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Dagger: American Fighter Pilot

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Dagger Drake is a fast-mover, living his life in afterburner. As one of the best of the best, a fighter pilot with the famous Deadly Rattlers, he pilots his Viper jet with the same ferocity he chases women with. One magical night at the Officers' Club changes him forever when a curvy southerner crosses his path. Lauren Carter is like no one he’s ever met—her classic beauty, her sharp wit, and the depth of her haunting soul captivates him. When they collide, the chemistry explodes with more intensity than the massive satellite guided bombs Dagger drops from his F-16. When a horrific crash dredges up an unthinkable loss from Lauren’s past, can their love triumph?

Dagger is the first full length standalone novel of the read-in-any order series American Fighter Pilot, following the lives and loves of the 491st Deadly Rattlers, an F-16 squadron training the next generation of aviation warriors at the historic and fast-paced Home of the Fighter Pilot, Nellis Air Force base in glittering Las Vegas, Nevada. Strap yourself in for a ride on this jet-fueled steamy contemporary romance, written with a unique authenticity that gives the reader a realistic behind the scenes glimpse into the fascinating world of the American Fighter Pilot.

20% of all profits from Dagger will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2015

6 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Sam J.D. Hunt

32 books346 followers
About Sam J.D. Hunt


Sam J.D. Hunt resides in Las Vegas with her husband, the inspiration for the young Thomas Hunt character, as well as her two children. Her debut trilogy, The Thomas Hunt Series, put a fun and unique spin on the popular BDSM genre. She followed up with the highly successful DEEP: A Captive Tale--a dark BDSM erotic captor/captive story about a pirate and his lady that spans time and space. Her fourth novel, the full-length standalone The Hunt for Eros is an erotic art adventure that combines spicy romance with a cultural adventure based on true life events. It has been described as being like The Da Vinci Code, but with lots of heat added.

Hunt's next release was co-written with her husband. Dagger: American Fighter Pilot is a steamy contemporary romance, which follows a squadron of fighter pilots as part of the American Fighter Pilot read-in-any-order series. Following the release of Dagger, Hunt released the much-anticipated MMF/Bi/Ménage erotic adventure, Taken by Two. Next, Hunt plans to release DEEPER: Capture of the Virgin Bride as a follow-up to DEEP. When not writing, Hunt enjoys travel, community involvement, spending time with friends and family, and hiking. She spends her days writing and trying to answer the age-old question: is it too late for coffee or too early for wine?

Connect with Sam:

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/samhunt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SJDHunt
Twitter: @sjd_hunt
Google+: google.com/+SamJDHunt
Pinterest:www.pinterest.com/sjd_hunt/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SJD_Hunt

Titles available for Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Paperback.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Tina.
147 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2015
It's was truly nice to read a book by not only Sam JD Hunt but as well Thomas Hunt.

I enjoyed the story of Dagger Jack and Lauren. I could feel what Lauren was going through but how much she loved Dagger. I also felt what Dagger was going through with his daily routines and life. At times love is never easy but in this story they have there ups and downs like any relationship would have. "I love you so much, Jack. You're my everything..."

There was some good chemistry between Jack and Lauren, the story flowed throughout this book. You are going to have a drama, love with some sexy time, but also a storyline that will keep you engaged till the end. You know it's a good story if you cry during the book.

"Underneath her, at her mercy, Jack felt complete. She was the woman he was meant to be with, and she was finally his."

Even though some misunderstandings between them, they've overcame it. "Instead of telling each other, let's show each other."

Overall I truly enjoyed this book by Sam and Thomas. I hope in the future they decide to write another book together.
Profile Image for Missy Harton.
491 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2015
5 EXCITING STARS for this pilot romance!! The first in a stand alone series about the 491st Fighter Squadron, the Deadly Rattlers. Also the first collaborative effort of the husband and wife duo, the Hunts!! Sam J. D. Hunt is best known for her erotic series, the Thomas Hunt Series (if you aren't familiar with this series, you are DEFINITELY missing out!!); while husband, Thomas is no stranger to writing, this is his first attempt at publishing in the indie world. Together, this couple have created an intriguing, exciting, and heart warming romance that will leave you eager for more of the antics and love stories of the other members of the Rattlers!

Jack "Dagger" Drake is your typical alpha. A fighter pilot that can have any woman he desires. Having his own issues with love, he is content to having his non committed flings. His attitude changes when he meets his "match" in a woman that isn't his usual type....

