me listening. I am intrigued by the rest of the series and want to hear more. One of the big things that caught me was the ending, it did not just end with them getting back together. There was a resolution to issues in their lives. I had more than a few tears fall, especially in the last chapter!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
August 30, 2011
Another author friend of mine was discussing the problems Marliss Melton had had with her publisher (Ms. Melton writes military romantic suspense and apparently her publisher decided they didn’t want any more SEAL books from her) and so Ms. Melton had decided to self-publish.
I was intrigued by the story and wanted to see what the publisher had passed up, so I went ahead and read The Protector. From the very first page we are pulled into Eryn’s story when one of her students is acting very strangely while completing an after school project. She feels uncomfortable, realizing they are alone, and decides to leave. His behavior escalates and so does the suspense of what will happen next. Before Eryn can blink, she’s thrust into a world where men would kill her to take their revenge on her military commander father and if she wants to live, the game is on.
The author masterfully combines her knowledge of the military with the emotions of what havoc war can wreak on even the most gentle of souls, including her hero Ike Calhoun. Ike has come home from the war on terror with a lot of demons. He’s trying to forget everything he’s seen and done, but gets pulled into Eryn’s predicament because of a favor he owes to her father. The author really pushes the reader beyond empathy with Ike’s story and what happened to him and his SEAL team. I found Ike to be a compelling tortured hero and loved his interactions with Eryn.
With a great setting, can’t-put-it-down plot, and characters that pull at your emotions, The Protector was a story that is more than entertainment. It really made me think about our men and women in uniform and the issues they face once they are home. My only complaint was that the villain seemed a bit on the stereotypical side and, for my more gentle readers, I must caution that there were a few sex scenes and some language in this book that could make you uncomfortable, (if it were a movie it would definitely be an R). But those sorts of scenes aren’t long and drawn out and can be skipped over without hurting the story. There were also a few typos that were mildly distracting, but the plotline more than made up for that.
All in all, for better or for worse, I think Ms. Melton made the decision that was right for her in her self-publishing foray, and her readers will not be disappointed with her debut self-published novel.
Originally reviewed on my blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
I was intrigued by the story and wanted to see what the publisher had passed up, so I went ahead and read The Protector. From the very first page we are pulled into Eryn’s story when one of her students is acting very strangely while completing an after school project. She feels uncomfortable, realizing they are alone, and decides to leave. His behavior escalates and so does the suspense of what will happen next. Before Eryn can blink, she’s thrust into a world where men would kill her to take their revenge on her military commander father and if she wants to live, the game is on.
The author masterfully combines her knowledge of the military with the emotions of what havoc war can wreak on even the most gentle of souls, including her hero Ike Calhoun. Ike has come home from the war on terror with a lot of demons. He’s trying to forget everything he’s seen and done, but gets pulled into Eryn’s predicament because of a favor he owes to her father. The author really pushes the reader beyond empathy with Ike’s story and what happened to him and his SEAL team. I found Ike to be a compelling tortured hero and loved his interactions with Eryn.
With a great setting, can’t-put-it-down plot, and characters that pull at your emotions, The Protector was a story that is more than entertainment. It really made me think about our men and women in uniform and the issues they face once they are home. My only complaint was that the villain seemed a bit on the stereotypical side and, for my more gentle readers, I must caution that there were a few sex scenes and some language in this book that could make you uncomfortable, (if it were a movie it would definitely be an R). But those sorts of scenes aren’t long and drawn out and can be skipped over without hurting the story. There were also a few typos that were mildly distracting, but the plotline more than made up for that.
All in all, for better or for worse, I think Ms. Melton made the decision that was right for her in her self-publishing foray, and her readers will not be disappointed with her debut self-published novel.
Originally reviewed on my blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
November 16, 2013
I had high hopes for this book since the blurb itself is very promising. However, as the story unfolds, the two main character's love story starts to slides to the backside for me and the reason I kept on reading was because of the sub plot. In short, the secondary characters and the secondary subplots engaged me more than the H/h's story.
