Private Maneuvers

Wingmen Warriors #4

by Catherine Mann

C-17 copilot Darcy "Wren" Renshaw wanted a piece of the war-zone action like the rest of her air-force family. Instead, she was stuck hauling a brooding scientist to the calm waters of Guam. Darcy thought she was being shuffled far away from the action...until she met Max Keagan and embarked on the mission of her life.

Undercover CIA agent Max needed a military airlift to a South Pacific island. He didn't need First Lieutenant Darcy Renshaw blowing his cover and bringing chaos to his top secret program. But Darcy and danger seemed destined to go hand in hand. And while trying to keep Darcy safe, Max realized he was soon in danger of losing his well-guarded heart.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary, Suspense

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

About the author

USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.

A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Catherine Mann, and I will definitely put her on my list of go-to authors for military romantic suspense. What I really liked was that the military part of the equation in this book was the heroine, Darcy Renshaw, who is a pilot in the Air Force. She was a very likeable heroine--well-balanced with a soft, feminine side and a tough exterior. She was great getting along with the guys, but not too prickly where she was annoying. I liked her confidence, but I also appreciated her awkwardness as she tries to let Max know she's interested in him. I also liked the hero in this book, Max. He's a deep-cover CIA agent who happens to have a PhD in Marine Biology. I have an unrepentant fondness for intelligent guys, so he gets bonus points for being a scientist who's also a CIA agent.

I could understand and respect both character's baggage. Darcy was kidnapped at a young age and mentally tortured by her captors. Sense then, she's been afraid to let anyone get too close, and highly values her independence. Max is mourning his lost lover who got murdered in the line of duty as a CIA agent, taking his unborn child with her. Max blamed himself for not getting out of the life. Since then, he's kept women at a distance. But the attraction between them breaks down their barriers.

Ms. Mann has a very good, dramatic and descriptive writing style. She brought the tropical locale of Guam to vivid life for me. I could have been there on the island as I read this book. I found myself impressed with how she kept the narrative active and my interest engaged. I do have to say I felt the suspense conclusion was a little abrupt. I felt somewhat underwhelmed with the reveal on the villain. I was thinking, "That's all?". Also, I could have done without the brutal, wanton spider-killing part. I could understand Darcy's issues with spiders, but I felt bad for the critter. I certainly got why she took out the snake. I just wished the villain had more respect for animals instead of using them to terrorize Darcy and leading to their untimely demise. But otherwise, I thought this was a very good book. It's great to see a heroine who is in the armed forces, and is blazing her own trail in her military career, and a hero who is not at all threatened by her independence and proficiency in her field.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written romantic suspense with strong characters in Wren and Max. The author does a great job developing the story and kept me reading right to the end. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book., All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jo-Ann Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series.

You can read the book as a standalone, but will get to know the characters and past characters you will find out what's going on with them after their story finished sometimes.

Our heroine feels like she's constantly being overlooked for things due to who her father is. She thinks her father is pulling strings so she doesn't see any action and she's fed up. She thinks this is all happening due to what she had happen to her as a child and is tired of being put in safe places.

Our hero is undercover and can't tell anyone who he is but does try and keep things close to the truth as possible. While he's not at all what our heroine was expecting he is very good looking for a person who spends all day out on the water, or so our heroine thinks. When they touch its instant attraction. Our hero, no matter how much he wants to get the traitor who leaked important intel.

What happens after they meet and get to the location of where our hero has to perform a search for the person stealing intel and without compromising himself or getting anyone else killed. The question that keeps going through your mind is who IS stealing the intel? Will the hero and heroine sleep together and be killed or will the person get away with the intel?

While the plot does keep you asking these questions, you kind of forget about the stealing of the intel with all the side things going on. The author draws you back to that question at the end of the book with the big ending. The story does have it its moments when you feel like its not moving ahead very quickly, but then does speed up.

The characters are likable but the way the author describes the clothing the hero wears makes me think he may be color blind to put the stuff he wears together. It draws attention rather than blends into the background as usual as agents typically do.

Overall, not a bad book, but it does get a bit boring and you want to push it along at times.

