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Covert Seduction
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back from hell and eager to find comfort in Becca Anderson's arms. He knows he hurt her when he cut contact during his deployment, so when his call interrupts her date with another man, he has only himself to blame. But he can't forget what she means to him - or the sexy email she sent him - and he won't miss this chance to claim her as his own.
It's been weeks since Becca heard from the man she - thought - she was involved with. So when Reid wants to take up where they left off as if nothing happened, she refuses. Then he rescues her from a first date gone very wrong, and she realizes she's not quite ready to let him go.
Reid and Becca have a lot to talk about, but since she's not listening, he's going to have to regain her trust another way - by bringing her most erotic fantasies to life. Making her surrender to pleasure just might be his most important mission.
It's been weeks since Becca heard from the man she - thought - she was involved with. So when Reid wants to take up where they left off as if nothing happened, she refuses. Then he rescues her from a first date gone very wrong, and she realizes she's not quite ready to let him go.
Reid and Becca have a lot to talk about, but since she's not listening, he's going to have to regain her trust another way - by bringing her most erotic fantasies to life. Making her surrender to pleasure just might be his most important mission.
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First published January 14, 2013
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December 23, 2012
3.5 stars.*** Review completed December 23, 2012
First of all let me say that Kaylea Cross (aka Callie Croix) is one of my favorite authors and it saddens me very much to admit that I can't write a glowing review for Covert Seduction.
Don't get me wrong. Covert Seduction is a solid read--I liked it but didn't love it. While I really enjoyed the action/suspense part of the story, I didn't particularly like the sex scenes and there were some weak plot devices to be found as well. When I look back now it's entirely possible that Covert Seduction was the right book at the wrong time. I came back from a great read that provided hot, edgy, raw, and highly erotic sex to something overly sweet--just too saccharine for my taste.
Bagram, Afghanistan
After a mission gone awry, Navy Petty Officer First Class Reid Galvin did his job and helped to recover the dead bodies. It was a huge loss to the SPECOP community, especially the SEAL community because they'd been hit the hardest. Reid didn't fear dying or screwing up a mission. But he feared something else. He believed that he f@@@ed up his "relationship" with Becca before he left home. Unfortunately he wasn't sure how to fix it. It's been a while since he'd last spoken to her and he hadn't responded to her last email either.
Alexandria, Virginia
Becca Andrews has a "date" with her co-worker David. They're about to attend a Cancer Society fundraiser. Even though she told him that she was hung up on someone else, he seemed very convinced to win her over. Becca is a programmer and she'd cracked a very weird, encrypted file for David. In fact, she was way more interested in finding out what all those spreadsheets and numbers meant than going to the fundraiser with David.
On their way to David's car Becca's cell phone rang. Naturally it's Reid calling her at a rather inconvenient time. He is back from Afghanistan and wants to see her. However, Becca is angry and rejects him. Later, though, Becca is very glad to see Reid again when he
Weak plot devices
It didn't sit well with me that Becca didn't want to wait for Reid. They met five months ago at her cousin's wedding and they'd spent every possible moment together after that, right up until he had to leave for Afghanistan. And then I, as a reader, have to believe that everything had fallen apart?
Reid being a SEAL meant that he couldn't talk about his missions or his exact whereabouts. The fact that she hadn't heard from him in six weeks except for an email saying he was fine and they'd talk more when he had time should have been satisfying enough. And Reid told her that he'd call when he got home.
Moreover, Becca knew that they lost more than twenty guys on that mission and she had to get into a huff? Hello? Having a relationship with someone like Reid means that you should know the deal.
I didn't particularly like the heroine. Becca was too self-righteous, and I wanted her to show more appreciation for Reid's situation. Becca has been described as stubborn and independent, however, I just have to notice that withholding very important information was just plain stupid--a major TSTL moment. As a matter of fact, it has nothing to do with being stubborn or independent.
Becca had another TSTL moment when she
The sex
I suppose that many readers will enjoy Covert Seduction if they are looking for something very sweet, soft, and tender.
Overall verdict
Reid is a great guy. That said, he is very sexy, protective, and caring. Besides, the author's writing is solid and engaging, and if you like erotic suspense stories then you might enjoy this one. Even though I felt not blown away by Covert Seduction, I'd like to encourage you to give it a try. Enjoy!
Warning
Covert Seduction contains explicit sex (incl. oral, no anal), a toy but no bondage, some light exhibitionism.
Steam: 3.5
ARC courtesy of NetGalley in behalf of Carina Press
Expected publication date: January 14, 2013
First of all let me say that Kaylea Cross (aka Callie Croix) is one of my favorite authors and it saddens me very much to admit that I can't write a glowing review for Covert Seduction.
Don't get me wrong. Covert Seduction is a solid read--I liked it but didn't love it. While I really enjoyed the action/suspense part of the story, I didn't particularly like the sex scenes and there were some weak plot devices to be found as well. When I look back now it's entirely possible that Covert Seduction was the right book at the wrong time. I came back from a great read that provided hot, edgy, raw, and highly erotic sex to something overly sweet--just too saccharine for my taste.
Bagram, Afghanistan
After a mission gone awry, Navy Petty Officer First Class Reid Galvin did his job and helped to recover the dead bodies. It was a huge loss to the SPECOP community, especially the SEAL community because they'd been hit the hardest. Reid didn't fear dying or screwing up a mission. But he feared something else. He believed that he f@@@ed up his "relationship" with Becca before he left home. Unfortunately he wasn't sure how to fix it. It's been a while since he'd last spoken to her and he hadn't responded to her last email either.
Alexandria, Virginia
Becca Andrews has a "date" with her co-worker David. They're about to attend a Cancer Society fundraiser. Even though she told him that she was hung up on someone else, he seemed very convinced to win her over. Becca is a programmer and she'd cracked a very weird, encrypted file for David. In fact, she was way more interested in finding out what all those spreadsheets and numbers meant than going to the fundraiser with David.
On their way to David's car Becca's cell phone rang. Naturally it's Reid calling her at a rather inconvenient time. He is back from Afghanistan and wants to see her. However, Becca is angry and rejects him. Later, though, Becca is very glad to see Reid again when he
Weak plot devices
It didn't sit well with me that Becca didn't want to wait for Reid. They met five months ago at her cousin's wedding and they'd spent every possible moment together after that, right up until he had to leave for Afghanistan. And then I, as a reader, have to believe that everything had fallen apart?
"When you stopped contacting me, I thought it was your way of saying you'd moved on."
Reid being a SEAL meant that he couldn't talk about his missions or his exact whereabouts. The fact that she hadn't heard from him in six weeks except for an email saying he was fine and they'd talk more when he had time should have been satisfying enough. And Reid told her that he'd call when he got home.
"No way, beautiful. I told you I'd come back to you."
Moreover, Becca knew that they lost more than twenty guys on that mission and she had to get into a huff? Hello? Having a relationship with someone like Reid means that you should know the deal.
I didn't particularly like the heroine. Becca was too self-righteous, and I wanted her to show more appreciation for Reid's situation. Becca has been described as stubborn and independent, however, I just have to notice that withholding very important information was just plain stupid--a major TSTL moment. As a matter of fact, it has nothing to do with being stubborn or independent.
Becca had another TSTL moment when she
The sex
I suppose that many readers will enjoy Covert Seduction if they are looking for something very sweet, soft, and tender.
Hold me. Touch me. Make me forget.
"I've been thinking a lot about that mirror the past few weeks," he continued. "That fantasy you wrote me about. Remember it?"
"Tonight my hands and voice will be the rope."
Overall verdict
Reid is a great guy. That said, he is very sexy, protective, and caring. Besides, the author's writing is solid and engaging, and if you like erotic suspense stories then you might enjoy this one. Even though I felt not blown away by Covert Seduction, I'd like to encourage you to give it a try. Enjoy!
Warning
Covert Seduction contains explicit sex (incl. oral, no anal), a toy but no bondage, some light exhibitionism.
Steam: 3.5
ARC courtesy of NetGalley in behalf of Carina Press
Expected publication date: January 14, 2013
February 5, 2013
3.5 Stars
Full Review Now Posted
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin had good reasons for not telling Becca his true feelings before his latest deployment to Afghanistan but after this last mission in hell they seem inconsequential. Now, anger and bitterness consume him and he can hardly focus on anything more than exacting vengeance on those that committed the atrocities against his fellow brothers.
Back in Virginia, Becca Andrews is confused and hurt. She assumed Reid reciprocated her feelings. The fact is he didn’t clarify any of this before his deployment. It’s been nearly six weeks since she's heard from him and those first two had her nearly crazy with worry until she’d learned he was OK.
She’d trusted him, opened up her heart and even went so far as to reveal her deepest fantasies. Now he calls and wants to start up where they left off! She’s not sure she can travel that road again.
Reid is determined to set matters straight and he hopes to accomplish this on his short leave home. Nothing will deter him, not even his shock at learning Becca is out on a date.
Ms. Croix gives an erotic and detailed account of Reid’s seduction. It’s well written and includes a mystery that is perfectly played not to interfere with the romance. There’s even a rescue scene early on that had me holding my breath and sweating bullets!
The love scenes are intense and composed of a mixture of raw hunger, sensuality, and tenderness. While they are HOT, a few were a bit drawn out, slowing the story for me.
The best thing about this story is Reid Galvin. He’s an incredibly sexy alpha man with a body like a Greek god and he uses all his talents to fulfill Becca’s fantasies hoping to prove his love and win back her trust. But he’s way more than just a pretty face. Courageous, protective, honorable and committed are just a few of the attributes that make this man shine; a Navy SEAL in all his glory!
If you’re looking for a sugary sweet, gentle, warm romance with plenty of steam and a romantic feel, you’ll like this one. The Epilogue is an added bonus giving a look into the future! This is a new-to-ME-author and I like her writing style! I'll definitely be reading more!!
My Rating: 3.5 stars/5 stars
Steam Factor: 4/5 - Smokin' Hot with descriptive love scenes
***ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley***
Full Review Now Posted
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin had good reasons for not telling Becca his true feelings before his latest deployment to Afghanistan but after this last mission in hell they seem inconsequential. Now, anger and bitterness consume him and he can hardly focus on anything more than exacting vengeance on those that committed the atrocities against his fellow brothers.
Back in Virginia, Becca Andrews is confused and hurt. She assumed Reid reciprocated her feelings. The fact is he didn’t clarify any of this before his deployment. It’s been nearly six weeks since she's heard from him and those first two had her nearly crazy with worry until she’d learned he was OK.
She’d trusted him, opened up her heart and even went so far as to reveal her deepest fantasies. Now he calls and wants to start up where they left off! She’s not sure she can travel that road again.
Reid is determined to set matters straight and he hopes to accomplish this on his short leave home. Nothing will deter him, not even his shock at learning Becca is out on a date.
Ms. Croix gives an erotic and detailed account of Reid’s seduction. It’s well written and includes a mystery that is perfectly played not to interfere with the romance. There’s even a rescue scene early on that had me holding my breath and sweating bullets!
The love scenes are intense and composed of a mixture of raw hunger, sensuality, and tenderness. While they are HOT, a few were a bit drawn out, slowing the story for me.
The best thing about this story is Reid Galvin. He’s an incredibly sexy alpha man with a body like a Greek god and he uses all his talents to fulfill Becca’s fantasies hoping to prove his love and win back her trust. But he’s way more than just a pretty face. Courageous, protective, honorable and committed are just a few of the attributes that make this man shine; a Navy SEAL in all his glory!
If you’re looking for a sugary sweet, gentle, warm romance with plenty of steam and a romantic feel, you’ll like this one. The Epilogue is an added bonus giving a look into the future! This is a new-to-ME-author and I like her writing style! I'll definitely be reading more!!
My Rating: 3.5 stars/5 stars
Steam Factor: 4/5 - Smokin' Hot with descriptive love scenes
***ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley***
February 7, 2013
3.5 Navy Seal Tridents!
Navy Petty Officer First Class Reid Galvin is as alpha male as they come and while he is being all SEAL badass in Afghanistan, Becca is at home back in Virginia and has not heard a word from Reid in over six weeks, just after she sent him an X-rated love letter.
