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Gulf Coast Rescue #2
Jayhawk Down
What appears to be a normal rescue mission goes horribly wrong…
Caitlyn Stone has always wanted to be a helicopter pilot. Hard work and determination got her there, and now she's living the adrenaline-rushing good life, piloting Jayhawk helicopters for the US Coast Guard. Helping people is her life's work, and the risk is not only worth it, it's thrilling. But she never expected this kind of danger.
When ER doctor and Army Reserve Black Hawk pilot Stillman Gray sees Caitlyn expertly land a Jayhawk during a raging storm, he has nothing but respect for the beautiful Coastie. But he's not the only one who's noticed her. A terrorist is looking to hijack a helicopter, and he's decided Caitlyn is the perfect target.
Caitlin's past has taught her that the only thing a man in uniform can guarantee is disappointment. But when what appears to be a normal rescue mission goes horribly wrong, she'll need to push aside memories of heartbreak and trust her military man enough to let him save her.
For more Gulf Coast Rescue, don’t miss A Dangerous Leap, available now!
77,250 words
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2015
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 7, 2017
I love the premise - a female helicopter pilot works with the Florida Coastguard and faces emergency rescue flights as well as the odd terrorist plot. An emergency surgeon who signs up for rescue work is trying to distance himself from his family who earn their money through plastic surgery for the wealthy. The attraction he feels to the heli jock adds another incentive. He has a light plane and has flown Blackhawks with the Army, so it's natural to invite a fellow pilot out for a trip.
One downside of reading a book in which the principals have layers of background is that they appear impossible overachievers, and the reader can be left feeling that it would be very hard to reach a similar level of skill and substance. But in a sense this is no different than reading a 'billionaire' story - the principal has just worked long and hard at whatever suits their skill sets and aptitude. We also see that characters with deep backgrounds are mature and have made relationship mistakes - both principals have exes they'd rather forget, and don't intend making that mistake again.
A hijacker and terrorist with plans to drop a dirty bomb takes steps to secure the rescue Jayhawk and crew. Because one of the bad guys is using a cloned cell phone, his Arabic conversations are overheard on a 'crossed line' by a woman who happens to understand enough to clue her in to a bomb plot. But by the time she reports it the Jayhawk has been stolen. Now the pilot, doctor and the rest of the crew will find out what they are each made of and how they work as a team.
The set up and romance seem impractical, but it's a romantic suspense book bordering on thriller, so expect everything to be larger than life. I found the adult activity while in captivity completely unbelievable, and a level of luxury was thoughtfully provided by terrorists? No. Expect some strong language and adult scenes. And strong women.
An ARC was sent to me. This is an unbiased review.
One downside of reading a book in which the principals have layers of background is that they appear impossible overachievers, and the reader can be left feeling that it would be very hard to reach a similar level of skill and substance. But in a sense this is no different than reading a 'billionaire' story - the principal has just worked long and hard at whatever suits their skill sets and aptitude. We also see that characters with deep backgrounds are mature and have made relationship mistakes - both principals have exes they'd rather forget, and don't intend making that mistake again.
A hijacker and terrorist with plans to drop a dirty bomb takes steps to secure the rescue Jayhawk and crew. Because one of the bad guys is using a cloned cell phone, his Arabic conversations are overheard on a 'crossed line' by a woman who happens to understand enough to clue her in to a bomb plot. But by the time she reports it the Jayhawk has been stolen. Now the pilot, doctor and the rest of the crew will find out what they are each made of and how they work as a team.
The set up and romance seem impractical, but it's a romantic suspense book bordering on thriller, so expect everything to be larger than life. I found the adult activity while in captivity completely unbelievable, and a level of luxury was thoughtfully provided by terrorists? No. Expect some strong language and adult scenes. And strong women.
An ARC was sent to me. This is an unbiased review.
August 1, 2015
Oooh, this is a good one y'all! The MC will make you fall in love the moment she reveals her self-deprecating, silly and sexy sides!