[The Book Worm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Private Maneuvers is an older book and lived in my to-read shelf for a long time. Lately I was looking for something other than Holidays-themed books and decided to get into this one. Sadly, I was really disappointed.
As much as I tried I couldn't make myself like the story or the characters. It definitely isn't what I expected, especially taking into account the other books from Catherine Mann I've read before. For a brief moment the plot held my attention, but that moment faded away too quickly. I even debated putting it aside unfinished but in the end decide to bear it until the happily ever after.
There's so little action in the book that most of the plot basically translates into Max and Darcy going back and forth on whether they should act on their physical attraction, with the upsides and downsides of said action being discussed in detail. Descriptions of their physical attraction come up so often that instead of being exciting they end up being boring. And there's so much insistence in the fact that Darcy is a virgin/inexperienced/innocent that it almost sounds like she's some sort of freak show.
That being said, both Darcy and Max seem to have so much time on their hands that they could just be on vacation instead of in the middle of a military mission and a CIA covert operation. They don't sound professional in either capacity and for me that killed the military side of the book.
All in all, the writing is repetitive, the plot is boring, the suspense is virtually inexistent - I've read a lot better by Catherine Mann (Cover Me and Defender come to mind) and honestly Private Maneuvers is a book I don't recommend.

This review was originally published here: http://thebookworm2015.blogspot.com.e...

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Too Deep is the fourth title in the Hometown Heroes series, and brings us Darcy’s and Max’s unexpected romance. Darcy is a pilot, the daughter of a general, and a survivor of a kidnapping. She’s strong but suspects that the reason she hasn’t seen action is because of the protectiveness of her father. It’s annoying, and she’s determined to break free of “protection” situations. Max is a CIA agent, a marine biologist, and a man who has survived the death of the woman he loved, in part blaming himself for being in the career they both were. Now he’s on the hunt for a traitor, and Darcy is a completely complicated, unexpected distraction from his mission. Neither was looking for love when the mission started, but love finds a way, eventually.

I was completely immersed in In Too Deep by Catherine Mann from the beginning through to the final page. Darcy is an amazing heroine with a few quirks, but she’s rebuilt her life, wants no special attention because of her past, and is finding Max far too attractive. Max is driven, but also intrigued by this woman who could blow his cover, add complications to an already dangerous mission, and just might be the woman who could knit his heart back together. The danger they face is very real, and watching them work through their attraction and the situation they find themselves in was an intriguing journey.

I loved this couple, both individually and together. If you enjoy a well-written romantic suspense story with strong characters, action-packed, with danger that will keep you on edge, then this one would be perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Too Deep is a standalone contemporary book by Catherine Mann, and is the fourth book in the Hometown Heroes series.

When I first started reading I had the thought that this is the perfect Harlequin romance, knowing that I had read Catherine Mann's romances around 15 years ago when I first started to get into the genre. Pretty much the exact same thought I had with the other books in the series, so this bit is going to appear in all the reviews. After making those connections, I figured out that this book is the re-release of Mann's Wingmen Warriors series.

If you love your military romances, this one set in the world of a close knit group of air force aviators. This books moves away from the "second chances" theme, which has been pretty strong in this series so far. Instead, we have an aviator from a military family who wants to not be constrained by her family name or the orders of the father, a general. Darcy is strong and focused, there is a toughness and yet at the same time she has a vulnerability when it comes to falling in love. It is on a mission that she meets Max Keegan, and while he doesn't lie about who he is, there is a lot more going on when it comes to Max because he is a CIA agent on a mission.

This is probably the most action packed book of the series so far, as well. It's a lot of fun, and the bit of extra danger does add a thrill.

One last, somewhat unrelated note, I've spent the whole week or so since I got this book singing the line from the Foo Fighters song, Let It Die, "in too deep and lost in time, why did you have to go and let it die..." I don't know, the song seems kind of fitting, even if the story does have a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading Catherine Mann books years ago and then somehow she fell off my list of authors. I saw this book and was kinda bummed that I didn't see the others in the series when they came out. The book started off really well. Darcy was not your typical female lead and i am not saying that because of her job. She was confident in her pilot skills but sorely lacking in people skills. She did alright talking to Max but she couldn't flirt. That even made sense after reading about her kidnapping and her protective dad. She should have came across as a well rounded character but instead she felt kinda flat.