On the night Becca has plans to go out with a male co-worker, guess who contacts her? Oh yeah, Reid and he is back in Virginia heading her way so he can explain why he dropped contact with her. Becca just wants to mend her broken heart and tell Reid it is over because a relationship with an active duty SEAL wouldn’t be easy, it was already an emotional roller coaster.
Becca’s co-worker, David is aware of some dirty business at the investment firm they work at and tells her about it. Becca suggests he go to the police with the information, but before he can; the bad guys come after the two of them.
First they get run off the road and into a canal where guess who recues them from drowning? Then while Becca and Reid are back at her house while he warms her up after her near drowning, there is a home invasion and Reid protects Becca from the bad guys once again.
So… we have the suspense element and the why did Reid leave me hanging for over six weeks question to answer. Oh… and the how can we live out what you suggested in your X-rated e-mail part too. This was my personal favorite over and over again.
All in all, I thought this was a quick fun read with an H/h I enjoyed and I really enjoyed the detail in the sex scenes. I also decided that if I could have a do over, I would be a “Frog Hog”
*ribbit-ribbit*
What is a "Frog Hog" you may ask... well read this book and find out!
*ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley
Navy Petty Officer First Class Reid Galvin is as alpha male as they come and while he is being all SEAL badass in Afghanistan, Becca is at home back in Virginia and has not heard a word from Reid in over six weeks, just after she sent him an X-rated love letter.
On the night Becca has plans to go out with a male co-worker, guess who contacts her? Oh yeah, Reid and he is back in Virginia heading her way so he can explain why he dropped contact with her. Becca just wants to mend her broken heart and tell Reid it is over because a relationship with an active duty SEAL wouldn’t be easy, it was already an emotional roller coaster.
Becca’s co-worker, David is aware of some dirty business at the investment firm they work at and tells her about it. Becca suggests he go to the police with the information, but before he can; the bad guys come after the two of them.
First they get run off the road and into a canal where guess who recues them from drowning? Then while Becca and Reid are back at her house while he warms her up after her near drowning, there is a home invasion and Reid protects Becca from the bad guys once again.
So… we have the suspense element and the why did Reid leave me hanging for over six weeks question to answer. Oh… and the how can we live out what you suggested in your X-rated e-mail part too. This was my personal favorite over and over again.
All in all, I thought this was a quick fun read with an H/h I enjoyed and I really enjoyed the detail in the sex scenes. I also decided that if I could have a do over, I would be a “Frog Hog”
*ribbit-ribbit*
What is a "Frog Hog" you may ask... well read this book and find out!
*ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley
December 31, 2012
I have heard good things about this author but this particular book didn't do it for me.
My main issue was with Becca herself. I found her to be annoying, needy, and a poor decision maker. She just irked me and I constantly wanted to shake her. What also really bugged me is that Reid kept calling her "fiercely independent" but she seems so the opposite that she can't manage to do anything without hand-holding. Grrrrrr...
Sure the book has lots of steamy sex but even that didn't do much for me. I wasn't excited by the dialog. It just didn't get in my head and own me like I wanted it to.
If you couldn't tell, this book was a miss for me. And that is saying a lot because I have a thing for military romances.
** This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review **
My main issue was with Becca herself. I found her to be annoying, needy, and a poor decision maker. She just irked me and I constantly wanted to shake her. What also really bugged me is that Reid kept calling her "fiercely independent" but she seems so the opposite that she can't manage to do anything without hand-holding. Grrrrrr...
Sure the book has lots of steamy sex but even that didn't do much for me. I wasn't excited by the dialog. It just didn't get in my head and own me like I wanted it to.
If you couldn't tell, this book was a miss for me. And that is saying a lot because I have a thing for military romances.
** This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review **
December 24, 2012
Pages and pages of elaborated sex scenes. Be warned.
If you're in the mood for OTT steamy sex, then this book is the right one to read. But sadly I was not in the mood at the time, so this turned out to be more of a chore for me. I skimmed through a lot of detailed dirty talks and deeds. A lot. Of. Dirty.
After the skimming and flipping, I got my answers of who the bad guy was. Then I skimmed some more over their celebratory sex, finally I came to the end page where they said "I Love You" to each other. At last, the story has ended and I didn't have to read about them anymore.
-insert gif of Jensen Ackles jumping up and down doing a happy dance without any clothes on here.
Like I said, I didn't have much fun (except for the imaginary pic of Jensen).
If you're in the mood for OTT steamy sex, then this book is the right one to read. But sadly I was not in the mood at the time, so this turned out to be more of a chore for me. I skimmed through a lot of detailed dirty talks and deeds. A lot. Of. Dirty.
After the skimming and flipping, I got my answers of who the bad guy was. Then I skimmed some more over their celebratory sex, finally I came to the end page where they said "I Love You" to each other. At last, the story has ended and I didn't have to read about them anymore.
-insert gif of Jensen Ackles jumping up and down doing a happy dance without any clothes on here.
Like I said, I didn't have much fun (except for the imaginary pic of Jensen).
January 14, 2013
Reviewed on: http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/01/...
Gitte: So I thought this was a really romantic, passionate and action filled story Jenny and I loved it! It had mystery, a sexy alpha-male who is a navy seal (*sigh*) and a sweet and clued-up heroine who shows real endurance and bravery. It definitely also delivered in the HEAT department!!
Jenny: It sure was passionate and delivered heat with an extra serving on the side with our hot sexy alpha seal (insert double sigh here!)
Gitte: I thought Becca was a great heroine. She was a gorgeous intelligent, strong, classy and adventurous woman. She knew what she wanted…knew what she deserved and didn’t settle for anything less. She fell for Reid completely and knew he was the man for her and then he was sent away. Becca starts to question what they had when she doesn’t hear from him and tries to move on. When Becca is asked by a colleague, David, to decode a dodgy file her story begins which throws drama, suspense and passion at us readers.
Jenny: I really connected with Becca. I agonised with her over the lack of response from Reid and yes Gitte, she came across as a strong, intelligent woman who knew exactly what she wanted and spoke her mind. She was refreshing and I really did like her.
Gitte: Now Reid..umm wow Jenny. A gorgeous navy seal who is as alpha as they come..yeah all I can say here really is YES please! He has just returned from Afghanistan eager to be reunited with Becca whom he knows he is falling for. He had promised her to come back to her, however after an x-rated letter from Becca whilst he was away, he failed to contact her for six weeks. Hmm yeah I would have been pretty angry too despite the gorgeousness of this man…but maybe not for too long! When he returns he finds out Becca may have moved on and he goes to confront her. Reid is beyond shocked to find Becca in the manner that he does and the journey he is thrown into is not at all what he was expecting.
Jenny: Oh my giddy aunt! Reid was….hmmm…yep, Gitte, Reid was indeed wow! I was wondering why he hadn’t contacted her and found myself making excuses for him because he did seem like such a nice guy, I knew he had his reasons and I was right! I would have forgiven him in a heartbeat. He is a good man to have on your side that’s for sure. A hot, capable Navy Seal…yes please!
Gitte: I really liked the suspense in this story as well as the passion. I thought it was well balanced and just made for a really yummy indulgent read. The window scene and the mirror scene…yeah just wow!!!
Jenny: This story was indeed passionate and the steam factor was high. I loved these characters and hearing both voices enabled me to feel and relate to the both Becca and Reid. Oh yes the mirror scene! Hot indeed! We sure did jam up the phone lines discussing that one! HOT! Overall a good read which I enjoyed from start to finish.
Gitte: So I thought this was a really romantic, passionate and action filled story Jenny and I loved it! It had mystery, a sexy alpha-male who is a navy seal (*sigh*) and a sweet and clued-up heroine who shows real endurance and bravery. It definitely also delivered in the HEAT department!!
Jenny: It sure was passionate and delivered heat with an extra serving on the side with our hot sexy alpha seal (insert double sigh here!)
Gitte: I thought Becca was a great heroine. She was a gorgeous intelligent, strong, classy and adventurous woman. She knew what she wanted…knew what she deserved and didn’t settle for anything less. She fell for Reid completely and knew he was the man for her and then he was sent away. Becca starts to question what they had when she doesn’t hear from him and tries to move on. When Becca is asked by a colleague, David, to decode a dodgy file her story begins which throws drama, suspense and passion at us readers.
Jenny: I really connected with Becca. I agonised with her over the lack of response from Reid and yes Gitte, she came across as a strong, intelligent woman who knew exactly what she wanted and spoke her mind. She was refreshing and I really did like her.
Gitte: Now Reid..umm wow Jenny. A gorgeous navy seal who is as alpha as they come..yeah all I can say here really is YES please! He has just returned from Afghanistan eager to be reunited with Becca whom he knows he is falling for. He had promised her to come back to her, however after an x-rated letter from Becca whilst he was away, he failed to contact her for six weeks. Hmm yeah I would have been pretty angry too despite the gorgeousness of this man…but maybe not for too long! When he returns he finds out Becca may have moved on and he goes to confront her. Reid is beyond shocked to find Becca in the manner that he does and the journey he is thrown into is not at all what he was expecting.
Jenny: Oh my giddy aunt! Reid was….hmmm…yep, Gitte, Reid was indeed wow! I was wondering why he hadn’t contacted her and found myself making excuses for him because he did seem like such a nice guy, I knew he had his reasons and I was right! I would have forgiven him in a heartbeat. He is a good man to have on your side that’s for sure. A hot, capable Navy Seal…yes please!
Gitte: I really liked the suspense in this story as well as the passion. I thought it was well balanced and just made for a really yummy indulgent read. The window scene and the mirror scene…yeah just wow!!!
Jenny: This story was indeed passionate and the steam factor was high. I loved these characters and hearing both voices enabled me to feel and relate to the both Becca and Reid. Oh yes the mirror scene! Hot indeed! We sure did jam up the phone lines discussing that one! HOT! Overall a good read which I enjoyed from start to finish.
January 4, 2013
Posted on Under the Covers
I discovered Callie Croix’s work with LET ME IN. In that book, I found that I really enjoyed her writing style and voice. So I jumped at the chance at reading COVERT SEDUCTION.
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back, hoping to return to his life after leaving Becca Anderson for an assignment. However, when Reid gives Becca a call, she is in the midst of going out on a date with another guy. Seeming to have moved on since they last saw each other, Becca is trying to get a handle on a top secret discovery that she and her co-worker/date of the night, David have dug up. Little do they know that that discovery could very well get them killed.
A car accident that threatens to take their lives ups the ante in a large way. Croix really put the pedal to the metal and blasted this story from a good start to one that finished with finesse and style. I loved the way she was able to integrate the suspense subplot into the storyline without making it seem too far-fetched or clichéd.
And then there’s the romance between Reid and Becca. At first, I understood Becca’s initial resistance. Reid left her high and dry and came back hoping to continue things where they left off without a good enough explanation. But he sure does make up for it! Hot smexing does happen and it’s definitely worth the read if you like a good combination between kinky and sweet.
I went back and forth between liking Becca and Reid. There were times when I didn’t buy the excuses Reid came up with and also didn’t always agree with Becca’s actions in certain cases. That being said, I couldn’t give this book the 4 stars that I initially started with.
ARC provided by Netgalley
I discovered Callie Croix’s work with LET ME IN. In that book, I found that I really enjoyed her writing style and voice. So I jumped at the chance at reading COVERT SEDUCTION.
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back, hoping to return to his life after leaving Becca Anderson for an assignment. However, when Reid gives Becca a call, she is in the midst of going out on a date with another guy. Seeming to have moved on since they last saw each other, Becca is trying to get a handle on a top secret discovery that she and her co-worker/date of the night, David have dug up. Little do they know that that discovery could very well get them killed.
A car accident that threatens to take their lives ups the ante in a large way. Croix really put the pedal to the metal and blasted this story from a good start to one that finished with finesse and style. I loved the way she was able to integrate the suspense subplot into the storyline without making it seem too far-fetched or clichéd.