When retired Army Colonel and current ER Doc and Army reservist Stillman Gray lays eyes on the gorgeous Coast Guard rescue pilot Lieutenant Caitlyn Stone, he feels his world tilt on its axis. Her crew calls her the Queen B, Stillman thinks of her as his very own Queenie, the one he'd love to worship. Stillman gets himself assigned as the rescue doc onboard Cait's helo, but they're immediately thrust into an unenviable situation involving hijacking terrorists and a dirty bomb. Stillman is forced to temper his CO tendencies and defer to Cait's experience, something he has a tough time doing but knows it's necessary. With bodies piling up, they'll have to decide who the good guys are, and who's out for blood in the Gulf.
Total SCORE for Ms. Calvin! While I haven't had the pleasure of checking out the first book in the Gulf Coast Rescue Series, JAYHAWK DOWN can be read as a standalone novel, and an excellent one at that. First of all, the Queen BITCH is awesome. Before your hackles start raising, Caitlyn's awesome acronym stands for Boys, I'm Taking Charge Here…delicious! It's in the lead for becoming my new mantra, I'll tell you that! Her penchant for lace and pedicures while rocking the hell out of a flight suit could be such a positive inspiration for so many young women out there who worry about losing their femininity when entering into a male-dominated, ball-busting career path. Caitlyn was silly and smart, goofy and gorgeous, talented and tenacious, making her a well rounded and über fantastic heroine.
Stillman was the perfect dude for her, as she once mentioned needing a guy whose ego is as healthy as hers. A former Army pilot turned ER doctor who volunteers for the reserves as a rescue doc, he's an everyday hero and just the kind of Alpha male that makes Caitlyn take notice. Their chemistry was fiiiiiine and despite the dangerous waters they find themselves in, love manages to bloom. The sex was erotic yet tastefully done, but I wanted MORE!! I absolutely am a new fan of Ms. Calvin and can't wait for more in this girl power series!
Bottom Line: As a landlocked lifer, I've never given much thought to the U.S. Coast Guard, but what an interesting group to read about. Sizzling chemistry, excellent writing and rockin' suspense makes JAYHAWK DOWN a hot summer read! - See more at: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
- See more at: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
When retired Army Colonel and current ER Doc and Army reservist Stillman Gray lays eyes on the gorgeous Coast Guard rescue pilot Lieutenant Caitlyn Stone, he feels his world tilt on its axis. Her crew calls her the Queen B, Stillman thinks of her as his very own Queenie, the one he'd love to worship. Stillman gets himself assigned as the rescue doc onboard Cait's helo, but they're immediately thrust into an unenviable situation involving hijacking terrorists and a dirty bomb. Stillman is forced to temper his CO tendencies and defer to Cait's experience, something he has a tough time doing but knows it's necessary. With bodies piling up, they'll have to decide who the good guys are, and who's out for blood in the Gulf.
Total SCORE for Ms. Calvin! While I haven't had the pleasure of checking out the first book in the Gulf Coast Rescue Series, JAYHAWK DOWN can be read as a standalone novel, and an excellent one at that. First of all, the Queen BITCH is awesome. Before your hackles start raising, Caitlyn's awesome acronym stands for Boys, I'm Taking Charge Here…delicious! It's in the lead for becoming my new mantra, I'll tell you that! Her penchant for lace and pedicures while rocking the hell out of a flight suit could be such a positive inspiration for so many young women out there who worry about losing their femininity when entering into a male-dominated, ball-busting career path. Caitlyn was silly and smart, goofy and gorgeous, talented and tenacious, making her a well rounded and über fantastic heroine.
Stillman was the perfect dude for her, as she once mentioned needing a guy whose ego is as healthy as hers. A former Army pilot turned ER doctor who volunteers for the reserves as a rescue doc, he's an everyday hero and just the kind of Alpha male that makes Caitlyn take notice. Their chemistry was fiiiiiine and despite the dangerous waters they find themselves in, love manages to bloom. The sex was erotic yet tastefully done, but I wanted MORE!! I absolutely am a new fan of Ms. Calvin and can't wait for more in this girl power series!