The h is a very fine example of a character that thrives well when the weather is good. But when hardship comes, her selfishness/brat-iness appears. I can understand that she's gone through a lot but the way the author portrayed her response to the situation, she ended up just like a clueless brat. Which also contradicts the background that the author gave for her. Not a character I like.
The H on the other hand, is your averaged tortured soul, former SEAL, and reluctant hero. I like him enough.
But the main reason why the H and h's story did not get to me is because their chemistry does not make sense. It's more like 'I-don't-want-to-get-involved-but-I-can't-help-that-I-am-attracted' line of cop out. The h's attempts to connect to the H by plying him with questions about his family that he really does not want to talk to his team - much less towards a bratty stranger. And then she pouts because he rebuffs her attempts at talking! Hello, that's not talking, it's prying especially since they just meet less than 24 hours ago. I laugh when she told herself about her attempt to play psychology to a PTSD SEAL when she herself just melt at a drop of a pin - unfortunately, she did not stop the attempt.
Overall, I think the author wants the h to appear like a strong yet June-Cleaver-caring but in the end....The book has a whinny h and a hen-pecked H. Amazing secondary characters and secondary subplots, great pacing and just enough suspense and intrigue.
The h is a very fine example of a character that thrives well when the weather is good. But when hardship comes, her selfishness/brat-iness appears. I can understand that she's gone through a lot but the way the author portrayed her response to the situation, she ended up just like a clueless brat. Which also contradicts the background that the author gave for her. Not a character I like.
The H on the other hand, is your averaged tortured soul, former SEAL, and reluctant hero. I like him enough.
But the main reason why the H and h's story did not get to me is because their chemistry does not make sense. It's more like 'I-don't-want-to-get-involved-but-I-can't-help-that-I-am-attracted' line of cop out. The h's attempts to connect to the H by plying him with questions about his family that he really does not want to talk to his team - much less towards a bratty stranger. And then she pouts because he rebuffs her attempts at talking! Hello, that's not talking, it's prying especially since they just meet less than 24 hours ago. I laugh when she told herself about her attempt to play psychology to a PTSD SEAL when she herself just melt at a drop of a pin - unfortunately, she did not stop the attempt.
Overall, I think the author wants the h to appear like a strong yet June-Cleaver-caring but in the end....The book has a whinny h and a hen-pecked H. Amazing secondary characters and secondary subplots, great pacing and just enough suspense and intrigue.
July 25, 2016
I really did not like this book which is a shame because I liked her Seal Team 12 Series. However, this book just wanted to make me throw my kindle across the room. First off the heroine was just not my cup of tea. I first I thought she might be okay but the second she was "rescued" from the FBI by a man she's never met before she takes a pill which makes her sleep. She spends most of the trip asleep even though she isn't sure who/why this man rescued her except that he says her father sent him. Then when he throws her pills away she has a tantrum. She just comes across as weak and needy through most of the book with some TSTL moments thrown in. The hero isn't that much better. He has no sympathy for the heroine's situation, he's rude to her and refuses to talk about much of anything including how he plans to keep her safe. The fact that they rarely have a conversation meaningful or otherwise makes it incredibly hard to believe they fall in love. The sex scenes were just awkward and there was no chemistry to speak of.
He emitted a groan as she cradled his tumescence. WTH?
That's just the "good guys". The villains were even worse. They were so stereotypical I just rolled my eyes and groaned. Not to mention that the FBI agent was completely over the top and stupid!
My suggestion is to skip this one!
He emitted a groan as she cradled his tumescence. WTH?
That's just the "good guys". The villains were even worse. They were so stereotypical I just rolled my eyes and groaned. Not to mention that the FBI agent was completely over the top and stupid!
My suggestion is to skip this one!
July 5, 2011
Marliss Melton's SEAL Team 12 books have been among my favorite military-themed romantic suspense. I was disappointed when her publisher decided no more SEAL books. That turns out to be short-sighted since the heroic SEALs killed Bin Laden, making them very popular with the general public. I was delighted to hear Melton was self-publishing a new series of military RS in ebook format, and bought the first one as soon as it was out.