And then there’s the romance between Reid and Becca. At first, I understood Becca’s initial resistance. Reid left her high and dry and came back hoping to continue things where they left off without a good enough explanation. But he sure does make up for it! Hot smexing does happen and it’s definitely worth the read if you like a good combination between kinky and sweet.
I went back and forth between liking Becca and Reid. There were times when I didn’t buy the excuses Reid came up with and also didn’t always agree with Becca’s actions in certain cases. That being said, I couldn’t give this book the 4 stars that I initially started with.
ARC provided by Netgalley
January 22, 2013
*ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Really this is more like 2.5 stars. This one fell a little flat for me. It seemed as if the author took cliches from all erotica/romance novel and crammed it into one novel. On top of that, not much actually happened...
Covert Seduction tried to combine:
Navy SEAL
Dominant Male
Light BDSM
Killer Suspense
Jealous Boyfriend
Illegal Activity in Workplace
Happily Ever After
Yeah... it sounds like too much because it is. The description made it sound like a BDSM meets Navy SEAL and that had me more than interested! Why did they have to go and muck it all up with a weak plot with too many cliches added? There was really only one conflict and it was resolved almost instantly. It just felt very weak. It was a quick and fairly enjoyable read, but I still felt slightly disappointed...
Really this is more like 2.5 stars. This one fell a little flat for me. It seemed as if the author took cliches from all erotica/romance novel and crammed it into one novel. On top of that, not much actually happened...
Covert Seduction tried to combine:
Navy SEAL
Dominant Male
Light BDSM
Killer Suspense
Jealous Boyfriend
Illegal Activity in Workplace
Happily Ever After
Yeah... it sounds like too much because it is. The description made it sound like a BDSM meets Navy SEAL and that had me more than interested! Why did they have to go and muck it all up with a weak plot with too many cliches added? There was really only one conflict and it was resolved almost instantly. It just felt very weak. It was a quick and fairly enjoyable read, but I still felt slightly disappointed...
December 22, 2012
3.5 ★'s
This was a pretty good book. I had moments where I couldn't get into it, but overall I liked it ok. The story was average. I hate to give not awesome reviews, but I just can't rave about this one. I don't know if I'm just in a reading funk or what...
The relationship between Reid and Becca was hot in the physical sense, (the sex was good!) ;) but in terms of their issues, I felt like they didn't know how to freaking talk to each other! If they just said what they felt and were thinking the misunderstandings would not have been there. As far as the suspense / mystery portion of the story, it was ok. There was decent build up but then it just kinda fizzled. And when the big reveal came of the bad guy I felt let down. Like I was supposed to know who that was and be super shocked but just didn't...
I did like the writing. While the story itself wasn't my favorite, I felt the author did well expressing and describing her points. Plus the sex was hot! :) I would definitely check out her other books!
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
This was a pretty good book. I had moments where I couldn't get into it, but overall I liked it ok. The story was average. I hate to give not awesome reviews, but I just can't rave about this one. I don't know if I'm just in a reading funk or what...
The relationship between Reid and Becca was hot in the physical sense, (the sex was good!) ;) but in terms of their issues, I felt like they didn't know how to freaking talk to each other! If they just said what they felt and were thinking the misunderstandings would not have been there. As far as the suspense / mystery portion of the story, it was ok. There was decent build up but then it just kinda fizzled. And when the big reveal came of the bad guy I felt let down. Like I was supposed to know who that was and be super shocked but just didn't...
I did like the writing. While the story itself wasn't my favorite, I felt the author did well expressing and describing her points. Plus the sex was hot! :) I would definitely check out her other books!
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
December 23, 2012
NetGalley free read...
I know I say it all the time, but I really hate giving bad reviews. The problems are innumerable in this book. First we have Becca who knows she's involved with a Navy Seal in war time and is all freaked out because he hasn't contacted her for a couple of weeks. It's like women who marry doctors or cops and are ticked when they aren't home enough. I always think, Come On! you knew what they did for a living.
Second, Reid saves her from drowning, but doesn't ask her any questions about what she could possibly be involved with that could get her and her date run off the road? He's more interested in fulfilling her sexual fantasies?
Thirdly, Becca doesn't tell him anything knowing that there is a possibility that someone could be trying to killer her? Hes a Nave SEAL. What better person to try to get to help you stay alive.?
The first sex scene was so long. It was good, but I went to make food. That was so drawn out.
Not a good read at all.
I know I say it all the time, but I really hate giving bad reviews. The problems are innumerable in this book. First we have Becca who knows she's involved with a Navy Seal in war time and is all freaked out because he hasn't contacted her for a couple of weeks. It's like women who marry doctors or cops and are ticked when they aren't home enough. I always think, Come On! you knew what they did for a living.
Second, Reid saves her from drowning, but doesn't ask her any questions about what she could possibly be involved with that could get her and her date run off the road? He's more interested in fulfilling her sexual fantasies?
Thirdly, Becca doesn't tell him anything knowing that there is a possibility that someone could be trying to killer her? Hes a Nave SEAL. What better person to try to get to help you stay alive.?
The first sex scene was so long. It was good, but I went to make food. That was so drawn out.
Not a good read at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2013
I have to say this book was simply okay. I felt like I was reading the same thing I've read in hundreds of other books... there's the alpha-type male, the so-called strong woman who turns to mush when the man is around, the little bit of mystery and danger thrown in to make it a bit interesting, the lackluster sex between the two main characters and the evil bad guy that was figured out almost immediately into the book. Pick up almost any book about a male and female and you have this one. Maybe I'm jaded. I've read hundreds and hundreds of books in my day. When I pick up a new one I am always hoping for something new... something original. I am sorry to say that I did not find that in this book.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
April 15, 2013
I really liked it! Good loving and just a hint of danger satisfied my appetite.
Reid was all male, dominant, and protective – totally hot! Becca was a little on the duh side at times, but she was a sweet and likable character. The sex between them was smokin!!
An enjoyable read.
Reid was all male, dominant, and protective – totally hot! Becca was a little on the duh side at times, but she was a sweet and likable character. The sex between them was smokin!!
An enjoyable read.
January 18, 2013
This review can also be found on my blog.
A Navy SEAL dominates and conquers in this scorching hot erotic romance!
One thing I like about this author is the attention she pays to authenticity and the research she does when it comes to her military heroes. I found that she captured this Navy SEAL’s job and the rituals quite accurately. Aside from that, Covert Seduction really lived up to its title through the sizzling hot eroticism going on between Reid and Becca. The sex wasn’t rough and kinky just for the sake of fitting them in there to fill in the moments of non-danger. The scenes were highly erotic, but with the undercurrent of a love not acknowledged by either of them. I wanted to yell at them to just talk like a pair of grown ups.
I’m not sure the corporate embezzlement plot worked to an advantage here. It didn’t serve to get Reid to come to her (which I would preferred). I also didn’t find it all that believable that the hired thugs turned out to be mere amateurs. The danger was almost a bit laughable. With a SEAL as the protector, give him a real challenge. Since the story is a short one, the drama basically got swallowed up among all the sex.
I came across one reviewer who felt that Becca should have shown more compassion, patience and understanding after she found out that a tragic mission had taken the life of twenty of Reid’s men. Finding out about it on the news, and then weeks later having to hear that he had been briefly in touch with his family to let them know he was okay, but not her, I could absolutely understand why she thought their relationship hadn’t meant as much to him. Besides, I honestly don’t think that any relationship in limbo can survive a deployment without clear communication beforehand. So really, they’re both at fault for not addressing the “what ifs” before he shipped out.
Overall, I thought the story was very enjoyable. I felt a little numb towards the sex after the third intense scene, but each encounter was definitely well written. If you like that sort of thing, you’ll be panting away in tandem with Becca. Trust me! My absolute favorite moment was towards the end. I teared up because even I could feel the significance of the moment through the words:
3.75 rounded up to 4
Disclaimer: I received a review copy from Carina Press via NetGalley.
A Navy SEAL dominates and conquers in this scorching hot erotic romance!
One thing I like about this author is the attention she pays to authenticity and the research she does when it comes to her military heroes. I found that she captured this Navy SEAL’s job and the rituals quite accurately. Aside from that, Covert Seduction really lived up to its title through the sizzling hot eroticism going on between Reid and Becca. The sex wasn’t rough and kinky just for the sake of fitting them in there to fill in the moments of non-danger. The scenes were highly erotic, but with the undercurrent of a love not acknowledged by either of them. I wanted to yell at them to just talk like a pair of grown ups.
I’m not sure the corporate embezzlement plot worked to an advantage here. It didn’t serve to get Reid to come to her (which I would preferred). I also didn’t find it all that believable that the hired thugs turned out to be mere amateurs. The danger was almost a bit laughable. With a SEAL as the protector, give him a real challenge. Since the story is a short one, the drama basically got swallowed up among all the sex.
I came across one reviewer who felt that Becca should have shown more compassion, patience and understanding after she found out that a tragic mission had taken the life of twenty of Reid’s men. Finding out about it on the news, and then weeks later having to hear that he had been briefly in touch with his family to let them know he was okay, but not her, I could absolutely understand why she thought their relationship hadn’t meant as much to him. Besides, I honestly don’t think that any relationship in limbo can survive a deployment without clear communication beforehand. So really, they’re both at fault for not addressing the “what ifs” before he shipped out.
Overall, I thought the story was very enjoyable. I felt a little numb towards the sex after the third intense scene, but each encounter was definitely well written. If you like that sort of thing, you’ll be panting away in tandem with Becca. Trust me! My absolute favorite moment was towards the end. I teared up because even I could feel the significance of the moment through the words:
Stunned, she gaped at him. “I can’t take your Trident,” she protested, blinking back tears even as she curled protective fingers around it. The pin lay solid against her breastbone, warm from his body heat. The significance of that wasn’t lost on her.
[...]
“It’s not a ring, but it makes the same promise. More so, in some ways. It means that if something ever happens to me, my teammates will come to you. They’ll take care of you if for some reason I can’t.”
3.75 rounded up to 4
Disclaimer: I received a review copy from Carina Press via NetGalley.
January 14, 2013
Jointly review for Totallybookedblog.com
Gitte: 4 Stars
Jenny: 4 Stars
Gitte: So I thought this was a really romantic, passionate and action filled story Jenny and I loved it! It had mystery, a sexy alpha-male who is a navy seal (*sigh*) and a sweet and clued-up heroine who shows real endurance and bravery. It definitely also delivered in the HEAT department!!
Jenny: It sure was passionate and delivered heat with an extra serving on the side with our hot sexy alpha seal (insert double sigh here!)
Gitte: I thought Becca was a great heroine. She was a gorgeous intelligent, strong, classy and adventurous woman. She knew what she wanted…knew what she deserved and didn’t settle for anything less. She fell for Reid completely and knew he was the man for her and then he was sent away. Becca starts to question what they had when she doesn’t hear from him and tries to move on. When Becca is asked by a colleague, David, to decode a dodgy file her story begins which throws drama, suspense and passion at us readers.
Jenny: I really connected with Becca. I agonised with her over the lack of response from Reid and yes Gitte, she came across as a strong, intelligent woman who knew exactly what she wanted and spoke her mind. She was refreshing and I really did like her.
Gitte: Now Reid..umm wow Jenny. A gorgeous navy seal who is as alpha as they come..yeah all I can say here really is YES please! He has just returned from Afghanistan eager to be reunited with Becca whom he knows he is falling for. He had promised her to come back to her, however after an x-rated letter from Becca whilst he was away, he failed to contact her for six weeks. Hmm yeah I would have been pretty angry too despite the gorgeousness of this man…but maybe not for too long! When he returns he finds out Becca may have moved on and he goes to confront her. Reid is beyond shocked to find Becca in the manner that he does and the journey he is thrown into is not at all what he was expecting.
Jenny: Oh my giddy aunt! Reid was….hmmm…yep, Gitte, Reid was indeed wow! I was wondering why he hadn’t contacted her and found myself making excuses for him because he did seem like such a nice guy, I knew he had his reasons and I was right! I would have forgiven him in a heartbeat. He is a good man to have on your side that’s for sure. A hot, capable Navy Seal…yes please!
