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Red-Hot SEALs #3
Forged in Smoke
Faith Ansell could never be mistaken for an action hero. The scientist is content in her lab, working with her team on life-changing discoveries. But when a mysterious organization captures her colleagues, she’s forced to flee for her life with SEAL Team 7.
Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, hasn’t been himself since a near-death experience in the Sierra Nevadas. He’s tense and distracted, and the team caught him arguing with himself—loudly. Despite his erratic behavior, Rawls is the only one Faith feels comfortable confiding her life-threatening secret in.
But Rawls has a secret of his own: his wasn’t the only spirit to return to the physical plane when he was resuscitated. At first, Rawls assumed the “ghost” he saw and heard meant he was having a complete mental breakdown. But the apparition soon becomes convincingly real, and what’s more, he may be the key to the conspiracy looming over them. Rawls had better act quickly because ST7’s race to save their reputations—and Faith’s life—is on.
Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, hasn’t been himself since a near-death experience in the Sierra Nevadas. He’s tense and distracted, and the team caught him arguing with himself—loudly. Despite his erratic behavior, Rawls is the only one Faith feels comfortable confiding her life-threatening secret in.
But Rawls has a secret of his own: his wasn’t the only spirit to return to the physical plane when he was resuscitated. At first, Rawls assumed the “ghost” he saw and heard meant he was having a complete mental breakdown. But the apparition soon becomes convincingly real, and what’s more, he may be the key to the conspiracy looming over them. Rawls had better act quickly because ST7’s race to save their reputations—and Faith’s life—is on.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
1104 people are currently reading
1834 people want to read
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August 6, 2016
Title: Forged in Smoke
Series: Red-Hot SEALs #3
Author: Trish McCallan
Release date: July 19, 2016
Cliffhanger: Yes
HEA
I'm writing this very sheepishly over my laziness. This series is one of my favorite in the Romantic Suspense genre, and my review is long overdue. I remember when I stumbled upon the first book Forged in Fire, four years ago. I had zero expectations starting because it was just a random, unplanned read. But almost immediately I knew that this author had something special. Once I was introduced to this tough group of alpha SEALs, each more charismatic than the last, I was excitedly adding each of their books to my TBR. The proof of my appreciation is in the time lapse between books. With at least two years' waiting period each time, if these books were average I wouldn't even be writing this right now.
One of the things I love the most about Trish McCallan's writing is that she writes one hell of a unique storyline. It's so richly detailed and complex that it stands apart in comparison to a million others. She knows how to write intensity, nail biting suspense, and well-rounded characters that are heroic and sexy as sin. And on top of that? She manages to mix in a PNR element in each and every book. And lets face it, that's not a simple task when you're integrating it with a bunch of Navy SEALs. It's an odd combination and could easily come off as hokey, but she makes it work, and work well.
It would be impossible to go into fine detail with the plot because while each book has a HFN ending for each couple, overall the continuing story is unresolved. At the risk of giving spoilers for the preceding stories, I'm going to keep the plot summary as brief as I can.
Rawls and his friends and teammates are on the run, being falsely accused of crimes against them after saving countless innocent lives. A secret group run by the financially most powerful in the world have a sick, misguided agenda to "save humanity" from themselves. Killing innocent people is like brushing their teeth in the morning, simply a necessary task. Anyone who dares to step in front of them will not be seeing the light of the next day. They're evil, corrupt, and hold way too much power and influence to be ignored. When these men stumble upon their plot to hijack a plane in book one, their rescue of those passengers set them on a course for disaster. Now in hiding, they unravel the depravity that fuels this group and struggle to find a weakness in their enemies that they can exploit.
Rawls was quite the interesting hero. He's a southern boy with a charming drawl with a background in medicine. He's the pretty boy of the bunch and probably the most mysterious. He holds a lot of himself back, and doesn't let others see what's hiding underneath his easy smile. After a near death experience, he returns to the living with doubts of his own sanity. Either he's lost his mind, or he's now able to see a ghost. And this one is most definitely not of the friendly variety. Once this spirit starts to learn how to move physical objects, it's a dangerous game trying to avoid serious injuries. Rawls will do whatever it takes to keep his friends safe, even if it means distancing himself from everyone.
Faith was a brave and intelligent woman, a scientist forced on the run with them when they rescue her from the New Ruling Order (NRO). She was developing an energy paradigm that had dangerous ramifications if fallen into the wrong hands. What I loved about her was that even though she was quite inexperienced socially, she had a strong backbone and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She may have been holed up in a laboratory for a good part of her life, but she wasn't meek or cowardly when faced with such an extraordinary situation. Even her heart condition didn't stop her from fighting side by side with everyone else to survive and protect the group.
This book started out strong, giving us a flashback to Rawls' out of body experience when his heart stopped and he attached to his ghostly visitor. I was immediately sucked right back in to the story and loving the new paranormal addition to the series. However, I do think that much of the middle seemed to drag out, leaving me feeling a little impatient for the story to progress. As well, I think the connection between the h/H was rushed and there wasn't much time spent on the actual development of their feelings. The action/suspense took precedence over the romance, and I couldn't help but wish for a little more depth between the two of them.
That being said, I still enjoyed them together and the plot was so engrossing that it didn't phase me much. And Wolf? If he doesn't get his own book, I'll be starting a petition because his story will be the most fascinating yet, hands down. If I have to wait 5 more years to get it, I don't even care.
If you're thinking of reading this, you must read the others in the series first. This isn't one of those that you can read out of order, so make sure you're up to date before you start. If you're looking for something a little outside of the box that's action-packed, look no further. These will most definitely be the ones for you.
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August 7, 2016
4.5 Stars
Faith Ansell is a brilliant scientist, and her work made her the target of a ruthless group intent on taking her research. When her colleagues are kidnapped, SEAL Team 7 swoops in and rescues Faith, and now they’re in hiding, planning their next move. In the midst of all this, Faith has a medical issue and needs help from one of the team’s members, Seth Rawls. He’s sexy, and intimidating and Faith’s overcome with a wild attraction every time he’s near. Trouble is he seems to be having a crisis of his own.
Seth was at death’s door until Kait and Cosky stepped in. But Seth didn’t come back alone, and now he’s being haunted by a malevolent ghost who grows more powerful with every day that passes. Seth needs to figure out how to get rid of this spirit before he can harm his other teammates or the civilians they now have staying with their group. His attraction to the sweet, sexy scientist is not a complication Seth wants right now, but he can’t seem to stay away from her.
I LOVE this series! The combination of mystery, action, suspense and romance is well done and the stories have been pretty fast paced and exciting! While the series is connected with an ongoing story arc/mystery, each book centers on one of a team mate’s romance. There’s a paranormal element in each of the books, Zane, Cosky, Beth, and Kait all have a particular gift that has come in handy for their mission, and I think more is to come. They’re up against a powerful group, so they’ll need all the advantages they can get!