Lauren Carter is all too familiar with the reputation of military fighter pilots. She has first hand experience of the risks at getting involved with one. Somehow "Dagger" works his way in, breaking down the well constructed walls of her heart.

With a deployment to active duty, a serious injury, and past relationships that neither share; will Dagger and Lauren have their chance at a happily ever after? Allow yourself the opportunity to get lost and fall in love with this realistic story!!
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,992 reviews62 followers
December 12, 2015
Dagger (4.5 ⭐️)
Loved this story by Sam JD Hunt and Thomas Hunt. The first chapter was slow with all of the
technical pilot stuff. My eyes glazed over a couple of times when they used the acronyms for flying or military terms.

When they got to the heart of the story I was really impressed with their combined writing styles. The love story between Dagger and Lauren was really impressive. There were twists and turns throughout the whole story. And just when you thought that they broke up for good, Lauren's deception was the last straw, Dagger forgives her.

A true love story. Made me tear up a few times.

Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2015
I received an ARC of this book.
I really loved this book. The authors did their research because all the plane talk was very in depth and I found that I learned about that as well. I loved how they tied a little bit of current events into what the characters were going threw it made it relateable
The characters in this book come alive. I loved that their emotions just jumped off the page and drew you in even more. I would love to read about the secondary characters because we got to know a little about them but it left me wanting to get to know them more in depth.
Profile Image for Alison.
483 reviews27 followers
February 4, 2016
5 Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

Dagger and Lauren held a connection from the moment they met. Determined to find out what this connection meant, Dagger stopped at nothing to get Lauren to spend time with him. Lauren’s past and Dagger’s current life crossed paths. Will the past destroy their future or will their future be decided for them?

I wasn’t truly sure what to expect from Dagger, all I knew was that I had to read it! This book starts with a very detailed first chapter into the life of Jack ‘Dagger’ Drake, a fighter pilot. I admit that although this chapter was easy to read and understand I did wonder how I would proceed if the whole book was written in this way; and what I got was a total surprise! Thomas Hunt and Sam J.D. Hunt have excelled at writing this collaboration together. They have given us a captivating, exciting, suspenseful romance with an as true to life account of a fighter pilot as you can get.

It was soon clear that the details described would help to give us the reader the best insight and understanding into Dagger and the 491st Deadly Rattlers. Those details were what we needed to fully understand the life in which a fighter pilot lives and breathes.

Dagger was an interesting man, he at first appeared to be a self-assured arrogant male; he in fact was a caring, talented and hardworking man who not only worked hard to get where he was in his career but was also there for his friends and family. I soon fell in love with him; trust me he’s hard to resist!

Lauren was a strong, funny and intelligent woman. She worked hard to gain the education she wanted and was determined to make a difference. It was clear that she was holding on to a hurtful past; one that was shaping who she currently was.

When together the passion they shared was electrifying; both in and outside the bedroom. Lauren knew what it was to lead the life of a fighter pilot and had a much greater understanding for Dagger and his chosen career. Although they had their differences, deep down she knew she had to stand by his passion for being a fighter pilot.

Their relationship was far from smooth; with miss communications and the past kept hidden, it was no wonder they had their fair share of drama; with this said Thomas and Sam did not allow the pull and push routine to go over the top and gave these two characters the ending they deserved.

Dagger is not your typical military romance book; it’s a book worthy of its own feature film. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dagger and I can’t wait to read more in the American Fighter Pilot series.
570 reviews48 followers
December 14, 2015
Reviewing on behalf of Relentless Book Chic’s Ramblings and Reviews

From the first time I saw a teaser for this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. We were first introduced to Dagger in one of the books in Sam Hunt’s first series and I was intrigued as to what his story would be about.

I have to admit that before reading it, I was naive enough to believe that the life of a fighter pilot was at least, a little bit like Tom Cruise’s character in Top Gun. While there are certain similarities, the differences are huge and I found the chapters involving flights and other activities on the base both informative and educational.

As erotica/romance is my favourite genre to read and having read all of Sam’s books, I wasn’t expecting the book to start with such a detailed account of a flight in an F-16 and a lengthy chapter about life on the base. It was however necessary, to introduce Dagger’s character and colleagues and to set the scene for Lauren’s introduction.

Dagger has two loves in his life, piloting his Viper and women. Being a pilot has certain perks and woman always love a man in uniform so he’s never lacked female company but there hasn’t been a woman since his ex that he’s kept around for more than a night or two.