Gitte: I really liked the suspense in this story as well as the passion. I thought it was well balanced and just made for a really yummy indulgent read. The window scene and the mirror scene…yeah just wow!!!
Jenny: This story was indeed passionate and the steam factor was high. I loved these characters and hearing both voices enabled me to feel and relate to the both Becca and Reid. Oh yes the mirror scene! Hot indeed! We sure did jam up the phone lines discussing that one! HOT! Overall a good read which I enjoyed from start to finish.
ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley
Gitte: 4 Stars
Jenny: 4 Stars
Gitte: So I thought this was a really romantic, passionate and action filled story Jenny and I loved it! It had mystery, a sexy alpha-male who is a navy seal (*sigh*) and a sweet and clued-up heroine who shows real endurance and bravery. It definitely also delivered in the HEAT department!!
Jenny: It sure was passionate and delivered heat with an extra serving on the side with our hot sexy alpha seal (insert double sigh here!)
Gitte: I thought Becca was a great heroine. She was a gorgeous intelligent, strong, classy and adventurous woman. She knew what she wanted…knew what she deserved and didn’t settle for anything less. She fell for Reid completely and knew he was the man for her and then he was sent away. Becca starts to question what they had when she doesn’t hear from him and tries to move on. When Becca is asked by a colleague, David, to decode a dodgy file her story begins which throws drama, suspense and passion at us readers.
Jenny: I really connected with Becca. I agonised with her over the lack of response from Reid and yes Gitte, she came across as a strong, intelligent woman who knew exactly what she wanted and spoke her mind. She was refreshing and I really did like her.
Gitte: Now Reid..umm wow Jenny. A gorgeous navy seal who is as alpha as they come..yeah all I can say here really is YES please! He has just returned from Afghanistan eager to be reunited with Becca whom he knows he is falling for. He had promised her to come back to her, however after an x-rated letter from Becca whilst he was away, he failed to contact her for six weeks. Hmm yeah I would have been pretty angry too despite the gorgeousness of this man…but maybe not for too long! When he returns he finds out Becca may have moved on and he goes to confront her. Reid is beyond shocked to find Becca in the manner that he does and the journey he is thrown into is not at all what he was expecting.
Jenny: Oh my giddy aunt! Reid was….hmmm…yep, Gitte, Reid was indeed wow! I was wondering why he hadn’t contacted her and found myself making excuses for him because he did seem like such a nice guy, I knew he had his reasons and I was right! I would have forgiven him in a heartbeat. He is a good man to have on your side that’s for sure. A hot, capable Navy Seal…yes please!
Gitte: I really liked the suspense in this story as well as the passion. I thought it was well balanced and just made for a really yummy indulgent read. The window scene and the mirror scene…yeah just wow!!!
Jenny: This story was indeed passionate and the steam factor was high. I loved these characters and hearing both voices enabled me to feel and relate to the both Becca and Reid. Oh yes the mirror scene! Hot indeed! We sure did jam up the phone lines discussing that one! HOT! Overall a good read which I enjoyed from start to finish.
ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley
December 13, 2012
Let me just start out by saying that Callie Croix writes some hot hot stuff. This is absolutely no exception.
A little plot with a lot (and I mean a lot) of 'naughty' stuff can work. It really can. This sort of worked for me. Like in the way that I enjoyed it, but I kept thinking that either there was too much plot or there was too much smut but I couldn't decide which. LOL
Reid Galvin is a Navy SEAL and he's returned from a mission where a lot of lives were lost. But before this job he had met Becca Anderson, and the connection they formed was incredible. But he cut off all contact with her while he was deployed and she assumes it meant more to her than it did for him. She's wrong of course, he can't stop thinking about her and a certain email she sent him. So when he returns home he calls her only to interrupt a date.
So this is where it gets all kind of oddly too much plot or whatever. See Becca and her coworker have uncovered something in an encrypted file at work ... a file that could bring the whole company down and someone very important with it. Apparently that someone doesn't want to take any chances and so begins the suspense part of the story. I felt like this was halfheartedly done... like the intent was to add a bit of depth to the smut, but I think it missed its mark a bit and it came across as almost an afterthought. I mean, is the story about the people who are after her, or is it about Reid making her fantasies and desires come true? I think that this short story tried to take on too much and might have been a bit more successful by choosing just one to focus on. (cough cough her email cough cough)
Especially after the pages and pages of s-e-x. Which mind you, was well-written other than a few phrases that I cringed about. (Labia and channel were used... just warning you)
I didn't love nor did I hate the two main characters... I guess nothing about them really grabbed me and pulled me in or invested me in them. They were just part of the story for me. The chemistry between them was definitely there though.
The cover - meh. Reid is a Navy SEAL and the closer I look at hat dude it looks like he has longish hair and blah... Being a SEAL is a huge part of his life and I get wanting a sexy sexy cover, but I think something different might have worked better.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick read - something hot, and steamy with plot that really doesn't impact the story much this might be a good fit for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press for the early copy for review.
My review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
A little plot with a lot (and I mean a lot) of 'naughty' stuff can work. It really can. This sort of worked for me. Like in the way that I enjoyed it, but I kept thinking that either there was too much plot or there was too much smut but I couldn't decide which. LOL
Reid Galvin is a Navy SEAL and he's returned from a mission where a lot of lives were lost. But before this job he had met Becca Anderson, and the connection they formed was incredible. But he cut off all contact with her while he was deployed and she assumes it meant more to her than it did for him. She's wrong of course, he can't stop thinking about her and a certain email she sent him. So when he returns home he calls her only to interrupt a date.
So this is where it gets all kind of oddly too much plot or whatever. See Becca and her coworker have uncovered something in an encrypted file at work ... a file that could bring the whole company down and someone very important with it. Apparently that someone doesn't want to take any chances and so begins the suspense part of the story. I felt like this was halfheartedly done... like the intent was to add a bit of depth to the smut, but I think it missed its mark a bit and it came across as almost an afterthought. I mean, is the story about the people who are after her, or is it about Reid making her fantasies and desires come true? I think that this short story tried to take on too much and might have been a bit more successful by choosing just one to focus on. (cough cough her email cough cough)
Especially after the pages and pages of s-e-x. Which mind you, was well-written other than a few phrases that I cringed about. (Labia and channel were used... just warning you)
I didn't love nor did I hate the two main characters... I guess nothing about them really grabbed me and pulled me in or invested me in them. They were just part of the story for me. The chemistry between them was definitely there though.
The cover - meh. Reid is a Navy SEAL and the closer I look at hat dude it looks like he has longish hair and blah... Being a SEAL is a huge part of his life and I get wanting a sexy sexy cover, but I think something different might have worked better.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick read - something hot, and steamy with plot that really doesn't impact the story much this might be a good fit for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press for the early copy for review.
My review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
May 1, 2013
3.5 stars
I will write a short review for this short book.
Becca and Reid had a whirlwind romance, but then Reid leaves for active military duty (he's a SEAL) and cuts off all communication with Becca while he's deployed overseas. When Becca doesn't hear from him for 6 weeks, she believes that's Reid's way of ending things with her. Becca is heartbroken, but does her best to continue moving forward with her life.
At work, her co-worker asks her to decode some computer files. Unknown to Becca, the contents of the files point to illegal activities linked to the investment firm where she works. It turns out that someone is willing to go pretty far to keep the contents of those files under wraps. Soon Becca's life is in jeopardy, but luckily Reid is in the right place at the right time, and he vows to protect Becca - and in the process, he hopes to once again capture her heart.
Overall, the book was enjoyable. I liked the characters: Becca is a strong, intelligent woman, and I always appreciate a strong female lead. Reid was everything you would expect of a SEAL - hot, alpha male, drool-worthy physique and tough - but there's a softer side to him that's revealed almost immediately. I really liked that Reid could admit when he screwed up, and that he's direct and to the point in getting what he wants. He was strong and possessive, yes, but I never felt even close to that line where protective turns into crazy, obsessive possessive. Know what I mean?
The plot was interesting enough, but given the short length of the book, took a backseat to the steamy relationship between Becca and Reid. And, oh was it steamy! Holy hell, I had to fan myself at certain places. Reid is a very talented guy! My only complaint was that I felt like everything moved too quickly, but that's more a factor of the short length of the book and the fact that it takes place over a 2 or 3 day period.
I will write a short review for this short book.
Becca and Reid had a whirlwind romance, but then Reid leaves for active military duty (he's a SEAL) and cuts off all communication with Becca while he's deployed overseas. When Becca doesn't hear from him for 6 weeks, she believes that's Reid's way of ending things with her. Becca is heartbroken, but does her best to continue moving forward with her life.
At work, her co-worker asks her to decode some computer files. Unknown to Becca, the contents of the files point to illegal activities linked to the investment firm where she works. It turns out that someone is willing to go pretty far to keep the contents of those files under wraps. Soon Becca's life is in jeopardy, but luckily Reid is in the right place at the right time, and he vows to protect Becca - and in the process, he hopes to once again capture her heart.
Overall, the book was enjoyable. I liked the characters: Becca is a strong, intelligent woman, and I always appreciate a strong female lead. Reid was everything you would expect of a SEAL - hot, alpha male, drool-worthy physique and tough - but there's a softer side to him that's revealed almost immediately. I really liked that Reid could admit when he screwed up, and that he's direct and to the point in getting what he wants. He was strong and possessive, yes, but I never felt even close to that line where protective turns into crazy, obsessive possessive. Know what I mean?
The plot was interesting enough, but given the short length of the book, took a backseat to the steamy relationship between Becca and Reid. And, oh was it steamy! Holy hell, I had to fan myself at certain places. Reid is a very talented guy! My only complaint was that I felt like everything moved too quickly, but that's more a factor of the short length of the book and the fact that it takes place over a 2 or 3 day period.
January 31, 2013
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book, not the longest book but a pleasant and sexy afternoon read.
Becca is an accountant, missing the man who ditched her. Reid is a navy seal, on dangerous assignment keeping his distance, but pining for the one he wants - dont you just want to knock characthers heads together and say sort it out talk to each other!!!!!
Becca is an accountant who has just discovered a bad secret which puts her in danger, enter Reid, if a navy seal can't protect you who can....but Reid can - especially when in the bedroom and she hands him control.
Hot, elongated sex scenes are the main story, along with mystery and danger and gaining trust.
Reid is all alpha male, but has softness, Becca is a strong characther too, considering the trials she has to go through!! There are only really background characthers other than the Becca and Reid but it's their story so it's fine.
**I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review **
I enjoyed reading this book, not the longest book but a pleasant and sexy afternoon read.
Becca is an accountant, missing the man who ditched her. Reid is a navy seal, on dangerous assignment keeping his distance, but pining for the one he wants - dont you just want to knock characthers heads together and say sort it out talk to each other!!!!!
Becca is an accountant who has just discovered a bad secret which puts her in danger, enter Reid, if a navy seal can't protect you who can....but Reid can - especially when in the bedroom and she hands him control.
Hot, elongated sex scenes are the main story, along with mystery and danger and gaining trust.
Reid is all alpha male, but has softness, Becca is a strong characther too, considering the trials she has to go through!! There are only really background characthers other than the Becca and Reid but it's their story so it's fine.
**I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review **
January 14, 2013
The book is a steamy erotica romance with Military SEAL as one of the main characters. That is PACKED with suspense, mystery, espionage and more...
I found the book an enjoyable page turning adventure that was fast paced...
I received book for an honesty review.
I found the book an enjoyable page turning adventure that was fast paced...
I received book for an honesty review.
January 17, 2013
Joint review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/01/14/...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Today!
How we got this book: NetGalley
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back from hell and eager to find comfort in Becca Anderson’s arms. He knows he hurt her when he cut contact during his deployment, so when his call interrupts her date with another man, he has only himself to blame. But he can’t forget what she means to him—or the sexy email she sent him—and he won’t miss this chance to claim her as his own.
It’s been weeks since Becca heard from the man she thought she was involved with. So when Reid wants to take up where they left off as if nothing happened, she refuses. Then he rescues her from a first date gone very wrong, and she realizes she’s not quite ready to let him go.