I’m eagerly looking forward to Abby and Mackenzie’s story! I’m very worried for Abby’s sons. Abby’s been through so much, but still remains strong and very capable! I love a kick-ass woman, and Mackenzie needs someone who can go toe to toe with him!
I received and e-copy for review, but I couldn't resist buying the audio version since Luke Daniels was narrating. He is one of my all-time favorite male narrators, and as usual his performance only enhanced my enjoyment! I went back and forth between audio and e-copy.
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Faith Ansell is a brilliant scientist, and her work made her the target of a ruthless group intent on taking her research. When her colleagues are kidnapped, SEAL Team 7 swoops in and rescues Faith, and now they’re in hiding, planning their next move. In the midst of all this, Faith has a medical issue and needs help from one of the team’s members, Seth Rawls. He’s sexy, and intimidating and Faith’s overcome with a wild attraction every time he’s near. Trouble is he seems to be having a crisis of his own.
Seth was at death’s door until Kait and Cosky stepped in. But Seth didn’t come back alone, and now he’s being haunted by a malevolent ghost who grows more powerful with every day that passes. Seth needs to figure out how to get rid of this spirit before he can harm his other teammates or the civilians they now have staying with their group. His attraction to the sweet, sexy scientist is not a complication Seth wants right now, but he can’t seem to stay away from her.
I LOVE this series! The combination of mystery, action, suspense and romance is well done and the stories have been pretty fast paced and exciting! While the series is connected with an ongoing story arc/mystery, each book centers on one of a team mate’s romance. There’s a paranormal element in each of the books, Zane, Cosky, Beth, and Kait all have a particular gift that has come in handy for their mission, and I think more is to come. They’re up against a powerful group, so they’ll need all the advantages they can get!
I’m eagerly looking forward to Abby and Mackenzie’s story! I’m very worried for Abby’s sons. Abby’s been through so much, but still remains strong and very capable! I love a kick-ass woman, and Mackenzie needs someone who can go toe to toe with him!
I received and e-copy for review, but I couldn't resist buying the audio version since Luke Daniels was narrating. He is one of my all-time favorite male narrators, and as usual his performance only enhanced my enjoyment! I went back and forth between audio and e-copy.
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
July 31, 2016
3 Stars
Review to come
ARC provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley
Maybe September 2013 October 28th, 2014 July 19, 2016
From Trish McCallan's "Forged in Ash Releases!!" Blog Post on 2/1/14
You can read the entire post here.
Review to come
ARC provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley
From Trish McCallan's "Forged in Ash Releases!!" Blog Post on 2/1/14
You can read the entire post here.
2/ [Forged in] Ember [Mac & Amy] will conclude this particular storyline and YES!! all the threads will be tied up, and everything will be explained. This particular four book set was conceived as an ongoing story arc, there is just too much happening to conclude the storyline in one or two books. [Release date: Jan. 28, 2015]
3/ The next set of Red-Hot SEALs books will revolve around Zane’s brothers. They will be romantic thrillers as well, but they will be standalone books rather than a continuing storyline.
4/Yes, Mac and Amy will have their own HEA and yes, Amy brings Mac to his knees. J
5/ Yes, Wolf and Jillian will have their own HEA, although it will not take place in the Red-Hot SEALs series. While they will both show up in Smoke and then again in Ember, they will spin off a new series featuring Wolf’s mysterious and deadly Arapaho special ops team and their HEA will take place during this new series. This series (as yet untitled) will launch April of 2015.
July 2, 2017
A good edition to the series. Not fabulous. Probably because the dead guy had way too big of a role and he was annoying. Much more screen time than the MCs together. I just did not really feel the chemistry between Rawls and Faith. But it was another action packed suspense story that I enjoyed.
I was also able to get the audible free through KU, which was awesome!
I was also able to get the audible free through KU, which was awesome!
not-interested
July 6, 2016I have lost interest in this series. The long wait between books is ridiculous.
July 25, 2022
I love the Forged series. All the suspense, action, conspiracy-it's hard to put down once you start reading
December 11, 2016
3.75 stars - Another good read in this series. Intense, action-packed, sizzlin' chemistry & sex - Rawls and Faith are a great match, and I enjoyed watching them overcome obstacles to come together. As the overall story arc continues, battles escalate, compounds are bombed, and betrayals become more evident. Not everyone escapes untouched as Kait's talents are called upon more than once. The addition of a "ghost" to the support cast actually adds a bit of humor - though Rawls probably wouldn't agree. My only bone of contention is that this one left me feeling a little letdown in the end. Yes, the guy gets the girl, but there is no "win" - just more set up for the next book. While I understand and enjoy many series with an overall story arc, I still like for each book to leave me with a sense of satisfaction - a resolution to at least a little piece of the main issue. You know - win a battle, if not the war. While I missed that in this one, it's still a good Must Read!
August 1, 2016
Forged in Smoke makes me all conflicted. I enjoyed half of it. The other half? Not so much.
Since it's been four years since the first two books, I reread them first so those stories would be fresh in my mind. Which was a good move, since Forged in Smoke picks up right where Book 2 left off.
It was also a bad move, because the problems I glossed over in the first two books became more glaring on a reread. The biggest one was the speed with which the hero and heroine fall in love. What apparently didn't bother me four years ago is now my biggest pet peeve: insta-love. I just can't stand it, and worse, there's no way to improve on it because the quick pace actually works for the rest of the story. Each book gets marginally better on this front,
The second biggest problem is that in all three books, the first thirty percent drags. Book 1's first thirty was setting up the world, so it wasn't bad. Book 2's first thirty introduced the new problems and antagonists, so it wasn't as obvious that nothing was really happening.
But Forged in Smoke has nothing to cover for its first thirty. If anything, it's even more confusing than Book 2 because there are more points of view needed to set things up.
As for the main characters themselves, Trisha MacCallan did something I wasn't expecting: she took two characters I was interested in and made them dull. I hate saying that, but at some point in their story, I just stopped caring.
Take Rawls. He went from being kind of charming and funny in the previous books to someone else entirely. His backstory came out of nowhere, and left me wondering if it was even needed. It never felt as tragic as it should have been. I don't know if that's because it was never mentioned, or because there were other, more important things going on. Not sure. But between that, his ghost, the bad guys, the good guys, the other good guys, and his developing relationship with the world's biggest skeptic, it was just fluffy filler.
And Faith. Oh, boy, was this woman a huge disappointment. She's a PhD, and yet some of her decisions are just flat out dumb and pigheaded. I liked the way she spoke and approached things at first because it made her feel real as a scientist. But it never ends with her. She goes back and forth repeatedly on whether or not to believe and trust everyone around her. Even at the end she's still wondering! Holy crap, woman, just pick a damn side already! What came off as spunky in Book 2 was just annoying in Book 3.
