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Situation Critical
🥇Australian Romance Readers Association - Best New Author 2017🥇AusRom Today - Best New Author 2017
A taut debut novel about a wounded soldier, a courageous doctor, and a dog in desperate need of a rescue
Soldier, surgeon, traitor, dog…
When Sergeant Nate Calloway is carried into the field hospital with no memory of how he got there or where the other members of his unit are, Australian army surgeon, Captain Beth Harper cares only about repairing his broken body. But it’s clear that something went terribly wrong on the other side of the wire, and as Nate slowly recovers, he becomes more and more anxious to return to duty, go back into the field, and rescue his friends, his unit, and the bomb detection dog that he loves.
The only way Nate can be released to active duty is if a doctor agrees to accompany him, and Beth surprises everyone by volunteering. Her role is to monitor Nate and take him right back to hospital the instant that his health deteriorates enough to put their rescue operation at risk. But as she stays close, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to his courage, his determination, and his commitment to his fellow soldiers.
Instead of a straightforward recovery, however, Nate and Beth soon realise they’ve stumbled on a tangled web of deceit and danger, and the enemy is no longer outside the wire. He is one of their own, a traitor, and he has them in his scope.
A taut debut novel about a wounded soldier, a courageous doctor, and a dog in desperate need of a rescue
Soldier, surgeon, traitor, dog…
When Sergeant Nate Calloway is carried into the field hospital with no memory of how he got there or where the other members of his unit are, Australian army surgeon, Captain Beth Harper cares only about repairing his broken body. But it’s clear that something went terribly wrong on the other side of the wire, and as Nate slowly recovers, he becomes more and more anxious to return to duty, go back into the field, and rescue his friends, his unit, and the bomb detection dog that he loves.
The only way Nate can be released to active duty is if a doctor agrees to accompany him, and Beth surprises everyone by volunteering. Her role is to monitor Nate and take him right back to hospital the instant that his health deteriorates enough to put their rescue operation at risk. But as she stays close, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to his courage, his determination, and his commitment to his fellow soldiers.
Instead of a straightforward recovery, however, Nate and Beth soon realise they’ve stumbled on a tangled web of deceit and danger, and the enemy is no longer outside the wire. He is one of their own, a traitor, and he has them in his scope.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
318 pages, ebook
Published April 5, 2017
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Knight
2 books3 followers🥇Finalist - Carolyn Readers' Choice Award 2025 🥇Australian Romance Readers Association - Best New Author 2017🥇AusRom Today - Best New Author 2017
For as long as she can remember, award winning author Amanda Knight has been intrigued by the factors that motivate human behaviour, particularly crime, and especially, crimes borne of issues within relationships. (In fact, in the wrong hands, her Google research may take some explaining!)
When she's not writing about the light and dark of domestic relationships, antisocial personality disorders or uniformed heroes and heroines and love and loss in small town communities, Amanda, a certified life coach, spends her days helping people find and be the best version of themselves. With over twenty-five years experience in the field of people and culture, Amanda is dedicated to growing people, enabling potential and maximising performance (and loves to bring that knowledge full circle when creating her characters!)
Amanda lives in a beautiful beachside suburb in Sydney with her husband, three children, a skitty kitty and a busy (maybe a little hyper) golden retriever pup!
For as long as she can remember, award winning author Amanda Knight has been intrigued by the factors that motivate human behaviour, particularly crime, and especially, crimes borne of issues within relationships. (In fact, in the wrong hands, her Google research may take some explaining!)
When she's not writing about the light and dark of domestic relationships, antisocial personality disorders or uniformed heroes and heroines and love and loss in small town communities, Amanda, a certified life coach, spends her days helping people find and be the best version of themselves. With over twenty-five years experience in the field of people and culture, Amanda is dedicated to growing people, enabling potential and maximising performance (and loves to bring that knowledge full circle when creating her characters!)
Amanda lives in a beautiful beachside suburb in Sydney with her husband, three children, a skitty kitty and a busy (maybe a little hyper) golden retriever pup!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 1, 2017
Australian army surgeon, Captain Beth Harper was glad the stressful and lengthy surgery on the badly injured soldier had been successful – she was waiting for him to regain consciousness to try to find out who he was. With no dog tags or anything else to identify him, she and her team were hoping he would be able to tell them soon. But the disturbance in the recovery ward had her hurrying to his side – his volatile return to consciousness was a shock but her nurses managed to keep him controlled.