Reid and Becca have a lot to talk about, but since she’s not listening, he’s going to have to regain her trust another way—by bringing her most erotic fantasies to life. Making her surrender to pleasure just might be his most important mission.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
MinnChica: I first discovered Croix through her alter-ego Kaylea Cross. When I heard she was going to start writing erotic romance through the Callie Croix name, I knew I would have to track down her smutty stories and read them all. I love her military heroes, and her strong heroines. Add in a dash of suspense and lots of smut, and her books are some of my favorite novella erotic reads.
E: I discovered Croix through a certain MinnChica after she arm twisted me into reading Cross for a joint review. Then we ended up doing a joint review of a Croix book, Let Me In, which I enjoyed but I had a few issues with the heroine. So when I saw this title on Netgalley and read the blurb I had to give it a try and I am glad that I did. Over a short period of time she provided suspense, smutty goodness, a strong woman asking for what she wants and a strong man finding the courage to give it to her.
MinnChica: I think I enjoyed this story more than some of Croix’s other erotic novellas, because it seemed to read like a longer book. With her previous Carina Press stories, they each read very quickly, but this story seemed to read like a longer book. I really enjoyed both Becca and Reid, they were both the kind of characters I’ve come to expect from Croix. Reid was a strong and dominate hero who lived up to the military stereotype. And Becca was great as well, strong in her own right and I loved that she made Reid work to gain her trust again.
E: This did feel like a complete story which I certainly enjoyed. I could see Reid’s viewpoint and how he wanted to keep Becca separate from the bad parts of his life deployed. He also trying to deal with a rather traumatic event, his survivor guilt, and the desire to make sure it didn’t happen again. Reid’s job was that of a protector and his protectiveness was not limited to just his job but also people back home. On the flipside Becca was not willing to sit back and wait for Reid to decide he could make time for her. In her mind they had not established any commitment so his lack of communication, especially after she had taken the risk of sending him a rather descriptive email of one of her fantasy’s, meant that she was out of sight and therefore out of mind. Just like MinnChica, I absolutely loved that she made Reid work to get her back. Reid had to learn that just because he had committed in his mind, he had to make sure that Becca was aware of that decision and that he maintained their connection.
MinnChica: I loved getting to see the flip side of both Reid and Becca’s view of their relationship. While, like E, I could see where Reid was coming from with wanting to keep his deployment separate from Becca, I wanted to smack him just a little for not letting her in. While I’m not delusional to think the love of a good woman could cure him, but there is something to be said for having someone to lean on, to trust and to rely on when times get tough. I wanted him to have a little more faith in her and them, instead of pushing her and their relationship to the backseat. I also liked getting to see Becca struggle with not knowing anything about whether or not Reid was safe. Croix did a wonderful job of showing just how frustrating this can be not knowing ANYTHING about the well being of a loved one stationed overseas. While both Reid and Becca were no where close to perfect, their relationship and characters were real and true. I loved that!
E: I completely understood the frustration about not knowing if Reid was alive or not but I also know there is an ingrained need to try to keep the ones you care about protected from harm. It is a delicate balancing act between saying too much and not saying enough. Reid was on the not saying enough side and he needed to learn that complete silence does not work. Once he realized that issue I really liked the intense focus he placed on Becca and trying to get her to understand where he thought they were going. I also liked the snapshots of interaction he had with his Teammates because I could completely see that in action. I think one of Croix’s strengths is showing her characters through their interaction with others because I get a more rounded sense of them flaws and all.
MinnChica: One of the other things I really enjoyed about this story was the mini suspense plot. Usually with novella’s, the sub-plot tends to fall short. However, I thought that Croix did an amazing job balancing the suspense and the romance and the smut. I really enjoyed how it didn’t fall to the wayside, or feel as if that part of the story was an afterthought.
All in all I really enjoyed this novella. I loved Reid and Becca both, thought they were really relatable characters who were devoted to making their relationship work. Add in the super sexy smutty times and I was sold on all aspects of this story. Croix has also done an incredible job writing a novella that feels like a big story in all aspects, I can’t tell you how much that increases my reading experience.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
E: I really enjoyed how Croix was able to give me the complete story feel in a novella. Between the connections the characters had, their struggle towards a HEA, and just the fundamental differences between men and women, military and civilians and I knew this was a romance to enjoy. Throw in the intense smutty times and I didn’t come up for air until I was finished reading. I think with this installment Croix has made my must read pile.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Today!
How we got this book: NetGalley
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back from hell and eager to find comfort in Becca Anderson’s arms. He knows he hurt her when he cut contact during his deployment, so when his call interrupts her date with another man, he has only himself to blame. But he can’t forget what she means to him—or the sexy email she sent him—and he won’t miss this chance to claim her as his own.
It’s been weeks since Becca heard from the man she thought she was involved with. So when Reid wants to take up where they left off as if nothing happened, she refuses. Then he rescues her from a first date gone very wrong, and she realizes she’s not quite ready to let him go.
Reid and Becca have a lot to talk about, but since she’s not listening, he’s going to have to regain her trust another way—by bringing her most erotic fantasies to life. Making her surrender to pleasure just might be his most important mission.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
MinnChica: I first discovered Croix through her alter-ego Kaylea Cross. When I heard she was going to start writing erotic romance through the Callie Croix name, I knew I would have to track down her smutty stories and read them all. I love her military heroes, and her strong heroines. Add in a dash of suspense and lots of smut, and her books are some of my favorite novella erotic reads.
E: I discovered Croix through a certain MinnChica after she arm twisted me into reading Cross for a joint review. Then we ended up doing a joint review of a Croix book, Let Me In, which I enjoyed but I had a few issues with the heroine. So when I saw this title on Netgalley and read the blurb I had to give it a try and I am glad that I did. Over a short period of time she provided suspense, smutty goodness, a strong woman asking for what she wants and a strong man finding the courage to give it to her.
MinnChica: I think I enjoyed this story more than some of Croix’s other erotic novellas, because it seemed to read like a longer book. With her previous Carina Press stories, they each read very quickly, but this story seemed to read like a longer book. I really enjoyed both Becca and Reid, they were both the kind of characters I’ve come to expect from Croix. Reid was a strong and dominate hero who lived up to the military stereotype. And Becca was great as well, strong in her own right and I loved that she made Reid work to gain her trust again.
E: This did feel like a complete story which I certainly enjoyed. I could see Reid’s viewpoint and how he wanted to keep Becca separate from the bad parts of his life deployed. He also trying to deal with a rather traumatic event, his survivor guilt, and the desire to make sure it didn’t happen again. Reid’s job was that of a protector and his protectiveness was not limited to just his job but also people back home. On the flipside Becca was not willing to sit back and wait for Reid to decide he could make time for her. In her mind they had not established any commitment so his lack of communication, especially after she had taken the risk of sending him a rather descriptive email of one of her fantasy’s, meant that she was out of sight and therefore out of mind. Just like MinnChica, I absolutely loved that she made Reid work to get her back. Reid had to learn that just because he had committed in his mind, he had to make sure that Becca was aware of that decision and that he maintained their connection.
MinnChica: I loved getting to see the flip side of both Reid and Becca’s view of their relationship. While, like E, I could see where Reid was coming from with wanting to keep his deployment separate from Becca, I wanted to smack him just a little for not letting her in. While I’m not delusional to think the love of a good woman could cure him, but there is something to be said for having someone to lean on, to trust and to rely on when times get tough. I wanted him to have a little more faith in her and them, instead of pushing her and their relationship to the backseat. I also liked getting to see Becca struggle with not knowing anything about whether or not Reid was safe. Croix did a wonderful job of showing just how frustrating this can be not knowing ANYTHING about the well being of a loved one stationed overseas. While both Reid and Becca were no where close to perfect, their relationship and characters were real and true. I loved that!
E: I completely understood the frustration about not knowing if Reid was alive or not but I also know there is an ingrained need to try to keep the ones you care about protected from harm. It is a delicate balancing act between saying too much and not saying enough. Reid was on the not saying enough side and he needed to learn that complete silence does not work. Once he realized that issue I really liked the intense focus he placed on Becca and trying to get her to understand where he thought they were going. I also liked the snapshots of interaction he had with his Teammates because I could completely see that in action. I think one of Croix’s strengths is showing her characters through their interaction with others because I get a more rounded sense of them flaws and all.
MinnChica: One of the other things I really enjoyed about this story was the mini suspense plot. Usually with novella’s, the sub-plot tends to fall short. However, I thought that Croix did an amazing job balancing the suspense and the romance and the smut. I really enjoyed how it didn’t fall to the wayside, or feel as if that part of the story was an afterthought.
All in all I really enjoyed this novella. I loved Reid and Becca both, thought they were really relatable characters who were devoted to making their relationship work. Add in the super sexy smutty times and I was sold on all aspects of this story. Croix has also done an incredible job writing a novella that feels like a big story in all aspects, I can’t tell you how much that increases my reading experience.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
E: I really enjoyed how Croix was able to give me the complete story feel in a novella. Between the connections the characters had, their struggle towards a HEA, and just the fundamental differences between men and women, military and civilians and I knew this was a romance to enjoy. Throw in the intense smutty times and I didn’t come up for air until I was finished reading. I think with this installment Croix has made my must read pile.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
January 18, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/01/14/...
MinnChica: I first discovered Croix through her alter-ego Kaylea Cross. When I heard she was going to start writing erotic romance through the Callie Croix name, I knew I would have to track down her smutty stories and read them all. I love her military heroes, and her strong heroines. Add in a dash of suspense and lots of smut, and her books are some of my favorite novella erotic reads.
E: I discovered Croix through a certain MinnChica after she arm twisted me into reading Cross for a joint review. Then we ended up doing a joint review of a Croix book, Let Me In, which I enjoyed but I had a few issues with the heroine. So when I saw this title on Netgalley and read the blurb I had to give it a try and I am glad that I did. Over a short period of time she provided suspense, smutty goodness, a strong woman asking for what she wants and a strong man finding the courage to give it to her.
MinnChica: I think I enjoyed this story more than some of Croix’s other erotic novellas, because it seemed to read like a longer book. With her previous Carina Press stories, they each read very quickly, but this story seemed to read like a longer book. I really enjoyed both Becca and Reid, they were both the kind of characters I’ve come to expect from Croix. Reid was a strong and dominate hero who lived up to the military stereotype. And Becca was great as well, strong in her own right and I loved that she made Reid work to gain her trust again.
E: This did feel like a complete story which I certainly enjoyed. I could see Reid’s viewpoint and how he wanted to keep Becca separate from the bad parts of his life deployed. He also trying to deal with a rather traumatic event, his survivor guilt, and the desire to make sure it didn’t happen again. Reid’s job was that of a protector and his protectiveness was not limited to just his job but also people back home. On the flipside Becca was not willing to sit back and wait for Reid to decide he could make time for her. In her mind they had not established any commitment so his lack of communication, especially after she had taken the risk of sending him a rather descriptive email of one of her fantasy’s, meant that she was out of sight and therefore out of mind. Just like MinnChica, I absolutely loved that she made Reid work to get her back. Reid had to learn that just because he had committed in his mind, he had to make sure that Becca was aware of that decision and that he maintained their connection.
MinnChica: I loved getting to see the flip side of both Reid and Becca’s view of their relationship. While, like E, I could see where Reid was coming from with wanting to keep his deployment separate from Becca, I wanted to smack him just a little for not letting her in. While I’m not delusional to think the love of a good woman could cure him, but there is something to be said for having someone to lean on, to trust and to rely on when times get tough. I wanted him to have a little more faith in her and them, instead of pushing her and their relationship to the backseat. I also liked getting to see Becca struggle with not knowing anything about whether or not Reid was safe. Croix did a wonderful job of showing just how frustrating this can be not knowing ANYTHING about the well being of a loved one stationed overseas. While both Reid and Becca were no where close to perfect, their relationship and characters were real and true. I loved that!