Then you put the two of them together with all of their issues -- -- and it's like Trish MacCallan dumped everything into these two that she could think of. I started skimming through their passages, Faith's in particular, just to get to the good parts (meaning, everything else. Even Mac's misogynistic point of view was more interesting).
And that's when I realized this book is like an action movie.
I don't expect a romance in an action movie. If it's there, okay, but that's not the point of it. That's exactly what this book felt like to me: an action movie with a secondary romance. Not a romance with some action going on.
And despite all my ranting here, there is something really interesting about Forged in Smoke that kept pulling me in, urging me to finish. The sad part is that it wasn't the romance that was compelling. It wasn't even interesting. No, the interesting part was the bigger story. I kept reading to learn more about that than to find out how these two fall in love.
Which is a big problem when this book is supposed to be a romance. If it had been written as strictly an action book, I think it would have been a stronger novel. Instead, the romance and main characters are bland and totally outdone by the rest of the story. So the part I liked: the action bits and the overall story progression. The part I didn't: the romance.
I had high hopes when this series came out. I think the me from four years ago would have loved Forged in Smoke; I loved the others back then. Now? I guess I need a little more out of my romances than what I got.
3 stars
Since it's been four years since the first two books, I reread them first so those stories would be fresh in my mind. Which was a good move, since Forged in Smoke picks up right where Book 2 left off.
It was also a bad move, because the problems I glossed over in the first two books became more glaring on a reread. The biggest one was the speed with which the hero and heroine fall in love. What apparently didn't bother me four years ago is now my biggest pet peeve: insta-love. I just can't stand it, and worse, there's no way to improve on it because the quick pace actually works for the rest of the story. Each book gets marginally better on this front,
The second biggest problem is that in all three books, the first thirty percent drags. Book 1's first thirty was setting up the world, so it wasn't bad. Book 2's first thirty introduced the new problems and antagonists, so it wasn't as obvious that nothing was really happening.
But Forged in Smoke has nothing to cover for its first thirty. If anything, it's even more confusing than Book 2 because there are more points of view needed to set things up.
As for the main characters themselves, Trisha MacCallan did something I wasn't expecting: she took two characters I was interested in and made them dull. I hate saying that, but at some point in their story, I just stopped caring.
Take Rawls. He went from being kind of charming and funny in the previous books to someone else entirely. His backstory came out of nowhere, and left me wondering if it was even needed. It never felt as tragic as it should have been. I don't know if that's because it was never mentioned, or because there were other, more important things going on. Not sure. But between that, his ghost, the bad guys, the good guys, the other good guys, and his developing relationship with the world's biggest skeptic, it was just fluffy filler.
And Faith. Oh, boy, was this woman a huge disappointment. She's a PhD, and yet some of her decisions are just flat out dumb and pigheaded. I liked the way she spoke and approached things at first because it made her feel real as a scientist. But it never ends with her. She goes back and forth repeatedly on whether or not to believe and trust everyone around her. Even at the end she's still wondering! Holy crap, woman, just pick a damn side already! What came off as spunky in Book 2 was just annoying in Book 3.
Then you put the two of them together with all of their issues -- -- and it's like Trish MacCallan dumped everything into these two that she could think of. I started skimming through their passages, Faith's in particular, just to get to the good parts (meaning, everything else. Even Mac's misogynistic point of view was more interesting).
And that's when I realized this book is like an action movie.
I don't expect a romance in an action movie. If it's there, okay, but that's not the point of it. That's exactly what this book felt like to me: an action movie with a secondary romance. Not a romance with some action going on.
And despite all my ranting here, there is something really interesting about Forged in Smoke that kept pulling me in, urging me to finish. The sad part is that it wasn't the romance that was compelling. It wasn't even interesting. No, the interesting part was the bigger story. I kept reading to learn more about that than to find out how these two fall in love.
Which is a big problem when this book is supposed to be a romance. If it had been written as strictly an action book, I think it would have been a stronger novel. Instead, the romance and main characters are bland and totally outdone by the rest of the story. So the part I liked: the action bits and the overall story progression. The part I didn't: the romance.
I had high hopes when this series came out. I think the me from four years ago would have loved Forged in Smoke; I loved the others back then. Now? I guess I need a little more out of my romances than what I got.
3 stars
July 18, 2016
I enjoy this series - the people, the action, the over the top story lines. But this book and its predecessors share some flaws: over the top story lines (also a strength), cliches and stereotypes that pass for characterization, and plot holes. "Forged in Smoke" is the third book in the series, with apparently two more to come, yet there are still lots of loose ends and questions; the overall series story line is moving forward slowly, oh so slowly. You should really read the previous books as this doesn't work well as a stand-alone. We get some answers and if you love conspiracies, you'll love this story line. With each book, there are more answers and world building but it's doled out in dribs and drabs. Some of apparent plot holes do get resolved, at least somewhat, while others still gape.
Allies who were introduced in book two, a sort of special forces Native American team, reappear in this one and play a key role in the story. I have so many questions about them it's not even funny. This is also where McCallan relies heavily on cliches and stereotypes instead of characterization or world building. She mentioned on Facebook that these characters will be getting a spin-off series and I hope she uses that opportunity to more fully develop the characters and their world.
The SEAL team members play well off of each other and you can feel their frustration with Seth's behavior after his near-death experience. I was frustrated at times with Rawl's behavior; I felt like he should have trusted his teammates more. Still, McCallan did a good job showing his fear and frustration with his situation while also infusing some humor into it.
Faith is pleasant but bland. She doesn't do anything, stuff just happens to her; she's largely passive and reactive.
The two things she'd wanted most from life had been handed to her with absolutely no effort on her part: redacted due to spoiler and a man to share that life with.
Mostly, she's defined by her health issues. A lot of the action and development in this series actually revolves around or springs from characters injuries or health problems. While Faith was sweet and the romance between her and Rawls was sweet, Faith was a weak character and I didn't find her a good match for Rawls. She was too soft and meek.
" Forged in Smoke" has a happy romantic ending, though the overall story ending is somewhat abrupt, but various mystery related story lines are not tied up. It was a somewhat dissatisfying ending. I'm looking forward to book four, which should be Mac and Amy's story; that one's been brewing since book one.
Allies who were introduced in book two, a sort of special forces Native American team, reappear in this one and play a key role in the story. I have so many questions about them it's not even funny. This is also where McCallan relies heavily on cliches and stereotypes instead of characterization or world building. She mentioned on Facebook that these characters will be getting a spin-off series and I hope she uses that opportunity to more fully develop the characters and their world.
