A Few Good Men

Red Hot & Blue #3

by Cat Johnson

Army Sergeant John Blake is happy to ignore the romance novel his tank crew is passing around, until he becomes the author's accidental pen pal and her emails make him look forward to checking his inbox.

Maureen, aka Summer Winters erotic romance author, has given up finding the last decent man on earth, until she finds him--halfway around the world.

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

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

📚Find Series Reading Order and Book Lists at Cat's site CatJohnson.net

🎥 For Film/TV Inquiries Email Cat@Catjohnson.net

It all started in first grade when Cat Johnson won the essay contest at Hawthorne Elementary School and got to ride in the Chief of Police's car in the Memorial Day Parade...and the rest, as they say, is history. As an adult, Cat generally tries to stay out of police cars and is thrilled to be writing for a living. She has been published under a different name in the Young Adult genre, but released her first romance in 2006.

Today, she is a NY Times & USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of contemporary romance. A promo ho, she's sponsored real live bull riding cowboys and promoted romance using bologna.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[Eastofoz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more of 2.5 star read than a 2 for me. It’s as if there are separate pieces written by different people that have been stuck together haphazardly so it ends up lacking fluidity at some points I thought.

The story is slow to start and the h/h don’t really meet until you’re a good ways into the book which is annoying. You wonder when the romance is actually going to start. Maureen and John go from being pen pals to suddenly having cyber sex in the blink of an eye which felt like some steps were missing in between. Some of the sex talk has an icky feel to it especially when they write short stories for each other via IM. You’re left with a “Whoa! Where did that come from??” feel. Maureen also crying once they had real sex because she didn’t want John to leave followed by the his stereotypically reassuring her with “don't cry baby this and don't cry baby that” just seemed artificial and contrived. They meet each other for the first time face to face at the airport and they’re getting it on right away once they reach her hotel. There was no romance there so it’s hard to think that they loved each other which she had been spouting for a while anyway. Again, hard to believe. Her blog offerings on dating that suddenly get a mention in the Village Voice and her being asked to contribute to Oprah’s O Magazine were somewhat over the top. The hokey ending is also out of left field because John wants to propose to her after two nights of sex and some email exchanges —just doesn’t seem likely. There’s a lot more military filler than the average military romance novel which I guess you either like or you don’t.

Maybe if the story were longer and the characters had more time to develop their relationship the whole romance would have been more believable and likeable. It’s a story with potential but just doesn’t seem to fit together well.

[Kathrynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was too slow for my tastes. It took a very long time to set the characters up to get the story rolling. There was too much fluff and it was filled with too many useless details about life in Iraq, military jargon as well as the heroine’s life in the States being humdrum and boring. I thought the writing from Maureen's life in the States and switching to John's life in Irag was too choppy. Felt jerked out of the moments and it became very frustrating reading chatter amongst the two's co-workers and friends when I just wanted them to get together.

The two main characters didn't physically meet until the very end of the book. The rest of their "love affair" happened via Internet and I thought it was a little hokey. Didn't care much for either and only toward the end did I see how the book tied to the Task Force Zeta series--very loosely.

This could be a stand alone. I didn't find this book to be hot or erotic, possibly a feel-good (albeit hokey) romance...Big thumbs down from This Reader.

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a steamy, but sweet, romance. Erotic romance novelist Maureen Mullen becomes 'pen pals' (via email) with deployed Army Staff Sergeant John Blake. The emails get hotter and hotter as the book goes on, and when they finally meet and get together--wow!
This was a really quick read for me--it's not an overly long book (only 157 pages), but there was not one dull moment--and I really enjoyed the ending!

[Cat]

[Cacophony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say what is wrong with this story. There wasn't any glaring problems. It just didn't convince me that these two characters had really fallen in love long distance. If I had to pin point anything I would say it relies to heavily on character tropes. Strong silent military man meets quirky single city girl.

[Cat]

[Elisa Rolle]

How do you imagine an erotic romance writer? Sexy, gorgeous and uninhibited? Or better plain jane type, petite and single? Maybe the answer is simple cause a bombshell can't have the time to write romance and instead plain jane yes, so Maureen, our heroine, is a white collar by day and a writer by night. She has also a tender heart and a pen pal, a soldier stationed in Iraq. She writes to him and sends him gifts and goodies and also her latest book: a romance only for women but Jazzy, the soldier, reads it and likes it and passes it to his mates. And Maureen, better Summer, her pen name, becames a legend among the men. John, Jazzy's boss, images her like an old granny with kinky thought. But then he has to write her about an accident occurs to Jazzy and they start a steamy online relationship. An ocean and a war separate them, but hope never dies...

This is the "classic" romance: Maureen is sweet and a dreamer, she dreams the perfect man. She is maybe like a lot of modern women, charming but not stunning, clever but not a genius, nice but not overwhelming... in other words she is the typical woman that you must have the time to appreciate, a quick date of a night is not enough. John is not a man of strong passion: oh, he is passionate, when he decides that he has found the right woman, but she has to be THE RIGHT one. But he is somewhat the last romantic on earth: he can fall in love without never meeting his lover.