E: I completely understood the frustration about not knowing if Reid was alive or not but I also know there is an ingrained need to try to keep the ones you care about protected from harm. It is a delicate balancing act between saying too much and not saying enough. Reid was on the not saying enough side and he needed to learn that complete silence does not work. Once he realized that issue I really liked the intense focus he placed on Becca and trying to get her to understand where he thought they were going. I also liked the snapshots of interaction he had with his Teammates because I could completely see that in action. I think one of Croix’s strengths is showing her characters through their interaction with others because I get a more rounded sense of them flaws and all.
MinnChica: One of the other things I really enjoyed about this story was the mini suspense plot. Usually with novella’s, the sub-plot tends to fall short. However, I thought that Croix did an amazing job balancing the suspense and the romance and the smut. I really enjoyed how it didn’t fall to the wayside, or feel as if that part of the story was an afterthought.
All in all I really enjoyed this novella. I loved Reid and Becca both, thought they were really relatable characters who were devoted to making their relationship work. Add in the super sexy smutty times and I was sold on all aspects of this story. Croix has also done an incredible job writing a novella that feels like a big story in all aspects, I can’t tell you how much that increases my reading experience.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
E: I really enjoyed how Croix was able to give me the complete story feel in a novella. Between the connections the characters had, their struggle towards a HEA, and just the fundamental differences between men and women, military and civilians and I knew this was a romance to enjoy. Throw in the intense smutty times and I didn’t come up for air until I was finished reading. I think with this installment Croix has made my must read pile.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
MinnChica: I first discovered Croix through her alter-ego Kaylea Cross. When I heard she was going to start writing erotic romance through the Callie Croix name, I knew I would have to track down her smutty stories and read them all. I love her military heroes, and her strong heroines. Add in a dash of suspense and lots of smut, and her books are some of my favorite novella erotic reads.
E: I discovered Croix through a certain MinnChica after she arm twisted me into reading Cross for a joint review. Then we ended up doing a joint review of a Croix book, Let Me In, which I enjoyed but I had a few issues with the heroine. So when I saw this title on Netgalley and read the blurb I had to give it a try and I am glad that I did. Over a short period of time she provided suspense, smutty goodness, a strong woman asking for what she wants and a strong man finding the courage to give it to her.
MinnChica: I think I enjoyed this story more than some of Croix’s other erotic novellas, because it seemed to read like a longer book. With her previous Carina Press stories, they each read very quickly, but this story seemed to read like a longer book. I really enjoyed both Becca and Reid, they were both the kind of characters I’ve come to expect from Croix. Reid was a strong and dominate hero who lived up to the military stereotype. And Becca was great as well, strong in her own right and I loved that she made Reid work to gain her trust again.
E: This did feel like a complete story which I certainly enjoyed. I could see Reid’s viewpoint and how he wanted to keep Becca separate from the bad parts of his life deployed. He also trying to deal with a rather traumatic event, his survivor guilt, and the desire to make sure it didn’t happen again. Reid’s job was that of a protector and his protectiveness was not limited to just his job but also people back home. On the flipside Becca was not willing to sit back and wait for Reid to decide he could make time for her. In her mind they had not established any commitment so his lack of communication, especially after she had taken the risk of sending him a rather descriptive email of one of her fantasy’s, meant that she was out of sight and therefore out of mind. Just like MinnChica, I absolutely loved that she made Reid work to get her back. Reid had to learn that just because he had committed in his mind, he had to make sure that Becca was aware of that decision and that he maintained their connection.
MinnChica: I loved getting to see the flip side of both Reid and Becca’s view of their relationship. While, like E, I could see where Reid was coming from with wanting to keep his deployment separate from Becca, I wanted to smack him just a little for not letting her in. While I’m not delusional to think the love of a good woman could cure him, but there is something to be said for having someone to lean on, to trust and to rely on when times get tough. I wanted him to have a little more faith in her and them, instead of pushing her and their relationship to the backseat. I also liked getting to see Becca struggle with not knowing anything about whether or not Reid was safe. Croix did a wonderful job of showing just how frustrating this can be not knowing ANYTHING about the well being of a loved one stationed overseas. While both Reid and Becca were no where close to perfect, their relationship and characters were real and true. I loved that!
E: I completely understood the frustration about not knowing if Reid was alive or not but I also know there is an ingrained need to try to keep the ones you care about protected from harm. It is a delicate balancing act between saying too much and not saying enough. Reid was on the not saying enough side and he needed to learn that complete silence does not work. Once he realized that issue I really liked the intense focus he placed on Becca and trying to get her to understand where he thought they were going. I also liked the snapshots of interaction he had with his Teammates because I could completely see that in action. I think one of Croix’s strengths is showing her characters through their interaction with others because I get a more rounded sense of them flaws and all.
MinnChica: One of the other things I really enjoyed about this story was the mini suspense plot. Usually with novella’s, the sub-plot tends to fall short. However, I thought that Croix did an amazing job balancing the suspense and the romance and the smut. I really enjoyed how it didn’t fall to the wayside, or feel as if that part of the story was an afterthought.
All in all I really enjoyed this novella. I loved Reid and Becca both, thought they were really relatable characters who were devoted to making their relationship work. Add in the super sexy smutty times and I was sold on all aspects of this story. Croix has also done an incredible job writing a novella that feels like a big story in all aspects, I can’t tell you how much that increases my reading experience.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
E: I really enjoyed how Croix was able to give me the complete story feel in a novella. Between the connections the characters had, their struggle towards a HEA, and just the fundamental differences between men and women, military and civilians and I knew this was a romance to enjoy. Throw in the intense smutty times and I didn’t come up for air until I was finished reading. I think with this installment Croix has made my must read pile.
I give Covert Seduction a B+
August 7, 2019
The story is okay. Stimulating? Sure, but maybe for cultural reasons, and some personal preference on the side, I find it too much. The hero's dominance, their flair for exhibition, and the groveling.
The suspense part is interesting. But it was too short that there wasn't much impact, at all. Overall, it just lays flat. No fireworks, sad to say.
The suspense part is interesting. But it was too short that there wasn't much impact, at all. Overall, it just lays flat. No fireworks, sad to say.
December 12, 2012
Reviewed for Sara at www.HarlequinJunkie.com
What in the heck would a Navy SEAL and a computer programmer have in common? You’d think, “Not Much” and that may be true but my goodness that doesn’t mean they aren’t hot together!!!!
We start out in the middle of a war zone and we meet Reid Galvin, Navy SEAL. He’s just lost good friends in a helicopter crash. He’s going back in with another group to gather whatever remains they can from those soldiers. They’re also going back in to punish the terrorists responsible for the crash and for the lives lost. You could not find a better character to be described as a hero than Reid. Of course, he does heroic things; he IS a Navy SEAL after all. But he’s more than that. He has a girl back home. He longs to talk to her or to email her or whatever but with all of the death around him, he just can’t bring himself to reach out. He uses the prospect of reuniting with her as a way to keep motivated and to keep from wallowing in sadness and anger. Once he finishes this mission, he gets to go back stateside for some R&R. He’s more than ready for it but he won’t leave until he’s done right by his fellow, fallen soldiers. When he does finally return, he’s ready to see his girl but she may not be quite as welcoming as he thinks.
Becca Andrews is the girl that Reid has come back home to and I really liked her. They had only recently started dating but there’s something special between them… she can feel it. She sends him emails but he doesn’t respond. She hasn’t heard from him in six weeks. During those six weeks, she’s heard about the crash and has been worried sick. She finally contacts his cousin who lets her know he’s ok. For Becca, worry turns to anger. When Reid comes back, Becca doesn’t let him off easily. She understands why he might not want to write everything out in an email but she gets him to understand her side of it and that an “I’m ok.” would have been fine. In addition to having a backbone, she also has brass balls! Becca is tough under pressure but all that is about to be tested because Becca has another thing to worry about. A friend of hers, who works at the same investment firm she does, gave her a file to unencrypt (which is part of her job). What Becca and her pal have done is all on the up and up but the information revealed in that file could be really damaging to some really important people. Becca needs to start watching her back.
This was such a great book!!! I usually don’t really enjoy stories centered around military people because it’s too easy to get us to like them. This one is no different because you’re expected to like Reid from the get-go. But once the story is underway, you really DO like him. And you like him for him, not just for what he sacrifices for his country. He’s such an awesome hero. Sure, sure he’s a Navy SEAL blah blah blah but he also chases down bad guys…for his woman! Like for REAL!!! Gah, its so sexy!! I need a moment to collect myself…… ok, I’m better. Where was I? Oh yeah, Reid and Becca are so freaking hot together! I’m pretty sure that my clothes almost melted off when I read this book!
I would recommend Covert Seduction to just about anyone. It has lots of adventure and excitement. I found myself laughing at these two a lot as well. I can see this being the start of a series, since Reid has plenty of fellow SEALs to keep us ladies nice and warm! If so, I would definitely continue reading this series and reading this author!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
What in the heck would a Navy SEAL and a computer programmer have in common? You’d think, “Not Much” and that may be true but my goodness that doesn’t mean they aren’t hot together!!!!
We start out in the middle of a war zone and we meet Reid Galvin, Navy SEAL. He’s just lost good friends in a helicopter crash. He’s going back in with another group to gather whatever remains they can from those soldiers. They’re also going back in to punish the terrorists responsible for the crash and for the lives lost. You could not find a better character to be described as a hero than Reid. Of course, he does heroic things; he IS a Navy SEAL after all. But he’s more than that. He has a girl back home. He longs to talk to her or to email her or whatever but with all of the death around him, he just can’t bring himself to reach out. He uses the prospect of reuniting with her as a way to keep motivated and to keep from wallowing in sadness and anger. Once he finishes this mission, he gets to go back stateside for some R&R. He’s more than ready for it but he won’t leave until he’s done right by his fellow, fallen soldiers. When he does finally return, he’s ready to see his girl but she may not be quite as welcoming as he thinks.
Becca Andrews is the girl that Reid has come back home to and I really liked her. They had only recently started dating but there’s something special between them… she can feel it. She sends him emails but he doesn’t respond. She hasn’t heard from him in six weeks. During those six weeks, she’s heard about the crash and has been worried sick. She finally contacts his cousin who lets her know he’s ok. For Becca, worry turns to anger. When Reid comes back, Becca doesn’t let him off easily. She understands why he might not want to write everything out in an email but she gets him to understand her side of it and that an “I’m ok.” would have been fine. In addition to having a backbone, she also has brass balls! Becca is tough under pressure but all that is about to be tested because Becca has another thing to worry about. A friend of hers, who works at the same investment firm she does, gave her a file to unencrypt (which is part of her job). What Becca and her pal have done is all on the up and up but the information revealed in that file could be really damaging to some really important people. Becca needs to start watching her back.
This was such a great book!!! I usually don’t really enjoy stories centered around military people because it’s too easy to get us to like them. This one is no different because you’re expected to like Reid from the get-go. But once the story is underway, you really DO like him. And you like him for him, not just for what he sacrifices for his country. He’s such an awesome hero. Sure, sure he’s a Navy SEAL blah blah blah but he also chases down bad guys…for his woman! Like for REAL!!! Gah, its so sexy!! I need a moment to collect myself…… ok, I’m better. Where was I? Oh yeah, Reid and Becca are so freaking hot together! I’m pretty sure that my clothes almost melted off when I read this book!
I would recommend Covert Seduction to just about anyone. It has lots of adventure and excitement. I found myself laughing at these two a lot as well. I can see this being the start of a series, since Reid has plenty of fellow SEALs to keep us ladies nice and warm! If so, I would definitely continue reading this series and reading this author!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
February 1, 2013
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
Avis de Callixta
Callie Croix est en réalité Kaylea Cross, une auteure canadienne de romantic suspense. Passionnée et très renseignée sur le milieu militaire, elle utilise encore beaucoup ce contexte lorsqu’elle écrit sous son autre nom de plume de la romance érotique. Cela donne une intéressante série chez Carina Press de romans centrés autour de SEALs où son talent pour le romantic suspense se marie aux scènes très sensuelles.