The SEAL team members play well off of each other and you can feel their frustration with Seth's behavior after his near-death experience. I was frustrated at times with Rawl's behavior; I felt like he should have trusted his teammates more. Still, McCallan did a good job showing his fear and frustration with his situation while also infusing some humor into it.
Faith is pleasant but bland. She doesn't do anything, stuff just happens to her; she's largely passive and reactive.
The two things she'd wanted most from life had been handed to her with absolutely no effort on her part: redacted due to spoiler and a man to share that life with.
Mostly, she's defined by her health issues. A lot of the action and development in this series actually revolves around or springs from characters injuries or health problems. While Faith was sweet and the romance between her and Rawls was sweet, Faith was a weak character and I didn't find her a good match for Rawls. She was too soft and meek.
" Forged in Smoke" has a happy romantic ending, though the overall story ending is somewhat abrupt, but various mystery related story lines are not tied up. It was a somewhat dissatisfying ending. I'm looking forward to book four, which should be Mac and Amy's story; that one's been brewing since book one.
August 1, 2016
After reading the second book I decided I wasn't going to read the rest of the series. But from the reviews I saw from my Goodreads friends , I changed my mind and requested this from Netgalley and I'm so glad that I did.
This was definitely the best in the series so far. I enjoyed the paranormal and military part of the book. The romance was very good, although it happens in a few days, it was more believable than the romance in the previous books.
I liked the heroine a lot, she was in bad situation but kept her wits about her! Her reactions to finding out about the paranormal stuff was very realistic as she was a scientist who saw everything through science and with logic.
The military part was a bit over the top but this is fantasy and I didn't mind it at all.
Overall this book brought the series higher a level or two and I'm actually looking forward to the next one.
This was definitely the best in the series so far. I enjoyed the paranormal and military part of the book. The romance was very good, although it happens in a few days, it was more believable than the romance in the previous books.
I liked the heroine a lot, she was in bad situation but kept her wits about her! Her reactions to finding out about the paranormal stuff was very realistic as she was a scientist who saw everything through science and with logic.
The military part was a bit over the top but this is fantasy and I didn't mind it at all.
Overall this book brought the series higher a level or two and I'm actually looking forward to the next one.
July 1, 2019
The adventures of SEAL Team 7 continue, and the story begins with Seth "Rawls" Rawlings experiencing an out of body experience after getting shot. He is brought back from death by Kait's healing gift, but the ghost of one of their recently deceased enemies has managed to tag along too and is hellbent on torturing him.
He keeps his little problem a secret from everyone, including the very pragmatic lab doctor Faith Ansell. Faith ended up with the team when they saved her life from their enemies who kidnapped her colleagues, and has been trying to decide whether to trust them with the secrets of what they were really working on or not.
The two of them are immediately attracted to one another by try to fight it, until .
I did not like Faith and how much of a hypocrite she was, considering that .
I remember liking the previous stories of the series a lot more, but perhaps that was because of their couples, whom we get to see quite a lot in this book too. It felt quite dense, with points of view from the main couple, one of the main villains and the team's commander Mac, foreshadowing his story that follows in Forged in Ember. By the end of the book Rawls and Faith have gotten their happily ever after, but the team is still in trouble since their enemies are far from vanquished.
The series continues with the novella Bound by Deception and the story of the former Navy SEAL turned police detective Dante "Rio" Addario.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Bound By Temptation (Red-Hot SEALS, #2.6) ~ ★★★★ (27/05/2017)
✦ Bound by Seduction (Red-Hot SEALs, #2.5) ~ ★★★★ (27/12/2016)
✦ Forged In Ash (Red-Hot SEALs #2) ~ ★★★★ (23/05/2016)
✦ Forged in Fire (Red-Hot SEALs #1) ~ ★★★ (31/03/2016)
He keeps his little problem a secret from everyone, including the very pragmatic lab doctor Faith Ansell. Faith ended up with the team when they saved her life from their enemies who kidnapped her colleagues, and has been trying to decide whether to trust them with the secrets of what they were really working on or not.
The two of them are immediately attracted to one another by try to fight it, until .
I did not like Faith and how much of a hypocrite she was, considering that .
I remember liking the previous stories of the series a lot more, but perhaps that was because of their couples, whom we get to see quite a lot in this book too. It felt quite dense, with points of view from the main couple, one of the main villains and the team's commander Mac, foreshadowing his story that follows in Forged in Ember. By the end of the book Rawls and Faith have gotten their happily ever after, but the team is still in trouble since their enemies are far from vanquished.
The series continues with the novella Bound by Deception and the story of the former Navy SEAL turned police detective Dante "Rio" Addario.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Bound By Temptation (Red-Hot SEALS, #2.6) ~ ★★★★ (27/05/2017)
✦ Bound by Seduction (Red-Hot SEALs, #2.5) ~ ★★★★ (27/12/2016)
✦ Forged In Ash (Red-Hot SEALs #2) ~ ★★★★ (23/05/2016)
✦ Forged in Fire (Red-Hot SEALs #1) ~ ★★★ (31/03/2016)
May 15, 2017
Lietenant Seth "Rawls" has a personal ghost... the problem is the corps man doesn't know if it is a real ghost or a hallucination brought on by his near death experience. Faith Ansell has been "rescued" by the SEALs of Team 7. They found her in her shot up lab and brought her with them to their secret base.
Why I started this book: Fun series and I wanted to learn more.
Why I finished it: This book was the weakest of the series. Plus the conspiracy is getting out of control. And can I just say that for once I would love to read a book about a scientist who is reacting to paranormal activity with curiosity and the willingness to test and measure everything, instead of closed-mind that isn't real. Especially when they are presented with proof.
Also the SEALs rescued her from underneath a particle accelerator and it bothered me the whole book because my mental image of particle accelerators were of the Large Hadron Collider of CERN like
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and
not the desk top version of the 1960s
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Why I started this book: Fun series and I wanted to learn more.
Why I finished it: This book was the weakest of the series. Plus the conspiracy is getting out of control. And can I just say that for once I would love to read a book about a scientist who is reacting to paranormal activity with curiosity and the willingness to test and measure everything, instead of closed-mind that isn't real. Especially when they are presented with proof.
Also the SEALs rescued her from underneath a particle accelerator and it bothered me the whole book because my mental image of particle accelerators were of the Large Hadron Collider of CERN like
[image error]
and
not the desk top version of the 1960s
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July 11, 2016
This is the third installment of Trish McCallan's Red Hot Seals novels, and this book delves ever deeper into the paranormal oddities and subversive machinations that have redefined life for these talented covert operators and the women they love. To date, the first book, Forged in Fire, has been my favorite. And while the story of Seth Rawlings and Dr. Faith Ansell was fine, this book has definitely whet my appetite for the fourth (and final?) book, Forged in Ember, which will feature Amy Chastain and Commander "Mac" Mackenzie. That is a book I intend to consume the second it is available!