Bottom Line: As a landlocked lifer, I've never given much thought to the U.S. Coast Guard, but what an interesting group to read about. Sizzling chemistry, excellent writing and rockin' suspense makes JAYHAWK DOWN a hot summer read! - See more at: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
- See more at: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
July 15, 2015
I know it's a terrible thing to fantasize about, but it's one of my fantasies to be rescued by a helicopter team some day. Not necessarily fished out from the sea - I'm pretty afraid of sharks - somewhere lost in the mountains would work just as well. There's just a certain sense of awe and deliciousness and sheer bravery and recklesness for people to dive from flying things just to rescue people. It's the same reason why I've totally got a hot spot for smokejumpers. Rrraaaoowwr.
So it's precisely for this reason I requested this book from Netgalley. I'm on vacation in the wilds of Italy, where most of my rescued by helicopter-rescuers fantasies take place, and I was all ready to rumble.
I mean, the heroine is a Coast Guard pilot, a Lieutenant even, whose been rescuing people for more than 10 years. Can it get more delicious?
And Caitlyn didn't disappoint. She was capable, and awesome, and a BITCH in charge, without being a manly macho with breasts. In her downtime she wore lacy underwear, and liked to have some girly time and pamper herself. She was feminine and in charge simultaneously, and it was awesome.
Stillman was a pretty good match for her, but maybe a little too much. He's a doctor, who's also a pilot, and still in the Army Reserves. He's like three heroes rolled into one, and I didn't completely buy it. More so, because he's got three doses of Alpha Hero in there, he often struggled with reigning that in. I liked when he realized that Caitlyn was the CO of their team, the one with the most experience in this situation. But his first instinct was often too make decisions for or without her, and I was so very disappointed in him. You can do better Stillman.
The same can be said for the plot, it's just a little too much. I think that the Coast Guard and the often insanely dangerous rescue-missions they have to do, could serve as an interesting enough plot without terrorists being thrown in. Both characters had really interesting family dynamics, a whole branch of potential side-characters and conflicts, but instead we get a clicheed terrorist plot. Neither Stillman nor Caitlyn needed that to be interesting, and their romance suffered and became a little far-fetched because of it.
All in all it wasn't bad, I still really liked it, I just would have loved it if it would have went in another direction. I'll still probably get the first one in this series, just because of the female Rescue Swimmer (yessssss).
And I'll be hiking here in Italy, hoping that one day, when I break my leg, am trampled by a swine and bitten by a snake, a helicopter swoops down to rescue me, and when we land, Caitlyn is the pilot, red hair waving free from her helmet, smirk on her face. I'll probably jump her, even with my broken leg.
So it's precisely for this reason I requested this book from Netgalley. I'm on vacation in the wilds of Italy, where most of my rescued by helicopter-rescuers fantasies take place, and I was all ready to rumble.
I mean, the heroine is a Coast Guard pilot, a Lieutenant even, whose been rescuing people for more than 10 years. Can it get more delicious?
And Caitlyn didn't disappoint. She was capable, and awesome, and a BITCH in charge, without being a manly macho with breasts. In her downtime she wore lacy underwear, and liked to have some girly time and pamper herself. She was feminine and in charge simultaneously, and it was awesome.
Stillman was a pretty good match for her, but maybe a little too much. He's a doctor, who's also a pilot, and still in the Army Reserves. He's like three heroes rolled into one, and I didn't completely buy it. More so, because he's got three doses of Alpha Hero in there, he often struggled with reigning that in. I liked when he realized that Caitlyn was the CO of their team, the one with the most experience in this situation. But his first instinct was often too make decisions for or without her, and I was so very disappointed in him. You can do better Stillman.
The same can be said for the plot, it's just a little too much. I think that the Coast Guard and the often insanely dangerous rescue-missions they have to do, could serve as an interesting enough plot without terrorists being thrown in. Both characters had really interesting family dynamics, a whole branch of potential side-characters and conflicts, but instead we get a clicheed terrorist plot. Neither Stillman nor Caitlyn needed that to be interesting, and their romance suffered and became a little far-fetched because of it.