Pour cet épisode, elle se concentre sur deux personnages qui ont commencé leur aventure auparavant. Reid Galvin est reparti en mission après avoir commencé une liaison passionnée avec une jeune informaticienne, Becca Anderson. Mais lors de cette mission, il va assister à un terrible crash d’un hélicoptère perdant ainsi de nombreux camarades. Traumatisé, il va prendre un peu de distance par rapport à sa vie civile. Becca décontenancée va elle attendre avec moins de moins de patience aux Etats-Unis. Les retrouvailles s’annoncent donc difficile surtout lorsque Becca va se trouver aux prises avec une drôle d’affaire qui concerne son travail.
Les deux intrigues vont alors se mêler. Becca est de plus en plus menacée depuis qu’elle a décrypté un document qui révèle des malversations dans l’entreprise où elle travaille. Pendant ce temps, reid rentre vers elle. Les deux intrigues vont évidemment se télescoper.
Callie Croix est très à l’aise dans les deux types d’intrigue. Comme souvent dans ses livres, l’attraction entre les deux personnages est palpable et incandescente. La liaison déjà très intense entre les deux va prendre une dimension supplémentaire à cause de la situation. La peur, le stress provoqués par le danger qui menace la jeune femme renforce encore son désir pour Reid. Chez lui, cela augmente le désir de protection. Si vous ajoutez des fantasmes un peu plus osés entre eux, cela donne des scènes qui vont de l’action la plus pure à la sensualité la plus douce.
Callie Croix privilégie davantage les sentiments que la sexualité. Ne vous attendez pas à des situations très osées mais juste un peu plus épicées que traditionnellement. C’est intense, puissant entre ceux deux là. Reid est le modèle du mâle alpha aujourd’hui qui adore le contrôle et a l’envie de protéger et de sauver chevillée au corps. Il est toujours là pour elle et elle a profondément besoin de lui.
Si l’intrigue policière est un peu rapide privilégiant l’action sur l’élucidation du mystère, la romance est belle, sensuelle et douce. Les scènes entre eux sont souvent lentes, toute en montée en puissance du désir et Callie Croix sait parfaitement mettre en évidence leur attirance profonde.
Tout cela donne une très belle romance, très efficace qui ne renouvelle pas le genre mais l’exploite au mieux. Que demander de plus ? Nous suivrons évidemment la carrière de cette auteure qui fait partie des meilleures auteures de military romance, ce genre toujours un peu mal connu en France.
Avis de Callixta
Callie Croix est en réalité Kaylea Cross, une auteure canadienne de romantic suspense. Passionnée et très renseignée sur le milieu militaire, elle utilise encore beaucoup ce contexte lorsqu’elle écrit sous son autre nom de plume de la romance érotique. Cela donne une intéressante série chez Carina Press de romans centrés autour de SEALs où son talent pour le romantic suspense se marie aux scènes très sensuelles.
Pour cet épisode, elle se concentre sur deux personnages qui ont commencé leur aventure auparavant. Reid Galvin est reparti en mission après avoir commencé une liaison passionnée avec une jeune informaticienne, Becca Anderson. Mais lors de cette mission, il va assister à un terrible crash d’un hélicoptère perdant ainsi de nombreux camarades. Traumatisé, il va prendre un peu de distance par rapport à sa vie civile. Becca décontenancée va elle attendre avec moins de moins de patience aux Etats-Unis. Les retrouvailles s’annoncent donc difficile surtout lorsque Becca va se trouver aux prises avec une drôle d’affaire qui concerne son travail.
Les deux intrigues vont alors se mêler. Becca est de plus en plus menacée depuis qu’elle a décrypté un document qui révèle des malversations dans l’entreprise où elle travaille. Pendant ce temps, reid rentre vers elle. Les deux intrigues vont évidemment se télescoper.
Callie Croix est très à l’aise dans les deux types d’intrigue. Comme souvent dans ses livres, l’attraction entre les deux personnages est palpable et incandescente. La liaison déjà très intense entre les deux va prendre une dimension supplémentaire à cause de la situation. La peur, le stress provoqués par le danger qui menace la jeune femme renforce encore son désir pour Reid. Chez lui, cela augmente le désir de protection. Si vous ajoutez des fantasmes un peu plus osés entre eux, cela donne des scènes qui vont de l’action la plus pure à la sensualité la plus douce.
Callie Croix privilégie davantage les sentiments que la sexualité. Ne vous attendez pas à des situations très osées mais juste un peu plus épicées que traditionnellement. C’est intense, puissant entre ceux deux là. Reid est le modèle du mâle alpha aujourd’hui qui adore le contrôle et a l’envie de protéger et de sauver chevillée au corps. Il est toujours là pour elle et elle a profondément besoin de lui.
Si l’intrigue policière est un peu rapide privilégiant l’action sur l’élucidation du mystère, la romance est belle, sensuelle et douce. Les scènes entre eux sont souvent lentes, toute en montée en puissance du désir et Callie Croix sait parfaitement mettre en évidence leur attirance profonde.
Tout cela donne une très belle romance, très efficace qui ne renouvelle pas le genre mais l’exploite au mieux. Que demander de plus ? Nous suivrons évidemment la carrière de cette auteure qui fait partie des meilleures auteures de military romance, ce genre toujours un peu mal connu en France.
January 13, 2013
This was a quick intense read for a few reasons. You have an unknown threat trying to get to the heroine and the intensity that is brought about by a hurting heart caused by a lack of communication between the main pair. I'm happy we start the story knowing they have a history so the fast pace once they reunite makes sense. The tension between the two is believable and you feel drawn to both of them as you get to see how they truly feel about one another.
Reid is a Navy SEAL who had to leave on a mission that goes to hell. He's got a thing going with Becca but because of what happens doesn't communicate with her during his deployment. This leaves Becca hurting and not knowing if she means as much to him as she thought she did. I mean maybe he isn't as in to her as she was in to him so she decides to try to move on and let it go. She accepts a date with a co-worker that she really isn't in to just to try to get out there again. She's not 100% happy when she hears from Reid as she heads out the door for this date as she knows her heart is still his even though she thinks he doesn't want it. While coming home from this evening out the car her co-worker is driving is pushed off the road in to a drainage ditch full of freezing water. You see they have managed to find some secrets that certain people would do anything to keep under wraps. Thankfully Reid comes along as he can't just wait until the next day to see Becca so has chosen to drive to her place to wait and try to talk to her. He ends up saving both of them then taking Becca home.
Becca is stunned to see Reid in the flesh but after her brush with death decides to just take what she can from him and to hell with her heart. While they work out their issues there is still an unknown assailant tracking them. After another close call she comes clean to both Reid and the police about what they might have found and heads out of town to stay safe with Reid in tow. While at the safe house a lot of things come out and of course love comes to pass. Now mind you this is a short story and the heat factor is definitely up there. Reid is a man who knows what he wants and has also been told by Becca her fantasies which he aims to live out with her for the rest of their lives. I'd love to have a Reid of my very own as his devotion to her is just sigh worthy. When he gives her a token it is definitely a scene that will bring tears to your eyes as that token is more meaningful than anything this SEAL could ever give her even with full access to Tiffany's or Harry Winston… It made me melt a bit inside.
This again is a short hot read but it packs quite a bit of intensity and emotion in it. Go grab it!! My thanks as usual to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Reid is a Navy SEAL who had to leave on a mission that goes to hell. He's got a thing going with Becca but because of what happens doesn't communicate with her during his deployment. This leaves Becca hurting and not knowing if she means as much to him as she thought she did. I mean maybe he isn't as in to her as she was in to him so she decides to try to move on and let it go. She accepts a date with a co-worker that she really isn't in to just to try to get out there again. She's not 100% happy when she hears from Reid as she heads out the door for this date as she knows her heart is still his even though she thinks he doesn't want it. While coming home from this evening out the car her co-worker is driving is pushed off the road in to a drainage ditch full of freezing water. You see they have managed to find some secrets that certain people would do anything to keep under wraps. Thankfully Reid comes along as he can't just wait until the next day to see Becca so has chosen to drive to her place to wait and try to talk to her. He ends up saving both of them then taking Becca home.
Becca is stunned to see Reid in the flesh but after her brush with death decides to just take what she can from him and to hell with her heart. While they work out their issues there is still an unknown assailant tracking them. After another close call she comes clean to both Reid and the police about what they might have found and heads out of town to stay safe with Reid in tow. While at the safe house a lot of things come out and of course love comes to pass. Now mind you this is a short story and the heat factor is definitely up there. Reid is a man who knows what he wants and has also been told by Becca her fantasies which he aims to live out with her for the rest of their lives. I'd love to have a Reid of my very own as his devotion to her is just sigh worthy. When he gives her a token it is definitely a scene that will bring tears to your eyes as that token is more meaningful than anything this SEAL could ever give her even with full access to Tiffany's or Harry Winston… It made me melt a bit inside.
This again is a short hot read but it packs quite a bit of intensity and emotion in it. Go grab it!! My thanks as usual to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2013
Madison's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 Stars
From the opening scene of the book, I fell in love with Reid Galvin. He’s a Navy Seal doing what his country has asked of him. Pulling fellow service members from the wreckage of a downed Chinook atruegemawardand then going out to avenge their deaths. It’s the only thing on his mind. Except when he closes his eyes, all he can see is the face of a woman who stole his heart the last time he was on leave – Becca Anderson.
When Reid goes back overseas, Becca continues writing him, telling him all of her fantasies. Not knowing how to respond and dealing with the death of his fallen comrades, Reid makes the mistake of not answering her, leading to some confused emotions on both sides.
The night that Reid does decide to answer Becca, she’s actually on a date with another man. A date that eventually requires Reid to literally save her life.
There were lots of things I loved about this book and I believe other readers will love. The relationship between the two of them was very true to life. Because Reid hadn’t answered her emails or made an attempt to contact her before getting stateside, Becca of course had many doubts when it came to his feelings for her.
The one thing they never doubted? Their sexual chemistry….which is off the charts hawt!! The way Reid calls Becca beautiful makes my heart melt every time he says it. It’s obvious he cares deeply for her and will do whatever it takes to make the miscommunications between them right.
He also proves that he will protect her no matter what. When she stumbles upon an encrypted file that she unencrypts for a friend and unknowingly sets into motion a string of events that leaves one person dead and the bad guys after her, Reid shows her just how much she means to him. He does whatever it takes to keep her safe and in the process does his best to prove to her just how real his feelings are.
If you like your sexiness with some intrigue and hot military men…then this is definitely the book for you!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
From the opening scene of the book, I fell in love with Reid Galvin. He’s a Navy Seal doing what his country has asked of him. Pulling fellow service members from the wreckage of a downed Chinook atruegemawardand then going out to avenge their deaths. It’s the only thing on his mind. Except when he closes his eyes, all he can see is the face of a woman who stole his heart the last time he was on leave – Becca Anderson.
When Reid goes back overseas, Becca continues writing him, telling him all of her fantasies. Not knowing how to respond and dealing with the death of his fallen comrades, Reid makes the mistake of not answering her, leading to some confused emotions on both sides.
The night that Reid does decide to answer Becca, she’s actually on a date with another man. A date that eventually requires Reid to literally save her life.
There were lots of things I loved about this book and I believe other readers will love. The relationship between the two of them was very true to life. Because Reid hadn’t answered her emails or made an attempt to contact her before getting stateside, Becca of course had many doubts when it came to his feelings for her.
The one thing they never doubted? Their sexual chemistry….which is off the charts hawt!! The way Reid calls Becca beautiful makes my heart melt every time he says it. It’s obvious he cares deeply for her and will do whatever it takes to make the miscommunications between them right.
He also proves that he will protect her no matter what. When she stumbles upon an encrypted file that she unencrypts for a friend and unknowingly sets into motion a string of events that leaves one person dead and the bad guys after her, Reid shows her just how much she means to him. He does whatever it takes to keep her safe and in the process does his best to prove to her just how real his feelings are.