Unfortunately, it didn't live up to Melton's previous books. The overall story idea is good, but the execution is just okay. The writing in The Protector feels so different than the SEAL Team 12 books that it felt like a different author. She overused similes and metaphors, and the emotions of the characters were overwrought. The heroine was also TSTL several times, but that's a common plot with RS, unfortunately, so that doesn't mean bad prose.
Two stars on Goodreads means a book is okay. This book is just that, okay. Because of Melton's track record as one of my favorite RS authors, I'll give her a pass on this book and look forward to the next one.
Unfortunately, it didn't live up to Melton's previous books. The overall story idea is good, but the execution is just okay. The writing in The Protector feels so different than the SEAL Team 12 books that it felt like a different author. She overused similes and metaphors, and the emotions of the characters were overwrought. The heroine was also TSTL several times, but that's a common plot with RS, unfortunately, so that doesn't mean bad prose.
Two stars on Goodreads means a book is okay. This book is just that, okay. Because of Melton's track record as one of my favorite RS authors, I'll give her a pass on this book and look forward to the next one.
August 14, 2011
I'm so glad Mariliss Melton is back. I'd forgotten how well she does romantic suspense. I really liked this book and can't wait for her to continue with this series.
December 15, 2018
The first book in this series.
When our heroine leaves her day job teaching ESL and notices a student is acting different and then when she's nearly kidnapped and told to run, she knew something was going on and ran. She turned to the one person she knew what to do - her father - who was a General in the military.
Upon hearing from his daughter, he gave her advice and then contacted one of his men he knew would do it for him - our hero.
Our hero had it with the military. After an op gone wrong, he knew he couldn't look his superior in the eyes and lead others into battle and possibility death, so he left the military. However, when his superior has someone who knows our hero come looking for him and convinces him to help his daughter.
Next, when a close call at the safe house our heroine was in, thankfully our hero was there to help her. Soon, they were off trying to figure out who was out to get her and why. Along the way, they get to know each other and then respect each other.
However, when he decides to go back into the military because he believes that's where he belongs, what will happen to this couple who are now linked as one?
The plot kept you reading and as you thought it would go the traditional route, something else would happen which would keep you reading. You could imagine yourself in the hero and hero's shoes.
This read is recommended and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
When our heroine leaves her day job teaching ESL and notices a student is acting different and then when she's nearly kidnapped and told to run, she knew something was going on and ran. She turned to the one person she knew what to do - her father - who was a General in the military.
Upon hearing from his daughter, he gave her advice and then contacted one of his men he knew would do it for him - our hero.
Our hero had it with the military. After an op gone wrong, he knew he couldn't look his superior in the eyes and lead others into battle and possibility death, so he left the military. However, when his superior has someone who knows our hero come looking for him and convinces him to help his daughter.
Next, when a close call at the safe house our heroine was in, thankfully our hero was there to help her. Soon, they were off trying to figure out who was out to get her and why. Along the way, they get to know each other and then respect each other.
However, when he decides to go back into the military because he believes that's where he belongs, what will happen to this couple who are now linked as one?
The plot kept you reading and as you thought it would go the traditional route, something else would happen which would keep you reading. You could imagine yourself in the hero and hero's shoes.
This read is recommended and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
March 23, 2020
Este libro nos cuenta la historia de amor entre Eryn, una profesora de inglés de Washington, e Ike, un exSeal retirado que vive en soledad en una cabaña en la montaña.
La novela comienza cuando Eryn se convierte en el objetivo de un grupo terrorista que busca su muerte como venganza hacia su padre, principal comandante de Estados Unidos en Afganistán, y éste, tras una serie de acontecimientos, decide que sea Ike quien se ocupe de su seguridad hasta que desaparezca la amenaza.
A partir de ese momento se desarrolla una historia narrada desde diferentes puntos de vista (lo que me ha gustado bastante, puesto que nos permite vivir la historia con una perspectiva mucho más amplia), llena de persecuciones, conflictos, conspiraciones, tensión y, por supuesto, amor.
Eryn luchará con uñas y dientes no solo por su vida y su libertad, también por derribar los muros del tosco Ike, acostumbrado a la soledad e impidiéndose vivir a sí mismo a causa de su pasado. Juntos romperán la coraza que Ike ha construido y pelearán contra todo para mantener a Eryn a salvo.