Lauren is smart, voluptuous, sassy and full of southern charm but isn’t the type of woman Dagger usually goes for. They meet one night in the Officer’s club where Lauren is having a drink with her friend, Kitty and neither of them can deny the instant attraction and chemistry they feel.

Lauren works as a cocktail waitress to pay her way through college where she is doing a degree in Aeronautical engineering. This may seem an unusual subject for a young woman to be interested in but secrets from her past that are revealed later on, explain why this subject is so close to her heart.

The relationship between Dagger and Lauren is filled with turbulence and a tragedy almost tears them apart forever. With the love and support of their family and friends and their undeniable love for each other, they both face the demons of their pasts before the time comes to face each other.

Sam and Thomas have very different writing styles which when merged together, makes a great combination of an accurate and realistic account of life as a fighter pilot with a heart-warming romance, full of humor, hot sex and a female character who I want as my BFF!

I loved this story and I hope that the Hunt’s plan to write another book in this series soon as there were several secondary characters that I was curious about and I’d love to read their stories.
Profile Image for Daria.
1,990 reviews42 followers
January 13, 2016
~~Book Gifted by the Author in exchange for a review~~

Yay for Team Hunt! What a wonderful experience, to be able to write together. A combination of talent that worked to bring us a wonderful story. Fighter pilots the best of the best, surprised that their feet touch the ground when they walk.

Nothing in life worth having comes easy, I’ve actually been told that throughout my life. Dagger and Lauren yeah, they met and it was like spontaneous combustion. But being together wont be a walk in the park. They both have had issues that has brought them to the point in their life. You can almost feel the heartache, you want to grab them both hug them and shake them. *smiles*

I really enjoyed their story and really felt both characters personalities come alive. The drama, the loyalty love and passion. The strength to stay and fight... To give it a chance to work. At the end of the book, it was a easy breath and a smile.

A full length novel, great storyline though at the beginning had me trudging through paragraphs with detail. But I really loved the story, for me it was like a feel good story. Oh and we love curves! Just sayin.

Like sass and brass, like fighter pilots? Like a love that one can and should hold on to? Then grab Dagger and enjoy!
Profile Image for Ellie Masters.
Author 362 books1,619 followers
December 15, 2015
What a wonderful look behind the scenes of a fighter squadron and what it takes to be a Top Gun. Oh, yeah…did I mention there’s some hot romance thrown in here as well! The first in a stand-alone series, this book introduces Dagger, one of the Deadly Rattlers from the 491st Fighter Squadron and Lauren, studying to be a rocket scientist. The romance is wonderfully scripted by the talented Sam Hunt, and the realism brought in by Tom Hunt, and co-writer, make you feel as if you are sitting in that cockpit, shooting the shit during Roll Call. The realism is amazing and intensifies this wonderful world.

Dagger and Lauren collide in a wonderfully told story of love, loss, regrets and redemption. This a wonderful pilot romance series, and you’ll be eagerly waiting for more to be released starring the other Deadly Rattlers. I know I am. But for now, allow yourself to get lost in this world of high adrenaline and passionate romance. You won’t regret doing so.

I loved this story and hope to read more from this collaborative team of Sam and Tom Hunt.
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,091 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2015
Forget Top Gun, read Dagger!

Jesus, this prologue, I loved it. I even read it twice. *Grin* The whole story was perfect. The writing amazing. The experience of flying told by a flyboy and learning all these technical details, I was in heaven. *Sigh* I just hope this installment in the American Fighter Pilot will be the first out of many others. Maybe Phantom’s is next?

Without giving any spoilers, I can tell Jack aka Dagger is a sex god and a fierce military fighter pilot living a symbiotic existence with his F-16. One magical night he meets Lauren. Classic and all woman, Lauren is not an overly waxed processed Barbie Doll, but a beautiful woman with luscious curves…

Dagger is full of aviation fiction, military romance, soldier romance, fighter pilot romance, fighter pilot fiction, and a view inside the real world of the Air Force F-16 Viper pilot. Totally awesome. And the best part? 20% of the profits of this book goes for a great cause like the Wounded Warrior Project.

Bravo. Bravissimo.
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,037 reviews21 followers
December 20, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 Flyins Stars!!

I have to say I loved this book. Its well written, the story flows and I love all the characters in this book.

The detail in the book are amazing. The chemistry between Dagger and Lauren leaps off the page. Sam and Thomas wrote an amazing book.

The opening scene in the books is my favorite I think.. Your going to think one thing then be like what was that. I loved it.

This is the story of Dagger Drake and Lauren Carter.