Learning his name was Sergeant Nate Calloway was all Beth discovered, because he couldn’t remember how he got to the hospital; what happened to him or why. He desperately wanted to return to his unit though, plus his bomb detection dog, Finnegan without delay. And he was prepared to do anything he could to make that happen – even though his injuries were severe and he couldn’t be moved anytime in the near future.
As Beth headed into the dangerous and unknown to accompany Nate and other soldiers on a search and rescue mission, she had no idea the danger they were about to face. Only there as Nate’s medical professional, which was the condition he was allowed to leave the hospital, nevertheless Beth was prepared. But the danger surrounded them – insurgents – and traitors – among them. What would be the outcome in a situation which was extremely critical? And would Beth ever see her family back home in Australia again?
Situation Critical is the debut novel by Aussie author Amanda Knight and is set in the hot and desolate war zones of Afghanistan. I felt a little let down though, as there was no intrigue or mystery about the bad guy/s – it was all given to the reader in full detail, quite early in the piece. I’m not sure why the author felt the need to “tell all” when she did, but that aside, the plot is a good one. Finnegan, the bomb detection dog, is gorgeous, though he doesn’t feature a lot. A romantic suspense novel, Situation Critical is worth recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
Learning his name was Sergeant Nate Calloway was all Beth discovered, because he couldn’t remember how he got to the hospital; what happened to him or why. He desperately wanted to return to his unit though, plus his bomb detection dog, Finnegan without delay. And he was prepared to do anything he could to make that happen – even though his injuries were severe and he couldn’t be moved anytime in the near future.
As Beth headed into the dangerous and unknown to accompany Nate and other soldiers on a search and rescue mission, she had no idea the danger they were about to face. Only there as Nate’s medical professional, which was the condition he was allowed to leave the hospital, nevertheless Beth was prepared. But the danger surrounded them – insurgents – and traitors – among them. What would be the outcome in a situation which was extremely critical? And would Beth ever see her family back home in Australia again?
Situation Critical is the debut novel by Aussie author Amanda Knight and is set in the hot and desolate war zones of Afghanistan. I felt a little let down though, as there was no intrigue or mystery about the bad guy/s – it was all given to the reader in full detail, quite early in the piece. I’m not sure why the author felt the need to “tell all” when she did, but that aside, the plot is a good one. Finnegan, the bomb detection dog, is gorgeous, though he doesn’t feature a lot. A romantic suspense novel, Situation Critical is worth recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
August 12, 2021
En menor medida, la sinopsis de Situation Critical me recordo a las novelas de suspense romantico de Pamela Clare y Tonya Burrows y como hacia un tiempo desde que no leia nada de ese genero, me lance de lleno.
Para ser mi primer libro de la autora, no me puedo quejar, la lectura fue entretenida y adictiva, no obstante, hay pequeños detalles que no me convencieron por completo.
La trama esta bien hilada, los personajes son dentro de lo que cabe, coherentes, y las paginas son muy faciles de pasar, mi mayor discrepancia con el libro fue que no siempre fue del todo verosimil, ademas, el que el " malo " tuviera un par de capitulos desde su punto de vista no me suele molestar, pero si es cierto que me parecio un tanto exagerado el numero de escenas que hay de el en esta novela.
En cuanto a la pluma de Amanda Knight no tengo ningun pero, fue amena y simple, realmente repetiria con su trabajo en un futuro.
En general, Situation Critical es un buen libro, sin embargo, no alcanza a impactar tanto como otras lecturas que he leido dentro de este genero, creo que fallo un poco en el desarrollo, en mi opinion, este tipo de historia necesita que se profundice bastante o puede que haya alguna que otra incoherencia, que fue lo que me sucedio a mi con algunos de los giros que tiene la novela.
3 Estrellas!
April 6, 2017
I love military romance and I particularly enjoy it when the setting and plot feel authentic. This was a stellar read for me and I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
April 16, 2017
Amazing!!
Fell in love with the characters! Read the book in 24 hours as I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend!!
Fell in love with the characters! Read the book in 24 hours as I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend!!
March 9, 2018
When I found Situation Critical by Amanda Knight my finger was hoovering above the button to get it for a long time then I left the page without getting it.
I was so unsure about it because basically it sounded like something I would like from its blurb but I was not sure if it would go into the direction of a romance or a suspense.
A day later I returned with my mind made up to give it a chance and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did I find a really well developed story, but it was also a well balanced one when it came to the suspense and romance.
I have to admit that my “reading suspense” years are over and I much rather read romance but this story really captured my attention even with its suspense parts. Also the character development was amazing and somehow different than I am used to.