Another "classical" side of the romance is the "crescendo" plot: the love between the two characters starts fast in the beginning of the book to grow slowly afterwards till the hot happily ever after ending; a right dose of "hot" candy in the middle maintain hight the attention of the reader, but not fully satiate him till the end.

This is a book that appeals to who wants to read about sweet romance and good feelings, who believes in the happy end and in the true love, and maybe who has an old fashioned way of think.

The book will be out on July 1 from Linden Bay Romance

http://www.amazon.com/dp/160202054X/?...

[Jp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't resist this one for a fast 4th of July read. Tank commander falls for pen pal romance writer!

[Sandra Lockhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Few Good Men was the 7th book in the military series by Cat Johnson. In this book one of the unit in Afghanistan was reading a romance novel that was written by his penpal. He was bragging about it being a good book and then other men in his unit wanted to read the book, too. The penpal just happened to used the pen name Summer Winters. Then the other books in this series included more men from the unit and how they found their own romances.

#8:Model Soldier had Hank have to model as the new face of the army. #9:A Prince Among Men was about Prince Harry being with the British forces in a remote base in Afghanistan #10 Bull--he was assigned to cover a special event and had to save the harpist. #11:Matt--the computer whiz who usually does not go out of his van with the computers. #12: The Commander--what happens when the whole gang goes to Jimmy's wedding in Pigeon Hollow and the commander meets Jimmy's, Jack's and Jared's mother. All good fun, but because of their length--I only counted them as 2 books and not 12.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's looking for her one and only true love. He doesn't want a relationship while in the service.

Summer is a part time author working a job she hates with a bow she hates more. She is a pen pall with a soldier overseas and when he is hurt, he convinces (guilts) John into emailing Summer to let her know what happened but that he will be ok. As they continue emailing, they become friends and soon feelings are involved. Will they ever get a chance to meet in person? What will happen when John is recruited by SpecOps and will he accept the offer when he is so not back to the States for training instead of to Germany with his team? Will Summer (Maureen) and John be able to meet up while he is stateside and will their feelings prove to be real once they do?

I loved watching them fall for each other online and those feelings becoming real when they meet.

[Airy M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

slow but sweet

I enjoyed this read I just felt like it took a really long time for the main substance of the story to arrive. Not so much communication between two mains but more just some of their stories. I almost wish the story was longer because then it wild have justified the slower lead up and more intense early character development. We get to the pinnacle of the story and then it ended very quickly. Overall it was a very sweet read just wanted a little more duration or more than a slow burn to start.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a good story, as love blossoms between a soldier & an erotic romance writer on line. It had a lot of laughs as the writer goes on dates looking for love with her best friend & then writes about the disastrous dates in her blog. The distance between them is far but with a new opportunity it gets them closer. Their chemistry was sweet & sexy. The suspense was definitely there as the soldier & his team set out on missions. Definitely recommend.

[Christine Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pen is mightier

I really loved this story, it was so different to any other romance story I've read. The reluctant heroe, the ready to jump right in heroine all romanced online. Beautiful, honest, love.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great military romance

John Blake is in IRAQ when he encounters Summer/Maureen as a result of one of his men being injured in a military skirmish. Reluctant at first, he starts corresponding with her....
A feel-good book from a master of the genre

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

This was such a quick read but honestly I couldn’t stop smiling, from the beginning to the end. I loved John and Maureen’s connection and love for one another. Faced passed and I loved it!!! Also thanks Jazzy for helping John out

[Mandy Menasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Tania Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

so cute. really enjoyed this one.

[Pat Loop · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I've read by Cat Johnson and I'm buying the series. Very enjoyable sweet but erotic story.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn with the expected HEA. Supporting characters are entertaining. Well worth the read. This novel could easily be turned into a movie.

Cheers

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow good story but the end was rushed a little. Cannot wait for the next book

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and well written romance book in the Red, Hot & Blue series.

I liked all the heroes that were in this book along with the humour

Enjoyed this read.

[Mary Silvestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Great read. Exciting reading a story taking place in 2007. Long distance love story between John and Summer/Maureen. Cat Johnson is favorite author and never disappoints.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of A Few Good Men

I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely this book to anyone who loves military romance novels. She is an awesome writer.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

Delightful story including wonderful characters who kept me reading well into the night. Made me smile and we can all use more of that!

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay

Short read and fairly quick romance. Liked the military angle and penpal who is a writer. Would have liked more of a backbone with tiffany but was an okay read.

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda boring

[Ladyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

short but good

It was a great story and I enjoyed it very much. It was short but very good. I am going to read more of red hot and blue.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

pen pals are awesome!

I really enjoyed this story. I loved how he started opening up when forced to interact.
I liked how Summer rolled with all the changes.

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Few Good Men by Cat Johnson
Jumping for joy that there are a few good men besides the Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington and Michael DeLorenzo, Jason Bourne, Boris Kojoe. Hmmm, talk about a few good men.