Max was also complex with the ex and the job or should I say jobs but he spent too much time in his own head. He was attracted to Darcy but seemed to go on and on about why it was a mistake.

The story also fell a bit flat. The first half of the book was lacking completely in real action. Maybe the book was too long but i eventually reached a point where I skipped ahead.

The ending was pretty good especially the batman and robin analogy but it was just too little too late.

This is not a bad book and I did buy one more book in the series. I do think this book could be improved if it was shorter. I'm not sure how to fix Darcy but I know Max could be improved with less will I or won't I. Overall, I'm just not sure.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great mix of romance and suspense. Both Darcy (Wren) and Max have good reason to have guarded hearts and trust issues. As an Air Force pilot, Darcy is dismayed to be outside of the action in the war zones, something she is sure her father, a general, manoeuvred to keep her safe. A harrowing incident in her childhood makes him overprotective and her wary of strangers. Yet, the nerdy and rather serious scientist she flying to Guam along with his dolphins certainly spikes her interest. She has no idea that Max is deep undercover on a classified mission that could turn deadly.

Max is a CIA operative and a marine biologist. His mission to find and catch a traitor, not to fall in love with a feisty, indepent and beautiful pilot. Having loved and lost in the past, he tries to ignore his attraction and unexpected connection to Darcy. Though when things start to get dangerous and twisty, Max is determined to protect Darcy and keep her safe at all costs. Darcy is confused by his advance then retreat behaviour and begins to believe that what she is feeling is all one sided. Will they find the traitor? Will these two find a way to have a future together?

I liked the strong main characters and their storyline. The suspense was paced just right, not dragged out at all, and very intriguing. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two main characters, Wren the daughter of a general and a lady who loves to fly planes and Max a person of interest for her who appears to be a marine biologist and is working on a dolphin project. He is an undercover CIA operative looking for a leak in the system. Unfortunately, he can’t tell Wren who he has an immediate attraction to. And Wren has the same fate as being attracted to him but can’t figure out why he runs hot and cold in his affections. It’s a great balance of both of them working through past life issues and trying to figure out if they can make the obvious attraction to each other work. There were times reading the book I had to put it down as I was getting anxious as to what was going to happen next and had to take a break to calm my nerves. The book was awesome and hard to put down, except for those anxious moments! Add to your list of TBR books you’ll be glad you did.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy is a C-17 co-pilot who wishes she could be in the military action, is heavily protected by her military father. She is to fly a professor and his dolphins to Guam, but Max is actually CIA undercover, trying to find a mole. So many sparks flying and secrets that cause tension, steam and determination to stay alive. Their backstories add to their personalities. The drama and danger is intoxicating, with so many twists, as the bad guys do not want Max to succeed in stopping them. And the bad guys are unexpected... and threatening everything he holds dear. Fantastic ending with such suspense that my heart is still pounding.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, both of the main characters are haunted by their pasts and must overcome those feelings in order to move forward but can they. He is not what he seems, and he is back on Guam to finish a mission that took something precious from him a little over two years ago. She is one of the pilots assigned to fly him and his cargo in. She thinks she got put on a fluff mission instead of the "real" combat mission she wanted. She has major ghosts to overcome being back on Guam. Will they help each other or hurt each other? Can the mole in their midst be found before anyone else is killed? There are many secrets on this tiny island.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Too Deep by Catherine Mann is the next in the Hometown Heroes series. 1st Lt Darcy “Wren” Renshaw just wants to prove herself. That is until she meets Dr. Maxwell Keegan. He’s an undercover CIA agent trying to find a hidden wire tap that’s threatening US Military movements overseas. But when Wren and Max start hanging around together, Max’s past comes to hunt Wren down. Now she’s the target and Max will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Wren and Max’s love story is a wonderful tail of a strong woman with a hidden secret that she overcomes to find true love. I LOVED it!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy and Max are attracted to each other but with Max working undercover that can only lead to a fall-out when the truth comes out.
Lurking in the background is Robin watching and waiting for the time to get revenge on Max. This adds another dimension to the love story that’s unfolding with a suspense angle.
I’m Team Darcy in this story. An over-protective father and Max are just too much. She has skills, is a RAF pilot and deserves equal footing.
This story has a great ending, one which I didn’t expect.
Definitely a book I’d recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Too Deep (Hometown Heroes Book 4 is a secret undercover military story that is both a suspenseful and thrilling story by Catherine Mann. C-17 copilot Darcy “Wren” Renshaw gets more than she thinks flying a peace-time mission. She is looking for action which is what she gets along with secrets, menace and life-threatening situations. CIA Agent Max Keegan finds danger in the form of an assassin from the past that now has put a bullseye on Wren.