Each book in the series highlights a different SEAL on the team and a love story that surrounds him. In the background is a continuously running suspense story adhering to a surprisingly tight chronology. The SEALS and their women have adventures filled with fights, explosions, injuries, betrayals, and a mastermind megalomaniac. The SEALS are a tightly knit unit, and happily the reader is able to catch up with favorite couples from previous books; they are major characters in this third installment. Unfortunately, that also means this book is definitely not a standalone. Since the publication of the other two books was so long ago, I recommend skimming them before embarking on Seth's story. Your enjoyment of Forged in Smoke will be much, much better if you do so. Prepare to be lost if you can't remember or are unfamiliar with the plot from books one and two.
Trish McCallan has a knack for describing emotion, especially for the battle-hardened SEALS. She manages to reveal their softness and respect for their women without weakening their position as world-class warriors. This holds true for Rawls as he gradually becomes aware of Dr. Ansell, especially her freckles and her self-containment. During the course of this book, both are severely injured and it serves to heighten their awareness and dependence on one another.
Except...there wasn't an ounce of levity on his face. Instead it looked frozen, almost fragile. Which was crazy when describing a six-foot-four hunk of muscle and strength. But yeah, he looked vulnerable, as though the wrong reaction from her could shatter him into a billion pieces and nothing would ever be right between them ever again.
At the 75% mark in the book, it seemed a little like the novel jumped the shark. What I thought had previously been a strength of this series- potentially explainable blips of supernatural occurrences woven subtly into military action-adventure - suddenly overwhelmed the story. It was actually more interesting when Rawls thought his ghost was a mental breakdown, but then the phantom begins to physically manifest by pointing guns, and I did a mental, "Oh, come on!" Unfortunately, at the same time the romance of Rawls and Faith headed straight to cliche-ville. Suddenly the awkward researcher with the skinny body and hesitant demeanor is a sultry siren and their bedroom talked sounded like two totally different people.
Although Rawls and Faith weren't my favorite couple, I was happy to see more of Cosky and Kait and Zane and Beth. In fact, McCallan does a great job with all of the side characters, good and bad alike. You get a good sense of personalities and motivations in a detailed yet succinct way. Plus, I really liked Rawls' southern drawl. The action is equally as well paced. The peaks are quick page turners and very creative (I thought the raid on the lab was especially well done), but then there is time to take a breath and develop the romance, too. Like I said at the beginning of this review, McCallan has me very much anticipating a more mature romance that has the potential to smolder beyond control for Amy and Mac in the next book.
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review.
Each book in the series highlights a different SEAL on the team and a love story that surrounds him. In the background is a continuously running suspense story adhering to a surprisingly tight chronology. The SEALS and their women have adventures filled with fights, explosions, injuries, betrayals, and a mastermind megalomaniac. The SEALS are a tightly knit unit, and happily the reader is able to catch up with favorite couples from previous books; they are major characters in this third installment. Unfortunately, that also means this book is definitely not a standalone. Since the publication of the other two books was so long ago, I recommend skimming them before embarking on Seth's story. Your enjoyment of Forged in Smoke will be much, much better if you do so. Prepare to be lost if you can't remember or are unfamiliar with the plot from books one and two.
Trish McCallan has a knack for describing emotion, especially for the battle-hardened SEALS. She manages to reveal their softness and respect for their women without weakening their position as world-class warriors. This holds true for Rawls as he gradually becomes aware of Dr. Ansell, especially her freckles and her self-containment. During the course of this book, both are severely injured and it serves to heighten their awareness and dependence on one another.
Except...there wasn't an ounce of levity on his face. Instead it looked frozen, almost fragile. Which was crazy when describing a six-foot-four hunk of muscle and strength. But yeah, he looked vulnerable, as though the wrong reaction from her could shatter him into a billion pieces and nothing would ever be right between them ever again.
At the 75% mark in the book, it seemed a little like the novel jumped the shark. What I thought had previously been a strength of this series- potentially explainable blips of supernatural occurrences woven subtly into military action-adventure - suddenly overwhelmed the story. It was actually more interesting when Rawls thought his ghost was a mental breakdown, but then the phantom begins to physically manifest by pointing guns, and I did a mental, "Oh, come on!" Unfortunately, at the same time the romance of Rawls and Faith headed straight to cliche-ville. Suddenly the awkward researcher with the skinny body and hesitant demeanor is a sultry siren and their bedroom talked sounded like two totally different people.
Although Rawls and Faith weren't my favorite couple, I was happy to see more of Cosky and Kait and Zane and Beth. In fact, McCallan does a great job with all of the side characters, good and bad alike. You get a good sense of personalities and motivations in a detailed yet succinct way. Plus, I really liked Rawls' southern drawl. The action is equally as well paced. The peaks are quick page turners and very creative (I thought the raid on the lab was especially well done), but then there is time to take a breath and develop the romance, too. Like I said at the beginning of this review, McCallan has me very much anticipating a more mature romance that has the potential to smolder beyond control for Amy and Mac in the next book.
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review.
July 20, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I see shades of the Troubleshooters Series by Suzanne Brockmann, which makes me very happy. The Red-Hot SEALs series is a continuing story arc that began with book 1, Forged in Fire, and will continue. Each book focuses on a new couple and is a part of this action romantic-suspense series that pits a renegade SEAL Team against baddies who want to protect the earth while remaking it to their own specifications, which include the death of a whole lot of people. You see, this is all for the good of mother earth. All the pesky people parasites are just using too many of her precious resources.
Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, hasn’t been himself since a near-death experience after the bombing of their safe house. By laying on of hands, Kait and Cosky brought him back from the dead and healed him. Unfortunately, a hitchhiker from the other side, baddie Pachico, tagged alone for the return ride and has been making a big problem for Rawls.
Dr. Faith Ansell, a scientist the SEALs rescued from the destroyed lab, has problems of her own. She is a heart transplant recipient and as such needs several drugs so her body doesn't reject her heart. Unfortunately, those were left behind when the team fled the lab. Rawls and Faith meet about 4 months ago in line for a flight to Hawaii. The attraction was instant and mutual, but both of them are trying to ignore it. Yeah, like that is going to continue.
The baddies are still after the SEAL team and will stop at nothing, even using innocent children to track this group down. The danger is real and ongoing and there are a lot of innocent people who could die if the SEALs don't survive and put an end to this plan to control the world. Fortunately the SEALs have help in their quest to save the world. Spirit Mountain is a group of Arapaho Indians (think 1st Nation) who are a power unto themselves, not answering to any law but their own and they have all kinds of special talents and toys. 3 1/2 stars
I see shades of the Troubleshooters Series by Suzanne Brockmann, which makes me very happy. The Red-Hot SEALs series is a continuing story arc that began with book 1, Forged in Fire, and will continue. Each book focuses on a new couple and is a part of this action romantic-suspense series that pits a renegade SEAL Team against baddies who want to protect the earth while remaking it to their own specifications, which include the death of a whole lot of people. You see, this is all for the good of mother earth. All the pesky people parasites are just using too many of her precious resources.
Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, hasn’t been himself since a near-death experience after the bombing of their safe house. By laying on of hands, Kait and Cosky brought him back from the dead and healed him. Unfortunately, a hitchhiker from the other side, baddie Pachico, tagged alone for the return ride and has been making a big problem for Rawls.
Dr. Faith Ansell, a scientist the SEALs rescued from the destroyed lab, has problems of her own. She is a heart transplant recipient and as such needs several drugs so her body doesn't reject her heart. Unfortunately, those were left behind when the team fled the lab. Rawls and Faith meet about 4 months ago in line for a flight to Hawaii. The attraction was instant and mutual, but both of them are trying to ignore it. Yeah, like that is going to continue.
The baddies are still after the SEAL team and will stop at nothing, even using innocent children to track this group down. The danger is real and ongoing and there are a lot of innocent people who could die if the SEALs don't survive and put an end to this plan to control the world. Fortunately the SEALs have help in their quest to save the world. Spirit Mountain is a group of Arapaho Indians (think 1st Nation) who are a power unto themselves, not answering to any law but their own and they have all kinds of special talents and toys. 3 1/2 stars
December 31, 2016
Review: FORGED IN SMOKE (A Red-Hot SEALS Novel) by Trish McCallan http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7vw
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense with Paranormal Elements
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars
I was hesitant as I began to read this installment. The ghost aspect just isn’t my thing, but I am so glad I kept reading. I loved it. Rawl was the perfect one for this idea because his reactions were realistic as was relationship with Faith. For her part, I wish she had been a little more trusting because a few times she came across as condescending. But that did not take away from the story or the hot romance. All the ST7 members were together and in the thick of battle and intrigue that they do so well. I do enjoy how they interact with each other. And oh boy I love where the series is going with the Shadow Mountain addition. I hope the next installment comes soon because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2in2Aij | Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2hDteqg
✦Red-Hot SEALs Series by Trish McCallan✦ Amazon Series Link
✦Book 1: Forged in Fire ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2ihcjJ5
✦Book 2: Forged in Ash ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2ihq6zm | Review 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1qo
✦Book 3: Forged in Smoke ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2in2Aij
Note: Amazon Prime Members - Borrow this series for free on a Kindle device with from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library.
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2iOYHpr
or Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2ihgRPF
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense with Paranormal Elements
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars
I was hesitant as I began to read this installment. The ghost aspect just isn’t my thing, but I am so glad I kept reading. I loved it. Rawl was the perfect one for this idea because his reactions were realistic as was relationship with Faith. For her part, I wish she had been a little more trusting because a few times she came across as condescending. But that did not take away from the story or the hot romance. All the ST7 members were together and in the thick of battle and intrigue that they do so well. I do enjoy how they interact with each other. And oh boy I love where the series is going with the Shadow Mountain addition. I hope the next installment comes soon because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2in2Aij | Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2hDteqg
✦Red-Hot SEALs Series by Trish McCallan✦ Amazon Series Link
✦Book 1: Forged in Fire ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2ihcjJ5
✦Book 2: Forged in Ash ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2ihq6zm | Review 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1qo
✦Book 3: Forged in Smoke ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2in2Aij
Note: Amazon Prime Members - Borrow this series for free on a Kindle device with from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library.
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2iOYHpr
or Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2ihgRPF
August 13, 2016
The long wait between this book and the previous one in the series made it difficult to dive straight into it, but the sitrep at the beginning anticipates this problem. If it doesn't, rereading the first 2 parts, or at least the second book, should go a way in solving this issue.
'Forged in Smoke' is Rawls's story and where we left him the last time, it seemed as though he'd tossed out his cookies completely after getting healed of his fatal wound. The action picks up almost immediately and the explanation for his bizarre behaviour delves into the paranormal realm. I was lost at times, but found many bits that I enjoyed, especially the combination of military suspense, conspiracy theories - which does admittedly sound far-fetched at times - and the paranormal. There is a narrative arc of events that shoots through each of these books and would, presumably end with the fourth and last books, which can be frustrating considering the long wait between books.
Yet Trish McCallan’s clear, succinct writing is an additional draw and her characters’ voices distinct enough for me to like them, even though the books sort of skirt the phenomenon of instant love. Rawls/Faith is a pairing that I did enjoy and their growing connection was great to read about. But the teasers of Jace Mackenzie’s coming story however – my favourite blunt, self-deprecating and hilarious hero thus far – have long made him my favourite one to wait for.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
'Forged in Smoke' is Rawls's story and where we left him the last time, it seemed as though he'd tossed out his cookies completely after getting healed of his fatal wound. The action picks up almost immediately and the explanation for his bizarre behaviour delves into the paranormal realm. I was lost at times, but found many bits that I enjoyed, especially the combination of military suspense, conspiracy theories - which does admittedly sound far-fetched at times - and the paranormal. There is a narrative arc of events that shoots through each of these books and would, presumably end with the fourth and last books, which can be frustrating considering the long wait between books.
Yet Trish McCallan’s clear, succinct writing is an additional draw and her characters’ voices distinct enough for me to like them, even though the books sort of skirt the phenomenon of instant love. Rawls/Faith is a pairing that I did enjoy and their growing connection was great to read about. But the teasers of Jace Mackenzie’s coming story however – my favourite blunt, self-deprecating and hilarious hero thus far – have long made him my favourite one to wait for.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
August 2, 2016
Forged in Smoke by Trish McCallan
5 stars
This book is a wild ride of adventure, suspense, discredited SEALs, world wide conspiracy and the women who fall for them as well as Native Americans with special abiities.This book can easily be read as a stand alone but I think most readers are going to be like me and will want to read the first two books. This book begins as the battle ground clears from the end of the second book. The connection between Faith, the scientist, and Rawls, the SEAL, is intense. So strong that you don't realize that they haven't even managed a kiss for over a third of the book. Readers looking for a lot of hot sex aren't going to find it here but they will find a hero and heroine who have secrets that they needto share so everyone lives as well as secrets they need to share with eahother.
I fully enjoyed this book and enough backstory is provided to make it easy to follow. At the same time this is a fast paced action story with tunnels, escape hatches, bombings, and everyone coming out the other side alive. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a wellwritten, intense adventure romance. I received this book free from the publisher on netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
5 stars
This book is a wild ride of adventure, suspense, discredited SEALs, world wide conspiracy and the women who fall for them as well as Native Americans with special abiities.This book can easily be read as a stand alone but I think most readers are going to be like me and will want to read the first two books. This book begins as the battle ground clears from the end of the second book. The connection between Faith, the scientist, and Rawls, the SEAL, is intense. So strong that you don't realize that they haven't even managed a kiss for over a third of the book. Readers looking for a lot of hot sex aren't going to find it here but they will find a hero and heroine who have secrets that they needto share so everyone lives as well as secrets they need to share with eahother.