Dagger is attracted to Lauren from the get go.. the attraction is not one sided but Lauren has her reasons for not wanting to go there with Dagger.. an American Fighter Pilot. will Lauren tell Dagger whats holding her back? Will he find out on his own? What will be the outcome either way?

This book has some hot scenes, its very informative and educational with some of the things in the book.

Job Well Done. I look forward to reading more of the Rattlers.




Profile Image for Bethany.
878 reviews12 followers
December 15, 2015
Ride into the danger zone.....
I couldn't help singing it to myself in my head, I felt like I was in my own 'Top Gun' story. The call names, all the lingo, and Jack "Dagger" Drake, my first fighter pilot male lead I have read. He was mouthy, sexy and all alpha, so he did not disappoint.
Extra credit for loving a girl that was not a stick figure.

Yes, Lauren is a curvy gal. She can still turn heads, but is a little more to love and boy does Jack fall hard for her. Through their free fall into love, they have to overcome not living close to each other, their careers, impending deployments and their pasts.
It is a rough road, but one that you will enjoy watching them battle both mentally and physically.

I cannot wait to see who the next standalone will be about. There were a few call names that I can think I want to learn more about.
Profile Image for Karyn.
428 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2016
What caught my eye for this book was hearing that a former military pilot wrote this. I thought it would be cool to read about the flying aspect from someone who’s actually experienced it.

I did not expect to get so thoroughly engrossed in the story from start to finish. Turns out that I couldn’t get enough of the flying details - I LOVED them! The author did a wonderful job explaining the intricacies without taking away from the story.

In addition to the fascinating flying part of the story, there was also an amazing romance piece that intertwined throughout the book.

These two aspects of the book complimented each other perfectly. When I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about the characters and the story. There were moments of joy, heartache, angst, fear, and laughter! I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,992 reviews62 followers
December 12, 2015
Dagger (4.5 ⭐️)
Loved this story by Sam JD Hunt and Thomas Hunt. The first chapter was slow with all of the
technical pilot stuff. My eyes glazed over a couple of times when they used the acronyms for flying or military terms.

When they got to the heart of the story I was really impressed with their combined writing styles. The love story between Dagger and Lauren was really impressive. There were twists and turns throughout the whole story. And just when you thought that they broke up for good, Lauren's deception was the last straw, Dagger forgives her.

A true love story. Made me tear up a few times.

Profile Image for Reva Coomer.
2,016 reviews
December 17, 2015
This was a very different read for me, but I am so glad that I read it. Very impressed with the combined writing between Sam and Thomas. Perfect! The first chapter is a little slow (tech pilot stuff) but once you meet Dagger and Lauren, you fall in love with them. Thomas is very knowledgeable about fighter jets, military...and the sort...and can write about it in such a way that makes it interesting and keeps you reading. A beautiful love story wrapped in the real life of a fighter pilot facing deployments, tragedy and busy life schedule...wonderful interesting read. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
159 reviews
December 27, 2015
Flying high!

Loved this debut book by Thomas Hunt and his lovely wife, Sam. The military detail was amazing and insightful. They were able to mesh together real life drama and detail with romance. Jack Drake was portrayed as a very strong character, like able and displayed a myriad of emotions. Lauren was fabulously real, thank goodness! Loved her character that was raw with emotion, stubborn and strong. Together Jack and Lauren cleared major hurdles like many of us in the real world. It was a well written novel and five star worthy! Loved it!
Profile Image for Elisha Snell.
215 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2015
First, reading the prologue was HOT! I'm glad Dagger found himself a real woman with curves and issues. While reading this I couldn't help but think about those in the military and spouse that leave when they deploy. It is hard anytime when deployment happens, but to add a new relationship and another complicated situation causes issues for Dagger and Lauren
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,108 reviews
December 18, 2015
Love Dagger & Lauren's story! It was a different read for me but I really enjoyed it. A story of love, loss, and redemption. Looking forward to reading more books from Sam & Thomas!
Profile Image for Shirley.
853 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2019
Military camaraderie, air base settings, flight scenarios, and a romance that will melt your heart, this book has it all.
Jack 'Dagger' Drake was the epitome of the stereotypical fighter pilot. Sexy, cool, confident and enough swagger to keep the line of blonde barbie wannabe's flowing in his free time. Being that he wasn't looking for anything permanent, he was just looking for a good time and they fit the bill. All that changed when he laid eyes on Lauren. A curvy brunette that wasn't at all his usual 'type'. She made him work harder for her attention than he'd had to in a while. Secrets in her past were roadblocks she wasn't ready to face let alone share with yet another pilot. Through Jack's patience and determination, he broke through her walls. When she finally let him in, their relationship was easy and comfortable, until her greatest fear came true. Will they be able to get past it all, or will the secrets and situation be more than they can overcome?
Profile Image for April.
Author 12 books69 followers
April 20, 2018
I was instantly blown away by the amount of research and knowledge that went into the writing of Dagger: American Fighter Pilot. In the beginning I was a bit overwhelmed, but continued reading, getting into the storyline, which was amazing! Lauren and Dagger (Jack) had some bumps along the way and some secrets that, like normal life, came to light. Overall, this was a great modern day, very much believable story that was a joy to read.
Profile Image for Ashley McCarver.
58 reviews
July 29, 2024
Think the movie "Top Gun," or even the "Top Gun Maverick" ending, but for the Air Force instead of the Navy. I did skim past some scenes, and some places were a little too technical-languaged, but overall, I enjoyed.
570 reviews48 followers
December 15, 2015
Reviewing on behalf of Relentless Book Chic’s Ramblings and Reviews