No tenía el placer de haber leído nada de Marliss Melton hasta ahora y tengo que decir que en general el libro me ha gustado mucho. Me parece que está muy bien narrado y me ha mantenido enganchada en todo momento. Los personajes también me han gustado mucho, aunque como en otras muchas ocasiones, hay momentos es los que te dan ganas de estrangularlos por lo cabezotas que son, los dos…
La novela comienza cuando Eryn se convierte en el objetivo de un grupo terrorista que busca su muerte como venganza hacia su padre, principal comandante de Estados Unidos en Afganistán, y éste, tras una serie de acontecimientos, decide que sea Ike quien se ocupe de su seguridad hasta que desaparezca la amenaza.
A partir de ese momento se desarrolla una historia narrada desde diferentes puntos de vista (lo que me ha gustado bastante, puesto que nos permite vivir la historia con una perspectiva mucho más amplia), llena de persecuciones, conflictos, conspiraciones, tensión y, por supuesto, amor.
Eryn luchará con uñas y dientes no solo por su vida y su libertad, también por derribar los muros del tosco Ike, acostumbrado a la soledad e impidiéndose vivir a sí mismo a causa de su pasado. Juntos romperán la coraza que Ike ha construido y pelearán contra todo para mantener a Eryn a salvo.
No tenía el placer de haber leído nada de Marliss Melton hasta ahora y tengo que decir que en general el libro me ha gustado mucho. Me parece que está muy bien narrado y me ha mantenido enganchada en todo momento. Los personajes también me han gustado mucho, aunque como en otras muchas ocasiones, hay momentos es los que te dan ganas de estrangularlos por lo cabezotas que son, los dos…
January 11, 2020
Ok, I skimmed the last half of this book. I had high expectations I guess because I read one of her seal books and loved it so much. But this one felt boring to me. Eryn was sort of pitiful. Not every woman in romantic suspense books needs to be a badass for me to love her but Eryn was helpless and cheesy and one dimensional. If you read the author’s note in the back, it sounds almost like she was under contract to write this and therefore forced out a story. And that’s exactly how the book felt.
June 17, 2017
Really not a bad intro story for the series, I really enjoyed it. I received the book free, but will enjoy paying for a few more.
Written by a woman; you can tell of course by the strongly emotional scenes, not to mention a few steamy encounters. Quite honestly the love-making description is usually rather better.
Not realising that this is the first in a series, I read it as a standalone, but now realise there are many more.
Which seems good to me.
Written by a woman; you can tell of course by the strongly emotional scenes, not to mention a few steamy encounters. Quite honestly the love-making description is usually rather better.
Not realising that this is the first in a series, I read it as a standalone, but now realise there are many more.
Which seems good to me.
September 12, 2017
Suspenseful book, interesting characters and a great dog! Bearing a strong resemblance to current events the storyline here hues true. The story arc is well plotted and moves along at a good pace to keep the reader engaged. The indictment of the political nature of the FBI is equally fun to read and irritating for its ring of truth. Ike and Eryn are great main characters and you hurt for Ike's emotional baggage and root for their HEA. Highly recommend.
November 30, 2018
The General's daughter is being targeted by terrorist. There is only one man he trusts with his daughters life. Ike left all that behind. He is perfectly content with his solitude in the mountains. When Ike receives a phone call, his quiet life is about to change, forever. Eryn is in a FBI safe house. But how safe is she really? It seems the FBI is using her as bait to get to the terrorist. Will Ike be able to save her? Or will he be fighting the FBI as well as the terrorist to keep her safe?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2015
***Audio book review***
This was an exciting story to begin an action-packed, passionate new romantic suspense series. I've listened to the author's stories before, loved them and was eager to give this series a go. The book leaped out of the gates and stayed strong throughout with an ending that had me deeply satisfied.
The story opens with English language teacher, Eryn McClellan, barely escaping death at the hands of a revenge-minded terrorist only because one of her students was a traitor to the terrorist group's cause and warned her, losing his own life in the process. Eryn is taken into custody by the FBI only to run afoul of an ambitious lead agent who wants to use her as bait and land the terrorist for a huge career move. Fortunately for her, General McClellan has a much better idea for her protection and she lands in the capable, if disgruntled, hands of former Navy SEAL, Ike Calhoun. She recognizes a serious case of survivor's guilt when she sees it, but she is determined to force the man to get past it and see him the way she and others see him.