I fully enjoyed this book and enough backstory is provided to make it easy to follow. At the same time this is a fast paced action story with tunnels, escape hatches, bombings, and everyone coming out the other side alive. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a wellwritten, intense adventure romance. I received this book free from the publisher on netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 4, 2016
... paranormal action!
3.5 stars
Book 3 continues the SEAL team's fight against an unknown, powerful enemy as they endeavour to clear their names.
Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, may have returned from beyond death but his crossing back over is accompanied by another challenge.
Rawls is thrown in contact with Faith Ansell, the scientist whose fellow workers were captured by an unknown force, and that contact has them both on edge.
MacKenzie isn't happy with the way his team is collecting partners--that is not going to happen to him!
Amy needs to be reunited with her children but that has risks no-one can foretell.
There's a dangerous force out to get the SEAL team with unlimited resources. Time and again they are rescued by Wolf, a Shadow Mountain warrior, Kait's brother and so much more.
We are starting to see the forces being arrayed against the Mackenzie and those supporting them. Neither are insignificant.
An exciting episode added to the 'forged' series as the enemy becomes clearer, sides are aligned and the unforeseen becomes reality. An eco, paranormal adventure that continues the tradition of honourable men and their equally honourable and feisty women.
A NetGalley ARC
3.5 stars
Book 3 continues the SEAL team's fight against an unknown, powerful enemy as they endeavour to clear their names.
Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, may have returned from beyond death but his crossing back over is accompanied by another challenge.
Rawls is thrown in contact with Faith Ansell, the scientist whose fellow workers were captured by an unknown force, and that contact has them both on edge.
MacKenzie isn't happy with the way his team is collecting partners--that is not going to happen to him!
Amy needs to be reunited with her children but that has risks no-one can foretell.
There's a dangerous force out to get the SEAL team with unlimited resources. Time and again they are rescued by Wolf, a Shadow Mountain warrior, Kait's brother and so much more.
We are starting to see the forces being arrayed against the Mackenzie and those supporting them. Neither are insignificant.
An exciting episode added to the 'forged' series as the enemy becomes clearer, sides are aligned and the unforeseen becomes reality. An eco, paranormal adventure that continues the tradition of honourable men and their equally honourable and feisty women.
A NetGalley ARC
February 8, 2017
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This series merges the paranormal (think woo-woo rather than vampires) with spec ops. If visions of future events, psychic healing and telepathy aren't your thing, walk away now. The 'Sitrep' at the start of the book made me pause for thought and I have read the other two books.
This feels very much like a mid-series (or penultimate) book. Whilst a lot happens it is all moving along the bigger plot and the book plot is kind of irrelevant.
The book opens (prologue) with Lt Seth 'Rawls' Rawlings dying and being brought back to life through psychic healing by Kait and Cosky. Rawls comes back to life but he has brought back a ghost, the ghost of one of the enemies, the guy who calls himself "Pachico".
A few weeks ago Rawls helped save Faith Ansell, a scientist who was kidnapped by their enemies.
Whilst generally I am open to the woo-woo, FFS I love the paranormal, I find this series difficult to believe and yet I do enjoy the series.
Not the best book in the series but I am still enjoying it and want to read the next.
This series merges the paranormal (think woo-woo rather than vampires) with spec ops. If visions of future events, psychic healing and telepathy aren't your thing, walk away now. The 'Sitrep' at the start of the book made me pause for thought and I have read the other two books.
This feels very much like a mid-series (or penultimate) book. Whilst a lot happens it is all moving along the bigger plot and the book plot is kind of irrelevant.
The book opens (prologue) with Lt Seth 'Rawls' Rawlings dying and being brought back to life through psychic healing by Kait and Cosky. Rawls comes back to life but he has brought back a ghost, the ghost of one of the enemies, the guy who calls himself "Pachico".
A few weeks ago Rawls helped save Faith Ansell, a scientist who was kidnapped by their enemies.
Whilst generally I am open to the woo-woo, FFS I love the paranormal, I find this series difficult to believe and yet I do enjoy the series.
Not the best book in the series but I am still enjoying it and want to read the next.
August 5, 2017
My Musings
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and can't wait for my and Jack's love story. I must say I did struggle with a couple of aspects of the story. Don't want to give details, but it was just a bit over the top for me. Nonetheless, I loved the characters and the high suspense. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and can't wait for my and Jack's love story. I must say I did struggle with a couple of aspects of the story. Don't want to give details, but it was just a bit over the top for me. Nonetheless, I loved the characters and the high suspense. Happy ☺reading 📚!
September 19, 2017
The book started a bit slow and confusing, but quickly picked up. This time Seth almost dies and comes back with a tag-along ghost who is driving him crazy. Plus he has to deal with his feelings for Faith, the scientist they rescued.
I'm really enjoying the overall story and we got a lot more pieces of the puzzle. I can't wait to find out even more.
I'm really enjoying the overall story and we got a lot more pieces of the puzzle. I can't wait to find out even more.
May 17, 2018
The story continues
This series has had me riveted from the first word. The twists and turns hold me captive every time I read it not knowing what to anticipate coming next. I don’t know that any other series has held my interest and focus like this one has. I highly encourage all to embark on and enjoy this series!
This series has had me riveted from the first word. The twists and turns hold me captive every time I read it not knowing what to anticipate coming next. I don’t know that any other series has held my interest and focus like this one has. I highly encourage all to embark on and enjoy this series!
February 28, 2017
:: 3.5 stars ::
Again, the action was great, but the romance was just 'eh'. I certainly didn't feel it as much as the romance between Kait & Cosky.
Again, the action was great, but the romance was just 'eh'. I certainly didn't feel it as much as the romance between Kait & Cosky.
May 18, 2018
Great book
I love this series. Each book draws you in and keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. I cannot wait for the next book.
I love this series. Each book draws you in and keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. I cannot wait for the next book.
May 22, 2018
I am so loving this SEALS team series! All the action, the romance and throw in some paranormal and I am in love!
October 20, 2016
I love this series!! It's smart, action-packed, and steamy. What I love most is all the action of the SEALS and that the people are smart! Can't wait for the next story!
March 31, 2017
Two-haiku review:
She is scientist
After Navy SEAL rescue
Whole group in danger
Must have read series
Too long since previous book
Cliffhanger ending
P.S. Series started out great, but with each book I like it less and less.
She is scientist
After Navy SEAL rescue
Whole group in danger
Must have read series
Too long since previous book
Cliffhanger ending
P.S. Series started out great, but with each book I like it less and less.