If you like your sexiness with some intrigue and hot military men…then this is definitely the book for you!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
January 29, 2013
3 stars/5 stars
The title apt with the story. It was about seduction – between Reid Galvin, a badass SEAL, and Becca Andrews, a beautiful programmer. They were hooked up after met in someone weeding and pretty much fall to each other. But when Reid go back to the field and accident happen, he suddenly cut her out, Becca feeling hurt and she thought that she was just a fling for him. When she was going on a date with her coworker, for out of the blue Reid called her. Simply said that he was prepared to grovel. But at the end of the date Becca and her date almost killed, because they found an evident of embezzlement by someone in the company they work at. Reid save both of them and when he and Becca back home the seduction begun.
Okay. It was a quick and quite a nice read. Full of sexual tension – the writer spent pages just to accomplish one scene, seriously getting you hot and bother. And I must said for me it was too much. I appreciate how the author made the book more than just an erotica, how she made the romance between the hero and heroine become the big picture in the story. I love the two POV, it made us felt close with the hero and heroine and knew them better. There’s no questions left about their feeling.
The characters were great. The heroine was a sweet person, with strong personality, but also a feminine weakness that very believable and most important thing was she didn’t irritated me. The hero also a loveable guy. Yes he was an ass for stood her up, though it was a stupidity on his side, not because lack of feeling. But how he redeem himself, yeah he was worth it.
There’s suspense in it, it felt out of the story. The suspense and action way more than great actually, but……gah it was really hard to explain how I feeling about this book. The problem was I wanted more of the suspense because the author have great writing skill and produce such a good story. She had so much potential to made her book more than just a good read but somehow it just okay. I enjoyed the book but strangely I expected more from the author.
The title apt with the story. It was about seduction – between Reid Galvin, a badass SEAL, and Becca Andrews, a beautiful programmer. They were hooked up after met in someone weeding and pretty much fall to each other. But when Reid go back to the field and accident happen, he suddenly cut her out, Becca feeling hurt and she thought that she was just a fling for him. When she was going on a date with her coworker, for out of the blue Reid called her. Simply said that he was prepared to grovel. But at the end of the date Becca and her date almost killed, because they found an evident of embezzlement by someone in the company they work at. Reid save both of them and when he and Becca back home the seduction begun.
Okay. It was a quick and quite a nice read. Full of sexual tension – the writer spent pages just to accomplish one scene, seriously getting you hot and bother. And I must said for me it was too much. I appreciate how the author made the book more than just an erotica, how she made the romance between the hero and heroine become the big picture in the story. I love the two POV, it made us felt close with the hero and heroine and knew them better. There’s no questions left about their feeling.
The characters were great. The heroine was a sweet person, with strong personality, but also a feminine weakness that very believable and most important thing was she didn’t irritated me. The hero also a loveable guy. Yes he was an ass for stood her up, though it was a stupidity on his side, not because lack of feeling. But how he redeem himself, yeah he was worth it.
There’s suspense in it, it felt out of the story. The suspense and action way more than great actually, but……gah it was really hard to explain how I feeling about this book. The problem was I wanted more of the suspense because the author have great writing skill and produce such a good story. She had so much potential to made her book more than just a good read but somehow it just okay. I enjoyed the book but strangely I expected more from the author.
January 15, 2013
Mmmmm…..mmmmm…..mmmmmmmm…..Men in Uniform…..Mmmmm….Does it get any better than that? Only if it’s a HOT HOT Navy SEAL! Mmmmmm…….
Reid Galvin is a Navy SEAL who’s been in a war zone for quite a while. He’s watched friends die and come close himself. All he wants to do is go home to Becca. Only, he’s not sure Becca will be waiting on him. He’s screwed up one too many times.
Becca has decided Reid has moved on. So, she’s trying to move on as well. As she heads out for date, Reid calls her and wants to see her. He’s back in town. As much as Becca wants to stay home and see Reid, she goes on her date anyway, only to find herself fighting for her life. Reid appears and pulls her to safety, for now. But the threat to Becca isn’t over and Reid is determined to win her back and keep her safe.
The passion between Reid and Becca was unbelievably hot and spicy. It was amazing. Reid took the time to make sure Becca’s fantasy was played out to the fullest. He was hot and he made her even hotter! On top of that he was concerned with making sure she knew how he felt about her. He realized that life without her would be unbearable. I love it when strong, alpha men can admit how they feel. They can show their emotions to the women they love. They’re not afraid to show the women they love how the feel. That’s a true Alpha male to me.
The suspense and tension of Becca’s life being danger added an extra element to this story. The tension from that wasn’t as ramped up as I’ve seen in other stories, but it worked with this one. Any more tension from the threat would have been too much.
Mmmmm…..back to the hot Navy SEAL…….Mmmmmmm……
A copy of this book was provided by the Publisher via NetGalley.
December 24, 2012
ARC provided by NetGalley.
4.5 Stars
Book Review
I became a fan of Croix's work since reading her book, Let Me In. She writes with such emotion and startling honesty. Her characters are flawed but full of heart and passion that steam up the pages.
And Covert Seduction was everything that I hoped and expected.
Reid and Becca met at a wedding and their relationship grew, blossomed, and then--Reid, a Navy SEAL, left for Afghanistan, with the promise that he would return to her.
Six weeks later, Becca has given up on the man she thought she was falling in love with. Even though her heart is still emotionally attached to this perfect, wonderful man, she feels that it is time for her to move on. Obviously, she was wrong about the strong connection that they had shared. It must have meant way more to her than him.
Reid has just returned state side after a military Chinook crashed, killing several SEALs and brothers-at-arms. All the while, he has thought about Becca--the woman who has stolen his heart and he's determined to keep his promise. When he calls her after weeks of silence, he's shocked to hear that she won't be home waiting for him. Instead, she's going on a date with another man.
What is so obvious a story about a huge miscommunication between two lovers turns into a battle to save Becca's life. And while hiding Becca away, Reid must show her that she means everything to him.
Scorching, mind-blowing sex against a window with the possibility of discovery? Check
Highly intense and erotic love making in front of a mirror? Check
Reader fanning self to help release, er...relieve the heated flush of her checks? Uh...triple check.
Callie Croix writes some serious smexy times with an emotionally and compelling backdrop. I am now a loyal fan.
4.5 Stars
Book Review
I became a fan of Croix's work since reading her book, Let Me In. She writes with such emotion and startling honesty. Her characters are flawed but full of heart and passion that steam up the pages.
And Covert Seduction was everything that I hoped and expected.
Reid and Becca met at a wedding and their relationship grew, blossomed, and then--Reid, a Navy SEAL, left for Afghanistan, with the promise that he would return to her.
Six weeks later, Becca has given up on the man she thought she was falling in love with. Even though her heart is still emotionally attached to this perfect, wonderful man, she feels that it is time for her to move on. Obviously, she was wrong about the strong connection that they had shared. It must have meant way more to her than him.
Reid has just returned state side after a military Chinook crashed, killing several SEALs and brothers-at-arms. All the while, he has thought about Becca--the woman who has stolen his heart and he's determined to keep his promise. When he calls her after weeks of silence, he's shocked to hear that she won't be home waiting for him. Instead, she's going on a date with another man.
What is so obvious a story about a huge miscommunication between two lovers turns into a battle to save Becca's life. And while hiding Becca away, Reid must show her that she means everything to him.
Scorching, mind-blowing sex against a window with the possibility of discovery? Check
Highly intense and erotic love making in front of a mirror? Check
Reader fanning self to help release, er...relieve the heated flush of her checks? Uh...triple check.
Callie Croix writes some serious smexy times with an emotionally and compelling backdrop. I am now a loyal fan.
January 13, 2013
Callie Croix/Kaylea Cross writes suspense and military heroes so well. She does her research and knows her stuff. I don't normally read erotic romance, so this was a little different for me. Lots of hot intimate scenes that were well written along with a loving romance between Reid and Becca all while Becca had dangerous people after her regarding information she inadvertently discovered at work.
Reid is back home after a long deployment to find Becca out with a colleague for the evening. He can't stand waiting around for her so he drives to her place. Along the way he comes up on a car accident - one that has a car underwater on the side of the road. He jumps in to help and finds out it is Becca and her colleague, David. Not quite the way Reid wanted his reunion with Becca to go. Reid and Becca spend time together over the weekend which allows them to explore their feelings for each other both in bed and out. While I know that the intimacy is what is supposed to drive a lot of this book, there was also a good story that goes along with it. One that showcases Reid's SEAL abilities as well as his protectiveness and love for Becca.
What I liked most about this book was that story started out with Reid and Becca already having a relationship. The conflict showed how Reid and Becca are going to handle their relationship with him being a SEAL and not around for periods of time. I thought Callie did a good job building this relationship on more than just intimacy. There was a level of love and trust that was developed between the two. There were some very touching moments (which I loved), one particularly in which I teared up. The ending was perfect between Reid and Becca and the way the subplot was tied up was realistic and appropriate for the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a loving erotic romance with a little suspense.
Reid is back home after a long deployment to find Becca out with a colleague for the evening. He can't stand waiting around for her so he drives to her place. Along the way he comes up on a car accident - one that has a car underwater on the side of the road. He jumps in to help and finds out it is Becca and her colleague, David. Not quite the way Reid wanted his reunion with Becca to go. Reid and Becca spend time together over the weekend which allows them to explore their feelings for each other both in bed and out. While I know that the intimacy is what is supposed to drive a lot of this book, there was also a good story that goes along with it. One that showcases Reid's SEAL abilities as well as his protectiveness and love for Becca.
What I liked most about this book was that story started out with Reid and Becca already having a relationship. The conflict showed how Reid and Becca are going to handle their relationship with him being a SEAL and not around for periods of time. I thought Callie did a good job building this relationship on more than just intimacy. There was a level of love and trust that was developed between the two. There were some very touching moments (which I loved), one particularly in which I teared up. The ending was perfect between Reid and Becca and the way the subplot was tied up was realistic and appropriate for the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a loving erotic romance with a little suspense.
April 23, 2013
This review and others can be found at my blog, My Written Romance. Just click here.
Unfortunately, this book was a little disappointing. So, as a result, this review could get a little ranty.
There were a few times throughout the book that I just wanted to jump in to the pages and whack the heroine, Becca, fair across the back of the head and scream at her “suck it up, Princess”. Reid, the hero, describes her as “sophisticated and independent” – to me, she just came across as needy and requiring constant supervision.
If you get involved with someone who is in a high-risk, high-danger military job, such as that of a Navy SEAL, you know in advance that you may not hear from them for long periods of time. They can’t just stop in the middle of a raid to call and let you know what they had for breakfast. Becca seems to view Reid’s not contacting her as some severe betrayal. Come on, love, he’s in freaking Afghanistan, not sunning himself in Cancun.
Now, it is a sad state of affairs when I find myself skimming through the sex scenes in an erotic romance. Don’t get me wrong, the sex scenes are pretty hot, but they drag on for ages. The first one went for nearly 40 pages. That’s a little too long.
I’m sure there are readers out there who loved this book, and I can see why they might. However, I struggled to finish this book. The writing wasn’t bad, I just didn’t really enjoy it.
My rating: 2 out of 5
Release Date: 14 January 2013
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book was a little disappointing. So, as a result, this review could get a little ranty.
There were a few times throughout the book that I just wanted to jump in to the pages and whack the heroine, Becca, fair across the back of the head and scream at her “suck it up, Princess”. Reid, the hero, describes her as “sophisticated and independent” – to me, she just came across as needy and requiring constant supervision.
If you get involved with someone who is in a high-risk, high-danger military job, such as that of a Navy SEAL, you know in advance that you may not hear from them for long periods of time. They can’t just stop in the middle of a raid to call and let you know what they had for breakfast. Becca seems to view Reid’s not contacting her as some severe betrayal. Come on, love, he’s in freaking Afghanistan, not sunning himself in Cancun.
Now, it is a sad state of affairs when I find myself skimming through the sex scenes in an erotic romance. Don’t get me wrong, the sex scenes are pretty hot, but they drag on for ages. The first one went for nearly 40 pages. That’s a little too long.
I’m sure there are readers out there who loved this book, and I can see why they might. However, I struggled to finish this book. The writing wasn’t bad, I just didn’t really enjoy it.
My rating: 2 out of 5
Release Date: 14 January 2013
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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