All in all it wasn't bad, I still really liked it, I just would have loved it if it would have went in another direction. I'll still probably get the first one in this series, just because of the female Rescue Swimmer (yessssss).
And I'll be hiking here in Italy, hoping that one day, when I break my leg, am trampled by a swine and bitten by a snake, a helicopter swoops down to rescue me, and when we land, Caitlyn is the pilot, red hair waving free from her helmet, smirk on her face. I'll probably jump her, even with my broken leg.
September 22, 2015
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I find it hard to resist the promise of a romantic suspense or action-adventure blurb in which the heroine is portrayed as at least as daring as the hero. Since such blurbs are few and far between, I eagerly snapped up this second book in a series, in spite of not having read its predecessor. In this case, the heroine’s actions and character certainly live up to the blurb’s promise.
Caitlyn is a helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard, having been taught to fly by her beloved uncle, who was later killed in service during the Iraq War. She’s justifiably proud of her talent, and sees the doctors she meets in the course of her work as the only men whose egos are up to the challenge of dating her. Especially since she won’t risk the heartbreak of falling for military guys, due to the impact her uncle’s death had on her growing up.
In contrast to Caitlyn, who grew up in a large though not-very-well-off family, Dr. Stillman Gray turned his back on the privileges of his wealthy family as well as their successful cosmetic surgery practice to train as first a military pilot and then as an emergency medicine doctor. He’s already planning to volunteer with the Coast Guard service, when he meets Caitlyn and her crew, but the incentive of getting to know the pilot better certainly adds to his resolve.
The two don’t get off to a perfect start, since, although Caitlyn is flattered by Stillman’s interest in her piloting skills, a series of small misunderstandings – mostly perpetuated by his ex-wife – keep them from properly connecting until a flight for Caitlyn’s team, on which Stillman is along as an observer, is hijacked by some not particularly competent terrorists.
I was actually prepared to overlook the general inadequacies of the terrorist leader – he’s motivated more by jealousy of his brother than any real political leanings – because it gives us a great pair of plotlines. While Caitlyn, Stillman, and the rest of the helicopter crew are being held prisoner, a secondary plot is building, involving both the Federal Agents tasking with finding them and another great heroine who gets mixed up in the story due to a faulty mobile phone signal.
I like this book for its take-control heroines, even if the guys try a little too hard to leave them out of their plans at times. I also appreciate the fact that while various characters’ ex-partners act as impediments to an easily achieved happy ever after, this shown as only one aspect of their personalities. I definitely plan to look out for more books in the series and by this author generally.
I find it hard to resist the promise of a romantic suspense or action-adventure blurb in which the heroine is portrayed as at least as daring as the hero. Since such blurbs are few and far between, I eagerly snapped up this second book in a series, in spite of not having read its predecessor. In this case, the heroine’s actions and character certainly live up to the blurb’s promise.
Caitlyn is a helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard, having been taught to fly by her beloved uncle, who was later killed in service during the Iraq War. She’s justifiably proud of her talent, and sees the doctors she meets in the course of her work as the only men whose egos are up to the challenge of dating her. Especially since she won’t risk the heartbreak of falling for military guys, due to the impact her uncle’s death had on her growing up.
In contrast to Caitlyn, who grew up in a large though not-very-well-off family, Dr. Stillman Gray turned his back on the privileges of his wealthy family as well as their successful cosmetic surgery practice to train as first a military pilot and then as an emergency medicine doctor. He’s already planning to volunteer with the Coast Guard service, when he meets Caitlyn and her crew, but the incentive of getting to know the pilot better certainly adds to his resolve.
The two don’t get off to a perfect start, since, although Caitlyn is flattered by Stillman’s interest in her piloting skills, a series of small misunderstandings – mostly perpetuated by his ex-wife – keep them from properly connecting until a flight for Caitlyn’s team, on which Stillman is along as an observer, is hijacked by some not particularly competent terrorists.