From the first time I saw a teaser for this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. We were first introduced to Dagger in one of the books in Sam Hunt’s first series and I was intrigued as to what his story would be about.

I have to admit that before reading it, I was naive enough to believe that the life of a fighter pilot was at least, a little bit like Tom Cruise’s character in Top Gun. While there are certain similarities, the differences are huge and I found the chapters involving flights and other activities on the base both informative and educational.

As erotica/romance is my favourite genre to read and having read all of Sam’s books, I wasn’t expecting the book to start with such a detailed account of a flight in an F-16 and a lengthy chapter about life on the base. It was however necessary, to introduce Dagger’s character and colleagues and to set the scene for Lauren’s introduction.

Dagger has two loves in his life, piloting his Viper and women. Being a pilot has certain perks and woman always love a man in uniform so he’s never lacked female company but there hasn’t been a woman since his ex that he’s kept around for more than a night or two.

Lauren is smart, voluptuous, sassy and full of southern charm but isn’t the type of woman Dagger usually goes for. They meet one night in the Officer’s club where Lauren is having a drink with her friend, Kitty and neither of them can deny the instant attraction and chemistry they feel.

Lauren works as a cocktail waitress to pay her way through college where she is doing a degree in Aeronautical engineering. This may seem an unusual subject for a young woman to be interested in but secrets from her past that are revealed later on, explain why this subject is so close to her heart.

The relationship between Dagger and Lauren is filled with turbulence and a tragedy almost tears them apart forever. With the love and support of their family and friends and their undeniable love for each other, they both face the demons of their pasts before the time comes to face each other.

Sam and Thomas have very different writing styles which when merged together, makes a great combination of an accurate and realistic account of life as a fighter pilot with a heart-warming romance, full of humor, hot sex and a female character who I want as my BFF!

I loved this story and I hope that the Hunt’s plan to write another book in this series soon as there were several secondary characters that I was curious about and I’d love to read their stories.
Profile Image for Talkbooks.
79 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2015
~~*:Reviewed by Bethany:*~~

Ride into the danger zone.....
I couldn't help singing it to myself in my head, I felt like I was in my own 'Top Gun' story. The call names, all the lingo, and Jack "Dagger" Drake, my first fighter pilot male lead I have read. He was mouthy, sexy and all alpha, so he did not disappoint.
Extra credit for loving a girl that was not a stick figure.

Yes, Lauren is a curvy gal. She can still turn heads, but is a little more to love and boy does Jack fall hard for her. Through their free fall into love, they have to overcome not living close to each other, their careers, impending deployments and their pasts.
It is a rough road, but one that you will enjoy watching them battle both mentally and physically.
I cannot wait to see who the next standalone will be about. There were a few call names that I can think I want to learn more about.
Profile Image for Vasi.
125 reviews
July 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It is my first book in the military-romance genre and it definitely won't be my last. The two style of the authors meshed together very well giving the perspective of both main characters. The story was well written and the characters were complex. I really loved Jack “Dagger” Drake and Lauren Carter and there journey together. I am looking forward to more books in the American Fighter Pilot series from the Hunts.
74 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2016
Not expected (love story).

I thought this was going to be a nice fighter story, not one about cocktail waitresses in Las Vegas. Some times you lose, oh well.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,605 reviews
June 3, 2016
Nope.. Not working for me, on chapter 4 & still not feeling it
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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