It might be the Australian “flair” in it but somehow it felt good. Especially if I consider that it was not a really long novel and it seems that its also a debut novel (unless the writer uses a different pen name only?). I was really impressed by this book.
While I am not sure I can take this level of suspense often this book is definitely a very recommendable read as this suspense issue really is only my very personal problem and none of the story.
In fact I am pretty sure that the suspense will attract a lot of attention with other readers.
Me? I am left whishing for a glass of good Australian wine and I am almost feeling the sun on my face ….- I bet you wonder why because the Blurb suggests no such thing – right ?
My advice : Read the book.
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March 27, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
2.5 stars
I usually love to discover Australian authors so I decided to read this book. I liked the main characters, Nate and Beth, and the general concept of the plot.
The hero’s fierce dedication to finding his unit and his dog, Finnegan, is touching, but I had serious problems believing: 1- that the Australian Army (or any other) would allow such a mission; 2 – that a trained and disciplined soldier would refuse to obey orders, had the decision been contrary. So, while reading the story I was always skeptical about this. Even if the hero is a fast healer, he suffered the effects of critical blast trauma, a partial lung collapse, burns and lacerations. He seemed to me as a major liability (which is confirmed during their mission) and medical personnel (Beth, a doctor) accompanying a injured soldier into such a mission is rare or unusual (as we are told).
I was expecting more descriptions and details about the setting in this story and not so many digressions into the main characters and the villain’s inner thoughts or talking about their pasts and bonding in the midst of such a dangerous mission. After a while, the narrative felt a bit tiring with this flow of insights and dialogue.
This is only my personal preference, and I understand it’s a narrative option, but I usually don’t like that the villain has point of view privilege - several chapters are told from his perspective and it really affected my reading pleasure.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Escape Publishing, the author, Amanda Knight, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
2.5 stars
I usually love to discover Australian authors so I decided to read this book. I liked the main characters, Nate and Beth, and the general concept of the plot.
The hero’s fierce dedication to finding his unit and his dog, Finnegan, is touching, but I had serious problems believing: 1- that the Australian Army (or any other) would allow such a mission; 2 – that a trained and disciplined soldier would refuse to obey orders, had the decision been contrary. So, while reading the story I was always skeptical about this. Even if the hero is a fast healer, he suffered the effects of critical blast trauma, a partial lung collapse, burns and lacerations. He seemed to me as a major liability (which is confirmed during their mission) and medical personnel (Beth, a doctor) accompanying a injured soldier into such a mission is rare or unusual (as we are told).
I was expecting more descriptions and details about the setting in this story and not so many digressions into the main characters and the villain’s inner thoughts or talking about their pasts and bonding in the midst of such a dangerous mission. After a while, the narrative felt a bit tiring with this flow of insights and dialogue.
This is only my personal preference, and I understand it’s a narrative option, but I usually don’t like that the villain has point of view privilege - several chapters are told from his perspective and it really affected my reading pleasure.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Escape Publishing, the author, Amanda Knight, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
April 17, 2017
Captain Beth Harper is nearly finishing her tour as an Army Surgeon in Afghanistan with the Australian Army. On her shift she fights to save the life of a soldier brought in by some unknown youngsters. Eventually he is discovered to be Sergeant Nate Calloway with the bomb detection unit and it seems his men and beloved bomb detection dog 'Finnegan' have gone missing.
Fighting her attraction to him, she volunteers to be his medic when he goes on an undercover operation to find and rescue this men and dog. Not knowing who to trust, it becomes apparent there is a traitor amongst their own.
I must admit I love a good romantic suspense novel and this certainly ticked all the boxes, although I'm not really familiar with military settings my imagination when into overdrive. Early in the book we know who has turned and what for but there were a number of places my heart rate picked up, while I too tried to work out what was going to happen next. I think the author did a stellar job for her debut novel and I will certainly look for others.
This was a quick and satisfying read and thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Fighting her attraction to him, she volunteers to be his medic when he goes on an undercover operation to find and rescue this men and dog. Not knowing who to trust, it becomes apparent there is a traitor amongst their own.
I must admit I love a good romantic suspense novel and this certainly ticked all the boxes, although I'm not really familiar with military settings my imagination when into overdrive. Early in the book we know who has turned and what for but there were a number of places my heart rate picked up, while I too tried to work out what was going to happen next. I think the author did a stellar job for her debut novel and I will certainly look for others.