I was actually prepared to overlook the general inadequacies of the terrorist leader – he’s motivated more by jealousy of his brother than any real political leanings – because it gives us a great pair of plotlines. While Caitlyn, Stillman, and the rest of the helicopter crew are being held prisoner, a secondary plot is building, involving both the Federal Agents tasking with finding them and another great heroine who gets mixed up in the story due to a faulty mobile phone signal.
I like this book for its take-control heroines, even if the guys try a little too hard to leave them out of their plans at times. I also appreciate the fact that while various characters’ ex-partners act as impediments to an easily achieved happy ever after, this shown as only one aspect of their personalities. I definitely plan to look out for more books in the series and by this author generally.
August 8, 2015
Caitlyn Stone is a Jayhawk pilot in the Coast Guard who has vowed never to date another doctor OR anyone in the service again, but then she meets Dr. Stillman Gray. Not only is he a doctor but he also flew Blackhawk helicopters and ran dangerous missions in the service. Caitlyn lost her uncle, whom she was very close with, because he was running dangerous missions so she doesn't want to fall for someone that does the same thing and get her heart broken if something happens to him. I liked how strong of a character that Caitlyn was at the beginning of the story but then I feel like she started to fall apart. I also thought the story really dragged towards the middle, I wanted a little more action! I couldn't understand why Stillman wouldn't just tell his ex to get lost! Why is she even around, I don't get it??
August 5, 2015
4.5 stars
A well-written, suspenseful romance overflowing with hot heroes of the male and female variety.
I'd guess that 95% of military romances are about current or former Navy SEALS and the rest are about Army Rangers or Green Berets. This is only the second story I've read about Coast Guard heroes and it was a breath of fresh air.
In Jayhawk Down rightfully cocky, hot guys and brave, strong and sexy women abound. I especially loved that the female lead in the story didn't lack, sensitivity, femininity or play on her good looks to lure her man in. She was just being herself, and who she is was attractive.
There are no sex scenes, but there is a fair amount of cursing and a few steamy moments.
If you love a great suspenseful story with characters you want to cheer for and learn more about, you'll love Jayhawk Down.
I recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
A well-written, suspenseful romance overflowing with hot heroes of the male and female variety.
I'd guess that 95% of military romances are about current or former Navy SEALS and the rest are about Army Rangers or Green Berets. This is only the second story I've read about Coast Guard heroes and it was a breath of fresh air.
In Jayhawk Down rightfully cocky, hot guys and brave, strong and sexy women abound. I especially loved that the female lead in the story didn't lack, sensitivity, femininity or play on her good looks to lure her man in. She was just being herself, and who she is was attractive.
There are no sex scenes, but there is a fair amount of cursing and a few steamy moments.
If you love a great suspenseful story with characters you want to cheer for and learn more about, you'll love Jayhawk Down.
I recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
Between 3,5 and 4 stars for me.
Caitlyn is a great MC and although I liked Stillman (ugh, name..) he seemed a bit over the top. The writing is very good. I just wish there would have been more about their families, their struggles with them and about their own wishes and hopes. The crew including Stillman is hijacked by terrorists but I never had a real feeling they were in danger. The terrorists were off doing stuff while Caitlyn and Stillman are having sex in the bathroom??
Wish there would have been an epilogue to round off the story.
This is not meant as a negative review. As said, the writing is great and I totally loved Caitlyn as badass pilot!
Caitlyn is a great MC and although I liked Stillman (ugh, name..) he seemed a bit over the top. The writing is very good. I just wish there would have been more about their families, their struggles with them and about their own wishes and hopes. The crew including Stillman is hijacked by terrorists but I never had a real feeling they were in danger. The terrorists were off doing stuff while Caitlyn and Stillman are having sex in the bathroom??
Wish there would have been an epilogue to round off the story.
This is not meant as a negative review. As said, the writing is great and I totally loved Caitlyn as badass pilot!
December 29, 2016
I picked up this book because of the Coast Guard helicopter on the cover. I enjoy military romances and this one was pretty good. Caitlyn is a pilot in the Coast Guard and is noticed by Dr. Stillman Gray. He's an army reservist. Together they must identify and stop a terrorist from destroying what they work so hard to preserve.
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