Ike escaped to his mountain retreat high in the Blue Ridge after his leadership of his SEAL team got most of his guy's killed and another in the hospital. He failed his team and now he has to live with it and the only way to do that is to withdraw and just go through the motions. All that is shot to pieces when the one man he can't say no to, asks him to protect his daughter. Ike grudgingly dusts off his lethal skills and uses them to extract Eryn from the FBI, hide her on his mountain, and try to teach her how to protect herself. The woman is a huge temptation and she persistently picks at him to open up and share. She is also his mentor's daughter and his charge to protect so he pushes aside the temptation of Eryn and works to keep her safe.
The terrorist is frustrated at every turn to gain his vengeance against the man who killed his son by his plot to kill the man's daughter and take the war to a whole new level. The FBI are equally frustrated by both the terrorist's cunning plotting and the skill of the unforeseen Ike Calhoun. Ike and Eryn become the center of a dangerous storm swirling around them. Keeping Eryn safe becomes even more complicated really fast.
I found the progression of this story very interesting because of the strong balance between the romance and the suspense. The action sequences are breath-stealing and exciting. I loved that it was two-pronged with the terrorists and the ambitious FBI agent after Ike and Eryn. It just heightens the danger element and I loved that.
The personal and romance journey that Ike and Eryn are on as their relationship begins and deepens is equally exciting. I loved the build of tension as hostility gives way to sexual desire and understanding. Eryn is one who wants a reciprocal sharing of feelings and information, but finds herself in the company of a man locked up tighter than Ft. Knox who shares on a need to know basis. I appreciated that while they didn't see things the same way; they both made attempts to understand where the other person was coming from and do a little compromising. And Winston the dog, what was not to adore about him! I also liked that while she is terrified and uncertain, for the most part, Eryn trusts to Ike's lead even when he isn't giving her a lot of reason to trust him with his cranky attitude and gruff demeanor (what is there about a crabby lethal male in a snit that had me smiling?). Ike finds her spirit of understanding and her inner strength under the circumstances a surprise and she unsettles him in a good way as a result.
I really liked this story and was engaged the entire time. I had a few questions leftover at the end, but it's possible that they will be addressed as the series progresses so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. The main plot and character development was wholly tied-up nicely so it’s not like the story had an incomplete ending. I was just curious about a few other things.
There is a sense near the end that a switch is flipped and things suddenly go into hyper-drive, but I liked the idea that after all the build up that it quickly comes to a head on collision. The barrier to the romance near the end was also not a surprise as it made sense and was foreshadowed if someone was looking for it. Ike needed that resolve to unfinished business even if it was hard on Eryn. Interesting and fun way to bring it all to the finish line for the romance at the end when Eryn's father stepped in and took things in hand. Loved it actually.
As to the narration...Oh yes, very nice! The narrator, David Brenin, was an excellent match for the story. His take on the characters seemed spot on. His voice variations, conveyance of emotion and tone, and pacing were spectacular. In short, the narration added a whole other layer of strength to the story.
All in all, great start to the series. Loved the exciting thriller-ish plot, well-drawn characters, and spicy tension-filled romance. I would recommend this one to lovers of thriller romance, romantic suspense and military romance lovers who love a lot of action, long-developing passionate romance and a blazing hot hero.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an exciting story to begin an action-packed, passionate new romantic suspense series. I've listened to the author's stories before, loved them and was eager to give this series a go. The book leaped out of the gates and stayed strong throughout with an ending that had me deeply satisfied.
The story opens with English language teacher, Eryn McClellan, barely escaping death at the hands of a revenge-minded terrorist only because one of her students was a traitor to the terrorist group's cause and warned her, losing his own life in the process. Eryn is taken into custody by the FBI only to run afoul of an ambitious lead agent who wants to use her as bait and land the terrorist for a huge career move. Fortunately for her, General McClellan has a much better idea for her protection and she lands in the capable, if disgruntled, hands of former Navy SEAL, Ike Calhoun. She recognizes a serious case of survivor's guilt when she sees it, but she is determined to force the man to get past it and see him the way she and others see him.