July 21, 2016
This is the third book in Trish McCallan's Red Hot Seals series and shouldn't be read as a stand alone. Although I enjoyed this book the last 20% of the book actually got a bit too much into the supernatural IMO. This book centers around Seth Rawlings "Rawls" and Dr. Faith Ansell. Although all the previous Seals and their significant others are also in this book. These books also follow an overall suspense story with lots of action, explosions, and a group of powerful villains.
One of the things I love about these books is the tightly knit unit of Seals. They have a great relationship between them and we get a chance to catch up with the earlier couples from the previous books. It took me a bit to remember what had happened in the previous books since they were published quite awhile ago and I recommend skimming them before starting this book.
I really loved Rawls in this book and his Southern accent and charm. He was tough but also vulnerable due to the serious injury he sustained and the resulting effects. Rawls actually died and when his heart started beating again he didn't return alone. I loved reading about him struggling with whether the ghost was real or if he was having a mental breakdown. His relationship with Faith was slow as he gradually warmed up to Faith. Faith was just an alright character for me and I never really bonded with her. I also didn't like the lightning change in Faith that seemed to occur once they made it to the bedroom. She was always described as awkward, skinny and shy (in fact she said her super power was invisibility). Then I started to read about Faith who was a sexy, aggressive and confident lover. It just didn't fit for me. At the same point in the story, the author introduced more supernatural elements with a "machine" that was created by the scientists and even gave Faith an ability. This just seemed like to much to me and I enjoyed it more prior to this introduction. In fact, I liked the whole "ghost" story a lot more before the ghost was able to move physical objects and inhabit people. This series was better with a mix of relationships/action and some supernatural and IMO this book added just a bit too much on the supernatural side.
So while I loved Rawls, enjoyed catching up with the previous characters and liked where the story is going this one had a few drawbacks to it. However, it had a lot of action, villains that while despicable the author did a great job of describing their motivations. Throughout these books I've loved reading about Mac and Amy and I am eagerly waiting for the next book, the fourth and I believe final book, Forged in Ember, which will feature Amy and Mac.
One of the things I love about these books is the tightly knit unit of Seals. They have a great relationship between them and we get a chance to catch up with the earlier couples from the previous books. It took me a bit to remember what had happened in the previous books since they were published quite awhile ago and I recommend skimming them before starting this book.
I really loved Rawls in this book and his Southern accent and charm. He was tough but also vulnerable due to the serious injury he sustained and the resulting effects. Rawls actually died and when his heart started beating again he didn't return alone. I loved reading about him struggling with whether the ghost was real or if he was having a mental breakdown. His relationship with Faith was slow as he gradually warmed up to Faith. Faith was just an alright character for me and I never really bonded with her. I also didn't like the lightning change in Faith that seemed to occur once they made it to the bedroom. She was always described as awkward, skinny and shy (in fact she said her super power was invisibility). Then I started to read about Faith who was a sexy, aggressive and confident lover. It just didn't fit for me. At the same point in the story, the author introduced more supernatural elements with a "machine" that was created by the scientists and even gave Faith an ability. This just seemed like to much to me and I enjoyed it more prior to this introduction. In fact, I liked the whole "ghost" story a lot more before the ghost was able to move physical objects and inhabit people. This series was better with a mix of relationships/action and some supernatural and IMO this book added just a bit too much on the supernatural side.
So while I loved Rawls, enjoyed catching up with the previous characters and liked where the story is going this one had a few drawbacks to it. However, it had a lot of action, villains that while despicable the author did a great job of describing their motivations. Throughout these books I've loved reading about Mac and Amy and I am eagerly waiting for the next book, the fourth and I believe final book, Forged in Ember, which will feature Amy and Mac.
April 17, 2017
"Rawls" AKA Seth Rawlings, corpsman for ST7, has been acting strange since his near death experience. Is it a ghost, hallucinations, or is he unstable? Dr Faith Ansell needs to confide in someone due to an urgent medical need and even though he's been odd she's going to try for his help. Amid all that there is still evil plots going on that the team is trying to figure out. I still like the series, but the first was the best for me by far.
July 10, 2016
This is the third book in the Red Hot SEALS series. And you definitely need to read the first two books to really understand and follow easily ( at first) all the characters and the plot.
But once you get the hang of it it's a thrilling adventure. With its share of action adventure, romance and a little bit of supernatural!!!!
Dr. Faith Anselm is the lone survivor of a bombing and finds herself in a group of people she doesn't know and can't know for sure if she can share her secret.
Faith finds herself drawn to the same SEAL that rescued her, the same one she'd seen months earlier at an airport. The one that seems to be on the verge of a psychotic breakdown.
Navy SEAL Seth Rawlings is mortally wounded and revived by his friends, but turns out he didn't return the way he left, and so his friends start to question if he is mentally stable after seeing him yelling to himself!
The whole team is on the run from an unseen and unknown enemy, but also find themselves with unusual alien.
The book is well written even though a first is a little confusing if you haven't read the other books. But as the story evolves, so does the characters and obviously the attraction between the main characters.
There are some very gentle moments as well as some very steamy scenes.
The end of the book came so suddenly I wondered if I had skipped a part, but it turns out it is just the end( or beginning of a relationship) for Rawls and Faith, but the overall arch of the story is not over. So it's not a cliffhanger per se because you do have some closure between the main characters, but there are unresolved issues with the whole story, so I'm definitely looking forward for the next book in the series!!!
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit my page www.isatho2000.worpress.com
.Trish McCallan
But once you get the hang of it it's a thrilling adventure. With its share of action adventure, romance and a little bit of supernatural!!!!
Dr. Faith Anselm is the lone survivor of a bombing and finds herself in a group of people she doesn't know and can't know for sure if she can share her secret.
Faith finds herself drawn to the same SEAL that rescued her, the same one she'd seen months earlier at an airport. The one that seems to be on the verge of a psychotic breakdown.
Navy SEAL Seth Rawlings is mortally wounded and revived by his friends, but turns out he didn't return the way he left, and so his friends start to question if he is mentally stable after seeing him yelling to himself!
The whole team is on the run from an unseen and unknown enemy, but also find themselves with unusual alien.
The book is well written even though a first is a little confusing if you haven't read the other books. But as the story evolves, so does the characters and obviously the attraction between the main characters.
There are some very gentle moments as well as some very steamy scenes.
The end of the book came so suddenly I wondered if I had skipped a part, but it turns out it is just the end( or beginning of a relationship) for Rawls and Faith, but the overall arch of the story is not over. So it's not a cliffhanger per se because you do have some closure between the main characters, but there are unresolved issues with the whole story, so I'm definitely looking forward for the next book in the series!!!
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit my page www.isatho2000.worpress.com
.Trish McCallan
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