Cat Johnson in her novel A Few Good Men does a superior job in her novel bringing to life the military's influence on our safety here in the US and to whom I am forever grateful. The setting Ms. Johnson uses for the troops in the field are in the ravage areas of Iraq.
In Ms. Johnson's book, A Few Good Men I fell head over heels in love or was it lust for all of the strapping male characters. Those finely honed bodies hmm, my imagination ran wild picturing being carried off to some secret location and ravished. (wink) I enjoyed the sense of humor Ms. Johnson injected into the dialogues between comrades, the setting in Iraq is portrayed with the seriousness and danger our troops endure and gave the story more depth for me and I am certain it will do the same for other readers. Ms Johnson's plot is as hefty as her characters and the resolution.

Ms. Johnson's lead personality is Maureen Mullen, works for Peterman Publishing. Maureen Mullen is a beautiful woman both inside and out with a generous energy but has difficulties finding men of substance to date in NYC. All of her dates appear to be “scrubs” and lacking integrity. In her spare time Maureen writes erotic stories under the pseudonym Summer Winters.
Maureen appreciates the job of the military to keep us safe and shows her support via e-mails, cards, personal supplies,etc to those in the military. Through a pen-pal program Summer befriends Jazzy.

Peter, gay and Maureen's best friend also has no significant other. Peter personality can be very testy at times making Maureen question why she puts up with shenanigans. Peter is capable of being quite bitchy and Maureen tolerates him and the negative vibes. Peter and Maureen are disenchanted with the slim pickings of men of substances. They devises a bet which leads to some interesting consequences.

Jazzy was my first favorite character because he did not give a rat's behind about what his fellow soldiers thought of him reading a “girly” book. The book was part of the care package from Maureen aka Summer Winters. Jazzy's talkative nature was turned off; during dinner one evening and so out of character for him. Jazzy was totally consumed by Summer's book. Out of curiosity Morales swipes the book from Jazzy's hands. Morales takes a gander of the erotic activities in the storyline of the book Morales does not want to return it. Now, Summer Winter's book is the most sought after book in the platoon. Guns will definitely be cleaned to perfection thanks to the motivation inspired by Summer Winter's book.

Staff Sergeant John Blake, rank commander does not say too much but is extremely observant of his men and their reactions he smirks at their antics. John is responsible for the members of his platoon and their safety extremely serious therefore he has a reputation of honor, respect and effective leadership not only in Iraq and back in the states as well.


MWR Internet cafe is where communications to loved ones back home between military to their family members and pen-pals takes place.

John makes a connection with Summer as a special request from Jazzy.
I laughed out loud when John secretly takes Summer's romance from the MWR shelf and reads it. Summer's book shared what a fantastic all night lovemaking is all about. She shares the hushed moans, calling out your lover's name, grabbing the sheets, temperatures and natures rising. Whew!!

John and Maureen are two souls that are in a situation where they may find a magical ingredient and perhaps will meet to see if this type of chemistry is real. There are a few situations that may interfere in John and Maureen's connection. Hmm, you will have to read the book to find out if John's career in the Army will allow him to set eyes on Maureen.

Cat Johnson's A Few Good Men is well developed with action, humor, sizzling carnality. All of the characters intertwined with each other in some way throughout the book. Ms. Johnson's realistic dialogue, deep emotions are so crystal clear the readers may feel as though they are in the same room with the characters. The superiority of Ms. Johnson's writing flows like a easy river on a calm spring day the reader can not resist gravitating to all aspects in A Few Good Men. I felt the magnetic force from the first page to the end.

A Few Good Men is definitely a feel good, wonderful action packed, erotic romance that can be enjoyed by both genders. A Few Good Men is part of a series by Ms. Johnson but it reads well as a stand-alone book. I plan to go back to the previous books in Ms. Johnson's series.
I loved the book.

[Jenn Shanks Crouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Johnson has been a long time favorite of mine - I actually read this series in e-book when it was originally released in trilogies several years ago. The original idea of novellas that lead into other stories made each story that much stronger and the characters that much deeper because there were references to previous characters (This applies to Trey, Jack, Jimmy, Jared, Cole and Bobby). A Few Good Men is actually a new one in this military series with (squeals of joy) more to come in the next year!

As fitting tribute to our military men and women and those who support and love them, A Few Good Men hits that sweet spot with a sexy, long distance romance between a jaded soldier and an even more jaded but hopeful erotic romance writer. The sassy email exchanges between author and soldier, slowly breaking down his barriers and evolving into sexy phone calls makes the reader simply drool for their first face to face encounter. Readers will not be disappointed - this author knows how to spin tension with humor and sweetness with the right touch of spice!

The characters themselves, both main and secondary, are so very real and human, it is easy to forget you are reading a book and not hearing about a story or reading an email from a friend. In fact, it is easy to become as obsessed with the building romance between Maureen and John as the pair are with one another. This pair's imperfections make them believable. However, it is John's strength and dedication to his service and Maureen's genuine kindness and support of our troops fighting far away that makes the reader want to leap inside this story with complete abandon and cheer for their HEA. As romantic as it is sexy, this military romance has this Cat-fan hoping to find a Few Good Men of her own (or just one, not picky, although it might be hard to choose among the heroes she has created!!)

RATING: FIVE Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This review was originally written for the Guilty Indulgence Bookclub: http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...