Ike escaped to his mountain retreat high in the Blue Ridge after his leadership of his SEAL team got most of his guy's killed and another in the hospital. He failed his team and now he has to live with it and the only way to do that is to withdraw and just go through the motions. All that is shot to pieces when the one man he can't say no to, asks him to protect his daughter. Ike grudgingly dusts off his lethal skills and uses them to extract Eryn from the FBI, hide her on his mountain, and try to teach her how to protect herself. The woman is a huge temptation and she persistently picks at him to open up and share. She is also his mentor's daughter and his charge to protect so he pushes aside the temptation of Eryn and works to keep her safe.
The terrorist is frustrated at every turn to gain his vengeance against the man who killed his son by his plot to kill the man's daughter and take the war to a whole new level. The FBI are equally frustrated by both the terrorist's cunning plotting and the skill of the unforeseen Ike Calhoun. Ike and Eryn become the center of a dangerous storm swirling around them. Keeping Eryn safe becomes even more complicated really fast.
I found the progression of this story very interesting because of the strong balance between the romance and the suspense. The action sequences are breath-stealing and exciting. I loved that it was two-pronged with the terrorists and the ambitious FBI agent after Ike and Eryn. It just heightens the danger element and I loved that.
The personal and romance journey that Ike and Eryn are on as their relationship begins and deepens is equally exciting. I loved the build of tension as hostility gives way to sexual desire and understanding. Eryn is one who wants a reciprocal sharing of feelings and information, but finds herself in the company of a man locked up tighter than Ft. Knox who shares on a need to know basis. I appreciated that while they didn't see things the same way; they both made attempts to understand where the other person was coming from and do a little compromising. And Winston the dog, what was not to adore about him! I also liked that while she is terrified and uncertain, for the most part, Eryn trusts to Ike's lead even when he isn't giving her a lot of reason to trust him with his cranky attitude and gruff demeanor (what is there about a crabby lethal male in a snit that had me smiling?). Ike finds her spirit of understanding and her inner strength under the circumstances a surprise and she unsettles him in a good way as a result.
I really liked this story and was engaged the entire time. I had a few questions leftover at the end, but it's possible that they will be addressed as the series progresses so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. The main plot and character development was wholly tied-up nicely so it’s not like the story had an incomplete ending. I was just curious about a few other things.
There is a sense near the end that a switch is flipped and things suddenly go into hyper-drive, but I liked the idea that after all the build up that it quickly comes to a head on collision. The barrier to the romance near the end was also not a surprise as it made sense and was foreshadowed if someone was looking for it. Ike needed that resolve to unfinished business even if it was hard on Eryn. Interesting and fun way to bring it all to the finish line for the romance at the end when Eryn's father stepped in and took things in hand. Loved it actually.
As to the narration...Oh yes, very nice! The narrator, David Brenin, was an excellent match for the story. His take on the characters seemed spot on. His voice variations, conveyance of emotion and tone, and pacing were spectacular. In short, the narration added a whole other layer of strength to the story.
All in all, great start to the series. Loved the exciting thriller-ish plot, well-drawn characters, and spicy tension-filled romance. I would recommend this one to lovers of thriller romance, romantic suspense and military romance lovers who love a lot of action, long-developing passionate romance and a blazing hot hero.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2019
This book feels like a typical military romance. I have not read this genre before, but I don't think it's my pick. It was really well written and had a great story. So if you are into military romance novels, I would suggest you check it out.
March 30, 2020
I think that it's unlikely that a supervising FBI agent would be permitted to use somebody (that they are supposed to be protecting) as bait. That character tainted the story. He was just a know it all - who knew very little.
The two lead characters - yeah, they worked hard to stay alive.
The two lead characters - yeah, they worked hard to stay alive.
January 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this. Set up was lovely, the interactions between these two were a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed how strongly both felt about their various goals, even when they were afraid those goals would take them away from each other. Couldn't put it down.
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