Like the others in the Hometown Heroes, In Too Deep was previously published as Wingmen Warriors #4, Private Maneuvers. An exciting story that has stood the test of the changing in our world since I first read the book.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is on a secret mission one he doesn't want Wren to blow with her antics. She wants to be where the action is but feels her father is blocking her chance sending her on this mission. When these two meet sparks ignite between them but neither knew how to communicate their feelings and his mission is in danger because someone doesn't want him to succeed. This story kept me glued to the pages with the suspense and drama.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military romances were not a genre I was terribly interested in, but after a few chapters in, Catherine had my attention. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The novel gripped me and I HAD to know who "Robin" was and why they were so dead set against ruining Max. The snake scene is the thing of nightmares but the rest of the novel was enjoyable. I'm excited to read more of the Hometown Heroes series now.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good romance with a military theme as well as suspense and strong female leads and this encompasses it all. Darcey and Max are both on assignment however only Max knows the real detail and she doesn't make things easy on him. There are laughs, attraction, danger as well as suspense and a great story to keep you hooked.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful story with two strong characters. Max had a mission to complete and didn’t expect the strong attraction he had towards Darcy (Wren). Darcy had overcome being kidnapped as a child to flying for the Air Force. I love the chemistry between these two right from the start. Add in the mission and attempts on Darcy’s life and you get one great story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. It’s full action and suspense. It will completely suck you in from start to finish as it keeps you turning the pages with a little of bit of danger. I loved the characters, the connection and undeniable chemistry. Darcy and Max’s journey even though was bumpy at first helped each other get past their insecurities for their HEA. It’s an intense, entertaining well written story. A great addition to the series.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy thought her father was relegating her to a boring mission but it was anything but with the sexy professor Max and all the scary things that kept happening to them. It was a race against time to uncover the moles before it was too late. Their relationship ramps up quickly and maybe some of that is due to adrenaline. It was interesting trying to figure out who was behind everything.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense and danger when co-pilot Darcy goes on a mission to help biologist Max move his dolphins to Guam. He is actually undercover and she thinks this is another routine mission her father has sent her on but it is anything but routine when there is someone trying to ruin the mission .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the books I've read written by Catherine Mann so far. I loved the storyline and characters. The suspense was good. It took a bit for me to figure it out, but I guessed correctly before the reveal. I loved the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satisfying read full of espionage and with bits of romance. It's about having the courage to dive deep. The intermittent pacing issues which switches back and forth between romance and back story is helped by the culminating ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to Hometown Heroes series!

A beautiful pilot. A sexy CIA agent. A lush tropical island. Two quirky dolphins. A traitor in their midst. Everything you need for a super good read!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this military romantic suspense. I really liked the non human angles. It kept my attention me I didn’t want to put the book down. I’m looking forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy & Max have so much baggage that weighed them down. Fighters that would lay their life for their country but too afraid for love. The story digs deep but the action picks up pace halfway through ending with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic military/romantic suspense! I liked it so much! It is sweet and interesting, with drama and danger.. Wonderful characters!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story with good storyline.
Romance with good laugh and some steam.
Never know when and where you meet that forever person.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book

This is the 4th book in the series and can be read as a standalone story.
I really couldn't get into this story and didn't connect with either Max or Darcy. Their story seemed long and dragged out but I did enjoy their hea.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nicely written and developed story about Wren and Max. The attraction between them is off the charts but they both have baggage. This story is romance with action, suspense, danger and love.