This was a quick and satisfying read and thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
April 5, 2017
Situation Critical is a fast paced, action packed, military suspense with a touch of romance. With it's complex plot, intriguing characters, secrets, lies, betrayal, treachery, treason, murder, and surprise twists, this page turner will keep you on edge till the very end. A great military suspense that you won't want to miss!
This is a great suspense about members of the Australian military fighting in Afghanistan. What happens when there are turncoats in the midst, and they're not sure who they can trust? Driven by greed, desire, addiction, and blackmail, the turncoat's are determined to win by whatever means necessary. Now they're up against some of their militaries most elite, who will come out on top? You'll have to read it to find out!
I would definitely recommend this book and author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc I received from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a great suspense about members of the Australian military fighting in Afghanistan. What happens when there are turncoats in the midst, and they're not sure who they can trust? Driven by greed, desire, addiction, and blackmail, the turncoat's are determined to win by whatever means necessary. Now they're up against some of their militaries most elite, who will come out on top? You'll have to read it to find out!
I would definitely recommend this book and author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc I received from the publisher via NetGalley.
April 24, 2017
MS Knight has nailed this story, her debut and it’s a beauty, fast paced great setting military hero and a strong and caring Doctor heroine. I fell into this one from the first page and didn’t want to put it down, there are so many emotions they will make you cry and smile so make yourself comfortable and sit back and enjoy.
Dr Beth Harper has lost her fiancé and is determined to carry on and do what has to be done for the heroes in Afghanistan, but when a very badly injured solder is bought in with little to no information Beth is drawn to him in so many ways she knows already that Sergeant Nate Calloway is strong and determined as he ensures however he can that he gets back out there to find his missing men and his beloved dog, so Beth goes with him to ensure he survives and this start a journey that has many ups and downs and lots of danger.
Nate Calloway has little memory of what has happened to him his men and his dog but he knows he must get back out there and find them and also find out what happened, he is drawn to this strong beautiful Doctor who has done so much for him but he does everything he can to try and stop her from coming he must keep her safe at all costs. Nate has a bad feeling about this rescue mission there seems to be a lot going on.
Truly the characters good and bad, terribly bad people in high places in this one come to life on the pages there are traitors deceit and so much danger the risk of Nate and Beth not making it is strong so they give into their feelings for one very sensual night and then all just about blows up. I can’t highly recommend this one enough I loved Nate what a hero and Beth just beautifully strong oh and the ending gorgeous, do make sure you have some tissues handy though you are going to need them way to go MS Knight a fabulous debut.
Dr Beth Harper has lost her fiancé and is determined to carry on and do what has to be done for the heroes in Afghanistan, but when a very badly injured solder is bought in with little to no information Beth is drawn to him in so many ways she knows already that Sergeant Nate Calloway is strong and determined as he ensures however he can that he gets back out there to find his missing men and his beloved dog, so Beth goes with him to ensure he survives and this start a journey that has many ups and downs and lots of danger.
Nate Calloway has little memory of what has happened to him his men and his dog but he knows he must get back out there and find them and also find out what happened, he is drawn to this strong beautiful Doctor who has done so much for him but he does everything he can to try and stop her from coming he must keep her safe at all costs. Nate has a bad feeling about this rescue mission there seems to be a lot going on.
Truly the characters good and bad, terribly bad people in high places in this one come to life on the pages there are traitors deceit and so much danger the risk of Nate and Beth not making it is strong so they give into their feelings for one very sensual night and then all just about blows up. I can’t highly recommend this one enough I loved Nate what a hero and Beth just beautifully strong oh and the ending gorgeous, do make sure you have some tissues handy though you are going to need them way to go MS Knight a fabulous debut.
March 25, 2017
Great Book!! Military novel based in what we have come to know as the sandbox and the brave Australian servicemen and the medical support staff working there. The betrayal is unique here as it doesn't come from simple greed but obsession and addiction. The romance between Beth and Nate is a tightrope of their different rank, their pasts and more than a bit of hardheadedness. Nate is a hunky strong alpha determined to rescue his men and service dog. Beth is his strong counterpart and the doctor that saved his life. The characters were unwavering and brave in a nightmarish situation, yet not over the top: very believable. No cliffhanger and a HEA this was a good read and I would happily recommend it.
April 19, 2017
Being injured in Afghanistan, Nate has no memory of his fellow troops or the bomb dog he worked with as he heals. His MD is tasked to help him recover both his health and his memory then accompanies him as he returns to active duty.
Good debut book by this author and subject dealt with in caring manor. Enjoyed these characters as they worked toward Nate's healing and a future.
Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Good debut book by this author and subject dealt with in caring manor. Enjoyed these characters as they worked toward Nate's healing and a future.
Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
March 22, 2017
netgalley
a quick good read.
a quick good read.
March 23, 2017
Amanda Knight's tightly crafted debut will have you on the edge of your seat right until the the very end of the book. This romantic suspense delivers in spades - an emotional story with enough twists and turns to keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
Beth is an ambitious surgeon, but underneath her tough exterior is a passionate heart. Her past is one of grief mixed with guilt and it will take a truly special man to convince Beth she is worthy of love once more.
Nate has his own scars, and these prevent him from giving into his developing feelings for Beth. When he realises his actions have put her life on the line, he knows he will do whatever it takes to protect her.
I read this book in one sitting! Highly recommended.
Beth is an ambitious surgeon, but underneath her tough exterior is a passionate heart. Her past is one of grief mixed with guilt and it will take a truly special man to convince Beth she is worthy of love once more.
Nate has his own scars, and these prevent him from giving into his developing feelings for Beth. When he realises his actions have put her life on the line, he knows he will do whatever it takes to protect her.
I read this book in one sitting! Highly recommended.
March 22, 2017
Situation Critical is a great romantic suspense. I loved Nate and Beth’s characters and the refreshing storyline and look forward to reading more by this author.
May 11, 2017
I thought that a romantic suspense centered around the Australian Miliary would be interesting, and I was not disappointed. This book is a quick read, one that any fans of suspenseful action, with a romantic twist would enjoy. I definitely did. What really made me connect with the male lead was that he deeply cared about the dog that he "lost", willing to do anything to rescue it, just as he was ready to do, for his human partners.
I received a copy of this book for free in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
Really enjoyed Situation Critical by Amanda Knight. A great debut novel with fast moving action, suspense and a bit of love. Already looking forward to the her next book. A great read with plenty of action, twists and turns. Do yourself a favour!
December 7, 2021
Situation critical
Plenty of action and suspense along the way as Nate and Beth navigate one dangerous situation after another.
Drugs, a traitor and an unscrupulous warlord try to keep these two lovers apart. A riveting read.
Plenty of action and suspense along the way as Nate and Beth navigate one dangerous situation after another.
Drugs, a traitor and an unscrupulous warlord try to keep these two lovers apart. A riveting read.
August 4, 2017
Fantastic first book by this wonderful author, thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 4, 2021
Really good story line that held my attention, but then it got too graphic for me and I began skipping through pages. I did get to the end which was satisfying.
June 2, 2025
An excellent first novel by a this up and coming author. Well researched and full of action. It was nice to read a book about Australian soldiers for a change.
March 17, 2017
Sgt Nate Calloway has been brought to the surgical area in Afghanistan by two boys who left him there to be helped but gave no info on what happened to him. Capt Beth Harper does his surgery and watches over him with the idea he will be transferred to Germany when he is stable. Nate does not remember what happened but knows his mates and his dog are out there somewhere. He is fighting to get well enough to go back out looking for them. The lead surgeon finally tells Nate he can go with the unit going out if he can get a doc to go with him. Beth volunteers to go. There are many things going on in the background that neither of them know about but puts them right in the middle of soldiers gone bad and a female warlord. Can they make it back alive? Read the story to find out
March 18, 2017
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
It was quite refreshing to read a romantic suspense story which was slightly different from others I have read, largely due to the setting and the involvement of military personnel. I really liked the storyline and felt the characters were so real and interesting.
Whilst this was not a high brow read, it was an enjoyable book which I read easily and enjoyed.
4****
It was quite refreshing to read a romantic suspense story which was slightly different from others I have read, largely due to the setting and the involvement of military personnel. I really liked the storyline and felt the characters were so real and interesting.
Whilst this was not a high brow read, it was an enjoyable book which I read easily and enjoyed.
4****
March 26, 2017
I am a fan of military romance. Situation Critical was a unique experience for me as it centers on the Australian military instead of the U.S. military. The author went into great detail to set the stage with operational detail and information on the local Afghani culture. I would rather this than no detail or incorrect detail. However, the book drags, especially about 75% of the way through. I had to remind myself to suspend my disbelief at times. I know the Australian military probably runs a little differently than ours, but I had a hard time accepting the premise of a surgeon accompanying a still-wounded soldier across the wire. The financial cost and legal liability would prevent that from happening in the real world. The book did have it's moments, so I would be willing to try this author again. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2017
A great read i really enjoyed this book and just loved Nate and Beth they were great characters this is a super book with a great storyline it is the first i have read by this author but won't be the last would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews